This marks my final blog entry of 2019. What a huge year it has been: I quit my job of over 10 years to pursue acting & comedy in a new city, I've lost & I've loved, I tried new things that scared me & I've learned so much about myself, the world, & my new career in the performing arts. I'm so excited to see what the new year holds & I plan to start 2020 off strong with some SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, & Time-based). Some of the goals below are based on important values that I hold such as physical, mental, &/or financial health. Others are based on furthering my career as a writer, improvisor, & actor. Goals for 2020
I hope you have enjoyed my blogging experiment this year, I have certainly enjoyed the ability to reflect & share that this medium has afforded me.
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*My plan this year is to publish a blog entry each month. As I'd like to publish my final post at the end of the year, this entry (#11), has been delayed until mid November as it is the half-way point between entries 10 & 12. Or because I had a lot going on & haven't made the time to finish this post by November first...Tomato, Tomato. Blog #11 Contents ~October Recap~ ~Pish Tosh Podcast~ ~Acting/Performing~ ~Planning/Goals~ ~TikTok~ |
I got to perform on |
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It's that time of year again! The time of year in which I look back on my deliriously lofty goals made in January & sigh in shame at what I have not accomplished. This year is different though! No, I haven't actually completed the goals I set for myself (Not Even Close! HA!) YET, I am choosing to focus on what I HAVE accomplished instead of what I have not. I am also using this time to finally set some reasonably attainable goals for myself & manage my expectations more appropriately so that I am not overcome with guilt when I inevitably do not, for example, read a book every singe week for a year! |
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When people ask me what I do for a living, the three impossibly simple words "I'm a librarian." are always at the tip of my tongue & yet, that's no longer the whole truth. I'll always be a librarian, yes, & I worked hard for the ability to be & say that I am, yet, I'm currently pursuing different goals. Many different goals. My answer these days is usually a stutter of "uh...well...I..." followed by some combination of Writer or Artist or Actor or Comedian (all partially correct). If I'm feeling particularly drained the answer is simply, "I was a librarian." If I'm feeling particularly confident, I might say "I'm an entrepreneur working hard to fulfill my dreams". |
My routine as a librarian was impossibly busy & entailed being at one of the branches for most of my waking hours. Now, my time is my own, & I would be doing myself a disservice if I spent any less hours pursuing my current career than I spent as a librarian. I've never been one to stick to a routine. Without the structure of school as a child, I never ate, went to sleep, or woke up at the same time from one day to the next. I'm trying this whole "routine" thing out now for the first time to increase consistent productivity & balance. |
I have published articles for the local newspaper in my hometown. I have written books that will never be published as they have been long lost in one of my many many moves. I have taken online workshops & courses, completed Writing 1 & plan to begin Writing 2 at the Second City Training Center next month. You are reading my 10th of 12 blog entries...and yet, I have the most difficulty calling myself a writer. I have always enjoyed writing (creatively, professionally, academically, etc.) & so I'm unsure what accomplishment will make the title finally feel true for me. |
Since being in Chicago I have acted as background talent for 2 major television shows (I just finished up my latest gig this morning), I have assisted directors as they experiment with new technology, I was in a few short films, performed stand-up & have submitted various auditions in-person & self-taped. It's an exciting new industry for me & whether I ever "make it big" or not, I love the act of acting & as long as I am given the opportunity to do what I love, I vow to appreciate it & enjoy the climb. |
I moved to Chicago specifically to take classes at the Second City Training Center. The move has turned out to be the best decision I've made so far. I took Improv level A with Ed Garza & because of this course, I met my funny, handsome, talented partner, Corey. I took Writing 1 with Bina Martin & because of this course, I was inspired to start the Pish Tosh Podcast. I then applied for & gained access to the Second City's Improv for Actors program. I am currently finishing up my second course which makes me eligible to apply for the Conservatory Program which is the advanced program & the cornerstone of the Second City Training Center. I know many who have had to audition several times before gaining access (many auditioners will never be accepted unfortunately). I have auditioned for the Coached Ensemble & The Conservatory Program in just the past couple of weeks & although, I may not have been approved for either (jury is still out), I have learned so much from going through the process that I can apply for my next auditions. |
Between months 6-9, I started to really notice the benefits of my sobriety. In the beginning, I was so focused on all the things I was losing; the warm fuzzy buzzes, the long, exciting, laughter-filled nights with my fishes, the relief from feeling bad. I started to consciously & subconsciously focus, instead, on what I was gaining; perspective on addiction, my relationships, personal responsibility; a healthier body; money that would have been spent at the bar or on drunk purchases; the morning time!; feeling feelings & actually knowing what they are! Once I was thinking more clearly, I was able to make the big scary decisions that were necessary to change my life for the better (or at least I hoped they would! That's why they were so scary!). In January I ended a newly blossoming relationship that I didn't truly need or want. In February, I quit my job of over 10 years. In March, I started going to Al-Anon to communicate about my father's illness with those who could relate. |
Today is one year of sobriety. I'm happier than I ever remember being. I still hurt. I still make mistakes. I am still wrong. I have grown. I am growing. I will grow. & I will not do anything to stand in my own way anymore (or at least I will remind myself daily to try not to!) Thank you to those who have supported me. Especially my Aunt Dot who was a rock for me last year when I visited her over Labor Day & she first introduced me to the possibility of sobriety & who has given me advice, a kind & listening ear, a roof over my head, & a chance that I will always recognize & cherish. |
| On July 5th & 6th, I attended my first traditionally Indian Wedding! Thank you Parv & Prash for letting me witness your beautiful commitment & Thank you to my partner Corey for asking me to be your plus one, giving me a dress that makes me feel like a princess & for wearing that beautiful floral new tie! |
Judy "New Do" Books | |
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June's Doodles & Dallies | |
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Lost & Found
Lost and Found is a humble store in Salisbury, NC, nestled in an alleyway away from any hustle & bustle. Yet, it is so much more.
The items sold are filled with a warmth that can be felt especially by those who may be feeling unreasonably cold. They are unique, antique, & eclectic. Many items are created by local NC artists who, like the owner and operator, Iain Rocco, put their heart into their work to benefit the community & make the world a more peaceful & interesting place. I have spent many Thursday evenings at their weekly open mic night events, listening to beautiful music created by strangers who have become dear friends. I began attending alone in 2016 & was unable to engage or speak at an audible volume. I stuck to the walls & with wide eyes & a big smile, listened with more than my ears to the community of misfits, artists, & entertainers whom I've grown to love. Since I was unable to communicate verbally, I began to use the chalk provided for free to draw images on the brick & pavement outside. I connected with people by drawing their likenesses in massive caricatures. I'd watch their eyes light up when they saw themselves through my eyes & hoped it gave them the feeling of being special & worthy of attention, feelings some of us desire but rarely achieve. |
Located At:
128-B E Innes St. Salisbury, NC 28144 |
Koco Java
I am so grateful to this Salisbury fixture of a coffee shop, Koco Java! They have provided thousands of delicious & dirty chai lattes for me over the years & have always been patient & kind when I stutter & stammer out my regular order too quietly.
Koco Java has been a peaceful space for me to conduct meetings, write, draw, socialize, or simply sit back, relax, & take in the wonderful aroma of freshly brewed coffee. I miss this place already & sipping on my Koco Java treat as I write this post. |
Located at:
329 N. Main St. Salisbury, NC 28144 |
Grievous Gallery
This interactive art gallery & event space provides an opportunity for those who feel the need, to air their grievances without hurting themselves or others by breaking glass, attending open mic nights, open bike nights (AKA Joy Rides!), listening to poetry & music, seeing gorgeous & powerful works of art & often even magic!
Located at:
111 W. Bank St. Salisbury, NC 28144 |
Roller Skating is one of my very favorite pass-times but rinks have become scarce & can be costly to visit on a regular basis. To my great pleasure, I was able to attend one of Grievous Gallery's "Joy Rides" which are free to the public & welcome any & all non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles, unicycles, skateboards, roller blades, & roller skates!
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80's Prom Night!
As someone who only attended proms for homeshooled teens, I was delighted to attend Grievous Gallery's 80's Prom Night Event in February 2019! I had a blast dancing & laughing with my date, Grievous Gallery resident, Mr. Alien Doll Dude. |
Open Mic Night: Tuesdays from 8pm - 10pm
I performed at Grievous Gallery during their Open Mic Night event in March 2019 with Caleb Hill [Right]. I first met Caleb on Halloween night 2017 on my first trip to the Gallery & this singer, songwriter, artist, & jack of many more trades was so welcoming & joyous. He has since become a close friend & inspiration. He is one of many talented patrons that frequent this fascinating establishment that I have had the joy of getting to know. |
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Fundraiser
For my birthday this year (Go PISCIS!), I decided to donate, and encourage others to donate, to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I set a goal of $100 and was surprised and delighted when generous and dear friends helped surpass that goal by over twice the original amount I hoped to raise! I am so appreciative of the huge hearts swimming around out there, trying to help in any way they can to keep others from drowning.
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Big Thank you to my sister for assisting with my head shots for my new career!
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Giant Thank you to all who attended my silly birthday party at Tiger World! |
Small-town southern ginger librarian moved to Chicago to pursue acting & comedy with her best friend, havanese dog Judy Books by her side.
December 2019
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