Thinking about my schedule for the months of September through December is already causing a bit of anxiety. One thing I am excited for are these new shows. Hopefully none of them turn out to be flops, like Sleepy Hollow. I've read the first impression of Wayward Pines but I'm still excited for it. It reminds me slightly of Twin Peaks (which I still need to rent/buy/watch completely). And it has Juliette Lewis (OMG!!).
Most people assume if it's in the grocery store it must be fresh and delicious. Sadly this is not true. We've probably all witnessed the trend of certain fruits and vegetables being available during certain seasons. Watermelon in the summer and leeks in fall and winter. The thing is potatoes, apples, oranges, onions, and several other fruits and vegetables seem to be a mainstay in grocery stores year around.
There are benefits to seasonal eating: it's healthier, cheaper, better for the environment, and it tastes better. Why else does watermelon taste so heavenly on a hot summer day? While grocery stores seem to be carrying pretty much anything and everything these days you can pick up clues to what's in season by stopping by a farmers market or noticing displays of fruits and veggies at the grocery store that were not there the week before. You can also use the internet to simply do some research and make a list or chart.
Apples and blueberries are best July-Sept
Strawberries June-Aug
Asparagus - May and June
Potatoes - Oct, Nov
Lettuce May -Aug
To finish out the summer enjoy cucumbers, curly lettuce and cherries in July. For August start buying Romaine lettuce, raspberries and plums. Not only will your wallet thank you, but your body and the environment will too!
Just as important as the white dress is for ritual attire, shoes are equally important. They have to be comfortable, because you will be on your feet for an extended period of time. If you're anything like me you'll also want them to be fashionable. Flats are an option, however personally not for me. I never wear heels, but I wanted my initiation to be extra special so I went all out with the dress and heels. Just remember you will be wearing pantyhose as well so you might want to take a pair with you when you're shopping. If not, the pantyhose "socks" shoe stores provide when trying on new shoes should give you an idea how it will fit and feel.
Again it's important to remember they should be white (not cream, ivory or off-white, etc). If you're not used to walking in heels there's no shame in practicing walking around your dorm room, the halls, your house, or apartment before the big day.
After you have your dress and your shoes you're one step closer to being ready. Stay tuned next week for Part 3 to this series.
Next time you're "caught" doodling in class, a meeting, or the boardroom let them know you're improving your comprehension and creative thinking. If that doesn't work show them this video. Change their mind. Doodlers, unite!
I believe I literally stumbled across Season 1 of the show when it was released. I read the plot summary and decided to give it a go. It quickly became an obsession. I watched episode after episode without realizing it was a Netflix original. I got hooked on the title sequence with "You've Got Time" by Regina Spektor.
Orange is the New Black follows Piper Chapman a 30-something woman sent to prison after being convicted of a decade old crime. Inside she meets quite a few interesting characters and her new story begins. I definitely loved the character building and the one liners. Season 1 was over quickly because once I started watching I couldn't stop myself from watching the entire season.
Last week season 2 was released and yes, I have watched the entire season already. It's just that good. I think I will go back and re-watch both seasons at some point. Heck, I might even start today. But yes, I will be one of those poor souls waiting around until 2015 for the next season.
So if you haven't binge watched this Netflix original yet and you think you'll just be able to watch one episode without watching another I challenge you to try. The first season focuses on Piper and her meeting everyone and finding her way in prison. Season 2 tells the back story of so many characters it has you falling in love with them even more than you did in season 1.
Unless you've been living under a rock I'm fairly sure you've heard about this book, movie, quotes from the book, etc. It's really getting hype because most people (myself included) LOVED the book. This book alone influenced my purchase of Looking for Alaska. Paper Towns and An Abundance of Katherines are definitely on my buy ASAP list. So many books so little time.
Book Cover
So I read the book about 5 or 6 months ago. I know it was just after Christmas but not sure of the exact date. I of course picked it up at Barnes & Noble along with the popular Okay? Okay. shirt I posted on my Instagram here.
I seriously devoured this book. It was a combination between the author's writing style and the story itself. The story is sweet, charming, and sad. You've been forewarned. 16-year old Hazel Grace has cancer. While attending a cancer support group she catches the eye of a boy, Augustus.
I don't want to spoil it if you have not read it yet, or if you plan to see the movie which is in theaters TODAY! I definitely recommend reading the book though.
Movie Poster
So as I mentioned above the movie releases today. There is a high probability that I will be sitting in the theater this evening watching this movie.
Yes, it must be mentioned because it is in nearly every interview. Hazel Grace is played by Shailene Woodley (Beatrice "Tris" Prior of Divergent) and Augustus is played by Ansel Elgort (Caleb also in Divergent). In Divergent they were siblings, in TFIOS they are lovers. It happens. They are actors after all.
I've been spending a lot of time at the theater lately. Last year I started volunteering as a way to get Daniel interested in auditioning. He originally went to college for theater and somehow along the way became a computer programmer. Needless to say I thought he needed a creative outlet and I saw volunteer opportunities for me and possible stage opportunities for him. Together we helped build the set for Black Tieand The Royal Family, did the opening night receptions for Black Tie, Good People, and last night I did the opening reception for The Royal Family. I have also ushered at several shows. Auditions came and went for Good People, but by the time The Royal Family auditions rolled around myself and several board members at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach convinced him to go for it. He landed a small role and has been rehearsing for the last several weeks. Last night was the opening show and it will continue Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 pm and Sundays 2:30 pm until their last show on June 8th.
My curiosity has peaked and I have read several articles about auditioning tips, auditioning tips, and even more auditioning tips. Article after article I read I think this is something I want to try. The first step is to continue volunteering at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. I will also fill out volunteer forms at the Little Theatre of Norfolk and the newest theater in this area, Double Dog Theatre. I also reached out to the director of LTVB's next show, Follies, offering my services back stage, etc. Lastly, I am considering taking Acting 101 in the Fall. It allows me the summer to think about it, and continue volunteering, etc. I was happy to see that Tidewater Community College offers a fast track theater certification degree. No, I will not be dropping ASL Interpreting, but I think I will take the intro acting class and see how I feel after that. I am sure the first class will give me a good idea if I really want to pursue it.
Meanwhile I will enjoy The Royal Family (May 16-June 8) and Follies (July 18-August 10).
Check out what the LTVB has planned for the 2014-2015 season!
