Sunny Gurl

Facebook Profiling~ Creepy Stalker or Cool Feature?

2012-02-12T16:52:00.000-08:00

Faithful Millionaires?

Christian men and a 49ers charm?

Do you ever wonder who writes those marketing bots that profile you? Here is a snapshot of two different sponsored spots on my Facebook page over the last two weeks. Funnily enough, I haven't really mentioned dating in those two weeks.What's on your Facebook sponsor page right now?

Wait, I did share this picture on a friends page. Does this mean that Facebook will recommend Channing Tatum to me next? A girl can dream!

Filmmakers A to Z

2012-02-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

My New Headshot Picture by Jonathan Miller Photography

I recently had the opportunity to attend a class for actors, writers, producers and basically anyone else in the NOVA area interested in film.The Business Side of Film Making from A to Z was a free presentation by Opening Act Productions. These men, Ron Newcomb, Scott Mathias, and Shane McClung, took 6 plus hours out of their day to offer their insights of the film world. In the class they walked us through concept to finish product of what they had learned about opening your own production company and creating your own indie film. They shared with us the ups and downs of creating their own film,The Fellows Hip
The time began with a focus on the foundation of your company. First ladies and gentleman ~ build your team. Your team needs to be diverse. If you're all actors nothing is really going to get accomplished. Next they gave an overview of creating your own LLC and why it's important to consult a lawyer as you do this. Basically, it's better to put the money up front when creating your own company to make sure your bylaws and exit strategies are in place, rather than pay buckets of money later because you never took the time and used your resources to do so in the first place.
I found the information about how to write a screenplay fascinating. The software Celtx was mentioned numerous times. You can use the free version of the software to write your screenplay in the correct format, manage your production schedule and even generate lists of props needed. It was one of many "WoW! That's a great resource" moments for me that Saturday.
Do you know what a logline is? A logline is encapsulating the summary of your movie or independent film in one or two sentences. For example: ET: An young boy befriends an alien who is stranded on earth. He defies his parents and attempts to help the alien get home. Or you can say; my screenplay is Star Wars meets a western. It's a band of rogue misfits flying through space smuggling illegal cargo as they hide from evil government forces. ( Firefly)
They also referenced several writing books including one of my favorite, Story by Robert McKee. If you're a writer thinking of creating a screenplay another great book is Save the Cat.
We also learned about websites, business cards, production schedules and a host of other important details. It they offer another seminar, I highly recommend that you attend. Did you know what will cost the independent filmmaker the most money? Feeding the cast and crew! Were you as surprised as I was? Man that's a lot of pizza!
After the talk, we had a special screening of actor Josh Murray's new short The Soliloquy. Following that, we met Aaron and Chad Burns from Burns Family Studios. They shared with us how their film, Pendragon came to be a few years ago and about their new project, Beyond the Mask. I found out about how some of the financing takes place for independent films. Their are two avenues for donations: Kickstarter, which the Burns Family Studio used for Beyond the Mask and IndieGoGo which The Soliloquy and The Fellows Hip used and or are using to generate donations. Consider helping out an independent film project and donate to one of the up and coming projects featured on these two websites.
By and far the most amazing moments for me were in those last hours focused on Christian Filmmakers. I met several Christians who share a passion and interest in acting and writing. I met PJ and Paula who are involved in the 168 Film Festival ( that's gonna be my next blog entry!) Delphia and Lisa, fellow actresses in the area and John a fellow writer. It was fantastic to meet others who are excited to use their talents to serve God. It was also great to see Cheryl Rhoads my former acting teacher in attendance as well. She shared about her recent trip out west and teased that exciting projects were coming soon!

Great Websites to Visit:
http://www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org/
http://fellowshipofchristianfilmmakers.weebly.com/
http://www.novachristianfilm.com/

Drop a comment and let me know what you think of today's entry!
Smiles,
Sunny Gurl

Classes Classes and More Classes

2010-11-16T18:56:00.000-08:00

Every journey begins with just one step. Cliche? Yes...but also true. As an actress who is just beginning to get her feet wet, I've decided to include portions of my journey in my blog. So coming to you live, via the great new fangled invention called the internet, Sunny Gurl's adventures in acting part deux!

Besides auditioning, an actor needs to take classes to hone her craft and learn about the trade. I lucked out and found two amazing teachers and classes in the DC Metro area.

The first set of classes I took were with Cheryl Rhoads. Cheryl is a gifted teacher with a ton of experience. She's been an actress out in CA and here on the east coast and she's been/is a casting director. We worked on monologues during our weeks together. I think the most important thing I learned in her class is to make sure your monologue feels like you're talking to a real person. Make it seem personal and you'll draw the audience in! I definitely plan to take more classes with Cheryl in the future.
Cheryl Rhoads
Cheryl's Acting Demo: Cheryl Rhoads Acting Demo

The second training opportunity was a workshop put on by Geoffrey Soffer. He's a talented casting director and producer currently working in New York. He put on a workshop for actors that focused on how the TV/film industry runs and work with auditioning on camera with immediate feedback. He taped all of our sides and than posted them for us to view afterwards. First, I have to say I was impressed with his credentials.He was a casting director for many TV series including Ugly Betty. He is currently producing and teaching on the east coast. To get into his class, he asked for your resume. I so wanted to send my teaching resume which is pretty darn awesome! Sadly, my acting resume has nothing in it except for work as an extra, as a lead in skits at church and classes for acting. I thought for sure there was no way he was going to accept me into his class. Miracles of Miracles I was in and given a side from The Secret Lives of Men. I worked hard to memorize my piece, but had difficulty deciding on how the character really felt and her background. I quickly learned in the workshop, I have to pick a background and a version of my character, commit and go for it no matter what. If you don't...it clearly shows. Geoff Soffer taught me a lot about the industry itself. I have to say, I was so intimidated when the other actors went up and handed their resumes with all this work and SAG and AFTRA affiliations and there was little ole me with about four things on my resume. Some of the actors really blew me away, while others were great, but not mind blowing. One thing I learned after viewing my recorded piece, practice a monologue or sides and record it so you can see your facial expressions and hear your voice tone before you audition. I plan to buy a flip camera so I can practice before any major auditions.

Geoffrey Soffer
Geoffrey Soffer on Twitter: Geoffrey Soffer Twitter

Finally, last March I went to the Leverage conference as a fan. During the meet and greet I had the chance to meet Rick Overton. He is an gifted comedian and actor. He's been kind enough to answer me ( on facebook no less!) when I've posed acting questions. His biggest piece of advice: take and/or do improv! So after the influx of winter holidays I plan to enroll in some improv classes.

Rick Overton
Rick's Twitter: Twitter Rick Overton
Til next time,
Sunny Gurl

Jumping in feet first into the acting biz...

2010-09-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

So what's it like to NOT be 18 or 20 and trying to get a foot in the door of the acting world? Hard, exciting, nerve racking and a lot of work! Yet, every time I audition, submit for a role or take a class; I'm surrounded by others who love the craft as much as I do and even though it's hard work, I come away excited and energized each time.

I decided to take a few minutes to recap what I've done this summer in regards to getting the acting career launched while at the same time writing and teaching!

First I recommend the following websites for any actor in the DC metro area:
http://www.actorscenter.org/
http://www.dragonukconnects.com
http://www.showbizradio.net/

These sites are a great starting off point for knowing what's happening in the area for an actor in film or theater. They were the starting place for me to find auditions and classes.

I spent two weeks applying for everything that would give me the experience of being on a set and watching and participating in any type of film. I needed my resume to say more than one job as a background actor a year ago for an Erikson Retirement commercial and several skits at Gateway Community Church.

First up was my day as a background actor for JW CRUMP's short film "The Engagement". I have to say it was a lot of fun being at Georgetown Law's University and meeting and networking with the other extras on set. I admired how JW treated the cast, everyone from stage hands to the background actors. I was impressed when he told one of the younger extras that since he had only had her with her back to the camera he was going to make sure she'd be facing the camera in the next scene. The ability to direct and be that aware of everyone on the set to that level impressed me to no end. You can find information about JW here:
http://jwcrump.com/

The view from the shoot, "The Engagement"

image from aaavacs.com

Next I auditioned for a small paying part in a web series for a vacuum and air filter company. These web commercials will run on the company's site and on you tube. I was a nervous wreck and didn't prepare as well as I should have since the audition wasn't a set monologue or a script they handed you. I practiced, but I left knowing I should have practiced more. Luckily, the casting director liked me and what I brought to the table and I was one of 6 actors hired and we shoot in the next few weeks.

That same week I gave up a chance to audition for a 9 second PSA in Baltimore with Fox to be a background actor with a chance to speak for a government training film with Fairfax Channel 16. It was a long day with lots of waiting around ( the life of a background actor involves waiting around for hours!), no pay and though the speaking parts were picked at random, I never was chosen. However, if you ever have jury duty in a Fairfax county courthouse and have to watch the training video..I'm juror #9 and the girl who plays on the laptop and reads a book in the waiting room. Again, I met some great people and networked. This was the second time I realized I needed to bring a small book with me to record contact information. You never know who you will meet who can point you towards your next job.
Channel 16

Finally, I submitted for a few background jobs, two of which I didn't get and one I'm still waiting to hear back about. Koons gave me the no thank you through the casting agency, but the transmission company actually sent an email thanking me for submitting personally. :0) Of course the one I'm waiting to hear back from is the one I really want. Transformers 3 is about to start filming in our area and I'd love the chance to see how a large film studio works a set.
Transformers 3

I also took some classes and workshops that I'll tell you all about in my next blog! Let's just say I learned a lot about what NOT to do and the difference between the stage and film.
Smiles
Lori

Eclipse Craziness

2010-06-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight or rather way to early this morning, I'm going with a bunch of friends to see Eclipse. I'll post a review and let you know about the happenings tomorrow afternoon! Will there be crazy fans? People dressed up? Rude people and that one person who decided to bring a toddler or baby even though it cost $11.25 to see the movie? In a few hours I"ll find out, for now, I'm off to nap!
Hugs
Sunnygurl!

You never realize what you got til it's gone...

2010-05-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Y'all know that old cliche: you never realized what you had until it's gone? Well, this week with my knee impeding my ability to do anything fun or even really walk around the house, I realized how very much I take for granted the use of my limbs. That realization and selfishness on my part hit hard as today is Armed Forces Day and I realized as I'm whining to myself about my injury that will eventually go away, others have sacrificed limbs for our country. So today I want to give a huge Thank You to all who serve. We could not enjoy what we have here in America without you. You've given up so much, time, family and even pieces of yourself both literally and mentally. Thank you for all you have sacrificed. I for one am very grateful. A special shout out and thank you to Aunt Carol and Uncle Clyde for all they gave, Adam W.~ so glad you are back from Afghanistan, the Prokops and their family and to all the parents, aunts, uncles, sons and daughters who serve ~ Thank YOU!
http://www.providingnews.com/armed-forces-day-2010.html

Geek Girl Visits Portland for the Leverage Con Con

2010-05-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

A visit to the Leverage Con Con in Portland, Oregon.

On the Leverage Set

I decided to be a little bit crazy and travel across the US to see and meet the cast, writers and creators of the TNT drama Leverage. I thought I was such a good fan until I got there and realized I really don't know as much as I should/could about all the talent I was coming to see!

For example, did you know that @ChristianKane01 was in a movie called Her Minor Thing? Perhaps you already knew that @TimHutton 's father was on Ellery Queen. Or did you know that @electric44 wrote and directed one of my favorite summer blockbusters ~ Independence Day? No? Don't worry... either did I?

You see I thought I was a HUGE fan. I'm a geek about tv and I admit it. I mean I was flying all the way to Portland, Oregon to go to this conference. My co- workers smiled at me and shook their head in wonderment that I was taking all these days off work, spending a tidy sum of money and heading off to see t.v. actors and writers. You're quite the dedicated fan they'd say with a knowning smile on their face. When I arrived, I realized I was among so many interesting, cool people ~ many of whom had a much larger knowledge base than I did about Leverage and all the wonderful people who work on creating the show. I met people from all across the world ( hello Friends from Australia who I kept running into all weekend long!). It was an amazing experience, one I'll never forget. For me I was in geek heaven. Let me tell y'all about it!

The weekend began at 3am on Thursday morning as my alarm blarred and I realized I had to drag my sorry tush out of bed and downstairs to meet my friend Kim. Our flight was at 6am and we had to get to the airport. The flight to Oregon was very smooth until the second leg of our trip. It seems two friends were split up. One was sitting next to us and the other behind us. Fear radiated off my seat companion even as her friend sitting behind us assured her everything would be okay. The plane gained speed and took flight and my neighbors tears flowed and her hands shook as we gained altitude. Kim and I decided that we needed to help. We split up, I changed seats so they could sit together. The flight was a little boring, all by myself, but I got to Portland in one piece with lots of sleep and the girl stopped crying. We'd help someone out ~so life was good! What we didn't know was that it was about to get much much better!

We took the lightrail to downtown Portland and our hotel the Governor. Cool fact~ the season finale of Leverage was shot at the Governor Hotel! It was very cool to walk through different parts of the hotel and realize that hey wait HERE is where such and such scene took place. After getting to our room and unpacking, Kim and I decided to get some lunch at @kennyandzukes and then walk around downtown Portland. For me, a city girl from California. I was in heaven! A beautiful day walking downtown. We toured the Chinese Gardens and enjoyed the beauty of the Cherry Blossoms. For everyone who knows me personally, it will come as no surprise that I also had a blast talking to people we met and learning about Portland. My mantra that day was how thankful I was to be back on the west coast and how sad I was that In and Out Burger didn't go as far as Oregon! That eveningl while trying to stay up and fight jetlag, I met some really cool fans such as @sirlarryfleming ( great stories about his dad as a baseball player in Portland) and @elleryjo !

Friday day we met up with cool friends @macstl and @dianthusmoon, walked to downtown and had lunch at a haunted pizza parlor. No ghost appeared unless you count the very odd fact that everyones dressing got knocked over. One, no big deal....but three times? I gotta admit it was a little wierd. We checked in to the conference and discovered that we were seats two and three. How that happened, we have no idea ~ but man oh man were we excited!

Friday night was the Cocktail Party. We chatted with friends from ACK, new friends ( hello @sarapdx32 and @TaggertMcSweetn). John Rogers @jrog1 and Dean Devlin walked among the guest and chatted with everyone. The night was filled with much laughter and fun. The cast came out late that evening and said hey to the fans!

Saturday morning bloomed way to early with a call to be outside and ready for the busses by 7am which meant being downstairs by 6:45AM. Yes AM! Sadly, Starbucks didn't open until 7am. I, of course, made it to the Starbucks for CAFFEINE and got on the bus as it was loading. Talk about skin of your teeth! The bus was abuzz with the tired murmurs of fans on the way to the Leverage set. I was so excited I was bouncing. We were about to tour a real honest to goodness television set. Yes my geek was showing. We arrived and were led around by the wonderful and personable Chris Downey, John Rogers and @rachelolschan. At the end of the tour, I lucked out and was asked to take a few moments of time to be interviewed by tnt.tv.com. Imagine my pure delight and luck that my little bit of footage actually ended up on there with a clip and a voice over used for the set tour. You can find the video here: http://www.tnt.tv/dramavision/?oid=56891

Once we got back to the hotel, Kim and I grabbed some breakfast and walked back downtown to the street market. We returned in time to listen to the panels. The cast was open and friendly. They told great stories about being on set. The family atmosphere that naturaly exists among them seems to be a theme that will be reflected in season three! IF magazine was running a contest to name the fans of Leverage. I took a moment and went to talk to our host with my suggestion. He liked it so much that he had me go back to the sound area and enter my suggestion online. I gotta say, I was very excited when they announced Sunday night that my suggestion that the fans be called #Grifters was chosen by Dean Devlin.

The cast of Leverage

Kim found out that evening that she was chosen as one of 5 people to have breakfast with Tim Hutton. She was besides herself. Saturday evening was the baquet. We danced, ate, met people like Appolo and Mark Sheppard. As a mom myself, I loved seeing Aldis Hodges mom supporting her son at the Con Con. Then, we heard some great music and had quite the amazing time getting to know our new friends and brush elbows with the likes of people like Rick and Gerald.

Sunday was fantastic ~ watching John Rogers and Mark Sheppard was one of the highlights of my weekend. It was like watcing a comedy late night tv show. I was in stiches most of the time. We spent a LONG time in line in the stairway to get our pictures with the celebs. I enjoyed my moment with the cast. The day ended with the three main male stars telling tales of the set and then the fans ( Kaniacs!! fans of Christian Kane the musician) went to Dantes to hear the band play. They rocked the house. After an amazing show, which included Brian Nutter and Steve Carlson. T, K and I headed to Vodoo doughnuts and then back to the hotel. Our weekend was over, but not forgotten. I made friends for a lifetime and had the chance to immerse myself in a world of creativity and imagery! I'd definitely do it again! I recommend you watch Leverage if you haven't seen this show. I also encourage you to step outside your comfort zone, do something you've always wanted to do and have fun pursuing your dreams!

Remembering February 3rd...

2010-02-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

February 3rd is a special day for me. An anniversary of sorts. You see from my preschool years until mid first grade, I was in a variety of foster homes. Some I remember and others are vague visions that I can't quite recall or put correctly into my life's timeline.

February 3rd is the day I got to leave foster care and go back home to live with my mom.

My mom made this reunion a time of great celebration. Our family didn't have a lot of money growing up, but every year when Feb. 3rd rolled around my Mom and I would do something special. MY favorite memory is getting a hotel room for the night over on El Camino near fifth and the bowling alley. We got to watch color t.v. and eat out that night. It was such a magical experience for my young self. One I remember decades later.

February Third turned out to be a good day. I remember being a little kid laying in bed in one of my foster homes. I'd tell myself that today is going to be a good day. Then wonder if by saying that I'd ruined it. I definitely was a kid trying to find some control in my life. An issue I still wrestle with today, giving up complete control to God. I'm just like the Israelites of old, yes God brought me back and placed me in the land of milk and honey, but I still ask him everyday: Are you sure God? Are you listening God? Do You really care? Can I give control of me to you? The answer is always a resounding YES! So, why do I doubt when each year on Feb. 3rd, I'm reminded of his kindness and goodness and love for me. Crazy Right? So here I am bloggin to the world that God cares and my favorite anniversary date of Feb. 3rd is a testament to God reaching out, keeping me safe and returning me home. If I get my mom's permission, I'll share how amazing God was when he revealed himself to my mom on the very day I went into the foster care system. He redeemed her and by that redemption ~ me! On Feb. 3rd I returned to a house where God was Lord overall. Amazin!
Happy Feb. 3rd Momma! I love you!

Mom and Me when I was 1 & one month!

I believe in love even when I'm alone...

2010-01-29T21:18:00.000-08:00

""I believe in the sun even if it isn't shining. I believe in love even when I am alone. I believe in God even when He is silent."

I'm sitting here pondering why I love this quote so much. To me it's my mantra or my battle cry. I've been blessed by God to strive to find or claim joy in all situations. That having been said, I've realized that we are about to start February. February brings more winter (brrrr!) and Valentines Day. That day when the world is filled with hallmark moments of love. Single like me? Then this just may not be your day, your week or perhaps, even your month.

Though Valentines Day will be another reminder that I haven't had a significant relationship in way to long to tell you in this blog ~ I'm still a hopeless romantic. Really! I am! I love those cheezy romantic movies like Princess Bride, Sleepless in Seattle or the upcoming movie Dear John. I find it fascinating to watch an older couple who are still very much in love and so comfortable with each other. I get giddy when a girlfriend announces she feels like a teenager when "he" texts or calls her. I still sing along to love songs like Be My Baby or Someone to Watch Over Me. Why do I still hope in the concept and idea of love when I am alone?

I admit, there are days I get frustrated. I gossip with my friends about the lack of men to date or the lack of men who step up and ask you out. I know some amazing beautiful women who are single and I wonder...why???

What is it about this time of year that fills me with dread and happiness all at once? Dread that I'm alone on a day the world tells me I shouldn't be, but happiness in the possibility of what could be just around the corner. I think it may be the hope and excitement of finding love brings. Will I meet someone who offers the possibility of growing old together as we love and argue and love through life? Who knows? But it could happen right?

And just that thought is enough to make me smile and believe in love, even as I sit here alone with the dog on this late Friday night!

What about you? What do you believe in even when it's not tangible to you this very moment?

When did that happen?

2010-01-24T16:13:00.000-08:00

So there I was minding my own business on a Monday afternoon. Off I sludged through the rain to check the mail. I got a lovely advertisement from a magazine. They said it was just the magazine for me. For women in their prime. Come on now, WHAT? How do they know I'm in my prime? What in the world does that mean?

After a few minutes of fuming, I realized, hey yeah! I am in my prime. I'm in a place in my life where most of the time I'm confident in who I am and what I believe. Yes, I want to change some things ( like my weight!), but overall the person inside is a woman I'm happy with. I love the friends God has blessed me with, I love my thirst to learn new things. I especially love my excitement that the world has many more opportunities to discover! New learning, new friends, new love! Each day has a choice. I can choose to wallow in the things that aren't where I want them to be or celebrate in the things I've accomplished in life and what is yet to come. I choose to shout out a huge Thank You Jesus for all the experiences in life I've had so far and for what is yet to come! It only takes a moment to decide to choose to walk in a new direction. What does this moment bring for you?

One of the Moments..

2010-01-03T18:39:00.000-08:00

I'm having one of those moments when you just want to chuck it all and give up. I went to a great party last night to say farwell to a friend who is going to help out in the Dominican Republic for several months. We took pictures and a friend tagged me in a few. All I have to say is ugh. How in the hell did my face and body get so FAT! Usually I am working on how I look, feel and trying to be healthy. But I looked at this picture and just literally cried and went down into a funk! I debated whether to blog about it or not. Do you keep these feelings of inadequacy or feeling less than to yourself or just say forgetabout it and let the world know that you've seen the light and come hell or high water you will not look like this in a few months. Today I'm gonna wallow and feel miserable. Tomorrow~ I come out fighting.

Revelations and Reminisces

2009-12-31T07:16:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that a new decade is about to begin in less than 24 hours. I sit here in the quiet of the morning trying to reflect back and wait for revelations into life, purpose and direction.
Here's what I've honed down to. It's not about me. It's about living for God and living for others. If we sit here and wonder what more can I gather, what more can I hoard, then we are wasting our lives. We need to step out and live. Live in those little and big moments. To do that though means stopping for a moment to make it count! Stopping to connect with a friend. Stopping to to listen as a child shows you their latest accomplishment. Stopping to think what should I do today that's going to reflect who I truly am and how God is working in me this very jar of clay. Taking those moments to remember what you are grateful for and what is the bigger purpose of life can enrich our lives greatly.
Last night I had dinner with a good friend of mine. We talked about resolutions. I don't make resolutions because I don't keep them she exclaimed. I make new life choices that I know I'll live out.
So today as we all take a moment to step back and reflect on how the year, nay the decade went we will make our resolutions or our life choices. What will yours be? The same old same old? Loose weight, not be a workaholic, get out of debt? Or will your choices go beyond the norm and stretch beyond you to make a difference in someones life this year? How about your own life. When you reach past yourself out to others you end up changing your own life too!
I hope this year to make a difference. Yes this year I know my resolutions will include, exercising more, loosing weight, not taking all my work home with me etc. But this decade, the decade of my forties, I strive to go beyond myself and speak into others.
Anyone have any ideas on just how to go about that~ give a shout out!
Smiles
Sunny Gurl

Just thought I'd share...

2009-12-21T13:51:00.000-08:00

Oh the weather outside has been frightful. But the county giving us three snow days has been delightful!

Reflections~ did I do what I set out to do?

2009-12-21T11:42:00.000-08:00

So,
My goals were to participate in a 5K, loose weight, start acting and learn to play the guitar this year. Hmm... I started running and training on the couch potato to 5K and then got injured. So instead, I walked in the Twilight Four Miler instead. I bought a guitar and I'm at the beginning stages of learning. I was an extra in a television commercial, auditoned and did NOT get called back for a community play and a musical. I lost and then regained and then lost weight. I'm no where near where I want to be fitness or health wise. So I guess I got some of my goals started and need to realize that it's a long process!

This past year though, I've stepped outside the box so to speak. I've made new friends, organized old and new friends to get out there and do life together. One of my favorite adventures this year was heading out with my crazy friend Kim ( thank God she let's me talk her into this stuff) to go to Ohio and Kentucky to see Christian Kane and Eric Church in concert. It was fun and a great time. We met new friends ( Christian has some amazing fans out there~ who knew?) Shout out to Christina, Melissa and Colleen! I've taken on a new assignment at work. Hello little third graders! I've officially told the ex he's forgiven for all the crap we both went through! So yeah, I've been brave and feel the better for it.

The one thing I regret is not growing closer in my walk with God. When and where did I loose that as my priority and focus? Oh yeah, in pursuit of all the crazy dreams I had. I must remember that who I am is defined by relationship with the one I love most. So, I cannot let that relationship lapse!

Hugs my peeps!
Sunny Gurl

Wait....where'd all that time go?

2009-12-21T11:40:00.000-08:00

Well, this is just sad sad sad! I never got back to my blog all year long. It's now December again and I decided to see if I could even remember my password. Thank goodness I did. Now it's time to restart this thing.
Sunny Gurl!

Training from Couch Potato to 5K

2009-02-09T16:02:00.000-08:00

Okay I am not an active person. I love my tivo or reading or a meandering walk with the dog. Though I do like dancing! Yet, I decided to get in shape using the program couch potato to 5K. I've just started week two and I'm exhausted! I found myself staring at the numbers: 2 minutes to walk and 90 seconds to run... those last 30 seconds of my whopping ( yes hear the sarcasm!) 90 seconds killed me. I thought all those muscles in my legs were going to simply cramp up and stop. By the way is your heart rate suppose to go up to 168?? YIKES!
All that said, I am so proud of myself and my goal that I'm going to do it again in a day. I make the same stupid goals every year; loose weight, get in shape! For some reason, I feel that this is the year it's going to work. I will finish this two month program and run a 5K. I mean I was at the book store and actually bought a running magazine. Me... a running magazine!
Crazy times!
Sunnygurl

Pet Peeve~ a new game I like to call Ice Dodge

2009-01-29T13:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, I now have a new pet peeve. I am frustrated with the inconsiderate drivers out there, but for reasons you wouldn't actually suspect. I was driving into work today after our two hour delay. Yesterday had been a day off due to ice after Tuesday's snow. There I was minding my own business driving behind a mini van when whoosh, off their roof comes this huge sheet of ice heading right before me. So I change lanes. A few minutes later, WHOOSH, a chunk of ice off the SUV ahead of me. Everyone started giving the people in front of us more and more car length space as these huge sheets of ice started flinging themselves at our cars. Everytime one of these larger vehicles sped up or slowed down they would shower us with their neglect. Why?? Why can't you take the time to get the ice of your SUV or mini van? I know it's up there, but come on have some heart and care for your fellow drivers. I do not want to play Ice Dodge again!

Kids and the joy of Christmas!

2008-12-07T11:43:00.000-08:00

I had a great time in the play with the children this year. I was asked to be in an adult role in the Christmas musical at church this year and today was our big performance. I played Miss Keri, Keri Atune, the choir director. As I was working with the kids these last two weeks, I started watching and wondering when in the heck they grew up and how in the world did I not know all the younger ones!
The little ones could not sit still for the life of them. They wiggled and giggled their way through their performances and I absolutely loved it. I loved their shy waves to mom and dad and their embarrassment and excitement as they sang their songs or stepped up for a solo. The three littlest ones near me couldn't keep their eyes off the 6 young ballerinas. They would be singing their lungs out and suddenly stand in amazement as the dancers in the pink tutus floated about stage. Then suddenly as if remembering where they were, they'd look at the choir director and start singing their songs as loudly as they could.
The children were so excited to be there and excited for the season of Christmas. I realized that this year I need to stop all the hustle and bustle, my endless to do list and enjoy the moment! It's a time of year to stop the madness and sit by the fire ( be it in a fireplace or on the TV) and just reflect and spend time with family and friends. I'm excited because tonight I'm going out in this gosh awful bitter cold with good friends. We get to tour Mount Vernon by Candlelight and enjoy each others company. I'm thrilled to take a few hours this evening and walk the same steps George Washington walked and reflect on the season with friends.
It's the time of year when we remember that God sent his son down to earth. Wow--that's a Big deal. We say it all the time, but its a BIG DEAL.

Wishing you a few hours of freedom from the rat race this season.
Sunny Gurl!

My first ever blog entry

2008-12-02T14:02:00.000-08:00

I've often wondered about our dreams and when and where we end up loosing them? Do we simply get caught up in life and forget to just sit and ponder? Do we decide that our dreams and goals are just not attainable? Or for some of us, have we reached those dreams and simply haven't replaced them with new ones? This blog is all about my dreams and how those dreams intersect with daily life. What are these big dreams of mine? Well..some are little and some are small, but all are but a journey away if I'm willing to take that first step! Welcome to my dream blog!

The list of dreams begins...

Continue to loose weight...new goal 30 lbs by Valentines Day
Acting
Learn to play the guitar
draw closer to God ( no more getting distracted off the beaten path!)

Wish me luck!
Sunnygurl