In 3 easy steps.

1. Read The Fault in Our Stars. Fall in love with his book, with his characters, with his words.

2. Read wikipedia, peruse his tumblr, watch his vlogs, read his tweets, visit his websites, DFTBA.

3. Get into a (relatively small) event, and clink glasses with him, shake his hand, thank him, listen to him discuss censorship and education (a deep passion of yours, obviously), be brave and raise your hand to ask a question when he asks for Q and A, and go get the book from “step 1″ signed and personalized.

Easy peasy.

Here’s the longer version.

Seriously, guys. I went from someone who “really enjoyed Will Grayson, Will Grayson” to a full on Nerdfighter in just a few short days.

I’ll start by giving a little review of the book that kicked off this fantasm… The Fault in Our Stars. I really did enjoy WG, WG, but it wasn’t a game changer for me. It was lovely. But It was on a shelf with a dozen other contemporary YA pieces that I really liked. When TFIOS came out, and lots of my book loving friends said it was can’t miss, I was skeptical, but eventually, ventured to my local Kroger and picked up a copy. About that time, my friend, Smash and I decided we’d try to go to his event in Dallas.

Now, this event was NOT a nerdfighter/TFIOS tour/Vlogbrothers event. This was a fundraiser for the American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read campaign. For a small donation, Smash and I were granted access to a “cocktail hour reception, and a presentation by John on censorship” (Nothing else was promised… in fact, on twitter, he stated that he would likely be unable to sign anything due to the time constraints) Seeing as his regular events have up to 1000 people at them, those signings take HOURS. This was a 6:00-8:30 affair, having time for an hour of refreshments, 45 minutes of his speaking, and later, we were told, 45 minutes for a signing (as time would allow).

In the days leading to the event, I cracked open the book.

And I read.

And I cried.

And I laughed.

And I begged every page to never end…

But one by one, as pages do… the turned into each other, and it was over.

As I planned my imminent re-read (back to back re-reads are super rare for me), I slowly began to research who this John Green guy is, and why he has these followers, what are all of these acronyms, how does he have over a million twitter followers, WHAT is HAPPENING?

I discovered that he’s a marketing genius. He has an incredibly successful youtube channel with vlogs he makes with his brother Hank. He encourages people (young and old) to be creative, principled, and active in their communities “increasing awesome, and decreasing suck” under the banner “NERDFIGHTERS”. He is an active tweeter and tumblr, sharing lovely quotes, artwork, and other gems – NOT just promoting his own work. He and his nerdfighters plaster DFTBA all over the internet, reminding folks: “Don’t forget to be awesome.”

Basically, he’s brilliantly smart about handling his persona: public, and less public.

He even agreed to sign the ENTIRE first printing (150,000ish copies) of his novel. (He had a poll over which sharpie color to use, and signed books based on the winning percentages.) When I picked up my copy at Kroger, I managed to grab one that WASN’T signed! When I went out on Saturday, and looked on the shelves of Target, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, and even grocery stores, I found DOZENS of signed copies, in a rainbow of colors of varied rareness. (I settled on one signed in my fave color, turquoise – which apparently is rare-ish… whatever)

At this point, I was getting pretty excited.

I was clearly a fan of the book. Clearly a fan of John. Of his writing, of his creativity, of his social presence, of his ability to market himself AND his works. I was fully SQUEALING about the event of Sunday night.

Smash and I started the evening by indulging in milkshakes at Twisted Root, (which were delish) and spent time talking about how wonderfully honest and beautiful this book is. And then we were off to drive the dozen or so blocks to the Dallas Public Library.

When we got a few blocks away, stopped at a light, I turned around and looked 150 yards away to a back corner of a random lot, and LO, I saw the John Green TFIOS Tour Mobile!!!

You must understand how serendipitious this was, because honestly, it was NO WHERE NEAR the actual library. It was a sign of the aweomeness yet to come.

We took pictures, avoided a few homeless people, and were soon back on the streets, driving the rest of the way to the library.

Upon our arrival, I was overjoyed at the little nerdfighters who had already arrived. Adorned in their hand painted shirts, and lugging copies of well-loved books; they waited for John as if he were a rock star. (By my count he pretty much is a rockstar, but I digress)

A table of books was already set up, and at such a discounted price, I decided to pick up a copy of his other, most recent novel, 2008′s Paper Towns. A little more waiting, and we were among the first of the throngs of fans ready to get signed in and enter the reception.

As Smash and I are so dedicated, we were easily the first two people at the sign in table. I checked in, and entered the room.

A large meeting room had a small open bar (wine and beer!!!) and some hors d’œuvres. In the center was John Green, and 2-3 companions… THAT’S IT.

The crowds were being delayed, and I was the first one in.

I was nervous, and wanted to avoid rushing him, so I grabbed a glass of wine, and slowly made my way to his area. One of the men, from the library team, I think, smiled at me and said, “Just jump right in, it’s about to be crazy in here”. So, I did.

I walked up to his little crew, and he gave me his attention.

“Good evening! I’m Kelsey. (handshake) I want to thank you… so much, actually, for writing such an emotive and honest novel. The Fault in Our Stars was beautiful, and touched my heart in an incredible way. I am so grateful for your having written it. Cheers (WINE GLASS CLINK – He clinked with his beer bottle), thank you for being here.”

I was so glad I didn’t squeal and run around in circles or something.

He was so gracious, and thanked me for reading and for attending the event. It was a very lovely and sweet moment. I was so happy.

Right around that time Smash (who’d been wrongfully detained due to some clerical error) and about 25 others were making there way into the room. Smash had her moment, and totally chatted him up. She got lots of smiles from him. She obviously wanted a photo, but we were told that it was just logistically impossible, and that posed pictures were not an option.

We improvised:

By then, it was clear that the nearly 200 people were all wanting their turns, and he graciously gave each of them a bit of attention. Several of the youngins were asking him to sign books and other things, and he was abliging them… but I began to wonder if he was going to have a proper signing. Previously, he’d tweeted that there would not be time, and we’d been given no guarantees.

I asked one of the event helpers, and was assured that following his speech, he’d be doing a very brief signing.

In a moment of strateg-ery, I convinced Smash to come with me to snag seats near to the door, so that when it was over, we’d be among the first in line.

SUCCESS!

We had a bit more wine (one of those glasses was Smash’s by the way) and we readied for his discussion.

When he took the podium, he began to share about being banned (and nearly banned) for a scene in a book that he honestly penned thinking it’d be labeled “Christian fiction”, and how censoring library shelves is a disservice to society. He said that librarians and teachers are the people who’ve been entrusted with the JOB of deciding what and how to teach. NOT for the exclusive benefit of a parent. NOT for the exclusive benefit of one kid, but for the COLLECTIVE benefit of our society.

Keep in mind that this event was essentially for librarians, and educators (I KNOW, RIGHT!?!?!) so there were 25-50 young people, and 150-175 teachers, librarians, and literature enthusiasts. Seeing and meeting John Green is one thing. But seeing John Green talk about education (obviously an area of passion for me, as a teacher), and talk about the role of a wide spectrum of literature being available to people of all ages as a means of cultivating greater knowledge in our communities as a whole… THAT’s an entirely different level of awesome.

After he spoke, he had time for 5ish questions.

Feeling bold, I raised my hand. Once. Twice. Thrice. BAM. He called on me.

“What role or responsibility do you feel that these (gesturing to the young nerdfighters who were all gathered on the floor at his feet like story time in Sunday school) exuberant young people have in advocating for the books that they want to remain on their school library shelves?”

WORD. That would be coherent exchange with JG #2.

I got a bit of applause from the other educators and librarians in the room, and then he commented that authors have the opportunity and ability to build real relationships with their readers and encourage that kind of involvement. It was awesome.

Just about then he ran out of time, and Smash and I DASHED to the door and into the hall, where we took our places as person #1 and #2 in the signing line. He came out and took a seat.

He didn’t have a sharpie, but as a prepared signing participant, I GAVE him mine! EEEP! Smash got a myriad of books signed, which was awesome, and I had him add personalization to my turquoise signature, and asked if he’d draw an infinity symbol… (this plays on a theme in the novel) I’d hoped to ask him to draw one that was larger than the other, but his hands were causing him so much pain I couldn’t ask for more. (After signing well over 150,000 copies, his dexterity is unfortunately and understandably a bit compromised at the moment.)

One extra “Thank you” and we left him to the masses.

Honestly, he looked exhausted. Dedicated to greeting all those who came to him, but exhausted all the same. I don’t feel bad for him, being able to do what he loves and being adored by his fans, but, as one human observing another, I definitely feel sorry for that tired fella, who misses his wife and baby, and is undoubtedly longing for some time at home.

This event was incredible. Typically, these events have hundreds more people, longer lines, limited access, and a very different vibe. This event was academic, incredibly intimate, and absolutely unique.

I was so thrilled to meet him. So thrilled to THANK him for this book. THRILLED to share the evening with Smash…

And that, my friends, is how you become a John Green fangirl in just 72 short hours, and in 3 easy steps.

I must reiterate that the first step is the most important one…

Read The Fault in Our Stars… and allow yourself to be inspired.

© Kelsey for Kelsey Toney, 2012. | Permalink | 15 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: ashley, books, friends, John Green, LWL, reading, smash, TFIOS, the fault in our stars

I’ve got a very, very, VERY high stress job at times. I work with adolescents who have some type of emotional or behavioral problems, and as you can imagine, I get tired. I get worn down. I get exhausted emotionally carrying around hopes for the well-being of my munchkins in my heart.

One of Heather’s go to philosophies (the tagline of her blog, even) is “Make one healthy decision. Now make another.”

I get bogged DOWN, y’all.

It’s hard sometimes to give a FLYING CRAP about what I eat or if I workout, or whatever.

But every time…

Without fail…

When I get off my bum and make a smart decision for myself… my heart swells, and my body rejoices, and it screams at me to keep it up.

That being said, I went to a hip hop class last night here in Denton, and I sweated my brains out. IT was so great, and I can’t WAIT to go back next week.

In other adorable news…

We’ve got a new little friend…

Do you see him…

Isn’t he the most handsome-est little ball of feathers you ever-did-see!?!

Sometimes I feel like a little baby bird… trying to find my wings. Find my stride. Sometimes I feel like I’ve got my eyes closed, and I’m just hoping something/someone comes along to nourish me, guide me, help me keep it all together.

And sometimes, it seems like we fall out of the nest before we even get a chance…

But maybe, just maybe… if I flap my little wings hard enough… my heart will continue to lighten, and I’ll have more bright moments of soaring spirits.

Until tomorrow, my darlings!

© Kelsey for Kelsey Toney, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: friends, heather, life

I might as well recap some of the things that have happened since I last checked in! Since after all, at the end of the day, this blog will be more of a record for ME than anyone else (when I’m old and grey).

Rocky Horror Column Show!

I was SUPER thrilled to portray Magenta in the opening number of the Column Awards Gala this year. The Column Awards is a great event that benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, and it was honestly such a rewarding and fun experience. Here are a few photos and videos of the event. That’s me singing in the big lips, with the crazy HAIR, and maid’s outfit!!

And here is a video I took of Broadway Legend Donna McKechnie singing her landmark song from A Chorus Line:

Honestly. One of the most incredibly fun things I’ve, like, EVER done.

I’m gonna blog every day for the next 7 days. So we’ll see how that goes! Hold me to it!!

© Kelsey for Kelsey Toney, 2011. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags:

Sure, friendships started on the internet might seem a little strange to your grandma, (Hey! Nothing against your grandma, really!!) but it is becoming the norm, as our world continues to shrink into a global neighborhood, where finding a blogger you like is the equivalent of having a face to face conversation with someone as you both reach for the same book at the library. So, in an effort to further eliminate the stigma about these types of relationships and friendships, I thought I’d put together a little list of some people who are super awesome that I was introduced to because of the internet.

6 Cool people I’ve “met” on the internet.

1. My Lola

contact: message boards first, then emails, then trans-atlantic flight

Lola and I met on her website early in the new millennium… It was a Star Wars fansite for young women, mostly… Laugh if you must, but trust me… we’re awesome. And the site was HUGELY popular. It focused a great deal of it’s attention on the wardrobe, and costume designs of the films, and was very artsy and awesome. Through talking on the boards regularly, I eventually became a mod, then an admin, and eventually, we were talking more via email, im, and video chat than on the website. As lola’s interests changed and began to focus more on her artwork, (HAVE YOU SEEN HER FREAKING ARTWORK??? Click, Click, CLICK!) the website fell away, and we were left with a deep and lasting friendship. I’ve written about lola before, several times, she’s closer than a friend, she’s my sister!

Summer of 2009, I went to Spain to speak at the international association of special education conference in Spain, and was able to spend a few weeks with her, and “my spanish family”… We’re already thinking about how we’ll get to each other’s continent again soon, and without the internet, I’d never know her.

2. Heather

contact: Then Heather Said her super blog! Then texts and emails, and eventually a meet up in my home town!

from thenheathersaid

Heather is a blogging maven, and social networking diva extraordinaire. She has a gift for engaging people on her network through blog comments and tweets, which is endlessly endearing. I’m not sure that we met through our blogs, but during the 2009 blogger secret santa, Heather drew my name, and discovered that her family lives, LITERALLY one street over from me in our neighborhood. So when she came to visit, and we planned a local blogger get together, we realized that we had a great deal more in common than just our address. She’s wonderful, and I’m so glad to know her. I deeply hope that we continue to get to know each other more.

3. The Book Club…

contact: nationally based newlywed message board, and eventually, email.

From here via weheartit

Ok, this is a little bit of a cop-out, I KNOW, but I can’t list them all individually, or you’d never read anything else I wrote again. I have about 15 or so ladies, who I email DAILY… and not just a couple of emails, but DOZENS of emails daily, as we talk about our love of books, and eventually, our families, experiences, and dreams. These girls are AMAZING. One is one of my favorite people and we actually share another circle of friends too, so we meet up as often as we can and talk about tons of amazing things. One was my secret santa and hand delivered an amazing box of goodies this year. One girl is the object of my ultimate girl crush, as she’s a teacher, just like me, and loves YA lit even more than I do! One is the mother of an absolute princess, and exhibits kindness at every turn. One is a fierce pole fitness enthusiast. One just gave birth to the most gorgeous triplets. Still another is writing a book with a tie in to a love of music that makes me grateful for her brightness in my life. There are more, but you get the point. These ladies are unique, SMART, and so compassionate to each other. I’m so grateful for this support group, because we’ve truly become great friends even though most of us have never met.

4. Nicci

contact: bloggy love, then meetups in our town!

Nicci is one of the very few bloggers who actually lives in my home town! We’ve been awfully busy lately, and I wish I could express how sad I am that we’ve not been able to hang out more lately… but I know, at least for me, that our time apart hasn’t zapped any of the affection!! We are able to keep up to date with each other easily due to social networking sites like facebook and twitter. I feel like we’ve barely been apart because we share “likes” and comments on each other’s updates al the time! She’s really great, and I know I never would have met her, if it hadn’t been for the internet!

5. Trinity

contact: blogs, work, and meetups

Trinity is amazing. Like, seriously. If you know her, you’re better for it. PERIOD. She’s brilliantly intelligent, and clever. A teacher as well, we have plenty in common, not to mention her love for wholesome food and yoga. She introduced me to the yoga studio that I call home, and that has subsequently provided me with SO much growth and knowledge. Like Nicci, I haven’t been able to spent very much time with Trinity lately, which breaks my heart. My early bed-time, combined with my location on the opposite side of town makes it hard for me to meet up with them often, but I think about our handful of outings fondly ALL the time. I’m so glad that the internet brought us together!

6. Sarah Lane

contact: blog, and, like, literally a gazillion social networking sites (cause that’s kinda her thing)

via Sarah’s awesome flickr

This is a bit of a stretch… cause I don’t know Sarah very well, but she’s a great example of a cordial and pleasant acquaintance that is super common in today’s web based human interaction. Sarah is a tech maven, has worked at several awesome tech outlets, but always brought a bit of artistry, and creativity to her projects. It was that extra piece that lead me to keep up with her endeavors, as she moved about. Through the last, I dunno, few years or so we’ve exchanged a handful of silly emails, RT’d awesome cat photos, and annual birthday smiles (as ours are a day apart). She’s just good people. I’m moderately confident that we’d be more than happy splitting a block of cheese and a barrel of wine if the occasion ever arises.

____________________________________

Honorable mentions:

My class of DFW knotties

contact: national wedding board, followed by emails, meetups, and eventually facebook

From here via weheartit

So this is another one that’s a bit of a batch maneuver, but there are several dozen women, who I’ve known now, for 5+ years who met on this wedding planning board. We’ve all separated into smaller factions, and my switzerland status has kept me neutrally connected to most of these ladies over time, which I’m SO grateful for. These girls are funny, and have become a regular part of my friendship circle. I’m very glad to have them, all, absolutely.

Think about it, really think! Do you have any friends that you made online that you never would have met otherwise!? If you blog about them, please let me know, I’d love to read about it! Or let me know in the comments.

© Kelsey for Kelsey Toney, 2010. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: blogging, friends, tech

I wanted to jump on the proverbial bandwagon, and post a brief collection of the KelseyToney.com posts from the last year that have meant the most to me for a myriad of reasons.

So, without further adieu,

…the memorable posts of 2010!!

January 21, 2010 – keeping it real (no, really.)

In this post, I discussed the self esteem crushing attitudes that I (and other bloggers) take on when we try to equate the number of subscribers, commenters, and or page views that we have on our blogs. One of the primary elements of my personality that I wish I could change, is my need for constant feedback. While my readership has continued to grow… despite my shortcomings in the arena of regular daily (or even weekly blogging), this blog has never had large amounts of comments. For whatever the reason. In this post I scrapped the notion that my worth, or the worth of my thoughts and feelings are measured by my blog feedback… and it felt great.

February 3, 2010 – KelsNotChels Rewind: Death to the Coin Laundromat

This post was just fun… it’s an excerpt from a 2004 livejournal entry in which I describe, in tragic detail how I managed to completely embarrass myself in the coin laundromat. Highlights include a male patron, and my skivvies combining in an anecdote I’m so glad to have chronicled.

February 10, 2010 – When they STOP mentioning it

This post is one that I REALLY hope you’ll go back and re-read if you’ve lost weight over the past few weeks, months, or years… because eventually… your friends and family will STOP complimenting you every time they see you, and you’ll just be you. And we have to… I mean HAVE to be okay when that influx of constant praise and encouragement is replaced with just regular conversation. This one is SO important to me, that upon reading it again tonight, I couldn’t believe I’d even written it. I’d like to copy and paste a few points here, just in case some of you have Forget-to-click-the-link-itis…

I am keeping three things in mind, to help me look inward for love and acceptance FIRST. I hope they will help you to love and appreciate yourself in all ways.

1. FIND it in others – Go out of your way to find the beauty, strength, efforts in others. Shower them with love and support. DOUSE them with praise and affirmation as often as you can. In my experience, that much love comes back to you, either in words, actions, good feelings, or self reflection. Finding those small, often unnoticed victories in other people helps us to see those same small glorious lights in our own lives. Essentially, practice makes perfect, and love breeds love.

2. FIND a routine – Every time I think about myself, think about my body, start/complete a workout, or look in the mirror, I try to say one of those things that would make me smile if a friend/coworker said it instead. The cheesier, the better, cause then I just end up laughing, and increasing my joy in two ways. Systematically works best, I’ve found. Either at the onset and completion of every workout, or each morning and night, scheduling it in my day, ensures that it isn’t left behind. Complimenting and encouraging myself is part of my daily routine.

3. FIND the hidden truth – Look for victories that no one else COULD celebrate. Triumphs that exist and are measured only in your own mind. No one else knows that it is the third day in a row you’ve not called yourself ugly, or the first time you’ve liked the way you look in your underwear. Those moments are yours, and only yours. Celebrate them, as you would any other joy, but keep it for your own. Special and personal, the praise you provide yourself for feats unspoken.

March 5, 2010 – Guest Post: More Than Series

This post was part of heather’s More Than Series… In it, I discussed how health and fitness was more than just about how much (or how little) I worked out, or how well I ate. For me, it was about how I treated myself. How I made sure that above all, I was HAPPY.

Because NO amount of fitness can take the place of happy.

April 6, 2010 – The Converse Effect

Man… Spring 2010 was one of GREAT learning for me. It’s a shame that I seem to have forgotten many of these lessons as fall has come and gone, and winter has set in…

This is flat out one of my favorite blog posts to date… I really, really want to tape it to my freaking wall…

“I’ve got to do what makes my heart happy… and if that means twice a day blogging… fine. If it means twice a month blogging… fine.

If that means, auditioning on a whim for a musical? FINE!

If that means that I get called scatterbrained or easily distracted… so be it.

You know what ladies? (and the few random men who might read…)

You should NEVER apologize for NOT BLOGGING.

I free you! I free you of non-blogging guilt! You don’t owe me an apology if you disappear from twitter for a few nights… you don’t owe me a damn thing.

We’ve ALL just got to do what we have to do! We need to do what makes us happy… Follow that whim! Take up that hobby!

EVEN IF its the 7th one you’ve taken up since January first… because in the end… our life is just a series of hobbies, activities, fleeting interests.

I am on a constant quest to stop caring about what other people think of me… and part of that, is doing whatever fleeting, flashing, shining thing pops in my head.”

April 28, 2010 – Flowers Just Bloom

This post is about a lesson I learned at Yoga, and how it made me want to be a more proud, shining, FULL me…

I was reminded that

“Flowers just bloom.

They don’t compare themselves to other blossoms.

They don’t want for more or less petals.

They don’t wish they were another color.

They don’t feel insecure if they open more quickly or slowly than another.

They don’t feel guilty if they’re more symmetrical or tall than another bud.

Flowers just bloom.”

_____________________________________________________

It isn’t lost on me that all of these posts are from the first HALF of the year… Let me just say that the second half of my year felt, as I see it now in hindsight, much less… victorious.

In the coming days, as I re-center, and refresh my heart in the bright shining potential of a new year, I’m sure I’ll talk to you about what I’ve been experiencing this fall and winter.

I thank you in advance for the love and support that I know you each continue to give by just sharing the journey with me.

xoxo

© Kelsey for Kelsey Toney, 2010. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: blogging, happiness, life, newyears, reflection

Today, I am yawwwwwning… A lot.

Today, I am wearing my oldest and most love-worn Converse.

Today, I am admitting that I ate entirely too much pizza last night.

Today, I am also admitting that it was totally worth it.

Today,  I am snuggled in my new favorite cowl scarf, which reminds me of NYC.

Today, I am aware that I won’t finish my Deathly Hallows re-read before I see the movie.

Today, I am glad that we’re not seeing at Midnight-or 3:00 am showing, but waiting until Friday night, which is responsible, and sane, and best for me and my true love.

Today,  I am adorned with a butterfly in my hair.

Today, I’m grateful for little happinesses, and the right to use words like “happinesses”.

Today, am writing with my most favorite pen, and dotting every “i” with a heart, just like in 7th grade.

Today, I’m alive. Simply, grandly, accutely alive.

Today, I am well.

…and you?

© Kelsey for Kelsey Toney, 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: happiness, joy, love

As you know, I’m not into “apologizing” for not blogging… so I won’t.

But… that being said, I’ve MISSED you. I’ve missed my healthy living friends and bloggy buddies.

Isn’t it true that the first blog back from “hiatus” is always the hardest? Cause you don’t know what to say, or if you should address your absence. And sometimes I have too MUCH to say upon returning! Like, there are about 5 blogs I could write today… but I won’t. I’ll just start here, where I am, and go from there.

So, last I left off, I was doing Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, my weight dipped into the 130s for the first time, and I was overwhelmed with all of my amazing new friends.

Since then, the show has wrapped, and is, for all intents and purposes, dead and gone. It is so sad. Sad to not go be with those people every night. Sad to not wear those dresses, sad, sad, sad… But, I’ll do another show, as soon as time, and my ever patient husband will allow… bwahahahaaaa. <3

I’ve also started a weight training program called New Rules of Lifting for Women (NROLFW from here on out)

I read the book in the spring, but couldn’t commit to the program until summer, due to rehearsal schedules. So, I wasted no time, and joined a gym in my town that had a decent promotion and no contract, and I’ve been doing pretty well!

There are 2 workouts, A day and B day, and you do 3 workouts a week for 6 weeks (plus 2 bonus workouts) so, I’ve been going to the gym Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This is my 2nd week! I already feel stronger… our bodies are so cool.

This program is about lifting and getting stronger, doing exercises with free weights mostly, and not on machines (which can cause incorrect form, because they’re not personalized and every body’s “right form” is slightly different) which makes ya feel like a badass.

I’m supplementing wither other things like walking, jogging, swimming, and WEEDING OUR EVER LOVING FLOWER BEDS on the Tuesdays and Thursdays in between, but the book warns about doing too much, and not letting muscles rebuild between weeks.

Anyway, I really miss you, and should be around more in the coming weeks.

Hope that’s ok.

© Kelsey for Kelsey Toney, 2010. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: fitness, NROLFW

This post may be a little bullet pointy… but, it’s what I’ve got for ya.

1. I submitted an audition video for GLEE’s open casting call.

If you have a myspace log in, and a few minutes, please go here, and leave me some stars! There is no limit to how many you can leave.

Please go have a listen. Here is the voting link: My Glee AUDITION

2. I’ve been making a LOT of Vlogs lately. Vlogs are video blogs, and I’ve been having a ton of fun with them lately. You can visit my youtube page to see all of them, but I’ll post a couple of them here for you, too.

3. The rehearsals for the musical are going extremely well! I’ve been working hard, dancing, memorizing, and trying desperately to do a great job.

This is one of my favorite songs… no, probably my SINGLE favorite song from the show, called Love is my Legs, and it is HILARIOUS! Mandy, who is playing Muriel in our production filmed us practicing it, and posted it. I thought I’d share it here too.

4. We performed at the Denton Arts and Jazz festival yesterday, and it was a very… interesting experience! Lots of fun people watching… I did not perform my best, and was a little disappointed, but I honestly did the best I could, and just tried to survive it. :-\

Lots of my friends, and co-workers showed up, so it was great to see them.

I also got to meet lots of the people who are special to my new friends and castmates, which was super fun.

5. Daron competed this weekend in the Flower Mound Open! He and his partner, Jimmy took 1st place!! He made several videos and vlogs, and I’m sure he’d love it if you went over to his site, Tennis and Tunes, and checked them out. CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK!!

6. I updated my 365 photo project! So far, I’ve only totally dropped the ball, and not photographed ANYTHING 6 times, out of 115 days! So, that’s pretty good!

Please visit my flickr stream, here: to see all of the new photos…

I think that’s enough content for tonight.

xoxo.

© Kelsey for Kelsey Toney, 2010. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: daron, DRS, glee, music, singing, tennis, vlog

So, I’m not on hiatus anymore, despite my lack of blogging! haha… I just haven’t felt like writing too much.

Its weird, because I really love writing, but sometimes I’m just not into it.

I’ve been placing my attention into:

1. keeping up with my crap around the house because being in a show can be very distracting,

2. being attentive, prepared, and professional during rehearsals

3. trying to keep my kids motivated, even they can smell summer on the horizon and are WAY ready to check out.

4. making the best decisions I can, while not adding extra stress to my world.

Somewhere in there, daily blog posting, let alone reading and commenting, gets swept back.

That being said, I do have 2 posts in the works that I’m drafting now, that I’ll probably schedule to post in the next few days just so I’ll have a little word flow.

This would be the perfect time to make sure I’m in your google reader. I’ve got some really good thoughts I can’t wait to share with you.

xo my friends.

PS: This week held both a mini vlog, and a regular vlog that I posted for some twitter friends. thought you might like to see them too so here they are.

© Kelsey for Kelsey Toney, 2010. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: blogging, DRS, vlog

I’m writing to tell those of you who haven’t guessed (or haven’t heard already) about the good news I teased about last week… but also to talk about how AWESOME my spring break has been!

Saturday: Daron and I went with my mom and John to see the Phantom of the Opera! Phantom is one of those classic musicals that you (or at least I) never turn down the chance to see. I guess I’ve probably seen it 5 times live.

Sunday was JUST laying around… which is always appreciated.

Monday: I was in TRUE kelsey form, and went a little crazy…

YEP! Most of you already know, and the rest of you guessed correctly… haha! I am so proud to say that I was cast in my local theatre company’s production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels! I’ll be playing Christine Colgate… A character with SO much singing (!), Dancing (!), and shenanigans, its crazy! The cast of this production is a venerable talent show of local musical/theatre power houses. I am humbled to be a part of it.

So, back to “true kelsey form”… you know, if you know me at all that I am an absolute SPAZZ about office supplies. Markers, pens, sharpies, postits, folders, tabs, binder clips, paper clips… I love them.

A girl like me, with a giant script… it doesn’t take long for me to get it bound at kinkos, and go buy fresh color coded tabs that mark each scene, and musical number… It was the highlight of my day.

On Tuesday, I lounged around, caught up on a billion blogs, and played video games. WIN.

Wednesday, I went and got a manicure and pedicure with my dear friend Erin… followed by lunch, and a trip to the mall for purse hunt, March 2010… haha.

Thursday was LUNCH with some of the cast and crew of the SHOW! It was pretty awesome to talk with them about the production, and to have my mind put to ease when I had questions about my voice and training.

Friday, Sweet Jessica and I went out to the Allen Outlet stores, to partake in the Gap Give/Get promotion! It is 30% off of EVERYTHING, including sales and clearance items at the entire family of Gap stores (including Gap Body, Banana Republic, Old Navy… and their respective outlet stores.) I spent too much money, but it was very fun, and I got a lot of stuff I can wear this spring and summer.

Saturday, the randomass Texas weather went from 75 degrees yesterday to 35 degrees today, and so I’m staying bundled up and toasty with my hubby…

I bought New Moon earlier, so I may torture him into watching it with me later, who knows.

Tomorrow, Sunday is our FIRST rehearsal/meeting/read-through of the show, and I am positively buzzing with excitement. I’m ready to meet everyone officially, though they all already feel like close friends, and I’m ready to get started.

© Kelsey for Kelsey Toney, 2010. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: DRS, life, music, theatre, vacation