This is the Beginning of Anything You Want

We're three weeks into the new year, how's it going for you so far? I didn't write any epic posts about plans / goals / resolutions for 2014 as I ddin't feel the need to - instead I focused on getting shit done. 

You see, the end of 2013 was a bit of a weird time - I wasn't super happy with where I was at and on December 30 made the decision to change that. I left my full time job that had me commuting to Mississauga on a daily basis and decided to start fresh for the new year. Scary? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. 

The last three weeks have been stellar as I've opened The Wedding Singer (still 5 more shows and audiences have been having a blast!!), worked on getting everything ready for The Life is Sweet Project and Life is Sweet month on my blog, started a new part time job this week and began an energy exchange at one of my very favourite yoga studios. I've found a new voice teacher and am working on getting an agent. I've been spending time with some of my very favourite people and making delicious, healthy food.

I haven't made resolutions, but I'm really working on achieving a balance of things that I love in my life. Maybe it's the new year or maybe it's the fact that a certain birthday is around the corner, but whatever the reason, I'm feeling awesome about my choices and everything that is to come. When I was in St. Lucia 2 years ago, Meghan had us do an exercise to write down what our ideal day would look like, and for the very first time, I think I'm pretty close to achieving that. Better late than never, right? 

What would your ideal day look like? How do you achieve balance in your life?

When it's Your Wedding Day... Opening Night!

I could hardly sleep last night after our FINAL dress rehearsal before opening night of The Wedding Singer!!

Playing Julia is the most fun, and I have such a blast falling in love with Robbie (played by Isaac Bell) every single night. The set, lighting and costumes are amazing and totally 80's-tastic. I love getting to feel like a princess in my wedding dress every night

So many awesome people are coming to the show tonight and I am thrilled to have a (nearly!) sold out audience. Openings are always so exciting and I'm so thankful to have the best cast to share the fun with. If anyone needs me today I'll likely be found skipping and jamming to 80's tunes. Music videos in the 80's were the coolest, right?!

What's your fave 80's tune? 

Five Things I've Been Doing Instead of Blogging

Ohai friends. Happy Friday the 13th! It’s been awhile. I've been busy. It’s the holiday season, so who isn't, really? Here are my reasons (I think they’re pretty good…)

1. I've been rehearsing for The Wedding Singer

I was thrilled to be cast as Julia in Hart House’s upcoming production of The Wedding Singer (January 10-25th) and I've been running around the theatre having a blast. I love the movie and the musical is even more fun. My Robbie is adorable and the whole cast is mega talented. This will continue to keep me extra busy until we open, but I couldn't be happier to be doing this show.

2. I've been working on The Life is Sweet Project

I’m lucky to have two shows opening in the next two months and similar to this past February, there are a number of elements to coordinate for this project. I've been writing the show, discussing the show, rehearsing music and looking for contributors to the blog projects (wanna write for me? Send me an email!) It’s a lot of work, but incredibly rewarding and tickets are selling away. It’s exciting and terrifying.

3. I was frolicking in New York City

It’s rather apparent that NYC is pretty much my favourite place on the planet and I was so happy to spend five days there in November. There is a blog post coming next week about my magical adventures of food, theatre and being in love.

4. I've been doing neat things like shooting tv shows and posing for magazine covers

Apparently my life is glamorous sometimes, who knew? In October I shot an episode of Home Cookin’ for Rogers TV where I made some delicious sweet potato quinoa chili, kale salad and apple crumble parfaits with the lovely Emanuela Pires. You can see a clip from the episode here. I also had the pleasure of doing an interview for rouse magazine about The Life is Sweet Project and ended up on their cover. They did an amazing job with the article and I was so honoured to be their first cover girl!

5. Eating / Sleeping / Living

I've always said that life comes first, blogging comes second. I’m really hoping to write more in 2014 and determine a way to make that happen. I think once the chaos of two shows + work + commuting calms down, it should leave me some of this ‘free time’ people speak of. Last week life included an amazing steampunk goth wedding and next week will include more rehearsal, HoHoTO, singing at Ryan Hinds’ Holiday Comedy Cabaret Coffee Talk, finishing my Christmas shopping and making festive treats. And sleeping. I'm not exactly sure when, but it will happen.

How are you surviving the holiday season? What's been keeping you busy of late?