10 Questions Normal People Should Stop Asking Me

1)    How does it feel to be eighteen?

a.       Like I’m a sixteen-year-old in the body of a fourteen-year-old.

Me at 13

Me at 17

Nothing has changed ...

2)      What kind of music do you listen do?

a.       Broadway and Disney.  Songs typically used for slow dances.

3)      What kind of movies do you watch?

a.       Cheap N' Cheezy Rom Coms that fill the void of real romance in my life.  And Disney.  Always Disney.

s4)      What do you want for your birthday?

a.       A tiara and princess gown.

My Dream Wedding Gown

5)      Oh, you went to a party this weekend?  What did you do?

a.       In-depth conversations about our nerdy tendencies including but not limited to: video games, anime, overcoming social awkwardness.

6)      Where are you going to college?

a.       The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.

7)      Oh, and what are you studying?

a.       Musical Theater (was that not obvious from the name of the college?)

8)      So what’s your dream, then?

a.       ... Broadway (was that not obvious from my chosen college and major?)

9)        Isn’t living in New York expensive?

a.       Is your two-story four-bedroom three-bathroom home with a double-wide garage to fit both of your cars expensive? I’m paying the same amount to live in a box with no car.  It’s just a different kind of lifestyle.

10)  You’re going to New York City alone?  Aren’t you scared?

a.       I’m going because I’ll be alone.  I need a little separation from my family (not that I don’t love them.)   I’ll make lots of friends and never go out alone at night.  Plus, New York’s crime rate is similar to that of Disneyland.  So no, I’m not scared. 

By this point in the conversation, the average normal person is wondering what planet I have descended from.  Oh well ...

Love,

Little Me

Introducing: AMDA Adventures

If you've glanced over the title of this site or read a post or two, you probably know that I am moving to New York City in a few short weeks to study musical theater at a nonprofit private conservatory-type college based in Manhattan called the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

If you type AMDA into a google search engine, you are likely to come up with many opinions on the school, both good and bad.  Some people (mostly current students and people who know students) say that the school is great.  You get out of it what you put into it, the classes are rigorous and challenging, and the staff is excellent.

Other people (rarely consisting of students or past students) tend to say that the school takes everyone, it is not worth the money, and it has a bad reputation.

So why did I choose it?  I'm glad you asked!

I was looking for an intensive B.F.A program in a huge musical theater location with great instructors and rigorous courses. I applied to many schools, including the Tisch School of the Arts, UCLA, and Northwestern University. I think I dreamed just a little too big though, especially given the fact that (a) I've never had private vocal training, (b) my dance training ended six years ago, and (c) the only theater classes I've taken were summer programs at our local community theater.

However, I love musical theater. Now, we're not talking about loving cake or loving your first crush. This is a passionate, fiery, mind-blowing love that consumes a person’s body and mind all day every day. I love musical theater, and I am willing to do everything I need to do in order to make it my career. I research singing techniques on my own and practice nearly every day. Through my involvement in show choir and school productions, I have gained valuable experience.

I didn't have what it took to be competitive with hundreds of other students for 10 spots in some of those bigger programs, but I believe I have what it takes to succeed in theater as long as I have the opportunity to learn the techniques.  

AMDA accepted me into the 2-year Integrated Musical Theater program based in New York City, and I gratefully enrolled, finding the school to have all of those qualities I was looking for.

I like to think of myself as a bit of a field reporter.  I grew tired of the flip-flop back-and-fourth of the opinions on the college-finding boards.  I want to find out the truth about AMDA for myself and for other prospective students who see everything I see in its programs.  

Here on this page, I will post everything AMDA-related, from auditions to classes to homework to teachers.  I hope that others can learn from my experiences and use it to further their own dreams, whatever they may be.

Enjoy!

Love,

Little Me

Who Am I?

Who am I?
Can I conceal myself forever more?
Pretend I'm not the man I was before?
And must my name until I die
Be no more than an alibi?
Must I lie?

Jean Valjean

I've debated since starting this blog about posting things about me.  On one hand, I want to show my friends and family pictures of me doing all of the crazy things I'm about to do in New York, and to talk about my college experience without glossing anything over.  I'm sure other readers would like to connect with me on a more personal level as well, especially if they're interested in what I have to tell them.

On the other hand, I don't want to be stalked ...

So we'll compromise.  If you promise not to stalk me, I'll tell you some secrets.

Pinky swear.

Alrighty then, here we go!

My name is Cierra (gasp, she said her name.)  I am bright blonde and petite (that's a nice word for short n' bony.)  My friends call me "Sweet Little Innocent Fairy Cierra" because I live in a world of unicorns and rainbows where bad things and people don't exist and hopes and dreams are all you need to survive.

Basically, Disney World.

Oh, you want to see me?  You don't want a description.  Fine ...

This was one of my senior pictures that I attacked with a free downloadable photoshopping software called GIMP.  I'm not really a fairy (I know, you're all shocked,) I just act like one.

Yes, the picture over there next to my about me description is actually me ... post GIMP.  It was taken in Paris, but I cut Paris out and replaced it with ... whatever that is that I found of Google Images.

OMG my best friend just had her first kiss (distracted by phone ...)

Moving on ...

Wow, it feels really cool talking about myself now that you all know the truth!

From here on out, I will be talking about myself a little more freely.  Again, no stalking please.  I will post pictures either taken by me or of me, but beware, all I have is my phone camera and GIMP so ... no grand expectations or anything.

I am so excited to take you guys with me on this incredible journey!  As a reward for reading all the way through this long, rambling post, here is a real picture of me.  Not GIMPed out at all.

Lots of love,

Little Me (a.k.a. Cierra)

The Beginning of the End

I just finished my very last Remicade appointment in Nebraska.  My next injection will take place in November in New York City.  We hit the one-month mark until I leave a few days ago, and since then I have been swamped with the number of "ends" that have been neatly scheduled into my little calendar.

Every day that goes by is a day that brings me closer to a new life in NYC, and that in itself is something to celebrate, but also with every passing day, I must say goodbye to something.  Whether it is a part of my childhood, or a long-time friend, or my favorite worn-out clothes, the end is within sight, or perhaps has already passed.

Lately, I have found myself scheduling in "the last" of everything.  My last skating test.  My last outing.  My last shopping trip.  My last Remicade.  My last Homecoming.  My last messy bedroom.  My last haunted house.

My last time with my very best friends in the world.

It all ends October 13th.  

I'm going to stop talking about depressing things now.  It's a very happy time, really.  I can't wait to move to the big city and start living independently.  It's so amazing, becoming your own person.  You can't even begin to understand what this feeling is like when you're in high school, but the second you leave ... you're free.

Let me catch you up on what's been happening:

• I got a bad hacking cough that just hasn't let up for a couple of weeks now.  My primary doctor prescribed an inhaler, automatically assuming I have asthma.  I don't believe her, since I have never showed signs of it before and no one in my family has it, but the inhaler seems to be getting rid of the cough, so I'm just going to keep quiet about it.
• I was prescribed Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements, because Crohn's.
• I scheduled some singing lessons! (About time ...)
• I received the AMDA orientation guide and bought all of my textbooks cheap online.
• I've been working very hard and am getting more and more hours at Hy-Vee.  Money made so far: $677.03.  They still haven't fixed my wage to the correct $9.00/hour though ..
• I've been assigned housing and a roommate at AMDA!  I will be spending my days at the Stratford Arms.  Thank the lord, it's only a .5 mile walk to school.  *sigh of relief*

Things to do:

• Buy dance wear (ballet shoes, tap shoes, jazz shoes, character shoes ...)
• Buy college supplies
• Use clothing gift cards
• Turn in final AMDA verification papers (the paperwork never ends ...)
• Find G.I. doctor in NYC
• Find Primary Care doctor in NYC
• Find Remicade Facility in NYC
• Amass college packing list.
• Pack.

The End,

Little Me

I Wish You Enough

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye.

(Author Unknown)

Wishing you enough,

Little Me

A Steampunk Opera - The Dolls of New Albion

Who knew a musical like this existed?  I only just stumbled upon this brilliant song and this musical while YouTube surfing late at night.

Ever heard of Steampunk?  No?  Well, let me explain, then.

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that is either set in Victorian Era Britain or Wild West America.  Either way, it is more like a post-apocalyptic alternative past to our current society.  It is called Steampunk because of the use of many, many steam-powered machines, (including flying boats and robots.)

Now imagine that, but as a musical!

A Steampunk Opera follows 4 generations of the McAlistairs in the fantastical city of New Albion through a ninety minute performance.  At the beginning of the story, it is a lonely scientist we see, Annabelle McAlistaire, who is trying to bring back her love who has died through a mechanical mannequin.  What could go wrong?

Click on this to listen to the rest of the songs in this whimsical, futuristic, post-apocalyptic musical adventure!

Beware, Steampunk stories tend to be rich in somewhat depressing themes and the most ultimate feels you will ever experience.  And then it will blow your mind.  Enjoy!

Sincerely hoping that your world has been changed,
Little Me

Money ...

Just thought I would do a little post on money and ... saving it.

I calculated all of the hours I have worked thus far at my new job multiplied by $9.00/hour minus 15% (this is what was taken off of my first paycheck for taxes) and I got:

$474.30

Not bad for half a month.

This will provide a great pillow of support during my first couple of months in New York City.  Though there is still so much to buy ...

Ah, well.  As long as I can continue working more hours and not buy unnecessary things, I'll end up with about $1,200 to take with me, plus some other stuff:

• $500 from graduation
• $100 from birthday
• $400 per month from my mom (child support)

And then, after a month or two in New York, I'm planning on taking on a part-time job.  It is not recommended for first years to do this, but hey, I was the busiest teenager on the face of the planet in high school.  I think I can handle it.

Money is a scary thing, but I think I can figure it out eventually.  I have to start by not being lazy and keeping careful records, though.  Not being lazy is not my forte ...

Oh, well, what must be done must be done, especially if it is done in the name of theater!

Hoping you're not thinking about $$ too much,

Little Me

Labor Day Birthday!

Today, on this lovely Labor Day holiday, I turned eighteen years old.  How does it feel?

Like I'm a sixteen-year-old in a fourteen-year-old's body.  Didn't expect that, did you?

I got to use the slicer at work today (yes, I worked on my birthday) because of my new-found age.  Now I get to learn how to do dishes and take out the trash.  Being eighteen sure is awesome.

That was sarcasm, in case you couldn't tell.

I don't have a whole lot to say on the subject of growing older.  Mainly, it sucks.  Stay young while you can, because growing up is nothing special.  In fact, it is something I have refused to do.  Peter Pan Syndrome for the win!

A lot has happened since I last updated, so let me make a simple outline:

• I received my first paycheck, and the wage was a dollar less than it should have been.  They're trying to take my money ... I fixed it, though.  
• I went from eighteen dollars to three hundred dollars in my bank account in one day.  Hooray for money!
• I went to the doctor for my last physical as a child.  It made me an hour late to work.
• I've been working bunches.
• I went to the lake with my very important friends
• I went camping with my family to celebrate my turning eighteen.
• I started rehearsals for Aunt Molly and Friends ON ICE in two group numbers and the cowboy duet with my brother.  We also took pictures for the event.  Filming is happening Saturday, September 13th!
• I've been going to bed earlier.
• My college called me to tell me they had all of my information except for the housing survey (which I sent in, but they lost) and my shot records (which my Mom has been hoarding.)  Then they e-mailed me to tell me I hadn't finished the MPN on my student loans, which I definitely completed three months ago.  We completed them again and are crossing our fingers it goes through this time.  I don't have $33,000 on hand.
• All of my friends went to college ... and I'm alone with my purposeless life.

To Do List:

• GET VOCAL LESSONS!!! (Seriously, get off your lazy but and do it!)
• Rest

Too tired to continue.  Goodnight, world.

All my love,

Little Me