New Fun Stuff

I've been trying to figure out something clever to title this post, but apparently New Fun Stuff is as clever as I can get at 9:15 on a very long Monday...

Anyway, I've been working on a new project that I happen to think is pretty exciting. On New Year's Day I came across a post from Broadwayworld.com on Twitter.  The post said they were looking for regional writers.  In a rush of New Year, New Me excitement I grabbed 3 theater posts I had written and thought were pretty good and sent them along with my resume.  And a few days later, I got the good news - I had gotten the job!  Woohoo!  

Now I say job, but it's not really a job.  There's no payment which I'm ok with because the perks are pretty nice.  Often, I can get free tickets to shows in the area.  And the best part is that I'm discovering all sorts of fun regional theaters in the area that I never knew about. I'm also trying new plays and new experiences that I wouldn't have about a year ago.  It, of course, has only been about 2.5 weeks, but I'm having a blast. 

I've met some lovely people and seen some great shows.  I've learned some things about writing, critiquing and even just little things to make life easier.  For instance, a notebook that's larger than the tiny one I have will come in handy the next time I get thrown into an impromptu interview with a theater director.  Also, I need a business card.  Torn pieces of paper with my email written on them are not wholly professional. 

I've also learned what I don't want to be.  I'm not Ben Brantley of the New York Times. Shows aren't living and dying on my word.  The shows I'm reviewing are fun and people are having fun doing them.  I'm not there to criticize or put them down.  I'm as happy to see what they're doing, as they are to be doing the shows.  So no note taking during the show and no backbite-y comments.  That's totally not me!

So yep, there you have it.  There are master plans in my head where this could or couldn't take me - but for now I'm just enjoying it.  If you have any desire to read some of my articles, you can head over to BroadwayWorld.com and hit the Maryland Regional area.

Focus on the Good

Today was a terrible day.  I believe the legal definition of today is craptastic.  Yes, as a matter of fact, that's exactly what it was.  There were things - one big thing - that went terribly wrong.  In short, it sucked.  And I'm not sure what to do about it.  I'm trying to be wise about the whole thing and decide what I can change rather than blaming other people.  I've decided on my totally lack of communication skills and my inability to speak up for myself. That's what I need to work on so this doesn't happen again.

Until I succeed, I'm focusing on the good.  At least, that's what I'm trying to do.  I need to see the good in the situation and focus on making it better for myself.  And realize it could be worse - which just sounds dire when you think about it.  But it's not.  Everyone is healthy and safe.  That's what I'm focusing on.

And while I'm focusing on the good, let's take a minute to focus on this new fancy schmancy blog design, shall we?  Isn't it cute?  I've been browsing Etsy for the last week or so, and finally found one I loved.  If you're looking for a new design I definitely suggest Blogaholic Designs. Her designs are adorable and her tutorials for uploading everything are super helpful.  I just love it so much more than the dumb one I tried to put together! 

There we go - one fabulously happy thought to end the crappy day with.  Now to build on the happiness for tomorrow...

Craft and Burn

I have a friend that pushes himself to be creative at least an hour a week.  He does all sorts of crafty, and writer-y things in one hour on Sunday. It's pretty impressive because I just tried to do an hour and I fizzled after 20 minutes.  What the heck?!  This winter, I was full of crafty ideas and had plans for lots of projects.  I was on a roll and crafting up a storm.  I still have some of those plans in my head, but I can't make myself do them.

I had one idea for this evening, after it appeared to crash and burn, I gave up.  I can't seem to like whatever I'm making or writing for that matter.  That leaves baking and cooking. Thank goodness for that.  At least I'm having some good luck with those projects.  Love Pinterest recipes!  

Of course, thanks to Pinterest, I have all sorts of craftiness too calling my name, but I just hate the way it's all turning out.  Why am I so picky? I can't even show them to other people. Chances are they'd like what they see, but I hate it, so they stay in the bin of junk crafts. Ugh! It's a vicious cycle - oh the life of a creative person : ) I see scrapbookers and bloggers create beautifully crafted projects each and everyday. They share ideas, and photos.  Every day they're creative and fantastic! 

Today?  I spent most of my time attending a cyber policy seminar.  How in the world did I wind up here?

HoCo Blogs Party

was lucky enough to attend the HoCo (Howard County for those of you not from the MD) Blogs party this evening at Petit Louis Bistro on the Lakefront.  Petit Louis Bistro is the Brainchild of Tony Foreman and Cindy Wolf who just happen to be the king and queen of the Maryland dining scene.  They own handfuls of amazing restaurants all over Baltimore, and Petit Louis is their first in Howard County. So we non-Baltimore types are very excited about this development!

Petit Louis consists of a sit-down French Bistro as well as Comptoir, a carry-out French patisserie serving pastries, sandwiches and breads.  They opened officially last month, but seeing as they're located on a beautiful lake, they opened the outdoor area this evening.  The food was delicious.  I promised myself I'd eat whatever I was offered and I did with very few negative results.  On the menu were:

Gruyere Puffs
Wild Game Turine with creme fraiche and pickled ramps
Beet Salad in Endive

Then there was dessert which is always the best part!

Macaroons with Lime
3 flavors of macarons 
Chocolate Chip Buckwheat cookies

The only issue I had was with the beet salad which is quite hard to eat with your fingers and wasn't really my thing.  Aside from some awkward moments in which I almost bolted due to my complete lack of social graces and inability to make small talk, the rest of the evening went off without a hitch.  

I'm hoping they hold a few more of these. If I'm ever going to learn the art of hob-nobbing and small talk, the best chances I have are when I'm surrounded by food : ) 

FoodRiot Launch Day - Yay!

Today is officially launch day for the new and improved, ultra-snazzy, super-cool FoodRiot! As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I will be contributing to FoodRiot on a bi-weekly basis and I couldn't be more excited about it.  Along with some very cool apps in the works, FoodRiot has completely overhauled their site.  It looks like a proper real food site now and I'm feeling quite honored to be a part of it. 

If you'd like to get in on the fun, check out the site here.  You can also click here to be notified when their brand new recipe app goes live.  I haven't seen it fully finished yet, but I hear it's amazing and I can't wait to give it a try!

Hope you enjoy!  And I look forward to hearing your thoughts!