I have a full-time job! I start April 19!
I'll be working for another software company doing technical writing. They use a different writing process than I am used to, but that's pretty much par for the course. I am really excited to meet everyone and get to know the company and make myself useful long-term. I know I'm good at my job and it feels good to be wanted!
This means I had to give up the truely awesome contract gig only 3 1/2 weeks into the 4 month contract. That was crummy. I adored my coworkers, I felt confident about the work I was doing, I felt appreciated by the company, and the pay was great. I happened to get the last job I interviewed for before starting the contract job. I had warned them it might happened, so at least it didn't come out of nowhere, but I still feel guilty. They gave me a great job when I needed one, and I am forever grateful. If they had had a full-time job available, I would have taken it in a minute. Fortunately, they were able to find a replacement quickly, which means that yet another person found a good job during this rocky recession -- everybody wins! (Well, not everybody, but at least I and my replacement both do.)
I admit, I am slightly nervous that I won't like the new job as much as the contract job, but that's the risk I take for stability. There is no reason why I won't like it just as much if not more. I always freak out a little when I start something new. I will be nervous until my third day when I start remembering people's names and figure out of there's room in the fridge for my lunch.
A full-time job! Doing something I'm good at! For really good pay and benefits! And the office is at the Gateway which is one of my favorite places!
It feels good.
Since I do have some time before starting the new job, I'm making the most of it. I'm so busy! I cleaned my house, did my taxes, got my hair done, started learning the music and choreography for 7 Brides' "Goin' Courtin'", saw Alice in Wonderland again, saw some friends in The Tortoise and the Hare (a play that only runs weekday mornings), admired the brides at Salt Lake's Temple Square, and took a tour of the LDS Conference Center. Tomorrow, I have a lunch date and then perform in The Secret Garden, which closes THIS WEEKEND, by the way.
I have cabin fever! I can't stand the idea of just sitting at home all day, though it will probably be my last chance for several months -- at least until 7 Brides closes... unless I'm doing another show by that time, which is very possible.
I had hoped to go to Disneyland early next week, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. Maybe I'll ask a friend in Idaho if I can visit her. I really like the idea of getting out of town. One last adventure before I settle down again.
It's been a crazy three months. I have been very blessed with a lot of support, unemployment checks, the contract job, the already-paid-for cruise, and no less than three plays to occupy my time when I had nothing else to do. I know that Heavenly Father has been watching out for me as I've figured things out. Thank you to everyone for your prayers, your positive thoughts, and your kind words. It may be trite to say, but I really could not have made it through without you. I cannot thank you enough.
Much love,
Meg
Thursday, April 8
A Subtle Difference
Before
After
There is a scene in the movie Beaches where C.C. and Hilary both dye their hair, and Hilary realizes that she spent two hours dying her hair the same color it was before. Well, I can see the difference the highlights make in my hair, but I will admit, it's pretty subtle. I am glad! I was really afraid I'd go to perform in the Victorian-era The Secret Garden on Friday and everyone would go "Whoa! What the heck did you do with your hair?!" No danger of that! Phew!
I like the change, and the accompanying trim was very needed after the havoc the dry air and static electricity played on my hair during the winter! I feel much more summery now!
After
There is a scene in the movie Beaches where C.C. and Hilary both dye their hair, and Hilary realizes that she spent two hours dying her hair the same color it was before. Well, I can see the difference the highlights make in my hair, but I will admit, it's pretty subtle. I am glad! I was really afraid I'd go to perform in the Victorian-era The Secret Garden on Friday and everyone would go "Whoa! What the heck did you do with your hair?!" No danger of that! Phew!
I like the change, and the accompanying trim was very needed after the havoc the dry air and static electricity played on my hair during the winter! I feel much more summery now!
Wednesday, March 31
Fashion in the 1800s
How cool is this*? I love this period of history. It's interesting to see how the fashion changes, and then think about the events going on during these times. The French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the American Civil War. Such a busy century!
*I should specify that I didn't draw this. I saw it posted somewhere and loved it, but I don't know where it comes from or who to give credit to. If you know, please add a comment telling me so that I can give the artist/historian the credit. Thanks!
*I should specify that I didn't draw this. I saw it posted somewhere and loved it, but I don't know where it comes from or who to give credit to. If you know, please add a comment telling me so that I can give the artist/historian the credit. Thanks!
Stupid, Lousy Phone
...At least, my old/new phone was stupid and lousy! Grrrr! The thing makes me angry just to think about!
Let me start at the beginning:
I have been with AT&T for four years. It's great! I like the service and the price for the package that I have. I signed on for a two-year contract and got a new phone. Three-and-a-half years later, I still had that same contract and phone. It was a great phone. I am clumsy and dropped that phone a LOT, but I never had any trouble with it.
But after three-and-a-half years I decided I wanted a new one. I wanted the new(ish) model that looks like a blackberry. And I found one! An LG Neon. It was grey and blue and had a camera on it! (I know iPhones are all the rage now, but I've always been at least one model or one clothing style behind. I think about my purchases for a LONG TIME before I spend my money.) $20 dollars later it was mine and I took it home. For about a month it worked perfectly. And then I dropped it.
The first time, it seemed to be okay. After the second time, it was fine.
I'd had it two months when I dropped it the third time. And then... I noticed that when I tried to call my mom, I didn't hear the phone ring and I couldn't hear her for about 10 seconds. She could hear me, though, so I was the creepy person who breathes on the phone while she says "Hello? Hello?"
As the weeks progressed, it got worse and worse. I had the problem with other phone numbers. My grandmother hung up on me. I missed the beginning of all of the voicemails I received and had to replay them in order to hear who the heck had called me. Drove me NUTS!
So, I called AT&T for a new phone. Since I'd dropped it (should have kept that quiet) it wasn't covered by the warranty. I do have insurance, so I called them. They said they could send me a new LG Neon, but it would cost $50. I wasn't happy about it, but I paid it. I wanted a phone that worked!
I did NOT get my wish. The second phone I only had to drop ONCE before all the old problems came back. Except, this time I had trouble with the buttons for text messaging. UNCOOL! This phone has been even more frustrating than the previous.
I don't see how it's too much to ask for, a phone that still works even if I drop it a few times. After all, that first phone worked just fine for three-and-a-half years!
I talked with an AT&T salesman at Sam's Club, and he verified that my phone sucks. He recommended that I call AT&T, angrily describe how crappy the phone is, demand a new phone and say I don't want to have to sign a new contract or pay full price. He even recommended a new model -- a Samsung Solstice. I've done some research on that model and talked to a few people who have it, and it looks like a good one.
I called AT&T and was uncharacteristically grumpy on the phone. I don't like being angry with service people. I worked in customer service and I know what it's like. But I was grumpy. He couldn't offer me the Samsung Solstice for free, but he said I could get it at a discount when I'm due for my next upgrade in September. Of the options he gave me, I took the option to buy a cheap, prepaid phone. It's not a great one, but I can keep my phone number, and it should see me through the next six months. At least, I hope it does.
I just want a phone that WORKS! I don't want to be the creepy breather anymore!
Let me start at the beginning:
I have been with AT&T for four years. It's great! I like the service and the price for the package that I have. I signed on for a two-year contract and got a new phone. Three-and-a-half years later, I still had that same contract and phone. It was a great phone. I am clumsy and dropped that phone a LOT, but I never had any trouble with it.
But after three-and-a-half years I decided I wanted a new one. I wanted the new(ish) model that looks like a blackberry. And I found one! An LG Neon. It was grey and blue and had a camera on it! (I know iPhones are all the rage now, but I've always been at least one model or one clothing style behind. I think about my purchases for a LONG TIME before I spend my money.) $20 dollars later it was mine and I took it home. For about a month it worked perfectly. And then I dropped it.
The first time, it seemed to be okay. After the second time, it was fine.
I'd had it two months when I dropped it the third time. And then... I noticed that when I tried to call my mom, I didn't hear the phone ring and I couldn't hear her for about 10 seconds. She could hear me, though, so I was the creepy person who breathes on the phone while she says "Hello? Hello?"
As the weeks progressed, it got worse and worse. I had the problem with other phone numbers. My grandmother hung up on me. I missed the beginning of all of the voicemails I received and had to replay them in order to hear who the heck had called me. Drove me NUTS!
So, I called AT&T for a new phone. Since I'd dropped it (should have kept that quiet) it wasn't covered by the warranty. I do have insurance, so I called them. They said they could send me a new LG Neon, but it would cost $50. I wasn't happy about it, but I paid it. I wanted a phone that worked!
I did NOT get my wish. The second phone I only had to drop ONCE before all the old problems came back. Except, this time I had trouble with the buttons for text messaging. UNCOOL! This phone has been even more frustrating than the previous.
I don't see how it's too much to ask for, a phone that still works even if I drop it a few times. After all, that first phone worked just fine for three-and-a-half years!
I talked with an AT&T salesman at Sam's Club, and he verified that my phone sucks. He recommended that I call AT&T, angrily describe how crappy the phone is, demand a new phone and say I don't want to have to sign a new contract or pay full price. He even recommended a new model -- a Samsung Solstice. I've done some research on that model and talked to a few people who have it, and it looks like a good one.
I called AT&T and was uncharacteristically grumpy on the phone. I don't like being angry with service people. I worked in customer service and I know what it's like. But I was grumpy. He couldn't offer me the Samsung Solstice for free, but he said I could get it at a discount when I'm due for my next upgrade in September. Of the options he gave me, I took the option to buy a cheap, prepaid phone. It's not a great one, but I can keep my phone number, and it should see me through the next six months. At least, I hope it does.
I just want a phone that WORKS! I don't want to be the creepy breather anymore!
Sunday, March 28
Wonderful, Wonderful Day!
*Updated
I landed my dream role yesterday! My #1, die-to-play, reach-for-the-stars dream role! I'm going to be playing Milly in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I seriously can't believe it. I am not quite pinching myself, but I don't think it will feel real until I get to that first rehearsal and introduce myself... actually, maybe I still won't believe it until we actually read the script... or until we get to opening day.
When the director called yesterday to offer me the part, I nearly started to cry on the phone. I've wanted this part for so long, and the last time I auditioned and didn't get the part it shattered my self-esteem for nearly a year (I've grown a bit since then, so I don't think it would have crushed me quite so much this time). I'm stunned. This is the way I felt when I was cast as Ado Annie in Oklahoma, Amy in Little Women, and Kim in Bye Bye Birdie. I know I have talent and I always fight so hard for roles at auditions and callbacks, but it somehow still flabbergasts me when directors actually choose me for these iconic, fun, difficult, important roles. This is a big deal! This is such a huge responsibility and I am pretty freaked out and even more excited! This time, I'm the LEAD. Not just A lead, but THE lead. The last curtsey. The one with a ton of songs and even more lines. Holy granola, I've never had to memorize that many lines or sing that many songs.
I'm starting to freak out more.
AAAAAAAH! I'm so happy! I can't wait for the first rehearsal! I hope I can do this! I hope I don't disappoint the pro team! They've put a lot of faith in me. This is AWESOME!
It's going to be fun!
And then when it's over, I'll need a new #1, die-to-play, reach-for-the-stars dream role. Adelaide or Sarah in Guys and Dolls? Or maybe Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie...?
*The play is being produced by the West Jordan Arts Council. Their venue was closed and they don't yet know where we will be performing, but as of now the performances are planned for June 17-29 at 7:30pm except Sundays. I am trying not to worry. No one is allowed to rain on my parade!
I landed my dream role yesterday! My #1, die-to-play, reach-for-the-stars dream role! I'm going to be playing Milly in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I seriously can't believe it. I am not quite pinching myself, but I don't think it will feel real until I get to that first rehearsal and introduce myself... actually, maybe I still won't believe it until we actually read the script... or until we get to opening day.
When the director called yesterday to offer me the part, I nearly started to cry on the phone. I've wanted this part for so long, and the last time I auditioned and didn't get the part it shattered my self-esteem for nearly a year (I've grown a bit since then, so I don't think it would have crushed me quite so much this time). I'm stunned. This is the way I felt when I was cast as Ado Annie in Oklahoma, Amy in Little Women, and Kim in Bye Bye Birdie. I know I have talent and I always fight so hard for roles at auditions and callbacks, but it somehow still flabbergasts me when directors actually choose me for these iconic, fun, difficult, important roles. This is a big deal! This is such a huge responsibility and I am pretty freaked out and even more excited! This time, I'm the LEAD. Not just A lead, but THE lead. The last curtsey. The one with a ton of songs and even more lines. Holy granola, I've never had to memorize that many lines or sing that many songs.
I'm starting to freak out more.
AAAAAAAH! I'm so happy! I can't wait for the first rehearsal! I hope I can do this! I hope I don't disappoint the pro team! They've put a lot of faith in me. This is AWESOME!
It's going to be fun!
And then when it's over, I'll need a new #1, die-to-play, reach-for-the-stars dream role. Adelaide or Sarah in Guys and Dolls? Or maybe Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie...?
*The play is being produced by the West Jordan Arts Council. Their venue was closed and they don't yet know where we will be performing, but as of now the performances are planned for June 17-29 at 7:30pm except Sundays. I am trying not to worry. No one is allowed to rain on my parade!
Friday, March 26
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