Candy Sale Day

• I wore my "Pupusas, Chocolate, & Netflix" shirt today which I ADORE and so did tons of other people who complimented me
• Somehow, by some miracle, work was pretty okay today. I stressed like a lot about pre-ops. But they all got in and then it felt like I worried for nothing
• Free pizza!
• Successful rehearsal

There's Hope!

Started today early and went to work at like 6. Good thing. I had to cover yesterday, unexpextedly covered for the littlest bit today, and will have to cover tomorrow and Thursday. Needless to say, I did not get all my stuff done. But I am sure trying. So going in early was a good call. Bad Suns got me through the first two hours.

At 10AM I had a 3 Musketeers bar. Only my fave. And the wrapper, with the "#ThrowShine" label, said "Life would be lame without you". How sweet! Pun intended.

Geoff also came by, my dear and loyal friend, and brought a massive bag of chocolate. He really didn't even need anything. He dropped off a new request form for the next time I need to get a machine for a surgery patient. He could've emailed or faxed it but he brought it to us in person with a giant sack of candy. We were all happy campers.

I got a call from GALA theatre today. I applied for the Administrative Assistant position. The Executive Director called to tell me that I had a strong cover letter and she wanted to set up an interview. This could lead nowhere. But it could also be the greatest thing to happen to me in a long time. Pray that God is at work here and that His will be done for the best. The idea that I'd get to work in THE Hispanic theatre of the nation. Holy crap. What an honor. Just being called back is an honor. I'm nervouscited.

People Say Nice Things

I've been getting a lot of compliments lately. From lots of different people. I feel a lot of love. It's all in honor of women's history month and International Women's Day, but I think that almost makes it more special? It's not like a birthday thing, or just a friend giving a random compliment. On this day, where people are talking about the women that inspire them and have changed them, multiple people have decided to mention me? And not just mention me but say absolutely beautiful things about me. Honestly, I'm honored and humbled and pleasantly surprised and just. Wow. These people who mean so much to me think so highly of me. I'll hold these words in my heart for ages to come.

Another person who has been saying nice things is my Grandlittle. I HAVE A GRANDLITTLE. She's a doll. Her name is Flannery. She's too cute. And she adores Mandy so much/Mandy loves her immensely. They make a great pair and bring so much joy to each other's lives. It fills my heart to see Mandy so happy. And I'm glad I know her and we have already hit it off. Hooray for my family growing!

Compliments are Nice

When you're in a career where your ENTIRE JOB is comparison and doubt and rejection, and a whole lot of preparing just to be told you aren't good enough or aren't right or aren't what they were looking for. When you're basically scared all the time and wondering "can I really do this for the rest of my life?". When the joy of being on stage is diminished by the moments off. It is so nice to be reminded by others that you can do it and to be shown love. Not just love for who I am or what we've done, but for this specific craft. It's nice. And very much needed.

Day 7: Family

Polly, Dottie, and Bart. Also known as Ohana.

The Highest Compliment

Cristina did a photoshoot not too long ago and we got the pictures! They're gorgeous. She's precious. It all makes me so happy. In one of my favorite shots, she smiles super big. My Tia Mela saw it and commented, saying her face and smile look just like her Tia Sammy. EEP. So sweet.

Day 10: Sour

I'm kinda upset about all the movies that didn't make the cut for my new video. 

I love them all so much! 

Ah well

Blessings In Threes

1.  My mentee, Torreke, made me his Woman Crush Wednesday today! And it was super duper sweet! Especially after a kinda rough morning. It just made my heart super happy 'cause I love all my mentees so much and I'm glad they love me back! Best FYS ever.
2. I got to workout today I actually had time what huh what is this magic you speak of I dunno but I did it and I feel AWESOME. Also super hungry like I want to eat literally everything.. But we're ignoring that. Yay diet & exercise!
3. Day 8: Rough

After a rough time of going through the ENTIRE STORE in like 15 days, I had my list of every single item in the store. This was the rough draft. And it was a rough printing job. The finalized version is actually much more concise and neat and easy to read. But now I'm DONE with that big project, and moving on to phase two.  Considering I didn't start phase two until like an hour before closing, I am happy with being 6 pages in (out of 95. It's a lot but hey gotta make it last anyway 'cause this is my job for the summer). YAY PROGRESS AND PRODUCTIVITY.

Bonus: Not as much of a blessing but boy do I feel blessed.
A navy seal walked into the store today for some good old fashioned grocery shopping. I saw him from behind first and IMMEDIATELY was like what? Young white person? Lies. Then I got a good look at him while he was at the register and WHOOOO. My life is changed. I dunno his name, I dunno his age, all I know is he is a gentleman and BEAUTIFUL. He was seriously so sweet to the cashier. And when  had to pass him to keep working, I said excuse me and he said you're fine. My mind was like NO YOU. Seriously, he was swoon worthy. Cute smile and everything. Ah! I passed by the front of the store a few minutes later to get a cart and saw him pacing by his car while on the phone. I just thought FRIEND. HOW CAN I HELP YOU. YOU LOOK SO SAD. DO YOU NEED DIRECTIONS? I CAN DIRECT YOU TO EXACTLY WHERE YOU NEED TO BE RIGHT NOW. Lol it was ridiculous. I was ridiculous. But there has been a shortage of handsome men at this store and THIS ONE SERVES OUR COUNTRY. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Hello Compliments :)

Well today was quite successful! I'm pretty happy about the way events transpired today. Church was just a nice time full of people with nice things to say.

I got lots of compliments on my dress! That gold and green one that I wore on New Years and to the Friday show of Wendell. I like that dress. It's pretty fancy so I don't wear it often. But I wore it today cause special occasion. And lots of people really liked it! I looked nice today. Points for me!

Also, I sang today! Our big group number and the solo I did last night. Both went very well. Although apparently it was the first time a lot of people had heard me sing solo. At least like that. They're used to the big group numbers and the duets and the pretty, sweet songs from our hymnal. But pulling something new in had a really big impact. I enjoyed doing a fun, belty song that's actually in my range. People said SUCH NICE THINGS. It made me so happy. They all said that it was great of me to share God's gift and that I should do it more often. So very kind. I just. Ugh.

One person in particular said "looks like that schooling is paying off!" Can I begin to tell you how much that means to me? Can I even express how important that was to hear? Like. This is what I do. What I have always wanted to do. To perform in front of people. To act and sing and tell my story and the stories of so many others. And for a long time I thought not very many people got that. My friends obviously, because they feel the same way. But most other people mention doing good by God with nursing or construction or law or volunteering or anything but the arts, especially with a Hispanic congregation where we are basically raised trying to prove ourselves to America. It's easy to feel unappreciated or like people are looking down on what you love. So hearing someone say that following my dreams has made a difference just touches my heart so deeply. God gave me this gift and this passion for a reason, and I do not feel ashamed for following it. I'm glad that others are starting to see that, too!

Put On Ya Sunday Clothes

Sometimes you have nice days. And so you wear cute outfits. And then those cute outfits get you compliments. And it feels really nice. Hooray for kind people and nice skirts and sunny days.

3-22-15

A compliment from some dear person at our New Member meeting. "Sammy is the greatest great great of all time." Kay. Thanks :3

Lipstick

"You looked so pretty last night. Like so pretty. I just really like you in red lipstick. I dunno. Just you in red lipstick. I like it. I'm going to get you some for your birthday. And something else. But red lipstick for your birthday." - Sara Connolly

This week hasn't been easy. I've felt pretty miserable. But you know what? I had to put that aside for a few hours every night. I put it aside and did what was best for the show. I smiled and collected tickets and showed people where the bathroom was and took them on the service elevator and sold chocolates and cleaned the theatre and told everyone how wonderfully they were doing. And I smiled! Even if my role wasn't so important, I pulled myself together and did the best I could for it. And, honestly, I looked fabulous doing it.

That Best Friend

Reason 349: Seriously. You are my best friend ever. So this kid asked why I was so ridiculously sick that I could not go to work. And I (TMI) chopped it up to my period overreacting. And let me just say, God bless boys who don't get awkward about the word period and realize it's a thing they probably WANT their girl to have gone through, just saying. ANYWAY. Weird summary is that mine lasts 7 days and isn't ever hard to deal with except this one time. So last night he said, and I quote, "hmm, im sorry. if i was there i would shower you with chocolate and whatever else ladies need." Precious child. TODAY, this is in my inbox:

day two of mother nature's gift to you:
"Charm is the ability to make someone else think that both of you are pretty wonderful."
By that definition, you are the most charming person i know <3

You are actually my favorite. All the points to you, good sir.

Let's jam to this throwback.

Ego Boost

Reason 341: Two guys walk into the store today. Age, I believe, is 16-19. Both decently tall and skinny. One white kid, longish hair, pretty cute, shy. One black kid, you can tell he's the social one, always crackin' jokes. They come up and black kid's already laughing. White kid is buying some sodas, being as social as he can be, avoiding eye contact. I'm my usual friendly self (well, friendly work self). Hand him his change back and he almost blushes at the contact, which amused me. And you can tell he's ready to duck outta there. His friend laughs as the white kid passes him and he calls back, "You know he likes you, right?" Silly me, I followed my usual half-joking self-deprecating ways and answered "He has poor taste". Black kid stopped dead. White kid laughs as if it's the funniest thing he's heard all day. "I'm sorry, what? What did you say?" "He has poor taste!". Black kid says in the most sincere way possible "No. I don't wanna hear that. You better not say that again. Beautiful girl like you? No, do not hate on yourself like that. You are young and pretty, you don't need that negativity. Don't treat yourself like that. I'm serious!" It put such a smile on my face. This kid needs to be a life coach!

Mom was playing this in the car today. Not the happiest song, but a very beautiful one.

 

What do?

Reason 319: So I told you about Mr. Dennis before, but for the purposes of this blog I shall retell the story. There's this kid whose name is Dennis. He is 15, Hispanic, goes to Northwood. He shops at the store often. He is incredibly friendly and always strikes up a conversation with whoever is at the register. I'm fairly certain he has some type of autism. But I think that may be why he's so friendly. Well today, I was coming back to the store after my lunch break (I eat in the office downstairs with my mom) and he was leaving the store. He sees me and asks how I'm doing. And he goes onto tell me that I'm very pretty and cute. At which point I turn bright red because I CANNOT handle compliments ever. And he's all concerned and asks "Too awkward?" to which I reply honestly "No, not at all. It was very flattering". He smiles and goes about his way. Gah. He's a sweetheart and he makes my day.

I can't stop playing this. Nope. Can't do it. In my head ALL THE TIME.

Job Well Done

Reason 223: Being told that you did well by some of the people you admire most? It's such a good feeling. Even if they don't fully understand the play you're in hehe. Also, bonding with people you admire. That's pretty amazing, too.

Merp. Stage crush.

ALSO

Someone teach me to get a Yoshi. I'm addicted and can't solve my problems. SECRET LEVELS ARE SO DIFFICULT. Merp, gamer who is really bad at video games. Help.

Thanks for Noticing!

Apologies! My silliness forgot I actually do this EVERY DAY.

Merp. Rehearsal. What is sleep?

Sorry

Reason 220: I wore one of my favorite outfits today. It's simple, because I just don't do flashy ever. But I love it. It was actually a gift. And this is the first time I wore it on campus. Here I am feeling pretty dang good about it, until no one says anything. Oh well. It really is just a plain shirt. No big deal. Yeah, it's fine. I need to stop waiting for compliments. That's not what I should strive towards. I like my outfit and that's all that matters. Oh wait, what? What's that? Oh hello two kind people! Why yes, this is a new shirt! Yes, I like it, too. Thank you so much! You've made my day :3 Sometimes I let the girly side show. Who doesn't love compliments, right?

2 weeks!

Newsfeed

Reason 191: So there's a trend going around for schools called (insert school name here) Compliments. Someone makes/runs a facebook with that as their name. Friend has a compliment for another person, such as "Rosie Suchandsuch has pretty hair", and sends it to the compliments page as a message. Then, the admin of the page posts that compliment as a status, tagging Rosie Suchandsuch, and the sender stays anonymous. So whenever Rosie Suchandsuch logs into facebook, she will see a pleasant surprise. Now, this trend has been going around for a bit. And McDaniel FINALLY got one! So I've been spamming/stalking it on the daily. I've posted a few, which is nice. And I had one posted for me today! Which was super sweet and touched my heart. My friend Josh Harding and I decided that, for every compliment we get, we will send a compliment for someone else. So I posted "I saw Colin Evans at a Danger Sauce show and didn't have the courage to talk to him, but I can tell he's a nice, charming person. I think the winning smile gives it away." And he actually saw it and replied "Thanks so much! If you come to another show you should talk to me." Which makes me think it actually did mean something to him, and makes me less nervous about ever approaching him if I do see him again hehe. This page is genius!

Also, I'm sure you heard we won

 

Sidenote: Happy birthday to my big brother, Evan :)

Too Young to Vote, Come At Me

Reason 101: My classes were pretty chill today. I didn't really have Group Process. I met with Gené for 10 minutes about my project, she approved it, and we were good. But before I even sat down she gave me a sassy look and was like "You didn't audition for my class!" I explained that because of my double major I knew I wouldn't be able to fit the class and I needed to focus on my requirements (but let's be real, I just wanna stick to 4 classes per semester this year). She understood, but said she really would love the opportunity to work with me in that setting, and hopes I audition next year. Flattery! It made me smiley.

 I couldn't choose! Both are titled "Desire". One is by U2 (best band ever), the other is by Anberlin, from their new album Vital that I cannot stop replaying!

 

From the Cheesecake

Reason 97: Our dear friend Lauren. So unfortunately, thanks to Hurricane Sandy, our plans for New Jersey were cancelled. I will not see my best friend Storm this weekend. Obviously, Emily and I were disheartened. However, Lauren came to our rescue. Her lovely mom is here all weekend and is taking us around for fun times. We went to Towson Mall (best. mall. ever.) and shopped for ages. And we went to Cheesecake Factory! Tomorrow we may go out for breakfast. I needed a night with my girls. And I greatly appreciate the generosity of this family.

Also, this was the best pick me up ever. Click according to what is appropriate.
More specifically, THIS is all about you

Big Spender

Reason 85: There's cheesecake in my fridge. I had funnel cake. I bought 2 shirts. I've made a Pikachu pumpkin, as well as a pumpkin for a wedding on campus. I've been getting compliments on my hair all day. And I've just finished watching my favorite movie, Howl's Moving Castle. So pleased with how my day has gone.

It Feels Dynamite!

Reason 69: I've been stopped by people I don't even know who came to see Hairspray. And they're always like "Oh my gosh, it was SO GOOD!" which is a compliment to any performer. But all the people who did know me just stopped and said, "I had no idea you could sing like that!!" and that's where my heart melts and I feel all warm and fuzzy. I'll take the ego boost for now. It feels incredible. And now more people know what I love to do!

Mind you, I don't feel THIS ridiculously cocky. But just some examples from Jem about how wonderful it feels. (The first group is the Misfits aka the bad guys, and the second is Jem, which you've all seen. But the 2nd is from closer to the end of the series so the animation is weaker.)