Hello World! Welcome back to another blog. Here is what I got up tp this week, where once again I was not well, but I managed to pull through.
Monday: To kick off the new week as always I watched the rest of Strictly Come Dancing and it certainly ended with a bang. Whilst I feel that Bobby and Diane did a great job, I didn’t think the lift was the best. But at least he didn’t drop her which was the main thing. This was then followed by the end of Fridays Hollyoaks, where Lucas is once again up to trouble and an interruption at the charity choir had left me wondering what will happen next. I then went to work. Once again I didn’t feel the best, but I managed to pull through. I even stuck on a few Christmas tunes to help me get into the spirit, and it seems to have done the trick so far.
I then made my way to Belvoir Castle, for my second lot of Elf work. Compared to Saturday it was very quiet, but we managed to get a few bookings (which included a cute 8 month old baby and two very energetic children) and we managed to complete all the bookings early which was a result. During the quiet moments we also had a chat about life, day jobs to help support our career and also the acceptance of neurodiversity. I felt very humbled and blessed that the people I work with accept me for who I am and that I shouldn’t change anything about me. This is one of the many reasons why I want to help push my project as I want to let other neurodivergent individuals (particularly those on the autistic spectrum) that they’re not alone.
The journey home definitely hit me. After waiting longer than usual due to flooding I headed home and after a couple of YouTube clips, I watched last nights I’m A Celebrity. I was surprised by the first vote off, as I did have someone in mind (but I won’t say as it may cause a stir) but then again the people want to see what the people want to see. But the letters from home were the best part, as it shows how much the friend loved ones care about them.
After walking my dog and a much needed shower, I then had my dinner. But I’m between I was greeted by the decorations on the Christmas tree and this lovely new addition to the family. I think Sammy the Squirrel will fit into the family nicely. Also though I don’t think Margo too impressed.
I then did a few things at once. These included noting down my who what where when and why if a self written tape (as even though I’ve got alot of stuff on I felt it was important to turn my creagitity on and rekindle my reason as to why I joined this industry in the first place), going through my coronation street bullying self-tape, and scheduling the next day. I know it was a lot, but after my food I had a new burst of energy that I couldn’t let it go to waste. The final thing I did was noted some more jobs on spotlight, which surprisingly wasn’t a lot but it was good to double check
I then watched I’m A Celebrity. I’m slightly Concerned about Fred, as even though he was only trying to help josie, I just wish he would let her cook. I know it may sound harsh but surely because the camp mates can’t get involved once the chores are assigned he’s technically breaking the rules. But the way Josie handled it was a true professional. I was also surprised that nella left, but as she said it is what it is. All I hope now is that Marvin will get to do at least one trial before he goes. I just hope it’s tomorrow. I then winded down for the evening by checking my Socials and learning some more Korean.
Tuesday: To start my day I sent some emails to one of my colleagues for my project. It took a while but it I managed to do it. This was then followed by a call with the health referral team at my workplace. In all honesty I didn’t know how to feel about it but maybe at some points they were right and that it is probably the anxiety talking. Anyway I won’t go into too much detail incase I cause some controversy, but I’m just going to see how it all pans out.
To help me cool off after the call I took my dog for a walk and did some yoga. Although the dog didn’t help by barking when my grandad came to drop off my work stuff. But I managed to get through the session even if I did finish late thanks to those delays
For the rest of the morning I looked back at the rest of the recording from my previous acting class. For the first part where we played the games I just noted them down as I knew how to play my he majority of them. But when it came to the reflection of the improv section I made sure I took on board every detail of it so I could prepare myself for the next session.
After watching some clips and the rest of Gogglebox at lunch I did some final prep for the next zoom meeting on my film. I soon realised that unless Steve mentions everything else I had prepped what I needed to, so I spent the rest of that afternoon applying for some more day jobs. This included the working from home job which I feel I’ve nearly finished. Fingers crossed once I’ve applied by next week I get the result I want.
As the evening came to a close I managed to clear up some stuff in my room. This wasn’t planned originally, but they do say that a clear mind is a productive mind. I then decided to just relax before the meeting. And after the past few days of being an elf and also being under the weather, it felt good. As previously I went into this mindset of how you need to be productive all the time. Yes it’s the final year and I need to do that final push so that I can enjoy Christmas and start 2024 stress free, but sometimes taking breaks every now and then is just as important. This then led me to scheduling the next day so that I had one less thing to do after the meeting.
I then moved onto having my meeting with my crew. There was only a small number, but I wasn’t sure if it was the new world of Microsoft Teams. Never the less it was recorded so everyone else could see it. And we talked about many things we needed to do, and I’m glad we managed to get it done. Fingers crossed everything will go to plan smoothly.
I then relaxed into the evening by watching Mondays addition Doctors. I did wonder what one of the sisters reasoning behind her visiting. I know she mentioned that she wanted t be in control, so maybe there was a point in her life where she couldn’t control anything. I do hope they have a wonderful Christmas though. I’m also glad that Al and Jimmi have got thrower friendship back on track, and that whatever happens he’s there for Al to support them when they can.
After doctors I watched the start of tonight’s I’m A Celebrity. I’m glad that Marvin had done a trail as it’s been a while since he did one. I’m also glad about the result as it did not look easy what he and Fred had done. I also loved the jungle arms, and I must say tony has got a good voice. I think a few vocal lessons to help enhance the voice could see him get a new career in singing. And if the rock can be a wrestler and a Disney character then anything is possible for Tony. I then ended the day as always by checking my socials and learning one session of Korean before bed.
Wednesday: To start off the day I watched the last of I’m A Celebrity. I’ll be honest, I’m glad that Fred is out. But I don’t think he’s a bad person, I just think that he’s abit too competitive. That’s for me personally though. I then moved onto doing a home workout. I was going to go to the gym but I still felt abit under the weather, but I knew I had to get my exercise in so far. I really struggled today but I gave 100% into what I had. And the thing to remember is that it is normal, and you will have done days or days where things don’t go to plan. But it’s how you battle through it that’s the main game.
After walking my dog (which was a longer one but it made up for me not going to the gym) and watching a couple of clips on YouTube, I filmed my day player self-tape. I was surprised how well it went, and I’ve got some good ones for me to look at. Now all I need to do is pick out the best one and post it on my socials and send it to the serial drama casting directors before the new year. This was then followed by listening to the start of another act on this podcast. This was with comedy casting Director Catherine Willis. To say that I wasn’t well I managed to get on board lots of notes down and as I’m writing this I only have 20 minutes left. But I know I’ll get it done by the end of the week.
During lunch I watched episode 7 of Sex Education. It was at this moment where I was wondering what would have happened if Jean and Maeve met in the earlier series, as I feel they would’ve gotten on well. And the way Jean supported her was beautiful to watch. The intimate moment itself was actually quite emotional, as they know this would be the last time they see each other again and that Otis didn’t panic at all when O revealed the possible reason for struggling for intimacy. But other moments I noticed were actually hard to watch like Viv and Beau and Adam and Michael (which I hope they resolve it by the end of the series).
To kick off the afternoon I listened to the recording of my acting class again last week, but just he improvisation part as that’s the most important thing to watch. Whilst I was doing it I listed some of the meatless of emails I sent our recently and did a survey.
As always to help me wind down I continued to read my book and learnt some more Korean. One of the requirements of the daily goals was working for 15 minutes, and I almost completed it, but then I decided to do the last couple later on (which sadly I didn’t do due to having to get to bed early). This was then followed by gathering some more day player roles and scenes from the soaps. At this point in time I’m up to days with Doctors and Coronation Street but because Hollyoaks release full episodes on this YouTube channel, I decided to wait until then, just so that it saves me the hassle of noting the time codes.
After going to the shops and walking my dog I then watch Tuesdays addition from Doctors and the start of Wednedays addition. For Tuesday I can see why Thelma wanted the excitement of life but maybe she could’ve done it in a more legal way. I also still don’t think Al is ready for what he overheard Jimmi say, but all of that might change. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
I then moved onto having my acting class. At this like ad I’m writing this we have 2 weeks left until the livestream, so we needed to start putting an order down so that next week we can do at least 2 rehearsals. I won’t give too much away, but let’s just say that my character performs Shakespeare with a unique twist to it. Don’t know what I mean? Then watch this space.
I the watched the start of I’m A Celebrity. And where do I begin. The trial itself was hilarious, as Tony’s one liners were the highlight of the night. T one point though there was a talk on Nigel and his line of work. I’ll be honest I didn’t pay much attention to it and I’m glad I didn’t, as politicos is not really my forte.
I the ended the day with checking my socials, scheduling tomorrow and budging my agent on some jobs on spotlight. I noticed that some of the jobs I noted down I have missed the deadline for. But I’m not too bothered as I know whatever I don’t apply for there will be something better to come.
Thursday: To kick off the day I watched Mondays addition of Hollyoaks. It was definitely going to go down, as after realising that Lucas was behind the escorting site, there’s trouble brewing. I also wonder what Mercedes will do after Nana sees her with Warren. And I don’t know who’s more scary at this point, Warren or Nana. And on the final note of the episode, with regards to the murder of Rayne, I’m abit conflicted as to if and it’s did the right thing and reported Romeo and peri to the police. Even though she didn’t kill her, it was still about of a risky move coming from her.
I then made my way to the gym, which was my first session since I’ve been under the weather. I knew I didn’t feel great and I didn’t go as heavy on the weights. But I gave 100% into what I had. And that was the main thing. I also rang Steve Watson just to go over a few things. I feel I’ve got everything I wanted going forward, and I vowed to send him a draft to my callout and also my just giving page so that when I do have something to go by.
As soon as I got back home I then moved onto cooking the tea. Because I was under the weather and also busy with some Christmas work I couldn’t get all the ingredients. So my Nan got some delicious fish. Whilst that was cooking I managed to change my bedsheets. For the first time I actually did the majority of it by myself, so that was something to be proud of.
After the cooking and bed change I updated my blog whilst I watched the rest of I’m A Celebrity. I was gutted that Nick went as I thought he would go further. But someone had to leave and at this point it could’ve been anyone. But he’s done so well and as a Hollyoaks fan, I was fully behind him every step of the way. This then moved onto watching the rest of Wendesdays addition of Doctors. I must commend Jimmi for help multiple people at once, and with a possible new appearnece of a new cast member, I'm excited to see how it develops.
I then moved onto watching Tuesdays addition of Hollyoaks. I think the move that James did wasn’t the greatest idea, as even though Lucas wasn’t sympathetic towards him, I think there’s a difference between giving someone a wake up call and torturing them. And as always James goes too far. And now that the true culprit is revealed, I’m keen to see the aftermath of it, as I know a lot of people will be affected by what occurred, including Felix and Mercedes, who’s already in hot water with Marlena.
During my lunch I watched the first half of the final episode of Sex Education. Already it had so many emotional moments. These included Cal's struggle with gender dysmorphia, Adams acceptance on who he is whilst reconciling with his father and ended with Jem asking him out for a date (which gave me an idea for a self tape) and Eric’s powerful monologue. For me personally so far that was the best moment of the series, as he was able to accept himself for who he is, and even though he lost a lot of people because of it, his mum still stood by him. If that’s not love then I don’t know what is. I’m just looking forward to the rest of the episode.
Before I started work I sent some emails to a few new casting directors. Whilst I did it I realised I emailed one before the end of a podcast. Then again I wasn’t too worried as I gathered what I needed for the emails, but next time I do email them with an update on what I’ve been up to I’ll make sure I’m up to day with the information.
I then started work. I missed a call from a potential new job, I will simply ring them on my break tomorrow. But when I started I had a wobble yet again. I think what it was is that I got myself in my own head again and with me not being well and also on female problems it didn’t help. But like the trooper I am I got through it and that when I got back, I had my dinner whilst I nudged my agent on a few jobs on Spotlight.
I then finished off the evening with watching the start of tonight’s I’m A Celebrity. I’m really intrigued with Danielle’s story of acting and also Tony’s journey into the acting world and the how the door opened for him. And Sam did a brilliant job on the trial. A full house in one of the best trials I’ve seen so far.
I then of course ended the day with checking my socials and learning some more Korean. I managed to get 2 sessions down which was brilliant, completing 2 of my daily goals which felt really good I must say. I even managed to update my budgeting table, and I would say I’m on track with my budget. And with me going out for a meal on Saturday I would definitely need to be more careful. But I’ll try to enjoy myself at the same time.
Friday: To kick off the day, I watched the rest of Thursdays I’m A Celebrity. I was surprised Danielle left as I felt she was in the running for the crown, but I think I have an incline on who would take the title. I then of course went to work. But this was possibly the worst day so far. But I got through it which I was very surprised at. My guess was I was still under the weather and with female problems as well it didn’t help anything at all.
As soon as I got back I had a chilled evening but the bug I had before seemed to have flared up again. So I made the decision to not go in, as I knew I wasn’t right. And it made me feel so much better as then I could look after myself and get the rest and recuperation I needed.
After walking my dog and doing some yoga (which took a whole for me to actually do but I did it) I watched the rest of Sex Education. It actually got me emotional knowing that it was the final episode of the final series, but it ended on a high. With Maeve now back in America, she was able to get the respect she deserves from Molloy, and that even though Otis was a big part of her life, I know that they will have each other in their hearts forever. It also gave me some ideas for a self-tape so in the new year watch this space.
I then moved onto watching the first part of The Masked Singer: I’m A Celebrity Special whilst I had my tea. I love this show for many reasons but purely for the excitement and curiosity of who it could be. I don’t give any spoilers away but let’s say that the first 2 rounds were enjoyable. I then moved onto Wednesdays addition of Hollyoaks. I know that Zoe was trying to do the right thing, but with a revelation from her mum, this may have started to question her morals. I also know that there is struble for Mercedes when Warren tried to convince her to stay, but we all know he likes her secretly even though she made it crystal clear she doesn't feel the same.
I then watched the first part of Thursdays I’m A Celebrity. As well as Marvin and Nigel doing a festive trial, the camp mates also got a surprise from their loved ones. Some of them I couldn’t take, as Marvin and Tony were reunited with their loved ones. And with people like tony, he is such a gentleman and you can see how much I’ve loves her. I then of course rounded off the evening work checking my socials and learning abit of Korean, knowing that I can look after myself the next day.
Saturday: To start off the day I had a lie in. My dad was right for me to not set my alarm as I think my body needed a rest. And I woke up feeling like a different person. I then moved onto watching the rest of I’m a celebrity from Friday. I was gutted to see Marvin go, but after his surprise from Rochelle, I think him leaving came at the right time. And I couldn’t help but cry when they were reunited. I then moved onto some morning yoga. I know I wouldn’t normally do yoga on Saturdays but I felt as though I needed the session just to help me relax for the day ahead.
After walking my dog I watched the rest of The Masked Singer: I’m A Celebrity Special. I was surprised by some of the talent, especially the runner up. I won’t say who it is but it made me want to learn opera, just so I can sing that version of the song “Time to say goodbye”. Soon afterwards I then moved into learning some Korean. I managed to get all of my daily goals done and because I know I needed to be up early for work I’m glad I got it done then.
This then moved onto watching the final episode of Time. All I can say on that score is just “wow”. I’m glad that Orla was able to fix her relationship with her eldest son, even if her living situation isn’t the best at the moment, and whilst I can agree that how abi dealed with her crime was not the best, I get that she wanted to escape the pain and make it stop. I’m even more glad that after the setback with her ex, Kelsey was able to start rebuilding her life.
I then watched Thursdays addition of Hollyoaks whilst getting ready in between. I do feel for Mason, as even though life changes, sometimes the smallest moments at this time of year are the most magical moments. Fingers crossed it'll all work out now that Ella is back. And with Warrens news that Felix and Mercedes can stay at his for a while (we all know why that is), it defintely pushed her to breaking point. The question is, just where is she going?
I then went out for my meal after feeling loads better. And I’m glad I went, as I was surrounded by brilliant people and tried a new food from a different cuisine which I fell in love with. I had to leave early though due to my train. I was gutted I couldn’t stay longer as I wanted to hang out more but with the ongoing strikes and the fact that I needed to be up early for work was important. But the journey home was one I didn’t want to remember.
On the way back it was all crammed in. That wasn’t the problem as I managed to get home before in a cramp space. But it was when I got off that shook me. As you would expect there are a couple of passengers that had one too many to drink, and I was in the middle of a bust up that did overwhelm me. But I just needed to get out thinking that if I didn’t then I would be back later on. It got too much for me, but along with a locket gentlemen who noticed and asked if I was okay, lovely lady who was on that same train checked in and took me to my grandads car. It’s moments like this where we do have good people in the world. It just takes some searching. I wish I could return the favour some day. But who knows? Because she mentioned that she works with those who have disabilities, we may cross paths very soon.
After getting home I had a nice hot shower and watching a clip of the chuckle brothers before bed. I know they’re more of a children’s entertainer but sometimes it’s the littlest things that cheer me up. And with a cuddle from my dog, I settled into the evening nicely.
Sunday: To start off the final day of the week I watched Thursdays addition of Doctors. Whilst suni was helping a young women come to terms with what happened in her childhood, I felt that Scarlett was interrogated by Nina. I wasn’t sure if it was motherly instincts or if she thinks suni will play Scarlett, but I still think that they’re going to go the distance.
I then made my way to work. I had a better day today and with the music before the shop opened it did help. I also had a chat with the branch manager about the hours in place, and it just confirmed to me that I need to take on board these changes. But he was calm about it, and that made it even more assuring. Mind you he has a daughter who’s autistic, so he was able to approach it the right way.
After heading home I then watched I’m A Celebrity from last night. I loved the celebrity cyclone and it’s the trail that everyone wanted to do. I was also surprised that Josie was out as I thought she would be in the final 3. But then again it’s what the public think at the end of the day. I’m going to find out the results either way, but I’m going to watch the final anyway just to see the trials they face. I then moved onto watching the first part of the semi final of strictly come dancing. I must say I’m impressed with the couples and they’ve all come so far in the competition. Again I would be Abel to see on social media would be out but I’ll still catch up on it just it keep my energy levels up.
I more or less had a relaxing chilled afternoon, and that after gathering scenes and day player roles from 2 episodes of Hollyoaks, I made a second draft of one of my stories. I know I said that I would get one sorry a month out but life can but you in many ways and therefore I didn’t have the time. But taking the advice on an act on this podcast with dom Stephenson, that one little thing is a big win for me.
I then moved onto listening to the last few minutes of an Act On This podcast with Catherine Willis. I’ve learnt so much from her and now I definitely need to binge watch changing ends. I then settled into the evening with brain dumping stuff I need to do next week whilst listening to an act on this podcast. I then moved onto doing some yoga and walking the dog. This was most after my little panic moment yesterday and it seemed to have done the trick.
Soon afterwards I then watched Fridays addition of Hollyoaks. Now this definitely had it all, with Carter feeling hot and bothered over John-Paul. Even though he explained the reason why he set up the conversion therapy session, he still doesn’t have the courage to be himself. And I really don’t want Carter to mess Maxine around as she and Beau would be the better match. I also wonder what’s in store for Mercedes when an old family member returns and that if Warren will tell Felix the truth about his feelings for Mercedes.
Then rounded off the evening with watching Mondays addition of Coronation Street whilst I had my tea. I’m suspicious of Isla, as shah seems to have noticed that she may like her. But I’m glad she did the sensible thing and moved mentors to make Ian feel reassured. But I think Nina is ore jealous than she lets on. I also fear for Gemma and Paul after another altercation with social services. I know Chesney didn’t mean what he said after he lashed out (as we’ve all done that, me included) but I don’t think it helped the situation.
Whilst I got ready for bed, I finally ordered my dad and sisters Christmas present and updated my budgeting table. I then checked my socials as always and learnt some more Korean. I’ve noticed that a couple of my pens were missing again, but I made the decision to get some more once I got all of my presents and near the month too. I then finally posted my reflection of the voiceover class a couple of months ago onto my socials. This was to show that I was grateful for what I’ve been taught that I can’t wait to develop it in the future.
What have I learnt this week? Now that it’s the time of year where most of us are getting ill, sometimes you need to take a step back, and look after you. And that was a true example of health being the ultimate wealth.
See you soon for another weekly highlights. Until next time…
This is the autistic actress signing off :)
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