doo doo dooo

Patrick and I went shopping today . *Play Bare Naked Ladies song here* I am sort of always struggling with myself. On one hand I am drawn to crazy colors. Anyone that knows me knows that I love colors. So I am drawn to having colors, and cute things, and stars and hearts all over everything. But on he other hand sometimes I feel sometimes that it would be nice if everything coordinated more and was sophisticated. But really, at the end of the day... The colours really make me happy. So I guess I'll go with that.

Anyways. The mall was very annoying. Girls scare me. They are so annoying and Salinas is very ghetto. I don't necessarily dislike children. But I dislike badly behaved ones. If they can't be well behaved, can we at least put them on a leash? I really don't like them running around and jamming into me. Seriously people.

I got some colorful shirts though!

Christmas

Today was/is Christmas. To state the obvious.

It was ok. Salinas is boring. I sortof like being home, because its laid back. But at the same time it's boring. Excitingly, I got a new laptop...a tiny one. And my brothers got me a George Foreman grill. Which is more exciting than you might think. And Chris got me the book "Song Writing for Dummies", something I requested, in light of my renewed interest in writing music.

Patrick and I are watching The Office. My parents won't shut up. It's very annoying watching TV in this house, because everyone feels the need to talk over the TV. Very annoying.

Yes mom, I know you read this.

Anyways, I am really liking this dog running around my parents house. Her name is Cali and she is quite cute, and fairly calm considering she has to put up with Michael. And now my dad dumped Michael's new tools all over. Awesome.

I want to go see a bunch of movies that just came out. Valkyrie (randomest movie ever to release on Christmas day), Bolt (ok, so I got over my animated talking movies thing within the last few weeks), Bedtime Stories, and something else I can't remember right now.

Ok, parents don't understand The Office. I miss Comcast.

Ramble, ramble, ramble.

Musings and thus and such....

There was this guy at Hartnell, Robert, who used to always say "thus and such"...I always wanted to shoot him.

Anyways...

I thought I'd just write stuff, because its fun. I'm watching some random moie on the OnDemand. I like OnDemand, because theres always something on. I just don't appreciate their movie selection, the free movies are generally pretty lame. Although they did have this one movie this one time called "Peggy Sue Got Married" which I really liked. It had the younger version of Nicholas Cage in it (I like him alot, just not currently as his old self). It made me laugh, cry, and it changed my lfe. (Maybe.) Anyways, I am not actually watching this movie. Just sort of letting it heppen. Theres some movies coming out that I really want to see, but I don't think I can until they are on DVD. I am trying to save money for this new place I'm moving into in January. I want to have to borrow as little as possible from my dad. I'm really excited to move though. It will pretty much be the first time my life hasn't been completely unorganized since August. Seriously, my life has been way too much drama and stuff. It really never heps when you're moving houses every two weeks and your stuff is in three locations. So not cool. My new house is right by the best burrito place ever and a decent dance studio so thats good for me.

Speaking of le danse... I want to try to do Irish dance again. Hopefully in January. I've been thinking of growing my hair out again. Or just cutting it off altogether. Haven't decided which yet! Yes, I know... Such similar option.

My parakeet is being boring right now. But lately his flight patterns have been more and more interesting. Side note- I don't know who wrote this script....but two fifths of them should be shot. I was making cookies today, but I got bored so I guess I'll make the rest tomorrow. So far it looks like I'm graduating! I'm just waiting on one more grade. Hopefully my acculturation paper was good. Thats pretty much what that class was hinging on. It was hard only because the teacher was pretty bad. His tests were full of typos and written on a typewriter.

I've really wanted to write songs lately. I wish I was Jason Mraz. He writes very nice songs. I wish I could write songs as nice as his.

huzzah! rabbits for everyone!

Update on things

Ok so for those of you who have no idea what I'm up to...I'm sorry I haven't let you know sooner. (probably mostly Ami Ma and Papa Harold)

School is alright. I should be graduating this semester, unless a meteorite crashes or something. I am in 2 ensembles. Afro-Cuban Jazz, which kicks my butt weekly. And Wind Ensemble...which I am enjoying immensly. I am very sad we don't have rehearsal this week due to the director (Robert Busan) having to fly to Sydney for an emergency.

I am also teaching ballet once a week in San Mateo. It is a pretty good gig, I am allowed to make demands on things like hair and the uniform is strict and a classical approach is welcomed. Not Dance Arts. Thank goodness.

I am also working at Elephant bar still... I am a certified trainer- which is a nice title, but sometimes difficult. I still love waiting though. I stabbed myself with a fork last night...it really freaked my boss out. And I'm super excited because we're turning our busser, Rodile, into a server. Everyone loves him and I think he'll do great. He still needs to work on his English a bit and speak louder...but it's really cool for him to be able to progress like that. He'll make so much more than he does bussing.

Oh yesh, and I moved again. Bob hates moving...he flipped out. I hate moving too, but I didn't cling to the side of my cage psychotically like he did. Its ok for now, but the arrangement is month to month and I anticipate moving again as soon as something with friends opens up. I have no internet there though, if I can't steal it...you'll find me at Starbucks!

I'm sure I'm doing something else too....but I can't remember now...

Stuff and Stuff

So I love Wind Ensemble. Today Robert Busan said he "didn't like the brass attitude" and "never ask a trumpet player to do anything remotely complicated, except dress themselves". I'm sure not everyone took this well, but I thought it was hilarious! But I'm strange that way.

I felt like I did well today. But it didn't start out well. Band is at 11 and I showed up at 10 and couldn't figure out why there were "weird" people in the band room. Then I tried to play the wrong Chorale, one we don't even play- it was just in my folder. Thank God Tim pointed that one out!

Anyways, I'm not so down with the craziness of life right now. I'm really just wanting it to stop. I'm also not able to handle my new living situation just yet. Its ok, I just miss the comradarie of the old one. So I'm going to whole myself up in my computer.

Oh well. Whatevs... I'm already done with this whole idea. I told RJ I'd meet him and Sivan down at the beach for a bit...

Bye.

Darling...

Buy me a mink.

Have your cake and eat it too.

As I sip my Grey Goose Cosmo and finish "Last Holiday", a movie all about living life to it's fullest, I find I am just buzzed enough to toast Audrey, my shy friend on the far wall who has just had a great holiday at Tiffany's. Only she and I are in on the fact that I will someday gain the status she holds. Audrey and I get it, we live life, we don't wait for it to happen. As the movie quotes, "I keep waitin' and waitin' for something big to happen and then you find out you're going to die".

I take forever to post...

Life has been busy as always. This past month Chris turned 21 (I took him to Yoshi's), I got a job as a server at Elephant Bar, and school *finally* got out.

I quit my job at Starbucks on Monday. Everyone is sad but I am looking forward to NOT working 24/7. I start dancing with a new choreographer/group on Saturday. Paige is in the group too and it is going to be taped by a documentary maker. He is planning on making a documentary about creating a ballet and it may show on PBS and similar channels! Exciting!

Irk... I also need to get back to my fashion blogging now that school is out.

Tread softly and carry a big stick...

The whole dilemma is what stick do you need for the occasion?

Well recently I've been busy.

1- I quit my job at MacNN. I am very relieved and overjoyed.
2- I got a job at this adorable bakery in Glen Park called Destination Bakery. The pastries are so yummy I can't even eat the ones from Starbucks any more. I'll be opening there on Saturdays and Sundays. (Thanks Gina!)
3- I have a very good chance of getting a position as a server at Elephant Bar. The Assistant General manager liked me a lot, I have an interview with the GM tomorrow. It would be pretty sweet working there.
4- I had a really good photo shoot this past Sunday. The photographer gave me lots of good advice for posing. I got the photos back last night. I'll post a few as soon as I get around to it.
5- I'm going to be working with a ballet based choreographer and a group of other dancers in San Francisco to create new works and possibly a documentary on creating ballet. Yay! I haven't gotten a chance to dance outside of class for a while. (erm, ballet that is.)
6- I got 3 dvds back from directors. 1 is a music video and it is really good and worth the 20 hours of shooting we did. The sci-fi one is pretty good aside from cheesy sound effects. And the third one is eh, the sound is whack. But good reel material. Very happy about these.
7- Some other photo shoots/movies are in the process, but probably not until late May/June since a) a photographer is out of town, b) a director is out of town, c) I'm trying to wrap up the school year.

Other then that-
I have realized that I need to stop giving too much perceived power to others. I need to just stand up and say "no". I have no obligation to anyone else, if I don't want to be there I don't have to be. At this point in my life, quitting a job is not the end of the world. (Hopefully it never will be.) I can find something that better suits me easily and my boss has no right to keep me from that.

I also need to stop giving too much power to people who are just bitches. Dancer girls, coworkers who cares? They're just being mean because there is something going on inside their head. It's not me and I need to let it go.

Ok...I was going to go on and on about all the things I hate. But thats just San Francisco talking. The thing I hate about this city is everyone has a cause. And honestly, I don't care.

goings on and things...

So, Bob is making more and more creative noises. Which is a good thing, even though most of them coincide with his favorite tv personalities. At least he has added a fourth person to talk to, Mr. Jay Manuel. *sigh*

I've continued to work my way through "Sex and the City" in hope of finishing the series by the time the movie comes out. I've decided that Carrie pretty much sucks at life, except for wearing clothes and writing. Samantha doesn't suck at life, shes pretty much the most comfortable with herself but a bit obsessive. Charlotte is boring and Miranda is too uptight. And Mr. Big should be shot. So there, thats what I think of them all. Oh and while were at it, we should shoot Charlotte's mother-in-law.

I'm in the process of looking for a job in the restaurant business...Gina's been kind enough to help me out with it. I'm almost at the end of my rope with my other job. Hanging by a thread.

I just worked on a movie this past weekend which was disastrous. The director has a lot of ambitions but was not good at communicating. He also cast his movie horribly. He had a non-actress cast as the lead. It was all very ridiculous.

Don't forget to check out my other blog!

New posts are happening at The Fashionable Life! Leave comments on your opinion about style, etc... Let me know what you think, and also if anyone can tell me how to reformat the blogger page for the post are to be wider...that would be awesome.
Thanks everyone!

I live in California!

I was reminded today of the fact that I actually DO live in California still. It was 82 degrees in San Francisco. For once I actually got some color on my arms and was not freezing in the sun. This morning pep band played for the University Preview. It was majorly fun. I got coffee donated from my Starbucks which didn't go so well...no one in warm San Francisco felt like drinking coffee- not even me. Thats saying something!

Things on the performing arts plane are amusing. I'm in the middle of filing a complaint against an alleged student of the Academy of Art University. I have a director I'm working with, but don't know when the project is going to happen... I have a few other projects that are confirmed, but again don't know when they're going to happen. Its all very confusing, people are pretty bad at deciding when to do things/coordinating. I did film the sci-fi tv show a few weeks ago, it was really fun and a good chance to do a lot of improving. I'm looking forward to seeing the DVD.

Other than that...I think cab drivers are the most cold and heartless people ever. No one in San Francisco completely follows traffic law. Which is readily evident if you're trying to travel. But cab drivers are the absolute worst, they could care less for courtesy and being nice. I understand that they don't need to be nice to everyone, but every now and then it isn't appropriate to run through every opening possible. Except for my sax playing cab driver. He's cool, he practices in his cab during slow times by CalTrain station.

Hey its April! Cool.

Movies, TV Aliens, and Dance Moves

Well, what am I up to lately? Lots of insane stuff I think. Lets see....

Aliens-This past weekend I was an alien in a tv show in the Santa Cruz area. Looking forward to seeing the DVD. It was pretty fun, I got to infect everyone and implied take over of the earth.

Pizza- I auditioned for an independent film this past weekend also. I feel that I did well, but they aren't releasing results yet.

Horrifying- I have the female lead in a horror movie. It is a final project for a student at the Academy of Art University.

Maybeso?- I may be involved in another film...not 100% sure whats going on.

Cross Your Fingers- I have another audition for an AAU project tomorrow morning.

Other then that...

We started a new piece in Byron's class the other day. It's a lyrical piece and I really like it. I would also like to note that my dance teacher, Sue, is awesome. Just because I don't think anyones mentioned that. Because no one knows her here. Which is why we should abduct the ballet teacher at SFSU and hire her.

Ahem... I also have a week to be able to play two more songs really well for the Jazz Improv class at SFSU. I think I'm playing the two Freddie Hubbard tunes because they are awesome...and when I get around to it I'd like to play them on my trumpet. I think I also will be becoming the secretary for SFSU's Pep Band. I am *finally* meeting with the elusive Lance tonight.

So thats that...school is pretty calm since I turned in my paper on "Evolution's Rainbow" this morning.

Introducing Silent Bob!

I finally got a picture of my parakeet, Silent Bob! Here he is looking very suspicious of the camera.


Also don't forget to click on The Fashionable Life!

I should soonly write a post about the University Dance Theatre show at school...but at the moment I am still underwhelmed by it. Why is my school so ridiculous?

New website!

I have a new little project going on. It is a blog entitled The Fashionable Life and you can find it here. Please visit and support me by clicking on ads or passing it on to your friends! Also anyone who wants to refer a designer they love, or anything else relevant....please do!

Thanks!
Christina

This lady made these ridiculous statements. Oklahoma state rep Sally Kern.


Aren't we supposed to be worried about... oh, the fact that my college's president just got a 22% raise to his $300,000+ salary while they're still cutting teachers and classes? Or the checkmate moth pheromones which have been causing weird problems in people? Or this disaster of a war on terrorism? Or that Starbucks charges $1.55 for a cup of coffee? Or that other politicians are buying prostitutes? Or something...

Man, everyone's priorities are so out of whack.

More at Human Rights Campaign.

*ahem* I just realized I can't write... darn that grammar thing. And Dave, how dare you remind me about American Idol? That is such a horrible show.

Sick and such...

Bleh... This day has been really not productive. I have the most horrendous cold. I am horribly stuffed up. It started last night and I completely missed class today and had to call in sick to work. errr whine, whine, whine...

Other than that...

I am trying to get the choreography contest for Student Dance Alliance up and running. But I cannot seem to get the forms someone made which is the whole point of making a website. No forms=no point for a website. I really wanted to get the site published last night. *sigh* I have another exciting new web project in the works also....but I'll let you know about that in a few days. =D

I have alot of work to do in the next few weeks before spring break. I am really looking forward to that time off. Maybe I'll actually be able to clean weird parts of my house. Like the wood floors.. My anal retentive behavior is seriously clashing with the anal expulsive behavior of one of my roommates. I just freak out, not good for the mental health. Or homework for that matter. I try to read or study and have to run off and wash dishes before I can focus.

Last but not least...
I LOVE 24 hour fitness. If you go around 9pm all the classes that use the studio are finished. The wood floor and mirrors make it great for practicing all the tricky turns and leaps that Byron has been doling out. Next I'm going to bring my pointe shoes and really freak some people out. You get more weird looks dancing and doing the splits in a gym than if you're doing that stupid yoga stuff or lifting 500 lbs of metal. Yes, you guessed it, I despise yoga! My aerobics teacher taught a yoga class on Monday and I wanted to scream the whole time. There is no attack, no sharp, vigorous movement. The poses are retarded and counter intuitive. The stretches might be good for a non-dancer, but I had to seriously modify them to feel anything at all.

And so I leave you with my friend....
Yoga Barbie.

Late Night Post

I finally got my hands on the third episode of America's Next Top Model cycle 10, which I missed last night. The girl that got kicked off totally had it coming. She was so full of herself. There are some gorgeous girls on there this season, and then there are some of those "ugly-pretty" ones...who you can't quite figure out. I really like Lauren though. She is just a gawky, akward, punk...and thats refreshing.

All that being said... I would really like to meet Tyra Banks someday. She is insanely good at marketing herself, I bet she has an amazing mind for business. And not in an overly obnoxious way like Rachel Ray or Janice Dickinson. I'd also like to meet Twiggy. I envision having tea and crumpets with her.

On a less flimsy note. Isn't the political debate getting fun? Clinton is less and less appealing. The super delegate issue is going to be interesting to watch.

I think I should go off to bed now... I'd had my guilty media watching for the day and after 3 hours of dancing and exercising I feel pretty tired.

Whoo!

Well I passed the test in piano! I was/am very excited about it. My computer should be back tomorrow. My brother, Patrick, is also coming to visit tomorrow. It should be a great weekend and you should be hearing more from me.

Piano, piano, piano....

Ah, my nemesis, the piano... I should be practicing right now. I'm in a Jazz Improvisation class at school, and if I don't start working on the material I will have to drop it. I really don't want to, I love the teacher and I love the songs. (We're doing one of my favorite songs, "St. James Infirmary". ) The teacher, Dee Spencer, is also a cool gal. I also want to be more comfortable with improvising. So I think I shall stop whining and go and practice!

*resolve*

Also, the trumpet is awesome...my lesson went really well today!

The haps...

So my computer is currently in Minnesota being fixed...but I found some time to type this out on Kristi's MacPurse. *I love my roommate!* So here is what I've been up to...

I didn't get into American Ballet Theater, but Rhea did! She got into the Texas program. I think both of us are auditioning this coming Saturday for Alonzo King's LINES. I did an audition this past Saturday for a dancing job at Great America. It was so easy! I was floored, even my old jazz tarded class I used to teach could've done the combo. Plus, they let us do it 5 million times before auditioning us, and then let us have 2 tries at it. No pirouettes, no leaps, no tricks, very little technique needed. I could have sent my resume to audition for me. Weird.

This past weekend I also played trumpet with the pep band at school. It is such a blast! I met some awesome people and had an insanely good time. I'm looking forward to playing with them more.

Jazz with Byron has been going well. I feel like I have a better and better grasp on his style of movement. All is not lost.... And my aerobics teacher at school is going to let me teach the New York City Ballet Workout at one of the classes in a few weeks. (Or a modified version at least.)

My jazz piano class is going interestingly...my teacher is out of town today. I really become disenchanted with the piano quite quickly. I already practiced today, but I need to practice more. I should really have all these darn scales down by Wednesday. Darn mixolydians and blues and whatnot. ergle. I'm almost tempted to drop it...but I don't know.

And last but not least... Kristi and I are getting memberships to the 24 hour fitness down the street. They have some cool pilates and whatnot classes. It is so weird going into a gym though. Major plus is that I can use the studio when there are no classes. Hello choreography projects!

Which reminds me... I'm heading up the student choreography contest. I better have something to show tomorrow at the Student Dance Alliance meeting. It is silly of my computer to not be here. *sigh*

Well thats all folks!

Annoying Computer...

Hey all...

I'd love to tell you about everything. But my computer is really out this time. I'll write when I have time at school or something.

ABT as promised

I am currently wondering why Ben was rolling around on the floor with Wendy.

That aside...

Yesterday, Rhea and I did the audition for the American Ballet Theater summer programs. I was really not ready for that! I probably butchered a good amount of the combinations. But it was a good experience. Christina Elliott taught the class and she was very inspiring. I wish I had been able to perform better. I am just so out of practice that I couldn't make the combinations look good. Auditions are fun though. It is interesting to see the people that show up. I was by far the oldest there, even though the SI goes to age 22 and the collegiate program to 24. There were over 100 dancers in the middle age group class. Probably about 50 in ours and another 50 in the youngest group (from what I heard). There were girls with gorgeous bodies, others who looked more like me, some I could have snapped in half with my pinkie...but overall a LOT of beautiful line. They make me jealous.

After the audition Chris and I went out to Jazz at Pearl's for our anniversary. We had a great time, Pearl's is a very intimate setting. It was also Patrick's (my brother) 14th birthday.

It is funny how body type plays into ballet. It is more of an issue for me (and probably a lot of dancers) in how we are built than our weight. However weight is the easiest way to change your body. I wonder if a lot of dancers are driven to eating disorders because it seems like the easiest way to change your body? Instead of doing intense and repetitive stretching and strengthening to change your body to the best of its potential it is easier to misdirect that unhappiness into not eating. Auditions easily make me feel self-conscious about my body, but I generally realize it is because of my feet's flexibility and my hip flexors, etc and not because of my weight.

Anyways, my computer seems to be back from the dead. But it has absolutely no battery power now. Next time I find $60 lying around, I will buy a new battery. I also need to get it fixed, I have a list of people to call. I just hope it isn't too expensive. Fortunately I just found out today that I will be continuing my job as a personal assistant. That might help.

It was the third day of class today. I had a my psychology statistics lab today, the TA teaching it talks way too much. Then I had an aerobics class which I am taking to get myself moving on Monday and Wednesdays. I like the teacher, she is fun and young, I don't need a strict teacher who expects a lot for my fun class. She also is going to be using a lot of cool stuff such as hip hop, pilates, yoga, and isometrics. I also had the Jazz/Pop piano class for the first time today. I really like it so far. I feel good about it even though I was afraid I wouldn't be able to handle it. One of the first songs we're learning is St. James Infirmary, a song I really like. Also in my Intro to Clinical Psychology class today we talked about PhD and PsyD degrees. It's pretty scary. I hope someone offers me a movie contract before I get there. It sounds weak, but grad school is a ton of time and a ton of money.

ABT

To come...hopefully today. (I'm afraid my computer has given up.)

And all that jazz...

Today was the first day of school, why my school starts on a Thursday I have no idea. My first class on Tuesdays and Thursdays is Advanced Jazz. I decided to take it this semester to a) get myself moving in the morning and b) because I love Alicia Pierce (lots of great Dunham), the teacher and c) because I can actually get in because I am still listed as a dance major. Well, it turns out Alicia is on sick leave and Bryon Seddens is teaching the class. I love Byron, but he is hard. Not that this is a bad thing, in light of my goals to get into shape. However, I suppose I am lazy. I am actually quite excited to work with him all semester. He is an amazing dancer and choreographer, and has a no nonsense style of teaching that I like. He is amazingly talented with his body, the way he works with his torso, shoulders, and hips is completely counter-intuitive to my ballet training. I really hope I can pick up some of his sense for movement by the end of the semester. Hilari, a girl who was also in University Dance Theater last year and someone who understands Byron's movement much better than me, is also in the class. Hopefully she can help me out later if I need help. After school study sessions for dance class?

I am really psyched about the American Ballet Theater audition this weekend! My friend Reah is coming up for it. I'm really excited to see her and her mom and excited for her to do the audition. I think she has great chances of doing well. She is a really beautiful dancer. I really hope to get into the collegiate program, but I know it will be hard to actually go if I do make it in. I am taking audition photos tomorrow hopefully, Paige is helping me with them. And I think Sue is doing a letter of recommendation for me. The only thing I am really worried about is my chaine turns. They are really all over the place at the moment. This morning I kept losing my spot and ending up completely off track.

Well, I know there is more I want to write about, but it will have to wait. Till tomorrow!

Been a few days...

It has been rather busy lately. I've been working a fair amount at Smith Ranch. Since we cut the 24 hour schedule at Starbucks, hours have been low. Alas, once school starts on Thursday I will only be able to work Saturdays at Smith Ranch.

Saturday I went to ballet at the silly little studio down the street. I am by far the best dancer there, and I feel bad for the other students when I show up. However, it is the only class I can make on occasion, and sometimes at my level it is more what you make of a class then the class itself. At open classes at San Francisco Dance Center you are likely to get no attention at all. So in either case you just have to know what it is you personally need to work on. Although combinations that have no musicality and an onslaught of "American" ballet terminology can wear on me immensely, I have to just ignore it and think about those things I am doing wrong.

Saturday we also had a casual game night. I got to hang out with Natalie a bit more, and got to meet her boyfriend Christopher. They are cool people. I also got to meet Zack's girlfriend, Cynthia, she is very likable. Sunday we wandered the town and found (among other things) a cool little cafe called Cafe du Soleil. It was a relaxing atmosphere. The last couple evenings have been spent playing Dungeons and Dragons. It was a lot of fun tonight. I think I understand 3.0/3.5 better than I thought I did.

Well I am sure there is more to say...but it has been a long day and I am working in the morning. So I shall get back to it then.

Middle of the Week

Wednesday is a tedious day, especially since I am working a closing shift tonight. Then I have work tomorrow morning at Smith Ranch Care Center. And then another closing shift. It isn't too bad, all of Friday is mine.

I've been doing pretty well on all of my new years resolutions so far. I've managed to fit ballet and trumpet practice in every day for the most part. I've done well with my food. Last night we had grilled salmon patties, grilled asparagus, and lime pilaf (yes mom, I ate asparagus of my own will. weird.). I made a garlic, herb, butter sauce for the asparagus and salmon. It was very good. I've been way more motivated to get things done. I finally got a table and (mostly) cleaned out the beneath of my loft bed. I haven't been too good about getting my demo reel and new resume together. Nor do I have an agent yet, or theater auditions set up...but that is what the weekend is for, no?

Loft beds.... are actually quite useful for stretching. Since the ceiling is so close I can use to stretch whenever I'm in bed.

My first ballet audition is for American Ballet Theater's collegiate program on January 27th. Fortunately for me, San Francisco is one of the later stops on the ABT audition tour.

Next weekend (the 27th) is also the one year mark for Chris and me. Don't know what we're going to do yet. Granted I actually get my shift for that night switched, it won't be until after the ABT audition.

My favorite website of the day is this one- Andros on Ballet. I found it through a website I found through Off Center. You should look at this link especially- The Best of the Androsisms. They make me think of things my teacher Sue would say.

Class

I did get tips and so therefore got to go to class. Today I attended company ballet class at Westlake School for Performing Arts in Daly City. I have never attended such a great class which was so poorly publicized. It is not a small studio, but nor is it well advertised. I prefer it over San Francisco Dance Center for the home studio atmosphere and more individualized feedback. Although they teach a number of styles, the ballet students are remarkably, uniformly strong. The teachers are great, they rotate just enough that you get used to learning to adapt on the spot. At the same time there is enough consistency that the training is not interrupted. If you are ever in the area and need a good class you should give them a call. All that aside, class felt really good today. I have improved since last week, my body isn't rejecting ballet quite as much. My turns are a lot stronger (back to consistent triples and my pirouettes in attitude surprise me) and so is my turn out and extension. I really need to watch my arms (elbows especially), leg rotation in a la seconde, and my beats are a catastrophe at the moment. I am doing alright with remembering combinations though, something I'm always afraid of.

One of my new years resolutions was to eat better. This isn't so hard for me since I enjoy healthy food as well as the not so healthy. One of my favorite places to find tasty alternatives is Trader Joe's. They have a number of intriguing and healthy snacks. Today I stopped by after class for some food and ended up spending more then I wanted to. I ran out of joint supplements though , so that was important to buy. I can feel my joints way too much sometimes so I better do what I can for them now. Anyways I found a great chip while I was there. They are corn chips with flax seed (I love chips), and taste quite like Fritos. The flax seed means that there is 1000mg of Omega 3 in every serving and they are only $0.49 for a 1lb. bag! They were definitely worth the 2 quarters.

Lastly, a blog which I enjoy. I found this by chance while searching for info on the Flexi Stretcher. Interestingly, this girl also writes for The Winger. Her blog, Off Center, is interesting to read, especially if you like dance.

Workout!

One of my favorite tools for at home fitness is the New York City Ballet Workout. It is a useful 1 hour workout that I can easily customize and still leaves time for me to work on some other stuff. It claims that it is equally usable for dancers and non-dancers alike, but I don't buy that. Some ballet experience is a definite plus to using it. I think with time and perseverance anyone might be able to do it. But if you are a non-dancer and don't need to worry about turnout and the like, why bother? You might as well do something that won't take you 3 months to figure out. That being said, I think it is great. The music (there are 2 tracks- contemporary and classical) wear on you after awhile, so I usually mute it and play my own music. My favorite cds to use with it are Panic! at the Disco- "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out" and Red Hot Chili Peppers- "Californication". Peter Martins' narration is also a bit creepy, so the muting alleviates that as well. I wish they had an option to listen to narration only without music, even though Martins is creepy it helps to not look at the screen all the time.

Well... The other day I locked myself out of the house while taking the Christmas tree out and while waiting for my landlord met a neighbor in a similar predicament. He was very upset about a locksmith costing $250 so I loaned him the rest of my ballet money so he could take the bart to Pleasanton and get the spare key from his sister. He promised to repay me, but so far I haven't gotten my money back. I do know where he lives, so I might drop a note off tomorrow. So, needless to say I haven't been to ballet for 3 days. Tips come out tomorrow though, so hopefully I'll have enough for 3 classes or so. I have applications to a few restaurants to turn in as well. Hopefully I'll get hired at one of them. Better tips mean more ballet classes.

Ok, I'm working in about half an hour... Need to change into my mocha spattered clothes.

Torture Devices

So I am really interested in this product called the Flexi Stretcher. I only just noticed it the other day in Discount Dance Supply. At first I had though it was this Split Flex thing. The Split Flex looks undeniably scary, almost like a bow that you would shoot arrows with. Also from further research it seems to only stretch the center splits/extension which is the only thing I don't need help on. The Flexi Stretcher seems to stretch all three directions as well as help build awareness for placement and strengthen muscles through isometric muscle contractions. So far anything I have heard about it is good. I think next time I get paid I might invest in one.

By the way, everyone should go check out this website- The Winger. It is one of my favorite websites.

Welcome to my dance blog!

Well, in an attempt to keep myself motivated I have created a dance blog. I am sure you will hear about a few other random things, some unmotivating moments, and the like.... But for the most part, I'll just share with you the life of a performer. I named it Life on Pointe because my life here in San Francisco is always on edge. The edge of my box (pointe shoe) or the edge of my seat or the edge of my budget. The url is rightfootwoe because as very few of you know that is my frustrating and inadequate foot. Well now you all know...