My updates...and rants

It's been more than a month since I've updated...sorry, been busy trying to fit in work, studies (not much of it), rehearsing for a production, attending 1 book club meeting, and fitting in my tv programmes and rest too. Phew!

What have I been up to the past month or so?

• I watched films "Pursuit of Happiness" and "Casino Royale" and they were very good - I enjoyed them very much. "Pursuit" made me realise how down and out some people were and how far being determined and hard working can take you to. Casino Royale made me forget about Pierce Brosnan's James Bond and it was "bring it on, Daniel Craig". Throughout the film, one word stood out for me about Daniel Craig's Bond - SUAVE!

• I did not attend February's book club meeting and our book for that month was Chocolat. I've watched the movie but didn't get pass a few pages for the book - oops! So even if I hadn't read past the prologue for March's book, The Jane Austen Book Club, I went to the meeting on Wednesday and enjoyed myself. There's something about being in the company of older and mature women from where you learn about things (like dress styles, paintings, food, gardening, plants) that I might not otherwise know about. And the tea and cakes we had were yum too! By the way, both books weren't well received by the club. April's book is "Spies" and I want to get down to reading it from start to end. I have been reminded to do so by my book club friends.

• I have a small role as a maid in my town's theatrical society (Mansfield Musical and Dramatic Society) in Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan. I have a non-speaking role in Act 2 and 4 lines in Act 4. We've been rehearsing quite a bit and Opening Night is Thursday, 5 April. We have rehearsals today, tomorrow (1 April), Monday (2 April) and Tuesday (3 April). Initially, it was planned that there were only going to be 2 rehearsals, Today and Tuesday, then last week, we were told Monday was a rehearsal night too. And a few days ago, the director sent an email to say all 4 days (31 March-3 April) would be spent rehearsing. It's fair enough for those main actors but I'm a bit part actor and I still have to show up for all 4 rehearsals! I tried to ask for a day off today and would turn up for the other 3 rehearsals so I can study but the director questioned my commitment to the production. She said, "if you want to be in a production, you have to commit". It's fair enough for a main actor but not a bit part actor!!!!!!! Arrgghhh! I HATE when people question my commitment cos I'm a responsible person. And we were only going to have 2 rehearsals in the first place, prior to Opening Night, not 4!!!!! I really regret being part of this production and am really not enjoying it anymore cos it has taken more time away from my rest and study than I was initially told. I enjoyed my production last year cos my director was decisive and had more trust in her actors. I'm not going to be a part of any production until I finish my studies and I know the director is a good one.

• I'm so far behind in my studies. I am having trouble fitting in work, housework (even tho my husband shares the load), rest, sleep, exercise, watching tv, and studies... I know studying and working is hard work and since we don't yet have kids, I thought I should do it soon. I need to make a good go of it. Looking forward to our one week academic break on 9 April so I can catch-up.

• Phill and I are officially home owners of a 22 acre beautiful spot in Lima South, which we bought from Phill's parents. His parents are currently building a portable house - granny flat - on the property. When his parents' house is built, we'll be moving in, which may happen in 3 months, but depending on the weather.