Inspiration

Ok, so I think I've spent more time on other people's blogs than writing in my own, but what is nice about reading the blogs of others is the inspiration I get from them. Now, the blogs I usually read are fashion blogs that are either depict people's personal fashion or streetstyle fashion, but it is inspirational to see what inspires others. These women are not only well dressed but intelligent and thought provoking.

I feel like I've been lacking some inspiration lately, but yesterday I seem to have found some again. I met up with a mother and her two children for a meet and greet so that I can sit for them tomorrow (I seem to be doing this all the time but it's good because I'm getting more comfortable with "interviews). After I met with them I ventured a little around the Starbucks we were at. I am still exploring as much of Chicago as I can and it is nice to walk around an area I wouldn't have found on my own. I found a used bookstore (!) and without a second thought went in. I swear, I died and went to heaven. The place is literally packed from the floor to the ceiling with books. I mean look at it. How can you not fall in love?

It is literally a maze of books. As soon as I walked in the woman asked if she could help me with anything so I naturally asked her where the Drama or Theatre section was. The section was in a corner where I wasn't really able to move but it was probably the best play selection I've ever seen at a used bookstore. I usually find that half the Theatre section is full of Shakespeare, and don't get me wrong I like me some Shakespeare but I'm usually looking for other playwrights as well. These shelves however housed hundreds of plays that ranged from Brecht to Mamet and everything in between. I lost myself in the section and if I had less self control I probably would've left with double than what I took (5 plays and 1 book). I even found Fahrenheit 451! The prices were reasonable and they were in good condition. I actually plan on going back tomorrow to look for more plays but this time I will have a list so nothing is on impulse.

After the amazing bookstore I stopped by a bead store called String a Strand. What a cute store. They had a nice selection and I left with very whimsical beads that I plan on turning into jewelry pieces very soon. I am very excited for the ladybug earrings I intend to make. (Sierra! I found charms that look like the Tree of Life!) I love being inspired by beads. I rarely walk into a bead store with ideas in mind. I just walk around and look at the stock and let myself get inspired by the different colors and designs. I hope that my Katie Did Designs customers are pleased with what I come out with!

As for the theatre front, I am starting as an ASM for a show called Girl You Know It's True in a week. I am so excited to start. The show sounds hilarious and the people I get to work with seem fun and hardworking. I really couldn't ask for more. I also auditioned for a short film a little over a week ago. They had great feedback for me and although I haven't heard anything yet I am keeping my fingers crossed. I will also be participating in a table reading tonight and will be reading for one of the leads. I am very excited for this and I am curious to see how it plays out.

All in all I feel like I am settling in pretty well. I still miss everyone like crazy but I know it is good for me out here. And hey, I think I'm finally looking like a Midwesterner :)

Busy, busy, busy...

It has been a while since I posted but that is because I'm probably home a total of 3 hours a day (not including sleep). I keep running around this wonderful city to look at all it has to offer. Anthony and I spent some time yesterday and today at The Vintage Bazaar. I am absolutely thrilled with a black slip dress I got. Can't wait to wear it!

I've also been practicing traveling around by myself. Anthony is seriously the master of navigation and I'm usually so bad at it but today I had the opportunity to figure things out myself (I can't really blame him for not wanting to go to Forever 21 with me for the hundredth time). I did have to call him a couple of times but all in all I got home safe and sound. I found it kind of fun experiencing things myself with the knowledge that if anything happened he was a call away.

As for theatre prospects, I am pretty excited about some opportunities coming my way. I had an interview the first Saturday here and this past week I found out I got the assistant stage manager position. I was ecstatic when I found out. I also have an audition next Sunday for a short film. Pretty excited about that too. As for making money, I babysat for a couple of families this past week and continue to apply for other sitting jobs.

All in all I am very happy here. Once in a while I think of everyone I left in New York and it leaves me feeling down. I really miss talking to my friends face to face. Skype is nice and everything but nothing beats sitting in the same room as your friend and catching up. I guess there will be a lot of that when I visit Troy :) 

It is day four since we've moved to Chicago and I am enjoying everything so far. Granted, everything is only a couple of stops off the 'el' but I figure I plan on being here a long time so it's ok if I haven't seen too much yet.

I had my first interview (hopefully one of many) and I think it went pretty well. I hope it went well. It is with a theatre company that produces new works which I find very exciting and familiar :) I also set up an account on babysitting website and I have already had two moms contact me. Things seem to be rolling and I really can't complain.

I am hoping to work on my etsy site for my jewelry soon. Kind of sad I have to change the name to Katie Did Designz (I know it's only a letter difference but I still don't know how I feel about the 'z') but I'll live. I plan on having pictures up on the site by Monday, so please be on the look out!

I do love being in the windy city but I definitely miss everyone I left behind. Please Skype me when you can. I finally have a good webcam :)