Sage Advice

"I will not try to do anything.
I will simply ask myself to do things.
The results of these things will be
neither good nor bad.
They will simply be."
-Shad Kunkle

"All you can do is fix you."
-Jason Chin

In a time where I struggle with an inner improvisational turmoil, I stumbled across this advice from Jason & Shad. Shad's I had heard before, since we repeated it at the end of his classes. Jason's was new.
I found these bits of wisdom when I needed them the most. Remembering - "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear."
I am hoping to soon find that inner calm that I desire.
Something I didn't even realize I was lacking until Joe Bill pointed it out. Along with his advice "don't forget why you're here". To work on the craft, to be the best actress/improviser I can be. That was Joe's second best bit of advice to me, the first being "breathe".

I'm sure most improvisers have these periods of doubt, mine usually come before a positive change in the way I perform and approach the stage. While positive is most surely the outcome, the period of doubt and struggle can last anywhere from days to months. It's been almost 2 months, but if I can relax and focus at the same time it will go away soon.

There is a necessity and a pattern to these times of change and doubt. They are a sign of growing in the craft, of finding something new that your subconcious and concious must work out. If I hadn't started longform where I did, I might see these times in a negative light. But I see them as a sure sign of growth, thanks to Frank Ford's repeated encouragement "two steps forward, one step back".

Found Things!

Yesterday at the Walgreens on Franklin, I was perusing the hair care aisle when I found a product that guaranteed to beautify my hair in minutes.

I picked it up, it has Henna as one of the main ingredients, that's cool.

The other main ingredient?

Animal placenta!

Or for those of us who don't know, the stuff that comes out of your cat after the kittens.

I must admit I was so excited by this that I almost bought it. Almost.

Don't Wake Me I Plan On Sleeping In

I am afraid that for the moment, I am not feeling well. I am quite sure it is just a cold, but it did lead to me missing writing class last night and sleeping for 12 hours.

I feel more rested if nothing else.

Sleep used to be something so simple, so easy to come by. When I was a waiter I worked the evening shifts, going in at 5 or so and being home by 11 or 12. I slept in every day.
Unfortunately that kind of living leads to a life of general laziness and unproduction. At least for me. My days were filled with video games and internet use.
Plus I didn't get to do fun night things b/c I had to work.

Now however, I am working a full 8 hour day (really it's 9, I am here for lunch). Then running home to change and do whatever activity the night requires. A show, class, rehearsing, seeing someone else's show, trying to force a social life into my schedule. Weekends are the same - class & shows & rehearsals.

When do I sleep? Sometimes I can grab a nap for an hour or so before I rush off. I usually am in bed by 1. My alarm goes off at 6:40.

I'm not complaining, I do have a choice in my extra-curricular activities. I just miss sleeping sometimes. The only thing that gets me through work is my daily energy drink. (Amp!) Which I highly reccommend.