A list.

What have I been listening to lately?
1.) OneRepublic- Waking up
Such a great cd! I wasn't really such a fan of them before, but this one has a funkier feel to it. I like it.

2.) Xavier Rudd- Solace
I used to listen to him a ways back- I saw him at the house of blues in myrtle beach about 5 years ago or so. But I just recently thought about him again, and re-downloaded the album, and I've just been loving the feel of it. He has a very unique sound- he uses didgeridoos (the aboriginal australian instrument,) and is very positive and all about nature. Check out "Let Me Be," and G.B.A.

3.) Robin Thicke. I'd only heard a few of his songs, but I just downloaded his latest 2 albums..and I usually don't listen to R&B type stuff...but idk.. I like his stuff. He's so...smooth.. and sexy. haha. ;) Good stuff!

What beauty products have I been using lately?

• In order to be a nice, tan Indian, I have been using Jergen's Express self-tanner.

It works pretty well in giving a nice, deep tan glow without the tanning bed risks and such. Apply it after showering very carefully- (The first time I applied it, it was very streaky. Make sure you put a separate dollop like on the front and back of your legs, arms ,etc.) As you can see, it worked pretty well. The only complaint I have is that it gives you a kind of a strange smell. Not bad, not good..just..interesting..haha. But it's worth it for the show, anyways. If you like having a tan at all times, I would recommend it!

• I've been using Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express mascara. I really like it alot- it makes my lashes nice and fluffy. I got the limited edition blackest black version... it is nice! If you are looking for a relatively inexensive drugstore mascara, go with this.
  

What have I been eating lately?
Too many sweets. Apart from that, I've been trying to hold out on going grocery shopping until I come back from after Christmas break. But lately I have made this really great chili recipe that is hearty and filling and pretty cheap to make! Nice for the cold months =]

• Insanely Easy Vegetarian Chili

While you're there, allrecipes.com is a GREAT website to find new recipes becuse everyone lists reviews and suggestions to make them even better! Check it out!

• Too many sweets. Hey, it's the holidays.
  

What have I been wearing lately?
My look for the most part is solid colors with a crazy, funky, bold accessory, (or more than 1!) Lately, I've been wearing lots of things from my etsy store to self promote but mainly because I usually just want to wear the things that I make because I like them! :P

My Winter Style by J9isyourstar

What have I been watching lately?
If you know me, I'm not much of a TV or movie watcher, but I know when I see a good one. The best movie I've seen in a long time is Brothers, starring Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Natalie Portman. The acting is phenomenal, especially from the younger actress who plays the daughter. It is a riveting movie that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. It is heart-wrenching, but definitely one of the best movies I've seen.

What have I been DOING lately?!

• Peter Pan- I'm in the last stretch of Peter Pan, we close on the 23rd. All in all it has been a positive experience and I have had alot of fun! Sure I have a somewhat small role, but I try to just make the most of it and roll with it. If you are in town and have not seen it, it is a very entertaining show and you should totally check it out! Buy tickets here!
• Being crafty- I've been making all my Christmas presents homemade for the most part, and I have enjoyed just sitting around and being crafty, making necklaces and other accessories. I am starting up an etsy store (I already posted a link to it, plus I have a link on the side-bar to the right!) in which I have displayed my items if you are interested =] Now that I am off from school, I have had time to devote to it and I am having lots of fun!
• Re-decorating. I posted in an earlier blog that I would post pictures of my room, and my room is still not completely done (I need curtains!) But here is what it looks like so far:

More to come when it is finished! I'm pretty happy with the way the Indian fabric turned out. =] I want MORE!

• Relaxing. I've thoroughly enjoyed my break so far. I can't believe I have so much left to just...RELAX?! It's a word that is barely ever in my vocabulary, seriously! But I'm really so grateful for Christmas break and then being able to go home to spend time with family for Christmas. =]

Life is good.

Time for a break!

So, now Christmas break has finally started. All my finals are over, and I just feel GREAT to be honest. I've had time to do things like rearrange my room, do some super-cleaning, and just enjoy things like butternut squash soup in a sourdough bread bowl at atlanta bread company. Yum. Yes, Peter Pan is still going on, but it is so non-stressful that it's not even funny. It's just fun!

My project as of late has been to re-decorate my room. I'm going for an Indian-inspired, sumptuous, silky, romantic feel. I bought some sari fabric from Joann's, a teal, olive, gold, and orange silky/satiny type of fabric with gold embossed designs, and I'm going to drape them on my walls. I actually just rearranged everything and it already feels more "zen." I got a small lamp, flowers, and tealight candles, too, and it is starting to actually look like a bedroom. My room was kind of haphazardly thrown together before, and now it actually looks nice. I am proud. I still haven't put up the fabric though, which is probably the defining factor of my decorating, because I still have to hem the edges, but when I do there will definitely be pictures! So yeah, I'm definitely excited about having a nice sanctuary instead of a dumping ground for my stuff. =]

For the first time in awhile, I'm actually feeling Christmas this year. Last year it came upon so suddenly that it didn't even feel like Christmas to me for some reason. But this year I am really enjoying it. I've been listening to Relient K's Christmas album alot, and just feeling festive! So that is good. I'm excited to go home, even though I can't go until Christmas eve because of Peter Pan. But it will be nice to just chill out with family and get out of Columbus for a bit. Things here have been a bit awkward as of late, but it has cleared up mostly. I think that a break from the theatre department, however, is very much needed for many, including myself! I'm excited for the new semester, too- new classes that will be lots of fun! But for now, I'm taking my sweet time to relax, decorate my room, and make presents!

On another note- I'm seriously drooling over these anthropologie necklaces:






Too bad they are ridiculously priced. Ugh. Oh, to have money...

life is good.

So I just got done with the last analysis of the semester...it's a WONDERFUL feeling. So many hours spent on these darn analyses!

So my life is finally slowing down quite significantly....besides Peter Pan, which is gearing up soon. The rehearsals that I've had so far are enjoyable, except for the sing-through of the show in which I only had to sing in one song...but its okay! haha.

Now that directing is pretty much over, the stress has lifted. I am in the midst of rehearsals for my last scene...and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I'm doing the Rain in Spain from My Fair Lady....and I LOVE my actors..and they all sound wonderful...it's overall just been a great experience and alot of fun to do. I'm very pleased with the work everyone is doing.

I'm really enjoying the work I'm doing in acting class, I really like the character scenes, and it is boding well for me actually. I'm doing good work, and it's just nice to succeed in an acting class, since that is what I will be doing for the rest of my life, haha.

Overall, I'm quite please with life at the moment. I feel as if I'm finally coming out of my weird anti-social hermit-esque vortex I was in for the past couple weeks or so, and I'm hanging out with different people and just enjoying free time again and just loosening up, so to speak. I've felt so wound up and uptight lately...really I've just been very focused on schoolwork which is a good thing, I suppose, but sometimes you just need to relax!

I have already registered for my classes next semester, and I definitely feel like next semester is going to be a good one. I feel it in my bones! In all honesty, this semester actually fared pretty well for me too... I've accomplished alot which is always nice.

It's been beautiful weather lately. Life is good.

The rain in spain

I feel as if the days and weeks just turn into a blur...
It's already November?! What?! When did this happen!?
I'm already working on my very last directing analysis.... I feel like it was just last week that I was stressing out about it, and wondering if I would be any good at all...and now with 2 A's on both my last 2 scenes and analyses, I had really nothing to worry about! While I have found a new ability in directing, I still don't think it's something I want to pursue forever. But we'll see. =]
Directing aside, I definitely feel as if I have improved as an actress so much this year as well, especially with seminar in auditions (I got passed on from GTC to SETC this year! yay!) And I feel as if Meisner is really clicking with me now, and I am truly enjoying class, especially now that we are doing character scenes!
Now Peter Pan at the Springer is starting up on Monday, and I just got cast as Irene in Crazy For You (yay!) which starts rehearsals in January, and Crazy for You goes up in April- (Long rehearsal period, I know haha) so I have a full semester of theatre ahead! Not to mention SETC. Which is very exciting =].
Pretty soon it's Christmas time, and then a new semester. I can't believe it. It is truly bizarre. Time goes by so fast... In just a short amount of time from now I will be graduating! I really can't wait, but at the same time I am apprehensive as I will for one be on my own fully, and I will be moving to a new city as well. (I want to move to Atlanta after graduation.) I am very excited about my future though... I know that if I continue to work hard I will be able to achieve whatever I want =]

While my academic and theatre life is going swimmingly well, I feel as if my social life could use a pick-me-up, while at the same time, I feel like I literally don't have TIME for one. So it's a catch-22 there haha. I just feel really isolated alot, and that I don't make much of an effort to hang out with people unless they are in or if they stop by my apartment. But it's whatever. A social life is not important right now haha. I'll have time for that later :P

I need to get back to working on my analysis. My third scene is from My Fair Lady. =] The raiin in spaiin stays maiinlly in the plaainnn!!

My new business venture.

Want your makeup done?

Because 1.) I need to make money and, 2.) I love to do makeup- I am offering my services to the general public!

For those that don't know, I was the official makeup artist for CSU Dept. of Theatre's "The Cripple of Inishmaan" and the makeup designer for "Big River" at the Springer Opera House as well as "The Rocky Horror Show" with Chattahoochee Shakespeare company.

• I am willing to negotiate prices depending on what it is (For example: if you want a prosthetic nosepiece and you want to look like you are 95, it may cost more than if you just want formal makeup done. I'm looking at ranges between $15-25. (less if you bring your own makeup, which is advisable!)

• Just in time for Halloween! =] Have a Halloween party or even to go to and want a super special look? Just schedule an appointment with me for a consultation if you just want to know how to achieve a certain look, or you can schedule a time for me to do it for you, granted, I am a busy girl and it will probably cost a bit more for me to actually DO it, especially on Halloween day as I also am doing my own, and I can't have like 10 people all wanting to do their makeup on Halloween night, haha. But we will just see how it goes!

• If you know anyone that is wanting a makeup artist for any formal event, just direct them here =]

For those who are not familiar with my work- here is a sample of what I do. I also am pretty good at creating a makeup design from any photo/painting/etc.

Extreme fashion/glamour makeup

Special FX/Extreme Makeup

Show Pictures

Please tell anyone you know who may be interested in having their makeup done. =]

To contact me, e-mail me at demichele_janine@colstate.edu, or find me on facebook!

SO life has been pretty good lately still.
I'm just not believing that we are already at MIDTERMS. As in.. an entire half of a semester has went by already! It's so hard to believe. I know they say the older you are the faster time flies..but..man. It's just so crazy!
But anyways, so school has been going good I suppose. I made A's on my first directing scene and analysis so *yay* for that! I feel like directing class consumes my life sometimes (it's certainly consuming my fall break!) To be honest, I'll be glad when it is over.
Apart from that, I'm gearing up for GTC! Which is going to be this crazy amalgamation of stress and excitement at the same time. Stressful- because I am doing this cabaret thing in which we have to learn all this music in a short period of time, but fun because I of course love to sing and perform! Also stressful though, is the GTC audition which weirdly, I am not even as nervous about. I feel just really good about my package, and I am just trusting myself to bust it out. haha. Also stressful is RIGHT after GTC is Richard's freestage. I'm not really that stressed.. but its just another thing, ya know?

OH and I forgot to mention- starting November 2nd I start rehearsals for...PETER PAN! =] Yep! I'm an Indian. I'm pretty excited, because I wanted to get my foot in the door over at the Springer. It's another thing I can put on my resume and a respectable place to do work in, and I'm sure I'll have lots of fun! The only bad thing about it is that my thanksgiving/christmas breaks will be cut short, but alas, I'll have the cast to keep me company I suppose.

Oh wow and you know what I just remembered though.... SEASON AUDITIONS are coming up! ahh! AHH! AHHHHH! I'm so exasperatingly desperate to be Polly in Crazy for You. I know, I know, it may be presumptuous of me to be so gung-ho about one particular role, instead of just saying I want to be cast- but I just want it that badly! There's something about Crazy for You that embodies all the things I love about musical theatre, the joy, the 40s, the goofiness, the beautiful costumes and extravagance, the beautiful standards of Gershwin, ahh. Few people really appreciate stuff like that. I feel like most people are all about whatever is controversial, dark, edgy, and cool. And that's all well and good but not ALL the time! Where's the love? Where's the fun and joy? A person can only take SO much!

But anyways, enough about my rant :P
Whatever happens will happen, and even if I'm not in Crazy for You, gosh darn it I'll be in something. It hasn't stopped me before. I'll find a way to be on a stage, CSU dept. of theatre, I'll find a way... hehe.

Anyways, I suppose I should get back to my lovely directing analysis of joy.

P.S. IM SO EXCITED FOR HALLOWEENNNN I'm going to be Jasmine. WOO

The weirdness of life.

Wow. So it has definitely been quite a while since I blogged last, huh! Haha. There are alot of things that are going on right now that are exciting and strange...

• My classes are going REALLY WELL. I'm super happy. Like, I feel pretty confident about my pieces in auditions class, I am done with my directing analysis and I am VERY happy with the way my scene is turning out, I had a really great day in Meisner last class, I made a great grade on my first government exam, I'm nailing my theatre dance classes... yay
• Also, I feel SUPER SUPER SUPER confident about my GTC package this year. Like...I love performing both pieces, my monologue is funny, the song really shows me off well... I'm actually excited to perform at convo which is weird because last year I was totally freaking out during this whole process haha. I just have a really good feeling about GTC this year, and it feels nice to actually be very prepared and on top of things.
  
• I am also doing this cabaret thing that Brenda asked me to do for some entertainment portion of GTC, which is super exciting!!
  
• I am also now in one song, "Gotta Get a Gimmick" for Richard's freestage..i know I told myself I wouldn't do freestages this semester so I can focus on classes and what not... but I was asked nicely, and I mean... one song won't hurt, right? :P plus I really like the song, and the choreography by Dureyea is FIERCE. Also, I get to wear an awesome showgirl costume that literally lights up. I mean hey, I couldn't pass that up you know? haha.
• I am fitting into old clothing that used to be way too small..... I'm finally getting my shape back again! Rocky Horror definitely spurred it, but I'm keeping it up and I'm super happy about that!
  

On another note, I am single again, which is weird to say. And I have no hard feelings towards Matt at all...but it was one of those things where I just felt like it was better for the both of us you know? I don't want to elaborate, but yeah its weird but to be honest I think I am in too much of a selfish/career focused state of mind to really be in a relationship with anyone right now.

But yeah, other than awkwardness...life is pretty good.

A lighter load.

So I decided that i am not going to do Cannibal! The Musical.
And I feel a large load lifted off my shoulders. Like Larry said- I have the rest of my life to act. I really need to focus on my classes because they are demanding- especially directing! There's no way I would do good in that class while doing Cannibal, also I need to focus on my career, and my GTC auditions which could land me a summer theatre job.
Regardless, it's not like I had a big role in Cannibal anyway. As much as I wanted to do it anyways, looking at my schedule theres no way I could really enjoy it as much as I enjoyed doing Rocky, and I may even have time for a small job now. So that is good.

Sometimes you have to suck it up and just not do things that you may WANT to do....and I need to learn when to say no! So there you have it. Life may not be as stressful as it once was. I will survive. I will stay focused and positive and get through this semester with ease, while still staying involved in theatre, of course!

After all, the Springer may call me for Peter Pan, which is a much much better time frame for me, and there are freestages as well.

C'est la vie!

=[

So I already feel it starting. The crushing weight of stress from everything that I will be embarking on this semester.

After going through my planner and actually deciding what days everything falls on, I'm at a state where I don't know how I will make it through.

Take this day, for example: Oct. 29th. I have my second scene for directing class due, a performance of Cannibal! The musical, then General auditions for the spring semester. UGH.

Also, I love how my second scene directing analysis is due the same day as Cannibal's opening night- making tech week the week before my analysis is due... Kill me? Anyone? =[

It's official: I am going to HATE October. The next following months, actually, will not be THAT bad..well September is a little prickly too actually...but October....*sigh*

Hopefully it won't be as bad as it seems right now. Grr.

Schoolhouse Rock memories.

So as you probably or may not know, I was in the children's show, Schoolhouse Rock Live, Too! My freshman year. As I was digging through old stuff and finding new things to put on our theatre wall in our apt., I found these letters written to me by some of the kids we performed to. Anytime I feel down or not good enough, I just need to read through these and they make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I just thought I would share some with exact punctuation and spelling; They warm my heart and some are pretty amusing :)

Dear Janice DeMichele,
you're my favorite character. I am a student from Marion Middle School. You have alot of talent and skills. You should sing with Beyonce. Your voice is like my choir's voice. And the songs you sing are wonderful. I love Schoolhouse Rock.
Sincerely, Sabrea Elayne Wimbush

Dear Mrs. Ito,
That was the coolest show ever. I would like to say thank you for your hard work. I like the math because the stuff turns into numbers. And the singing because they sing butifull. We apreciate your talent. I liked the way you daned too. That was the best day of my life!
Your friend Yazmin

Dear Mrs. Ito g
I loved you're show. You were right the shcool do'es Rock! I was so intertane with the Musical play. I used to think how to Makeleaning much fun now I made up my minedcause of you! My brain just burst when I saw the play. I loved the singing and dancing. It the best super duper play in the world I have ever seen in my life.
Your friends Brittany Joseph

Dear Janine DeMichele,
In School House Rock you were my favorite character. I really enjoyed your performance here at Marion Middle School. The thing that I liked best about you was your hair, your pink dress, your headband, and your earrings. The song I liked the best was the song about emotions. I really would like School House Rock to come back to Marion Middle School soon.
Sincerealy, Kailah Benford

Dear Janine Demichele,
You did a great job as Nina! Lots of people liked you. They liked everyone else, too of course. I really enjoyed the perofrmance here at Marion Middle School. Schoolhouse Rock was great! I think that all of you sure can act, sing, and dance. Everyone must have worked hard. I have never acted in a play before, but it looks like fun! My cousin does a lot of acting, so I can pick up bits of acting tips from her, but not enough to do what you have done. Keep acting, because you are great.
Sincerely, Elizabeth J. Brown

Dear friend Nina,
I liked how you played School House Rock. I loved how you danced and how you sang your songs. I liked when all of you all sung the preamble. I go to school at the Marion Middle School. You are cute and pretty. I liked your pink dress. When you sang I just wanted to go up there and sing with you. When I get grown I'm going to be just like you.
Love your friend Demetria Anglic Ellington

Dear Janine,
You were my favorite character. I liked you because you were very fashionable you are an excellent actor, and you had a great voice. My favorite song was Electricity, but I loved all of your songs, too. My favorite part was when you were holding the fake kitten, I totally thought it made a perfect picture. I can't wait to see you next year.
Sincerely, Aisha

So summer is almost over. =[
I'm kind of sad! I think it's because I feel like this summer has basically been a lightened-up version of my normal school year (I was in 2 shows, and took a 4 credit hour class) and I haven't gotten to really have a large chunk of time to relax. Sure there have been days here and there where I have been able to just lay out by the pool all day and those were wonderful, but it would have been nice to just not worry about studying, rehearsals, etc. But I still am glad I got alot of accomplishments in over the summer such as :

• Being in Into The Woods! Such a great show with great people and a great experience. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to do it at the last minute. :)
• Making an A (it's not official, but I'm 99% sure that I did) in my Biology with a lab, and just getting that out of the way because it's impossible to schedule in during the school year!
• Committing myself to a healthy lifestyle. I have become vegetarian and no, it is not just a kick, it is a commitment to myself to not ingest dead animal carcasses when I can eat earth's bounty of fresh, yummy vegetables, grains, and fruit. Coupled with working out at the gym and taking fun classes like kickboxing/step/yoga I've lost upwards of 7 lbs. or so, and I am finally able to start loving my body again. I feel so strong and just great and ready to take on the world!
• Doing the Rocky Horror Show. I've had a blast working with everyone!
• Getting new headshots taken to send to agencies!
• Buying/reading plays for auditions/directing class.
  

So yeah, not bad for a summer, I'd say. Beats being in Augusta and working at Express and basically not accomplishing ANYTHING!

By the way, the Rocky Horror Show is still going on, visit www.chattshakes.com for details!

lets do the time warp...again.

I know I have been lazy in my blog this summer- last summer I posted something almost everyday. But also, last summer I was stuck in Augusta (ick!) and this summer I am here in Columbus. It's hard to believe that the fall semester is already upon us in a couple weeks. I literally feel like I have never escaped school or left the "grind" so to speak. I mean, as soon as school let out I was doing Into The Woods, and then my biology class started, and then rehearsals for Rocky Horror started, and now we open Rocky this weekend! In the midst of that I need to read about 6 plays, mail off my headshots/resumes to agencies, get prepared for school, etc.

(By the way: here are the headshots I am going to be sending off- I LOVE the way they turned out! A totally different look from my last shots. For fun, I'll include an example. I love how completely different I look, haha!)^-----OLD! haha.

But anyway. I am moderately stressed about my fall classes- Directing is somewhat scary to me. It just seems so stressful because you have to do all these huge analyses and schedule extra directing scene rehearsals all the time... I'm sure it will be fine but it is just new to me so I guess we will see how that goes! Also, Seminar in Auditions is probably going to be a moderately stressful class, but it will help alot. I know that I could use the help in auditioning! Then of course I have Meisner, which gets more and more intense. It is a good class and program but there is no denying the stress factor of coming up with new activities and the like. The really exciting part about this semester is my double dance classes- Theatre Dance 1 on MW(?) and Tap dance on TR (?) The days could be switched. But I have a dance class everyday at the end of all my classes! And then I still get my Gold's gym membership because I am in Cannibal The Musical with Chattahoochee Shakespeare. Yay!

So I haven't heard back from the Springer regarding Footloose or any other show yet. I have a feeling I am not in Footloose, but there is always the other shows in the season! I hear they will contact you for each individual show- not regarding all of them at once. So I still have a chance to be in a show there, which will be good. I'm not stressing. Maybe then I can have some time to focus on classes and such... I will need the focus! I'm kind of worried that I won't be able to really have time to do tech work for CSU this fall semester... I know I need to though. Hopefully they will let me do makeup for Cloud Nine or something- all the cross-gendering going on haha. That is the greatest tech job of all! But either way, spring semester is when all the stops will come out. Crazy for You...One-Acts...Piece of My Heart... I'm working my butt off for Crazy for You. I know I deserve it, and I hope that (finally!) my hard work and dedication these past couple years will pay off. But we will see...whatever happens happens! =]

In other news, the cast of Rocky had a get together at Rachel's house the other night. It was alot of fun and a great way to unwind a bit before stressful tech week starts! (Although today was our first tech run and it was not stressful at all, really! So yay!)

Staggering.

We Americans have a love affair with restaurant-eating. There's just something special about going to a restaurant with a bunch of friends and getting other people to cook for you. However, upon doing some research of the nutritional information of some meals at restaurants I like to eat at, I have found things that may shock you.

For those of you that are not familiar with the amount of calorie/fat percentage you need in a day, heres some basic info:
-Since I am physically active (gym 4-5 days a week plus dancing), I need approx. 1800 calories a day and I should not exceed about 39 fat grams to maintain my weight. If I eat more than that, I will gain weight. If you are taller or male that number may be more, and if you are not as active and my size, it may be less. Go here to find yours if you want to know!

So anyways, using 1800 cals. and 39 fat grams as a benchmark, take note of how many calories and fat grams are in the following menu items at restaurants. Some of these may even surprise and/or scare you. It sure scared me!

Chilis

• Smokehouse Bacon Triple Cheese Big Mouth Burger: 1750 calories, 123 fat grams.
  
• Big Mouth Bites: 1580 calories, 97 gat grams.
• Fire Grilled Bacon Chicken Ranch Quesadilla: 1750 calories, 122 fat grams
• Grilled Shrimp Alfredo: 1320 calories, 76 fat grams
• (Remember as you see these figures- this is for ONE MEAL. I typically try to keep my meals under 400 calories!)
• Chicken Crispers: (Get ready. I know this is a popular menu choice but...) 1780 calories, 123 fat grams (All the sauced-up chicken crispers are even MORE in calories.)
• Chicken Club Tacos: 1500 calories, 45 fat grams
• HALF order Texas Cheese Fries with Jalapeno Ranch: 1400 calries, 111 fat grams
• Onion String and Crispy Jalapeno Stack w/Jalapeno Ranch: 2130 calories, 213 fat grams
• Quesedilla Explosion Salad: 1270 calories, 76 fat grams.
  
• Southwestern Cobb Salad: 1080 calories, 71 fat grams.
  

Those are pretty much the worst ones I could find. But have no fear! There are better options.

• Pretty much every single soup is under 600 calories. And only a few are over 400. If you get a cup size, that cuts it in half. A bowl of Chicken noodle soup is only 120 calories, and the Southwestern vegetable is only 210.
• An entire basket of chips and salsa is only 470 calories, so split that up with others at your table and you're splitting the calories as well! A much better appetizer choice, and couple that with a soup and I guarantee you will get full at a fraction of the calories of some of the other meals!
• Obviously, anything off the Guiltless grill menu option is a great choice here. The Grilled Cedar Plank Tilapia is only 200 calories and 4 grams of fat, and the Carne Asada steak is 370 calories with 10 grams of fat.

Want to know how many calories is in your favorite meal here? Check it out.

Panera
Ahh...breadland. I love Panera so much but I was wondering- how many calories are exactly in my breadfeast that I used to eat? Here are some of the worst menu items at Panera.

• Full Chicken Bacon Dijon on Country Bread: 940 calories, 46 fat grams
• Full Chipotle Chicken on Artisan French: 1070 calories, 55 fat grams
• Full Sierra Turkey Sandwich: 970 calories, 54 fat grams
• Full Tomato/Mozzarella Salad: 980 calories, 47 fat grams
• Packet of Greek Dressing: 220 calories, 24 fat grams ( Just add that onto a salad! Eek!)
• Sourdough Soup Bowl filled with Baked Potato Soup: approx. 1000 calories, 24 fat grams
• Cinnamon Roll: 620 calories, 24 fat grams
• You Pick two- Half Italian Combo sandwich, Half Greek Salad with French Baguette: 1000 calories, 55 fat grams

Eek. So you thought Panera was super healthy. Well, it CAN be healthy. But you have to avoid things like bacon, creamy sauces, and an overabundance of bread. (A sandwich, soup in bread bowl, and baguette is a recipe for caloric overload!)

Some better choices:

• Full Bowl Garden Vegetable Soup: 120 calories, 1 fat gram (It's really yummy!)
• Full Bowl Chicken Noodle Soup: 160 calories, 3 fat grams
• Full Bowl Broccoli Cheddar Soup: 290 calories, 16 fat grams
• Half Strawberry Poppyseed Salad: 80 calories (140 with chicken), 3 fat grams
• Half Mediterranean Veggie on Tomato Basil: 310 calories, 7 fat grams
• Half Asiago Roast Beef sandwich: 360 calories, 16 fat grams
• Any half portions of the salads are pretty much under 300 calories.
• Whole grain baguette: 140 calories, 1 fat gram
• An apple: 50 calories
• Grande Frozen Lemonade: 90 calories (YUM!)

So, you could get a half sandwich and a FULL bowl of soup for under 600 calories as opposed to some of the other menu items if you get the right thing! Also, you can look up this nutrition information yourself here.

I could go on and on but I think you get the idea.
I know many of you may be wondering... Janine... why are you spending so much time doing this? Well, its mainly for my own purposes, haha, and I think that most people don't realize how many calories they are taking in, and people wonder why they gain weight. The food industry is not nice. You kind of have to fend for yourself. The best way to fight back is to be informed and do your research. You can find nutritional information for any restaurant online! Just google it, it's there. (personally, I think they should print the cals/fat grams on each menu. It may force them to find different ways of cooking so as not to overload your poor body with fat!) These excess amounts of calories and fats are what also cause diseases like high blood pressure, cardiovasculatory disease, and numerous other diseases that can be easily reversed by switching your eating habits.

I urge you to look up your favorite restaurant menu items and see how many calories/fat grams it has. You'll be surprised, and it's really eye-opening to see all the menu items of a restaurants' nutrition facts.

Now every once in a while, it's totally not a big deal to splurge- but its good to know exactly how much you are splurging if you decide to do it, so that you can downsize your other meals, or work out extra hard the next day, or what have you. It's when you get in this cycle of "Oh well, I don't care" that you start gaining weight and start feeling sluggish and crappy again. Trust me, I know. Again, it's all about being INFORMED. Don't believe what everyone tells you, and just because something seems healthy, for example a salad, doesn't mean that it IS. Do the research for yourself and your well-being, and your body will love you!

happiness.

Happiness- people are contuously in search of it. Some people seem to always be on cloud nine, while others seem to be in a continuous state of depression.

Now, I would say I'm a pretty happy person. I've never taken depression medication, have ever committed suicide, etc. But that's not to say everything in my life has been hunky-dory. I have gone through events in my life that are devastatingly awful! But I really think that we can control our happiness. We can choose to wallow in sadness, or continue living to our fullest capacity. No matter how you were brought up, or whatever has happened in your life- it IS possible to be truly happy! But in order to do so, I think there are some key points to explore in any individual's life, and if one is not attending to these needs, i twill ultimately result in unhappiness.

• Faith. I believe this is the number one factor in determining happiness. I am a Christian, and I know what I believe. I know that I am a sinner, but I have been forgiven which does not mean that I am perfect, and I have no right to judge anyone because we are all in the same boat. It's each individual's choice whether they want to accept the forgiveness, or continue on in life thinking they are right. But when you put your trust in someone bigger than yourself you are able to accept things that happen in your life, good or bad, andknow that there is a reason and a plan for everything. When you have faith, you are simply better able to see the light in dark situations. Most people that do not believe in God are constantly searching for something in their lives...and turn to less than favorable things to fill that void. I personally believe one cannot be completely happy without faith.
  

• Goals. I think that having goals in life is so important- because constantly striving for something gives you somewhat of an anchor. There should always be one major goal, (For me- to make a living doing what I love- acting) And then smaller goals along the way. (To get cast in this local production, even though I won't get paid- I am getting myself out there, getting experience, and building my resume.) Mini goals are like the fuel that keep you going and working your hardest. (Think- ifI am lazy and don't show up to rehearsals, my name will be tainted in the theatre community andI may not be asked to be in a show with this company again- thereby possibly reducing future employment opportunities.) It seems like a no-brainer, right? But personally, it boggles my mind that people will do things like that. If you are goal-conscious, even things like going to a 9 AM math class that has nothing to do with theatre will contribute to your goal. (If I make an A in this class, I can keep up my GPA, thereby enabling me to receive scholarships so thatI don't have to work and take away time from theatre!) Think of what you spend the majority if your time doing. If it is not helping you reach your goal, then change it.

• Personal acceptance and confidence. If you are not happy with the way you look/feel, you are the only person that can do something about it. If you look at yourself in the mirrorandsay, "I am ugly and nobody will love me." Then guess what? More people will pick up on your attitude and they will feed off of that, making them not necessarily want to be around you. But if you decide to love yourself, people will feed off of that and they will love you too!
  
• If you really want to love your body, don't put things in it that will harm it. For example, if you receive your dream car, you would not put maple syrup in the gas tank would you? You would put whatever makes it run the best. If not, your car will punish you by refusing to run. The same with your body. If you continue to put "maple syrup" in your gas tank, (fast food, processed food, sugary soft drinks, cigarettes, drugs) it simply will not run to the best of its capabilities. And as a way of punishment, it will produce more fat cells, resulting in weight gain, create diseases in the body, or just make you feel lethargic/sluggish all the time. When you feel this way, it is hard to really love your body. But when you put things in your body that it really is craving,(water, fruits, veggies, grains, etc.) It begins to thank you by providing you with energy, better brainpower, ridding your body of toxins that cause diseases, and will get rid of excess weight that is bogging you down.
  
• And as superficial as it may sound- girls-fixing your hair and makeup and putting thought into what you wear will have such a profound impact on how you feel about yourself. Granted, the more you love your body and treat it right, the less you feel you will need things like makeup- (ever since I have become a vegetarian and have started thinking about what my body wants instead of what I want to stuff in my face at any given moment- my skin has gotten so much better, and I feel as if I don't need to even wear makeup alot of the time! There was a time when I would never think of leaving the house without makeup or fixing my hair! ) but still, making an effort to look nice is always a mood-booster for me. Finding ways to express yourself through clothes/makeup/hair showcases your individuality to the world! You are unique, and if you are an actor/performer, you are your own product. A concert instrumentalist wouldn't dream of performing with a scuffed,dull instrument with stains on it, right? So why should you! This is where destructive habits also come into play. You are your own instrument. There's only one of you. Make it the best version of you it can be. (This doesn't mean that every single day you should look like you stepped out of a fashion magazine, obviously. Everyone has their bum days and is allowed them. But not everyday please!)
  

• Passion. It is so important to have something to be passionate about in life. (This sort of goes along with goals as well!) Indulging in your passions brings you alive! Do things for YOU and don't depend on others for your happiness. Of course, others can and may bring happiness to you, but if you depend on other people for your sole source of happiness, you will end up hurt and disappointed. You should always have something that makes you happy regardless of whoever else is there. Whether it is artistic or not- there should be something that just makes you so happy that you couldn't dream of life without it. If you have not found your passion yet, go out and explore! Take new classes in something you would never do, like some unknown martial art, or pastry cooking. Heck, take these classes even if you have already found your passion. Having lots of interests and hobbies makes you more open to the world and whats in it. And being open to many different things, as opposed to living in a closed-off bubble (that tends to happen in the south!) will help you connect with more people and will enable you to discover more things about yourself at the same time.

Things that people think constitute happiness but actually do not:

• Having a significant other. Now I know this may seem strange to say. Especially coming from me, as I have a boyfriend. But SO many people get into a relationship and all of a sudden their entire world is that other person. They neglect their interests and other friends, and live in this bubble consisting of them and the other person. This is DANGEROUS because what happens when the relationship ends? There is nothing left. You've expended all your energy on the other person. You're done. And that is when depression hits for some people. It's also dangerous for people that are continually in relationships- never being single. These people constantly use their significant other as their main forms of happiness, never being happy on their own. A significant other is definitely A source of happiness, I am definitely happy being with Matt! But a boyfriend has never been my MAIN source of happiness. Of course, we are human, and we all want companionship, and if you have been single for a while, there is nothing wrong with wanting someone there- but don't settle for anyone, make sure it is someone that adds on to you as a person-not one that takes things away from you,whether it be your individuality, or just specific quirky traits that you quell just to seem "sane." haha

• There are definitely other things that people constitute for happiness, but I won't harp on it. Things like money, promiscuous sex, etc. all have their downsides and you don't need me to tell you that. But I hope that my blog has provided the tiniest bit of insight. I don't know why I was compelled to write this- maybe some random web-surfer in Wyoming, or South Africa needed to hear it. I just thought I should share some deeper thoughts :O)
  

It's just a jump to the left.

So lately things have been going great.
I've been eating vegetarian for about 3 weeks now, and I'm working out at the gym reguarly- and my body hasn't felt this great in a LONG time. I feel so refreshed and healthy! I love it. Granted, be becoming vegetarian I haven't just simply "cut out" all meat and just eat peanut butter sandwiches and mashed potatoes all the time. I eat 75% vegetables and fruit and the rest is filled with whole grain oats like oatmeal, Kashi cereal, rice, and whole grain toast. And don't worry. I get all my protein and iron =]

But besides from that, everything else is going well. My biology class isn't near as bad as I thought it would be. My teacher is pretty great and since I have been eating a balanced breakfast every morning I have been feeling awake and energized! I just made a 94 on my first exam, also so that's pretty cool =]

Rocky rehearsals are going well! We just started choreography for the time warp and its such a fun dance. The show is going to be INSANE but a ton of fun for us and for anyone who comes to see it! (Which I hope you all do- it opens on July 23rd and runs until around Aug 22nd at the new ChatShakes facility which is across from the old Bradley theatre on Broadway in Downtown Columbus.)

Another thing- I got my hair cut! I feel so spunky now, I love it.And I am getting new headshots done today, so that I can mail them out along with my resumes to agencies! I just feel like this next year...something big is going to happen to me. I can feel it. I don't know what- but something GREAT! Whatever it is, I will continue to work hard and achieve my goals nonetheless.

I love it.

A fresh outlook.

So Into The Woods is over now, and I've had some time to rejuvenate. I have had such a blast working on the show- everything about it was just a luxury. I didn't have to strike the set afterwards, I had my own cool dressing room station, got to work with a great director, and super castmates. But now that this whirlwind of a show is over, I've been spending time at the pool, and with Matt- (We actually went on a DATE! yay!) Basically, it's been great. But now it is time to crack down now and get a job and so on.

But the rejuvenation will not end- since I have my free membership to Gold's gym, I have been frequently working out again, and I feel awesome. I need to get my butt in shape for Rocky Horror, definitely, but besides that I just want to feel great about myself and my body. I have also been eating very healthy lately, and I am seriously contemplating becoming vegan.

This was spurred by my reading the book "Skinny Bitch" (The authors admitted to using the term merely for shock value and attention, although it has really good information regarding health/the food industry that you should know!)

And it's not just from reading that one book, either. I knew about these things before from reading "Natural Cures they don't want you to know about" (Which is a VERY enlightening and great read), and other research I have done- but of course I have been living the college lifestyle and just getting out of sync with things.

So here are the reasons why I think I want to become a vegan:

-I barely ever eat meat anyways. The most I eat is frozen chicken tenderloins, but after being reminded of all the hormones/antibiotics/chemicals that they pump into chicken, and how cruelly they are killed, it makes me not want to eat it. And the term rotting animal carcass... not appetizing.
- Milk products are not good for you! Visit this website and read up on some of the articles, especially the Famous Milk Letter. Now again, I have always known this, and there are PLENTY of articles and legitimate research on the topic. Before you go crazy on me and say that it is ridiculous to say that milk is bad, just think of this: Would we drink the milk of cats or dogs regularly? of course not. The milk is formulated specifically for the kittens and puppies that is is made for. So why do we drink cow's milk? Isn't it formulated specifically for the calf? But the cow is the largest milk-producing animal and can be marketed the best, using mechanical machines to pump out as much as they can. And contrary to popular belief, milk and dairy can contribute to many health problems. (And calcium can be found in plenty of other things besides milk.) So from now on- nothing but Almond Breeze for me! (A milk substitute that literally tastes JUST like milk, but is way lower in calories and is made from almonds which have healthy fats that you need!)

I don't mean to go off on a tangent or act self-righteous or anything. But I'm just saying, it all makes sense. Of course the USDA puts out things like the food pyramid (which is really not the end-all-be all of health, fyi) because the organization was started originally to help FARMERS. Not the consumers. And the FDA as well- it's all about the money. And that is just the sick world we live in. I could get into all that but I won't.

Bottom line is this. I feel like I should only put things into my body that will help me, not hurt me. Things that are fresh and from the earth and that are not chock full of chemicals that are only there to make the food companies more money. Being healthier makes me feel great, and is better for me and for my career. And as a result, hey, I may drop a few pounds as well.

=]

I can't complain!

So, lately things have really been working out well for me. I have become really career focused as of late- and I feel as if my hard work is FINALLY starting to make itself known, and that I am starting to make a name for myself theatrically. Into The Woods is going wonderfully, and we started tech today. The set is breathtakingly gorgeous, especially on the midnight scenes, as we have a fiber-optic star cyc, and an amazing lighting designer, and of course Steve's set design is amazing as well. Everyone is doing so well and just everything about the show is so professional and awesome. It feels so cool to perform on the Bill Heard stage- the same one that Broadway tours perform on- and the view of the audience from the stage is reminiscent of the "Think of Me" scene in Phantom of the Opera, when you can see Christine's perspective- it's just really really really cool. =]

We open Friday (AHH!) But I'm really excited about it. And what makes it even better is that after a few weeks, I get to start on another show! Rocky Horror at Chatshakes. Of course, in the meantime I will also be taking a Biology with a lab, as well as trying to find a job. But I have to say that so far, I am enjoying the life of theatre without classes, haha. Makes me eager to graduate! Although I enjoy college thoroughly, and am grateful for the growth that I have and will continue to make throughout my studies.

Another good thing about my life right now is our super awesome new apartment! I will post some pictures up once I actually clean/decorate my room, haha. But everything about it is perfect. The only complaint I could possibly have is the fact that I have to drive everyday now, but it's not like the majority of everyone else in this town doesn't have to, so whatever haha.

And more good news of my life; what started out to actually be pretty sad news (I dropped my ipod into a cup of water) turned into something grand! (My mom is letting me get an ipod touch, since I got a pretty great scholarship =] )

Oh yeah, and I have a free membership to Gold's Gym right now because of Chatshakes! (Thank you Troy!)

And did I mention I have a cat now? Well, he is Robin's cat from home, but it is so great to have a warm snuggly animal at my disposal! =]

CougarOne gave me $37 randomly! Wee!

So life is pretty great. Theatre makes me feel alive. I have a shiny new electronic toy in the mail, state of the art workout equipment at my disposal, free money for having good grades, my own homey place to live, and a cat. Wee!

An ode to Andrew Miller

reminiscence

So another semester has finally come to a close. Let's take a trip down memory lane!

New Years 2009! Lots of fun at Robin's neighborhood block party =] (It's really bizarre seeing pictures of me with blonde hair now, haha)

Club Europe with Augustans! SOO much fun. Nothing like getting dressed up with a bunch of friends and dancing until you can't dance anymore, then getting McDonalds at 4 AM, then crashing in bed after the 1 and a half hour drive.




Steinberg Convocation! This was an evening filled with yummy snacks, potato gun adventures, and a rousing game of Apples to Apples which I dominated. bahaha. I love the Steinberg family!



I just have to note one of my strange hair escapades- that awkward time I decided to sponge roll my hair and I looked like Shirley Temple..Haha!

Fat Men in Skirts! What a crazy show. I enjoyed it so much and I had so much fun being POPO especially, haha. All the people involved are wonderful!

Class voice adventures-Debbie Anderson is my best friend.

Doing makeup for The Cripple of Inishmaan on lovely Lena! What a great experience! I was so honored to have even been trusted to do it.

This semester I discovered OSAKAS- the restaurant of heavenly delights. SUSHI.

4 words: STRESS FREE SPRING BREAK (And new hair!)

Future Roommates! =]

Me and Chase were the coolest Stage Managers ever.

Situations was a blast! Robin's choreography was pure fabulosity.

Machinal tech. I was the Assistant Props Master. Probably one of the best shows to tech ever!

The day of the tornado. Probably one of the scariest days of my life. Although me and Matt were hippies before the storm really took off. =]

APO BALL! Sooo much fun as usual. I just love to get dressed up and dance =]

Dance Extravaganza! It was so much fun this year, because I was in more than just one dance, haha! I especially loved "You Can't Stop The Beat" because it was such a blast of energy and so much fun to do.

I wish I had more pictures, but as usual, I forget. But I think this pretty much sums up the semester... I have enjoyed every second of it and have made memories that will last a lifetime. It's hard to believe I am at the halfway point of my college career! I know there is so much more for me out there, and I can't wait to see what happens next in these couple upcoming chapters of my life =]