I am so proud of my country. I am so proud of the Obama campaign's new-voter registration efforts. I am thrilled that the right man is going to be our president. A man with integrity, vision, poise, and intelligence who truly cares. I also am so proud that a person of color was elected in a country where racism still exists.
My only diappointment today is that California did not overturn the gay marriage ban. This is divisive cruelty. It breaks my heart to think that my brother and his fiance won't have the same rights as hetero couples. It makes me furious that if one of them should be in an accident, or land in the ICU, the other won't be allowed to see him. When I was in the hospital in 2007 for my gallbladder attacks, I was scared and in so much pain. It would have added to my stress level if Mr. Black couldn't hold my hand and tell me everything would be okay. Same-sex couples are creating families with love - it doesn't take anything away from your life to allow them to have access to their partners in the hospital, or to allow them to say proudly, that's my wife or husband. I would not consider myself a politically active person, but this is one subject that is close to my heart. Eventually there will be equality, that's all I can hope.
And now back to our regular exercising and eating well.
11.05.2008
11.04.2008
HYC Check In
How can I think of weight at a time like this? It’s Election Day! I voted bright and early at the polls this morning – and it was sort of exciting. There’s a buzz and camaraderie from seeing that my neighbors care as much as I do. I hope Barack Obama is our next president. I did my part! Get out and vote today!
In health-related news, this past week, I would like a do-over, please. I was plagued by the most vicious cramps I have had in years. And I could not bear going to the gym, and challenging myself. Even though exercise is recommended for pain relief, I was just not feeling it. The most I could do was walk the dog, which I figure is better than sitting at home eating chips. I forced myself to go this weekend, and last evening. I felt a little like I was clicking the “undo” button on my body, hoping that those two work outs make up for a week of not exercising to my full capability, and indulging in leftover Halloween candy (foolish!). There’s no sense in beating myself up, it was a not so hot week, and I can’t go back, so I’m going forward. The scale greeted me with my old pal, 224 this morning. I equate that to my swollen womb, and probably a little candy. Here’s to a week candy-free, and work-out full!
In health-related news, this past week, I would like a do-over, please. I was plagued by the most vicious cramps I have had in years. And I could not bear going to the gym, and challenging myself. Even though exercise is recommended for pain relief, I was just not feeling it. The most I could do was walk the dog, which I figure is better than sitting at home eating chips. I forced myself to go this weekend, and last evening. I felt a little like I was clicking the “undo” button on my body, hoping that those two work outs make up for a week of not exercising to my full capability, and indulging in leftover Halloween candy (foolish!). There’s no sense in beating myself up, it was a not so hot week, and I can’t go back, so I’m going forward. The scale greeted me with my old pal, 224 this morning. I equate that to my swollen womb, and probably a little candy. Here’s to a week candy-free, and work-out full!
10.28.2008
HYC Check In
Happy Tuesday! I was surprised that the scale read 220.4 again this week. I’m glad that number wasn’t a fluke last week, but bummed that I didn’t make it to 219. I saw 219 a couple of times last week, after the Official Tuesday Weigh-In, but I guess it was not meant to be this week. Come on 70 pounds!
I really did well at my calorie counting last week. I was staying within the range I set (1750-1900) and wasn’t feeling deprived. Yay! However, my period is coming, and already the sugar is calling my name. So far, the bowl of Halloween candy in the office has beaten me today. But tomorrow is another day, and I can be stronger then.
Wishing everyone a successful week (and me too!)
I really did well at my calorie counting last week. I was staying within the range I set (1750-1900) and wasn’t feeling deprived. Yay! However, my period is coming, and already the sugar is calling my name. So far, the bowl of Halloween candy in the office has beaten me today. But tomorrow is another day, and I can be stronger then.
Wishing everyone a successful week (and me too!)
10.22.2008
Dare to Suck!
The call-back was Tuesday. I felt intimidated, confident, and nervous during various stages of the evening. Here's the short version of the story. Girl does improv exercise - poorly, girl does script reading well, girl learns and sings new song, poorly. Girl leaves the call-back trying to make peace with the fact that she did not fail, but she probably didn't get a part. On Wednesday, Girl receives word that after the director spoke with a former director of hers, that she did get the part. Girl pumps fist into the air while walking to catch the bus, and feels silly and giddy.
The director is so amazing, she started the evening with what she dubbed "kind of a woo-woo actor thing". Since each actor will play about 4-5 roles apiece, she gave us an exercise in quickly creating a distinct character. We were reminded that she wants us to do well, and was not trying to make us feel silly or uncomfortable. She is passionate and serious about theater - which is so inspiring for a rusty nail like me. My new favorite phrase is "Dare to Suck" - if you suck, it is okay - but you have to try. And really, that's good advice for just about anything, if you think about it. I rushed through my character exercise, because that is what I do when I am nervous. We did it a second time, and I was a little better. Although it was intimidating watching many others excel. The song - oy the song. I need a lot of time to learn a song, so I did not do very well - thanks again to nerves - an being in my head about my singing talent. At the end of the night, I felt like the experience wasn't a stink bomb, but probably not enough to get a role. And so I went home, had a glass of wine, and rambled on to Mr. Black about making peace with not getting a part.
In the morning, I saw that the playwright called Tuesday night and said that since all the experience on my resume was old, they were wondering if they could speak to someone who had worked with me recently - because they were considering me. My heart leaped at that - but then lurched a little. Oh, to admit that you have not been auditioning because you've been trying to lose weight and scared to try - kind of vulnerable! But they got their reference (a good one, I'm told) and so they told me they would be in touch. The roller coaster was continuing an upward trajectory. I had really gotten into a place where I was content with not getting a part. This was a great experiment, and now I had the confidence to work on some things, and audition for a different show. And then hearing positive feedback sent my hopes got up and released the butterflies in my tummy. So then I went and got a coffee at lunch - that was a really good idea - really helped calm me down.
Thank goodness I went to the gym and had my work out buddy to talk to, and lots of sweat to keep me distracted. Just after I left the gym, the playwright called and offered my a part, playing 5 characters. (All 5 characters who don't sing - what a surprise!) Delicious. Awesome. Exciting. Generous. I just feel lucky. I had so many people rooting for me, believing in me, my wonderful family and friends, my co-workers and even the blogosphere. I am so grateful for the lovely people in my life and the support.
So my advice to you is dare to suck! It really is okay. I also think that there's a beautiful sense of calm and confidence that comes with age. I've built a rich life outside of the theatre, and so if I didn't get it, I knew I had that life to support me while I work on what I need to. So now I get to bring some theatre into my life. I think the theatre might be pretty lucky.
The director is so amazing, she started the evening with what she dubbed "kind of a woo-woo actor thing". Since each actor will play about 4-5 roles apiece, she gave us an exercise in quickly creating a distinct character. We were reminded that she wants us to do well, and was not trying to make us feel silly or uncomfortable. She is passionate and serious about theater - which is so inspiring for a rusty nail like me. My new favorite phrase is "Dare to Suck" - if you suck, it is okay - but you have to try. And really, that's good advice for just about anything, if you think about it. I rushed through my character exercise, because that is what I do when I am nervous. We did it a second time, and I was a little better. Although it was intimidating watching many others excel. The song - oy the song. I need a lot of time to learn a song, so I did not do very well - thanks again to nerves - an being in my head about my singing talent. At the end of the night, I felt like the experience wasn't a stink bomb, but probably not enough to get a role. And so I went home, had a glass of wine, and rambled on to Mr. Black about making peace with not getting a part.
In the morning, I saw that the playwright called Tuesday night and said that since all the experience on my resume was old, they were wondering if they could speak to someone who had worked with me recently - because they were considering me. My heart leaped at that - but then lurched a little. Oh, to admit that you have not been auditioning because you've been trying to lose weight and scared to try - kind of vulnerable! But they got their reference (a good one, I'm told) and so they told me they would be in touch. The roller coaster was continuing an upward trajectory. I had really gotten into a place where I was content with not getting a part. This was a great experiment, and now I had the confidence to work on some things, and audition for a different show. And then hearing positive feedback sent my hopes got up and released the butterflies in my tummy. So then I went and got a coffee at lunch - that was a really good idea - really helped calm me down.
Thank goodness I went to the gym and had my work out buddy to talk to, and lots of sweat to keep me distracted. Just after I left the gym, the playwright called and offered my a part, playing 5 characters. (All 5 characters who don't sing - what a surprise!) Delicious. Awesome. Exciting. Generous. I just feel lucky. I had so many people rooting for me, believing in me, my wonderful family and friends, my co-workers and even the blogosphere. I am so grateful for the lovely people in my life and the support.
So my advice to you is dare to suck! It really is okay. I also think that there's a beautiful sense of calm and confidence that comes with age. I've built a rich life outside of the theatre, and so if I didn't get it, I knew I had that life to support me while I work on what I need to. So now I get to bring some theatre into my life. I think the theatre might be pretty lucky.
10.21.2008
HYC Check In
220.4! Finally!! It has taken 3 months for me to lose the 8 pounds I put on in June and July. Well, 7.6 pounds. This was a total surprise, because I was hovering around 223 all weekend. I didn't make it to my 5th day of exercise this week, but no matter - this is another week to try and try again.
I think I probably sweated out those 2.5 pounds last night. I tried to complete the 30 Day Shred workout number 1, by Jillian Michaels. I stuck it out through the whole thing, but had to stop a few times for some complaining and to steady myself to not fall over. It was a pleasure that all the ab work was a snap, thanks to Pilates. But don't tell Jillian I said that, she'd easily kick my ass. I was inspired that she said change doesn't come easily. You can't do something half way and expect results. Amen to that.
I hope everyone had a successful week!
I think I probably sweated out those 2.5 pounds last night. I tried to complete the 30 Day Shred workout number 1, by Jillian Michaels. I stuck it out through the whole thing, but had to stop a few times for some complaining and to steady myself to not fall over. It was a pleasure that all the ab work was a snap, thanks to Pilates. But don't tell Jillian I said that, she'd easily kick my ass. I was inspired that she said change doesn't come easily. You can't do something half way and expect results. Amen to that.
I hope everyone had a successful week!
10.19.2008
Flexing a different type of muscle
Sometimes I am terribly impulsive. That's how I ended up with a black leather motorcycle jacket that I think I've worn maybe 3 times. Last week I was poking around on line, reading a few blogs, checking out some recipes, and researching some theater. In the midst of this, I got a wild hair and scheduled myself an audition for a new play. Now, it has been approximately 4 years since I have set foot near a theater as anything other than a patron. I have felt both too rusty to audition, and scared that my weight would turn directors off. Have I been working on audition pieces? No. Did I have a current resume? No. So, I was a foolish woman, basically. But I wanted to do an exercise in getting rid of the fear. You never know unless you try, yes? So no more namby-pamby being scared crap. After I did it, I ran into the bedroom and told Mr. Black, and he said good! What's it for? I spent the week kind of being freaked out about it - and besides Mr. Black, discussed with no one. I wanted to keep it a secret in case I failed miserably, of course. Mr. Black let it slip when we had dinner with some friends on Thursday, and he pointed out that I needed support and people in my corner. Good point, Mr. Black. I got great advice from my friend who works at a theater. Remember that the director wants you to be good - they aren't there to judge you and make you feel inadequate. I kept that in my heart this week.
So Saturday I went out there and just did it. I had classic nerves - heart racing and dry mouth. This is not effective when you are planning to talk for 2 minutes. It was scary and thrilling and kind of fun all at once. I got through my pieces, and was complimented on ending at 1 minute, 58 seconds, as they were going to literally cut people off at 2 minutes. I felt like, okay, you did it, you didn't bomb, you didn't get cut off, you didn't go blank and just stare into space, you got through it. Good girl! Then they asked about the singing roles I've had. "You sing a bit, then?" Hm. My usual approach to singing is to try and look cute so that no one can hear how weak my voice is. Instead of telling the director and her crew that, I told them that I don't read music very well. (read: at all) and so when I have a song to learn, I have to schedule extra time with the musical director. I patted myself on the back for being honest, and prepared to go home. They asked me to sing. Dear god. I didn't have a song prepared - audition 101 - always have a song prepared if you're auditioning for a show with music in it. After looking at my panicked face they kindly suggested my soulful rendition of Happy Birthday. Fabulous. So I sang. Loudly, clearly, and tried to not have my annoying nervous vibrato come through.
I felt being asked to sing could be both encouraging (we like you so far - let's hear what you can do) and a killer (oh - that's what you can do, eh?). But whether they called me back or not, I walked out of there feeling like I didn't embarrass myself, I did as well as I wanted to. I faced my fear, flexed the old muscles that have been dormant for so long, and felt confident that if this was something I wanted to really work at again, I could. I always have an easier time dealing with rejection if I feel as though I did the best I could. And this wasn't about getting into the show, it was about challenging myself. Although I'd be lying if I didn't have some fantasy thoughts about being called back. Also, I noticed how much heavier my face looks in my old head shot. My face has really thinned out and I was tempted to say - hey, I'm 66 pounds lighter than that picture shows - really!
Today I DID get called back to read from the script. I am thrilled and proud of myself, and excited. Tuesday evening, I'll be hanging out with actors, fighting dry mouth and feeling nervous all over again, and I can't wait. The show has 40 characters, and they are looking for each actor to play between 5 and 10 roles apiece. Fun! Hooray for a risk that paid off.
So Saturday I went out there and just did it. I had classic nerves - heart racing and dry mouth. This is not effective when you are planning to talk for 2 minutes. It was scary and thrilling and kind of fun all at once. I got through my pieces, and was complimented on ending at 1 minute, 58 seconds, as they were going to literally cut people off at 2 minutes. I felt like, okay, you did it, you didn't bomb, you didn't get cut off, you didn't go blank and just stare into space, you got through it. Good girl! Then they asked about the singing roles I've had. "You sing a bit, then?" Hm. My usual approach to singing is to try and look cute so that no one can hear how weak my voice is. Instead of telling the director and her crew that, I told them that I don't read music very well. (read: at all) and so when I have a song to learn, I have to schedule extra time with the musical director. I patted myself on the back for being honest, and prepared to go home. They asked me to sing. Dear god. I didn't have a song prepared - audition 101 - always have a song prepared if you're auditioning for a show with music in it. After looking at my panicked face they kindly suggested my soulful rendition of Happy Birthday. Fabulous. So I sang. Loudly, clearly, and tried to not have my annoying nervous vibrato come through.
I felt being asked to sing could be both encouraging (we like you so far - let's hear what you can do) and a killer (oh - that's what you can do, eh?). But whether they called me back or not, I walked out of there feeling like I didn't embarrass myself, I did as well as I wanted to. I faced my fear, flexed the old muscles that have been dormant for so long, and felt confident that if this was something I wanted to really work at again, I could. I always have an easier time dealing with rejection if I feel as though I did the best I could. And this wasn't about getting into the show, it was about challenging myself. Although I'd be lying if I didn't have some fantasy thoughts about being called back. Also, I noticed how much heavier my face looks in my old head shot. My face has really thinned out and I was tempted to say - hey, I'm 66 pounds lighter than that picture shows - really!
Today I DID get called back to read from the script. I am thrilled and proud of myself, and excited. Tuesday evening, I'll be hanging out with actors, fighting dry mouth and feeling nervous all over again, and I can't wait. The show has 40 characters, and they are looking for each actor to play between 5 and 10 roles apiece. Fun! Hooray for a risk that paid off.
10.14.2008
HYC Check In
Do you know what 224 is? It is an area code in Illinois, how many electoral college votes Obama had on September 9th, and my current weight. Even though I was 220.2 on Saturday, and last week I was smiling fondly at the scale as the number went down, here I am again, on official weigh in day with good old 224. All I can say is that I think the weekends with their boozy evenings are messing me up on Tuesday. I hope that I'm right, and that later in the week, I'll get back to where I was before.
I've learned that there is a mind set about losing weight. I think that I want the freedom to eat and drink what I like, and then expect it to not count. I am exercising, I am eating well, but then splurging with the attitude that it will not affect me, since I've stayed on plan for the days prior to weigh in. I wasn't that disappointed this morning, it was more of a confirmation that I can't stray, or that when I do, I have to accept the consequences. And remember that in the big picture, I'm doing well.
Hope everyone else had a great week!
I've learned that there is a mind set about losing weight. I think that I want the freedom to eat and drink what I like, and then expect it to not count. I am exercising, I am eating well, but then splurging with the attitude that it will not affect me, since I've stayed on plan for the days prior to weigh in. I wasn't that disappointed this morning, it was more of a confirmation that I can't stray, or that when I do, I have to accept the consequences. And remember that in the big picture, I'm doing well.
Hope everyone else had a great week!
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