Gratitude on the go! 9-30-12

Today I am grateful for:
-having such an amazing job at the science museum. I am so very lucky to work there. I love my co-workers, I love the shows, and I love my boss. You can't ask for more than that!
-taking a few minute to go sit by the lake.
-seeing all the dogs pass by while at the lake
-hearing the random snippets of conversations that pass by me while people go around the lake.
-friendly faces around the lake.
-breathing
-enjoying the moment
-practicing self love
-smiling
-the basics
-this quote: "We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot."
-my friend Amanda. It's her birthday today and I am grateful that she was born. We celebrated at Chino Latino. Here is a quick photo collage that I put together:

Yes. That is a Guinea Pig
Yes. She is cutting it up.
Yes. She is eating it. 

Gratitude on the go! 9-29-12

Today I am grateful for:
-MPLS. I have friends all over the country. And one thing I love to do is go visit them. However, it also makes me realize how much I love my homeland. And I love how much my friends love their homeland. It causes problems because it means we'll never all live in the same place, but I digress. MPLS is truly beautiful. Today was simple gorgeous! The leaves on the trees have almost all turned different colors, the weather is still warm (81 degrees!), and everyone seems to have a pep in their step because of it. I sometime forget this feeling when it's the middle of the winter when all I want to do is curl up in my bed and never leave. When I just want to escape the cold that will hit me like a ton of bricks once I peel back the covers. But even in those days their is beauty to be found. So thank you MPLS. For all the joy you bring to so many people. Here's one pic that really encapsulates how much I love my city:

Mr Elf and I have three things in common:
1. We're both short
2. We both love MPLS
3. We're both voting no!

-laughter
-getting my period. My emotions were out of control the past two days. I think a huge part of it was because I was pmsing. Today I feel soo much better!
-this quote: "follow your own path and let people talk."
-inspiring blogs. I love reading other people's thoughts. It's a little insight into who they are. Also a lot of times people can express themselves with words in a way I never can. But being able to read how they feel and see that its (sometimes) the same way I feel makes me very, very grateful. I'm not alone.
-Finding strength
-breathing
-letting things go.
-Talking to Zarah on the phone. I was feeling really down at the end of the day and, after much debate with myself, I decided to call her. She just let me talk and she really listened and said exactly the right things. She was being truly empathetic. It was wholeheartedly wonderful. By the end of the conversation, I was no longer in a low place. I felt lighter. Now, I have to admit something. In the past, I have struggled sometimes with my friendship with Zarah. I know others have not always understood why I'm friend with her and there have been moments where I've thought that too. In the beginning. In college. However, Zarah is and has been a great friend. She's listened to me in times of need and has shared and taken part of wonderful times of laughter and joy. I'm truly grateful for her friendship.
-the basics
-a bit more laughter
-As always, my friends

Side note:
Speaking of inspiring blogs, I read the following process in a blog entry (which I'm about to share) earlier today and I am so grateful someone has put such simple words to how I've been processing my journey of "waking up."
It's called the Oh!-Om!-Ouch!-Ooh!-Process. It goes like this:

Oh! I get it. That makes sense.
Om. I’m practicing what I’ve learned. I’m breathing and becoming mindful.
Ouch. I’m feeling it. It hurts.
Ooh. I’m grateful. What an amazing process.

This is exactly what it's like for me right now. Well. Kind of. It's not exactly what it's been like. It's a bit more drawn out, not in that order, and it's not complete yet. But the overlying process is the same.  For me it's more of an Oh!-Ouch!-Om.-Ooh process. Specifically, its like this:

Oh! No...that's not what's wrong with me.
Oh! That is what's wrong with me.
Oh! I don't know if I want to hear this.
Oh! I don't know if I can hear this!
Oh! Okay. Okay. Okay. I can hear it.
Oh! I get it. This makes sense, but I'm afraid.

Ouch! I'm feeling it.

Ouch! This really hurts.

Ouch! This really, really hurts.

Ouch! I’m afraid. Make it stop.

Ouch! Can’t breathe. My heart feels like it's breaking.

Ouch! I’m so tired.

Ouch! I don't think I can do this.

Ouch! Okay. I can do this. Breath through the pain.
Om. Okay. I'm trying to practice what I've learned.
Om. I'm practicing gratitude.
Om. I don't think it's working.
Om. Still not working.
Om. Hey, I think this might be working.
Om. Breathe
Om. I think I'm becoming mindful.
Om. Breathe
Om. Practicing gratitude is really helpful to becoming mindful.
Ooh. Being mindful of the pain helps me through it.
Ooh. Gratitude really helps me through the pain.
Ooh. Reaching out for help from others helps me through the pain.
Ooh. Wait. What's happening? Things still hurt sometimes, but everything looks and feels different.

I'm not through to the other side yet. In fact, I'm just starting to see the Ooh part of the process. Most of the time I'm still in the Ouch phase. Slowly but surely I'm working my way through though. Who knew waking up could be so complex?

Gratitude on the go! 9-28-12

Today I am grateful for:
-having an easy day at work
-a little kid during one of the shows volunteering to come up on stage and help us out. He was Maaaybe 3. He was so willing, so brave, and so adorable.
-laughter
-having a few minutes of down time.
-breathing
-being present
-this quote: "manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires."
-the opportunity of working at the workshop
-An awesome set of just silly fun. It totally changed my attitude of the whole day!
-hearing one of my favorite songs blasted outside on a rooftop patio downtown.
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-27-12

Today I am grateful for:
-Breakfast with Megan and Jen. Talk about amazing women. They're so inspirational to me. I hope to grow up and be like them. Hopefully the more time I hang out with them, the more time I can absorb their amazingness.
-breathing
-being present. I am present that today is hard. A lot of thoughts rolling around in the old noggin. I just keep reminding myself to stay present. Breathe. They're just thoughts.
-the basics
-being quiet
-A fun show at the workshop
-the privilege to work at the workshop
-the little things
-watching tv
-breathing
-laughter
-laughing
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-26-12

Today I am grateful for:
-Breaking Ice. Rehearsal was really good. Got a lot accomplished. Still feeling really challenged, but not as self conscious today.
-having lunch with Christine.
-laughing until I ache
-meeting up with Emily at her apt to film her new short series, Open Wide. She is one of the funniest people I know. Such dry humor. One of my favorite kinds of humor, if not my favorite. Here's the video:

-laughing until I ache
-feeling truly happy

-Enjoying the gorgeous weather outside right now. There is a stillness in the air. It is really tranquil. All I can hear are my own footsteps and the leaves crunching underneath my feet.

#fall

-Meeting up with Kevin for happy hour and ice cream to celebrate his new job. He offered to put me on to his new health insurance plan that he gets with his new job. That might be one of the nicest things anyone has ever offered me...maybe ever.
-laughing until I ache

Our celebratory fro yo. it's no 21 choices, but it does the job.

-being genuenly happy.
-the basics
-my friends
-taking a quick power nap. Aka- a disco nap. (probably regret this later, but for now I am grateful)
-having a really fun set with Hannah. We were two southern divorced women regaining our voices, strength, and finally being seen. We wrote letters and our ex's and burned them along with the whole house. It was very women empowering. We drank a lot of pretend Bourbon. It was pretty awesome.
-Christine delivering a late night batch of home baked muffins. So wonderful. Sooo tasty!

Yes. It does say Bones and Wrinkles on that post it.
Once you turn 100 years old, thats all you are.
Bones and Wrinkles.

-continually learning about vulnerability. I think one of the most profound things I heard about vulnerability is that yes, most of the time it can be excruciating, but it can also be exquisite. The more I continue down this path of self awareness and self acceptance, I realized this to be 100% true. I definitely have had moments of exquisite vulnerability, but the first one that popped into my mind was being a freshman in college and auditioning for Into The Woods. At my call back, I had to read with this guy I'd never met, Alex, and I wasn't able to really look at the script before hand. That has always made me nervous because of my inability to read on the fly sometimes. Especially in times of pressure. I remember messing up badly and instead of sulking away and being upset with myself I turned directly to the directors table and asked if I could read again. I was answered with silence. That was a moment of excruciating vulnerability.  I remember at that point looking at my scene partner Alex and just saying, "I'm starting again." The moment was so unnerving, but I did start again and it went great. Then came the day of waiting for the cast list to go up. It is one of those days that I'll never forget. We were all waiting hours. Literally hours. It finally went up. A couldn't see because I wasn't able to get up close to the list. A girl in front of me (who later I find out was actually Zarah) turned around and said, "Congratulations Taj." I finally was able to get closer to the list and there I saw my name next to Little Red. I remember throwing both my arms straight up into the air and yelling, "......Fuck YEAH!" I honestly could not believe it. I couldn't believe I got cast and that I just yelled, "fuck yeah!" at the top of my lungs. I was acting like a little kid, jumping up and down, hugging people I didn't know. My hands were shaking as I borrowed someone's phone, I believe Valerie's, to call my dad and tell him the news. I could have played it cool and hid my excitement. Something that I almost always do. But that was a huge moment for me. And I really allowed myself to have it. It was a moment exquisite vulnerability.

Gratitude on the go! 9-25-12

Today I am grateful for:
-Therapy
-being open with myself.
-being present to the issues I have with my mom. It's so hard. It's like she speaks Swahili and I speak French and neither one of us is going to be able to learn the other language. That realization is extremely difficult to come to terms with and accept. A lot of shame is brought up with this. The whole, "I'm not good enough," "I should just try harder," "She doesn't deserve this. I'm a terrible daughter." Trying to put those voices of shame to bay is hard. My therapist is helping me be able to do this. Slowly but surely. Even if my mom and I will never speak each other's language, we can always learn a third language that we can both speak. It might not be either one of our native languages, but it's least one we can both understand one another in some way. We could also get a translator.
-starting another Breaking Ice show. It really is hard stuff. We had to do a lot of movement stuff. A lot of lifting each other off the ground. It really scares me. I'm so self conscious. I'm all about lifting others, I am not all about being lifted. It's a great  time to practice being present, trust myself, and dare greatly.
-Daring Greatly.
-Kevin getting the job he wanted!
-walking to the park with Calvin. We're just quite. Enjoying the moment.
-yogurt
-meeting up with Nathan and Mary at the Bryant Lake Bowl. It's been almost 2 years since I've seen Nathan. It was nice to shoot the shit and catch up.
-the box exercise
-a nice long shower.
-laughter
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-24-12

Today I am grateful for:

-patience

-finding peace

-the basics

-pho

-laughter

-good conversations 

-confidence 

-feeling genuinely happy 

-the Ivey Awards. Aka-the Twin Cities' Tony Awards. It's always a good time in my opinion. People are dressed to the nines, the awards are usually pretty fun, and the socializing is really nice. I had a great time. Pictures:

Madde and I getting ready to perform in the opening number. #Coveralls 

The beginning of the night's after party. Already so much fun! 

I found Kasono and we recreated our prom picture. #win

End of the night. Still in good spirits, with some spirits in us. :)

Gratitude on the go! 9-23-12

Today I am grateful for:
-the beautiful view from the Science Museum
-learning a lot of new things at Lost Egypt rehearsal
-hanging out with Brittany
-staying present
-the basics
-laughter
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-22-12

Today I am grateful for:
-a doughnut for breakfast.

Breakfast of Champions 

-an easy morning shoot. We had to be there pretty early. One guy pretty much slept the whole time he wasn't filming.

Sleeping

Sleeping

Still Sleeping

-being told I have nice skin. Always nice to here.
-James Rone's put in rehearsal. He is hilarious. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time! I cannot wait for him in the show tonight. I hope I can keep it together without breaking.
-a new Indian buffet with Sri Lankan options. Pretty sweeet!
-sitting in my warm nook at the workshop. The sun is shining in, it's quiet, and i feel content in the moment.
-the basics
-laughter
-this sentence marking 3/5 of my day complete.
-This video:

-OMG. Emily and I putting this show together is one of the best experiences. Everyone is so open and hilarious and vulnerable. I'm truly grateful for the show.
-The end of the day. At Last.
-As always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-21-12

Today I am grateful for:
-the clouds. They're particularly billowy today.
-having a lovely chat with Jen. Always such a light to my day.
-trying something new that scares me.
-having a quick dinner with my dad.
-the basics
-laughter
-the sense of calmness
-knowing everything is a practice
-the man who flipped me off. I did cut him off while he was walking across the street. I don't think I deserved to be flipped off, but it did make me feel present. And for that I am grateful. Sorry man I cut off. I hope your day gets better.
-my jobs
-heated parking garages. Today fall really took its toll in the cities. I'm been trying to prepare myself for winter, but obviously not doing so well. However, when I got to the parking lot where my car was parked I felt warmth. That was really something I was grateful for.
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-20-12

Today I am grateful for:
-remembering bread bowl day and all of the amazing times in college
-getting to collaborate with Dawn Brodey. She's really awesome. I can't believe she wants to work with me still.
-the basics
-movin and shakin
-a quick vo session
-thai food
-sytycd
-laughter. Always laughter
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-19-12

Today I am grateful for:
-The way the sun is reflecting off the lake is just gorgeous today.
-fall weather
-Emily's surgery going smoothly. I saw her today and she looks pretty good. Her recovery is going well thus far.
-finally getting Internet back in the apartment.
-Email
-The basics
-Performing with Hannah. She really knows her shit. I can only hope to achieve what she can do some day.
-a warm shower
-practicing critical awareness
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-18-12

Today I am grateful for:
-my mom. It's her birthday today. If she wasn't born I wouldn't have been born. Although we struggle a lot, I am very grateful for her. She's doing her best. We will continue to work and grow.
-My therapist. Man she's always so spot on! I was really grappling with some stuff the past two nights and I honest couldn't put my finger on why or what specifically. I knew that I was tired because of insomnia and that my moms birthday was coming up and stuff. However for some reason what was really upsetting me was still unclear. Turns out it was because in my time of struggle I sought refuge at my friends place and it didn't help. It actually made it worse. I didn't feel seen. Such an old battle. However Marit figured it out right away. I'm so grateful for her insight.
-"leaning into discomfort"
-having a wonderful lunch with Jen and Megan. It's always so great to see them!
-Megan's joy while eating a cupcake. Photo proof:

"There's raspberry in the middle.
THERE'S RASPBERRY IN THE MIDDLE!"
She might not look happy, but she's extremely happy. :)

-cupcakes
-the basics. I forget how grateful I am to have the basics. A roof over my head, air in my lungs, food and water, etc.
-laughter
-"leaning into joy"
-continually learning
-the heat from the sun on a crisp day
-this quote: "I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver." -Maya Angelou
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-17-12

Today I am grateful for:

-Getting a text from Kevin after a challenging morning.

-laughter

-getting shit done

-the leaves starting to change colors. So many bright reds, yellows, and oranges!

-having a really really quick late lunch with Amanda. 

-a potential new part time nanny gig.
-free public wifi 

-being able to decompress with a phone call with Amy. She's my "move a body friend"
-The amazing views in MPLS today. Here are some examples:

Beautiful clouds #nofilter

Close up clouds and lake Harriet

The beautiful city hiding behind some trees
Kevin taking a picture of a picture.
"Look where we live! So grateful for the view!"

Gratitude on the go! 9-16-12

Today I am grateful for:
-Having a truly wonderful understanding boss at the museum.
-laughter
-meeting up with my dad for dinner. I was crabby in the morning when I saw him briefly and we were able to talk about it.
-Making new friends.
-taking a memory picture of a beautiful evening out on the lake
-writing songs
-my ukulele
-being introduced to my friend's sister who I've never met via a group text. Here's what she said:

This tickled me so pink I cannot even tell you. #win

-laughter
-water
-being stupid silly by making weird voices and singing. And then my friend joining in without even questioning it.
-having a really long good phone call with Zarah. She got promoted at her job and I'm really proud of her. She seems to be doing well. It was great to catch up.
-having some alone time at the apartment
-laughter
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-15-12

Today I am grateful for:
-working at the SMM.
-having a lovely 2 person PED show. Usually 2 person shows are hard because, well, there are only two people in the audience. However, they were really engaged and asked good questions. It was very nice.
-Taking a moment to reflect on a difficult situation and find peace with it. I got really defensive when someone told me I looked tired. I kind of snapped at them saying, "Well I actually was feeling pretty good today so I guess it doesn't show." The truth was I actually was really tired and I was trying to not admit it to myself. Instead of actually saying I was having a hard day, I got defensive and made the other person feel uncomfortable. Within 10 minutes I was able to sort out what was going on and text them back and apologize for my behavior. They were very understanding and they also apologized for saying I looked tired in the first place. It was bad moment with a good outcome. Hopefully continuing to practice critical awareness will help me catch those moments of vulnerability while they're happening and respond appropriately.
-Working at the BNW
-laughter
-being quite and just really listening to my friends at a small get together.
-gummy bears
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-14-12

Today I am grateful for:
-Finding moments to smile in trying situations.
-Having a great laugh fest at NUTS today. Sometimes moments of miscommunication are okay when caught right away.
-Seeing other people's genuine smiles.
-Having lunch with my friend Christine. It's been months and it's great to hear how she's doing.
-Allowing myself to be open.
-Laughter
-Going to Target and NOT buying anything.
-The weather today. My favorite temperature:

-Playing in the park with Calvin. They re-did the triangle park and it's actually really great. The weather was perfect, Calvin seemed to be enjoying our time together, and hearing/remembering playground logic was wonderful. Here's a little collage of pictures I took of the little man:

-Children's logic.

-Receiving a bunch of unexpected really nice gifts! First Sarah Gioia made me homemade curry for dinner for watching Calvin. Also my favorite Greek Yogurt. Then when I got home, I got a letter from Christine Johnston, another mom I babysit for, with $20 inside to thank me for coming over the other day even though they didn't actually need me to babysit that night. I also got a book in the mail that I didn't order myself. It's called The Cleaner Plate Club. I believe Christine sent this to me as well since I was looking through it at her place the last time I went there. Those are both two really unnecessary gifts, but so thoughtful. I'm the one who should be sending her gifts. I love babysitting her girls and always love to get the opportunity to do it!

-Brene Brown

-Learning about foreboding joy and discovering that I've already been actively fighting against it. I've realized that it's so hard for me to actually be happy about things because it a) feels selfish, b) I don't feel worthy, and c) it makes me feel vulnerable. I always seem to plan for the worst or keep those moments of happiness to myself because of that. However, I've been "leaning into" the joy recently and trying hard to Dare Greatly and share those moments with people I trust. One way to fight those moments of foreboding joy is to actively practice gratitude. This blog has really allowed me to practice gratitude and embrace those moments of joy when ever and where ever they happen. So when those moments of joy come up, instead of trying to push them away or plan for the worst, I take that second to say how grateful I am. It's definitely a practice because at this point it still feels forced, but little by little and day by day it's getting easier.
-As always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-13-12

Today I am grateful for:
-A peaceful morning
-lunch with Jen. What an amazing person. She's simply inspiring. Her kindness and compassion for others always amazes me.
-getting work done at the tea garden. Picture proof:

-fun show at the workshop
-strong choices in the improv set
-watching sytycd and coloring late into the night with Lauren.
-laughter
-positive attitudes
-allowing myself to really think before bed. I didn't try to run away from my thoughts, but I also didn't let them take me over.
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-12-12

Today I am grateful for:
-getting a glowing review from the dentist.
-getting lunch with Gab. It's been years since we've hung out. It was really nice to see him and just catch up. It wasn't as easy as it used to be, but hopefully the next time it will be.
-Target having great deals on clothes. I bought some new "fall" clothes that really fit me and feel comfortable.
-wearing clothes I feel comfortable in
-getting Brene Brown's new book Daring Greatly in the mail. I'm only 2 chapters in and I love it. She really knows what she is talking about. I love her confidence and her vulnerability in her writing and research.
-continuing the craft wave
-improving with Emily. Box! is always so much. Emily is a truly amazing improviser. It's an honor to get to perform with her.
-recognizing when I'm being disingenuous thanks to Daring Greatly and trying to correct my own behavior.
-remembering how much laughter makes a different
-spending time with friends.
-laughter
-smiling
-learning
-love.

Gratitude on the go! 9-11-12

Today I am grateful for:
-so much today
-for all the people who gave there lives on 9/11. It was such a tragic day in history. You all are remembered.
-more random art projects. Here are some pics:

     

A clothes line for my earrings that I framed.

These wall quotes can also be hilarious. This is for Amanda.

-quotes that inspire people
-laughter
-my friends
-playing on a playground
-Sarah Gioia giving me an awesome new pair of used shoes. They are so comfortable!
-Amy Poehler. She is such an inspiration. I've always been a fan, but I think I've just become an even bigger fan somehow after watching this video:
-being able to sit outside at night in just a tshirt and jeans.
-feeling peaceful
-therapy.
-therapy homework: Do something every day that scares you.

Side note about therapy today: I'm always grateful for therapy. Today in particular though. We talked about some kind of mind blowing stuff. It didn't really seem that mind blowing at the time, but the more I think about it, it really was. I went into therapy thinking I lost track of who I was and was trying to "find myself." Among other things. Turns out I've always been right here. I just wasn't looking. I kept thinking that I would find me if only I was _______. If only I was thinner, if only I dressed a certain way, if only if only if only. There's a great quote that really sums up how I'm trying to see myself now:

"In a world where "never enough" dominates and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. It's even a little dangerous at times. And, without question, putting ourselves out there means there's a far greater risk of getting criticized or feeling hurt. But when we step back and examine our lives, we will find that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous and hurtful as believing that we're standing on the outside of our lives looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to show up and let ourselves be seen." -Brene Brown

I'm finally ready to let myself be seen. To let myself be vulnerable. To put myself out there. I look the way I look and I dress the way I dress. I am, right now, exactly how I'm suppose to be.

Also, this blog has been so wonderful. I have so much in my life to be grateful for. So much. Focusing on gratitude makes it easier to work through the hard stuff. Whether the hard stuff is dealing with work, relationships, lack of self confidence, etc, I can look at the things that I am grateful for and the rest is easier to swallow.

Gratitude on the go! 9-10-12

Today I am grateful for:

-waking up feeling inspired

-having lunch with good people

-feeling crafty

-finding cheap craft materials 

-great conversation

-my friend Jaime. It was her birthday on Sunday and I forgot to mention how grateful I am that she is here and in my life. 

-the voicemail that Caleb left on my phone regarding the rest of the season at the workshop. 

-my mom's curry

-so much laughter

-as always, my friends

-these:

This was my craft project today!
 Inspired by Brene Brown's new book Daring Greatly
This is a quote called, "The Man In The Arena" by Theodore Roosevelt

Hannah as The Ball Tickler!
This picture makes me beyond happy. It's so ridiculous. :)

Gratitude on the go! 9-9-12

Today I am grateful for:
-sleeping through the night pretty well
-the heat of the sun hitting my face
-the beautiful view outside of the science museum
-my job at the science museum
-free parking on Sundays
-this picture:

The Egyptian Goddess Nephthys.
This is what I'll be wearing for the next 12 weeks.
Y'all ready for (neph)this!?

-hanging out with Brittany
-eating tacos and telling tales
-so much laughter
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-8-12

Today I am grateful for:
-the tea garden
-free wifi
-having lunch with Ruthie. We had some really solid conversations.
-The Global Market. That place has everything!
-Some pictures from the Market:

You know you're in MN when...this is a thing. 

$2 custards. The left is peanut butter custard and the right is coconut creme and peanut butter custard. Delicious. 

-picking up Brittany from the airport! It was so amazing to see her. It's like she had never left!
-smiling
-laughing
-sharing
-swearing. It's actually quite a stress reliever.
-the courage to go to a party where I only knew one person. It ended up being really fun and I met a lot of nice people.
-complements
-encouragement
-living in the moment
-trying new things
-the moon and stars
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-7-12

Today I am grateful for:
-The beautiful weather. The breeze is amazing and the temperature is just lovely. The leaves are juuust starting to turn colors and its gorgeous. Fall makes me a little apprehensive because I know winter is soon to follow, but right now I'm just enjoying the moment and the beauty of the day.
-some uninterrupted time catching up on emails at work.
-getting some really kind words from a friend about the BNW show via email.
-hearing the voice of wisdom from family and friends when I'm feeling stressed.
-taking a breath and remembering all that I have.
-meeting up with Ruth at the tea garden.
-free wifi
-getting an amazing complement from Erin Shepard after the workshop show. I cant remember her exact words but it was along the lines with, "when I was watching you on stage tonight I kept thinking to myself what a beautiful woman you're becoming. I know it's weird to talk about beauty to women cause they they get self aware and they think that's all they're worth is their beauty, but yeah you're just stunning. What check bones." It really shouldn't be in quotes but that was pretty much it. I've never really gotten a complement like that before. It was nice to hear.
-significant touches
-hugs
-good people
-laughing
-queen
-this article: http://m.jezebel.com/5941016/how-to-be-friends-with-another-woman
-this quote, "you are who you surround yourself with"
-the brilliantly bright crescent moon. The night sky is just aglow because of it.
-the number of stars out tonight.
-as always, my friends.

Gratitude on the go! 9-6-12

Today I am grateful for:
-finding strength in times of weakness.
-taking a moment to breathe
-having an awesome VO session.
-having a potentially stressful situation turn out to be pretty positive one.
-getting cast in a short film that only shoots one half day.
-simply enjoying an improv set for what it was.
-getting late night thai food and watching sytycd.
-laughing
-learning
-loving
-listening
-relaxing
-more laughing
-and as always, my friends.

Gratitude on the go! 9-5-12

Today I am grateful for:
-the unique opportunities I get to come across as an actor.
-having great chats with friends
-trying new things
-Performing with Hannah in puzzle time
-performing with Emily in box
-the decals on my bathroom. I sometimes forget that they're there. But they're so awesome and they were a gift. Love that.
-email.
-water
-breathing
-having a good support system. Even though i don't usually take advantage of it when I need them, I know they're there if I do decide I need them.
-as always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-4-12

Today I am grateful for:
-Having a legit solid night of sleep.
-A great lunch with Megan and Jen.
-Ice cream mid afternoon with Kdog.
-new opportunities
-new friends
-an overall non-packed day
-a really really great therapy session. Nothing profound happened. It was great because it was light. We talked about things that made us both laugh. My therapist is smart like that. She knows exactly what I need. She's basically the shit.
-A fun drive with my dad. We watched a video on youtube (shit sri lankan mom's say) that made him laugh harder than I've seen him do in years. It was awesome.
-The video Shit Sri Lankan Mom's say. For real makes me so happy. It's spot on accurate.
-An early night in.
-As always, my friends

Gratitude on the go! 9-3-12

Today I am grateful for:
-Breaking Ice performances. Four performances. 9am, 10:30am, noon, and 6:15pm. It was a lot of fun. The students were great, and really enjoyed the performance. The people I got to work with were fantastic. It's rare to have an ensemble of actors of such incredible talent that all get along really well. I really do feel extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them again.
-The All Star Variety Show Bonanza. Another amazing opportunity to work with some really amazingly talented people. It also allows me to push myself and step out of my comfort zone and try new things. Tonight I sang a song I wrote on my ukulele about how actors don't like their jobs. I would never have had an outlet to do that if it wasn't for this show. I am so grateful to be a part of it.
-As always, my friends.

Gratitude on the go! 9-2-12

Today I am grateful for:
-having a productive morning
-Going to the Minnesota state fair with my dad. So amazing! Years of memories balled up into one place. The world may chance but the mn state fair is always the same. I love that. Here are some of the highlights in picture form:

This year's crop art. Always a highlight. These were some of my favorites. 

The birthing barn. Not my favorite place, but these little guys were just too cute.

The food! Corn on the cob, deep fried pickles, unlimited milk and sweet martha's cookies (we ate the cookies before I was able to take a picture. Oops. At least I got a picture of the cup of milk), and nitro ice cream. 

And of course the people watching. This picture is just a little taste of the hilarious things  that can be seen at the fair. 

Gratitude on the go! 9-1-12

Today I am grateful for:
-having a really peaceful night's sleep. Dreamed, but it wasn't too overwhelming. I woke up feeling content and peaceful.
-going a whole month without eating any processed sugar. I had fruit but that was it.
-being at the science museum
-this mom's bright pink sparkle bow. It's placed off kilter on the left side of her hair. She makes me happy.
-Seeing an amtrak train on my way to work this morning. It made me immediately smile thinking about all the train trips I used to take with my dad when I was younger.
-a really fun crowd at the workshop.
-improv
-as always, my friends
-and this picture:

Gratitude on the go! 8-31-12

Today I am grateful for:
-breaking ice
-getting some wonderful texts and calls.
-getting free tacos with Amanda. Free because Amanda treated.
-taking a nap. I couldn't believe it.
-having pho at quangs with Lauren
-being open
-watching five man job perform
-the blue moon. Won't be another one until 2015. Grateful to have seen it and enjoy it.
-as always, my friends