day 13- Changing it up, photos from my recent solo!

So day 13 was suppose to be, "a letter to someone who has hurt you recently." This didn't interest me, at all. I haven't really been hurt by anyone recently and even if I had been, why dwell on it. I have no need for a pity part right now, so I am going to change it completely and post pictures of my recent solo at The Garage Performance Space in Aug 2010. The solo is called "Love Thee...Not" I suppose this could be my "letter to someone who has hurt me." I mean I'm an artist and all art is based off of personal emotions anyway, right?

The solo explores love, loss and the desire for more. It kinda started in a round about way. Basically I am so happy in my relationship I realized all my past relationships had no meaning to me anymore and the work I wanted to create was lost because I was so happy! I was told (sorry for the language folks) "you are too fucking happy to be an artist right now!" It was said as a joke, but somewhat true. So for this solo I found 3 songs "P.S I love you," "My Sweet Song," and "Don't wait too long" all with lyrics (I never use songs with words) and all kinda the same 50's feel, sung by women. And I took the line from Sex and the City "It takes half the total time you dated someone, to get over them." and I added my own "Shit" in there! Basically this idea of limbo to find happiness. I actually like the direction it is going and my SF Choreographer has invited me to continue working on it and tour with his company this spring! I will be performing it in a few CA cities and Philly! Very Excited. All photos were taken during dress rehearsal by Elazar Harel

day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one

There really isn't much of a story to this, I am terrible at keeping a journal but love to write so I turned to blogging. I figured it could be a way for my friends and fam in the Mid-west to be updated. A few people I know do the same thing so I thought I would give it a try. To be honest though I am not sure how many people really actually visit and read it, but I have to say its pretty nice just blabbing for a few minutes. I am a fast typist though so I tend to write way too much and it doesn't take me so long. So those of you that take the time to read it all, thanks!

day 11- another picture of you and your friends

Opps I didn't have time to post anything yesterday, and look its almost midnight on day 12 and here I am just posting it. Its just one of those busy weekends and trying to find time for it all :)
Well I couldn't decide what to post so I thought I would do super oldies with the most recent new pictures! I take too many pictures to just pick one...and its late and I can't make decisions at this moment! Enjoy the Iowa blast from the past into the more recent SF friends.

The Ladies (Lindz, A, Sarah, Allie, me and Steph) in Fame Senior Year 2004

I think this was one of our last sleep overs at my house- probably 2004!

Summer of 2005 we did a ladies weekend in WI! One of the last things we ever were able to do as a group of 6, life took over and we moved all over, but this vaca was one to remember!

My amazing co-wo and best girl friend in SF, Mo. She is wonderful!

Another Co-Wo, Kegan, he is my gay husband, this is our "anniversary" picture at Disney Land!

The Co-Wo vaca to Disney Land, Aug 2009

One of my best friends in the whole world, JoHo. We met in college were neighbors in Chicago, and both moved to Cali. While we still live 7 hours apart she luckily lives were I rehearse once a month so I get to see her. She is amazing! These 2 photos are from her recent visit to
San Francisco Aug 2010

Day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

I like music, but I am feeling stumped. Silly because I listen to music all the time, but not sure if I actually have certain songs for certain moods, more like artist so that may be what you get... I think its safe to say I have a love for the classic artists vs todays pop music. I never listen to the radio (except Pandora online...and I chose those artists) so I have no idea about who is out there and what they are singing...So lets see if I can categorize my old soul of music!

Happy: "I'm Yours," Jason Maraz, "Benny and The Jets," Elton John, And my Elton John Radio on Pandora, I also have a "Shae's LP mix" that was made for me my freshman year of high school that I still listen to and love! Some favorite on there (Paradise, Earl had to Die, Baby Got Sauce etc) And of course The Beatles (although they go in any and all categorizes)

Sad: The Eagles or Simon and Garfunkel

Bored: Next to Normal Soundtrack (I love them all but Hey#2 and Superboy and the Invisable girl are pretty high up on favorites) Any really any other musical out there! If I am bored then a musical will entertain for sure!

Hyped: I usually leave this category for others to fill and I get hyped from it. We jam out to 80's and Disco music in the office for energy...Paul jams out to R&B, Ragga and some disco tunage which is always fun. The Shae's LP mix does come in with this one too though! We use to listen to it before shows, so it was good energizing music. My good friend Jon Tornga and I had a "Jon and Shae's adventure CD (2 CDs) and that has some great pump you up music too! It was our "road trip" music for when we would go on adventures in Chicago. I listen to that CD a lot when I am walking to work in the morning.

Mad: I have an "I'll be Seeing you" radio station on Pandora and it is filled with old 30's-late 50's music like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday (and many many other wonderful artist) It calms me down and makes me happy.

Day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days

I was debating what I was going to write for this. Not to be egotistical or anything, but I take great pride in what I do for a living and how hard I work, so I try to encourage myself to keep going and push through, even when things are rough.

Last night when I sat thinking about it (ps this whole blogging everyday is actually really therapeutic as I look ahead on what i have to write and really think about it!) and my first reaction was to write about a conversation I had on Monday night with Paul and standing up for myself/ being honest about my feelings (I tend to hide those far far away). But today something even more exciting happened and now because of this blog, I get to share it! (PS everything is hunky dory with Paul and me, no worries!)

So small back story: I work/dance for a company that is based out of SF and LA. We travel between the two locations and it is a lot, A LOT, of work, but I really love it. Holly (AD/Choreographer) is amazing, her choreography is so challenging and powerful. I auditioned for Holly last year in July, she emailed me asking if I would be willing to meet to discuss doing Administration for her. In our meeting I told her I would, but I wanted to apprentice with her in hopes to dance for her in the next year. She agreed and so it began. I took on the Administrative Director role along with training with the company. 2 months in, I broke 2 ribs and fracture 2 ribs leaving me out of the whole process...I turned into rehearsal director (which I really love) and continued to do Admin. The ribs have been healing and Holly has been a huge supporter of my healing processes. With that said though, I am not fully healed and could not be offered a full time company member position but yet another year of training. This conversation happened in May and I was totally bummed BUT I said okay because her company is where I belong, I feel it!

What I am proud of: Today, in our weekly meeting, Holly informed me that I will be inserted in at least one section of the new work and will perform with the company. i will also be learning everyone's role and possibly be doing a fuller role shared between the other apprentice, Holly and myself for the upcoming May performance in SF. Regardless, I am performing! While it is not a major role yet, I think the faith that Holly holds in me and the willingness/desire to have me continue working with her is so exciting. I have been working so hard to retrain that I feel like after our Summer workshops she saw that and gained confidence to let me continue training and actually get the opportunity to perform. I am so proud of myself that I haven't let this injury let me give up. Not only did Holly tell me this, but also informed me that she wants me to be full on rehearsal director and really play an integrate part of the process as we are collaborating with a number of people and elements it is no longer just dancing but so much that we have to put together. I feel so honored and proud to be apart of this process/company and today just made me beam! I can't wait!

Day 8- Short term goals for this month and why

Maybe this will be good for me since my schedule is getting crazy busy and this will force me out of heavy work mode ALL the time!

1. Paul and I discussed a few weeks ago a goal to make dinner together 1 to 2 times a week. Now that doesn't seem like a lot, but Paul and I are both super guilty of just picking up a burrito, or going out to eat and spending unnecessary money so we are bound and determined to spend less money and just make amazing food at home. The silly thing about going out is that there are so many great markets between his house and mine and we can buy groceries for dinner (have lunch left overs) and spend under $10. The past 2 weeks we have made dinner together once a week, but I think September is a goal to do twice a week (or at least really continue the once a week!) But PS the food we have made (and by we I mean really Paul makes and I just assist/go on clean up duty) has been A-MAZING!

2. Complete the book I am reading (one of Paul's Favorites) and read two more...That's not a lot of books but I am swamped so I am going to give myself 2 weeks for each book. Doable I think.

3. Find/ buy my plane tickets back home for Christmas...lame goal but if I don't buy them in Sept they will keep getting more and more expensive, AND, when I have my tickets I can let all my employers know that I will be gone for a certain amount of time (time off! yay!)

4. Play pool once a week. Paul is an amazing pool player and plays daily (along with being in a league), and has started teaching me how to REALLY play, but I am bad about going and practicing and practice makes perfect, so basically I am far from perfect right now. So I want to play every week and just keep getting better so I can feel confident to write my name on the board on the busy weekend nights and play people besides Paul.

5. Get back to Rock Climbing. I haven't gone rock climbing since I broke my ribs. I have been too scared to go, but I kn0w I am ready and able to, so I need to get back to it! September is the month to do so I suppose!

I mean nothing too exciting, but doable for sure! August was a crazy busy month with very little "me" time and even Paul and I took a beating of time, so I am looking for the balance between work, play and personal time! Wish me luck!

Day 7: A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

Whew, this is hard. (okay in some ways these are all hard for me, but really this is hard!)

I have to pick 5...eek...sorry! And what makes this even harder is that I feel like everyone that has been in my life has had some profound impact on me. I have learned from so many people through out my life that it is hard to justify just 1 (or in my case 5). But these 5 have known me for forever and have allowed me to grow up to be who I am today.

These are in no particular order, but all must be discussed. In general I can just say my family, but they have all had such a crazy impact on me that they each need a moment.

My Grandparents: Wayne and Coletta

Grandma and Grandpa have been in my life since the day I was born on my Grandma's Birthday. She always said that she worried that I would hate sharing my birthday with her, but rather I think it is one of the most magical things I have. Not only was a blessed to be born on her day, but I was given her name which I go by now, Shae Colett. I love it. I will always have a piece of my Grandma in me and I can't express how much that means to me. My Grandpa was the first person to impact my life with music. I will cherish forever the afternoons with him singing away. I think it's safe to say that Grandpa gave me my first tastings of performing and my love for it. Both Grandma and Grandpa give me so much love and joy. They would do ANYTHING for me and while all three of us hate living so far apart, I know that they help give me strength to live the life that I desire and support me 100% along the way.

My Dad: Brad

Oh Brad! I use to make his nephew call him "Uncle Brat." I can't believe he has been so good to me when I was not always so good to him. Brad is why I am where I am today. He has never told me "no" and never doubted what I am doing. When I am in trouble, Brad does whatever he possibly can to make it better. He has worked so hard to allow me to have everything I could ever imagine. And to be honest, I can't imagine what my life would be without him in it. He has supportive my every move, and carried me along the way. Brad is one of the hardest workers I know and while we give each other a hard time, most of the time, I love him so much and appreciate everything he does. Brad has never given up on me and will be there cheering me on forever. I couldn't ask for a better Dad.

My Mom: Shellee

We don't have all day, so I guess I just have to do basics with mom. I am her. She taught me everything. She is in me with everything I do and Loves me with all of her heart and more, and I ditto that. My mom is my best friend. We laugh, cry and support each other with everything we do and I couldn't be luckier. She taught me my love for dance, and has been my inspiration throughout my whole life. Mom has taught me the most valuable lesson of all, how to love with your whole heart and be honest with who I am. She never doubts, gives up or lets me down. She, like everyone I have/will mention, will do anything for me, and has. Mom has sacrificed so much of her life to make me so happy and to let me follow my dreams. I love her more than words can ever say and I am so proud to be so much like her.

My Brother: Sean (AKA Big Dollop)

Oh big dollop! Now he is a good time! :) Sean has taught me more lessons than anyone ever could imagine. Sean has suffered and in an attempt has made me not have to. Sean has taught me passion and dedication and most importantly has taught me that there can be more to a person then there past. I am so so lucky. Sean is so dedicated, and so hard working and extremely smart and talented. I am SOO PROUD of him and to call him my brother. I brag about him constantly. And while this might sound strange, I don't think I would be in this amazing relationship that I am in if it weren't for everything I have learned from Sean. He has taught me about people and taking chances. He made mistakes so I didn't have to and he has excelled in life in more ways than one. I can laugh with my big brother for days on end, I can sit and do nothing with him and have the time of my life. He is by far one of the most wonderful people I know. I couldn't imagine a cooler, grosser, funnier, smarter, talented person than my big brother.

Day 6: Favorite Super Hero and Why

hmm...Not sure about this one, not really my thing, at all.

I guess though, if I have to pick, I would pick Catwoman.


I know she isn't "the Good girl." But I think Batman is super sexy, but kinda dumb (he has all those people basically telling him what to do), so I love how Catwoman can manipulate Batman with her sexy self and is smart enough to get away with things. She has the brains and the talent, I like that!

Day Five: A picture of a place I've been (ops forgot to post yesterday!)

This one was super hard for me. Not that I have been a ton of places, but I figured, if I had one picture to show, it better be good right? Now I know that I earlier said (Day 1) that I would love to live in Italy so of course I should put a picture of Italy up right? BUT, I feel like we have seen those pictures. It's not like Italy is a new place that no one goes to. We all know what the major landmarks are and while I have some great great photos from there, it ultimate is nothing that hasn't been seen before.

Now, it's not like this photo I am posting hasn't been seen before, but lets say its been seen less often, at least for me. I was searching through my photos and saw it and thought, YES! There are few reasons why I decided on this particular photo. 1. It is pretty magnificent 2. Lisbon, Portugal was my first tasting of San Francisco. No its not SF but there are so many similarities its crazy and 3. I had the best wine I have ever tasted in my life there. So there you have it, so with out further a due, a place I have been:

Lisbon, Portugal
June 2008

Day Four: A Habit I wish I didn't have

Hmm...I have plenty of bad habits, that is for sure. I could list multiple habits, but for the sake of not pointing out all of my flaws and also so I don't write a book of bad habits, I think I will stick to one :)

A habit I have had for MANY years, as long as I can remember is biting my nails. I must say, I am better then I use to be, but believe me, I am still really bad about it. I get nervous and I bite, I get angry and bite bored/bite, frustrated/bite...the list goes on.

Because I work at a desk all day I find that when I get caught up in something I start picking and biting at my nails...whats bad is not only do I pick my finger nails but I pick my toe nails too (gross right?...and at work...sick!) but I do it! I will pick and bit my finger nails until its flesh and there is nothing left to pick. And once I start, I can't stop, like pringles. I go down the line chewing on one nail after the next.

Every once in awhile I will have a calm, smooth period of life and my nails will start to grow, but as soon as things pick up the nails disappear before you know it.

The worst time though, so I have learned, is when I drive. Parking in this city is a bitch (bad habit #2 swearing too much). I hardly drive anymore but must move my car once a week to a new spot and finding that new spot can sometimes take over an hour. It is AWFUL and miserable and I get so antsy, and upset that the nails are chewed away.

Maybe I chew gum so much to refrain from the biting of the nails...hmm...never actually thought about that, but there is something about feeling so much better to gnaw down on something. Wow, have a I grossed ya'all out? that is sick huh? I suppose that is why Biting my nails would have to be a habit I wish I didn't have but doubt it will ever change.

Day Three: A picture of me with my friends

Beans, Coley, me and Marky
Chicago, May 2010

There are so many pictures to chose from...Followed my gut though and posting the most recent picture I have with my Chicago Besties!
This picture was taken in May when I was in Chicago on Tour. Beans, Coley and Marky all came to the show the same night and we went out to eat after. It was one of my favorite nights in Chicago being with them and my parents. We laughed, danced, sang, ate and had a really great time! I miss these three so much, I don't know what I would do without them in my life, even if we are 3,000 miles apart.

Day Two: Meaning behind my blog name

Well, I guess there really isn't too much behind my blog name. I am not so great at naming things so I usually go with my first instinct (could be scary if I ever have kids huh?!). I had spent about a year in Cali when I decided to start my blog and moving out here was kinda a dream so why not take from The Carpenters (who I also love and remind me of my mom) and name my blog "California Dreamin'"

Sometimes it still baffles me that I live in San Francisco, CA. My whole family (minus my big brother) live in Midwest so to be so far away and in California of all places just seems surreal sometimes. Let me tell you folks though, California is not all like the movies. Its cold here! Its rainy, the Ocean is COLD not worthy of being in (specially up in Nor Cal) and you pretty much have to be rich to have run ins with the stars! :) But on the flip side, I love how people have dreams and follow them, but don't work at a frantic non-stop pace, but really take some time to enjoy life. I have learned to not move so fast all the time and really appreciate life around me. Not that that always works, because lets face it, once a midwest girl, always a midwest girl, but the ability to really "chill out" is great and California is my Dream for right now. Who knows what the future will bring, but for now, its fitting!

Day One: A recent picture of me and 15 Interesting facts

Okay, so lets see what I can pull out. Not sure too too much is interesting or new information about me, but here goes nothing!

Not my favorite picture, but its probably literally the most current I have. This is Paul and me at The Stinking Rose (an all garlic restaurant in North Beach/Little Italy) when my mom was in town! August 2010

1. I love memoirs and my two favorites are "The Glass Castle" by Jennette Wells and "Dry" by Augusta Burroughs (although you must read "Running with Scissors" before "Dry" to fully understand and appreciate it)

2. I could easily eat Mexican food for every meal, no problem.

3. I love ice cream in bed, before I fall asleep.

4. Recently, I have become a sports follower (who would have thought) I have probably seen 75% of the Giants games, watched a majority of the World Cup, The basketball semi-finals and finals and now have already started pre-season Football! (all SF teams of course!-- except the World Cup!) Guess that’s what happens when you date a sports fanatic?

5. Yoga is one my favorite “ME TIME” things to do and I attempt to attend 3-4 times a week, with the goal that I will be able to afford and have time to get certified next year.

6. New Orleans , Chicago and San Francisco are my 3 favorite cities in the US

7. I would like to live in Italy, maybe retire there?

8. I live with a straight dude in his 30’s who is 80% tattooed, drives a motorcycle, is a videogame tester and has a super cute Dog and a 40 something gay Puerto Rican man who speaks to the animals in Spanish and makes pizza everyday, and I LOVE where I live and I ADORE my roommates!

9. I really hate when people say “hella” or “aint” both are big here in SF (my boyfriend is included in that mass of people who say them!) Totally gets under my skin!

10. I chew gum about 60% of my day, everyday

11. I color coordinate my calendar to keep track of everything (and Yes, I still use hand written calendars, not just my phone/google calendar!)

12. I would like to travel Europe for a year, a month just wasn’t long enough. A year is unrealistic though, so I would go for a month in Greece in the near future!

13. I’m obsessed with Sudoku

14. I have 2 tattoos and can’t wait till I can afford to get my next one. (I secretly wish I could be the type to pull off a half sleeve tattoo on my arm...but lets face it, I would look silly!)

15. I am in a relationship for the first time in MANY MANY MANY years where I am totally fine going into labels and very proudly call him my boyfriend! And he makes me very happy. (who would have thought?!)

30 Days of me (influced by Sarah!)

So I saw on Sarah's blog today that she is trying to be more proactive on blogging, and has a list of 30 things to blog about. Now lets see how good I can be about this. Maybe if Life gets exciting I will post other things as well. I do have a few updates that can go up here (but clearly haven't) So here is to a start of a month of solid blogging :) Thanks Sarah for being so on top of it, it helps motivate me! Now, there are a few things on this list (I took it fully from Sarah's profile who took it from someone else's profile) are not my cup of tea, so there may/probably will be some changes. But its a start right!? So cheers to a month of blogging, is it possible?!

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
day 2- the meaning behind you blog name
day 3- a picture of you and your friends
day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to
day 6- favorite super hero and why
day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
day 8- short term goals for this month and why
day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days
day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad
day 11- another picture of you and your friends
day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one
day 13- a letter to someone who has hurt you recently
day 14- a picture of you and your family
day 15- put you ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
day 16- another picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them
day 20- someone you see yourself marrying or being with in the future
day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave for a lot
day 24- a letter to your parents
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- what do you think about your friends
day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
day 29- in this past month, what have you learned
day 30- your favorite song

Cups of the Days

Back Story:
For those of you that have known me for awhile, know that I always thought I would find my dream guy in a coffee shop. Why? Because that is where I always was when not dancing, and USUALLY when I look my worse. I mean I am not a dress it up kind of gal, and so I need a guy that understand that and appreciates me for my sweat pants and sweat! When I was in college I would go to Starbucks in between dance classes, I would go in the morning before I showered, I would sit there on the weekend doing homework in glasses, sweats and no make-up and every once in awhile I would show up on my way out actually looking okay. But lets face it, people in coffee shops get to see and understand you for you. I mean its your addiction. most people would go to the extremes to satisfy their addictions, so you really see the true colors of a person come out. Therefore, a perfect place to meet my prince.

The Boy:
So, I found my prince, in a coffee shop, and not only did I find him in the coffee shop but he was the one who satisfied my addition every single day. A true Prince right? Who would have ever thought? But, before we started dating, I only hoped that he would write on my cup some sweet nothings and of course, include his phone number... no such luck though. I had to wait, but there was always this anticipation to receive my latte in my hot Starbucks cup, with my name on it, and a little note. While my prince didn't write sweet nothings on my cup, he did finally get my phone number and we started our fairy tale. We kept our little relationship secret from his co-workers because well, we both got grief from them when they didn't know we were dating, so we could only imagine what would happen if they knew. But it didn't take them all long to figure out that we were indeed a couple and super happy.

The Boss:
Arthur is Paul's boss. He is the one who stands at the front of the counter and takes the drink orders. It didn't take him long to know me and was quick to greet me every morning. I'm one of those challenging customers though who never is consistent with my drink orders so he would never know what I wanted. Arthur was the first person at Starbucks to know about Paul and me. Paul wanted to tell him since Arthur knew who I was, was there when Paul asked for my phone number, and is always supportive of Paul, so it just seemed right to let him know about us. Once Arthur knew he stopped charging me for drinks, and started treating me as if I was apart of the Starbucks family! With that though came the embarrassment (which I kinda like).

The Cup:
Everyday I would walk into Starbucks and first and most importantly I would look for Paul. He is really my only reason for coming into Starbucks (since its not my favorite kind of coffee) so I would want to see his smile. Then I would walk over to Arthur to give my drink order. Arthur decided that I was enough of family, everyone knew about Paul and me, that he should start "decorating" my cups. I am not sure if it was aimed to embarrass me, Paul or just to be cute (maybe a little of all of those) but they got so, hmm how should I put it, artistic? that I just had to start taking picture of them to document. I guess Arthur thinks I kinda like Paul, and I have to admit, he is kinda right! :) And so, alas, the artwork of the manager at Starbucks, Arthur!

(These are in no particular order...AND...only a few of the Many cups I get!)