10 on 10: December 2011

Ten on Ten Photojournal Project - A photo taken every hour over ten hours on the tenth of each month.

If only everyone knew sign language...

You may have noticed my "Capturing my Blessings" streak ended at Thanksgiving, and maybe you thought I ran out of things to be grateful for. Of course not! Actually I just got very very very sick after Thanksgiving and have been trying to recuperate/catch-up/survive ever since. At the moment I'm fending off a nasty cough and trying to get my voice back from the depths of a bout of laryngitis for an audition later this afternoon AND a PSA shoot on Sunday. It's been frustrating to be voiceless these past couple of days, and honestly I've felt pretty isolated because of it (except during my ASL classes, since no speaking is required for me to understood there!) I didn't realize how much I actually talk until I couldn't do it anymore.

It was good for me to have a way this November to remember all of the many things I have to be thankful for in my life, since Chad and I have been having a bit of a rough go of it lately. Like pretty much everyone else, we're going through tough times financially, and trying to stay optimistic - yet realistic - about our situation. I'm seriously contemplating going back to work full time in order to relieve some of the burden - but this most likely means dropping out of my ASL interpreting program and postponing yet again my goal of becoming a certified interpreter. So that's been a bear of a decision on my mind lately. On top of it all we've both been feeling frustrated by the lack of acting opportunities of late, and the seemingly snail-like nature of our journey here in LA. Our patience is truly being tested on that front, and it's proving difficult to stay motivated and keep trying.

Anyway, aside from all that, I'm thrilled that December is finally here - my favorite time of the year by far, and the month we get to go home and see our loved ones and enjoy some much-needed time away from crazy Los Angeles. I have our departure date circled clearly on my calendar at work, and I am sort of marveling at how soon that day will come!

Wishing you a lovely start to a December that's very merry and bright!

Photo-chopped by yours truly.