08.31.08

I went on a nice walk this evening. I feel incredibly refreshed. It started to rain as I walked back home, and I loved every minute of it. Not until today did I realize my neighborhood was so pretty.  guess when you've lived in the same place for a long time you take it for granted.

While my good mood continues, I should get some lesson plans done.

08.29.08

Labor day weekend is upon us! I've always enjoyed this weekend because we always have a little family cookout, and its always delicious. Plus, labor day was always welcomed break from school. But now that I'm out of school, that last part doesn't matter. ha.

Today, I decided to make a calendar for the next 3 months with everything that I'm doing...and I can't wait for everything to get going!! Two more weeks!

I should actually be memorizing my lines right now...

08.27.08

My plane ticket to Ireland and my tour to Ireland have been reserved. I am very very excited, and cannot wait for November! I'm going with my aunt and my mom. On trips like these, they actually aren't bad company. We went to London together and we had a great time. Now that I'm a little older (we went to London when I was 18), I think we'll have an even better time. I have already been to Ireland, but I was only in Dublin for 3 days...now, I'm actually going around Dublin - to Killarney, Waterford, the Cliffs of Moher, Limerick. I get to take in the countryside as well as the city life of Dublin.

This trip comes at a great time. I'm here, right out of college, itching for adventure. I thought I knew what I wanted to do, but I'm not so sure any more.

My mom mentioned a potential job opening at a high school in Harris County, but I told her I didn't want to look into it. You might think I'm crazy for turning down a potential job and being secure financially. But I refused because I am very serious about teaching English in Japan next year. It's something that is going to be new and different, and very demanding. It will put me out of my comfort zone which is something that I need to experience. I need change.

I talked to Ron about that during our meeting a few weeks ago. He asked me if I really wanted to be a high school drama teacher. And I told him that I didn't. That's what I had been telling people since last year, that's what I was searching for at the end of my senior year at UE. But then, this summer, I came to the realization that that wasn't for me. Educational Outreach was for me. Children's Theatre was for me. Not high school.

Who knew I would figure that out after leaving school?

But now Winnie the Pooh gives me something to put my energy into, and Ireland will hopefully get me back on track.

08.24.08

*sigh*

The Beijing Olympics has now come to a close. The Closing Ceremonies were spectacular...much more casual than the Opening Ceremonies...but nonetheless, spectacular.

I can't help but feel sad about the Olympics ending. The past 16 days have been spent diligently watching and cheering on the USA team from swimming, track and field, gymnastics, to rowing. I think it's because these Olympics have been especially amazing from the events, to the venues, to hearing the heart warming stories of athletes, to my favorite, Mary Carillo and her ventures all around China.

At least I have things to look forward to like Winnie the Pooh and IRELAND.

08.23.08

It was nice to stay in today. When it's pouring down rain, I guess that's really the only thing you can do. The constant pitter patter of the rain was very relaxing. I don't know I felt refreshed. Maybe because I know that Pooh rehearsals will start soon, and that the trip to Ireland is a few months away.

But, we lost power for 3 hours! Who knew it would be soo agonizing! I pulled out my playing cards and played card games with my mom and dad - that was fun. I didnt' realize how quickly boredom seeped in. I am that dependent on my tv and my computer, and anything requiring electricity. Maybe that is something I need to work on changing.

As of right now...it is so nice to have the air conditioning back on...it was getting a little stuffy in my room.

08.22.08

I received such wonderful news today! Ron called me and asked me if I would reprise my role as Winnie the Pooh this fall for the Children's Theatre season!!! But of course, I said yes! Pooh is probably one of my favorite characters I have ever played...I think it's because I love the energy of being in a Children's Theatre show. Another good thing about this gig...I get paid! haha. 

Who knew I would be acting again? I kinda like it. And it'll keep me nice and busy.

Nice and busy until November...because Tita, my mom, and I are planning a trip to Ireland!! November 29 - December 6. We were talking about it last night...and I think we are going to go through with it. I think a trip like this is just what I needed as I work toward Japan. heh.

Things are starting to work themselves out. I've been waiting for this since Academy ended. About time.

08.19.08

So officially, I will be teaching a workshop at Georgia Thespian Conference!!! I am so excited! I remember going to Conference and going to workshops, but now I get to actually teach one. It's like I've come full circle. : ) That's in February though, so I have a few months to prepare. 

But something that is coming around the corner is Winnie the Pooh auditions at the Springer. Yup, they're doing it again, and Ron wants me to audition for it. It would be really fun to play Pooh again, or just to be in the show! It's such a high energy, fun children's theatre show.

And then, Tita and I are planning a trip to NYC in December around Christmas time. We're hoping to see the Rockettes! I've never been to NYC in December, and I bet its divine!

And Japan is a definite go. The application process begins in September, and I have already started working on gathering all my things for the application. I even bought a Japan travel book to read through. I definitely think this is the best thing for me. Who knows I might even stay there longer than a year.

But I should really try to find a job in the meantime...I need a little extra money. haha.

08.16.08

Michael Phelps has done it. He has won eight gold medals in ONE Olympics. Congrats to him. His hard work has definitely paid off.

Even though I am soo stoked for Michael Phelps, everyone on that relay team was great. Aaron Piersol always does soo well. And I was very impressed with Brendan Hansen during this race...he did a wonderful job. Way to pull through. And Jason Lezak...that man is a beast and once again, took the US home to victory!! 

Another great showing at the Olympics!!!

08.15.08

As my last post clearly stated...Michael Phelps does it again. And what a race it was. Another close finish, another gold. It wasn't until tonight that I realized that swimming is an amazing sport. I have so much respect for all those athletes. They work so hard. Michael Phelps is definitely a great example. When Bob Costas interviewed Michael and Mark Spitz at the same time, I was actually pretty emotional. haha.

Am I lame? Maybe. But I think that's what makes the Olympics so great. It's a time where we put everything aside and root for our country. And to hear Mark Spitz praising Michael and rooting for him is pretty neat.

People are probably pretty tired of my Olympics craziness. I am pretty hyped about these games...and Michael Phelps...of course. He's great to watch. : ) 

Oh well...one more week.

HE DID IT!

PHELPS DID IT! He's tied with Mark Spitz, getting 7 gold medals in one Olympics!!!!!!!!

AWESOME.

08.13.08

Tomorrow will be a busy day. Two interviews: 1) A phone interview at 10AM with Northern Stage in Vermont, 2) A meeting with Ron at the Springer at 11:30AM. Both for potential jobs.

I'm crossing my fingers. It would be really nice to work at the Springer. I think it'd be pretty cool. 

And tomorrow, I will also be getting a goldfish. hahaha. It'll be cute. And I will name him Rufus.

Okay, more Olympics to watch. It's the Men's All-Around Final in Gymnastics! No medal race for Phelps tonight. But that's okay. Just seeing him swim is amazing. : )

08.10.08

The Olympics just keep getting better and better. If you were watching the Men's 4x100m relay, you know exactly what I'm talking about. That was the best swimming relay race I have ever seen. I was out of my seat yelling at the tv rooting for the US! And once again, they pull through getting the gold medal and making France eat their words. "Smash the Americans" - oh please. ; )

And Phelps gets another gold medal. YES! I love him. haha.

I'm awaiting those other theatre companies to call me...and I am crossing my fingers that the opportunity to teach english in China will become a reality. How awesome that would be!

Still watching the Olympics on CNBC. I'm crazy.

08.09.08

So apparently, I forget my grammar rules when I am watching something so great like the Opening Ceremonies. Oops.

HOORAY MICHAEL PHELPS!! Another gold medal. : )

Yes, when the Olympics role around I am a hardcore follower of swimming and gymnastics. Diving and beach volleyball are cool too.

On to more watching. haha.

Amazing

The Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympics was without a doubt one of the best and emotional Opening Ceremonies I have ever seen.

It was filled with such power, spirit, and perfection. The Chinese definitely went all out and did magnificent job. And to see all those countries enter during the Parade of Nations was awe-inspiring: especially when seeing participants from those countries struck by major hardships. It hit an emotional high (at least for me) was to see Lin Hao, the 9 year old survivor of the earthquake in the Sichuan province, walking along side Yao Ming. He was so happy. Lin was one of three who survived from his class. After digging himself out of the rubble, he then went back to the school site to look for survivors. They found two others. When asked "Why?" he responded, "Because I was a class leader and a hall monitor, I have to." What courage! It was a great moment. I definitely shed some tears.

The lighting of the Olympic torch. Wow. It never fails to impress me. Absolutely amazing.

After seeing this ceremony, I am in awe of how much work it took to transform Beijing. The Chinese must be so proud. I definitely have learned so much about them after these 4 hours sitting in front of the television.

And that is why I love the Olympics. It brings out so much pride, and emotion, and unity from every single country! It's gonna be a great one.

OLYMPICS!

08.08.08 at 8PM. Yes sir. The Beijing Summer Olympic Games are upon us. I am so pumped! Ever since I was little I have loved the Olympics, probably because of the Opening Ceremonies. There's so much spectacle surrounding it, and I love spectacle. I also enjoy seeing how a city transforms itself for the games. I think Beijing has done a fabulous job...I mean have you seen "The Birds nest"? It's amazing. I will be glued to my seat tomorrow. haha.

So after much thought. I am definitely considering teaching English in Asia. I am not sure if I will do it right now at this moment because I think I'd be cutting it close. A program I have been looking at is the JET program. I would be teaching English in Japan. I've always wanted to learn Japanese...and I think this would be tons of fun. It's a lot of work...the application process alone is a daunting task. But I think I can get it done. And seeing as the theatre companies I've applied to are rather slow at responding, I think I should do this.

My mom, dad, and Tita are really supportive of this...which is always a plus. I am actually surprised at the amount of support I am receiving. It's really great to hear them say "YES! You should definitely go" and "It would be a great adventure!" so on and so on. It's definitely reassuring.

I guess I should get started!

Is it really August??

Hello everyone. Boy has it been a while. The fact that it is already August is so crazy to me. Part of me thinks I need to get ready for the typical move back to school. But now, I just get alumni stuff in the mail.

I don't feel like an adult yet. Probably because I don't have a job yet. Basically that's what the summer has been. Working and having a blast at the Springer Opera House at the Academy...and applying and interviewing all over the place. I just wish I knew something definite. It is so frustrating not knowing and being in limbo. Many of my other classmates are off getting ready to start their lives in graduate school or at their jobs...and I'm envious. I want that. And I want it now.

But I must be patient. That's something I continually tell myself. Patience. Things will fall into place soon.

As I wait - patiently of course - I feel like I need a hobby or something to help me occupy my time...when I'm not looking for a job. If you have any fun, creative ideas, let me know. I would love it.

Something that I know will help ease my restlessness and boredom is the Beijing Olympics!!!!! I am so very excited for them. Of course, my favorite sport to watch is swimming. Michael Phelps. Duh. I can't wait.

And speaking of Beijing, I am currently really, really, really interested in Asia. After visiting the Philippines - twice in a summer - I have wanted to explore more of Asia and Southeast Asia. I was given a glimpse of Hong Kong when my dad and I spent the night in a hotel near the airport. Oh it was such a tease! Now, that's all that I want to do...explore Asia. Tita said she'd take me to Hong Kong...maybe this summer. We shall see.

I've actually looked into teaching English in Asia...China mainly. I'm also looking into teaching English in the Philippines, that way, I'll be near my family. So many options.

Well. I'll take it one day at a time.