November 11, 2012

November 8, 2012

  • Stolen from @SaintBlue1131 who stole it from @babieboo_annie 

    1. Most attractive feature of the opposite sex is...

    Physically, their smile. Personality, a sense of humour.

    2. What is the meaning behind your username?

    Years ago, some friends and I were out walking around town, and I saw this huge field of daisies. I yelled "I want to be a summer daisy!" while running to plop myself down in the middle of the flowers. There are some pictures of me surrounded by daisies, and the nickname stuck --though is often shorted to just Sumr. 

    3. Something I should be good at but aren't is..

    Public speaking, cooking, cleaning my room, etc. 

    4. I've walked on the wild side when I...

    When I got my navel pierced, and when I streaked my hair blue, and when I went skinny dipping. I'm really wild *LOL*

    5. The perks of being (YOUR AGE) is..

    I will let you know when I figure that out! 

    6. Leftie or rightie?

    Rightie

    7. What is the most adventurous food you've ever tried?

    Tofu and other odd vegetarian replacement foods... and my mother's cooking. 

    8. Do you speak a second language? If yes, what is it? If no, which do you wish you do?

    No, I just have a little french, ASL alphabet, and a couple words in spanish. 

    9. Butt or boobs?

    I quite obviously have both. 

    10. You are crazy if you don't like.. (question not to be taken seriously. :P )

    Chocolate or books

    11. I find a woman/man is sexiest when she/he is wearing..

    I love a guy in casual-chic of a pair of jeans, dress shirt, vest, and maybe even a fedora *sw00n*

    12. If you could have the ability of one of the tribes in "Avatar: The Last Airbender," which would it be and why? (water, earth, fire, or air)

    Fire is my astrological elements, so I'll go with that since I haven't seen the movie in a long time. 


     

    SUMR

November 4, 2012

  • My mad weekend

    As the play is done you'll never again have to read about every single detail of putting on a performance... okay, so you'll not hear about that play specifically... all that often. *L0L* I miss my cast mates already, but it is such a relief not having to come home from work only to run out to the theatre immediately after. I just got an email today that the video of our dress rehearsal is almost ready for us to pick up! Since "Earnest" is in public domain we were allowed to film it so we can watch our own performance

    Speaking of work, I nearly lost my job. Not through any fault of mine, but rather a lack of business. They just hired someone new to work on pitching to various places in attempt to increase the clientele, but for the past month I've had nothing to do and there probably won't be until the new year. Just before halloween the receptionist gave notice that she was quitting; partially due to the fact she came down with mono and was quite ill thus requiring a fair bit of time to recover, but also because she was ready to move on to bigger things and there was no room for her to grow with this company. I lucked out and was offered her old job (sort-of) since I had prior experience, while the other junior formatter was essentially laid off. 

    I said I kind of got her old job because I only got part of it. I was not given full-time hours nor was I given N's full responsibilities. Before she quit, the company was planning on bringing in another girl to take over the gallery and be paid by commission, but because N did leave this new girl was hired on part-time to work the other three days of the week (they are going to open the gallery on saturdays now, too). She and I will be sharing a lot of duties, but her focus will be the gallery and mine will be the other two companies in the building. I am hoping there will be enough work soon that I will be needed an extra day, though I don't mind the idea of still having Friday through Sundays off  

    The intent was for this month to be used to rest. After the play's craziness I need a break, but I totally forgot it was NaNoWriMo and couldn't NOT do that! I haven't done much of my own writing since last year's National Novel Writing Month and even then I didn't finish because my great-grandmother died and I couldn't stand the idea of writing anymore for some time after. I don't have a story planned or anything, but when I was reminded of the challenge via various facebook posts and tweets I decided this would help get my mojo going again. 

    So yesterday I had an idea for a scene and started writing it, getting up to five pages and, therefore, sitting at the halfway mark of the day's goal. I wanted to write more, but with no plot I had no idea of where I wanted to go with these characters. I went back to reading my book then instant messaging with some cousins until I got tired and headed for bed... As usual I got various ideas while trying to sleep, so I quickly jotted them down before zonking out.

    I couldn't write anything this morning as I had just enough time to get ready for church. I contemplated not going as I only had forty-five minutes to get ready, but I haven't been in so long I felt horribly guilty. I had been thinking of switching to a church closer to me, but I love some of the people at that church. The only problem I have with it is that I find the pastor boring, and there is nothing for anyone between the ages of 16 to 35. Ever since the pastor was hired and he cut the youth programs, there has been a steady decline of members. Other than myself and a young married couple, there aren't any attendees between the aforementioned ages. In fact, I think my parents are probably the near to being next youngest and they are fifty! A few of those beloved members had come to see the play and told me how much they loved it, while others said they planned to come see it this coming week. Sadly I had to tell them that the show was now over *le sigh* 

    As horrible as this may be to admit, during the service I had an idea for another scene for my story. It was inspired by some things that happened at church, and I have no problem with making my heroine a christian and a church-goer. I don't intend to make the book of the inspirational genre, it will just be a part of my main character's personality. I rather think what I am writing is going to be chick lit, and knew it by the time I had the first couple pages written... though I still have no plot! I have no idea where this story is going, but I hope I figure at least a modicum of a plan soon shocked I spent most of the afternoon writing said scene, and a couple others based on the ideas I came up with last night, before coming back to it later on. After yesterday's short session the NaNo tracker said at the rate I was going I wouldn't be finished until just before my birthday *L0L* but I have now surpassed the Day Four goal. I am now on track for getting this book done by the end of the month! 

    In between this afternoon's writing and dinner, I went with my dad to visit my papa and Donna. I hadn't seen my grandfather in absolute ages, in fact it was so long ago that I can't even remember the last time! I think he may have stopped by once or twice to talk to dad during the seven months I've been living here again, but I don't recall any other times. I did see Donna and her mother at the play on closing night, which was really awesome of them. It was a nice visit, though short as mum was at home starting dinner. I think my papa is going deaf as I had to repeat myself a lot and talk a fair bit louder than I had to previously. I keep forgetting that my grandparents are getting old and may not be around for many more years

    Also in that time between writing binges, my mum got a phone call from the woman who runs her bible study asking if she was interested in this other study on discipleship. Mum said she couldn't handle our sunday sermons on Revelations, her weekly bible study on David, and this new topic as well, so I was asked to go in her stead. Mom does want to learn about this new study but it will be five more weeks before her David group is finished, thus I will be attending for at least a month and a half. I am hoping that I like it, though this class is apparently going to be rather long --mom was told the plan was to go very slowly through the book. I'm not overly sure I want to commit to something that may take a year to do, especially since I had been planning on attending a new church, but c'est la vie. 

    SUMR

October 31, 2012

  • Happy Samhain!

    I was the only person to dress up for Hallowe'en at work

    Can you guess what literary character I am supposed to be? 

    SUMR

October 29, 2012

  • Play Photoblog

    Here are some more photos of "The Importance of Being Earnest" as performed by the Pinnacle Playhouse. They were taken during a rehearsal so hair, make-up, costumes, sets, and props are not always complete... but it's the next best thing to seeing the show! (photographs by Pinchin Design Group, summary provided by me)

    ACT ONE

    There once were two friends, Jack and Algernon, who were always talking nonsense. 

    Jack was madly in love with Algy's cousin Gwendolen. In order to go to London to see her,
    Jack made up a brother named "Ernest", whom he pretends to be while in Town.

    Gwendolen's mother, Lady B, does not approve of Jack because he was a foundling
    --he was found in a railway station-- and has no idea who his parents are. 

    So Jack and Gwendolen secretly become engaged.

    Once Algy learns of Jack's secret identity, he decides to go to Jack's country house while his friend is still in Town...
    Even though Jack has decided to kill his imaginary brother as it was getting too hard to lead a double-life. 

    ACT TWO

    Cecily is Jack's ward, and the reason why he needs to escape to the city to have fun.
    He cannot behave irresponsibly when he has a young girl to raise to be a proper lady!

    This eighteen-year-old dreams of being rescued by a knight in shining armour,
    and is also madly in love with Jack's brother Ernest whom she's heard so much about. 

    Instead, all Cecily got was a governess trying to teach her German, geography, and political science... 

    ...though Cecily often wrote in her diary, rather than paying attention to her lessons. 

     Cecily also attempts a bit of matchmaking, as she knows Miss Prism is in love with Reverend Chasuble.

     Then Algy arrives in the country, but he calls himself "Ernest".
    It is love at first sight for Cecily and Algernon. 

    Jack returns from the city early with the news that his brother Ernest is dead,
    and is quite surprised to find his brother very much alive in the form of his friend Algy. 

    While the two men are sorting out their differences, Gwendolen arrives with the intention of eloping with Jack.
    She ends up having tea with Cecily, whom she knew nothing about.

     

    They would have become great friends if it wasn't for the fact they discovered they were both engaged to Ernest! 

    ACT THREE

    When Jack and Algy come outside the girls realize they are not engaged to the same man, but to a man who doesn't exist.
    Gwen and Cecily join forces, and both the gentlemen who are no longer called "Ernest" have to do much pleading to gain forgiveness. 

    Once the two couples have reconciled their differences,
    Lady B arrives with the intend of stopping the marriage of Jack and Gwendolen. 

     

    Then she finds out Algy has gotten himself engaged to Jack's ward, Cecily... 

    ...And she doesn't approve of that either! At least until she finds out Cecily stands to inherit a lot of money, that is. 

    The only problem now is that Jack refuses to allow Cecily to marry
    --she doesn't come of age for another 10+ years-- unless Lady B approves of his marriage to Gwendolen.
    But Lady B refuses to allow the marriage until Jack finds out who his parents are.

    Reverend Chasuble and Miss Prism arrive in all this confusion, and it is discovered
    that Miss Prism used to be the governess for Lady B's sister... The one who misplaced a baby!
    Miss Prism tells of how she accidentally left the baby in a railway station, and Jack realizes he is that baby. 

    It turns out Jack really is Algernon's older brother, leaving Lady B no choice
    but to approve of Jack's engagement with her daughter. 

    But Gwendolen refuses to marry anyone by a name other than Ernest,
    so it is important to figure out what name Jack was actually baptized with.
    Lady B only remembers that Jack was named after his father,
    so Jack grabs his copy of the military directory... and says he was named "Ernest John"!

    So they all live happily ever after: Jack and Gwendolen, Reverend Chasuble and Miss Prism, Algernon and Cecily.
    Even the servants found romance! 

     

    SUMR

October 27, 2012

  • BitterSweet (photoblog)

    Today started off rather gloomy. I woke up around noon or so, having not fallen asleep until 5am, to grey skies and pouring rain. I almost wonder if we're catching a wee bit of the hurricane that seems to be swooping through Ontario. Bad weather aside, I still had errands to run. I stopped at the theatre to drop off the gifts I made for the cast and crew, went to the bank to deposit my last two paycheques *ooops*, and go to the library to pick up some more books or I would have nothing to read on Sunday. Though I suppose that is technically not true since I have some novels of my own I've not yet read, but I really wanted the last book in a trilogy I have been reading...

    While at the library this guy said "Hi, how have you been?" Now, I have no idea who he is and, quite frankly, he wasn't the type of guy I'd go out of my way to meet: He looked to be in his mid-thirties, had bad dental health, and wears baggy clothes. Okay, so I shouldn't judge a person by their looks, I'm sorry, but he was in no way cute. Even though he was a stranger, I said "I'm fine, thanks" and he did a double-take at me. He then told me that he had thought I was someone he knew, but now realized didn't because I was prettier, much much prettier. While getting a compliment does tend to brighten my day, I kind of wondered if this was a new way to attempt picking up girls. I have never heard of someone using pick-up lines in a library, but if the guy was younger and cuter I would so be all over that! winky

    I barely got my errands done, biscuits baked for the cast potluck, and ate my dinner before I had to go to the theatre for one last show. It is such a weird feeling, knowing this was the last night, but you had to ignore that while on stage or it could bring down the whole vibe of the performance. I kind felt like it was both the last night and not the end of the run, it is as though my head knew it but not my heart... nor do I think I yet feel its over. 

    Nevertheless, to commemorate our last evening as a production, I crocheted everyone pillows with either their character name or the play title. Everyone claimed to loved their prezzie, which I was glad to hear as I did put in a lot of time and money into making them. (Though one of the crew --the one whom the cast had a bit of a love/hate relationship with-- asked why her pillow was smaller than some of the others. Apparently the fact I made the cast ones bigger than the crews' was not appreciated by her wtf)

    I don't think anyone messed up a single line, and all the blocking went flawlessly (as far as I know). I still needed a glass of water on the stage as my throat, while better, is still troubling me. Jack and Gwen pranked each other a bit, and I think Jack and Algy for once didn't prank each other which is a prank in itself. I was a bit worried that they might prank me, but thankfully no one did so I guess they knew it would throw me off too much. I contemplated doing a pseudo-prank to Algy by kissing him  where there wasn't one expected, but chickened out

    After the show we all went to Lane's house for the cast party. OME, his house is gorgeous! It used to be an old bed-and-breakfast that he and his wife (who's irish!) have been renovating. He's a doctor so of course he can afford to fix up the place and fill it with some seriously stunning (and some odd) art pieces. Ironically, his daughter went to the dance school I used to work at! I peaked in her room and it was adorable; she even had a practice ballet barre shocked Needless to say, I asked if Lane wanted to adopt me but he just laughed, so I assumed that was a no. He even had the most loving little cocker spaniel named Teddy who liked to follow me around and beg for petting *awww*

    I can't say the party was all that thrilling, just a potluck of snacks and standing around chatting, but it was still fun. A really good way to just hang out with the cast members without any show-related stress. Kodie and I decided that we should plan a flash-mob for around Christmas after hearing a Charlie Brown christmas song. I thought we should sing christmas carols, but Kodie suggested a dance to "Jingle Bells" instead, so I said for a grande finale we should lift up a kid dressed as an angel or reindeer. I hope we do it, cuz I think it would be a blast! Though we're short about 47 people... 

    I had never met the producer's husband before, but I had a short chat with him. I guess his wife told him how much she pushed for casting me as Cecily --something she also told me-- as he said I was indeed perfect for the role, and the most natural  Apparently he thought some of the other's were overacting their parts, but I was just utterly believable. If that wasn't the most wonderful thing to hear! Especially since, truth be told, I did not make much effort in developing my character which worried me some. I know a few of the others actually planned out what mannerisms and facial expressions their character would have or do, whereas I basically went out their as myself with a British accent *shrug* Along this line, a friend of another cast member apparently told her that I was almost distractingly tiny. The other's thought this a good thing, that it was a "gimic" of sorts to garner attention, but I would think that might detract from whatever talent I may posses and also from the show. 

    The director told me, just before leaving, that he saw me really grow --though not in height!-- into the part and as an actress. (He also really wanted me for the role, as I was the only one to have a sweet and innocent air about me, which now makes me wonder if the decision to cast me was unanimous or if the stage manager wanted someone else.) Also, he said he'd love to work with me again and that I should audition for the end of the year musical. I guess I'll have to try for a part now! *L0L*

    Other than the pillows I made, the entire cast pitched in five bucks to get prezzies for the director, the producer, the costumer, the stage manager, and assistant stage manager. For the ladies we gave a small teacup decorated with pink roses as one of the lines in the play is "Because you are like a pink rose" (which ironically most the cast decided was the creepiest line in the play). For the director we bought a picture frame with five photos of the cast in various scenes throughout the play, and signed by everyone. I also bought a sign-able picture frame matte for everyone to autograph for me, just like I did for when I was in South Pacific as it is a great keepsake. Now I just have to purchase a frame and choose a picture to put in it

    When the party wound down, we all gave hugs and said our good-byes. We'll see each other again on Tuesday when we take down the set and truck it over to the annex, but then it's completely over. While this may give a bit more closure, it is heartbreaking to know things will never be the same between us. We probably wont be seeing each other even once a month, let alone five times a week, and so some will just drift apart bummed We all have jobs and (presumedly) lives to get back to, so who knows if we'll ever be together again...  

    SUMR

October 26, 2012

  • Work and Play

    I've been so wrapped up in the play that I haven't had time to update frequently. Oddly enough, I haven't been working a great deal; there hasn't been much by way of projects, so I only get called in when someone is needed to cover the front desk. You'd think that would mean a lot of spare time during the day, but it somehow didn't work out that way what with sleeping-in and running errands for the parentals, etc *shrug*

    I was asked to work this afternoon as the receptionist has only been coming in during the mornings while she is still recuperating from mono. I was a bit worried as boss-lady (aka M, who is in charge of all things publishing related) had called earlier this week to say she intended to talk to boss-man (aka owner) about my lack of hours and they would discuss it with me when I came in next. I thought I might be getting fired, or perhaps laid off until business picks up again. confused

    Imagine my surprise when I was informed by the receptionist today that she was quitting. I have to admit N was doing a heck of a lot of work (enough for two or three people!), but I think it quite strange for someone who wanted to branch out into new responsibilities within the company to just up and quit. Yet before N left today, she told me she wanted to take more time to get over her illness, then see about starting her own business... doing something she had already been doing for this company. She's going to be a competitor it seems shocked

    I did think it a touch odd when an auditor (or something similar) suggested for the company to hire someone new to help in sales and another to take over the gallery (two things that were part of N's duties) when business was slowing down, but apparently this person had an idea that N was thinking of leaving. Recently two people have been hired and will begin training for their new positions, and N said I would probably be asked to take over the reception work. 

    Sure enough, just before closing, I had a meeting with boss-man and was asked if I minded taking over front desk. I like the idea of having more hours because who wouldn't want to earn more money? I might even get full-time! The unfortunate aspect of this shift is that I'd be doing less publishing related things --which was the main reason I wanted a job there. Oh, I'll still get to do some proofreading, and I'll apparently be a main-contender with any scoping projects once M goes on baby-leave, but it isn't exactly what I want to do in the long run. Ah well. 

    The play is still going wonderfully... sort of. Last week Algy had a sore throat and, since we kiss every night for the show, there was no way I was not going to catch it. I've now had a horribly sore throat for five whole days! I was hoping it would go away before the show started up again after our two days off, but no dice. censored I've been taking oil of oregano drops, drinking lots of tea, eating honey by the spoonful, going through lozenges like candy, eating chicken noodle soup and drinking a lot of juice, spritzing Mouth Kote (dry mouth spray) right before going on stage, as well as any other remedies the cast could think of. Essentially I try not to talk throughout the day so that my throat hurts as little as possible before the show when I have to force myself to project loudly. We did discover that talking in a British accent hurts less because you push your speech to the front of the mouth, as opposed to North Americans who pronounce things at the back of the mouth and in the throat. 

    On an even more positive note, I stopped messing up any lines as of last week! Well, I did have a trifle trouble this wednesday, but that was because my voice kept cracking. The servants now put a glass of water on the table while they are changing the sets for Act Two, so that I can sip it throughout as I hardly get the chance to leave the stage. Tonight Gwen and my friend from Ottawa came to the show with her hubby and another mutual acquaintance; it was so awesome of them to make the trip! She asked me why I was drinking water at the oddest times, as she thought it was a very strange stage direction to have been given *L0L* Sore throat aside, we got major kudos from our friends, Gwen's parents (who also came tonight), two girls who auditioned for the play but weren't cast, and a few other people. The producer told me that her trainer at the gym came to see us and practically fell in love with me, saying how adorable I was *awww* blush Nothing like a compliment to make a girl feel better! 

    SUMR 

October 18, 2012

  • survey stolen.

    I stole this survey from @Karoline1982 who stole it from Marica, @Marica0701   

    1. What is your dream vacation? 
    I would LOVE to travel the world, but Ireland is my top choice. Followed by England, Wales, and Scotland; France, Italy, Greece, and Malta; Australia and New Zealand. 

    2. If you could be famous for something, what would it be for? 
    It would be either for writing novels or scripts. I'd love to see something I've written in print or performed... or both! 

    3. When or where do you do your best thinking? 

    Oddly enough, I usually have great ideas when I am in the shower... the absolute worst time! It is hard to pull out paper and a pencil when you're sopping and sudsy *grimace*

    4. What is your birthstone? Do you like it? 

    When I was younger December's stone is a blue zircon, but I guess it is now more known for being a blue topaz or tanzanite... though it was actually lapis lazuli and turquoise a long time ago.  I like zircon better than the topaz for no other reason than the name sounds more interesting. 

    5. What is a quote you live by? 
    "Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it" from Anne of Green Gables, and "For there are these three things that endure: Faith, Hope, and Love, but the greatest of these is Love" 1 Corinthians 13:13. 

    6. Do you keep in touch with any childhood friends?
    Yes, and no... I moved a lot when I was younger, but I've kept in touch with one of my best friends from grade three and four (though we're no longer close), one whom I met the summer between grade seven and eight (still a bestie!). And I have sporadic contact with my two best friends from high school, though they are quite busy with their families now. I recently reconnected with another high school bestie, and I am still good friends with my university best friend --I was her bridesmaid this summer. 

    7. How do you express affection towards others?
    I am all about hugging people... it was discussed the other day that even people who don't like physical contact somehow don't mind being hugged by me  *L0L* 

    8. Is photography one of your hobbies? What do you like to photograph?

    Yes it is, in a way. I haven't had time to go out with my actual camera just to photograph things in a while, but I am always taking pictures with my cell phone. I usually like to photograph scenic stuff like trees or flowers or random critters, but lately I have been taking snaps of castmates backstage. 

    9. What is your favorite memory from school? 
    I guess the highlight would be in high school, having lunches with my best friends at one school and being in the play at the other school. 

    10. Who is your best friend and how long have you been best friends?

    I have multiple best friends, and while I'm still close to some of my old besties it is hard to still consider them thus after not being in frequent contact with them. So I guess my current best friends would be Dawlz, Laur, the Bs, and Karo. I've known Dawlz since grade school, Laur since uni, the Bs since just after uni, and Karo I knew on xanga before we met so the timeline is in question  

    11. If you could live at any time in history, when would you want to have been born and why? 

    I always thought I would love the regency era, but after dealing with petticoats and corsets for this play that has so changed! I think I would love to be around in the forties or fifties when all the wonderful hollywood musicals were being produced! 

    12. What is something you want to accomplish now to tell your grandchildren about in the future? 

    That I was happy. That I followed my dreams, set myself goals, and accomplished them. 

    13. What's the best or worst experience you've ever had on airline? 
    I've never been on an airplane.  

    14. What do you like to do when the weather is bad?

    Cozy up on the couch and read or watch movies. 

    15. What do you think of the Duggars? Would you be open to having more than ten biological children? 

    Erm, I have no idea who they are, but I don't think I could afford to have even a half-dozen kids let alone twice that. Plus, the idea of going into labour that many times kinda freaks me out! 

    16. Do you think you act your age? If not, how old you act?
    Uh, that would be a no. I am nearing thirty --less than two years away!-- but most people usually think I'm about ten years younger. I'd say I fit right in with college students

    17. If you could stop, fast forward, or rewind time which would you choose? 
    I guess if I had to choose one, I wouldn't mind rewinding things a bit and do things a little differently. Instead of going out to eat on lunch breaks, save the money by packing a meal; not date that guy; try out for that play... nothing major, just the small things that didn't turn out as well as they could have. 

    18. What was/is/going to be your major in college? Why did you pick it?
    I went to university for English Literature, though I actually applied to acting programs! I changed my mind because I couldn't really see how an acting degree would help me get a job considering I knew I wasn't that good. I then took a college course for creative writing, and a post-grad program for publishing. I chose all of those programs because I love reading, that it seemed like the right route to get a career as an editor. 

    19. What were your best and worst moments of 2011?

    The best would be graduating from my post-grad with high honours, and getting an editing job with Musa. The worst would be not making any friends at school and not finding a job in Toronto. 

    20. What do you plan to name your child? Why? 

    I love the name Devon James Chatterly for a boy, because I adore the name Devon and I was (vaguely) named after a relative who was given the other two names so it is carrying on the tradition. For a girl it would be Daisy Emma Grace, after my grandmother except I prefer Daisy to Dorothy. Other names I like are Summer, Keeley, Isabella, and Gwyndalin; William (Liam), Zakkery, Lawrence, and Flynn (various names I like or are family names). 

    21. If you could put three laws into effect what would they be and why?

    I think it would be best to get current laws being more effective than try adding new ones at this point. Maybe later... 

    22. If you take away your race, religion, family, education, and job--who are you? 

    I am me. A very short girl who tends to be dramatic, huggable, and somewhat crafty when she isn't stuck in a book. 

    23. What are some controversial views you hold? 

    Many views are considered controversial at some point in time, so everything I guess *shrug*

    24. If you could relive any moment in the past what would it be and why? 
    I suppose I wouldn't mind reliving some time spent with my puppy. I have regretted how often I expected her to always be there and didn't play with her or take her on walks more often. I was rather devastated when she died while I was away at uni. 

    25. When it comes to relationships, are you afraid of commitment?
    A bit I guess. Or not so much the commitment side of things, but rather getting to the point where you make a commitment. I'd like to be in a loving and lasting relationship, but finding the right guy has been an issue. 

    26. When you look back, what was the best time of your life?

    The birthday parties I throw for myself with my friends. It makes me feel special to know that they are willing to take time from their lives --especially on the christmas holiday-- to help me celebrate.  

    27. If you wanted to erase one of your memories which would it be and why? 

    I wouldn't want to, because I've learned from my experiences of the past. 

    28. Given a chance to talk to 3 artists (dead or alive), who would you choose? 

    I adore Laurie Near's work, as well as Giancarlo Piccin and Brian Lorimer --all artists from Ontario.  For dead, I like Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Degas. 

    29. Can romantic interest be rekindled once it's gone? How? 
    I think it is possible. If there was once an interest, then something must have sparked it. Maybe the reason why it left was due to bad timing or minor mistakes made or what have you, but once that has been corrected and you get to know each other all over again there could be something there... perhaps something that is even better than before.  

    30. What are your five favorite movies of all time? 
    White Christmas (Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye), Funny Face (Audrey Hepburn & Fred Astaire), Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth & Jennifer Ehle), The Proposal (Sandra Bullock & Ryan Reynolds),  and Live Free or Die Hard (Bruce Willis & Justin Long). 

    31. What is the next "big step" in your life? 
    Getting a full-time job (rather than part-time), going to Ireland for a holiday, and hopefully getting married to the love of my life. 

    32. If you had to get a tattoo, what would it be of? Why? 
    The idea of having a bunch of needles jabbed into me doesn't appeal, but if I did get a tattoo it would probably be a claddagh symbol. 

    33. Who was your first real crush? 
    I think my first more serious crushes were on Matt in grade six and Kyle in grade eight because they made me laugh.  

    34. What quality of yours would you want to pass to your kids? 

    Creativity, affectionate, sense of humour, love of reading. 

    35. If you could ask your crush three questions, what would they be? 
    I suppose what books he likes to read, his religious beliefs, and how he felt about me.  

    36. What are five qualities that turn you off in the opposite sex? 
    Being self-centered, disrespectful, no sense of humour, hates hugs, vulgarity...  

    37. What has been the biggest challenge in your life so far? 

    Surviving living with my parents... it has always been difficult. Putting myself through school, and trying to get a job in my field.

    38. What is your favorite comfort food? 

    Chocolate. 

    39. Where were you one year ago today? 

    Living in my own apartment (awesome!), looking for a job (unsuccessful), doing NaNoWriMo (good creative fun).  

    41. What does romance mean to you? Are you a romantic person? 

    I am definitely a romantic at heart. In a broad sense romance means showing someone you love how much you care about them. To be more specific, I would love to have a husband who would occasionally bring me flowers he picked on the way home, buy me a trinket he happened to see for no other reason than that he knew I'd love it, make me a card out of office paper during his break because he was thinking of me, or stop by to see me just to get a hug... 

    42. Are you a morning or a night person? Why? 
    Erm, afternoon to night person. I do not do mornings! 

    43. Who would be the best actress/actor to play you in a movie about your life? 

    I've been compared to Reese Witherspoon a lot, so perhaps her. Also in the running would be Hayden Panettiere or perhaps Abigail Breslin now that she's a bit older. 

    44. What is your favorite vacation get away spot? 

    Considering I've never gone away on vacation that isn't something easily answered. At this point, my couch is the winner... or better yet, a friend's couch in another town.   

    45. Which is more powerful: actions or words? 

    Both have their own power in different ways. 

    46. If you knew you only had one week to live, what would you do with that time? 

    I would grab my besties and hit the road, travelling anywhere we wanted. I would also write letters and make little mementos for everyone I care about as well.   

    47. What are your top three priorities in life? 

    Happiness, friends and family, books.

    48. What food would you miss if you were in prison? 

    Considering I've never been to prison to know what they don't allow, it would be whatever food I like that isn't served there.

    49. What is one thing you'll never do in life? Why? 

    Bungee jump or skydive or similar, because heights freak me out. 

    50. What are five random facts about you?

    The only thing that makes me like socks are the crazy patterns on them. I have way too many allergies, though it bothers other people more than it does me. I have never been to Ireland, but I feel more Irish than any other part of my ancestral background. Other people laughing makes me want to laugh, just because I like the sound of happiness. I hate housework. 

    51. What is your "Bucket List?" 
    I've already checked some of those off, but some of the remainder are: fall in love and get married, buy a house, publish a book i've written, have one of my scripts performed, travel. 

    52. Do you think people are inherently good or bad? 
    No, I think people are neither and it is the experiences they've had that leads them to doing good or bad things. 

    53. What is something you wish you were better at doing? 
    Math, I wish I was better at math. Oh, and cooking. 

    54. Where do you want to travel most in the world?
    To repeat, IRELAND! 

    55. What is your biggest regret?
    Not being careful enough with my money so as to save up for school and life thereafter. 

    56. If you could choose one TV show to live in, which one would it be and why? 
    I haven't watched much television lately, so I don't know if there is an awesome show on now, but I would definitely chose Joan of Arcadia. I've only caught a couple episodes of Big Bang Theory, but that might be fun too. 

    57. Are you happy with your love life? 
    What the other two said: it doesn't exist and hasn't existed for a long time  So, nope. I think I am ready to embark on a relationship of a serious nature but it hasn't happened yet. 

    58. How many TV shows have you seen every episode of? What are they? 

    I own both seasons of Joan of Arcadia, so that would be it... though i have seen a couple seasons of Buffy and a season of Being Erica... and possibly all of Full House. I was obsessed with that show as a kid.  

    59. If you met a celebrity, who would you hope to meet and what you first say to them? 
    I would love to meet Ryan Gosling, Drew Seeley, Bruce Willis, Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Judy Dench, Colin Firth... I'd probably ask for a hug and a picture!  

    60. What is one song that has affected your life and why?
    The only songs that actually had a visible effect on my life were "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" from Gentlemen Prefer Blonds which was the first song that I sang at karaoke in an attempt to help me get over my stage fright --it helped! And "I'm gonna wash that man right out of my hair" from South Pacific, because singing it at an audition got me a role in the play. Other songs have had an emotional affect on me, but only temporarily, and nothing that made me make a change in my life. 

    SUMR

     

October 14, 2012

  • Week One is Done

    Our opening night was rather successful! It was a fairly full house, though not completely sold out, but lots of energy. I spent act one going over my lines, as I'm not in it. In act two I blanked about partway thought, but remembered the gist of the line and said that *L0L* The kiss, I have to say, was rather awesome Though act three has a mystery...

    You see, there was some faint music playing from the beginning of act three until about halfway through. At first we thought there was a cell phone going off, then we thought someone was playing the piano downstairs rather loudly, then we realized it was music and thought it may have been accidentally left on from intermission. I still think it is the latter, but the sound-booth people say that neither cd player was running, though the music could be heard over the stage manager's headset that is connected to the backstage stage assistant manager's headset. The final consensus is that it was the theatre ghost, Helen. (Mum researched the ghost and there is one nicknamed Ophelia and a dead janitor, but neither have been known to play music during a show). 

    Just before the show, the director gave us each a rose. Everyone else got a red rose, but I got a pink one. In the play Cecily is told "...because you are like a pink rose" (which Kodie thinks is the creepiest stalker-like rapist line in the entire play *L0L*). I think that is utterly sweet of him to do that for us! After the show as a reception that had finger foods and wine. It wasn't all that entertaining as no one from the audience came to talk to me except one girl to tell me that I reminded her of Bernadette from Big Bang Theory. I did chat for a while with a couple college students who were talking to other cast members. When everyone left, some cast and crew went to the pub for some more drinks. 

     The review for our performance that night came out a couple of days later, and it was a rather good one. I mean, who could diss us when we were so fantastic?! Basically it said how awesome we were, then went on to say that I talk too fast at times and Rev Chasuble doesn't have any sort of accent at all. Mum thinks that the writer was picking on me because I wrote him to let him know of the errors he made in a previous article (under the assumption that the online article would be corrected). You can see it here: http://www.intelligencer.ca/2012/10/12/an-earnest-offering

    Our second night was not nearly so great. I was, for some odd reason, even more nervous than our opening night! Everyone was simply exhausted having used up all our energy the night prior, so it was a little difficult to be excited. The audience also wasn't giving us anything, normally we can feel their enjoyment and get a lot of laughter, but not this night. Oddly enough, as jittery and tired as I was, I didn't mess up any of my lines... though other people did!

    The third night we had a much better audience with a lot of laughter. I was freezing all freaking night, and some eejit propped the friggen door open downstairs in the green room  which didn't help me any. Unfortunately Gwen's knee went out between the second and third act, but she managed to get through the last scenes anyways --possibly because she sits mostly. After the show we went out to the pub again. We had been planning to go to karaoke, but it was at a slightly sketchy bar and Jack wanted food more than singing so we went to the Winchester instead. While there Prism told the most hilarious stories of the worst ever plays, and one had us laughing so hard we were crying!

    I also learned that Algy was accused of toying with a girl's affections on a previous play. Apparently the girl he had to kiss in that production thought it meant more, a real connection between them... *wince* note to self: don't think Algy's kissing onstage means more than a stage direction! I do know that to be honest, but I allow myself to have a bit of a crush and some hope anyways because it makes for good chemistry between our characters. Apparently it is so believable that a friend who came to the show asked if we were dating in real life! Now I know how rumors of dating costars happen with hollywood celebs *L0L*

    While at the pub I was occasionally texting with Buttercup who was at work --he does nightshift on the weekends and when he's not in school. He said he was tired and really needed a hug, so after dropping Jon off I swung by Buttercup's work for a short visit. I hadn't seen him in a couple weeks, as he had that dang cold that was going around, so it was nice to have a few moments. He also plans to come see the show soon

     Today's show was a matinee, which meant no church for me... not that I've managed to wake up on time to go for a couple weeks now anyways. It was sort of a cross between a lazy-day pace and a mad rush because we've not done such an early show before. I think we were all having troubles with the time today, forgetting it was afternoon rather than evening. In fact, Merriman kept opening the door to check outside! *L0L*

    I think the best part of this last show was the set change between act two and three. Downstairs, Prism was staring at the tv feed of the stage and yelling at it that the couch was in the wrong position. To get it corrected before the beginning of the next act, the housekeeper and the two butlers (lane and merriman) went out and Nancy scolded the men and had them adjust the furniture. OME it was hilarious! And apparently, Jon nearly took off my hand again with his faux sword during the Cecily dream sequence. Man that hurts when it happens, so thankfully he missed this time! 

    My Gramma and aunt came to this show, though I didn't know that until towards the end of act two when I happened to be in a spot near to where they were sitting and the light wasn't in my eyes. Thankfully Algy only gave me a quick kiss today rather than the usual longer one! That would have been embarrassing otherwise... shocked

    Now my family is having our thanksgiving dinner. We didn't have one earlier for various reasons... namely that my dad hadn't been feeling well and he is responsible for cooking big meals (stresses mum out too much). We have just discovered that dad forgot to buy broccoli or asparagus, so it is going to be peas and mashed potatoes and roast beef with cheese sauce, and apple pie for dessert. *yum*

    SUMR

October 10, 2012

  • Open Dress

    Tonight was the unofficial start of the play, also known as the open dress rehearsal. People are allowed to come see our rehearsal, so that we get the practice before an audience and they get in for five bucks.  

    I arrived shortly after 6pm --two hours before curtain-- to do hair and make-up. I do my own make-up because the lady who is supposed to be doing it is absolute wretched at it and gets very easily confused. Thankfully Gwen curled my hair for me as it took an entire hour! Everyone else in the cast was in and out by the time my regime was finished. shocked

    I don't actually go onstage until 45 minutes into the play, so in that time I was going over my lines to warm up and practice my accent. I noticed the other night that I kept dropping it and didn't want to do so in front of an actual audience. My first scene is a little skit with a damsel in distress and a knight in shining armor... only the knight accidentally whacked my hand really hard with his sword *cries* Apparently people were very impressed by my lack of reaction to the extreme pain of it since they could actually hear the contact of the wood upon my poor appendage. 

    Algy and I are still having trouble with our one scene. I really think we should practice it a few times together, but it seems he has no time in which to do so. We messed up our lines again --though we're not quite sure who was at fault *L0L*-- and the blocking was screwed up (Algy forgot the new change that was made and did old blocking). My mother was far from impressed by Algy kissing me --though we kept it really short and quick tonight!-- and threatened to shoot the poor guy *L0L*

    Otherwise, everything went quite well! We got sooo many laughs, even in places we were not expecting any  My family thought Jack's facial expressions and mannerism were absolutely hilarious, and that Lady Bracknell's lines were quite funny. Gwen and Algy looked very debonaire and town-ish. Miss Prism was wonderful, and Rev Chasuble was funnily bumbling about. I apparently looked like Cinderella, and played my part marvelously as a young daydreamy girl all sweet and innocent.

    I did not find out until after I got home that not only did my parents come (which I knew), but my best-friend Dawlz, her grandmother Nanny K, and our friend Leigh; my step-grandmother Donna; my Nana and her two sisters, Joan and Pat; plus a couple from my church. Even though they all got tickets at different times, my family members were all sitting together in the same row... I can only say I'm grateful that Donna and Nana were not beside each other, because that would have been rather horrible and awkward. I am sorry I missed seeing everyone, but the director had to give us notes for what to fix for opening night. 

    I am quite pleased with how things turned out and can only hope that they get even better!

    SUMR