Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. This was a week where I stepped outside of my comfort zone and achieved things which I never thought I could achieve! Here's what I got up to from 18th-24th September 2023!
Monday: Another day, another dollar for me, (or for the UK, which I've only just made up, another week, another wage), as I set up for another early morning shift at work. I did feel more tired and abit anxious. But today was the start of the 3 day life enhancer challenge. I was a little bit nervous about doing something different, but sometimes I need to step out of my comfort zone, as that's the path of growth. And also when we actually do it, it's not as scary as I thought it would be.
I then got home and took my dog for a walk, which was longer than usual. This was part of having 20 minutes of physical activity to start the day off right. Don't get me wrong, I was tired but I had to get it done. But mind you I keep thinking I must be coming down with something as there was a part of me that didn’t feel right. But maybe it's me being tired from the past few days, so as always I caught up on my sleep by having a nap for a hour.
After watching Gogglebox and having some lunch, I then looked at a script and the clip from the TV show Succession for class on Wednesday (whether I’ll go or not is another question), and then I finished the act on this podcast with Chris Stone. Still an insightful podcast, and one thing Ross and Chris mentioned was that don't do a showreel scene in fancy dress (unless the scene is at a fancy dress party), when it comes to characters that show authority. At first it sounded a bit silly, but I then realised that a lot of people do this, as making a costume as real as possible will either make or break a scene.
Afterwards I did some yin yoga and checked my social media stories. As I’m writing this, I still feel abit stuck in a rut. I’m not sure why, but I know I'm not the only one, and that we all have our moments. But as long as I appreciate the here and now that’s all that matters.
I then attended the first day of the life enhancer challenge. Yes it was a lot to take in but to step outside of my comfort zone is a huge step for me. And thank god they have replays for it as I know I won’t be able to take all the information in on one night. But all I can say is I can’t wait for the next day and see what it has to offer.
I then looked at some more Korean and French, and whilst I didn’t get all of my daily goals in I kept up my streak, which was the main thing.
Tuesday: Tuesday was a challenging productive day that focused on my passion and my health.
To start with as always I went to the gym. On the way there and back I listened to more of a The Diary of a CEO, where on the way there I listened to Terry Crews, and on the way back I listened to Ashley Walters. I was surprised by having dark thoughts in his early stages of life, but that stemmed from childhood trauma. I won’t go into too much detail on what he said as it’s not my place to say, but what I will say is, he has had a lot of therapy and still has it to this day. An I’m intrigued by the rest of the podcast still to come to talk about his journey through too boy and how he felt after finishing the final season.
After taking my dog for a walk and despite getting locked out, I then did a challenge as part of the 3 day life enhancer challenge. I ended up doing 5 sets instead of 3, which probably explains why I felt so sweaty! But I did it and proud of myself for completing the challenge as yes it may have been 2 more sets than I was expecting, I still went that extra mile. And as you can see Margo was being very supportive
I didn’t get chance to look through Spotlight and Mandy with regards to jobs, but that’s okay as I can always come back to it later today. So I started making a document on people who was like to be a part of my project and also their contact details. I had a few in the WhatsApp group already but with more people to join it’s going to be hard work. Never the less I managed to get everyone’s emails and started to draft an email.
I then moved onto looking at my top two Actor Jam submissions. I was going to do something else linking to something which I’m going to post on my social media profiles, but I felt as though the material used for actor jam had to be my main priority at the moment.
I then spent my lunch watching yesterday's Doctors and watched the rest of episode 4 of World on Fire. I must admit, Suni Bulsara in doctors is not bad on the eye. I originally hated him at first as he had abit of a cocky attitude, but as time went on he's actually a really good doctor. This is a fine example of you shouldn't judge someone before you get to know them, and as he's a regular to the show, I can't wait to see many more sides to this character. And things keep getting more intense by the minute in World On Fire, as the David who once didn't care about life and acted as though nothing has happened is now having the biggest wake up call. And with the help of Henriette, I hope when he gets back home he'll start to see life as a gift and not something to take for granted.
I started the afternoon with looking at my reviews blog of shows I went to see. It wasn’t perfect but at least I got it down on paper. And that’s the hardest challenge of them all which was to get started. But I’ll continue it on Friday (unless I need to make any tweaks to other jobs I need to do) as I've got a full day off then.
After checking my social media profiles, I then went to a dentist appointment. I must’ve been in and out like the hocky cocky, as there was no problem other than wisdom tooth pain and I didn’t need to pay for it. I was fairly surprised by it, but because there wasn’t a problem or that it wasn’t my usual checkup, I had a feeling they would only pay if there was more to it. He also mentioned about a night guard to stop me grinding my teeth at my last check up, and next time I go I’m going to mention it to him that I’m considering the night guard.
As soon a soon got back I had loads of time. And because I looked at actor jam stuff this morning I looked at some day player roles from Coronation Street. This wasn’t planned but it felt relaxing to clean out the planner but also gather some scenes with their time codes and mini roles from the show.
After having my dinner, I then took part in day 2 of the life enhancer challenge. Another really eye opening session for me, learning all about the stretch zone and how to step out of my comfort zone without getting overwhelmed. I even got picked to ask a question linking to the stretch zone. And I’m glad I asked it! It was terrifying but I felt the fear and did it anyway. And I’ll be honest, it’s like speaking to royalty as since I discovered Matt hall on Act On This, I’ve admired his work so much.
I then had a call with Steve Watson about the next steps going forward. I know I had a lot to do and it was pretty overwhelming. But I’ve defiantly come too far to back down now and I know I can push through. I then learnt some Korean and French to end the day.
Wednesday: I started the day with heading to the gym whilst listening to The Diary of a CEO with Ashley Walters. Again what an eye opening experience as Ashley seems like a chilled relaxed dude, but the stuff he went through was both heartbreaking and powerful. But he said he would never erase his journey, even the bad things, as everything happens for a reason and that everything has happened has made him the person he is today.
At the gym itself I feel like I’ve stretched outside of my comfort zone. I did an extra exercise which was a press up. It wasn’t a lot but for me it’s a huge step as I found out that upper body is probably my weakest area, and after someone from the life enhancer challenge mentioned that upper body is also not their strongest area, I thought I’d follow in their footsteps.
I also must’ve got my order mix up on what I was going to do, as I applied for some new day jobs first and then my actor jam material. But I still got both of them done and I managed to also start adding in members for my project and also note the down in my document.
After lunch and an episode of Doctors, I finally added those who sent me their numbers to the WhatsApp page and posted my results on my 3 day life enhancer challenge. Now I won't lie to you, it was a difficult process, and I nearly got the names and numbers mixed up. But I looked at my document and looked at it carefully. Pretty soon those that gave me their numbers are now added to the chat and I can't wait to get started.
I then applied for some more jobs on Mandy and Spotlight, and then also drafted an email with my details to an agent who wants to represent me and finally booked a showreel date with Chris stone. I was slightly conscious about the timing of the showreel date but I’ve figured if I don’t get booked now I never will!
I then read more of Stephen Hawkings book whilst learning some more Korean and French. During that session my dads friend looked at the living room as my dad needed to get it decorated. It would be interesting to see what it will look like with a different colour and to gloss up those areas where the colour has faded.
Shortly afterwards I gathered some day player roles and scenes from Doctors and Hollyoaks. It felt so good to finally be up to date with what I’ve gathered as I have this weeks to do and then I’m up to date. and after got the shops and taking the dog for a walk, this was followed by watching the rest of last Fridays Coronation Street. After watching that, I hope this will be the start of happiness for Dee-Dee in her personal life.
I then ended the day with my acting class. In this class we looked at practical aesthetics. I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t difficult, but I’m kind of getting my head around it. It’s abit like actioning which I did a couple of years ago, but instead of singular words to drive a line we use a simple sentence based on what’s happening in the scene. I don’t know if it’s the tiredness or the fact that it’s a lot to take in, but I’m really struggling with this topic. But I’m willing to see it through and learn more about it. At least then if I found that I do like it and can take key points out of it, great. But if not, then at least I can say that I gave it a go.
My teacher also mentioned about showing monologues for actor jam. I was going to as I mentioned about looking at actor jam monologues but that was the last thing that came to my mind when he mentioned about showing us at the start of the session. But as it’ll be my last in person class next week before I “hibernate” during the winter (aka go to online classes), I’m going to show a monologue for the performance as I know I need to get used to performing in a live space again. I then settled down to bed, and as always learning some more Korean and French.
Thursday: I started the day with going to the gym, listening to more of The Diary of A CEO. I listened to more of Ashely Walters and also started one where Steven interviewed Molly-Mae Hughes from Love Island. This was only the first few minutes, but already I'm learning so much, and I can't wait to listen to more of what they both had to say. At the gym itself, once again I stretched outside of my comfort zone, as I did my extra upper body exercise, and it felt amazing.
As soon as I got back from the gym, I took my dog for a walk and sorted out some washing, which included by bedding, as it was bed changing day again. I almost forgot, but thank god I have my nan to remind me, otherwise there would definitely be some worn out material.
I then cooked tonight's dish, which was tacos. It wasn't easy with my dads friend coming in and out, as he was decorating the living room. But me and my nan still managed to get the dinner done, but left instructions for my dad and sister so they can have it nice and fresh for when they came back. This was then followed by putting on some nice warm bedding, which is sure to help me gain a good nights sleep.
Shortly after my nan left, I then started to draft an email to a director, but my mind was overloaded. I think with the documentary and also booking the date for the showreel scene with Chris Stone, and finding somewhere to stay it’s been a lot to take on board. So I simply did some surveys whilst I watched Hollyoaks and the first few minutes of yesterdays Doctors whilst I had my lunch. As sometimes you need to take a step back, and you'd be surprised by how much good it does.
I then went to work and it actually went well. The only thing that went downhill was afterwards, as I came home tired and feeling like I was genuinely going to pass out. But it was a good job I had a day off tomorrow, as it will help me catch up on some rest and relaxation.
After work I had my dinner. I’ll be honest, it did give it kick due to the flavour. But aside from that it had to be the best meal I’ve made so far. But I had to have it in my office, as my dad was watching something else (and tbf it did look cool) and the other rooms smelt of paint. So I made the waist decision to have it in my office.
Whilst I was in my office, I realised that in the beings I definitely went more into the state of flow. As I managed to message an actor from I Used To Be Famous about the short film (as I could see him play one of the characters written down) and drafted some emails to Debbie Howard (who directed Coronation Street and Emmerdale), and the main email at Chapterhouse Theatre ready to send tomorrow. I even finally sent in the details for the agent who wants to represent me! Now that that’s done along with my searching fingers crossed I can gain some more opportunities.
I also managed to finish the draft of the script to send to Steve and the WhatsApp group chat for the writers selected to work on. I’m definitely proud of what I’ve achieved so far and I’ve highlighted some of the text in bold as because it’s a piece I wrote during the creative therapeutic writing session at the wellness retreat a few months ago, it’s definitely a piece that I want to present to a wider audience. Yes it’s in my social media platforms but I feel that this piece deserves more attention, as I want to show that something like my piece will help release some pent up trauma. I then also ended the day with checking my socials and learning some more Korean and French.
Friday: Today was my day off from Waitrose. And it was definitely needed. But I didn't have a lie in as I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep if i did.
I started off by going to the gym as always and continued listening to The Diary of a CEO with Molly-Mae Hughes.
I then got back and caught up on the reply of the last day of the life enhancer challenger with Matt Hall. What an inspiring 3 days it has been. I’ve learnt so much and even thought I’ve been given some of this information before, hearing it again is just as helpful. When I plan my week over the weekend I’m going to colour code the things that I do and prioritise the ones which I feel need doing first. And instead of planning them weekly, do it on a daily basis. As I’ve noticed that by planning them weekly I feel a pressure to get them done. The affect it’s us is that when I get a self tape for auditions it puts my routine into overdrive and I get overwhelmed (as being autistic routine does have a huge impact). But for at least 3 weeks I’m going to schedule daily so that not only will it help me move life stress free if I don’t get everything done, but so that if I do get a self tape in and it needs to be in by 2 days, I can work my way around it easier without getting overwhelmed.
I then started looking at my review of shows I went to see over the summer (which I managed to finish later on and post, and the link for it is here to save you searching: ). I still have others to get through, but from next week I'm going to start a new scheduling process which will help me gain more productivity in completing the rest of the drafts. I'll explain it all on a call I was on later.
After a delicious lunch whilst I watched Googlebox (despite a few technical difficulties and also watched the rest in of it later in the evening), I then booked the rest of my holidays off work and continued my application for Iceland. I'm nearly finished with the application process, as all I needed to do was check to see I got the name of the subject and which examiner it was from. This was then followed by checking my social media stories and doing some surveys, which were intense but very rewarding. And Margo even got to have a little cuddle with me, which was honestly so heartwarming and I could not love her anymore.
I then hoped onto Rapid Fire Friday by Act On This. Initially I wasn’t going to ask a question but after some thought I decided to feel the fear and ask one anyway. And this was quite relevant to the last few days. I asked about doing a new way of scheduling where instead of planning for the week I schedule the night before. As after this course that’s something I’m going to start doing from this weekend. This is also so that if I get a self tape or life happens good or bad, I can move that job to the next day along with other stuff I need to plan.
After walking the dog, I had a phone call with Steve Watson. This was to just run over a few things and I'm glad I did he said he would sort out the meeting link and send it to everyone! I was so pleased as it got to a point where I needed to shut off for at least the weekend. He also said that he'll send the script on the group so that those involved in the writing will be able to look at it together, adamant that the dialogue in there I wanted to keep.
I then watched episode 11 and the first few minutes of episode 12 of Conversations With Friends whilst I had my second plate of tacos from last night. I’ve absolutely loved this show, as it was so naturalistic, and that there doesn’t need any screaming or shouting to hook you in. I especially admired Frances’ bravery about wanting a feeling and also feeling as though she wasn’t good enough, as I can relate to it so much. I’m hoping that she gets the happy ending that she wants. I also watched Wednesday Hollyoaks, and all I can say on that one is, does Carter have a crush on John-Paul? And if not why did he tell a guy John-Paul was getting to know to leave him alone? And I also must say after breaking up with Sienna, that it didn’t take long for Ethan to move on from her.
I then ended the day with checking my socials and learning some more Korean and French as always. I’ve now realised that with Korean I can tape the English spelling of the Korean words whilst I learn the new words. But it has been time consuming, so this made me realise that when I do start to learn this language more and when I start my new scheduling routine, I need to actually blocks out some time to not only keep going on Duolingo but to also make time to look at the English spelling of the words I’ve learnt. It’ll take a while (as I’m now on unit 6 with a streak of around 300 days), but by doing one section at a time I can compete those tasks.
Saturday: As always I got up early ready for my morning shift. Before then I listened to the rest of the Act On This broadcast from 11th September. This must've helped my energy boost, as on the way down I didn't feel heavy on the eyes. Maybe that was the secret to having a productive day, as I listened to something motivating.
Work itself was okay, and it was also a rare occasion that I stayed on for overtime. I was surprised about this, but with me doing with some extra money (as yes retail is not a permanent thing but sometimes in life the finances take over) and motivated by the broadcast, I decided to take on board the offer. And for once I actually enjoyed it. I managed to go through some material to film next week in the lead up to World Mental Health Day, and a lovely lady complimented me on my height and how it's helpful. I agreed with her but also mentioned the downsides, which was that sometimes my back can tweak in the wrong place if I'm not careful. But all in all, a productive shift.
After walking the dog when I got back from work, I then watched the first 5 minutes of Doctors followed by the rest of the final episode of Conversations With Friends (which I had to pause briefly so my family members didn't get shocked by the intimate moments). What a series it has been! I won't give too much away, but when I read what happens at the end, I knew what Nick did was a mistake, but I never knew that it went that deep and that long. So for those that haven't seen the series, watch it until the end, as then the ending will make you want more! I'll be doing a review of this show in a future TV recommendations blog, so watch this space.
The afternoon consisted of me working on one of my short sorties and as of now it’s finally posted onto my Wattpad. But just to give my personal Instagram account to breathe, I’m going to post it onto my socials tomorrow to allow that breathing space. Please see the link here: My Big Night Out - Lucy Moon - Wattpad
I then read more of Stephen Hawkings book and honestly, I felt so relaxed and chilled and present. Mainly because I was up since 5am this morning. I then started to brain dump everything I needed to get out of my head and get done by November at least. And it did feel good. I was surprised by how much I wrote but it definitely helped to release any strain I had. This was whilst I edited my document to casting directors and also the first half of an act on this broadcast from this Monday that’s just been.
As the evening drawed in, I walked my dog and had a nice hot shower. It then followed by watching Mondays coronation street, and all I can say is that I’m proud of Ed, as in the past he had a gambling addiction, but he managed to take himself away from the situation when someone asked him to come for a bet. But I can’t help but feel that he may be tempted again very soon. I hope he doesn’t. During this I had a delicious takeaway from Turkish delight, and I can honestly say it a was one of the nicest meals I’ve had in a long time.
It then came to abit of variety for TV that night. These included the first 10mins of World on Fire (where I think it’s getting to breaking point for Harry and his troop), Hollyoaks (where after an incident involving John-Paul I hope he gets the justice he deserves) and Gogglebox.
I then ended the day as always by checking my socials and learning some more Korean. I only did one lesson as I just felt so tired my brain couldn’t compute to a full on lesson. Which after being up since 5am today was the wisest thing to do.
Sunday: I started the day final day of the week with watching Thursday's addition of Doctors. All I can say after that is I hope Claudia will make the right decision for herself, and that I hope Daniel and Joe are okay.
During work it was a mixture of emotions. A little bit down as after last night and how anxious I felt (but maybe that was the tiredness talking), it definitely left me abit emotionless. But I had a good shift at during it I managed to rehearse a day player scene which I’m going to short next month, a couple of my self tape challenges in the lead up to world mental health day, and wrote a draft of a script inspired by Conversations with friends. As after the ending of the series it would be interesting to see what would happen if Frances were to go back to her old ways… don’t know what I mean? Watch the show to see what I mean.
I then settled and tallied up my budget for the month. I was surprised that I even managed to save a lot than I thought, as after thinking I went over my budget in one area, I didn’t in another, and that’s something I’m quite proud of if I do say so myself. I then had some lunch whilst watching some World on fire, with the last ten minutes later on. My heart literally sank for David and Henriette and I think now with the walls coming down for Lois, I think she’s starting to realise the most important thing in her life… her daughter. I’m just hoping she puts things right.
The afternoon was mostly spent catching up on an Act On This podcast with motions capture Casting Director Jessica Jeffries. I wish I caught the previous podcast before I got taken down, as I could’ve been in the new Peaky blinders game. But then again I was in a place where I had to cancel my membership due to life and how I thought I was having a relapse of a health scare I had back in 2015, but I didn’t. But I quit anyway to look at my priorities, and I’m glad I did when I did, and since coming back I have never looked back. And now that I know I don’t need to be a gamer to apply for jobs like this, I can’t wait to see what this unfolds.
I then made a start to schedule tomorrow whilst I listened to an Act On This broadcast and finished The Diary of a CEO with Ashley Walters. I did well for myself, and I can’t wait to see how the new scheduling will change my life. As I’m hoping it can give me more flexibility and even though I’ll still be abit wobbly when changed without warning does occur, when it comes to self tapes I hope that if I do get one, I won’t get overwhelmed as then I’ll know exactly what to do for the next day or later in the week depending on the deadline for it.
After doing some yoga and taking the dog out, after World on fire I gathered some day player roles and scenes from two episodes of Doctors. And I couldn’t help but rewind Suni winking at Scarlett. Please don’t judge me, but if you watch the show, then you will soon see he is a nice looking person.
I then ended the day with watching the rest of Gogglebox from last night. I was going to watch more strictly but I didn’t think it would be wise to watch something that’s high in energy and music knowing I need to be up early tomorrow.
As always I checked my social media stories and like last night only did abit if Korean, but just enough to keep me going. As I am writing this, part 2 of my security guard sketch and my longer version is out on my Instagram and YouTube now! Please see the link to my longer version below, and the shorter versions are on my X and my TikTok:
And also my new story is now out on my personal Instagram account, my Facebook and LinkedIn! Now that I’m back to writing I hope I can get into the swing of it and complete my other stories that need re-looking at! As well as looking aftering myself in the process .
What have I learnt this week? After taking on board the 3 day life enhancer challenge, I’ve learnt that the stretch zone is not as bad as I initially thought. But starting it is the hardest block.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time…
This is the autistic actress signing off :)
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