Thursday, November 25, 2010

Ten Things Thursday - Thanksgiving Edition

Ten things I will eat/drink today that are not meat, fish, poultry or dairy. Note: I am NOT the most popular chick in my family right now...

1) Rice and Beans (duh!)
2) Sweet potatoes
3) Lentil Salad
4) Squash
5) Nuts
6) Soy Latte
7) Wine
8) This "soy ice cream" thing that I found at the store which  I have no idea what it tastes like but will soon find out!
9) Fruit salad
10) Stuffing

Goodbye eggnog, pumpkin pie, turkey, and ice cream....

Gobble Gobble!!!:)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

I hope you are all doing great!! Wherever you are and whatever  you do, I hope that you can take a few minutes today and really reflect on all that you are thankful for today.

I know that the historical background behind this holiday can be a bit "iffy". I'm not so sure that the Native Americans would necessarily paint the same picture that we do about the Pilgrims "arrival" to the "New World". But I choose to see this holiday as an opportunity to think about  all of my blessings and to give thanks for them.

I've really been focused lately on this whole gratitude thing. I know "The Secret" is really cliche and theres a bit too much "hype" around it, but I do definitely think that they were on to something when they talked about the importance of gratitude. I've been really dilingent lately about practicing gratitude, even for the little things, each and every day. Rather than reaching "out there" for things that I want, or places I wish I could be, I am concentrating on what I already have and how much I appreciate them. And it really does change my outlook on life, and how I feel in general. I've noticed that I'm a lot happier lately, feeling less stressed, and even in the face of challenges I'm feeling calmer and more peaceful. Nothing seems like "the end of the world" anymore.

I had an audition for a voiceover last week. In the waiting room I had a great conversation with another actor. We joked about how whenever we have an audition in Spanish we call our Mom's right before (to hear her voice and get the accent in our heads). Once I got into the recording room I just went all out with the script. There is something about voiceover acting that is  similar to mask work: since you are in a space where no one can see you, it sort of frees you to do things that you might not ordinarily do. We did about five or six takes, and I just tried something different each time. And I wasnt focused on booking the job at all, I was too busy having fun and doing what I do best. And I was just grateful for the opportunity to be there and practice what I love to do.

I'm spending the day with family today, and have already eaten so much. I think the gym will be seeing a lot of me this week. :)

I will take pics today and try to get some posted up tomorrow.

I am wishing you all a great holiday!!!

jenn

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Last nite

Last nite I went to a screenplay reading with a friend of mine. The script was good and there was a nice little Q & A session afterwards.
My friend, V, (also a writer) recently lost her mother, so we were talking on the way to the train about it. She was telling me all about the funeral and what the family did. I was really inspired by what she told me. Rather than a traditional, sad, viewing and funeral, she and her family chose to honor her mother by celebrating her life with a "Remembrance". They had her favorite music going, her favorite candy, the place was decorated...it was almost like a party. She said that thats what her mother would have wanted....I thought that was so beautiful and a wonderful way to honor the memory of her mothers life. I kinda think that if something happened to me, thats what I would want my friends and family to do...have a party, bring some oreos, dance up a storm, and have fun...

It made me think alot about how we see the  things that happen in our life. One friend of mine told me last week, "God doesnt do things to us, He does things FOR us"....

just some food for thought...enjoy the day people!!!

jennica

Ten Things Thursday

See, Im on time this week!! :)  Can I get a cookie?

Ten Random Things About Me:

1) I actually really like to eat broccoli. (no, really, I do).
2) I dont really like to wear jeans, or pants. I prefer skirts/dresses...
3) I hate the cold. Yes, I did grow up in Rochester, but that didnt make me like it any more. I still hate it. Counting the days till summer...
4) Im afraid of insects and bugs (like bees, roaches, flies). Not just "Ill, gross", but literally afraid of them. They are like little monsters to me...no, theres no logic to it, it just is....
5) My favorite New Kid was Jordan.
6) I've recently become a vegan (third week in!!)
7) I'm not a really good driver. I get scared on the road and intimidated by other drivers... I only do it when i have to. (hey, at least i admit it!!)
8) I'm always afraid when I fly. I hide it well (I think) but inside I'm a mess till we land.
9) I love dancing.
10) I love kids.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

pics

pics

Hey!!

So, Phase One of the move is complete...went smoothly.....always tough to be "in between" phases, but know that Phase Two will soon be complete...till then, I will "smile, breathe, and go slowly"....

Theres something I love about waking up early. I feel so peaceful and close to God in the early mornings. Even on the weekends, when everyone is still recovering from partying, hooking up, drinking, I love to get up early and walk around my neighborhood....breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the quiet, look at the fall colors on the trees....I am bringing  my camera to work today so that after my shift I can take some pics and post them here...

Heres something that someone once recommended I try, and I really got a lot out of it. Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. In the left column, list all of the things you did today that you really enjoyed, all the things that made you happy. In the right side, list all of the things that took a lot out of  you- made you feel tired, or frustrated or resentful. Do this every day for a week or so. Then take a look over your entries....it should give you a pretty clear picture of what you need to do more of and what you need to do less of . The things on the left side are what you are meant to be doing, who you need to be with, how you need to be spending your time. And those things on the left? Yeah, gotta get rid of them.

I am posting some pics from the fundraising event that my friends hosted a few weeks ago for their film. We had too much fun!!! Enjoy!!!

Jenn

Friday, November 12, 2010

Ten Things Thursday (Belated, Again)

Sorry People,

My crazy schedule doesnt always allow me to get this in on time. Here you are...

Ten Things I'd Like to See Happen in My Lifetime:

1) A permanent, real solution to the Arab/Israeli conflict.
2) A cure for Cancer
3) A female President in the US
4) Real, honest to goodness, Universal healthcare
5) A major improvement to our country's  Immigration Policy.
6) Complete Nuclear Disarmament for all nations (including our own)
7) Major Changes to environmental policies that will ensure the safety of our planet for future generations.
8) A radically improved educational system that appreciates and supports teachers, gives them the tools and guidance they need to teach our kids, gives schools the funds they need to operate successfully.
9) Equal rights for people of color, Gays/Lesbians, various  faith groups, and other minorities
10) An end to violence all across the world (be it in war, individual crimes, or random acts)


Thats all for now peeps!! Have a good one!
Jenn

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Happy Wednesday! (AKA "hump day")...

Had my wardrobe session last nite- was hoping to meet my "family" but guess they are coming at another time...I usually hate wardrobe sessions because they put clothes on you that you wouldnt be caught dead in that just dont fit right, but this one wasnt too bad. I also met some cool new people . I'm really looking forward to this shoot. :)

Went to see "Hereafter" at the Directors Guild last nite. Sooo good!!! I love Matt Damon!! One of my fave actors, and hes really good in this movie. It talks alot about death and the after life. Not in a depressing way, but actually in a warm, comforting way. Nice to see a film that doesnt present death as something to be feared, but rather something that we can look forward to.

One of the main characters in the film was a little  boy who lost his twin brother. It was so  touching to see their relationship and how he was effected by his brothers death. I'm an identical twin, so I know firsthand that the relationship between twins is something that you just cant describe. Its so unique. Its like this closeness that goes beyonds "I love you". Its almost like you are part of each other...connected to each other even though you may not be together at that very  moment.
 I once dated this guy who told me that he knew I was a twin even before I told him- that there was something about me and the way I would "only open up so far" and then "retreat" that made him sense it.  I never understood what he meant by that, but after seeing the film last nite- I totally  get it.  The writer and director really did a great job in showing the relationship between twins and what its really like.

So, anyway, if you go see a movie this weekend- check this one out! :)

Today is my off day (woo-hoo!) so I will run a few errands...then I will try to find something to do for my "artist date".

Have a great day
Jenn

Monday, November 8, 2010

Hey!!!

So, I booked the commercial! Hurray!! So excited!! Wardrobe fitting tomorrow and we shoot on Thursday. Its not a national- and I was hoping it would be- but its a start..step by step...I wonder if I will actually see this one- I did a Walmart commercial earlier this year and saw all of them except mine! Did any of you see me in a Walmart commercial? I'm selling  cell phones to teenage girls??...anyway- this one Im doing is for a restaurant chain....

Tonite was the first nite of my artists small group- we were a very small group (three of us) and I am hoping we get bigger thruout the year. I am excited because this year we all agree that we want the group to be more of a "salon" - where we all bring stuff to share with each other (dances, monologues, violin pieces, etc) and get feedback on our work... in addition to talking and sharing about our week....we are even exploring the idea of putting together a show in the spring... fun stuff...

So, football has come to an end. Sadly, my team did not make the playoffs. :(
But I can honestly  say that I had fun with this- which was the primary reason that I did it.  I wanted to try something I had never tried before, and I did. I will take a couple of weeks off and then look at some of the options for the next round ..rumor has it that water polo might be the next one we do... I'm thinking I'll probably be a little better at that...:)

I did my five things today, and also deleted the boys number, cuz  "I aint no holla back girl"...lol

Stay warm people!!

Jenn

Friday, November 5, 2010

Ten Things Thursday ( Belated)

Ten Songs  that  I play almost every day on my  Ipod:

1) Defying Gravity (from Wicked)
2) The Climb (Miley Cyrus)
3)Happy (Leona Lewis)
4) Unanswered Prayers ( Garth Brooks)
5) The Sky is the Limit (Jason Derulo)
6) Empire State of Mind (Alicia Keys)
7 )Soak up the Sun (Cheryl Crow)
8)Imagine me (Kirk Franklin)
9)Listen (from Dreamgirls)
10) Miss Independent (Neo)

In other news,  I got a callback for the commercial!! Send good vibes my way! :) 


Happy Friday!! 


Jenn

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Wednesday Nov 3, 2010

I couldnt get my pics to download  from my camera. So, sorry, no Halloween pics. But, if you want to use your imaginations...I was Cleopatra, (I am told the Egyptian look becomes me) my friend Pablo was a Rasta-man, Charlene was Mario (from Nintendo), there was a Harry Potter figure, a court jester (or something)..anyway I had a great time and ate entirely too much candy.. .and its always fun to see all of the kids dressed up and give them candy...

Had an audition today for a restaurant commercial. Fun stuff. Love it when they pair you up with other actors and you have to instantly create a family. Makes improv so much easier and gives you a lot more to work with.... my "husband" was way taller than me, so I had to keep looking up at him then back to the camera, and then find a way to include "my kids" in it too, although they had no lines...

So, heres a fun little  story for your reading enjoyment-- last nite I was working a "double" and so "f##**" tired, so I'm kind of in this zone as I approach this table. I look up as I get there and Im about to go into my schpeel (sp?) -there were these three guys seated  there. The one to the right is not only gorgeous, I feel like I know him from somewhere. And I start to wonder if maybe he's famous....I swear I've seen him before. So I try to keep focused  on doing my job but Im distracted in a  MAJOR way. I get some co-workers to look at the table and sure enough, they are well-known actors from television. So we  had fun drooling, I mean waiting on them all... They were soo nice and  friendly and they tipped me a ridiculous amount. Kind of a nice way to end the nite...

More tomorrow...sweet dreams!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Hey People!!

How was your Halloween?!!!
Went to a party on Saturday and worked on Sunday. Pics coming soon!! Dont get scared! :)

Have a great day- and dont forget to vote!

Jenn