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.

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.

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.

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!

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.