Rae Roy's Blog, page 49

Warrior Wednesday – Life: The Battle

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I struggled all day thinking about what to write. This is partly because yesterday was a full day with some distressing moments.

I had a presentation to do in the morning that wasn’t quite finished as sometimes happens with group work projects. My legs were shaking as I read my parts, but I’ve been told I kept my composure. That’s good because the alternative was to give into the jelly feeling in my legs and collapse onto the floor. See how much I love presentations?

In my second class we had to pitch a reality TV show and my group was obsessed with eggs, so I was doubtful anything would come of the discussion, but we pulled it together and presented a decent idea for a show that even the teacher got into. Phew.

I was tired from the night before.

By the time I got home from school, it was 6:45 PM and martial arts was at 8:00 PM. I couldn’t grab a quick bite and leave though. A post in one of the Facebook groups I administer had been flagged. In it, a woman was talking about suicide. Her message was a message and I wondered briefly if she was on something. Then I reported it to Facebook and called 911 in an attempt to get connected to the police in California. When I did get through to California, they couldn’t do anything because I couldn’t get an address for the woman. I ended up having to scour her Facebook for anything I could to see if someone can find her and get her help. I don’t know yet today if my efforts were helpful. The police told me I had done everything I could. I had been diligent. That didn’t make me feel better, but I went to martial arts.

It was the last practice before grading this upcoming weekend. I couldn’t get through the whole thing. I got a headache from not having anything to eat. Sensei said there will be things we all need to fix after grading.

When I got home, I made some nachos and tried to do homework. I didn’t get far. I still had a headache after eating, so I took a shower. It lessened some. I fought through a small assignment and went to bed.

I’m still tired today and worried about the woman as I work on today’s to-do list.

I actually made it to school early this morning, but then I ran into an ex on campus…

I think I fixed up a group assignment. I sent what I had to my partner. Hopefully it’s not bad?

I need to work on my play after I get some other things handled.

I’ve made significant progress on lengthening the straps on my fancy martial arts pants. I’ll have to finish the straps tomorrow before I iron them and pack my things for the weekend.

I’m off to put my laundry in the dryer, hang my gear to dry, and make a late supper.

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

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Filed under: Martial Arts, Musings Tagged: Compassion, Discipline [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

Theatrical Tuesday – The Room

So I went to see The Room at The Mayfair Theatre last night.

Greg Sestero was there and he gave us a lot of interesting background on the movie.

He gave me some very basic scriptwriting advice, which amounts to write every day and don’t give up.

It was my first time seeing it in theatres and it was quite an experience. Bring plastic spoons if you plan to go and then just go with it. You’re unlikely to hear all the movie, so be prepared for that.

I’d go into more, but my day has been the kind where I have a massive no-food headache because I had to deal with a suicidal message in a Facebook group I administer.

I’m off to eat and shower. Then I hope to have the energy to do homework. I’ve emailed my teacher in case I can’t manage it tonight.

R~

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Filed under: Musings Tagged: Movies [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

Merry Monday – A Schedule Feast

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My life often gets a little busy.  Here was my weekend:

Friday – Final practice then performance for fundraiser. I should’ve probably stuck around to party longer after, but a friend was driving to my area of town anyway.
Saturday – I did dishes, worked on a group presentation, and worked on other homework.
Sunday – I went to church, had the second last practice before my 2nd grading attempt of 2nd level black belt. After that, I donated items, did some groceries, did homework, visit with my little buddy, and capped it all off with B-Movie night.

This is my next couple of weeks:

Monday – Bring my car for a tire retorque. Go to work placement to figure things out. Go to play writing class. Homework. Tweak and submit TV episode treatment. Double feature at the Mayfair.
Tuesday – Two classes (one with presentation). Final practice before grading attempt. Lengthen ties on my outfit for grading.
Wednesday – Class. Wash needed clothing for grading.
Thursday – Two classes. Iron grading outfit. Pack for trip.
Friday – Travel with friends to GTA.
Saturday – Grading. Seminar. Either celebrating or mourning grading results with libations.
Sunday – Do homework while watching the tournament. Food. Travel back to Ottawa.
Monday – Class.
Tuesday to Thursday – Was supposed to be work placement, but we’re postponing until the new year for my sanity and theirs, so just classes and the other usual stuff.
Friday – Homework
Saturday & Sunday – Digi60
Monday – Class. Breathing.

And then I think it’s Christmas Party season followed by Christmas.

Well, I expect I may forget some posts over the next couple of weeks and I’m apologizing in advance. The most important thing is getting my school work done.

If I get time in between that all and continuing my house cleanup, I’ll put some time in editing my novel or maybe even go on a date? Who can really say what will happen on any given day? Working as a planner for a long time taught me plans are limitedly useful and goals with flexible timelines are more important because sometimes it’s really not about how long it takes to achieve something, but more about persevering.

Speaking of my novel, I got this brilliant idea for it the other day and then I forgot it! I was so upset!!! Somehow, I’ve managed to recall what it was, so I am relieved about that. Usually ideas get lost forever if they aren’t written down right away in my experience.

Anyway, I think I have a quiz this morning, so I better study that material. I know most of it, but she might want specific wording…

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

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Filed under: Musings Tagged: Discipline, School [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

Symphonic Saturday – A Sad, No Music Day

[image error]I’ve wanted to do something musical ALL DAY.

There’s been no time to though as I’ve had homework to do.

I’m fairly busy tomorrow and may not get to do anything musical then either.

I really want to learn blues guitar soon. I don’t know if I’m ready, but it’s fun to play what I can pretend I know of the blues hahaaha.

It’s getting late, but maybe I can quietly play my guitar anyway…

I think I’ll do that.

Then off to bed. I have an early rise tomorrow and a long day after.

By the way, I’m in no way complaining that I have homework. After the strike, I’m happy to be having so much to do!

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

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Filed under: Music Tagged: Guitar [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]

Frisky Friday – Worst Sex Scenes in Fiction

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We all hope our sex scenes will be steamy segments of sexy fun that makes the reader want to find their partner and have a great weekend of the best sex they’ve had in a while.

We’re also terrified they’ll be the most flaccid making garbage that has ever been written down.

If they are funny even, that’s usually better than a turn off.

I mean, funny things happen sometimes like unexpected noises.

Some sex scenes are better than others.

Some are so bad that I feel sorry for the author.

Apparently, there are awards for this type of thing. You can check them out here.

I have a packed weekend that begins with the GONQ show at The Wellington at 9. Well, technically it begins around 3:30 for me as I have to bus to the college to meet up with my fellow actors to run through out comedy show one last time before the real thing. Saturday is low key, so I think that will be laundry and homework day. Sunday is the second last martial arts practice before grading next weekend, followed by B-movie club. Then I have a busy week ahead of me.

I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy the sales if you’re into that sort of thing.

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

Filed under: Musings Tagged: Sex

Thoughtful Thursday – Healthy Progress

[image error]I think I’ve figured it out. I know I’ve thought that about 10 times before, but I really think I have this time.

I think my digestive issues are Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The things I’ve had trouble with, those that have given me the most pain, are on the IBS list of things to avoid (dairy, gluten, alcohol, caffeine, beans). I’ve had minor problems with some of the other things on the list like apples and overripe bananas. One of the first things that ever made me sick was ketchup, which I’ve been eating a lot lately.

Why didn’t I think of it before?

Oats.

Oats made me believe it must be Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. They share a similar protein.

Recently, I’ve been having a ton of trouble with garlic. That points to IBS, especially with the other things except oats.

So, I started doing some searching online and it turns out a lot of IBS folks have trouble with oats too. Why they’re on the recommended food list, is strange to me in that case, but I’m going to switch to garlic oil and avoid onions to see if that resolves my remaining major issues. Apparently infused oils give all the flavour and none of the evil.

I’ll have to make my own pasta sauce and certain fruits & vegetables. Oh look, here’s a recipe for pasta sauce that isn’t some weird beet concoction. Italian is one of my favourite food groups, so that’s pretty important.

I also learned there is research being done into autoimmune conditions and heavy metal toxicity. It is convincing enough for me to try zeolite. It’s like a clay that helps remove heavy metals from the body and comes from volcanoes. I’m not generally one for the detox thing. The liver usually does a great job of clearing the bad out on its own. Heavy metals are different though. They’re hard to clear from the body through the natural processes. Since I react badly to a lot of pharmaceuticals anyway, I figure it’s worth a try for $30. I also still have some old metal fillings from the 80s and 90s. My case is so mild, my doctor isn’t totally sure I have an autoimmune condition yet, so maybe I can prevent it from getting worse and get rid of it altogether. It’s definitely worth a try.

I’m cleaning up other areas of my life too. I bought the e-book of The Joy of Less by Francine Jay. I never liked the idea of the Kon Mari method. It feels too hokey to hug the crap I want out of my life. Just pitch it already. Anyway, I read what’s available for free on Amazon look inside and felt like it was the book for me. It’s supposed to even help me clean up my digital files too. Speaking of my digital life, I’ve unfollowed a ton of things and left many groups on Facebook because I wasn’t seeing most of the content I enjoy. My feed is getting better.

Sometimes less is truly more.

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

Filed under: Musings Tagged: Fitness

Warrior Wednesday – Back to School

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Right now the song from Grease 2 is playing in my head.

Yeah, I know that movie wasn’t the best, but I can’t help it.

Yesterday turned out great after a rough start. I was late because my brain decided that it was 10:45 I should catch the bus instead of 9:45. Class was at 11, so you can guess how that went. I let my teachers know and I wasn’t the only one. Apparently, I didn’t miss much in that first 25-35 minutes, so that was lucky.

I was late in part due to stomach issues. More on that tomorrow.

My anxiety was pretty high until this large black man got on the bus. He sat down, started munching away on a packet of red licorice and before long he was singing along with his music. Whether it was the grin on his face or his no fucks given attitude, a smile began creeping across my face. When I got inside the school, it turned into a huge grin after seeing all the students.

Maybe part of me didn’t believe the strike was really over until that moment.

I discovered I’m ahead in most of my classes and that took some pressure off.

After practicing my kata to get ready for my grading two weekends from now, I fought through Final Draft’s stage play alternate personality to complete my comedy sketch for the fund raiser we are doing on Friday. If you’re in Ottawa, you should come out. It’s pay whatever you can and it will help us afford our class trip at year end where we make the contacts we need to hopefully be successful screenwriters.

Here’s the information.

Today was better time wise, though I was a little late for our meeting about Friday’s event.

My stomach was better, so of course Mother Nature decided to pay me a visit and the app I have for that sort of thing decided not to remind me. A nice woman in the Registrar’s Office helped me out and the day got better.

I met with my playwriting teacher and she has my mind blown open with the possibilities for my 10-minute play. I have to figure out how I want to put it together now. This may be one of my most challenging things this semester.

It’s that awkward time of year where my coat is warm enough in daylight and not warm enough once the evening comes. I’m trying to tough it out because I don’t want to pull out the heavy, bulky stuff until it’s a little colder. If I do that, I’ll be in trouble when those -40 days hit.

I’m exhausted, cold, sore, and have homework. I think a warm bath before supper is what’s needed.

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

Filed under: Musings Tagged: School

Theatrical Tuesday – The Worlds We Want Podcast

[image error]I’m feeling really hopeful today.

I think we all get mired in the negative stuff easily and so we don’t always hear about the great things happening around the world.

My friend is part of a science podcast that is focused on talking about recent developments in getting the world to move towards a more sustainable existence and combat climate change. I find it a positive and refreshing approach compared to the shaming, finger pointing, and apocalyptic fear mongering that many other groups have employed.

You can check it out here.

I’m off to actual class for the first time in 5 weeks. I’m nervous and excited!

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

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Filed under: Reviews Tagged: Podcast

Merry Monday – Roller Coasters

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Roller coasters are something I don’t enjoy. They’re really bad. I mean, when I’m on one I scream like I’m being murdered.

But I actually love going to theme parks. I walk around, people watch, go on some water rides, and get writing inspiration. I’m also always willing to hold stuff for my friends, so their phones and glasses don’t get lost or broken.

I don’t enjoy the emotional roller coaster variety either.

The end of last week was full of the emotional kind. The premier of Ontario attempted to legislate arbitration that would treat the teachers fairly while coming to a reasonable ground and getting us back to school. All three parties had to agree to it because of the time of day and the NDP party refused. This bled into Saturday and Sunday. The bill was passed on Sunday.

All this strike stuff has made me angry, sad, scared, and exhausted.

Before the bill passed, I was extremely frustrated and scared. I asked myself if the answer might be to sell my condo and move back to my hometown. I don’t want to do that, at least not until I have what I went to school for, so I decided that I’m going to fight tooth and nail to get this certificate. If it means more debt, then it means more debt. This is what I want to do with my life and fuck anyone that is going to try and stop me.

After it passed, I was relieved, but some other things happened. I felt a chunk of the tension leave my body. It’s not all gone, but enough is that my shoulders aren’t like rocks. I also cried. Throughout, I tried to bolster everyone else’s spirits and I didn’t taken time to feel all the emotions that come when your future is on hold and you have no control over what will happen.

I do that sort of thing a lot.

Like when my dad had his mini stroke and all my family couldn’t figure out how to get in touch with the neighbour because we didn’t have their phone number and I was like, “I’ll walk across the street and knock on their door.” I was freaked out myself, of course, but I’m good at holding my shit together in a crisis.

I’m looking forward to being back on track as we return to classes on Tuesday. First I have to clear the crap off my car and figure out lunch stuff though.

There are some students who don’t want to get on with life. They’re planning to “strike”. I think that’s absolutely moronic. So what if you have to work a little harder? Life is going to be a lot tougher after this and if you can’t push it, you’re not going to make it. Just go to class, do your work, and grow up FFS.

I’m still pretty tired after the whole experience. It was affecting my sleep.

Now that I’m not freaking out about my day-to-day life as much, I’m starting to feel nervous for martial arts grading as that is not far away now and I’ve missed some practices due to sickness.

I have a few assignments to get to, namely a play, a presentation, and a rewrite of one group assignment. I don’t think we’ll be doing any of that this week. The class for the play is a Monday one, so I have some time on that one. We’re not allowed to be evaluated this week, so I don’t think the presentations will happen? And the other thing is for Thursday’s morning class. We’ll all know more about stuff tomorrow when the teachers go over things with us.

I think the thing I should do is meditate and calm any last anxieties I have.

After having breakfast, cleaning my car off somehow, and dealing with the lunch stuff though.

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

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Filed under: Musings

Symphonic Saturday – Tis the Season

I’m sorry. I meant to post this yesterday. I got side tracked getting things done before our first winter storm. 

Things like exchanging one gift for three. 

I think Mom and Dad are going to have a good Christmas this year.

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This happened to be our first snow. Since there’s snow and we’re passed Remembrance Day, I can totally play Christmas music and put up my tree!

I found a ton of CDs with Christmas mp3s on them. I haven’t listened to these songs in a long time. I’m going to load them on my media PC and have a Christmas-y dance party!

Guid cheerio the nou,

R~

Filed under: Musings