Tuesday

Was a much better day.

First, I must express my come-to-Jesus moment about my job. I was frustrated, yesterday, I'll admit. And when I posted I suppose I wasn't in my most right mind. I think I was caught up in the *joy* of coming to work first thing in the morning, to find endless papers and many, many pieces of the metaphorical puzzle that need putting-together, some of which I had already put together, some of which still remained, and some of which were new. My job is stressful, I won't deny that. But I think I need to stop and be grateful that I have a job and that I have bosses that are a) neat people and b) detail oriented. It sets a good example. It's not the end of the world. And I'm sorry if I frightened anyone with my frustrated-natured post.

But ANYWAY.

In more happy news, I signed up for a VOICE OVER CLASS. 

Yes.

A VOICE OVER CLASS!

A two hour block of JOY where we learn about radio, tv and animated feature VOICE OVERS. We talked about the 5 main things to consider - placement, gate, dialect, attitude and pitch. We briefly covered pace, texture and rhythm. IS THIS NOT THE BEST CLASS FOR ME?!  Like - EVER?! Seeing as I've done voices my whole live (Bonny, Sprout, Svetlana, The Ghost of Christmas Future, etc. etc. what have you) I'm in heaven with it and I can't wait to continue.

Also, I bought this book:

I'm SO looking forward to reading it. You have no idea. From what I've read so far, it's relatable, understandable, and totally mind-blowing. I'm a big dog person in a big, big way.

Also, Spencer and I are probably going to hopefully maybe look at buying this house:

It looks (and probably is) "just a house." It's not too amazing, or unique. But it's a great house with some great features. And it has a rentable apartment. And it's got its own laundry. And no bass-pumping upstairs neighbors. And covered parking. And a yard with fruit trees. And two bedrooms. And a linen closet. And a dishwasher. And a garbage disposal. I'm still trying to psyche myself out about the commute which will change from 5 minutes to about 15... But it looking out to be a pretty wonderful prospect.

Tuesday, everybody. 

Tuesday.

Monday

Today has been the day of parking and pantyhose.

I got to work relatively on time. I would have been more on time had it not been for the hellacious state of BYU parking.

I walked from my distant lot to the Oliver House and it was snowing. The snow was really just slivers of ice, and they glistened like pieces of silver glitter. It made me think of the confetti that fell from the ceiling during the finales of my childhood dance recitals.

I got going at work and found all the projects I've been working on to be tampered with.  I work with one other person and we do the same job. But our bosses can be very, very, very, very impatient.  If I'm not there to do something on my project, they ask co-worker to do it for me. It feels like I'm being violated every time.  First it makes me feel vulnerable, thinking "Do they not like my work?" "Do they not trust that I'm still working on this project?" "Do they think I won't finish it?" Then it makes me angry. I think "Well if they were around more, I could ask them the questions I need to get these things done sooner!" and "It's not my fault I'm here at 8:00, ready to go, and no one else is!!" or "Why should my credibility suffer when it's not my choice that the bosses don't really hunker down to check out my projects 'till the afternoon shift!!"

Sigh.

I had a meeting with an artistic director today. I made the mistake of driving to the south of campus to meet with him. Good thing co-worker came along, so he could go start the meeting and I could spend 30 minutes hovering by the 15-minute parking spaces only to have them NEVER open up. The dumb BYU parking guys even drove by twice, and failed to catch the illegal actions of the white mini-van and blue truck that remained in 15-minute parking for over 30 minutes. 

Injustice.

Luckily, my two classes I had today were great. Unfortunately, though, I learned that my piano skills are rusty. And it didn't help that with everywhere I walked or sat today, my nylons kept scooting down my legs. So uncomfortable, those. Now I remember why I wear thick, sock-like, stretchy tights most skirt days. 

But now I am home. I am home and I'm in jeans and I have checked my emails. I have purchased school supplies. I have had some peppermint ice cream. And I most certainly NOT gearing up for a rehearsal, at which I would feel more of the same above-mentioned frustration and resentment. 

No sir. 

And I couldn't be happier about it.

My 2011 Engagement Calendar

It has come.

That time of year when I need a new planner.

I've narrowed it down to six (if you can call 6 planner choices "narrow.")

Will you help me decide?

see it here

see it here

see it here

see it here

see it here

see it here

To me, a daily planner is most precious. It holds valuable information! Your schedule, contacts, codes, notes, business cards, tickets, coupons, etc. Well, at least mine holds all of those things.

Last year I had a daily planner/recipe book. It was amazing. There were beautiful pictures of food to look at every day, recipes, healthy snack tips and more! I loved it. I think this year I'm in need of some daily eye candy which, I suppose, is why I've tended toward the artful this year.

It's all a matter of deciding what I need to have with me as my second hand man. Oh, and you BET I'm a physical-planner person. I can't keep track of everything on line. Nope. Not my style.

Anyway - what's your vote?

Oh my heavens, it's twenty-eleven!

The beginning of this year has come relatively quietly. I'm afraid to say its celebratory nature was a bit exhausted by the failure of a contract on a house, some other big life decisions, the passing of a friend, and the beginning of a new semester.

But it has also been joined by the reunion of friends, the warmth of home, and WONDERFUL family. 

Oh how I love the holidays.

But really, I'm posting the requisite "Resolutions" post. Because I have resolutions worth posting that, so far, have gone swimmingly.

You see, I set myself up for success this year.  Instead of taking on one hundred twenty seven thousand, four hundred and thirty eight new things - I've lessened the load. I'm taking a healthy 12 credits. Did you hear that? TWELVE. And they're credits I will ENJOY. I am working twenty hours in the mornings of my days. I am done at 1 pm, with a nice spattering of evening classes to tide me over.

I debated about auditioning for Synthesis. I was going to. And then I wasn't. And then I was. And then I wasn't. And then I was. And then I didn't. I did it for three years, toured with the ensemble twice, and made some wonderful friendships. But it also brings an intense rehearsal schedule, and a lot of anxiety. And by a lot I really do mean a lot. So - thanks for the music. Thanks for the memories. Maybe I'll come to a concert this semester.  I have yet to email the director. That will be hard....

But I'm going to get into shape. Do I want to lose weight like everyone else? Sure. But really, I'd like to just be fit again.  I'd like to cook more. I LOVE cooking. I'd like to learn to speak a language, and you know what? Maybe this year is the year. (Currently I'm listening to this song and, though I don't know what it means, it's beautiful.) 

 And I'll audition for another show. Seusical auditions are on March 3rd, everybody.  COUNT ME IN.

I'll sleep, and I won't feel threateningly exhausted every. day. of. my. life.

I'll read books.

I'll get good grades in every class because I'll finally have enough time to study/practice for ALL of them.

Life is good. And it's going to stay good, so help me.

And, in the mean time, I'm obsessed with this, this, and this. 

Best of luck to everyone and your own resolutions this year!