Whew...Finally, a chance to sit down and catch up on things. How is everyone??? Hope you're doing well. Let me take the time now to catch you all up on what's been going on in my world these days.

The last time I wrote (April 3rd that is...) I felt like the world was just buzzing around me and I was desperately trying to keep up. I'm sure everyone knows that feeling. When you just see what you're future schedule has planned out and you think to yourself, "How am I going to do this???" And somehow, you just do. And then when you do, it doesn't seem so bad, right??? Right.

Actually, when I did write that quick little entry on April 3rd, I did not realize that something would be happening...another round of that weird sickness (what the heck it was this season) would be gracing it's presence that day. And boy did it hit. After waking from a short nap, I had a sore throat, chills, aches, and a fever. What??? It took 2 days to get rid of and I had to call out of work Friday night (which is something I NEVER do...my jobs always know ahead of time if I won't be there). And of course, I was worried about not being well thus not attending my best friend's bridal shower on the 5th. But with plenty of rest, soup, and orange juice, I awoke on April 5th and felt 100% better and ready to go. Thank Goodness!!!

On a fantastic note about that sickly day, Jon and I went and saw a cat that we would be bringing home with us. Unfortunately, not right away. We still had his sister's cats to take care of but they would be joining her in California on April 13th. Thus allowing us to pick up our new bundle of joy on the 14th. He is the cutest and sweetest thing in the whole world and a shame his previous owner wanted to put him down because she "couldn't bear the thought of him being in a bad home" so she'd rather put him to sleep....WHAT???? Thankfully the vet clinic (where we got him) didn't buy it and our little fur-ball was just living there waiting for someone to want him....and he found us. His name is Dima (which we've kept since he responds to that) but to me, he's my Mr. D. We knew within the first 2 minutes of being with him that this is the cat for us. And we were planning on waiting a bit after the other two left before getting one...Life just works in mysterious ways. Needless to say April 14th couldn't come fast enough. And when we picked up our little munchkin, he made himself right at home. It took him about an hour to sniff things out and realize, "OK...it's cool here." and next thing you know, he's curled up between us while we watch TV. He also snuggles between us when it's bed time...so adorable. I can't get enough of him. He's just awesome. And we adore him.

On a career note, not much has been happening. I've been taking my weekly Saturday class when I'm not gone for some shower, party or (soon to be this weekend) Russian Easter. We're preparing for a staged reading of a full-length play and about 15 minutes of another play both written by the instructor of the class (John Pallotta). The readings will be held April 29th, June 2nd and June 9th at the Dramatists Guild of America. It should be a very interesting experience and one that I am looking forward to.

Also with those classes, there was an open audition for a possible reality series done through a small TV station called Manhattan Neighborhood Network. The show was entitle "So, You Want To Be An Actor?" To be honest, I didn't even know that's what it was called until I signed a contract. Apparently, if you're chosen (???) they'll follow you around...basically seeing what it's like for someone (who's an aspiring actor) in this world and business. The audition itself went well...I was happy with what I brought to the table. I guess we'll just see what happens now.

That's really all the information regarding career things. Auditions listed in Backstage have been few and not much going on. Hopefully within these next few weeks some good stuff will be posted and I get can my butt back in gear and get myself out there.

As I said earlier, my best friend is getting married (less then a month now!!! It's crazy!!!). His bridal shower was held at her mother's house and it was perfect. It was so nice to see all of my friends whom I haven't seen since Thanksgiving. And a side note- Did the bride-to-be get a TON of stuff!!!! WOW!!!! Anyway, it was very nice. But nothing could get us my pumped then knowing the bachelorette party was coming up (it was this past weekend April 19th). It was in Philly and boy did we have a lot of fun...and I realized I haven't gone out like that in a LOOOOONNNG time. SIDE NOTE: To all ladies- while your shoes may complete your outfit, it doesn't always mean it's the wisest thing to do. I suggest wearing your shoes prior to your night out so you know what you're getting yourself into. Needless to say after that comment, while I did wear AWESOME heels, they weren't the wisest things to do. After walking roughly 6 blocks to the bar we'd be at for the night, I thought my feet were going to fall off. They hurt so badly and waddling on cobble sidewalks and streets didn't help either. So after a few drinks and a couple of shots dancing for a little bit, I decided, "Hey, I'll sit until my feet feel better." That's a bad idea. It's like stopping while you're running. To start up again feels so much worse then when you first started....and that's how it was. My legs from my calves down felt like a ton of bricks. I couldn't wait to get those shoes off. And for someone who isn't used to going out like that anymore, my body knew when it was bedtime for me...thus I fell asleep for about 1 minute with blaring music literally above my head and people dancing, attempting to sing and what not. Yup...I can fall asleep anywhere. But I, along with the other girls who were there (I believe it's safe to assume) had a GREAT time and it just got us all pumped for the wedding!!!!

This weekend will be my Russian Easter (I was raised Russian Orthodox....not that I really believe it but that's what I was raised into). I just look forward to being with my family. Yes, there is a service at midnight and we don't get back to my sister's house until 3am but that's the best part. We're all up and we just eat, fall asleep and then wake up just to do it all over again. I've been doing this now for 22 years (this will mark my 23rd year...haha). And like I said, while I don't believe in this religion (or to be honest, practically any religion) it would feel strange to not be there. It's tradition and you know if you don't go, there's a little piece in you that doesn't feel whole. So that's why I go....well, that and my family would rip me a new one...haha. So this weekend, Jon and I will be venturing down to Philly and then going back to feast on amazing home-made food. Can't wait.

Until then..........................