Speaking of shows..

If you really know me, you know that I’m really quiet, ordering a pizza is a struggle for me and I’m terrified of putting myself out there.

I’m really proud of myself for making sure I’m pursuing my dreams of being a stage manager. The problem with Columbia is you can get your degree without ever working on a show. You have to put yourself out there in order to get to work on shows. I’ve worked on a show every semester I’ve been here because I spoke up. Speaking up for me is hard. Even around my family. Seriously. I’m one of the shyest people you might ever meet. Because I’ve done that, now I’m going to have my own main stage next year. I’ve become good at my job because I’ve acquired experience.

Wow TWO posts from me.. That means I probably wont update this thing for twice as long next time :)

Well it was December since my last post.

I've been crazy crazy busy.

First off, New Years with Quadra was beyond amazing. That's all I'll say about that. AAAAND I'm going back in 13 days! I didn't expect to go back so soon! I had a free flight and I was going to go back in August instead but Sarah might not be there so I figured I wouldn't take a chance and just book for when she is there. So I leave the morning after school ends. 7:45 am flight. WAHOO. Definitely not going to bed that night. No point. I have to take the train at like 5:45 am which kind of sucks but that means not a whole lot of people will be on it :) Maybe I'll just take a cab.. it's safer but a lot more money. Now I'm just rambling. I'm sure you all will be waiting on pins and needles to find out what I did.

I assistant stage managed a main stage this semester! It literally took up all my time but it was so worth it. I was in class from 8:30-3:20 then I would go home, eat then go back to school by 5. It was a crazy life but I loved it. Working on a main stage is a big deal. It's definitely the more talented actors and Main Stages are teated more like real shows. I became close with the cast. They were all really awesome people. I haven't really ran into real diva actors yet.. I'm waiting for it though.

I get to stage manage my own next semester. I'm beyond nervous but I'm ready. It's my time.

School is over in 2 weeks. 3 semesters left of college.

Yeah, I have no words.

For the 8736383rd time this is pointless because Ali is the only one who reads this but it's break and I have nothing better to do. It's one of those nights on break where you stay up just because you can. And you're listening to music that reminds you of stuff. Happy, sad and all sorts of good stuff.

SO since I've posted.. I turned 21!

It would be even more exciting if I wasn't the only one of my friends who are 21 but you know what? It's okay. It's something to look forward to.

I have the best roommate ever.. I was at rehearsal on my birthday and I came back to a fully decked out apartment with streamers, confetti all over the place and balloons. And surprises all over the apartment. I LOVE surprising people so when people surprise me, it's the best thing ever. Then I went to dinner with Sam, Nicky and Sarah. It was small but they're all I need :)

This semester was hard. I had to read 2 plays a week, stage manage a play and have 14 credits. I was crazy busy but I met some amazing people that I will never forget. I got through it and so far I've passed everything.. but I still have two more grades to come in. I'm not terribly worried about them but there's always that possibility of disappointment and I just can't do that to my parents again.

I had maaaajor issues with Mike but whatever. I hate him. That's all I have to say about that.

I have the best friends in the world and I can't wait until I see them in SIX DAYS!! I haven't seen them since last december. We're spending New Years in a hotel in downtown Denver. It's going to be a fabulous night of fighting, singing and booze. If you know us, you know that's completely normal and I'm looking forward to it more than anything.

Going back to Denver is definitely going to be emotional. I don't know how I'm going to handle it. I'm just glad I'll have them with me :)

This is my first Christmas with my whole family in 10 years. CAN'T WAIT.

Those are the main events that have happened since September.

School is extremely hard this semester.

I'm stage managing on top of taking a 16 hour credit schedule.

Each of my classes have me reading a different book. Not textbook.. actual books. One class I had to buy eight plays for.

On thursdays I go from 10:30- 9:20 pm. That's a long day.

I have like 8 papers this semester which actually I think is pretty moderate.

I'm just overwhelmed and it's only the third week of school. This semester is going to make me or break me.

I just wanted somewhere to complain.

Yeah that's right.. I ran in Yankee stadium. That was a tough course. We had a lot of stairs to climb within those 3 miles but it was worth it. Even if you're not a Yankees fan, it's a cool experience. I was in awe the entire time. Especially when we immersed onto the field. As if we were players running on the field. They didn't let us on the grass obviously but I don't know I can't even describe this feeling right now. I had a little trouble with my feet going numb but no big deal.. the spirit of Yankees stadium kept me going. Having our family there to cheer us on was awesome. They're so supportive.

As a Yankees fan, this was one of the greatest days of my life. I will definitely never forget this feeling. We even got a medal :)

Well another 5K down.. maybe a 10K one day. I hope to run a marathon with my Daddy one day but I'm going to be honest. I don't think I have that type of motivation. I would love to but I don't know. Maybe.. A girl can dream right?

Those stairs killed me. I made friends with that lady next to me.

On the big screen in the stadium

Us on the warning track. Of course we had to take a picture. The family took this from the stands. Came out pretty nice and close

Run run run

Started on the lower level.. ran around that twice then went onto the warning track on the field for two laps then upstairs to the top level then all the way back down then ALL THE WAY UP AGAIN.. then to the finish. Felt like 10 miles but hey.. whatever maybe they were off in measuring.

Just in case someone stumbles across this.. I'm running a 5k for cancer research in Yankee Stadium! Pretty awesome. Anyway if you have a few dollars to spare and want to help a good cause here's the link to donate :)

http://www.drcrf.org/netcommunity/alysonpaigek

Sam came to visit!

I don't have any of the good pictures.. she does because I made her look like the tourist because I'm a New Yorker now.. psht tourists.

We had a great time. She was literally here for three days so we had to make the best of it. We went into Manhattan the first two days and Jones Beach before she took off on thursday. I love this girl so much. I can't believe we got so close so fast. I figure she would hate me after living with me for a year but it was like a nine month long sleep over and I can't wait to do it again!

I've always wanted to make this post.. hopefully nothing happens after I post this but

So there's this boy..

His name is Mike.. it's only been a month but he makes my heart skip a beat

I cannot wait to see him. I go back to Chicago July 15th to look for apartments with Sam so clearly i'll go spend time with him too

That's in 31 days in case you wanted to know.

This long distance is really really hard and I try not to worry that much but I do. I think we're making it work. We're both honest with each other and we talk every day and all day so.

Um I'm taking a summer English class so I can maybe graduate on time. Doubt that'll happen but you never know.

Sarah is coming for a week! June 30- July 7. Really really excited. I miss her and I need her.

This small apartment is really getting to me.. like reeeeeaaaallllyyyyy getting to me.