When I grow up...

Triggered by this lovely ladies exciting news I found myself wandering in to the trendy flower shop in town. It was a complete whim. I asked if they ran flower classes/courses and they said no - but taking pity on me the lady struck up conversation and said I could come in and watch. It might seem strange but that was one of the most forward things I've done in a while, and it was kinda a thrill. I've been trying to think more about may be doing what I really want to do and what that might be. As well as keeping in mind my goal to be a life focused person not a work focused person. I guess when people say they're doing their dream job and it doesn't feel like work, I don't really believe them. Even playing with flowers or gardening every day would definitely feel like work some days. I think. Right? And I know from my 6 weeks of unemployment over summer that not working isn't the answer to that too - and I know that being self employed isn't the answer to either of those things either (thats a work never stops senario).

So what do I really really truly want to do... ?

I remember my Dad saying to me when I was a young teen that he reckoned you needed to live many lives in order to be happy - maybe he was quoting someone else, I'm not sure. But it's always stuck with me.

So far I've been: a student, a pet shop girl, a receptionist, a checkout chick, a dish pig, a barrista, waitress, bar tender, lighting crew, lighting designer, head electrician, lighting operator, blogger, assistant stage manager, stage manager and production manager (sometimes many at once), lecturer, tutor and supervisor (all in a theatre context)...

So far I've wanted to be: A radio news reader, a photographer, a cleaner (when I was very little and enamored with my grandparents cleaner - I think it was the sense of calm and control), an actor, stage manager, lighting designer, a blogger, a cafe owner, a gardener, a florist, an interior designer, a baker, a mother...

I'm lucky I've done a few of those. But dreams change don't they?... I really liked Tim Minchens speech (did you see it?) about whole heartedly chasing short term goals - that seems sensible to my mind. I'm not a very patient person - I'm a doer and I like things to happen!

So what to do? I dont want to do one of those online floristry courses that teach me how to make hideous bouquets and force me to stick to rules - and the lovely flower shop lady said that formal training would be of no benefit to me in the context of their store anyway. I am ridiculously lucky to be getting some experience next year - I am designing and making the flower arrangements for two dear friends weddings. Since helping with the flowers at this beautiful wedding too, I thought may be it's one of things that I might have an aptitude at - So I'm practicing on my own flowers... and thinking about what step might be next... Horticulture?

Are you chasing your dreams? Do you know what you're doing with your life? Do you think living many lives is a good way to go? Anyone want to employ me to do flowers for them?

Wanted: Gardener jobs.

I wanted to try and take some pictures to post. But I didn't. This is the first job I've ever had where all I can do at work is... work. Weird shit. I seriously don't even browse facebook, let alone blogs at work - I just don't have time. And when I get home there's nothing I feel like less than looking at a computer. What I do is go into the garden. Last night I planted ten brand new baby plants which where delivered from the diggers club. The sun set in its usual glorious pink fashion. The dog was being ridiculously cute, rolling around gurgeling on her back (I'll get footage of it someday for you). No phone, no camera. Just clear air and a clear mind after feeling foggy, headachey and worried all day. Does anyone want to employ me to be a gardener full time?

{Poster from here}

Lighting Design

 Last week I jetted down to Melbourne for the day to install the lighting Design for this beautiful piece of theatre for babies called Rain, by Drop Bear Theatre and in collaboration with The Seam at Artplay. This is a little side passion of mine - theatre for babies and children - lighting design has always been my love. It's still on this week if you are in Melbourne and have a baby! It was such a pleasure to light something so pretty and magical.

Are you sitting comfortably?

So here I am. Back. I hope. I've missed you! Shall we have a little catch up? A little recap? Do you have a cup of tea/glass of wine? Good.

I've been the Production Manager on a movie - extraordinarily all consuming and hectic but an amazing experience. The film should be coming out next year some time - so no doubt you will hear more about it then!

I got the job I got the job! I am now an associate lecturer in Design for Theatre and Television at Charles Sturt Uni. It was a long week of waiting to hear back after my interview - but I have a full time permanent uni job starting at the end of January. Security. Annnnd I probably won't talk about it much more than that here. Students have a wily way of finding you on the internet.

The house. Well we didn't move in last Friday as hoped because the floors still need to be done and ermmmm we have no bathroom - but next Friday we are going to attempt to move in again. We've spent the whole weekend puttying and painting (which is why I haven't been here as I hoped) and it's looking good. It has been so nice hanging out there together. a) we haven't spent time together in agggges, and b) it was nice just being our little family of two plus puppy. We even camped the night there on Friday which was great.

 

Christmas. Christmas is reallllly close, and I've hardly given it any thought except the fleeting - oh crap I haven't thought about Christmas - thought, which doesn't do much good. It's really strange not to be going anywhere. Normally Tim and I are either going to Wagga or Adelaide... but this year we are just... staying in Wagga... Surrounded by boxes and half painted walls. Life has a very determined way of not giving you what you plan for yourself doesn't it? At least we should be back in our house. Which is a lot more than a lot of others. And we will be eating a heap of home grown food... which leads we nicely to...

The garden! Basil and herbs galore, onions and garlic, corn, potatoes, parsnips and ermmm very small carrots. A bed of poppies, roses and giant sunflowers - which really diserve a post of their own.

By way of explanation...

So in 3 weeks time I start shooting a feature film. By I, I mostly mean other people. I'm the production co-ordinator.

Wait a second Sophie, don't you work in theatre? 
I thought you were teaching at a university? 
There's a feature film shooting in Wagga Wagga? 

* Yes, it's the first time I've worked on a film.
* Yes but semester is over, I'm a casual, so uni student break = no money for me = no chocolate for us.
* I know right? It's the first feature film to be made here, and I have my fingers and toes crossed that it goes super well. We have some awesome stars, a super funny script, hardly any money or time - it's going to be fabulous and frantic.

I avoid talking about work here, but all this is by way of saying - ermmm I'm going to be a little bit busy. Again. Really, entertainment careers and blogging just don't mix that well. So I will be around a bit and I hope to have a few guest posts for you and I'm going to try to keep up with my thankful post and then by the time I'm free again I should:
a) Hopefully be back living in my house. Actually I don't want to jinx that, we're in our third week with no tradesmen roocking up.
b) Be in full Christmas mode!!! Woo!
c) Maybe have a full time job, which I am currently writing the VERY GROWN UP application for.

Oops. Sorry for mentioning Christmas.
Oops. Did it again.

Oh and this is the film.

Oh and the slightly fuzzy picture of a horse in a field? Just coz.

Brought to you by the colour red

Is Melbourne! I didn't take many pictures as I was working most of the time (on this), but hubby and I had a day to spend together (yes he came down to slob around my free hotel room hang out with me). We went to St Kilda, Luna Park (we played pinball and ate strawberry ice-cream!), the botanic gardens and then watched a movie (it's really sad). 

Funny how colour themes just pop up sometimes. (Note the awesome red jeans up the top there!)

Dublin Doors

I'm going overseas next week. For work. I've never done that before. It's pretty exciting but also sad because being apart from Husbando sucks. Being apart from husbando when he has an important birthday sucks even more. Being paid to be in Dublin for a week will still be pretty good though... so my question is... do I have any Irish readers or peeps who are down with the diddle in Dublin?

{Image}

Dear Blog

 Good Lord have you seen that pile of marking? Yeah that one. Just there. Yeah. What was I saying about liking this teaching stuf??
Okay okay, I honestly don't mind it, and I do take pride in my ability to give blunt honest and hopefully not to hurtful feedback.
Meanwhile, see that give away down there? Yep get involved!

{What a cute idea! Image}

 So my new routine is getting on a plane on a Monday evening. Sleeping under the worlds warmest doona, which is good because I'm lacking a husbands body warmth (thanks mum). Teaching myself to exhaustion on Tuesday and catching the overnight train back to Sydney. Overnight trains. Oh man. With a pillow (folded coat), ear plugs (I actually invested in these) and eye mask (scarf wrapped around the head) it's almost bearable and I get about 3 hours sleep. The New Life is good I think. I'm liking seeing my parents more. I'm loving the country air. And I think I like teaching. I can keep control of my class, I even enjoy marking. I was standing writing at a white board and it didnt feel weird. I didn't feel like a fraud. It felt good. Now I'm off to catch the train.

{image}

How it went...

Today at work in my lunch break I walked past kangaroos. 
Today at work when my second year students left, they said "That was great, thanks". 
You couldn't wipe the dirty great big smile off my face. Enhanced by "I told you so" by husbando and then amazing food cooked by my dad. No pictures I'm afraid chaps! But... phew, huh?! Now I just need this to turn into a permanent job and I can really start dreaming about our house and garden and the next stage of our life, instead of dreaming about it... but as a maybe.
It's scary how much work I have to do though, as well as writing my next lot of lectures for the uni, I'm also doing lighting console training, plus casual lighting operating around Sydney... the blog blog may stay neglected for a little while longer yet.

{image}

It starts...

Tomorrow. I have a staff card. I'm an academic people. An academic. And I just got into theatre coz I wanted to climb ladders and do a boys job. (not entirely true but partially). I've been shopping for appropriate work clothes. I now own a blazer. A very nice comfy grey t-shirt material blazer but still... it has a collar. I'm excited about what this could turn into, the air down here is so wonderful, but not keeping my hopes up either. The alternative if this doesn't work out if just fine too.

In the bag...

 

In my bag this last week:
Water bottle, wallet, keys, spoon, bandaid, lolly, Blistex, panadol, spare hairbands, tampons, purse to keep all those little bits in, cable ties, lighting gel, sunglasses, script, phone, notebook, pencils, pens, sharpie, electrical tape, solder, the label of my bike tyre packet, bike lock, plastic bag (to cover my leather bike seat in the rain), leatherman, screwdrivers.
Needless to say, it's been busy. 
Ps. Go see our play, on until Saturday...

Shameless

Shameless self promotion that is...

 

Please come see our play. It's on next week. Bring kids 8 and up (or a bit younger if they are tough and don't mind scary robots). And if you don't have kids please come anyway! Small independent theatre: Huzzah! Drop Bear Theatre do new plays for kids of all ages (even though this particular one is for the slightly older).

That's my boy in the picture up there, and I am doing the lights for the show as well as "cracking the whip" (technically known as the production manager)...

Tickets are only $17 and it's on from Friday 1st July to Friday 8th at 'The Reginald' Downstairs theatre at the Seymour Centre, Sydney. Book here!

oh hai...

Okay so I hate that spelling of 'hi' but it does seem to articulate the sheepishness with which I want to convey that hello. I'm sorry my lovelies I seem to have gotten a wee bit caught up in turning a year older, quitting my job and preparing to begin another, working somewhere without internet this week, and oh yes - putting on a play!

If you're a Sydneysider please do come see our show Aleksander and the Robot Maid at the Seymour centre.... it's for kids 8 and up and stars my stunning husbando and twinkely lights by me! Actually, if you're not a Sydneysider then you should still come... I just don't expect it as much *beam*

So my office has moved in with my boy's (in our bedroom). I have a camping table, the corners of which cut into my thighs. Our bookshelves have become my pin board and basically my crap is everywhere. But I'm pretty stoked. The last few nights I've been in bed at around 10pm. Normally I still have another hour to go at work at that time. I've been booking little bits of work here and there and already I have been reacquainting myself with my friends. Long lost and neglected friends. Relationships that need the dust blown off, and a warm cup of coffee placed in their hands and a smile shared across a table in real life. Real Life. I've made dinner, and dessert. TWICE.

How are you all?

Ps. All the American and English blogs I read are killing me with their summer activities!

{Photos of my "new" office space, please forgive the 'Keep Calm' poster... but it's about baking and I couldn't help myself. And the Sophie/Pear picture is by a dear friend}

String

Isn't string en masse and well lit stunnning? These are from a giant kinetic sculpture that is on our stage right now....

Disaster.

I don't have much to say today. I'm working long hours and it's all a bit blue. 
The footage of the floods in Queensland is unbelievable. It's like the Black Saturday fires again. Except with a lot more wet... I'm thinking of all those who are losing so much.

smash smash.

I knocked down a pedestrian on my way into work today. He ended up flat on his back in the middle of the road. I felt awful. But he was at fault. It's gonna take some learning for people to work out the cycle paths thing. Basically I had a green bike light up ahead and was cruising along on a slight down slope, pedestrians were crossing in the same direction on the street, and cars were also going. The guy just veered off into my path without looking and I had no were to go. More pedestrians or cars either side and the roads were wet so I couldn't stop in time. I skidded but still took his legs out from under him. He apologised I apologised but we were both pretty shaken. It being almost 9am and in the middle of a busy street we carried on our separate ways. I hope he's okay... and I guess he won't do it ever again!


{awesome pic}

The show must go on...

 So you may have gathered from my thankful post, that my boss has broken his leg. It happened during a live performance at our theatre. And it was pretty dramatic. Thankfully the curtain was in and it didn't happen in front of all 900 people - they would of all heard his yell though and the sound of the 750kg wall as it landed on him. Obviously this majorly sucks for him.
For me this means a lot more responsibility, a lot more stress, a shortened holiday in febuary and well, it means everything that could go wrong that he would normally fix has. I started to feel like I was getting on top of all the new things I had to do today and then bam. Something doesn't work. And I don't know why and I don't know how to fix it and so I end up feeling completely incompetent.
Luckily my boy knows how to cheer me up. Popcorn, lollies, accompaning me to the christmas party and reminding me of the blissfully crazy family long weekend that lies ahead - Hurry up Friday and go away Monday!

{source unknown - If this is yours, do let me know}

Link love for Friday...

 My dears, it pains me to say it, but I pretty much havn't been on the internet this week. What with removing a large house and all its various lighting paraphernalia from the theatre and replacing it with a completely different lighting rig which has decided to be, unsuprisingly, uncooperative, (the lights are always uncooperative when the boss is away and I'm left in charge) there hasn't been much time for surfing. So with that I present you with these few links. Though diminutive in number they are massive in cool content... yup.
* Faux taxidermy on Etsy!
* Sustainable design shops in Sydney...
* A disused Sydney Tabernacle is being turned into a new indie theatre space.
* Check out all the pictures I collect on the internet...

Also. I am going away for the long weekend - incredibly I have wrangled 3 days off in a row. We are trotting off at sparrows fart tomorrow morning to my home town for a rousing family gathering. So, I will continue to not be very present. If you too are an Aussie have a fantabulous long weekend!

{Mine. The cherry blossoms are glorious!}

Dreaming in envy

In my brief lunch break today I forced myself to go outside. I found beautiful sunshine and was confronted by people - who I assume are normal - eating pizza and drinking wine and I was filled with the green eyed monster. Oh for a Friday where work stops at 2pm for lunch and wine and a weekend ahead. Weeks like this do that to me. Also, I think I am ready for summer.