Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. Here is what I got up to this week, where it was the week where I tried something new and started off my birth week (as it is a leap year after all):
Monday: To kick off the new week I watched abit of the premier league darts from Thursday (and as seen below it helped Margo who wanted to stay on my bed). I know who won each match but after the weekend I’ve had I need something to keep me energised. I even skipped a few matches to see the 9 darter attempt by Nathan Aspinal. The cleaner also came round who had a lovely toy for Margo, a hot dog. After finding out a personal setback she gave the toy to Margo which I thought was really lovely.
I then made my way to the gym. I sadly couldn’t do any boxing due to another session, but for my first time going back in over a week it felt good. I also rocked that there was a swimming competition happening, with one of the teachers from the school supervising, and I must say he wasn’t bad to look at. I also wondered which children won their competitions? Whoever did I’m sure they should be very proud of themselves.
As I got back I applied for a few jobs on Mandy and drafted an email for an open casting I saw. I had to double check with my agent just to make sure it wasn’t on spotlight but I was given the go ahead to apply. So the draft was a good starting point. I then drafted out my autism acceptance week event, where it was only the introduction and developed my payouts for my blog. I know it was small steps, but after listening to an act on this podcast where Dom Stephenson said there are no zero days, I felt proud of the fact that started.
And speaking of act on this podcasts, I then started listening to the first part of a a recent session with director Jordan Hogg. I’ve seen him on 2 podcasts already and after the success of Ralph and Katie I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say again. He even did a mini interview with a former act on this guest, which for me was a really good insight as to what he’s going to ask. And for Adam my brain, it’s helped me and him to organise my answers. I can’t wait to catch up on the rest later in the week.
During lunch I watched the fifth episode of Fool Me Once (where I watched the rest of it later on). It was brilliant to see an act on this member in the show, and it was the same one who at first her showreel wasn’t great but thanks to the advice from Ross and Petch it helped I. The long run. I also begin to wonder if Shane and Mayas connection will turn into something romantic. I know I shouldn’t jump to conclusions and I’m trying to keep an open mind, but if they do and if he is linked to the murders then that would be huge!
After doing some surveys I then made my way to the dentist to get my night guard o fitted in. It did take quicker than expected and it’s like putting in a gun shield. It’ll take some time to get used to but once I get it settled it’ll be like I never had it on. I then also did some more surveys to pass the time, and I got through a good old chunk of them.
As the evening came, I started my new adventure as I hopped onto my first session with industry ready. I was unsure of what to make of it but I’m amazed on how good the community is already. In this session we looked at having a separate cv to your spotlight profile, and looked at the dos and don’t of a cv. I thought that this was very useful and with my journey in getting into the business side of stage, I can’t wait for this new journey.
I then watched Coronation Street from 12th and 13th February. I think it’s now got to the point where it’s all getting too much for Billy. As even though he’s trying to make Paul’s potential last Valentine’s Day special, with a bad back and no Moses, it reached breaking point. But after a heartfelt conversation I’m hoping that it’ll all end on good terms. I also hope that after Bobby finds out the truth, people won’t see him in the same was as his dad. I also see that he and Lauren do like each other, but with spoilers revolving Lauren, I feel he’s going to be taken for a ride. I also hope that Nick will be more sensitive to Simon after being kicked out only to find he was kicked out on the streets. I could see why he was upset, but with his promise that he won’t drink again, I hope he won’t regret his actions. I was also so tempted to skip the bits with Liam and Mason as it’s just getting harder and harder to watch. But with more spoilers on the way, I hope mask gets the comeuppance he deserves.
This was then of course checking my socials and learning some more Korean and French. I also got a message from my editor about the different things I needed. Fingers crossed when the edit comes they’ll meet what I’m looking for. I also answered the survey needed for my day job, and let’s just say that my answers are clearly shown. Some may be controversial but at the end of the day this was about my opinion so I gave them it.
Tuesday: To kick off the day I watched Mondays addition of Doctors (where I watched the last 10 minutes during lunch). Suni still didn’t hear anything back from the review panel, and seeing Jimmi and Al at lunch wasn’t the ideal scenario to be in. But I think he knew that Scarlett was only trying to help him. And good on her for doing so, because what’s he’s going through is no mean feat. This also impacted Nina in some ways as even though everything seemed to be resolved with her latest patient, the case with suni is affecting her more than she thought. Fingers crossed she gets the outcome they want.
I then made my way to work which was moved from my Sunday shift due being away for the weekend. It wasn’t a bad shift. Lots of picking which is what I like and I felt as though I’ve done a good job. When I got back, during lunch I started watching Waterloo Road. This one saw the teacher have an inset day whilst some of the students prepped for exams. I’m also glad that Samia and Kelly-Jo have made up and supported each other through the next steps in her journey. But Libby’s idea of fun is sure to cause carnage. I can’t wait to watch the rest of it later on.
As the afternoon came I started to draft out my message to my line and branch manager on autism acceptance week. I knew I had to draft it as it is an important subject to me, but I needed to get it right in order to get the support I needed which I’m sure they would. I then looked at more of my payouts, where I had to now link it to one of my accounts. But I decided to leave it to avoid overwhelm. But now that I’m at that stage I can come back to it when I’ve processed the next step.
This then moved onto starting my review of the Sean Glynn masterclass and my weekend away with the national youth theatre. I Know it was a while coming and it’s much needed but the important part is I started it, and that was a small win for me. To end the afternoon I checked my socials on my personal account and learnt abit of Korean and French. I knew I would have a busy evening that night and an early start the next day, so doing something to help regulate myself before stepping out of my normal routine was crucial for me.
I then took part in my first salsa class. There was a 10 minute delay but I was surprised by how fun it was. I’ve learnt that it’s mainly pre focused on the bottom half and that framing is so important. I did enjoy it knowing I had to be up early the next day, but I zoomed off and let only one of the teachers know. As much as I did want to stay I knew I needed to be up early. But Adam my brain wasn’t sure on how to approach it, so he thought just let them briefly and head off as if my life depended on it. I know it was only my first session, but it was moments like this where I needed to understand the social ques, and that I needed to be clear on when we’re having a break or when it’s time to leave. But I did enjoy it and if I don’t meet with my friends next Tuesday I’ll join again next week.
I then watched the rest of Waterloo Road during dinner. I Hope that Nicky and donate will work once the truth comes out, as I know Chlo would want him to be happy. I also feel so sorry for Kelly Jo when Dean betrayed her, but Libby didn’t care one bit. And speaking of Libby, I’ll be amazed if coral doesn’t tell Neil about what she has done, but with the end of the series coming I feel that she may get what’s coming to her sooner than she thinks. This was then followed by checking my socials from my acting accounts which was what I needed to end the day.
Wednesday: To start the day off I watched Tuesdays addition of Doctors. I was disappointed by the ending, as I was hoping for a happily ever after, but given the situation of what happened to the patient and the affect it’s had on their loved ones, parts of me is not blaming them for walking out. This has also inspired me to write a self-tape style scene to show my creativity and also the aftermath of that episode. Even though doctors has now finished casting completely, I’m not using it as an excuse to show my creativity just in case it does come back or they commission a show similar. I also feel for suni when he saw Harry again, given the history they had. I don’t know if it’s the last we see of Harry, but I’m not sure if it did morn harm than good
I then made my way to work which was moved from my Monday shift. And I think it went okay, with music in my ears (literally) and a small cage to work, everything went just fine. Then after a nap when I got home and had some lunch I had my first 1-2-1 with Christopher Tendai from industry ready. I was not expecting it to be focused on me asking the questions, as I thought he would give me feedback on my spotlight profile and take it from there. However I managed to stay calm, collected and ask what I needed to ask. I even found out a company that do singing and dance lessons at a reasonable price, if not a bargain. So maybe I may invest more of time into researching those.’
The afternoon consisted of a mixture of things. This included applying for some more day jobs and sending the email of autism acceptance week to my line manager. I knew that this was important, but I haven’t emailed my branch manager as I’m writing this. But that’ll be the first thing I do the next day. I also started to draft an email to the organiser of access acquired about my monologue and the footage of the seminars. I also managed to read the rest of the chapter from “live well everyday” and also learnt some Korean and French where I completed my daily goals for the day. After a brief slip up the day before I managed to redeem myself which for me was all that matters.
I then had my second seminar with industry ready. This session looked at material and directing it to a certain show. In this case looking at material to aim at shows like waitress and where I would need to go to research into it. They also mentioned about having a separate CV from screen to stage, which has been a lightbulb moment as then it means that if any open auditions come I have a separate CV for both and then one with both stage and screen
I then had my acting class. This was session 3 of the Meisner technique and I think I enjoyed this session more. And when doing an exercise in partners, the person who I was doing it with said that they felt comfortable doing it with me. I felt like I was blushing at that point, as it’s not very often I get the compliments. But all I can do for them is be there for supported which I feel is what I’m doing. I also asked my teacher about the trip to Costa Rica. And I think with what I told him I feel I may have answered my own question. And I know that I need to step outside of my comfort zone but there comes a point where I’ll just panic. And with that extent, I feel like I’ve answered my own question. I then ended the day with checking my socials.
Thursday: To start the day off I watched Mondays addition of Hollyoaks. Pearl was right to at least give Joel a chance especially when it came to taking Daniel to the cinema. I know Leela was being cautious because of her past, but she needs to see that Joel really is trying. I also hope as well that Dilly will do the right thing in the end despite the setback. And I’m glad Frankie and Nancy have put aside time differences, but with spoilers on what’s happened, i fear it won’t last long.
I then made my way to the gym. I was wondering why it was a good idea to walk, as even though I had an umbrella. I was soaking wet and couldn’t do any of my tasks on the way there because of it. But the session really made up for it, and I even managed to get some boxing in before someone who usually has a private session comes. And that is an achievement.
As I got back I did a few things which did get quite hectic. This included cooking the dinner (where after the weekend I had it was a simple easy and most importantly delicious dish consisting of spaghetti and meatballs) and noting some dates of casting directors I’ve emailed. I was going to note down the other creatives too but because of time I decided to do the casting directors for now. I also caught up on the industry ready recordings, both of them as recaps so then I could make a start on one of the tasks, which was to formulate my acting CV. I know I’ve already got one but after the session I feel as though it could do with a massive update. And also for the next one to one that could be the next task we do.
I then watched Tuesdays addition of Hollyoaks whilst I had my lunch. I do feel sorry for jack, as I get the sense that he didn’t do anything, but something must’ve triggered Frankie to make her act like this. Suzanne I think made clear herself. But this is Hollyoaks, so anything can happen. And if the Rafe and Dilly twist shook me then this will be a bigger surprise. I’m also glad that that Romeo and Peri have patched things up. But with Kane suspicious, and Owen Warner's exit coming up, I have a feeling they won’t get there happily ever after any time soon.
I then made my way to work. This was interesting as it was mainly reducing but all of us had to use 1 printer. It was stressful but surprisingly we managed to pull through. And what helped as well was that I managed to practice my darts. And along with my double 12 (which I didn’t take a photo of but it did happen) I managed to hit a treble 20. That was the biggest win for me as amongst all the chaos, having something little like that is something to be thrilled about.
As soon as I got back from work I watched the premier league of darts whilst I partly scheduled the next day and noted/applied for some more acting jobs (and Margo was looking very comfy whilst I had my dinner below). I’m so impressed by Luke Littler’s 170 checkout, and the way he did it with no problem at all (even though I know it is harder than expected) is mind blowing. I also must say that even though I don’t like Gerwyn price, the 132 checkout was quite impressive I’ll give him that. It was also nice to see Chris Dobey chatting to the hosts and how he thought of the tournament from an audience perspective. when he was in the premier league last year he was insane, and I was gutted he wasn’t in this year. But I know he’ll be back next year and ready to take home the trophy.
I then ended the day with checking my acting social and learning some Korean. I only did a small session as because I didn’t have my book to make notes in and I’m up for the dreaded 7:30am start I didn’t want to be too late anyway. But I still managed to complete at least one of my daily goal and keep my place in the leaderboard. And that was enough for me.
Friday: Before work I watched abit of the premier league darts from last night just to get my energy levels up. I especially loved the killers walk on, as it was the perfect energy booster. I then made my way to work. This was probably one of the most stressful shifts I’ve had, as because of the voluntary redundancies, we had more picking to do. And as I’m writing this, even though I managed to get some darts practice in (which did help let off some steam despite not hitting any doubles or trebles) it’s had an impact on me. the part of me was tempted to message my teacher to say that I’m interested in the workshop with a casting director I met before, as it may give me an escape from life at the moment. But knowing my film won’t make the deadline this year but still wanting it to be perfect and also catch up on some recordings from class and a course I’m doing I’m wondering how I’m going to fit it all in. But I must admit I did take it out on my family, but the thing to remember is that it is normal, as if you have a lot on it’s normally the family that get it. But at some point tomorrow I’m going to look at what I need to do, see what’s important and then take it from there.
As I got back after a lift from my Nan (love you), I worked on my CV. So far I only got a CV for theatre credits, but once we have another session on CVs I’ll be able to see what I need t do to make it better and also infuse it with my screen work. I also noted some more acting jobs on spotlight and Mandy (where I applied for one of them) and after getting some apples, I walked my dog and did some yoga. As always I was behind schedule and I was still wondering about the Jonny Boutwood session at this point, but this session helped calm me down and kept me zen. Which was very important indeed.
As the evening came in I watched Coronation Street from 15th and 16th of February whilst I had my tea as seen above. It may have been the end of the Valentine’s Day episode but it’s safe to say that love was still in the air. Bobby is a true gentlemen, and it’s just what Lauren needs. But after he discovers a secret from max and Sabrina, it could change everything. But I know that he would want to help her and and when he can. I’m also glad that Liam is finally opening up about what really happened. And I get why he didn’t tell Mrs Crawshaw in the first place, but that panic from Maria made him realise that telling the truth was the best thing after all.
To end the day I watched Hollyoaks from Wednesday. I know that Ethan won’t go with Dilly, and after seeing spoilers I’m keen to see what he has to say to her in the next episode. I also fear for Romeo’s life when Kane reveal this true motive, and that I can understand why pearl did what she did, but surely she should see that jack is not that person. And what Frankie says about Suzanne’s ex, maybe what he showed Frankie was how men should love her, therefore what could be a simple cuddle from jack May be something different to Frankie. Either way I just want the truth to come out so this can all get resolved. I then of course ended the day with checking my socials (but only one of them due to needing to be up early in the morning) and learning some French. It was only for 5 minutes but it was a good session, especially now that I found my book, which was in my draw the whole time lol.
Saturday: To kick off the day I watched Wednesdays addition of Doctors. This one saw Ruhma meet a couple who were a surrogate after the wife's mum carried their baby. Ruhma was very calm and reassuring when she tried to get the mother to open up about what she was feeling, and it also helped built a stronger foundation between the husband and wife. Kirsty may also have a new challenge coming up after bumping with an old friend, so I think by the next episode I'll be intrigued to see what she does.
As always I then went to work. There wasn't many picks to do and we had to face up afterwards. I also made the decision not to do the Jonny Boutwood masterclass as yes even though it would be good to meet him again, because of the knock on affect of my weekend way and working my moved shifts, I wasn't feeling the best. I was gutted as it was also one of the last few events at the venue its being held at before it closes, but my wellbeing is more important, as without it you have nothing. And with it being my birth week starting tomorrow (which I know is not acting but life is also not just about that), I don't want to spend it with a possible overwhelm/burnout. So all in all I made the right move.
At lunch, I updated my CV for my course I'm doing (where I started a TV and Theatre CV separately) and had some lunch. So far I realised it is a lot more challenging than I thought but after reminding myself to not get overwhelmed by it all, I simply did what I could. And that was enough. I also then caught up on a recording from the actors workshop from Valentine’s Day to help refresh my memory (where I watched the last 10 minutes later on). And it was a good job I did, as there was A LOT to take in, especially with the next stages. But again I’m coming in with an open mind and see where it takes me.
After reading chapter 5 of Live Well Everyday where it talked about recharging, I scheduled the next day which included my birthday tea whilst I listened to the rest of an act on this broadcast (and watched the last 15 minutes of it later on). It’s been interesting to hear about Ross’ thoughts on what was seen on X/Twitter regarding a certain agency. But as much as he was honest he was also fair in that because he knows they’re just allegations he had to keep an open mind and find that they may not be true at all. I then walked my dog and did some yoga where despite being off schedule again I knew it would make me feel calm and relaxed which it did.
To settle into the evening I moved onto watching episode 3 of After The Flood whilst I started to update my budgeting table and have my tea. I’m so glad I got to catch up now as so far it’s been such a good show. And yes even though Jo has broke the rules, what Pat said during an argument was not nice at all. I know he probably didn’t mean it, but I didn’t think it would do the baby any good. But she may be in for a bigger shock when she discovers something horrific, possibly affecting the baby altogether.
I then moved onto Thursdays addition of Hollyoaks. I loved what Mason said about Ethan, and even though what he said to dilly was harsh, it was time to give her the wake up call she needed. But after seeing spoilers I know trouble will soon follow. I also fear for Romeo when Peri’s “game” with Steph failed and not doing as he’s told, as well as jack and hoping that Frankie may have been lying about what happened but her past may have triggered a misunderstanding. But as I said this is Hollyoaks so I must say I need to expect the unexpected.
This was then also followed by the first episode of Gogglebox from last week whilst tucking into some sticky toffee pudding. And so far I was amazed by what I saw, and I was surprised I didn’t cry at the repair shop. Mind you the thing that needed meaning wasn’t a tear jerker. Even though it had sentimental value to the customer it wasn’t enough to make me have sympathy for her. Controversial I know but that’s just my opinion. I can’t wait to watch the rest soon particularly the Saltburn section, and why Murder On The Dance Floor had made a comeback.
I then ended the day by checking my socials from my personal account (as I checked my professional earlier on before after the flood) and learnt some more French. I only did one session of it, but it was one session well spent. But like Margo below I needed to get to sleep.
Sunday: I kicked off the day by watching Thursdays addition of Doctors. This one saw Kirsty have an idea to raise money for a charity event. I do feel bad for her as I know she was trying to raise money for a good cause, at least try and be genuine about it. But I can’t wait to see what Bear has to offer for his act. I also can’t wait to see how Liv settled with Rob, but something tells me it’s going to be an adventure. During the morning I also noticed that my medication got mixed up, so I’ll simply have to sort it the next day. But it did have a knock on effect at work.
I then made my way to work. There was no picking so it was mainly facing up. Although I did have to have a time out due to the overwhelm and overthinking of the medication situation. But I must remember that because the pharmacy wasn’t open today this wasn’t in my control, so I needed to take a breath. Relax and coke back when I was ready. And that’s what I did and I made it through the shift.
I then headed home and after waking my dog I watched the rest of Gogglebox at lunch. The highlight for me was Saltburn, and I can somehow see why it was popular. I don’t want to say what it is as even saying it nearly put me off of my lunch. But for some reason I do want to watch it now. So all I can say is let’s we how to goes.
To click off the afternoon before my birthday tea I caught up on an industry ready recording. There was a lot of information in there, but the main takeaway I got from there is ALWAYS READ MY CONTRACT! Simple but you’ll be surprised to know how many don’t. It’s also handy to know that as it’ll help me know my worth as an actor and that if it’ll help my develop my career or if I want to do it because I feel like I need to.
This then moved onto catching up on Wednesday actors workshop recording. Originally I was going to catch up on the rest of the act on this podcast, but because this was longer, I thought I’d catch up on that instead. I’ll be honest, this meisner stuff is really getting to me. Yes I’m coming in with an open mind and I’m slowly starting to get the understanding of it, but because I’m struggling to even fit the homework in, I fear that I might not keep up. But because I’ve acknowledged it, that’s a good start as it’s all about a mindfulness practice. Maybe I won’t use this in my work (unless if anything in the next few weeks changes) but I’m still going to see it through to the end and give my feedback.
I then had my early birthday tea, where as you can see above I had a KFC. It was a lovely time, where I had something similar to the KFC in London, and I had my family which is all that matters. There was one point where I had to go out of the room to finish brain dumping everything (as I started it before the family came round) and I was worried that I would get asked questions on why I walked out when on an occasion like this when I should be spending time with family. But they weren’t bothered, and they knew I was doing my own thing and that it made me comfortable. This was then to course by doing abit of yoga. And I needed this session and all, especially after what happened this morning, and despite a few interruptions from the dog barking, I had a good session.
I then watched Coronation Street from Monday. I dread to think how Leanne will react when she finds out that Nick is having doubts about the wedding. And like many of the serial dramas anything can happen, so I don’t expect it to be plain sailing. I’m also glad that Sean has finally seen what Dylan has really done with Mason, and now he finds himself way too deep in the scenario. I have a feeling it’ll take more than a threat from Gary to scare Mason off, but it’s just the case of when and how. I also know for a fact that Joel is keeping something from Dee Dee and after seeing spoilers, the truth will be out sooner then she thinks. I also know what will happen with regards to Lauren, as even though for some Roy firing her may be extreme, but because of being given another chance before I think this time it was her final warning. But after seeing spoiler picks of what’s to come it does not look good.
I then moved into watching the first part of Fridays addition of Hollyoaks. Dilly is officially deluded as I said before, and after seeing spoilers I dread to think the lengths she’ll go to to get what she wants. I also wonder if Yazz really does care about Tom and even if she ever loved him. It does sound harsh yes and I’m glad she’s found a distracting in her writing, but with a new job opportunity possibly arising I’m not sure if she’s even taken his feelings into consideration. I guess all will be revealed soon.
The final thing I did was checking my socials from my personal side whilst I did a survey, learnt some French and scheduled the next day. I know it was a lot, but somehow I did it and that I know I need to do more surveys. As then it’ll mean extra cash to fingers crossed turn into a side hustle. And that would be the ideal scenario I need for my career.
What have I learnt this week? It’s okay to day no and that it’s important to have rest. And it’s also impotent you look after number 1, as without your health you have nothing.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time…
This is the autistic actress signing off :)
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