Quick post

Heading into the city to get some Jess Curtis/Gravity work done and then taking Kim's workshop at ODC. Tony will then meet me in the city for a light dinner before we head over to ACT to see Phedre.



I am feeling pretty good right now. Not 100%, but good enough to attempt this day.

So I don't have to rush, I am getting ready to head to BART now, so gotta run.

Gratitudes:
1. Feel better
2. sunny weather
3. more work with Gravity
4. being close to culture
5. possibilities

Continued spin!

So yesterday was a super bad day. I woke up at around 10AM and could barely get myself out of bed. I was trying to deal with the fact that walking was difficult and then I just got myself to the couch and started researching doctor options. The vertigo had gotten so bad that it was constant and the nausea was coming on. I called the hospital nurse help like and she suggested I get some meclizine to start. If that didn't work she suggested I come into the hospital or to one of the free clinics in Oakland. So, Tony drove me to the Walgreen's and since I couldn't really read any of the packages, I bought the cheapest one. This crap called Zentrip in truly disgusting strips.

The stuff didn't work and I vomited it up within an hour. To make a long story short (I know, very rare) I wound up at 2 different clinics before going to Highland Hospital. I believe it's the Grady of the East Bay. Check in and registration were super fast and after 30 minutes I also had blood drawn. But the wait for a doctor was (drum roll, please) 7 HOURS.

SEVEN HOURS!!

There were 5 traumas that came through and I believe at least one provider called in sick. But the worst of all, was my the time the doctor came in, my symptoms were GONE. So, she tried to induce the vertigo, but nada. I left there with a prescription for Adavair and the paperwork for free health coverage in the area. I honestly felt that I was crazy. They apologized for my wait, but there was little else they could do. Mostly, I felt bad for Tony. He cancelled a meeting he had and postponed going up to Davis to wait with me in the lobby. I am very lucky.

Today, the dizziness returned, but it was not as bad. I did pass on going to Shy's yoga class this afternoon and sat on the couch with my head as still as possible. Christine Chen suggested I try the Epley Maneuver.



Doing this totally made me sick. Luckily, Christine sent this message and I responded in turn.



Just like yesterday I felt good this evening. So good in fact that Tony and I walked up to Berkeley Rep to see Aurelia's Oratorio tonight. After the show we headed to Emily's for a little conversation and Tim Tams with hot cocoa and then a nice walk home. My fingers are crossed that the Epley Maneuver worked and this Benign Vertigo is done for now.

Gratitudes:
1. Tony for his friendship and generosity
2. my ability to cook a good dinner
3. nice winter weather
4. chocolate
5. a little bit of work

To the Point of Saturation

Welcome to NorCal's rainy season. My hair is a big frizzly mess, but I get to wear my rainboots and that's just the coolest. Yesterday I drove close to N. Berkeley BART and parked so I get my hiney into the city to take Kim Epiphano's Abstract Storytelling workshop. I got there early, so she invited me in to play with one of her dancers. I was only affected by the vertigo once, which I guess is good. When she opened the door just before 3, she was just as amazed as I was that there were students waiting to come in. When I saw the flyer for this class, I was like "what the heck?" But she allowed me to come for free and assist when I could so I thought the BART fare was worth it.

It was 2 hour of play. I needed to stop censoring myself and just do. Some really interesting work from some and flashes of delight in others. I cannot go tomorrow because I teach for MTC, but I am excited to join in on Friday and then hang in the city before Phedre at ACT.

Kim was kind enough to drive me home last night, so this morning I got dressed and walked in the rain to retrieve my car that I parked over by the station. With no make-up on and frizzy hair, I dropped off two restaurant resumes. I put my best efficient smile on. I definitely exuded confidence and ability. Hopefully it will overshadow the fact that I may have looked like shit.

It feels like these resumes are going out with reckless abandon. Just as I am with dating, I am certainly being a bit choosy. I am on the verge of being desperate, so I hope with the saturation of the market with the written lists of my skills and talents, something will pop.

Hey Universe, mama needs a break!

Gratitudes:
1. Tony cooking and sharing meals
2. Kim and her generosity
3. my ipod
4. my rainboots
5. a roof over my head

Jerry Lewis is not funny!

But Eddie Izzard is. Tony and I are currently sitting on the couch watching the end of The Errand Boy. I am totally disappointed. I am not sure why people think Jerry Lewis is funny. Maybe this is just one of his clunkers. However, last night along with Tony, Randy, Kati, Jamie & Sarah we saw Eddie Izzard at Oracle Arena in Oakland.

Ooooh, wait, Hold on a second. Call me a monkeys aunt. This part just came up in the movie. Totally made me stop blogging and watch. You should, too.



Okay, Jerry Lewis back to being stupid. Forget it all.

I never saw Eddie Izzard live before Saturday and I don't know if I would do it again. It was quite expensive and I prefer the intimacy you get from watching a video on my favorite place - the couch. I did have my little notebook and jotted a few things during the first half. I hope to use them in Funny Bone. The first is the idea of "stand up" and the physical act of standing up - or perhaps sitting down. The second is the ability to repeat characters or ideas. Izzard does it in a clever way and it never got old.

I need to explore that.

Perhaps tomorrow.

Gosh, is this movie still playing??!!!

Sigh.

Spinning!

For the last few days I've experienced this strange vertigo. The last time I experienced something like this I decided to clean my ears out. I was completely nauseated and could not drive. I had a voice over that day and had to cancel.

Complete suck.

This came on 2 nights ago in the middle of the night. I thought that I was affected by alcohol, but I didn't drink that night. It's not completely overwhelming. I'm hoping I just have a little cold in my ear and it will go away on its own. Ah, without health insurance I have to hope for the best.

The good news is that I am having a great day. I started my day heading down to Livermore and auditioning for Livermore Shakespeare. Since the festival is outdoors in the summer, they rehearse in one of the neighborhood hotels. It was so pleasant. The Artistic Director and the other auditors (another director and the dramaturge) were so welcoming. We chatted a bunch and then I was sent outside to look at a side from The Real Thing. They are also doing Romeo & Juliet. I'm guessing at this stage I would be up for either the Nurse or one of the moms. Whatever happens it was a great experience. Not only that but the 40 minute drive was scenic AND the coffee in the hotel was hot and tasty.

I got back to Berkeley in time to head to Chauncey's jazz class. Gosh, his teaching style and warm-ups just make me smile. Other than two short bouts of vertigo the class was completely enjoyable. I left The Beat sweaty and happy.

Tony and I just cleaned the apartment for additional aerobic benefits. Now we're hanging on the couch in preparation for a little dinner and Eddie Izzard. I cannot tell you have excited I am.

For my loyal readers you know that things have not been sunshine and lollipops. However, I am proud to say that today was a good day.

Gratitiudes:
1. beautiful surroundings
2. reliable transportation
3. nice people
4. good dance classes
5. fresh food

Lying Weather

All of the online weather indicators say that it's raining in Berkeley. However, I can look out the windows of my living room and see that the sun is shining.

Um, what up with dat?

Tony is working for the Ballet this week and they are doing a run through today at 1PM so I may get up and take a shower and head into the city. I realized that I did not blog yesterday and my water consumption was rather low. I was also silly enough to put lotion on my face and hands BEFORE flossing, so that was a rather unsuccessful attempt. I did do my yoga exercises, so that's 1 for the daily tasks.

The one big thing I did yesterday is that I changed the little teaser on my online dating account to include the word "happy." While it may not be accurate lots of the time, it did make me smile. In this time of hardship and disappointment, I need to find ways to make myself happy. By myself, for myself.

Right now, I think it includes a shower and a some Swan Lake. And a bike to BART in the sunshine.

Bitches.

Wednesday Gratitudes!

Like most of the country, Berkeley is getting tons of rain. I donned my rain boots and jumped in some puddles as I walked to the 4th Street shopping district.

Not a ton to report, but I am excited to dine in the city with Tony before seeing Cirque du Soleil's OVO tonight.

In my effort to keep things positive, here are some things I'm grateful for:

1. my rainboots!

2. coffee

3. local dance studios

4. yoga

5. my ipod

No More Disappointment!!

I started my day this morning with an email from the theatre company looking for an education manager. Just as the last administrative job, they decided to hire within. It really took a lot of out of me mostly because I just cannot take any more rejection. I know times are tough, but I am really good at what I do. The fact that I have applied for multiple jobs in the last few months and either heard nothing or been rejected (even kindly) it just starts to hurt. Not only that but being unemployed, or not having regular income since November makes living hard.

In my sadness I posed my disappointment on Facebook and got some nice responses from some from my Atlanta past. It's interesting that I get such love from so far and little from those I met in CA. I decided to do one of the free classes from Yoga Today. It was a basic class. Not really high energy or restorative. But after the 51 minutes I was in better spirits.

Years ago I told myself that I would not deny myself anything for the lack of money. As a fairly frugal person, I had sometimes said that I did not deserve to spend on a nice dinner or a treat for myself. However, with no money coming in, it's come time that I really just cannot go out. I really have to say no. And it hurts. It's much harder that I don't have a local support system that will do some cheapy (or free) things with me. So, it's just easier to have a pity party on the couch.

I have applied for 7 faculty positions, but there's nothing else local pending. I do have some possible work come February, but I really need something NOW. I did apply for two restaurant server jobs last week, but it's doubtful that I will get them. There are just too many others that have more recent local experience. There are two other restaurant possibilities, so I was going to head out while the sun was shining. The blue skies have been replaced by gray clouds so perhaps on my way out to do my work study shift at The Beat tonight, I will stop and drop off my resume.

Deep breath, stretch & shower. Perhaps a little more coffee. Definitely getting off the couch.

The Journey of a Yogi

I finished my first weekend of yoga training and I am excited to see how things progress. Shy is a really great teacher and I love how he organizes the class. On Day 1 he taught Tadasana, Urdva Hastasana and one of Shy's own poses Spreading Wings. He lead the class through the poses and then we took turns reading the instructions aloud. Next without using the manual the class as a whole taught Shy Tadasana as each of us called out a direction.

We then paired up 3 times with three different partners and taught Tadasana and added the two other poses. In between each time we taught, Shy lead us through the sequence again. He used different language each time which really allowed us to select the cues that we liked and then try out hand at them with our partner.

Come the second day, it was surprisingly easy to instruct these 3 poses and save one directive, my partner gave me some really positive feedback. As we moved on to Plank and Chaturanga Dandasana, it became increasingly difficult. Especially because it's difficult to give instructions quickly as the students hold the pose. So we had to choose which of the instructions is most imperative at each time. Since these two poses are usually repeated throughout a class, you have the option of getting adding additional instructions each time you flow through these poses. What I did not like was that we were not eased in as we were the previous day and that fact that we only had the opportunity to teach it twice - rather than the 3 times on Day 1. The two women I paired with were also not my favorite. So, for me Day 2 was not as exciting as Day 1. I did however stay for Shy's Candlelit Yoga class and it kicked my butt. I left truly energized and sweaty.

Y'all, I don't usually get sweaty.

Especially in yoga. But it made me think about the possibilities and the ways to make a yoga practice both high energy or restorative. We are also bringing in some yoga ethics and traditions and I'm curious to know what I will add to my teaching practice. I do wish I had a little more money to take classes more regularly. Here's hoping that some of the jobs will come through and money will not be an issues.

Mama, really needs her eye brows waxed!

Gratitudes:
1. the return of my roomie
2. my daily tasks
3. interesting areas to walk around the area
4. a full dance card of evening activities this week
5. a washing machine in the apartment

The tides are a-turning!

Last night I met up with my good friend Sarah's hubby in Rockridge for a yummy Indian dinner. He is visiting town for a math conference and to pimp himself out to potential employers - just as I have been doing for the past few month. He shared stories of older family members who were unemployed for a time and it made me feel just a little bit better. I think in the grand scheme of things, this 3 month time span will not hurt so bad. After a driving tour of Berkeley, I dropped John at the Ashby BART so he can head back to the city. I wished him luck on all of his searches and he said that with the rejections he's been getting, he would like to reject at least once when all is said and done.

So, I say, hear, hear! Here's to options!

Today I start my yoga training program and then head up to Christine and Genia's for a little wedding party with Tony. I also heard from Marin Theatre Company yesterday and I am officially teaching an after school class for them from the end of January through the end of March. It's not a ton of money or a ton of time, but it'll get me going. It will also allow the folks from Cal Shakes to see me teach which will then give me an opportunity to teach there.

See, options!

Dressed and ready to...CLEAN??!!!

I feel like all I do around this stinkin' apartment is clean. I guess if I spend so much time sitting on my derriere on the couch, the apartment will not clean itself. Since Tony comes back to town tomorrow, I feel like I should make sure it's all welcoming and shit. I did most of the dishes last night and should do a vacuum and perhaps a mop, for good measure.

I woke up with a start this morning when I thought that the mop bucket was stolen. I put it outside when I mopped last and did not remember seeing it at the front door. Luckily, when I ran and opened the door - there it was! Ah, thank you neighborhood delinquents for not stealing our bucket - like some asshole in Davis did. In my delight, I jumped back into bed with my computer and started my morning ritual in bed. I actually got out of bed around 8:30 and took a shower. Using Amy Cole's fashion wisdom, I did tuck in my shirt and put on a belt to show off my tiny waist. I headed to the 4th Street area to meet with a hairstylist for a model haircut consultation. Unfortunately, my hair is not right for the cuts she needs to do in the next few weeks and color she offered will cost me $25. A luxury expense that I just cannot afford right now. I hate that I have to say that. A psychic once told me that I would never have money problems. And she has been right - for the most part. I guess a few months trouble twice in 20 years is not so bad.

I was already out on by bike, so I decided to tool around the area. There are a ton of offices and businesses in the blocks surrounding my house. Okay, i was really looking for potential job ops, but alas there were none. I did call two more restaurants and will bring resumes by. I also heard from the theatre company with the education manager position and they should have a decision made next week. Some other things in the works in both dance and theatre - so fingers are crossed for something definite.

Okay, no more procrastination. Tunes on and cleaning commences!

Gratitudes:
1. potential employment
2. my hot water bottle
3. fresh veggies
4. my ability to cook
5. those who are safe and helping in Haiti

** TODAY'S IMAGE IS BY EMMA KIRSOPP. IT'S CALLED "DRESSED AND READY," HOWEVER THE JPG WAS TITLED "SEXY NURSE." EITHER WAY YOU CAN SEE HER STUFF HERE. **

Madonna, madonna, madonna...

You Are Like a Prayer

You are an intense, passionate person. Sometimes your emotions really get the better of you. An experience can be so intense for you that it feels spiritual or religious. You tend to let yourself go. You don't hold back, and you live in the moment. You live your life to the fullest, even if it makes you feel crazy. A little crazy is a good thing!

What Madonna Song Are You?

Blogthings: We Have a Quiz for Almost Everything

Progress

Yet another quiet day. I hoped to blame my lack of activity on the overcast skies, but we had sun most of the day in the East Bay. I am proud to say there were some firsts and some communication today. Both always good and always welcome.

I did stay in my pajamas until almost 3 today. Catching up on watching the shows I recorded and I applied for yet another faculty position today. After a nice procrastination discussion on FB, I got dressed and prepped all of my reimbursements for Gravity and biked them over to Randy's in Emeryville.

Isn't that amazing? I made the 3 mile trek over the pedestrian bridge, along the highway, past Chevy's and back behind Watergate. It felt like it took forever. My guess is that it was just about 30 minutes. I got to the club house to drop the documents off for him, opened my backpack and just laughed. My bag was empty. I left them sitting on the dining table. I stood there in shock for a moment as the guys behind the desk looked at me funny. So, I said I would return and got back on my bike and headed home. It took every ounce not to stop at Chevy's and get a margarita. I could not believe I was that stupid.

The ride to Berkeley was surprisingly easy. I think I was back in 20 minutes. I am proud to say that I have been drinking more water, flossing every night AND with my work the last few days - getting into shape. It felt great to bike today, except my butt hurt like hell. Even worse than sitting on the couch for hours at a time. I guess if I do more long distance rides I will need to get a better seat. Better yet, I would have to get a better bike. I was not going to head back to save some more embarrassment, but I decided to get in my car and drive back. It also gave me a good excuse to return my books to the library while I was out.

On the communication front, I did get the Equal Opportunity form and receipt confirmation from yet another university where I applied and I did hear from the second admin job. They commended me on my strong application, but decided to hire internally. Yesterday I got an email from the theatre doing the Tennessee Williams rep. Yes, the one I auditioned for over a MONTH ago. They sent a kind, yet strangely worded rejection. No word from the education manager position. Conversely, I was delinquent emailing and calling 2 potential dates back. Oh well, I will do it tomorrow. And contact some local restaurants about job openings.

More TV and dish washing rounded out my evening. It's now 10:40PM and I am getting into bed with a little Chekhov.

хорошая ночь, as they say in Russia.

But first, a little gratitude:
1. notification - even if it's of rejection
2. a working bike
3. living by the water
4. a grocery store in walking distance
5. a roof over my head

Redemption

Yesterday I did redeem myself and go to sleep early with my copy of The Seagull. I am interested in reading it before I see the production up at UC Davis. As usual, I did not last long and I think I turned the lights out just after 10.

10PM, y'all. THAT'S crazy.

So, it should be a surprise to no one that I started stirring at 4AM and that gave full permission to Maxie to start smacking my head and biting my hair to get me up. i wound up thwarting him for 2 hours and around 6:30AM I got up to feed the little felines. As usual, I went back to bed and slept HARD until 9AM. There were crazy dreams, none of which I could remember now.

I had some Earl Grey and made a yummy egg breakfast, but I was moving slow. After a shower, I sweated trying to get out the door for my first interview with a freshly printed CV and wet hair. Luckily I arrived at the theatre just in time and they were running late. I met with a pretty large panel for about 45 minutes and felt good. This is yet another Education Manager position. It is part time and it felt like a better match than the last one.

My fingers are crossed to make it to the second round.

A few hours later I drove to Oakland for my second interview - at a restaurant. When I walked in the door there was a HUGE line of people waiting to speak to one woman at a table in the middle of the dining room. I realized that my 15 minutes in the meter around the corner was not going to do it, so the gentlemen behind me offered to save my spot as I ran to move my car to a non-metered spot. I came back out of breath and there was still 5 people ahead of me. A gentleman joined the lady and then she moved to another table and started seeing people as well. I thought I would have a better shot with the guy, but as it turned out I spoke with the woman who had no social skills and just asked me about the hours I could work and if I could use the POS software. That's it. I was outta there in less than 2 minutes.

Needless to say, I am not very optimistic here.

My stomach is still full from the chicken stew and pasta I ate 2 hours ago. I need to get ready for Sarah's dance class at The Beat. And then the countdown starts for my first yoga training class on Saturday. Oh, and my roomie comes back.

Oh gosh, does that mean there needs to be more cleaning?

*sigh*

Big Fat Liar

After seeing Keith Hennessey's crazy festival in the big, bad city last night I drove Dave, Claire and Dani back to Davis. I stayed at Jennifer's and after staying up way too late chatting, we continued our conversation over coffee this morning. I made the rounds seeing Peter, Victoria, Bella and did a bit of Gravity work with Eric, Daniel & Socorro. It felt good to be back. A little taste of being a big fish in a little pond. It was a boost of my confidence and I got to hang with Jamie and Sarah, as well. I took this great feeling and played my favorite tracks on Mick Christmas CD over and over and sang at the top of my lungs.

This is where things turned. I got back from Davis this afternoon and updated my Facebook status twice.

"tea and Chekhov" at 2:20PM and "has a hankering for sushi" at 3:20PM. I have a full belly and I'm sitting on the couch with a bathing Maxie next to me. It's now 4:22 and I have not had any tea or sushi. I have not cracked open The Seagull. I defrosted some of that African Chicken Stew and a container of rigatoni pasta. I added a little garlic and frozen spinach to a pan and a little of the stew and the pasta. It was yummy, but any way you look at it, I am a big fat liar.

There has not been any tea or sushi. I have done a little work for Jess, but for the most part I have been doing what I do best - watching TV and sitting on the couch.

Tomorrow I have 2 interviews one at a theatre company and another at a restaurant. Here's hoping I put that confident (and not lying) foot forward!

A little of what I'm grateful for:
1. good music
2. time with friends
3. the start of some communication - in this case an email from the TD department and another one from the folks doing the Tennessee Williams rep letting me know (in the weirdest language) that I was not cast
4. leftovers
5. the tea to come

Scraping the Bottom

I have to say that I really don't have lots of positive to share today. I would do well not leaving the house for days on end and that's just not good. So instead of more venting and bitching I am going to post a blogthings quiz and my gratitudes and forget about the unrecognizable plastic piece I started chewing that somehow was in my yummy homemade breakfast taco and give attention to this purring kitty who just up and crawled into my lap.

You Are Bicycling

You are an energetic, driven person. You try to live a good life. You are industrious and determined. You happily and willingly do hard work. You are deeply philosophical. You are concerned with doing things the best way. You love freedom to explore and experiment. You don't like rules.

What Type of Transportation Are You?

Work is Hard. Time for Blogthings!

Gratitudes:
1. loving kitties
2. supportive friends from afar
3. House marathons in syndication
4. bike rides
5. change

Long Days and Quick Turnarounds

So, I finally had enough. I tried the shimmy thing and after emailing 2 days ago and AGAIN hearing nothing I mulled over an email to the owner. When I got out of bed I finally just wrote the sucker and sent it.

Samar, I have decided to pull myself out of the running to try and become a Shimmy Pop instructor. At my training you mentioned that you would offer all of the tools necessary for me to audition for you, however I have spent the last three weeks emailing and calling with little response. The lack of communication borders on rudeness. If that's the way you operate your business I really want no part of that.

With my 20 years of fitness and dance experience I have no doubt that I could have been one of the best teachers you have, however, honestly at this point I am not about to waste my time.

Best of luck,
Hope

When I cut and pasted from my email to the blog I noticed there were a number of typos. Ah, that's what happens when emotion takes over. Needless to say, I do not expect a response. The funny thing is that within 23 minutes - twenty-three MINUTES - I was removed from the online video server. Gosh, if she was only that speedy in actual inclusion this all would be different. The sad thing is that I was really getting excited. Mostly because I would have been really good at it. I "lead a class" or at least part of one in the car on the way back from Davis when some appropriate music came on the radio. The choreography came surprisingly easy. Well, at least in my brain and while I was sitting. *smirk*

Driving around Davis yesterday with Claire made me think that I hadn't left. There is something so familiar about that place. However with driving to and fro and all the running around within the city and carrying luggage and groceries it was a long day.

I returned to Berkeley to find that pungent urine smell and realized that it was Day 2 of Kitty Revolt. This time there was not only pee on the floor next to the new litter box, but someone (I think Lincoln) decided to pee on Tony's bag of tools and his tool belt. And so the clean up continued. I then set up the old litter box next to the new one and this morning the smell is just about gone. Okay, okay I get it! You can't teach an old cat new tricks.

Just because it's on my mind, this lack of communication thing is starting to get old. I may have talked about it before but it seems to be a huge problem since I've been in California. Or at least those around me are more prone to it. (Raising hands in the ay-er) WHY GOD, WHY? Communication is such a big issue for me, but I really don't think my expectations are too high here. On the positive side, I have heard from 2 of the 7 universities where I applied. Just letters to confirm that they received my materials. However one local admin job said they would make some decisions by the end of the week and another is having interviews on Tuesday and I have not heard anything. And then don't get me started on the restaurants and catering companies.

Hope from Berkeley, trying to stay positive. Over and out.

But first some gratitude:
1. my dedication to flossing!!
2. dates who pay
3. the food at Crepeville
4. my comfortable couch
5. late night loving messages - thanks Suehyla!

Cleaning AGAIN

Why does it feel like I'm always cleaning? Maybe because I cook most meals and that my cats do not pull their weight. I really liked living in my Davis apartment. It was super small and much easier to keep clean. I mean if I didn't clean it, I would be tripping over shit all day - or at least when I was home.

So, this afternoon I was set to pick up Claire, one of Jess' dancers, at the airport and bring her up to Davis. However her plane was delayed FIVE HOURS. Is that not crazy? So we anticipate that she may want to crash here in Berkeley tonight and I will drive her up in the morning. Hence the need to clean my apartment.

I am now headed out to clean my car since she has one large bags and 2 golf bags for her crutches. Oh gosh, it's getting dark!

Gratitudes:
1. blue cheese
2. a washer and dryer in the apartment
3. hot water in the shower (FINALLY!)
4. ginger snaps
5. Food Network

Daily tasks

Well, I have been fairly successful with my daily tasks. I have only missed one day of flossing and I "made that up" by flossing twice the next day. I have also had my water bottle with me at all times. Therefore I have been more conscious about drinking. I have however been less successful with the exercising. I hoped to get a little shimmy pop in today, but I spent most of the day (surprisingly!) on the couch getting the welcome packet for the dancers ready. I did bike the mile to Office Depot and Walgreens to get some supplies and make copies, but it really wasn't enough.

I am also down to few groceries so I didn't eat as healthy as I hoped. Eggs on an english muffin for breakfast, butternut squash ravioli with spinach and tomato sauce for lunch and leftover veggies with one of Trader Joes indian packets over brown basmati rice for dinner. But then I was still hungry. So, I saw some Vienetta in the freezer and had a glass of wine while I waited for Jess to stop by and pick up some blankets and other materials.

I am now completely exhausted and will head to bed. Tomorrow I will shimmy and drink water before the airport run to get Claire and drive her to Davis.

My dreams last night were rather violent. A "little shop of horrors" type of plant that was a death trap for cats, and an intense gun shot to my head and tail I bet caused by my pre-sleep reading of the Barteneiff Fundamentals. I wonder what tonight will have in store.

But what am I grateful for, you ask?
1. a bike with a working air pump
2. a gas heater in the living room
3. sweets - Vienetta and ginger snaps with lemon cream (sigh)
4. people who enjoy Word Twist - like Christine's daughter, Emma
5. a brain that thinks administratively and artistically

Full Day of Goodness

I am back on the couch with a glass of wine, but I am proud to say that I was out all day. I drove up to Davis and met Jess at the rental unit at 9AM. Well, I got there late, but at least I called first.

Jess and I got on the same page and 90 minutes later I was on the road. First stop was Safeway to get some food staples and then to Amy Champ's house to say hello and pick up bedding, towels and some furniture pieces. My last stop was the ASPCA thrift store for some kitchen gear. I then headed back to the unit to do a bit of cleaning. Jess came in as I was vacuuming and commented on doing a little clean up with a masters degree.

Well, an employed gal just can't complain.

I have a few things on my list to complete tomorrow, but for the most part we are pretty much ready to welcome these dancers. I had a little time to stop for the yummy Indian buffet at Kathmandu Kitchen on G Street. Then to campus to get another copy of my transcript for one of the faculty applications.

I drove back and got on my bike to get to The Beat for my work study shift. Classes were on the smaller side so I was able to get my reconciliation done and head into Sarah's class 30 minutes late. I was not truly prepped to take the class. In fact, I wore my camo pants and they were a tad tight. ButI had on a sports bra, so I said, fuck it. I found a headband in one of the baskets behind the desk and jumped into the warm up.

Wow. The class just rocked. It was total mix of my styles. A little modern, a little jazz and a little hip hop. Some really great plie combos and then a house combo. It's a kind of hip hop I just don't do. I am super excited about taking this class regularly.

Here's to seven days of some exercise. Monday: yoga, Tuesday: hip hop Wednesday: perhaps a little shimmy...

Gratitudes:

1. employment and potential employment

2. nice people - in this case the woman at the registrars office and the landlord team of the rental unit

3. Indian food cooked right

4. sleeping kitties

5. a dance studio close by

I DON'T like big butts, and I cannot lie!

I was going to update my facebook profile yesterday with the title of this blog post, but opted against it. My pants are again a little tight and I really need to do something about it. I saw this blogthings quiz and found it necessary to post. Mostly, because I really need to trim down my badunkadunk.

Yeah, I said it.

Your Butt Says You're Laid Back

You are an easygoing, trusting person. You don't get too worked up, because everything usually works out in life. You are not afraid to flirt and show off what you've got. At times, you can be a bit full of yourself. You find close relationships and romance difficult. You don't feel like you'll ever meet your true soulmate. You are outgoing and confident. You are proud of who you are, and you are brutally honest. You tend to be a serious, straight laced kind of person. It takes you a while to warm up and let loose.

What Does Your Butt Say About You?

Work is Hard. Time for Blogthings!

Back to Business

Today is the first business day of the year. Lots of people were waiting for this day to come. To finally end their vacations and get back to work. I kind of feel the same. I am starting to see the wheel turn and while I am still on the couch, I won't be here for long. I will be applying for 2 more faculty positions today and sent my resume to a local restaurant yesterday.

I played phone tag with Shy, the instructor for the yoga certification program and after finally connecting today all is a go. Even though he did not remember our email conversations or meeting me in person - my application was strong enough to snag a slot. Or at least he said he enjoyed reading my application.

Whatever that means.

What excited me most is that everyone that applied was not accepted. Some did not have a strong enough background and others have not taken a class with Shy. I had both. Go me!

Second, I finally heard back from the owner of the belly dance studio. I gave it one last ditch effort and texted her. I am so glad I went with that option rather than the nasty email I was going to send about her not contacting me. This was the email I received yesterday.

I like your energy and your persistence. After working with you, I am concerned that you are not familiar with the songs that we use in Shimmy Pop as the whole class is based on the teachers ability to relate to the music. Do let me know if you want to proceed :)

The music??!!! That's what your concern is? Crazy. I got the link to the class videos and sent her this reply after 2 cocktails and a glass of wine at Hugh Groman's holiday party. Luckily, I kept it short and sweet.

I do want to proceed and yes, I do know the songs better than you think. I can sing along with the best of them.

H

So, as I plan for my trip to Davis tomorrow to get ready for the arrival of Jess' dancers, I will get myself off the couch and on the yoga mat. And then I may throw in some hip shimmies for good measure.

Day Two!

It's a nice and quiet start of the new year. My resolutions are nothing new. I have been conscious about drinking water and I have indeed flossed for the past 2 days. Unfortunately my mouth hurts since it's been a while since I flossed last. I added both the task of drinking more water and flossing every day to 43 Things. The folks that got the flossing thing to work did so at night. So, that's what I am doing as well. I also added getting into shape and one more that I just cannot remember. That's not a good sign, is it?

For the last 2 days, I've carried my water bottle around with me. When I took the Mission Mural tour today I ran out rather quickly. I guess it would have helped if the bottle was full when I started. However, I refilled since I've been home and have been drinking with my leftover dinner of tuna, roasted sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts saute.
Hold up, I just learned something new.

I didn't realize the correct spelling of brussels. Since it is always followed my the S of sprouts, I never knew there was an S at the end of brussels. Hm. Fascinating.

Due to my lack of income, I have been staying home lots. However, there is a website called Johnny Funcheap that lists some cheapy events. There were a few interesting places to go in the last few days, but to be honest, I really did not want to go by myself. I jumped the box today and decided to take one of the free City Tours. They offered 17 different tours around the city. I couldn't get my ass in gear for one of the 10AM tours, so I opted for one of the 11AM ones. I found out today that the organization offers 45 different tours. Since I am not sure how long I will be living here in the Bay Area, I think I may need to create a list similar to the one when I left Atlanta. All of the places I wanted to visit. These tours are at least a start. The tour ended around 1:20PM and I was a little hungry. I completely forgot to do a double duty and research the 100 SF Food List items in advance. There were a few near 16th Street that I knew about, but none close to 24th. So, I decided to hit Roosevelt Tamale Parlour. I ordered a chicken tamale

and a shredded beef enchilada. However, halfway through I realized they were BOTH chicken. So, they apologized and brought me a shredded beef enchilada. Wow. It was delish. Super fresh and smoking hot. I am so glad I asked. And like usual, there's leftovers for tomorrow!

If you have not guessed. I've included Highlights from today - Murals from the Mission District.

Gratitudes:

1. the Food Network

2. free walking tours

3. my ipod

4. blue skies

5. leftovers

Begin as the Ending

I watched the entire season of The Next Food Network Star over the last 2 days. I updated the news section on my website and I think it's high time to start on my blog. Just as I ended 2009 with a blogthing quiz, I begin 2010.

Something silly to get things going.

I got a late start today and therefore it may be a while until I eat again. However, I am fresh from the store with some collards and black eyed peas. This will ensure good luck and prosperity in the year to come.

You Are Sophisticated and Well Mannered

You're the type of person who can sit all day entertaining guests with witty banter. You believe in presenting yourself in the best light possible. You like to be seen as classy. You give a first impression of being upper class and even a bit snooty. And you're the first to admit you're a little guilty of that. You are an armchair critic. You can detect quality easily, and you want the best things you can find.

The Chair Test

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity