Hello world! Welcome back to another blog and my first weekly highlights of 2025! I won't lie, after a well needed Christmas break, I did take a while to find my flow in the first week of the year, but I still managed to persevere and get stuff done! So here is what I got up to on the week commencing 6th January 2025!
Professional:
Acting class:
The first class back felt amazing! To help us get back into the swing of things, we talked about motivation, the typed and also performed scenes displaying those types. It was really fascinating to see the affects, and it made me wonder how to motivate myself outside of class. Along with classic improvisation games like columns and the classic song have you ever had a penguin round for tea, we looked at some scripts from the second gladiator film. We used the technique of practical aesthetics and it was good to get back into this technique. I after a busy week ahead I think I know which one I’m going to perform in class the next session.
Passion Show:
This week I managed to get a key update on the venue for my passion show for autism acceptance week. Two people said they’re in, one got in touch, and a venue may be able to hold it. Yes it may hold a small number of people and the chances of getting lots in are low, but you know what? If we get 10 people to watch then so be it!
NYT Collective:
This week I started my NYT Collective session on making my own work (but not before I had a delicious meal before I started). We started by watching some trailers previous members did and I’m quite impressed with the standard. We then chatted about social media with a mini task for next session and also about heritage work. This one was a lot to take in, as it’s an area I’ve never experienced in before (unless if you class Warwick castle and the live court trails at the galleries of justice in Nottingham as examples), but I’m keen to explore more. But I can’t wait to see what me and the group bring to the next session.
Act On This Podcast:
This week I caught up on an Act On This Podcast with Jill Trevellick. And it was a great watch, particularly a nice surprise when the process of Mr Bates vs The Post Office that took place during the read through. I won’t reveal all of the tips and tricks in fear of spoilers but let’s just say it was good to get back into the swing of things!
Coronation Street:
This week I caught up on the New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day special of the cobbles. Carla’s declaration did catch Lisa off guard, but I know they’ll face a difficult challenge when Carla gets rushed to hospital but decides to keep it a secret. For now at least. But Lisa will have other distractions as matty is out to cause trouble again. Dylan may have also gained a newfound respect for Mason after Sally and Tim reveal the truth about his treatment of his brothers. And I’m also glad that things are developing between Mason and Betsy, but after seeing spoilers I know that heartbreak is yet to come. I also know that Cassie is deliberately winding up Tracy and Steve about ken, and good on for Evelyn for taking a stand when Tyrone thought that she was joking about university. Finally I caught up with the show from 3rd January. Even though Lisa didn’t believe Mason at first, I think she would be grateful for the evidence he gave her linking to Becky’s death, even if it does mean risking his life. And Betsy ending things seemed to be an indicator to take on stus offer in Germany, which is just the break he needs. But I know that heartbreak will be ok the way for sure. And Bethany getting the reassurance from Daniel about children is what she is hoping for, little does she know about the secret Daisy is keeping which will shock both her and Daniel. Evelyn literally stood her guard after meeting a familiar face at her university interview, and Tracy will stop at nothing to find out cassies true intentions. Finally I get why Lisa is mad for Carla lying to her, but I’m glad they patched things up after Carla relieved news she didn’t want to hear.
Hollyoaks:
This week in Chester more drama unfolded. Arlo’s bullying has landed Ro in hot water, and I hope this doesn’t drag on for too long. But at least Marie didn’t use the aggressive approach. As I got why Tony is mad but I don’t think being aggressive was not the best approach. At this point I feel that Arlo is literally turning into his older brother. And speaking of Abe, his sinister behaviour seemed to have resurfaced when peri makes a shocking discovery. Finally Dillon has literally reached breaking point, and I have a feeling Rex will use this to his advantage. Tuesdays episode saw the aftermath of what Abe did to peri. Well done to her for reporting it straight away, but Abe managing to twist it somehow made things worse. But with Cleo now out of her coma and Leela remembering what happened during the time jump, something tells me the start of abes downfall is about to beginning. Meanwhile, the stuff that Dillon took is looking like to do more harm than good, and I can see why Donny wants Dillon to step up after his past mistakes with Vicky. Finally, Wednesdays episode saw prince and dilly still sneezing around behind Zoe’s back, and that wasn’t the only drama. With Cleo now out of her coma, she finally got to tell the truth about Abes true personality. Despite Marie not believing anyone at first, she may have second thoughts after making a discovery in the basement. But Abe is hot on her tail. Finally Frankie managed to get reassurance from Darren in regards to JJ's trial, and I have heard about Dodger, and something tells me he seems like someone you don’t want to mess with.
Eastenders:
Following a thrilling new Christmas and new year, the streets of Walford come to terms with the aftermath. Even though Suki reassured him that he wasn’t like Nish, Ravi couldn’t help but feel that he was responsible. And even though he made a big decision with regards to Denise, I’m intrigued to see what the public will do in the lead up to the 40th anniversary. And even after death, nugget still is brainwashed by the evil man himself, and I hope he doesn’t turn into him. The Beale's and Knight's also come together following Cindy's attack and there was drama, with Kojo being truthful about some of what’s happened in the aftermath. Even though George believes junior, it’ll make him wonder why he was at the hospital visiting her. Finally I’m glad that Billy is making Nigel aware of Phil and not taking advantage of him, but Nigel may have bigger problems of his own. Tuesdays episode saw Priya give Nugget some tough love after the way he spoke to her. And I think that this will hopefully make nugget change his attitude after the manipulation that is Nish. The knights still also have some tension but Elaine is managing to slowly let George back in. But after a discovery I wonder if George really had something to do with Cindy. Jean we also wise when giving advice on Stacey about her relationship status with Martin, and Phil was dead certain of his decision with the boxing den. Wednesdays episode saw the aftermath of Elaine’s discovery. But it looks like George had a good story to prove his innocence, but where he really was May have even bigger consequences. But Anna and Gina may have some explaining to do when Peter spots them doing something they shouldn’t. And speaking of Peter, he may have bigger problems of his own when the social worker comes and he and Lauren try to play happy families. But they both know it’ll not help what has happened already. Denise also got her wires crossed when flowers came to her door following her night of passion with Ravi, and everyone is determined to get Phil to open up after the boxing den revelation. But Nigel has problems of his own when he reveals a shocking truth to Yolande. Finally Thursdays episode saw the repercussions of Nigel’s admission. I do get why he hasn’t been open with his wife but at some point he’ll need to tell the truth. But after being caught out a Reiss’ and despite Yolandes advice, he’s decided to keep it a secret from Phil for now. But Phil himself keeps pushing further and further away from Sharon, so I just hope the return of Grant Mitchell soon will help him. Reiss also is starting to peak suspicions of Martin, and those snide remarks of him and Sonia is not helping. I’m also glad that Peter won’t tell the police Anna and go as involvement in George’s mess, but the drama will soon start to unfold when Cindy wakes from her coma. And finally, Kim’s advice to Denise on Ravi seemed to have had the opposite effect. As she and Ravi can’t seem to stay away from each other.
Squid Game:
I was so happy when this iconic show came back to the streaming device that is Netflix. I’m also glad that a familiar character who I thought was dead returned (and the actor who plays him is a proper eye catcher), looking for answers to this horrific revelation and seeking Gi-hun for help. I won’t reveal all, but all I can say is that by the end of the episode I was literally left open mouthed, which I haven’t felt since watching Peaky Blinders. And I completely forgot how deranged Gong Yoo’s character really is! And that’s when you know you’ve enjoyed something!
Kin:
The start of the second series of Kin has definitely made me realise how much I’ve missed this show. Amanda definitely made her stance as the boss, and the last thing the family need is another war. But with relatives of Eamon Cunningham from Turkey on the warpath, they need to do everything they can before time runs out. But not whilst having some personal setbacks. Amanda and Jimmy having a devastating loss, uncle Frank finding peace in religion and Viking possibly going back to his old ways again. And even Kem seems abit on edge now that he has a family to think about. And like with Tommy Shelby in Peaky blinders, Michael doesn’t give anything away but is so sneaky and clever in avoiding death, but he’ll need it more than ever when he comes home to the family.
Patience:
I’ve been looking forward to this drama for some time now, and boy did I enjoy the first episode. I totally relate to patience when it comes to emails and also mentioning phone numbers. I also love the comradery from the support group she goes to, and it may have helped DI Bea in her own life. But I dread to think what will happen after she is wrongfully arrested!
Personal:
Films:
This is both professional and personal but I managed it catch up on some films before the family change tv companies. These were The Croods: A New Age, Matilda: The Musical (which I’ll mention in a blog of films I saw in 2025 in the new future) and 42nd Street. All of these films were brilliant for different reasons, and I felt as though they needed to be watched to help keep my love for the arts alive.
Exercise:
I more or less managed to get back into my usual exercise routine. There was one day where I did a workout from home (which I’ll state why in just a moment), but overall it was good to finally get my mojo back fitness wise.
Dentist:
This week I got my weekly check up at the dentist. Yes it was abit pricy but for me without my health I’ve got nothing. And despite a minor thing all is well!
Autism Acceptance Week Update:
This week I managed to finally get my sign up for autism acceptance week in place. Along with the passion show as mentioned before, I’m also doing a 5km walk! This should be fairly easy as I practically do it every week three times. And because it’s officially 10 years since I first discovered what autism means to me, I want to make it more special! And keep an eye out on my social media handles as throughout autism acceptance week (2nd-8th April 2025), I’ll be posting about 7 people/iconic who have made history in the autism community!
Online Business Mastery:
This week I finally managed to catch up on some online business mastery with the first hour of the bonus coaching call. The full two hours for me would be overwhelming, so doing it in one hour chunks would be better. During it Matt mentioned a simple but effective way to change my mindset which in turn for me could help me through this course. And because I got off to a slow start due to not having the inspiration, I may be onto something after filling out more of my workbook earlier this week and Matt giving out those simple yet affective pieces of advice.
Shows I watched:
Rob and Romesh vs…
This show was definitely what I needed this week! I loved how these two comedians were trying to be so good at darts, and each of them had their own qualities to it! But I’m just glad that Wayne marcel and Luke littler were on hand to to help them, even if the match itself took ages. All in all a really good show, and if anyone needs a good laugh and see two adults take a 17 year old to an arcade then this is the show for you!
The Masked Singer:
This week I caught up on The Masked Singer. As it was a double bill I had more clues to help with my guesses. I won’t reveal all but I managed to get one right again and Jonathan Ross actually was right with his guesses for once.
Hard times:
There have been some difficult moments this week. The main thing is getting back into the swing of things after the Christmas break. So if this blog seems abit wishy washy, that’s why. But at least I’m making the effort and showing up, which is a lot more than those who throw in the towel. I think another difficult moment would be that because most of the people in the course I’m doing with NYT are abit further than me, it’s hard to build that real with them especially online. But I’m willing to see it out and do what I can with regards to the homework being set.
What have I learnt this week?
The main thing I’ve learnt from the online business mastery is that I still show up for things like my exercise and my acting class even if I can’t be bothered. So if I treat my business the same way as those other key factors in my life, then I know I can break the cycle of being stuck in a rut!
See you soon for another blog. Until next time…
This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)
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