The Curly Girl In Me

Friends,

I want you to check it this amazing website: www.curlygirldesign.com.  She makes fabulous art:

These are some of my favorites.  I have purchased a lot of her cards and put them up in my room in my apt--I plan to use these to put up at my desk too.  I love them!  And each of these peer a little bit more into how I'm feeling right now.  The website has a ton of stuff and makes a great Christmas gift--there are so many different quotes to choose from!

Chicago in 3 days and NC in a little over two weeks!  Time is FLYING.  I feel like it was my birthday just yesterday.  It's great though--I'm ready to be in the same state as Sam again!

Here's to short work weeks and spending the holidays with people we care about.  And if we can't be with them, make sure we still keep them in our hearts.  (Can you tell I'm really sad about not spending Thanksgiving with Sam??  It really hit me hard today).

Be well. xo

On Growing Up

Last weekend I traveled down to the sweet south to see ALICE, an updated version on the beloved story.  It was a super cool show and a huge technical challenge. Sam stage managed and I was thrilled to be able to see the production.  He did a fantastic job and I was so proud of him!  A lot of things came out of this visit for me.  It was great to see people and reconnect with them.  For many of us at UNCG, our next step is very often New York City.  And so I was more than happy to tell everyone everything that I thought about it—good and bad.  I was honest about my feelings and humble about my experiences.  I in no way made it seem any more glamorous than it actually is.  I admitted to the fact that yes, it can be lonely.  Yes, the subway is crap.  Yes, everything is super expensive.  I told them about my moving experience—what I think I did right and wrong.  I also told them about the good stuff.  About how much theatre is right at your fingertips.  How sometimes you can be so inspired by your surroundings that you’re almost overwhelmed, and how your luck can absolutely change in a New York minute.  I was flattered to hear “You look great!” from people who I wasn’t particularly close with while in school.  I am in no way saying this to toot my own horn, but it got me to thinking.  You look great.  Three words-a whole lot of meaning.  Since I’ve been back I’ve been thinking about that, about what I’ve been doing to “look great”—and it was an interesting discovery.

In thinking about it I realized how great I feel about having this job.  The fact that I am needed to get things done.  Important things.  I am in no way saying that I am the end all be all, but it is nice to have deadlines and things that need to be done.  It makes you feel like your work counts.  And here, I know that it does.  This company is such a good fit for me, and I’m learning a lot about it.  Not only as an employee of it, but the benefits of treating your employees well, and how you get out what you put in.  Another thing that I’ve been doing lately is getting about 8 hours of sleep a night.  Amazing what it’s done for me.  It’s not that I didn’t want to get that kind of sleep when I was in undergrad, but I was always doing something.  And I couldn’t say no.  Honestly, it’s not that I couldn’t say no, it’s that I didn’t want to.  What can I say?  I love UNCG.  Now I find myself getting home around 6:30 and honestly being ready to go to bed at 11:30-12:00…and I’m more than cool with that.  Sleep has done wonders for my world.  Another thing that I’ve been focusing on is making better food choices.  While this is something I struggled with in the past, I feel like this is something else that I want for myself.  I want to take care of myself and put things in my body that fuel me for the rest of the day.  If I’m being honest with myself about how I struggled I know why—it’s because I never made time for it and always pushed it to the side.  Well, now that I have more of a regulated schedule I’m making it a priority to make time for it. 

All of these things have helped me “feel great”—because I do.  I feel like I’ve been beaming lately.  And because of that I just feel better about the world around me.  Being able to buy a plane ticket to see Sam as well as the rest of the UNCG family was the ultimate reward.  One of the things that I love the most about seeing Sam is that he and I don’t even skip a beat.  It takes us no time to get “back into the swing.”  I feel so connected with him that we don’t even need that time, which is a blessing.

It’s crazy, but somewhere in the last 6 months I grew up.  That’s not to say that I wasn’t an adult before, but now more than ever I feel like a grownup.  And (to sound like I’m 12), it’s so cool!  And I love it. 

I’m excited for what the next few weeks bring: Thanksgiving with my family-my core of people who adore me no matter how crazy I get (right, Dad?).  I’ll spend the weekend shopping with my sweet mother and hanging out with my dad.  Harrison (my brother) will grill me about everything—mostly Sam, my job, and living in New York.  He hates to admit it, but he loves me more than he will ever let on.  And I’ll get to see my dogs!-my 3 favorite canines on the planet.  And we’ll spend Thanksgiving with our extended family…hoping to avoid politics (a favorite topic of conversation for the adults…well the old adults…HA!).  And then I’ll head down to NC for a weekend to celebrate Christmas with Sam and then a few weeks later I’ll head back to Chicago and spend the actual Christmas with my family, and then Sam will come to NYC for the New Year and whoosh, we’re into January!  I would be lying if I said I wasn’t bummed that Sam and I won’t be together for the holidays, but we’re doing our best to make up for it.  Right now, we’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got—maybe next year we can work something out, but it’s hard when you have family in Chicago and North Carolina. 

This post has been so self indulgent and I apologize.  I guess the bottom line is that I feel good about where I am and it’s a lesson that I continue to learn.  It is important that we check in with ourselves and how we’re feeling.  I feel like my generation is terrible at doing that.  We’re always competing against each other and jumping into a million different things to better our future.  What we must do is stop.  Listen.  And participate in things that we can benefit from.  Isn’t the goal to get something out of what you’re doing?  So why not invest yourself in a few things that really matter instead of sign your name onto a million things where you can’t be fully present.  What I’m learning is that I am a better version of myself when I take care of myself.  Duh, right?  So why don’t more of us do it?  I’m a better friend, girlfriend, daughter, employee, and volunteer when I take care of myself.  I’m living proof of it.  And, while I’m here, something else I’ve learned through trial and error is that you can’t change everything you’re doing at once or none of it will stick--which in many ways I’m still learning.  So, as I continue to change my lifestyle to a healthier one mentally and physically, I do hope that you will join me.  Don’t focus on the reward of it all (albeit awesome), but moreover focus on where you are and celebrate in that.  We will never be perfect (something I’m still trying to learn) and we can only give our best.  I know I’ve said this, but be kind to people.  Love the people you surround yourself with (and if you don’t love them, consider separating yourself from them).  Take a moment on Thanksgiving to count your blessings, and be thankful!—your future awaits you and you control your destiny.  Trust in what you’re doing now will continue to drive yourself to where you want to be.  And know that in the end, everything happens for a reason. 

What A Difference A Day Makes

Friends,

I feel like I need to update you on what's been going on in my life over the past week.  As some of you know I was offered a job at a PR company here in the city last Thursday.  Needless to say I jumped at the offer and I couldn't be more excited about this opportunity.  To be honest, it's sometimes hard to talk about, as in I feel a little bit guilty.  It's not that I feel like I don't deserve this--I do, but so many people need and deserve jobs right now.  I realize how lucky I am, and I just want to say those of you working in jobs you don't love (that was me a week ago), it will get better.  It will.  You just have to keep at it, but at the same time you can't beat yourself up over it.  I told my mom the Sunday before I found out about this job that I was going to cool my heels in the search until after the first of the year.  And four days later my phone rang.  Life is so funny like that.  And it's proof that you can only have so much control over what happens.  Once you accept where you are,  you can make an effort to get to where you want to be.

I'm keeping my retail job to work on the weekends through Christmas and maybe a few weekends a month after that.  I'm doing this for a few reasons: first, I really like some of the people I work with--they're good, genuine people.  And second, this job humbles me almost every day.  It's a reminder to me to never take anything too seriously and to always treat people with respect.  Sounds like an easy lesson, but you'd be surprised at some of the people I encounter on a day to day basis.

I'm super excited about my new job because it is totally an area that I'm really interested in and a place where I could do really well.  I'm not putting any pressure on myself though--I'm taking it one step at a time.  Who knows where this could go.  For right now I'm content with working hard, enjoying my workplace, and taking it as it comes.

My Friend Ishmael

One of the things that I really enjoy about New York is that everyone has a different story.  Most of the people that I encounter are not from New York originally, but something drove them here--and they are trying to make their way chasing that dream.  So, I ask most anyone why they're here.  And if the person seems willing I'll ask them a zillion questions about their life here--where they live, when they moved, when they graduated, etc etc etc.

My friend Ishmael has rocked my boat a little.

Ishmael is a 59 year old man who works 10 hours a day 6 days a week to support his wife and 5 kids that live in Western Africa.  And he is one of the kindest people I've ever met.  Ishmael has lived in New York City for 6 years working to support his family.  Puts things into perspective a little bit, doesn't it?  Of course we hear these stories, but when you encounter someone doing it, it's a whole new ball game.  Ishmael is fluent in French so he keeps me on my toes.  We chat about his family, the cultural differences, and I tell him about how my friend Samantha is studying abroad this year.  I tell him of her experiences, which I gather through her blog and emails.  He digests and gives me his opinions.  Ishmael travels back to Africa once a year for about a month, and he's planning on making the trip this November, but this time only for two weeks . When I asked him why he told me that he needed to be back here making money for his family.  Kills you, doesn't it?  It makes me realize how lucky I am that Sam is in the US and that I can call him whenever I want.

I think what jolts me is the fact that Ishmael is so vulnerable about the whole thing.  He tells it like it is and only hopes that one day he'll be able to return.  I appreciate all that he has told me about the culture and lifestyle of Western Africa.  I find it fascinating.  I appreciate every bit that he tells me.

Ishmael has taught me the lesson we all learned a long time ago--you never know what another person is going through.  We don't.  We can't open up their noggin and jump in.  Let's make an effort to be kind to each other--someone is always fighting a harder battle.

When You Get Down To It

Sam was here this weekend...and the weekend was, well, perfect.  I picked him up from the airport on Thursday afternoon and we spent a long weekend enjoying each other's company--talking--literally talking for hours.  We did other things too--went for walks in Central Park, went down to SoHo, were out and about, but we couldn't stop the chatter!  Sam makes me laugh harder than anyone I know and it was so good to just see him!  It was such a luxury to just be able to tell him something right away instead of texting it or trying to remember to tell him about it at the end of the day.  Super thankful for him and the happiness that he brings to my life.  One night we spent dancing in my kitchen to James Taylor (Mom, we toasted to you) and it was magic.  What this weekend reminded me of was something my parents have always preached to me: it doesn't get any better than this.  And, it's the truth.  When you get down to it, it doesn't get any better than the moments where you are with the ones you love.  For my family, that's around the dinner table listening to my brother go on and on and on and on about something while my parents and I just nod our heads and agree.  And with Sam, it was this weekend as a whole...or dancing to James Taylor in my kitchen or even just sitting with him on the couch while we watched a movie.

My first day back at work after my long weekend all of my co-workers first asked where I was and when I told them that my boyfriend had visited they asked what we did.  And the answers couldn't have been more boring, but the truth is that Sam and I don't need all sorts of entertainment because we are just as content to sit down and talk with each other.  He's interesting, intelligent, and cracks me up.

Today at work this woman came in and we were having a conversation about a million things, but somewhere in there we got to talking about this organization that she created: Woman Deliver.  It's super cool and I encourage you to check it out: www.womendeliver.org/

Also, I am thinking about selling jewelry on www.etsy.com.  Check out their website--it's super cute and I'm excited about the idea (just trying to get it all in order).  I'll keep you posted!

Sorry for the gushy post, but that's where I am right now.  Getting down to what matters. Who matters.  I hope that you connect with those people.  Tell them how amazing they are and how much you love them.  Be proud of them and encourage them to follow their heart...the truth is, they can never hear it too much and it's probably time that they hear it again.

Be well and be good to each other.  Make it start with you.

One Of Those Days

Do you ever have one of those days where it all seems to click?  Things just come easy.  I feel like some people live their whole lives this way, while I on the other hand cherish days like this.  For me, it consisted of not waiting for the subway this morning, being early to work, and just clipping right through the day.  I had decided a few days ago that I was going to treat myself to a pedicure today.  It's something my mom taught me, and I think it was a really good lesson.  A pedicure?  Yes.  But the act of treating yourself every once in awhile.  On a bad day her cure is a new lipstick (or lip gloss as I prefer), and it really does make your day so much better.  But sometimes you just have to do something for yourself for no reason at all.  Well, today was that day for me.  I've been working my little heart out lately.  And although I'm not complaining (seriously, I'm not), I'm exhausted!  So...having this to look forward to has gotten me through the weekend and this week.

Usually on one of these days where it all seems to click I have one of those serendipitous days where the clouds part and I connect with someone who rattles my cage a little and reminds me to be present and living each day...

...and that also happened today.  While having this amazing pedicure.

The woman zipped in and sat down right next to me.  She chose a color that frankly, I judged a little.  It's no longer summer--it's time for those rich fall colors and she had some bright poppy pink polish.  A summer staple in my book...but in the first week of October?  Go for something dark!  It's fun!  Anyway, she got herself situated and turned to me and struck up a conversation.  I'll admit, I was a little shocked.  While normally this wouldn't have phased me, I've found that people in New York don't feel the same.  And so I've kept my chit chat with subway strangers and people on the street to a minimum.  Not this lady.  And so we talked and talked and talked.  This woman started her own fabric company 3 years ago and just signed with D & D...apparently a big wig in NYC.  She told me about how it started out of a need to cover a chair for her daughter and just exploded into this whole thing.  Her story was inspiring and she was so humble (my favorite part).  I walked away from that pedicure with a book added to my list and, more importantly, a reminder to take the time to talk to people.  Let's be honest: what does it hurt us?  And at the end of the day we're all working toward something.  Why not encourage each other in their endeavor?

So a big thanks to Mrs. F--thank you for reminding me just how much a warm smile and a hello can brighten someone's day.  And thank you for reminding me to listen to my soul and to always be willing to try something new--who knows where it will lead?

A House of Friendship

One of the hardest things about living in New York is being far from some of my closest friends.  I miss their energy on a daily basis--something I am certain I took advantage of when I saw these people all day every single day.

I've been thinking a lot about that word--friend--what it really is and how precious they are to a person's life.  And when I think about it, I think about a house.  So much effort goes into building a house, from the blueprint to the last detail.  The foundation must be laid, the house designed just right, and the location is key.  When you walk into an old house in particular, you can't help but take in the weight of it.  There is a fullness that is unlike any other.  So much work has gone into this house and through many years it has stood the test of time.  It has survived heavy thunderstorms and winters that you thought would never end.  This house protected you and kept you safe.  But...you've done your part too.  A lot of work has gone into this house to keep it in shape because you cannot help wear and tear.

True friendship is like this.  Time, effort, and love go into it.  It will never be perfect, and things will happen that make you worry it won't make it, but even after the harshest storm, there it stands.  Strong.  Solid.  Humbled by the storm

I think that we never stop learning.  And time and time again this is proven to me.  Just when I think I have it, whatever it really is, figured out something happens to make me come back to the beginning and evaluate again.  I appreciate this practice because I feel like it helps us strip away the excess and helps us get to the core.

The same goes for your family too.  They are your home.  As my parents always say--family is all you've got.  So go forth and build and remember that a solid house can weather any storm.

The Shoe That Fits

I spent Labor Day weekend in North Carolina celebrating my one year anniversary with Sam and my birthday.  The weekend was perfect.  Getting to spend time with Sam was incredible.  And seeing friends was such a treat.  It's my first time being out of the city since I moved here.  And since I've been back I have been going over each moment over and over in my head.  The people, the places, the smells, the sights.  Every activity.  Every moment.  The lifestyle of living in a city where the common denominator of transportation is a car in which you decide when you go and how you go about getting from point A to point B.  And when I go over all the things that most people pass by each day my heart overflows. 

Working in retail in New York City is the most soul sucking job on the planet.  It challenges my faith in humanity some days because I am just aghast at how one person can treat another.  And so I have vowed to be the most friendly; the one who is always smiling--trying to provide an example so that we start to treat each other with a bit more respect.  And I don't set an example in a rude way, or in one that I hope to be recognized.  Rather, I would just hope that my vow for blind kindness is infectious because we never know what the other person is really going through.  

These days I'm interested in finding which shoe fits--a harder task than I might have first thought.  I have always given my all and invested in the experiences around me.  And I continue to do that.  And although I appreciate all of the love and support from so many people around me near and far, I am learning that the only person I can listen to is myself because everyone is always going to have a different opinion.  And when I need help or input I will ask because sometimes two heads are better than one.  And on that note let me just say that I do hope you only keep the people around who want the best for you, even if selfishly it might not be the best for them.  

So here's to you and your closet of shoes.  Who knows which one will be the perfect fit...but if you never try it on how will you ever know?

A Bittersweet Life

I've been thinking a lot lately about the idea of bittersweet.  As you all know, Shauna Niequist just released her book, Bittersweet.  Excellent is an understatement.  But the book has really taken my world and flipped it a little.  This passage from her books sums up why:

"The idea of bittersweet is changing the way I live, unraveling and re-weaving the way I understand life.  Bittersweet is the idea that in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a sliver of lightness on even the darkest of nights, a shadow of hope in every heartbreak, and that rejoicing is no less rich when it contains a splinter of sadness.

Bittersweet is the practice of believing that we really do need both the bitter and the sweet, and that a life of nothing but sweetness rots your teeth and your soul.  Bitter is what makes us strong, what forces us to push through, what helps us earn the lines on our faces and the calluses on our hands.  Sweet is nice enough, but bittersweet is beautiful, nuanced, full of depth and complexity.  Bittersweet is courageous, gutsy, earthy."

As I have read, reread, and read again through this book I can't help but see how true these words are.  When I look at my life, the things that brought me the most happiness came out of bittersweet circumstances.  Because it was through growth that life came.  It was the practice of sucking it up and moving forward on rough days that I realized my strength.  Shauna is right, a life of sweetness rots your soul.  The bitter can be so hard and cut right through you on dark days, but if you can find it in yourself to move forward the satisfaction is priceless, and the reward that much sweeter.

I'm okay with still learning.  I'm okay with not knowing all the answers.  I feel like so many people just want to have it figured out.  I'm not there.  I'm not one of them.  I choose to take my life by each day.  Sucking every last bit of goodness that I can out of it.  On bad days when I'm making my list of 5 things that I'm thankful for I am able to sit back and remind myself that even on rough days good things happen.  But on those sweet days when I could make a list of 15 things that I'm thankful for, I sit back and smile with a heart so full.  And there's the payoff of a sweet full life.

Wherever you are in your life right now take a moment to appreciate that place.  Even if you think that where you are is dark and lonely.  I promise you, you're not alone.  Hang on.  Keep going.  You're one day closer to getting out of the cave you feel you're stuck in.  And if you're in a place right now where life is sweet take a moment to reflect and appreciate this exact moment.  Because there will come a day when hard stuff comes at you--it's life, but remember where you are now and how full that place can be.

"So this is the work I'm doing now, and the work I invite you into: when life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate.  And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow."

Saying Goodbye To The Fringe

This day has been a long time coming. Our show closed this afternoon to a house of warm family and friends. I've been with this show for a long time. The opportunity was presented to me in February by Gretchen and Ginny...they were visiting Greensboro and asked me if I would be interested in working on it if it was picked for the Fringe. I was so excited and happily accepted the offer. It was chosen to perform in the Fringe and when I was visiting New York in May we sat down and had our first meeting. And here we are 3 months later.

This show was the greatest gift I could have been given for a few reasons. First, it gave me that nudge to move up as soon as possible. I had a project to be working for and looking toward. Second, it kept me involved in a theater environment, meaning that it kept me working on the not so easy days. Finally, this show just did something to me. I believed in the script and I believed in the actors. It was filled with hope and compassion--and those feelings are electric.

My wish for you is that you always surround yourself with your passion. It doesn't have to be your profession. But what I'm learning is that when you surround yourself with passion something inside of you ignites and inspires you to continue to be the greatest version of yourself. I plan on taking these feelings with me for the next few weeks. And on the days when I'm confused about the direction I'm going I will take a moment to reflect on this experience and all of the inspiration I took from it.

On Slowing Down

I feel like I've been doing a lot of reflection over these past few months.  And in the past few days I feel like that's all that I can focus on.  As many of my friends start a new school year at UNCG I can't help but reflect on my time at school.  UNCG was an incredible 4 years and in no way do I feel like I should be there this fall.  I'm done with school.  I've made my peace with the separation.  I can feel in my guts that I'm where I'm supposed to be...but it's still weird.  It's weird talking to friends when they tell you that things just weren't the same.  That it's different this year.  It's only when it's "different" that you really appreciate parts of your past.  The big things you'll always appreciate--anniversaries, birthdays, graduation.  These are big days.  We count down to these days--each marking a significant turning point in our lives.  What's funny is that even though these things symbol change, change doesn't usually come in these exact moments.  Change happens over time.  And sometimes you don't even realize it till it's over--or you're so far into it that you realize just the person that you're becoming.  What we need to remember is to live in the now; to appreciate even the smallest things.  The things that you take for granted because your community of friends is concentrated in one place so grabbing lunch or going to a movie are no big deal.

Currie had his auditions tonight for the fall semester at school.  I asked him how it went and what he was doing after and he had told me that it went well and that he was talking to his mom...weird.  I love Mrs. T more than most people, but if I were there then Currie and I would probably be together going over every moment of our auditions and making predictions for how it would all turn out.  And as more of our friends would finish they would join us and we would analyze, reanalyze, and then probably reanalyze again.  I never realized how much I cherished that time until now.  There is something so beautiful about a group of people coming together and wanting the best for each other.  What a gift.  And it passed me right by.

The lesson that I'm learning over and over is to slow down and listen.  Give your time and care and love to those who are most important.  Invest the time because the gifts you get are priceless.  Sit back and marvel at the gift that is presented in front of you--appreciate your bounty and always always remember to say thank you.

The Subway--Your Business is Everyone's Business

One of the things that I took for granted before I moved to New York was the luxury of privacy.  It was fairly attainable most places, but my favorite was probably my car.  I'll start by saying I miss my car more than I ever thought that I would.  I have always loved my car.  And I've always loved driving, but I thought eventually I would get over it.  Nope.  Not now and it doesn't seem ever.  I miss my Vibe every single day.  One of the things that I love about driving is the fact that I can go anywhere and listen to whatever I want and when the weather is nice I can open the windows and sing at the top of my lungs.  It is one of my favorite things to do.  And I always feel so much better after I do it.  But alas, no car in NYC.  One day when I can afford it.  The day I can afford it will be the day that it happens.  You think I'm kidding.

So...without my car and the "luxury" of public transportation I've settled for my iPod.  It will do.  So you get it.  I miss my car.  But let me get to the crux of what I want to talk about--privacy on the subway...or really lack thereof.  Because there are so many people in this city the idea of privacy doesn't really exist.  So...when people get upset at each other they talk about it.  In front of you.  And when people want to stick their tongues down each other's throat you might as well grab the popcorn because you have a front row view.  It's amazing to me how people could care less about everyone else watching in on their most personal and intimate moments.

Today I was riding the subway down to the village and this girl got on and sat next to me.  She was flipping through a book that it seemed someone had given her.  I will tell you that I wasn't staring at her, but it's impossible to not realize what's going on with everyone around you when you're in such close quarters.  Anyway, all of a sudden this girl had a meltdown in the subway.  She pulled out a tissue, bowed her head, and bawled her eyes out.  It was so sad.  She was so vulnerable in that moment.  I resisted the urge to put my had on her back and tell her that it would be okay.  She would think I was nuts.  Maybe that is nuts.  Regardless, I would be lying if I said I didn't have the urge to do it.  I just wanted her to know that she wasn't alone.  And she's not.  But that's the thing with this city--there are so many people that sometimes it is just too much.  And you feel nothing but lonely.  The type of lonely that just sits in your gut.

On my way back uptown this woman started chatting with me up a storm about life, art, and what music was on my iPod.  It was amazing.  She was so gentle and kind, but so much fun.  She was engaging with all of these people on the subway.  It was an amazing thing to see.

I don't know what this city hold for me.  But I am finding so much more here than I thought I would.  Sometimes I have to remember to sit back and allow life to happen.  I'm only 22 (almost 23!), but there is so so much ahead of me.  I have so much freedom--I can do anything right now!  Sometimes I forget that because it feels like everyone around me is settling and figuring it out.  It is amazing to me the amount of people I know that are engaged!  And the amount of people that have some office job and work from 9-5 everyday.  Good for them.  I am looking forward to those moments when they come in my life.  But for right now I am content to sit back and let life happen.  To go for what I want--whatever that may be at this moment.  I've been very humbled by this city, and I am grateful for that.  I plan to continue to pursue things that will bring me joy and listen to what my heart is telling me.  We have to remember that.  Who cares what everyone else in your life is doing or what everyone else in your life is telling you to do--what do you want?  Listen to your soul.  And make it happen.  And that doesn't have to be a job or a house...you might just want to pick up and move.  Do it.  You can't afford it?  No one can.  And you'll never have enough money so you might as well go now.  Your life is worth living--so go live it!  Allow yourself to go for what you want.  Don't be scared to ask the question "what if"??  You are never too old.  It is never too late.  These are the days of your life!

5 Things

2 years ago I met a woman who told me that everyday I should write down 5 things that I was thankful for--a good practice to realize all that is full in your life.  I did it for awhile, and I really liked it, but eventually I stopped.  I didn't stop for any reason--I just didn't do it right.  I'd write on post-its, scraps of paper, etc.  All of these got lost along the way and I never made a true effort to keep up with them.

Well, I was given a journal for graduation and it's been sitting in my apartment asking to be written in.  But what to write?  Where to start?  Do I stop writing in my current journal just to start this one?  Do I write in both?  And then today it came to me...this will be my 5 thing journal.  So now I can practice reflection on a daily basis.  I think we are all too busy.  I saw "Eat, Pray, Love" the other day and one of the things that was pointed out was that we, as Americans, fill up our calendars too much.  So...here's my effort to take 5 minutes of reflection each day.  To be thankful for the big and the small--the things that matter to me.  That sounds a bit selfish, but it's the truth.  I encourage you to do the same.  To grab that journal that's been looking at you for the past week, month, year.  The one that has collected some dust and doesn't have a true home in your home.  Sit down with it, take a moment to just be with yourself, and then write down what it is that you're most thankful for on that day in that moment.  Nothing is too small.  Nothing too silly.

I would bet this is going to make my day a little bit brighter.  To walk around with my 5 things on my list.  And I bet it would make your day a little brighter too.  And if you need to start on post-its then do it!  Stick them somewhere that you'll see them and will make you smile.

The End Of An Era

Currie left on the 7 am bus this morning to Durham, NC.  Just like that he's gone.  And  I can't believe it.  Currie and I are both driven people, but it seems life is driving us to opposite sides of the nation--never to live in the same zip code again.  I know, I know--life happens and you never know.  He could end up being my neighbor somewhere down the line.  But right now my heart just feels heavy.  Currie walked into my life at exactly the right time, and just like that we were inseparable.  He and I have very different opinions on a lot of things, but we respect each other and value each other's opinion, making this a match made in heaven.  I can't help but think that Currie and I came to the end of an era today.  And I'll see Currie very soon when I come down to North Carolina, but it will never quite be the same.  I think what I will miss most is the fact that he was always down to do anything--nothing was ever too boring for him to attend.  If that meant running errands or sitting with me while I packed--the most random things.  He always kept me company and we never ran out of things to talk about.  And I just can't believe that he left today.  It feels surreal.  But I have this gut feeling that we're not done yet.  We'll never be done.

Currie and Sam and the rest of UNCG head back to school on Tuesday--it's weird and it's not.  I in no way feel as though I should be there.  I made my peace when I left Greensboro at the end of May.  And I was more than ready to graduate, but it's weird that some of the people who I hold closest--Currie, Sam, and others, are all going back to that one place.  I never would have thought I would get so much out of school, but I did.  I realize how lucky that experience was for me and I can only hope that I find that luck in New York.  Fortunately, I have some wonderful people in New York.  They are a blessing.

Speaking of New York...AS I AM FULLY KNOWN opened yesterday at the Fringe Festival!  I have to say that it was a smash.  People seemed to have loved it and I can only hope that we've created a buzz around the festival.  I do not perform in it--I run the sound board, but I've been with it since the beginning of the summer.

I'm currently devouring "Bittersweet" right now by Shauna Niequist.  I finally received my copy of the physical book (shipping problems--and I preordered!).  Anyway, I finally have my fingers on it and I just can't stop reading and rereading.  Her words are speaking to exactly every emotion that I'm going through.  She is a brilliant writer and I feel like she just gets me.  I'm sure many would say that, but I'd have to agree.

So that's where I am right now--I'm doing well--missing some people close to my heart, but thankful for the ones that are close to me.  I'm so happy to be involved in a few different projects and I only hope that I can do more.  I'm thankful for this season of change because it makes me slow down--to stop and listen and realize just how full of life, love, and grace is in my daily life.

An Update!

Where have I been?  Honestly, time just flies.  I've been so busy with our fringe show, AS I AM FULLY KNOWN that I haven't had time for much else!  The show goes up on Saturday and I've been helping to produce it.  It's been a good experience and I've learned a lot.  I'm also very thankful to have been a part of this production.

Currie leaves on Sunday!  Oh my gosh!  I can't even believe it.  It's been a FAST summer.  I feel like he just got to the city, and now here he goes!

I've been reading Shauna Niequist's new book, "Bittersweet"--it is incredible.  Do yourself a favor and order it online at www.amazon.com.  I've been trying to read it slowly because it's only 250 pages, but it is so so so good.

I'm so excited for "Eat, Pray, Love" to come out!  I want to read the book before the movie releases, but it doesn't seem like that will be possible.

So here I am checking in...but I'll be back soon with a much fuller blog of insight! :)

Remember To Say I Love You

Remember to say "I love you"--seriously.  I think that too often we forget.  On that note--only say it when you truly mean it.  But when you are lucky enough to find that partner, friend, or family member that you love--TELL THEM!  Because you never know when it might be your last time.  A friend of mine found out earlier this week that a friend of hers just lost his life in Afghanistan.  She shared with me the news link, which showed this man's family.  One of the things that brought them comfort in this time was the fact that they had just talked to him the night before he was killed and he seemed in high spirits, and they exchanged "I love yous."  The following day he was killed in a car bombing.  In an instant so many lives were changed forever.  Remember to say "I love you."  I think that we take people for granted too much.  And I don't even think that it's something we do purposely.  And we don't realize the gift of their presence until they are gone.  And even just being apart for a certain amount of time.  These people that we have found along our journey in life are such special gems.  You are lucky to have one person to really understand you.  And I mean they really get you.  I take myself for example.  I'm an oversensitive and stubborn person.  My dad is always telling me that I'm too sensitive.  My response to this is always the same--I can't help the way that I feel.  And yes, I can try to not be so sensitive when I'm with him, but you get to a point where you just can't help it!  I'm also super stubborn, which is pointed out to me every day.  I do it because I am always happier when the people I am with are happy, but sometimes the conflict of wanting to please each other is incredibly annoying.  I'm many more things than oversensitive and stubborn, but let's start there.  These two things are things that I am constantly working on and things that people take on when they become a part of my life.  I have never been one to hide my feelings (that oversensitive side always just rears it's ugly head) so people always know how I am feeling.  This can be incredibly annoying.  These people who I love, love me beyond that.  And that takes commitment!  Let's be real!

All of this just kind of hit me tonight.  So here's what I say to you--take those people in your life who are really something.  The people who you want to invest your guts into--and do it.  Put your whole self into these people.  Love them, pray for them, laugh with them, cry with them.  Take them out to lunch when they've had a bad day.  Take them out to lunch when they are having the best day of their life.  Remember their birthday.  Bake them cookies because you love them.  And when they invite you to dinner bring a bottle of wine and a big hug.  Send them notes in the mail.  Look them in the eyes and tell them you love them, appreciate them, and that you realize how lucky you are to have this relationship.  What I have learned is that if you put yourself--your time, effort, love, care, and compassion into people you will receive the greatest gift from it--because the gift of friendship is priceless.  And when that person really appreciates who you are there is no better feeling in the world.

Go out into the world and spread love!  And smile at people!  It will turn their entire day around.

House of Hosts....er, Apartment of Hosts

Well, Samantha's departure this morning officially marks the end to my summer visitors.  It's weird just having my room to myself.  And living with just one other person.  But it is peaceful to just be able to close my door and have some alone time.  I LOVE having visitors, but I also love being able to curl up and watch a movie every once in awhile.

Samantha's visit was an excellent one.  We got to sit and talk and just catch up.  We spent time running around the city and exploring, but some of the moments that I loved most were the ones just spent talking on the subway while getting from place to place.  I have always appreciated Sam's thoughts and wisdom.  I think that she has such an awesome outlook on the world and I really do take to heart what she says.  The fall she ventures to Africa where she will spend the quarter exploring such an incredible part of the world.  Or at least it seems incredible.  I have never been, but would LOVE the opportunity to take a trip to Africa.

The job hunt continues for me--if you or anyone you know has any sort of offerings please pass them along my way.

This afternoon I'm meeting a friend from high school for coffee--it's so awesome to think that we both ended up in this city.  I didn't know her that well in high school, but I am excited to see her and catch up and get her take on this city.  She's been here for about 5 years--went to NYU and was a year ahead of me in school.

This morning Currie and I saw "The Kids Are All Right"--it was a great film and we got up early to see it.  It's only $6 if you catch the matinee price (which of course is before 11:00)...!  He and I both very much enjoyed it.

Last night Samantha and Currie saw NEXT TO NORMAL.  We all did the lottery and of course the one time I plan on not going I win.  I gladly gave them my tickets and then headed over a few blocks to join one of the theatre groups I am a part of, Project Rushmore, in their reading of ANGELS IN AMERICA.  I don't think I can give the reading justice--it was an incredible reading!  So well done.  Such a fantastic group of actors.  If you don't know--the play is very long and so if it's not done well it can be hard to sit through.  This was no such case.  I was so impressed with every single person involved.  And I am so proud to be a part of Project Rushmore.  It is a wonderful group of individuals who are very talented and vary in age as well as theatre offerings (writers, actors, directors, etc).  This group is a gift.

And so on that note I say to you--go out and find something that you love and contribute to it.  And if you have already found it then take a step back and remember what it is that you love so much about it.

Boo.

Yo, it's Samantha's last night in town.  I'll holla at you tomorrow and get you in the loop...ya dig?

While you pine away at my departure...check this out: www.the8oclocks.com  --it's the a company I'm working with (made of UNCG alum!!)

xo.

Don't Want To Be An American Idiot and BITTERSWEET IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So many things happening in July!  Seriously!!  First, Samantha is here.  Yes.  Gal Sam.  Here in the Big Apple.  It's great to see her!  She is also the reason that I didn't post yesterday (sorry...)...ANYWAY, hello, old friend.  I sincerely hope that you are doing oh-so-well.  An update on the past few days...:

Saw FELA! yesterday--INCREDIBLE.  Oh my gosh!  FELA! FELA! GO GO GO!!!!!!!!  So great.  So much African culture.  And it just makes you want to DANCE!  After the show we went to the Food Emporium for drinks and a loaf of bread and couldn't help but move and groove through the aisles.  Truly an incredible show!!  The student rush tickets are a mixed bag---some are awesome and some do cater to obstructed views.  However, the performance is electric.

Sam and I saw AMERICAN IDIOT tonight--we won the raffle!!  You can't spend $25 better.  Seriously.  Anyway, we sat in the front row and it was AWESOME.  The show is very political, but I appreciate that. I'm not saying that I agree or disagree with it's political agenda, but what I will say is that I LOVE that an artist is able to express themselves through theatre.  It is why we do theatre!  To make a statement about something!  To talk about something that we are passionate about!  The show felt more like a rock concert than a Broadway show.  AND Sam and I both got guitar pics at the end from some of the performers.  The show is incredible because every single person up there is working their ass off.  Every.  Single.  Person.  Awesome awesome.

Also, in other excellent news, "Bittersweet" by Shauna Niequist just came out!  It's her second book.  Her first, "Cold Tangerines" is my absolute favorite book.  Each of the books are about experiences that she has had--the book is broken down into short little stories, and talks about her experiences and what she learned from them.  Incredible.  I am not giving the book justice in my description.  I am a very lucky girl though...because I have had a galley since MAY!  That's right.  Sam (boyfriend Sam that is) did an incredible thing for my graduation gift.  He contacted Shauna.  Told her how much I loved "CT" and how much I would cherish any sort of thing she could give me (he was thinking one of her stories), and she responded to him!  How amazing is she?  And not only did she send him one story, but the entire book AND she also wrote me a card for my graduation.  How amazing is my boyfriend?  How amazing is she?  Amazing, amazing, AMAZING...I am so blessed.

So here's what I have to tell you--go pick up "Cold Tangerines" and then grab "Bittersweet"--they will do wonders for your soul.

It Happened In A New York Minute...

...or at least that's how I feel about Sam's visit.  I feel like he got here and left a few hours later.  I just got home from the airport, cleaned, and now here I am.  I have two meetings today, but wanted to share Sam's visit.

He got here on Saturday evening.  Currie and I went to pick him up via train to bus to airport.  I hate taking the bus.  All that stop/go/stop/go makes me carsick.  But it was worth every minute to see Sam--dressed exactly as I thought he would be in shorts and a polo.  There is something so comforting about knowing that kind of stuff.  We took a cab back to my apt, dropped off his bag, and then went to Blockheads (famous for their $3 margs)...and so we had a few $3 margs...and then walked back to my apt.  It was great.  We spent the evening talking and catching up and just looking at each other!!  Sam is at camp so we rarely even get to video chat.  I know, I take video chatting for granted because it's such a new thing, but it's GREAT!!  Anyway, we woke up Sunday and hung out, went to Union Square and that night we saw FUERZA BRUTA, an off-Broadway show that we got an excellent deal on the tickets.  I had wanted to Sam to see this show for such a long time because I thought that it was something he would really enjoy and when the offer came along for discount tickets we jumped at them. FUERZA BRUTA is an amazing show where you are standing the entire time and constantly moving throughout the space while the performance happens in front, around, and above you.  After the show we walked around a little bit more and came back and crashed.  On Monday, Sam and I went to The Cloisters--off the A train at 190th St.  See the picture in my previous post to get an idea.  If you haven't been there and you live in NYC then you need to go!  It's this incredible park--and you don't even feel like you are in the city!  I had been up there previously and knew that it would be something that Sam would really enjoy.  On Tuesday we saw JERSEY BOYS...what a FUN show!!  The show is all about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.  We got student rush tickets and sung the night away.  And then Sam left this morning :(.  It was so sad to see him go.  We are planning to see each other again in September--our one year anniversary and my birthday, but until then it will be back to our daily evening phone call and a few texts here and there.  When Sam is at camp he has terrible cell service and so we aren't able to communicate often.  It makes me realize how much we take advantage of communication.

So there it is--my past few days.  Sam has come and gone, but it was such a wonderful visit.  And the countdown to September begins!

In other news...my best friend from high school is making her way out to NYC TOMORROW!  Samantha will be here for a few days and staying with me for a night or two.  I am so excited to see her. She's an awesome person and someone who I am so proud to call a friend.  A sick and funny story...Samantha has a sister, Jo.  Sam (my boyfriend) has a brother, Joe...HOW WEIRD!!!!!!!!  Samantha and I met while working on THE MIRACLE WORKER in high school.  I was Assistant Directing and she was understudying Annie Sullivan.  The rest is pretty much history.  And we have both put in quite the effort to keep up with each other over the years.  I'm excited to see her and catch up and enjoy the city with her.

Ok, so there it really is--that's what's been going on.  :)

The Cloisters!!

Can you believe this is in New York City?!?!?!  It doesn't feel real!

Sam got here safe and sound and we've been spending time just being together and exploring the city.  I'll update more soon!

The Lucky One

My boyfriend Sam comes tomorrow to visit for a few days!  It's the first time we've seen each other since I moved to the city and I don't think I could be more excited to see him.  I'll probably squeeze all of the air out of him and cry out of pure joy that I am holding him.  Smelling him.  Looking into his blue eyes.  Sam and I have been through a lot.  We were friends first and for a very long time.  Finally, we started dating.  Our friends always saw it coming.  I suppose in many ways I did too.  We just weren't quite ready for awhile.  I think that being friends first worked in our favor.  I knew what I was getting into with him.  And he knew what he was getting into with me.  I love Sam because I always feel that I am at my best when I am with him.  It's interesting because we both are hard workers, but we approach things so differently.  I love that.  I can talk with him about anything--it's one of the things I love most about our relationship.  We are open and up front about how we feel and whatever is going on in our head.  It cuts through the bullshit and gets to the heart of the matter--and that's how I like to live my life.  When I am with Sam I feel like I'm home (if that makes sense).  He makes me feel beautiful and makes me laugh.  All is right in my world when he holds my hand.  Sam loves me for who I am.  That sounds so simple, but it is so much more than that.  Every day I watch these couples on the subway, or at a store and one of them tries to manipulate the other to be who they want them to be.  Sam loves me for me.  I could gush more, but I think you get the picture.

Tonight I saw We Outran The Sun a piece created and performed by Matt Carlson.  It was a multimedia piece which used videos that interviewed his friends and then he performed a song, which he wrote, about them.  The piece was my ultimate theater experience.  I love things like that and I enjoyed every minute of it.  What I loved most about it was the different people that he interviewed.  And that even though he may not keep in touch with some people as much today as he did 10 years ago, they are still such important people, and so important into making him who he is today.  It runs for two more days and I encourage you to check it out and get there if you have the time.  It reminded me how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends and that even though a lot of time has gone by, friendships never truly end.

Sam gets in tomorrow at 6:33 pm.  18 hours to go!  I can't wait.  I'll let you know how his visit goes. :)

SoHo and Becca!

It's been a rainy few days here in the city.  The first real rain since I've been up here (I think)--at least the first time I've heard thunder.  I love the rain from inside while watching a movie or reading a book while curled up in bed.  I hate the rain when I am walking through it.  Regardless, it's been a rainy few days here in the city.

I had a Fringe meeting yesterday and we discussed our upcoming party.  We want to have a party where we can make some money to funnel back into our group.  We were thinking a bar with a cover charge and raffle prizes?  Your thoughts?  Have you been to any great parties lately?  Please share your ideas because we would love to make it a splash!

After dinner I got a text message from my friend Michael.  Michael is a professor at UNCG and just an awesome person.  He's in New York for a few days and so we met for a late dinner and then walked around for a good long while.  It was great to see him and catch up and swap stories about everything that's been going on.

Today I met Becca and SoHo.  I love that neighborhood of New York.  It's just so pretty and I love the one-of-a-kind-ness of it all.  There are millions of corporate stores, but it just doesn't feel like it.  A great neighborhood.  We window shopped and then had lunch at this great Mexican restaurant called Dos Caminos.  If you're in SoHo and you like Mexican then this is the place for you!  It was so fun.

A little background on Becca-she's one of my very best friends.  We met while in school (although it took us about a year to find each other) and have been hanging out ever since.  She was a year ahead of me at UNCG so she's been up in New York for a year.  She's been my New York saving grace--she helped me move into my non air conditioned apt, helped me set everything up, and even ventured with me to Ikea on that hot Memorial Day to find a midbeam for my bed.  Her boyfriend Jesse is a saint as well and was there through all of that craziness too.  In fact, without Jesse I wouldn't have a bed frame.  Wonderful people and I am so proud to call them my friends.

My Real Simple magazine came in the mail today and I am thrilled! Finally!  I missed last month's because of my move.  I'm about to curl up and dive into it.  I can't wait.  I love this magazine and if you've never read it then I suggest you give it a shot.  Be well, friends!

My FENCES experience and the journey to Target!!

48 hours later I am finally ready to tell my loooooooong journey to FENCES--an epic show that closed yesterday (Sunday) on Broadway

So here's the story:  My friend Currie (the Glee star) and myself decided on Saturday night around 10:00 to venture out to the Cort Theatre and try our luck to get some of the last standing room tickets to FENCES.  The show itself has gotten a ton of good press--so many rave reviews and great buzz throughout the city.  PLUS a UNCG alum, Chris Chalk was playing Cory (so exciting!) and so we couldn't pass up on the opportunity to see it.  Currie and I arrived at the theatre at 10:30 Saturday evening and the box office opened at noon on Sunday.  So there we sat.  And we made friends and complained about how much our butts hurt and then on Sunday at noon the box office opened.  The line was halfway down 48th street--so many people hoping to get something!  Beside the standing room tickets there were cancellation tickets along with a some others (or so we assumed--these were all rumors that we heard).  Anyway, the box office opened and the line started moving!  I was the last person to get the last two tickets to the show!!!!  Currie and I both went to try and get some for our friends (4 total).  But...I was the last person!  It was awesome.  Two and a half hours later we saw the show and it was worth every second.  After the show we saw Chris along with the rest of the cast.  They were so great.  Also in attendance at the final performance--SARAH JESSICA PARKER!!!!!!!!!!  Currie and I both almost died.  She was so cute!

Rushing that show was such an awesome experience.    I met some awesome people and saw an incredible show.  It was exhausting, but so worth it.  I would do it again in a second!

Moots is back safely in Greensboro.  Seeing her was so nice and she really seemed to enjoy the city.  We went to the Met one day.  It was gorgeous.  I hadn't been there yet and really enjoyed it.  We also visited Currie at Dylan's Candy Bar.  That store is crazy!  But so much fun and the perfect fit for him!

After getting a good night's rest, Julie and I decided to journey to Target today because we were in need of so many things--cleaning supplies, paper products, etc.  We got on the B train, which took us directly to Target.  It was great.  I LOVE Target.  It's one of my most favorite places.  And I really miss being able to just scoot over there when I need something.  But, I am very grateful that it is so close off the subway.  Because it makes getting it all home so much easier.  So Julie and I went.  And sweated.  And schlepped our stuff all the way across town.  But it's always worth it in the end.

So that's been my few days--FENCES and then Target today.  I needed some time to recoup after waiting outside all night (not complaining!).  Tomorrow I have a meeting for the Fringe--we are planning a party to raise some money!  So excited!  Who doesn't love to party?

FENCES--CHECK!

Friends,

Currie and I were successful on our venture for tickets to see FENCES!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It was an incredible experience.

I am just now getting home and will tell you all about the entire experience tomorrow!  I can't wait!!

Be well :)

FENCES!

Friends,

Currie and I are about to head to the theatre to try and get tickets to FENCES (it's 10:30 pm)...12 hours until the box office opens...are we crazy?  Absolutely.  But we only live once!

I'll keep yo uposted.

Moots Is Here!

My friend Megan (Moots) arrived yesterday from North Carolina.  I couldn't pick her up from the airport because Currie and I (being the geniuses we are) decided to get up super early and stand in line for standing room only tickets to FENCES.  We arrived there to a veryyyyyyy long line and a hot hot summer day.  Megan met up with us while in line and long story short...we didn't see the show.  However, last night we rushed LA CAGE AUX FOLLES and it was EXCELLENT.  If you haven't seen that show you should get out there.  And really, there isn't an excuse to not see theatre these days.  Most Broadway shows offer a rush or lottery to get tickets for $25.  $25 to see a show on Broadway?  You should be RUNNING to get that kind of deal.

We spent the rest of the day showing Megan the city and running around.  And then saw the show and stayed after to meet the cast.  It was great.  But we got home late and stayed up talking even later.  Awesome awesome night, but getting up early this morning was rough.  I had an interview for a job this early morning and I got really excited about it.  It seems like an AWESOME place, but I find out Monday and will keep you posted.  My dear sweet mother is continually staying positive and trying to motivate me--for this I am eternally grateful.  When you run around applying everyone you can get down.  I'm lucky to have family to lift me up again.  Not that I'm even down!  Because I'm not!  I know that there are good things out there and I won't give up.  I'm not a quitter.  Never have been.  And of all times, I do not plan on starting now.

Megan wants to see NEXT TO NORMAL tonight.  I hear that the show is incredible.  Alice Ripley is about to leave and so now is the time to see it!  That's what I love most about New York.  There are so many awesome things to see.  And new shows are always popping up.  That is my favorite thing about New York--people really do love theatre.  It is so awesome.

Here's to good theatre, good friends, and sweet summer nights!

Hot Child in the City

It is so damn hot outside!!  Seriously!  I went for a walk today (what was I thinking) and saw this poor dog lead by his mean owner--the dog looked miserable.  If you don't have to be out in the heat then go inside.  And if you are too cheap to spend the money on air conditioning (what are you thinking) then you best be riding the rails or doing something that keeps you cool.

Julie got home this evening.  Julie is my roommate.  I met Julie at the end of my freshman year of college.  I was on run crew for PRIVATE LIVES and she was my stage manager.  She liked me because I was on time and efficient.  I liked her because she was to the point and let me go home when I had done all of the things I needed to do and didn't waste my time.  We became fast friends the following fall when she had to say goodbye to her dog after a bad breakup.  I reached out because I too had just sent me sweet sweet Bella home to Chicago with my parents because my roommates at the time were nuts.  Regardless, that's how we became friends and stayed close.  And then we spent last summer together working at a theatre in southern Indiana.  It was an experience neither of us will never forget, and after it we decided that since we had lived so well in a dorm size room together we would live really well in an apt together where we each got our own rooms.  And so fast forward another year and here we are.  Julie is great and we live well together.  She's one of the new PAs for the touring show of BILLY ELLIOT so if you see that show then you should know my roomie worked on it.

Moots is coming tomorrow to visit for a few days and I can't wait.  Moots lived with me last year (along with 3 other girls to make a house of 5--usually so much fun, but sometimes so much drama).  She's never been to the city before and so we are going to spend some time being tourists and running all over the city.  We are trying to see FENCES tomorrow night with a UNCG alum, Chris Chalk and of course Denzel and Viola!  I'm really hoping that we get tickets.  Currie and I are getting up early in the morning to venture out and make this idea a reality.

So...to bed soon...holla!

Celebrating the 4th like a New Yorker

Happy Belated 4th of July to you.  I hope that is was super fab.  The 4th was lovely here in New York.  Hot and clear skies--perfect for fireworks.  I personally missed those last night. I was too busy down at the Seaport having drinks and mingling with friends.  It was odd to me how few people seemed to care that it was the 4th of July.  Usually people are dressed up and so into it.  I was certainly dressed up--a blue and white dress with a red scarf--I couldn't be happier.  But as I sat on the subway and made my down from the Upper West Side to the Seaport I was one of the few that seemed to be celebrating America.  All in all, I had a great day.  I had some drinks and saw some friends...so a win win for me.

I spent today working on stuff for the Fringe.  I was asked to do some marketing for a piece that is going up in the New York City Fringe Festival--FringeNYC (check out their website at www.fringenyc.org).   For the piece that I am working on I was asked to do it by a group called The 8o'Clocks.  It's a group of alums from UNCG who started this company and Emily Rieder (a playwright/actor and company member) wrote this kick ass play called AS I AM FULLY KNOWN.  Our performance dates are the following:
SAT 8/14 @ 5:15 – 7:15
MON 8/16 @ 5 – 7
THUR 8/19 @ 9:30 – 11:30
FRI 8/27 @ 8 – 10
SUN 8/29 @ 2:30-4:30
All of the performances take place at La Mama Theatre (located at 74 E 4th St) so I do hope that you will join us.

My friend Currie is spending his summer in New York.  He's one of my best friends and plans to be a movie star within the next 10 years so be watching out for him.  Currie and I met during my sophomore year and his freshman year of college.  We weren't fast friends by any means.  In fact, if he were to tell you the story, he would tell you that I started our friendship based on a lie.  Which is not really true. The story goes that our department was playing Assassins and I was trying to lure Currie into someone's trap.   So lie?  Yes.  No.  Maybe.  It was in the name of the game. Currie and I quickly recovered and have spent the past four years talking pop culture, theatre, movies, and just generally anything and everything. This past spring he auditioned to be on "Glee" and I helped him get the word out about it.  His local Fox network from him hometown was looking for their "Next Glee Star" and I thought Currie was it.  So Currie created an audition tape and I made sure anyone and everyone voted for him because the person with the most votes got an opportunity to go to Fox studios, create an audition tape (which was edited by Fox), and then have it sent off to the producers of the show.  I Facebooked, Tweeted, emailed, and just talked to people about this awesome opportunity.  He won the contest and went on to film his audition tape with Fox.  He'll find out later this summer if he gets a callback.  Anyway, like I was saying, Currie's up here for the summer just hangin' out and loving the city.  His mom and brother came up this weekend to see him.  Such lovely people. It great to see them.

What does this Monday night have in store for you?  Personally, I am excited to curl up and watch "The Bachelorette"...my absolute guilty pleasure.  I just can't get enough it.

I have some friends coming up in the next few weeks so if you have any ideas on fun things to do in the city please let me know!

Keep cool out there...it is sooo damn hot!

Day One: Hello, Blog World

And so my blog of New York City living begins.  I would be lying if I said that I hadn't been here a month.  However, I am just unpacked and finally feeling back to normal again so that first month doesn't really count to me.

Let me tell you a little bit about myself--I'm a 22 year old who just graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a degree in Theatre and a minor in Communication Studies.  Currently, I am trying to get an internship with a Casting company.  That's what I want to do--cast people in shows!  Marketing and arts administration are also very intriguing to me.

But...I'm currently unemployed.  And I feel as though I have exhausted every opportunity at employment.  I continue to scour every ad, every Craigslist listing, EVERYTHING in search of something.  And that's how this blog came to be--when talking with my mom about what to do with my time she suggested this blog.  So, thanks mom, for this idea.  Hopefully someone out there will get some enjoyment out of it.

Instead of telling you about every person and every relationship in my life right now I'll just tell you as I go.  As they pop up in my life--like little surprises.

The purpose of this blog is to spend a year talking about New York City--my experiences, observations, and general merriment about the greatest city on earth.  I welcome your comments and look forward to taking this adventure with you!