Mark's birthday was Monday, and it didn't occur to me until twelve days before that I ought to make him some socks. Secret Ninja socks, like I did for our anniversary. I thought being in rehearsals last week would give me some extra time, but it didn't help all that much. But hooray! I finished them, with ninety minutes to spare...


Earl Grey socks from the Yarn Harlot--great pattern, but not all that fun in black. This is the new Red Heart sock yarn--it sheds a bit, and it's a little splitty, but it's not too horrible.


The cake is store-bought (that's what he wanted!), but I decorated it myself. Who knew Wilton made glittery icing? It actually has (edible) sparkles in it. I generally stay away from things that artificial, but hey, it's a birthday cake.

So yeah, I'm in rehearsals right now, for a show that goes up next Friday. I'm feeling less prepared than I should be, due to circumstances beyond my control, but I do think it will be a good show. We have a fun group. I just wish I weren't so tired all the time...

This is my busy time of year, where I send applications and hopefully have auditions--but I am so completely unmotivated. Usually I just need a kick in the butt (my teachers are good for that), but this is different. It seems like everything is just too bothersome. I don't know what the problem is. I know I'm pissed and disappointed about not being able to lose weight (which has a very big bearing on my career, unfortunately--damn sizism! it's not like I can't move and dance and stuff), but I don't think that's all of it. Maybe it's just being in this transition period between "young artist" programs and getting management. It's hard to get good jobs without management, and it's hard to get management unless you've had good jobs. And I don't exactly live in a part of the world where good gigs fall from the sky, or where agents roam the streets hungry for fresh talent... This is the challenge, I guess. I have two very good friends my exact age--both fantastic singers and intuitive actresses--who decided to stop pursuing careers because they were just tired of the rat race, and have gone into other fields. I have things a bit easier because of my slow-to-mature voice type (and having a husband willing to pay the bills doesn't hurt, either!), but my friends decided they were not willing to give up having a "normal" life any longer. I want a house, and a kid or two, but I need to keep singing. There are plenty of singers--superstars and normal people alike--who are able to manage. It's the waiting that's getting to me, maybe.

I dunno. I will distract myself. Look at my cardigans!


The "pink cabley thing" progresses slowly. Eight rows per inch! I actually have the cable pattern memorized now! Who knew. In any case, this thing is taking forever, so I started the famous GreenGable hoodie (the gold one). It's rather exciting to be working with bulky yarn.


See how quick that is? I started it on Sunday, I think.

I ought to get some work done. But I will share one item. I haven't brought up politics much this year, since everything is so polarized (though my probably unhealthy crush on Keith Olbermann may give you an inkling where I stand), but this is just a cool story.