Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. As we move into a new month (where has the time gone), here is what I got up to that week!
Monday: To kick off the day I watched abit of Love Island: All Stars. At this point if I’m not careful I’m going to get binged on it again. But I mainly watch it to support liberty and Anton. But I’m hoping that Anton keeps being so supportive, especially since his mum is literally a sweetheart, and she will have words with him if he gets in anyone’s bad books.
I then of course went to my day job. It was a weird me for me as I don’t have anything to rehearse for as I do my shift. But I’m some ways it’s good, as then I can reset and also belt out my tunes without worrying about audition deadlines or homework for class… for now at least.
After walking my dog and having a nap, I listened to the rest of an act on this broadcast whilst I had some lunch. It was a while since I listened to one, but I’m glad I caught up with it and I can’t wait to see what Ross has to offer on a Monday night.
Before my appointment at the dentist, I had the opportunity to look at an article for a feature film a creative sent to me. I was so happy when they replied, and acknowledging that they kept everything I sent them on file. And I loved what they wrote, so I can’t wait to give them my feedback.
This afternoon I had my dentist appointment to get my mould fitted on. It was a surprisingly quick process, as it was only the top half they did. But it did feel like a bush tucker trial, as it got to a point where I was gagging nearly. But with the help of the dentist and his assistant, they managed to get it done. This then left me an hour to spare, so I simply used the time to complete some surveys. This was then of course followed by a 30 minute yoga session, and noting some video diaries to add into my film.
To settle in the evening I walked my dog and watched The Masked Singer with a delicious bowl of spaghetti (but not before I took a photo of Margo looking after my dad after he had a tiring day at work as seen above). It was a brilliant episode as now I’m starting to wonder who it’ll be. For cricket, air fryer and piranha I think I know who it’ll be, but I’m wondering for piranha if it’s a previous winner? As after thinking back the voices sound so similar. Who knows? But the biggest surprise was the latest unmasking. I don’t want to say who it was but it may have been the biggest surprise yet.
I then moved onto watching the National Lottery’s Big Night Of Musicals from last year, whilst I had some scrumptious Ben and Jerry's ice cream. And I wished I watched it sooner, as the talent on that show was fantastic! The girl who played Eponine in Les Mis was the star of the night so far, as she had a set of lungs like no other. And projects like the music man, created by David Stanley, are the reason why we do what we do, as they help those who have learning disabilities find the confidence and courage to express themselves through this art form. I can’t wait to watch the rest of it.
I then settled down by checking my socials (but only on my personal account) and learning a quick session of Korean. During the night I also skimmed through some dance session classes including 1 which I looked back on in Newark. It turns out the classes were already going ahead and that the next session was the next day. This did make me feel abit panicky as yes I do want to learn how to dance, and being properly prepped for it for me is important. It may not seem like a big deal to you, but like Anton from Inside our autistic minds, if there’s unexpected change or something that makes your brain goes mushy, the beat I had is gone and the rhythm goes all over the place. So I’ll simply message them about it and if they allow me to start the week after great, if not then I’d better look online. And I think I found one where a famous choreographer does classes from there too.
Tuesday: To kick off the morning to get me energised I watched more of the big mightn’t musicals from 2023. The perfect way to get me in the mood, with performances from Hamilton and one by Michael ball dedicated to Andrew Lloyd Webber, who is literally an icon in the musical theatre world. I can’t wait to see what he does next.
I then made my way to the gym. I didn’t spend as much time on the boxing as I hoped as I know someone was using it as a circuit. But I still managed to get a good workout in even funk did have to do the last 2 exercises at home. And on my way there and back I managed to schedule some posts for my socials (including the masterclass with Sean Glynn which I posted later) and also started drafting my first tv reviews. I couldn’t go into full depth on all of them but I made a start which is all that matters.
As I got back I noted some more jobs on spotlight and also did an assessment for a potential new day job. But one of the jobs I saved were expired, so I’m still learning to apply as soon as I have a shot. I did have a phone call with someone who I applied for a job with before. But sadly I didn’t meet the requirements. This was a devastating blow but I just need to remember that like with acting, every no is one step closer to a yes.
I also had the strength to start writing my new 3 part sketch, which was inspired by a surreal situation in my day job. Unfortunately I couldn’t remember everything but I wrote what felt right, so then I can tweak it later on if need be. But getting it down on paper (or in this case digitally) was better than nothing. This was then followed by the first half of an act on this podcast with Dan Hubbard. Like before it was a lengthy one but I sure can’t wait to listen to the rest.
During lunch after a quick dance I watched the first half of Waterloo Road. This one saw Preston return to school and not being happy one bit, especially with all the changes happening around him and being a mentor. I also wonder if Mr Guthrie will find out about the plan dean and Noel have been hatching and if everyone will get on board with the academy trust. I can’t wait to watch the rest later to find out.
I spent the afternoon doing a mixture of things. These included noting and drafting some emails/messages to directors and other creatives. There is definitely still a lot to do, but I think I did well to get the drafts set up. And once I upload my scene from Hollyoaks into the messages I’ll have accomplished my achievements. This was then followed by doing some more surveys. I even managed to squeeze in a dance session online. This was a beginners jazz to start with. And as I’m writing this I’ve probably forgot the moves already lol. But like with learning lines once I get the movements in my head it becomes second nature.
After dance I started to look at rearranging my holidays for my day job. I don’t know hat the outcome will be but like with the arts, I shouldn’t be afraid to ask for what I want, particularly for one week as it’s a week of a play which an actors workshop member is directing. So I did but also say that I would like to see other dates so that I have some options if the days I wanted are not available. This was then followed by a quick blast of Korean and French, where I made a few mistakes but that didn’t stop me from completing it.
I then watched the rest of Waterloo Road. Even though Noel and Dean were caught in the act, it may have helped form something special between Miss Walker and Mr Guthrie. And I’m glad that Preston has found a way to get through to the new mentoring student, and that being a someone doesn’t mean you need to be good at one thing. And I think that was a good example.
Later on after another shower from the dancing, I walked my dog (who looked really cute before I did as seen above), I watched Mondays addition of Doctors whilst tucking into a chicken kebab. This one saw a woman convinced that she shouldn’t be pregnant due to her husband being sterile, but a discovery Al made changed everything. And Nina is willing to stand up to herself knowing what she wants. Let’s just hope it pays off. And I have a feeling Luca friend Maria may be bad news. But I could be wrong.
I then moved onto watching the first episode of After The Flood. So far just getting into it, but once I fully invest in it I know I’m going to love it. But I there’s no way that Jo’s husband is trustworthy, as even though he’s only trying to make sure she’s okay during her pregnancy, I feel he has something else to hide. But I can’t wait to see how the series progresses. Slowly afterwards I watched abit of love island and always I checked my socials.
Wednesday: To click off the day I watched Tuesdays addition of Doctors (where I watched the rest of it later on). This has Scarlett see an old friend who hides a big secret. And if you watch the episode you’ll see why it got to me. I was going to meet the editor of the film but due to a last minute thing and my brain going in and out like the hockey cockey I had to pull out. But thankfully Steve understood and spoke to him and after a brief chat later on, where I gave my scrapbook and other photos, the documentary side is now in full swing.
For the morning I stuck to what I originally planned to do, and that was noting some more jobs on spotlight and drafted an email to send to the admin team on future classes. I did like thrill of performing a live play, and I’m really hoping that it’s still on the cards when I come back to face to face classes. I then posted my Hollyoaks scene from the Sean Glynn masterclass (where I got a lovely comment on X/Twitter from Peter Hunt himself) and updated my budgeting table. So overall a productive morning. This was also accompanied with looking through the photos to give to Steve for the documentary.
At lunch I watched the start of The Big Night of Musicals from this year (where I had to watch on the iPlayer due to not recording all of it). And I think after the morning I had it was certainly what the doctor ordered. It’s amazing how music can be a relaxant to many people especially neurodivergent people like myself.
I had a more relaxing afternoon and also a clearing day digitally. It was then when is started going through my web browser deleting stuff that I didn’t need anymore. I did this whilst I noted contacts with their email address so then I can reach out to them directly in the future and also build up my contacts. This was then followed by doing some more surveys, where I’m slowly building up my intake on how many I do to earn some extra cash and eventually turn it into a side hustle. As who doesn’t want money for answering questions. Yes I still have a lot of points to get before I get my next intake but providing I do them regularly it’ll come sooner than I know. I then moved onto some reading where I didn’t get through all of chapter 3, but just enough so that I was satisfied and relaxed. This was then moved onto learning some more Korean and French. I failed miserably on them but that doesn’t mean to say I won’t stop. As it’s how you deal with the setback that counts, so I’ll simply pick up where I left off from and come back stronger.
The final thing I did in the afternoon was of course gathered some more day player roles and scenes from the soaps. And I only got through a few episodes of Doctors as the ones I did didn’t have scenes that fit my type but had the guest roles so I can skip to those. And with the episode of just Scarlett, I made a note to pick out any scene as Scarlett’s age fits within my bracket so it just saved me time to go through every bit. I also noticed that this Mondays episode of Corrie didn’t record, so when me and my dad watch it I’ll remind him that the one we didn’t record is on catch up tv.
In the evening I had my acting class. During it I’ve been told by my fellow actors that I’m inspiring and that I should be proud of my self, after a life changing moment has happened to one of them (I won't say what it is as it's not my place to say). And it’s moments like this where I’m grateful to have so many people who care about me, as there are moments where I don’t believe that it’s true. But even though I didn’t get a chance to perform something, this has definitely made my night.
I then watched Wednesdays addition of Doctors. I think Luca may get himself in a complicated situation when Maria comes back, and I feel Harry may have had his work cut out, leaving me to wonder if what he told the neurodivergent patient was real or just really good lying. And this was actually the episode where someone sent me an audition for, but it didn’t go my way, partly on my responsibility. But the actress who played Elsie was fantastic. I turn of course checked my socials before bed.
Thursday: To start the day I watched Mondays episode of Hollyoaks. I’ve seen the spoilers on what’s happening in most of the episode, but I still can’t believe the situation between Tom and Yazz. I knew they weren’t in the right place, and this may sound abit controversial but maybe they were right to make the decision they made as they were still young at the end of the day. Again this is just my opinion but I feel it’s a good thing as things weren’t right between them for a while. I also hope that Cindy gets some answers on Ella, but Dave going back to old habits may not be helpful.
I then made my way to the gym. On the way there I’ve started sending my emails and messages to casting directors, directors and other creatives in the industry. And I was right to do that now as even though I scheduled it for after the gym I have a feeling that the cooking may take over. So I thought the sooner I send these messages out the better. And I was also right to do it first, as the dinner took a long while to make. But sometimes it’s good to push myself out of my comfort zone and make something that’ll scare me. And it all turned out quite well. And to help me chill, I checked my socials and did a few surveys to help me wind down after the madness.
Before work I watched Tuesdays addition of Hollyoaks. I really hope that Dave has a wake up call after disastrous turn for the worse when Cindy pushed him away. And after seeing spoiler clips I feel that Peri will also surfer the consequences of how she dealt with her breakup from Romeo. And I really hope that Darren doesn’t give into Susanne knowing the impact it’ll have on Nancy and the family. And I feel I need to take a leaf out of Phoenix’s book if he makes the decision to go to London with Shing Lin.
I then had my shift. It was an okay day, but I think the highlight for me was seeing a group of people with one having a very nice coat. I don’t know where I got it from and I’m wanted to ask, but thanks to Adam (my autistic brain) it literary stopped me from seeing them. Never mind, they seemed like nice people anyway so who am I to complain.
As soon as I got back I watched abit of the first night of the premiere league darts, whilst tucking into my Ramen dish I made. What a game. Like littler is growing as a darter, and I can’t wait to see what he does next. And because I’m up early on Fridays I don’t get chance to watch the whole games, so I may watch abit tomorrow just to keep me energised. Either way I’m glad that another one of my passions is back on our screens.
As I got ready for bed, I checked my socials (but only from my acting account), looked through my birthday list and frayed a new sketch. I only thought of it today and I was going to see if anyone wanted to collab with me on it, but because it’s short notice I had to think of an alternative. Thankfully I did and even though it may be cheesy, sometimes it’s what you need when making your own work. That’s my view personally. I then did a quick French session. And it was a quick one as well knowing I had to be up earlier as I transition to the 8am starts.
Friday: Friday as always was my long day. But not before I watched abit of last nights darts. I knew who won already but I knew I needed a booster, and what better way than the darts. Honestly if I wasn’t acting then I’d be darting my way through life. But who’s to say I can’t be both.
I then of course went to my day job. This was a good day and despite a setback which is out of my control, it did have its moments. One of which was I did picking for the morning and honestly like last week I did not mind that. As like before picking on a longer day gets my steps in and helps make the time go quicker. And during that I managed to run through my sketch for Valentine’s Day where I thought of changing the middle section up with a certain British children’s character. All I can say on that is watch this space.
During the shift I also found out that the branch manager of my day job is staying permanently. This made my day as yes where I work now is not the plan long term, but whilst I work my craft and building up my network, having a manager who understands why I am the way I am really does help. So for now having someone stay is good enough for me.
After my shift I had some time to kill. So I spent it practicing some darts and noting some jobs on Mandy and Spotlight. But I haven’t actually been able to apply for them when I got back home due to a Wi-Fi issue when I got back. But I did make a start on drafting a few of my cover letters, so at least that was a start. I then managed to do some yoga which was well needed after the day I had.
After walking my dog I watched Fridays addition of Hollyoaks. Misbah could see that peri was not in the right frame of mind to work, but I do get why Misbah had to do what she did when a near death experience occurred. And I also know what happens to Phoenix, as I’ve seen spoilers online, but I think Darren was abit harsh when he told phoenix he can’t move to London with shing lin. But I know on the next episode it’ll all change.
I then watched the penultimate episode of Vigil whilst I had my second plate of Ramen. I was hooked on every minute of the episode, and when I finished where I left it off, I couldn’t wait to continue the last few minutes before work tomorrow. I then started checking my socials and updating my budgeting table. And during the night I struggled to sleep, so I decided that I would upload the videos linking to my film on wetransfer so that I didn't have anything else to worry about when tomorrow came. And I think that did the trick.
Saturday: Despite nearly oversleeping again, I kicked off the early morning to watch the rest of the penultimate episode of Vigil. My goodness me what an episode to finish on, and I can't wait to see what Amy finds on her way home from Wudyan. This was then followed by little specs of Love Island: Allstars, where I felt so heart warmed by Anton's speech, and that for me personally Casey is a fool for ghosting Georgia Harrison because of her spirituality. I'm not saying that in a partner you don't need to like everything but at least respect that this is how they are and if you don't like it, then they can do one. I am still hoping that Anton doesn't mess about otherwise I'll be unfollowing him ASAP.
I then made my way to work. This is where I practiced my sketch and practiced my song for an audition I saw online. I won't say what it's for, but let's just say that it's linked to a show I saw before the first lockdown, so it'll be a very sentimental thing if I get this role. And I'm not sure whether to take a risk or play it safe, but it's definitely something to think about. And after a quick nap when I got back I watched the first half of Thursday's addition of Doctors. I'm proud of Nina giving her lecture, and I hope it's all good news from there on. I also hope Luca helps a young lad confront his friend and help find someone's dog, and that Bear will inform everyone of Harry impersonating Jimmi.
After I posted my blog on my filming experience (which you can now see here) I started to go through the questions from chapter 1 of life well everyday. I can see why people like this book, and it did take a lot of thinking for each question. But never the less I got the questions of chapter 1 done gaining abit of clarity in my life so far. This then lead me onto reading the rest of chapter 2 and the questions for that look super hard. But I’m not a quitter so I will give it my best shot at least.
Shortly afterwards I planned the next day whilst I listened to the start of an act on this broadcast. I’m really getting into the habit of listening to them whilst I do other stuff, and it’s actually quite therapeutic as well as educational. And I aim to continue this in the future. I then did some Korean and French. Once again it wasn’t at my best, but like with the questions I’m not a quitter, so as always I’m going to pick myself back up and come back stronger.
This then lead to me going to the shop to get some stuff and walking my dog. This was also followed by a relaxing yoga session. And yes I may have been off schedule but I know I needed to get it done, and it was a session well deserved. I then moved onto watching the rest of Thursdays addition of Doctors. I’m glad that Nina’s lecture went well and that the dog of Lucas patient was found. But I did wonder why suni looked curious when he saw the poster with Harry. I wonder if it was someone from his past?
As I made my tea I watched the third episode of Fool Me Once. This was intense, as Mcgregor is starting to suspect that something is not right with Kierce and that Abby’s teacher may have a more violent side to him. But I still think that Shane may be involved somehow, so I’m still expecting the unexpected. I then moved onto Thursdays addition of Hollyoaks, where Phoenix took the big step and left the village for a new life with shing lin. I’m glad that he has done, as he can now explore the world. And well done to Tylan grant for representing autism in such an iconic show like this. I can’t wait to see what he does next.
I then relaxed into the evening by checking my socials, watching abit of YouTube and caught up on my French and Korean (whilst Margo was all snuggled up next to me). Honestly I’m not fussed if I get promoted as I picked up from where I left off from and that’s all that matters.
Sunday: To kick off the day I listened to more of an act on this broadcast from Monday. This helped me get my energy levels going up, as the founder mentioned a topic quite controversial, which I may hear more of later on. I then made my way to work. During which I rehearsed my sketch and practiced my song for the online audition. During the song I noticed my tummy feeling stretched. I think this is a sign that I’ll working the muscles where I need to be focusing on. Whether I use a certain version the sign or the original version I don’t know, but I’m just going to go with my gut and see what happens.
During lunch I watched the first episode of Trigger Point series two. This was in prep for my meeting with a creative linking to the show, and I aim to get at least 2 episodes in. And what a way to start the series. Lana has definitely been throne in at the deep end after what happened to her in the last series, and after an insane cliff hanger, I can’t wait to watch episode 2 already.
This then led onto finishing an act on this podcast with Dan Hubbard. It was a very informative session indeed, and even though he’s casted major films, he’s willing to see new talent. And after some good advice from him to help a new community member, something tells me that I may be reaching out to him soon.
This then led onto starting the answers live session and brain dumping next week whilst I listened to the rest of an act on this broadcast. This had a very controversial topic which honestly I didn’t get involved as for me personally, it seemed like nothing. But unless I get advised by my agent about it, I’m just going to carry on doing what I’m doing and see where it takes me. This was then followed by a much needed yoga session and walking my dog. Before the walk I noticed something which could possibly hinder my chances of going to an acting event in London in a couple of weeks. However I won’t worry about it but I’m going to wait until tomorrow where I can start the week nice and fresh.
To relax into the evening I watched this weeks Coronation Street whilst I tucked into a delicious chicken dinner. I knew what was coming between Tracy and Tommy, but I didn’t think that it was get more raunchy then I expected. And this is supposed to be a family show as well. I do also feel for Bethany, as even though I’m yet to be a freelance artist, I feel I understand Bethany’s situation to get a stable career financially. I just hope it doesn’t land her in hot water. And even though Ed has been rule out of the accident, I’m hoping that the family will help come together to help Ed get his life back on track.
After a few technical difficulties with the tv I watched Fridays addition of Hollyoaks. With preparations for Ella’s funeral, I wonder if Mason will say goodbye to her before the send off. And even thought Felix knew what Warren was capable of, I didn’t think that he would pick it up so Quickly. And even though I don’t know what it’s like to live in care, I know that Felix can see what Warren would be capable of. And after seeing spoilers on next week, it’s going to get more dramatic.
I then of course ended the day with checking my socials and having one French session, whilst tucking into this tasty shortbread biscuit as seen above. Although I stayed up abit later than usual due to watching some recordings of past classes to help me have a giggle. And it certainly did the trick.
What have I learnt this week? The good things will happen when I least expect it. And like with Ruth Madeley's analogy in her career, I’ll be waiting to buy the whole family store when I least expect it.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time….
This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)
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