As you all know i joined Ashfield Musical Society in Feb, after an extremely disasterous audition, And i know I promised an update on the goings on of the rhershals and the lead up to the show. Unfortunately I havent been blogging the past few months for various reasons.
The June bank holiday weekend signafied the end of my trip "Back to the 80's" and what an adventure it has been. This seriously has been the most fun I have had in a long time. I seriously regret not emailing to join all those times i have thought about it over the past 2 years. because of that i missed out on being in "Chess" and "Spamalot" and those of you that know me well will know im a HUGE "Monty Python" fan. Ah well what is life without regrets.
"Back to the 80's" is an amazingly energetic show with the tackiest storyline EVER!!. you know your typical American highschool story. Boys has crush on next door neighbour, she has a crush and starts dating the school top jock (you know the coolest, hottest guy in school). The jocks pick on the new girl in school by sending false love letters, teachers who are dating having a rough patch, cause well he discovers a photo of her as a centerfold of a "mens" swimsuit magazine from a decade before and then there was the nerds. The songs are all hits from the 80's that I have to admit amazingly fitted in with the story. egs were "kids in America" well cause we were "Kids in America", "Hey mickey" the cheerleaders perform this for the school elections, "Michael" was the name of the cool guy", "Centerfold" ala the swimsuit magazine. The musical even got rickrolled. I mean seriously how cool IS that. There are also a number of songs I could do without ever hearing again "we are the world" being one of them
Rhershals were more then fun. The first rhershals was the most daunting. Seeing as i didnt know anyone, it was almost like starting a new job or even the first day of school (except i didnt have THAT problem being a twin). Thankfully, Richard remembered me from the auditions so i had someone to talk to. That didnt stop me from chatting to other people. The first few weeks of rhershals were mainly learning the songs. we would just sit in lines and follow the instrustions from the musical director David. I have to admit i showed my shy side here. Being a contralto(and a bit of a belter) i found sitting beside sopranos with amazing voices made me nervous to sing out. but also made it hard to get the harmonies right. It wasnt till midway through i lost that nerve.
The dancing came next(apart from one which we learned from day one that went one to be in "footloose" which i want in), i was quite rusty seeing as it had been 5/6 years since my hiphop classes back in Dublin. Energetic is deffinately a word i would use to describe these. Even though I hate the song "Love Shack" was my favourite of the dance routines.
Putting the Acts together was so much fun, it meant that I finally got to see scenes that the principles featured in. Hearing some of the jokes the first time round had me in stitches and tears on some occasions. Espically when "Mr Cocker" was calling out "beuller" and "kirk" responded that it was his day off. I think that was lost on some of the younger cast.
Show week was an exhausting week. We had "bump in" on the sunday with an 10 hour day of rhershals. As you can imagine it was the longest work day ive had in forever. :). we had full dress rhershals on the monday and Tuesday getting home about midnight. Wednesday was a night off, however i went to see the amazing miss Kylie that night. Then it was Thursday aka "opening night" eek. It was so exciting and I was so nervous. I managed not to screw up, apart from my boob issue. My dress for the second act nicely fell down a bit an exposed my boobs for the audience to see. Thankfully I wore my cardigan closed that night so im not sure if anyone seen anything. Thank god. Friday night was the one i was the most anxious for seeing as i had 25 friends in the front 2 tables. It went without a hitch. ok well maybe one hitch. a second boob malfunction this time druing "get out of my dreams" but it was ok i was at the back of the stage and managed to fix it. lets just say dress got pinned to bra from that night onwards and no more boob action insued. woo!!! saturday was exhausting with 2 shows but it flew by and then it was sunday and it was over :(
We had a great buffet dinner afterwards in the room next to the auditorium. It was great to just relax and chat away with everyone. But extremely sad that it was over. Everyone was signing each others programs. This time reminding me of getting my shirt signed by class mates at the end of school....
I had the greatest time and so much fun, I've lots of new friends including some great new friends ( you know who you are). So many amazing and talented people with different personalities who all in turn have one thing in common a love of musicals..
Thank you guys and galls, I've had the time of my life and i really do, owe it all to you xxxxxx
Heres to the next show. More laughs and tears and memories to have
Claire
Monday, June 20, 2011
"A reflection on a year gone by"
Its been a while since I've written a blog. I have personal reasons for not doing any since my last immi update. I've been on the biggest life rollercoaster these past 3-4 months. It has been a highly emotional time for me. I have been treated unfairly, been the focus of a number of nasty lies and rumours and have been judged accordingly. I have lost friends, one expected, others extremely unexpected and have caused me great pain.
I have kept myself at a distance to save myself any further hurt. Isolated myself from the outside world. One outcome of this is that I now know who I can trust and really call a friend. Unfortunally a second outcome of this is that im now finding it hard to trust anyone let alone open out to them and really be myself. I have started to feel really alone and dissappointed in everything. It truely has been the shittest end to worst year of my life.
Last friday marked the official 1 year mark since my life got turned upside down. Yup the day I lost my job. All in all it hasnt been that bad of a year. Yes, I havent worked a day since last june, Yes I still dont have a new visa.... yet!. Yes, we have lived in poverty, Yes my brother has had to leave Australia and I miss him dearly, Yes, the last few months have been crap. However, Ive had an amazing holiday, got engaged in Paris, spent Christmas with my parents and future in-laws. I had an amazing Birthday party, Bit the bullet and joined a musical society (more on that later), But most of all after a year, myself and Matt are still as strong as ever and still completely in love. Hopefully i'll have a new visa in the next 3 months and then we can move from our horrible apartment, plan our wedding and go on a much needed holiday.
Huge thanks to everyone for their support, friendship and love over the past year (even those who are no longer friends, you were a huge support to us before it all fell to pieces and we thank you for that). once everything is back to normal, we will be inviting all those (and i mean "all") who a supported us for a meal somewhere. xx
Claire
I have kept myself at a distance to save myself any further hurt. Isolated myself from the outside world. One outcome of this is that I now know who I can trust and really call a friend. Unfortunally a second outcome of this is that im now finding it hard to trust anyone let alone open out to them and really be myself. I have started to feel really alone and dissappointed in everything. It truely has been the shittest end to worst year of my life.
Last friday marked the official 1 year mark since my life got turned upside down. Yup the day I lost my job. All in all it hasnt been that bad of a year. Yes, I havent worked a day since last june, Yes I still dont have a new visa.... yet!. Yes, we have lived in poverty, Yes my brother has had to leave Australia and I miss him dearly, Yes, the last few months have been crap. However, Ive had an amazing holiday, got engaged in Paris, spent Christmas with my parents and future in-laws. I had an amazing Birthday party, Bit the bullet and joined a musical society (more on that later), But most of all after a year, myself and Matt are still as strong as ever and still completely in love. Hopefully i'll have a new visa in the next 3 months and then we can move from our horrible apartment, plan our wedding and go on a much needed holiday.
Huge thanks to everyone for their support, friendship and love over the past year (even those who are no longer friends, you were a huge support to us before it all fell to pieces and we thank you for that). once everything is back to normal, we will be inviting all those (and i mean "all") who a supported us for a meal somewhere. xx
Claire
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Are you there Immi? Its me Claire (Part 3)
So this morning I had one of those moments where I felt upset by the fact that it is now 7 months into my visa application and 10 months into being unemployed. After last weeks let down with GN wasting my time and thinking I was about to get a break work wise. I guess im feeling more let down by the system.
Now that its been the 7 months into the 7-9 month turnaround, everytime my hotmail lights up with a new email. I think this is it "this will be the email telling me I have my visa so I can start working again". Unfortunately that email hasnt arrived yet :(.
I decided to go back onto Australian Forum today. A site I havent visited in months because it kept getting me down. why you ask? imagin being told that every application is being treated the same and will be processed in the order they have been received. how would you feel reading about others who have had there visas granted within a week or 2/3/4/5 months when you have been waiting for what seem like forever. Its not nice hey? so you can understand why it gets me down. Anyways i went onto the forum today and noticed a number of people who applied around the same time as me finally getting their approval so i decided seeing as its been over a month since my last call to immigration and I had 50c in my purse that it was time to call for an update.
I was on hold for a less amount of time as i normally have so maybe calling later then i normally do i a good idea to note for future calls. Anyways i got through to Tara in the melbourne call center. Who I have to say was the most honest person I have spoken to todate. Once again my visa is currently being processed. No further documentation is required blah blah blah. She explained to me that with the recent changes in the requirement for skilled migration visas has resulted in a unbelieveable amount of new partner applications being received. Due to this the new current wait is 9 - 12 months, so yet another blow to my life at the moment. so this means that instead of i should be hearing in the next 2 months its gone back to 5. FML. I had a number of questions to ask her but unfortunately they go unanswered as i felt myself about to explode with tears so i chockingly said thank you and hung up.
After 10 months of being unemployed and the current 7 month wait and counting for my visa, its really starting to take its toll. The stress is building up in Matt and I fear he is going to end up in hospital again. I find myself unmotivated to do even the smallest of things. Money is tight and getting tighter as bills go up and it doesnt help with SDRO finding new fines that need to be paid. The fact that we can hardly socialise with our friends is really getting to the both of us. And when we do get a chance we end up spending more money then we can afford. We have no idea what we are going to do if the visa gets cancelled let alone how we will afford to re apply or move to a new country as we cant afford to save.
I feel now that each time I call up its going to be harder. as these past 2 times i have ended up in tears on the phone. But I will endevour to keep you all updated.
Claire
Now that its been the 7 months into the 7-9 month turnaround, everytime my hotmail lights up with a new email. I think this is it "this will be the email telling me I have my visa so I can start working again". Unfortunately that email hasnt arrived yet :(.
I decided to go back onto Australian Forum today. A site I havent visited in months because it kept getting me down. why you ask? imagin being told that every application is being treated the same and will be processed in the order they have been received. how would you feel reading about others who have had there visas granted within a week or 2/3/4/5 months when you have been waiting for what seem like forever. Its not nice hey? so you can understand why it gets me down. Anyways i went onto the forum today and noticed a number of people who applied around the same time as me finally getting their approval so i decided seeing as its been over a month since my last call to immigration and I had 50c in my purse that it was time to call for an update.
I was on hold for a less amount of time as i normally have so maybe calling later then i normally do i a good idea to note for future calls. Anyways i got through to Tara in the melbourne call center. Who I have to say was the most honest person I have spoken to todate. Once again my visa is currently being processed. No further documentation is required blah blah blah. She explained to me that with the recent changes in the requirement for skilled migration visas has resulted in a unbelieveable amount of new partner applications being received. Due to this the new current wait is 9 - 12 months, so yet another blow to my life at the moment. so this means that instead of i should be hearing in the next 2 months its gone back to 5. FML. I had a number of questions to ask her but unfortunately they go unanswered as i felt myself about to explode with tears so i chockingly said thank you and hung up.
After 10 months of being unemployed and the current 7 month wait and counting for my visa, its really starting to take its toll. The stress is building up in Matt and I fear he is going to end up in hospital again. I find myself unmotivated to do even the smallest of things. Money is tight and getting tighter as bills go up and it doesnt help with SDRO finding new fines that need to be paid. The fact that we can hardly socialise with our friends is really getting to the both of us. And when we do get a chance we end up spending more money then we can afford. We have no idea what we are going to do if the visa gets cancelled let alone how we will afford to re apply or move to a new country as we cant afford to save.
I feel now that each time I call up its going to be harder. as these past 2 times i have ended up in tears on the phone. But I will endevour to keep you all updated.
Claire
Friday, April 1, 2011
"I'm not fat I'm big boned" - Eric Cartmen
Weighing in at 80kgs unfortuately for me means that im offically classed as obesse. Whenever I say this to people they dont believe me. I guess we all have grown to asociate obesesity with the size 20+ people we are so used to seeing on the TV. I am a size 16, infact when I was a size 14 I was still classified as obese. Starteling huh? They say the average woman is a size 14 so does this mean that the average woman is not just overweight according to there BMI but obese too?
Almost a year ago I went to the Sydney event for the "Rose of Tralee". The photos of that event were the "wake up call" for me. I didnt like what I saw in the photos. So I decided to take action. Unfortunately for me I have 3 big problems and Im sure many of you have these too:
1. Im one of the worst comfort eaters you will ever meet.When im sad, feeling sorry for myself or someone has gotten me down I reach for the chocolate, Ice-cream cake and coke. Anyone who is a comfort eater will tell you that sometimes you dont even think about what your doing, then next thing you know BAM!!!! wow I just ate 2 bars of choclate with 1 cup of tea.
2. Im a huge procrastinator. I will always find something else to do that takes me away from what im meant to be doing. per example, I am typing this blog when im meant to be cleaning. Or maybe staying in bed a little longer so i dont have to go to the GYM
and 3. I seriously lack willpower. Believe it or not its True. I sit here daily going to myself. DO something!! Go to the GYM, go for a run, Get on the Wii Fit. Instead I continue to sit at the laptop bored. Complaining that im bored. im unemployed so In theory I have no reason not to go to Curves for the 30mins session every day. But in general i just about scrape in my 3 workouts a week.
I joined Curves back in June after eventually getting some "willpower" to do something about the ever growing extra kilos ive been lugging around. I weighed in at 83kgs then. Then I lost my job, cue Binge Drinking and comfort eating to numb the pain. So by the time I started the weight management program in August I was up to 85kgs(main incentive for starting the program). By christmas I had lost 5kgs and I have been fluctuating between 79 and 80.5 since then.. All I can say is that ive lost motivation again and recent events have not helped.
So today I decided that I need to get back on the bandwagon. I had a chat with Michelle at Curves in Petersham (there were almost tears). She called me a "serial faller off-er"! but congradulated me on keeping the 5kgs Off. We have set a goal for me of 75kgs for when my show is on in June. She is going to find an incentive for me to HAVE to go to the GYM everyday. So what I need for all of you is support so that I dont "Fall Off" again. I give you all full permission to smack me in the back of the head if you see me eating something I shouldnt, hell even if im eying it up give me a whack. Remind me about my goal.
I will keep you posted here on my successes and failures cause lets face it there will be some. Also I would just like to inform you all. I am doing this not because the TV and Magazines say i should be slimer but because I want to take action and prevent health issues. I am coming to an age where I could be high risk for a number of problems and I want to lower my chances of getting them.
Claire
Almost a year ago I went to the Sydney event for the "Rose of Tralee". The photos of that event were the "wake up call" for me. I didnt like what I saw in the photos. So I decided to take action. Unfortunately for me I have 3 big problems and Im sure many of you have these too:
1. Im one of the worst comfort eaters you will ever meet.When im sad, feeling sorry for myself or someone has gotten me down I reach for the chocolate, Ice-cream cake and coke. Anyone who is a comfort eater will tell you that sometimes you dont even think about what your doing, then next thing you know BAM!!!! wow I just ate 2 bars of choclate with 1 cup of tea.
2. Im a huge procrastinator. I will always find something else to do that takes me away from what im meant to be doing. per example, I am typing this blog when im meant to be cleaning. Or maybe staying in bed a little longer so i dont have to go to the GYM
and 3. I seriously lack willpower. Believe it or not its True. I sit here daily going to myself. DO something!! Go to the GYM, go for a run, Get on the Wii Fit. Instead I continue to sit at the laptop bored. Complaining that im bored. im unemployed so In theory I have no reason not to go to Curves for the 30mins session every day. But in general i just about scrape in my 3 workouts a week.
I joined Curves back in June after eventually getting some "willpower" to do something about the ever growing extra kilos ive been lugging around. I weighed in at 83kgs then. Then I lost my job, cue Binge Drinking and comfort eating to numb the pain. So by the time I started the weight management program in August I was up to 85kgs(main incentive for starting the program). By christmas I had lost 5kgs and I have been fluctuating between 79 and 80.5 since then.. All I can say is that ive lost motivation again and recent events have not helped.
So today I decided that I need to get back on the bandwagon. I had a chat with Michelle at Curves in Petersham (there were almost tears). She called me a "serial faller off-er"! but congradulated me on keeping the 5kgs Off. We have set a goal for me of 75kgs for when my show is on in June. She is going to find an incentive for me to HAVE to go to the GYM everyday. So what I need for all of you is support so that I dont "Fall Off" again. I give you all full permission to smack me in the back of the head if you see me eating something I shouldnt, hell even if im eying it up give me a whack. Remind me about my goal.
I will keep you posted here on my successes and failures cause lets face it there will be some. Also I would just like to inform you all. I am doing this not because the TV and Magazines say i should be slimer but because I want to take action and prevent health issues. I am coming to an age where I could be high risk for a number of problems and I want to lower my chances of getting them.
Claire
Me 80kgs
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Are you there Immi? Its me Claire (Part 2)
I know its been a while but unfortunately there has been a lot emotionally and mentaly going on in my life at present. Ive gotten to a stage where after 9 months of not working, the loneliness of spending days on my own and being broke has finally gotten to me. Oh and my brother has had to leave the country. That little comfort on having one of my best friends and a family member in Australia has been taken away from me. Ive been kick while im down and I cant get up again. I have taken myself away from social sites for a bit so wont we writing about my life here for a while. My other writing has stopped and ive no motivation to write. fingers crossed ill get it back
On the visa side yesterday I plucked up the courage to call immigration yesterday. What a shock im still where I was 2 months ago. Sitting in a pile in a box or a room or someones desk somewhere. I asked some questions about what happens if we get declined. I found the lady really unhelpful. she told me to be patient and as im still on a 457 to get a job with someone who would sponsor me. To which my response was "If it was that easy i wouldnt be bored or depressed or worried"..
On a plus note, my amazing friend Naomi found a position on line offering sponsorship. I will be applying for this so fingers crossed I hear something. Oh and the musical society reharshals are going awesome :)
Claire
On the visa side yesterday I plucked up the courage to call immigration yesterday. What a shock im still where I was 2 months ago. Sitting in a pile in a box or a room or someones desk somewhere. I asked some questions about what happens if we get declined. I found the lady really unhelpful. she told me to be patient and as im still on a 457 to get a job with someone who would sponsor me. To which my response was "If it was that easy i wouldnt be bored or depressed or worried"..
On a plus note, my amazing friend Naomi found a position on line offering sponsorship. I will be applying for this so fingers crossed I hear something. Oh and the musical society reharshals are going awesome :)
Claire
Monday, February 28, 2011
FebFast - The Last Day :)
Huzzah!!!! Its the last day of FebFast and seriously this month has flown by. I wanna thank everyone for all their support throughout the month and for the donations. I am $25 off my target. So I your still wanting to donate dig deep into your purses/wallets/pockets and donate what you can.
Days of FebFast: 28
Days remaining: 0
Number of FastBreaks Purchased: 0
Number of times at pub drinking water: 14
Amount raised: $475
Amount to Goal: $25
The shoutouts for this week go to Jax who generously donated to me when I was sitting in the pub with everyone drinking water. To the awesome Jayne thank you for your kindness and support throughout the month. Last but not least to the wonderful Brian(his is the completely anon donation on my page), thank you thank you thank you, He is meant to be saving to come visit in October but could still could find a few dollars for the cause.
If you wanna donate and help me reach my goal by the end of the day click now http://www.febfastfundraising.com.au/claire_king_5
Claire
Days of FebFast: 28
Days remaining: 0
Number of FastBreaks Purchased: 0
Number of times at pub drinking water: 14
Amount raised: $475
Amount to Goal: $25
The shoutouts for this week go to Jax who generously donated to me when I was sitting in the pub with everyone drinking water. To the awesome Jayne thank you for your kindness and support throughout the month. Last but not least to the wonderful Brian(his is the completely anon donation on my page), thank you thank you thank you, He is meant to be saving to come visit in October but could still could find a few dollars for the cause.
If you wanna donate and help me reach my goal by the end of the day click now http://www.febfastfundraising.com.au/claire_king_5
Claire
Friday, February 18, 2011
FebFast - Day 18
Just over a week left can you believe it. The whole month is flying. I have had a bad week when it has come to sleeping. I dont know whether this is an effect of having not had alcohol in my system for a number of weeks or if it is something else. All I know is that i have been truely exhausted and the idea of a few drinks to help me sleep has been mentioned by a number of people. Who I will admit have forgot that I was doing FebFast. I quickly reminded them that I was on it to which they appologiesed :)
Days of FebFast: 18
Days remaining: 10
Number of FastBreaks Purchased: 0
Number of times at pub drinking water: 9
Amount raised: $430
Amount to Goal: $70
Shout out goes to the beautiful Leah. I spent the day on tuesday hanging with Leah as she was recovering from a heart operation. We watched Rent and chatted and she insisted on me showing her how to donate. She kindly donated more then I expected but explained. That as she was in hospital the week before she saved money on food and shopping so she was giving it to the charity instead. What an amazing thing to do/say. I am truely touch. Thank you lovely xx
Just $70 left to go and 10 days for me to achieve it. Help me get that goal. remember all you have to donated is the cost of a drink or more if you want. It is a great charity. We all knew someone as a teenager or young adult that got heavy into drinking and drugs. These charities are there to give support and help them in their time of need. You can help too. Just by clicking the link and donating.
http://www.febfastfundraising.com.au/claire_king_5
Claire
Days of FebFast: 18
Days remaining: 10
Number of FastBreaks Purchased: 0
Number of times at pub drinking water: 9
Amount raised: $430
Amount to Goal: $70
Shout out goes to the beautiful Leah. I spent the day on tuesday hanging with Leah as she was recovering from a heart operation. We watched Rent and chatted and she insisted on me showing her how to donate. She kindly donated more then I expected but explained. That as she was in hospital the week before she saved money on food and shopping so she was giving it to the charity instead. What an amazing thing to do/say. I am truely touch. Thank you lovely xx
Just $70 left to go and 10 days for me to achieve it. Help me get that goal. remember all you have to donated is the cost of a drink or more if you want. It is a great charity. We all knew someone as a teenager or young adult that got heavy into drinking and drugs. These charities are there to give support and help them in their time of need. You can help too. Just by clicking the link and donating.
http://www.febfastfundraising.com.au/claire_king_5
Claire
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