better days

It just occurred to me that it has been far too long since my last post, and life has changed a lot since then. I'm no longer angry, just sad that I wasted so much time feeling that way. School has been incredible, friends have been amazing, strangers have given me comfort, music has given me joy, and the prospect of being home in a few days gives me more than my fair share of happiness. Just as a brief record for myself, here is a laundry list of the things that have given me a reason to smile over the last few weeks.

• I wrote my first song. Ever. It's titled, "What Am I Doing Here." It's a theatrical piece, and it will be the opening number of my Composition Elective Cabaret in January. It's not anything too thrilling, but I am really proud of myself for taking a leap of faith and creating something out of thin air. I plan on doing more of it in the future.
• I've lost so much weight, it's ridiculous. A dress I wore a week ago that fit me was sliding off my shoulders today. The more pounds I lose, the better I feel about myself. So I guess it's a good thing.
• My bangs are growing in. I cut them way too short at the end of October. I'm starting to not feel so hideous.
• The head of our Musical Theatre department said my midterm performance, "is exactly what this school is striving for." That is the ultimate compliment I can receive at this point of my training.
• I performed for Rachel Sheinkin, librettist of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
• Michael John LaChiusa, Broadway composer/lyricist/librettist (Hello Again, Marie Christine, The Wild Party, See What I Wanna See), heard a recording of my voice and liked it.
• I have been on multiple dates with multiple men. A number of them are very good looking.
• Snow. East Coasters take this natural phenomenon for granted. It is beautiful.
• Cold weather means I get to crochet scarves for my nearest and dearest. Crocheting is calming and helps to relieve my stress.
• California is just a four days and one plane ride away.