I think I can, I think I can....

This past Friday morning was a rough one. Tears and yearnings to just give in and go back home consumed it. I felt as if I've messed up so much. I had hoped to find an affordable plane ticket for a brief visit to home for today through Sunday morning due to having two days off of work in a row, but tickets averaged around $400. I also wanted to audition on Sunday for "The King & I" at matthews playhouse, because I've been auditioning to no avail so far here. I convinced myself that I had to get home somehow, and I was prepared to drive through the night and surprise Mom, and hope that I could find a one-way back on Sunday. Once I put my mind to something, it's hard to change it. I thought on it constantly as I went to work that afternoon (I worked until close). I ended up working at the top floor (103) and getting to see the sunset for the very first time, work in the ambience of the dim lighting and few customers, as well as meeting some beautiful brazilian people. It was a very enjoyable experience, but in my mind I had to go as soon as I got home from work. I decided that it would be good to check plane tickets one last time, but I called my sister who handed the phone over to my brother, Matthew. He reminded me that I'll be home in 2 weeks, and it will be ok...and that I can just move up to NYC with him in August and there will be loads of auditions there. Problem solved? Just might be ;). Other opportunities have come into my path, though....

During the day on Friday it hit me. It was the 15th. Every month on the 15th since my dad's passing away on September 15 ,2008, although I haven't always been thinking specifically of the date, something inside of me feels the "anniversary". Just as my last post described March 15th....for some reason I become very emotional inside..feeling a hole...then I realize the date.

11 more days until visiting home and SC to walk at Graduation. This is where the "I think I can.." title plays in.

Back to opportunities: I was contacted regarding a Graduate Assistantship at BJU--one that would be working in a department that I love so dearly. I've been thinking about the benefits aside from further education and getting to be with wonderful friends again, and one would to be in "A Christmas Carol" the musical which excites me greatly.

Life? It's consisted of working mainly at the Skydeck, some hours at Auntie Anne's, auditions, and hanging out with people. Work at the Skydeck has continued to be lovely. I'm getting to know my coworkers more, and we've had a blast. The beautiful and adorable foreign people are definitely a plus of working there. ;) Concerning auditions...I've become more comfortable at auditioning which has been fabulous.

Audition horror story:

I left with just enough gas in the car with plenty of time to drive up to Ravinia to audition for a huge production of Annie Get Your Gun. I came to the conclusion after I had been driving around and around in the area where the venue was supposedly at, that my directions were wrong. I panicked inside as my scheduled audition time rolled by, and I still wasn't there. The gas tank was on empty, and I couldn't find a gas station nearby. I knew that getting gas and not being stranded was the most important need of the moment. I called my friend Austin, and he googled where I was at, directed me to a gas station, and got me on track to the audition. Thankfully, a staff member for the auditions called me up to see if I was going to make it. I explained that I was lost, and that I was going to try my best to get there if that was ok. Finally, an hour later after the scheduled time, I arrived quite happily. I auditioned with "Once you lose your heart", but my top notes weren't gorgeous due to congestion, but it went pretty well. I was just glad that I made it there and was still able to sing for them.

Audition happy story:

La Costa Theatre company held auditions for "Little Shop of Horrors", and guess who attended? Yours truly. I was able to have special rehearsal time the day before with the accompanist of the auditions and assistant music director, which put me ahead of the game. How did that come about you ask? Just a good friend from college. Yep, Austin was it. I auditioned with "I won't say I'm in Love" from Hercules and "A Change in Me" from Beauty and the Beast, because they were both Alan Menken musicals (as well as great contrasting pieces), and he just happened to write Little Shop. Because Austin was at the auditions, he was able to give me their thoughts (when you don't normally get the insight on it all). He said that it was a fantastic audition, they loved me and thought I was cute, but they were looking for more of a pop voice due for the roles that were open. The role of Audrey (who I could fit very well in) was already cast. They kept my headshot/resume, though for future reference! :)

Auditions on the agenda: at the top of my head, there is one this weekend for the Emerald City Theatre Company which does children's shows. Their line-up for the 2010-2011 season include The Wizard of Oz and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Sounds like FUN! :)

The other day I was able to visit Shedd Aquarium with my friend for FREE! Perks of working at the Skydeck. The moment we walked in, my friend asked me to help him put his wristband (for entry into the aquarium) on. A lovely foreign man watched me and asked if I could perhaps help him with his wristband. Once in a lifetime experience right there. I was way more than happy to oblige. My friend nicknamed him Hans, and we referred to him throughout the visit in the Shedd. It's such a fascinating place. We had an enjoyable time!

You know when you get on topics of books you like to read, what you are reading, or what genre you really like? I knew that I liked to read, but I just wasn't sure what specific genres to say. After some thought and a visit to the library, I discovered that I love reading biographies/autobiographies , books on animals, and books on Theatre. My dad would take us to the library pretty much every weekend when we were little, and I always checked out books on animals. I rediscovered that passion after visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo just recently.

Many more things could be said, but I must go and prepare a video audition for the King and I to send to Matthews Playhouse.... ;)

A bientôt!