Courage to Change the Things I Can

​     May 2019 has been a month of unimaginable change caused by a combination of hard work, determination, & compassionate luck I am so grateful for. 
     In just this past month, I have moved half way across the country, quit smoking cigarettes after seven years & about seven hundred failed attempts, I have started a new job, began comedy classes, and tried so many other new things (Film Auditions, Performing Stand-Up in Chicago, Alcoholics Anonymous, Hot Yoga, Bratwurst, Background Talent on Film Sets, Sound Bath Meditation, Crossfit, Mole, to name just a few). Feel free to share your experiences with the items in bold above in the comments below!

     Yet, things didn't start off as smoothly as I'd hoped when I first arrived in Illinois, due in part, to Illinois having had a record breakingly wet May. Moving from the routine heat of North Carolina to the cold damp true North gave me a deep rattling chest cold & worse, a bad case of home sickness. I missed my friends & immediate family, missed the warmth & the warm familiar places in & around Rowan County that I've grown to love. Everything here was unfamiliar & I wondered if I'd made a big mistake. 
      My response to my apprehension & illness was to focus on my health. I began taking Yoga, Crossfit, & Zumba classes, getting lots of sleep, adding more protein & calories in my diet, & finally quitting my nasty nicotine habit with a combination of Twizzlers, a couple days of Nicotine Patches, exercise, LOTS of Water, celery, gum, & a banana shaped teething toy designed for babies. If anyone needs advice or support who is thinking of quitting cigarettes, please feel free & welcome to reach out! It has only been three weeks but I feel more clear headed, healthier, & confident that I will never pick up another cigarette again. To those of you who already have reached out to me about quitting - I believe in you!

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My aunt Dot & BFF Judy Books have been rocks during this transition period & I couldn't have done it without them. I'm happy to say that Judy is thriving in IL & has handled taking on her own new things (name tag, microchip, toys, treats, & even learned some new tricks along the way) with grace & a crooked smile. I have loved spending time truly getting to know my aunt Dot for the first time. We have shared meals, laughed, played Bingo, talked, yelled at Wheel of Fortune, helped one another physically & emotionally, & I'm so grateful to have her support & generosity. ​​

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I don't have any sponsors, nor am I paid to plug
any products YET I must suggest you check out the
following recommendations for your listening pleasure: 

Armchair Expert Podcast

The Podcast from Hell

​The Podcast from Hell is a brand new podcast featuring Charlotte Comedians with Queen City Comedy, Cale Evans & Jacob Brayton. Last year, I had a blast taking an improv workshop led by Cale. Jacob is one of the funniest people I've ever met. I've seen his talent in theater productions, improv shows, & in casual settings, his quick wit will have you rolling. I'm very fortunate to say he & I costarred in my first performance ever the comedic, touching, & fast-paced adaption of Pride & Prejudice. *This Podcast is not for the faint of heart XD. Best for those with someone demonic tendencies.*

The Podcast from Hell on Facebook

Great Audiobooks I consumed this month about the unique journeys of some inspirational & beloved comedians.

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The Number One City & The Second City​

   Although I've had some hiccups here & there (missing trains, walking in cold rain because of lost umbrellas, misunderstanding tolls, my bumper falling off, etc.), I have quickly fallen in love with Chicago & find myself wanting to spend all my free time walking its busy streets, admiring its beautiful murals, statues, & architecture, & meeting its lovely, interesting, talented & diverse residents. I have enjoyed the Lincoln Park Zoo, Farmer's Markets & Festivals, The American Writers' Museum, Improv shows at the Comedy Clubhouse & Second City's Mainstage, & Lake Michigan.

     My experiences so far at the Second City's Training Center have been my favorite though. I am currently taking Improv A & Writing 1 & both courses have already put me in touch with creative avenues I didn't even know existed, forced me to break patterns, overcome instincts, work as a team, & harness my imagination. I'm excited to announce that I have now registered for my second semester & will be taking Improv B & Acting 1 this Summer. I have learned that people are people no matter how far you travel & I certainly love people. I say that to say, I am appreciative of the Second City for, also, giving me opportunities to make new friends & invaluable connections. ​

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May 2019's Artistic Endeavors & Explorations

The Octopus now has a Colorful Head! 
Thank you Andy Daugherty of Andy's Tat2 Crue!

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

Thank you to those who bought Red March Merch in May!!!

Happy Birthday Lucas! Your aunt loves & misses you so much!!!

Thank you Becky, Peggy, Dot, Corey, & especially Tara who kept me safe at the library for a decade & not only bought I shirt for herself but one for the lovely Aida [right]! Thank you Aida for repping the brand & promoting online!

A new shipment of the Black-T Red March Design has just arrived so CONTACT ME for details or to place an order!

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In closing, thank you to anyone who takes the time to read my blog posts & explore my life. The ability to be understood is an almost impossible achievement & the desire to be understood is overwhelming. Any attempts made are felt so deeply & I appreciate you.
​Until Soon...