Tenacious Leigh’s blog

I haven't been writing much lately. Between therapy, spending time with my grandfather, starting the new job, and planning the AIDS Walk benefit concert, there hasn't been much time. I'm not entirely sure what to write, or where to begin. So, look at this pretty poster instead?

Aids Walk Invitation

I'm growing. I'm holding on. I'm living and trying to open myself to love. I'm seeing a therapist on Tuesday for an evaluation/ consulation and I feel very relieved, excited, and nervous. I'm celebrating a friend's birthday tonight and I couldn't be happier. She is the kindest, most generous, most geniune, and most comforting person I know. I love her to pieces. I've just finished a great book, A Million Little Pieces, which I enjoyed very much despite how graphic it was. I nearly cried at the end, but didn't, and instead picked up My Friend Leonard and started reading. I've been going to one of my favorite cafe's for lunch every day this week where I spend a half hour to an hour sipping soup and reading. It's been a fabulous way to spend my lunch break.

Book: Show us the latest book you bought, borrowed or received.

A coworker handed me A Million Little Pieces and said, "you need to read this." Yesterday afternoon I paid my library fines at the New York Public Library and picked up My Friend Leonard. When I finished Pieces last night, I picked up Leonard. I love this man, even if he is a sorta-liar, an alcoholic, an addict, and a criminal.

A Million Little Pieces

James Frey

My Friend Leonard

James Frey

Audio: Share a song that reminds you of a current or past relationship.

Here's a 2-for-1. I listened to both of these songs when I was 15 and dating my first boyfriend. I even went so far as to tape them off the radio for a mix tape that I listened to while I was traveling that summer.

How have people mispronounced your name?  How is it supposed to sound? 
Submitted by Lorie.   

Ohmygod. As you may have noticed, my name is Leigh. It is the female version of Lee, and therefore is pronounced the same. I never thought it was a terribly difficult or challenging name, but experience has proved otherwise. The most common mispronunciation is Leah (either Lee-ah, or Lay-ah). However, my two favorite mispronunciation's are Lay-ig-(ha) (for those who feel the need to sound out each letter) and Liege, the latter of which took on the spelling of Leej and became a nickname. Honestly, I'm baffled.

Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, W

Anna Deavere Smith

And life is a road that I wanna keep going
Love is a river, I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road, now and forever, wonderful journey
I'll be there when the world stops turning
I'll be there when the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you.

No, there isn't a specific "you" to speak of, but whilst in Philly this weekend I was reminded of how much I love my friends. We're all traveling through this strange, windy, topsy-turvy world together. Most of the time we're lost, and as we each realize who we are and perhaps who we may become, our enthusiasm, darkness, and courage guides, envelopes, and inspires one another. By sharing our experiences, often over cocktails somewhat animatedly, our discoveries and pain allow one another to feel solace and community on what can often seem to be an individual and lonely journey.

I recently read Anna Deavere Smith's Letters to a Young Artist, and she talks frequently about the importance of finding an artistic soulmate. Your artistic soulmate  is someone with whom you can discuss ideas and dreams, and frequently this relationship starts as as a single all-night conversation that lasts far longer than you'd expected. This was one of the defining characteristics of my collge experience, and it seemed one of the reasons that people venture off to university: to find other like-minded people who could share your dreams, successes, visions, and hopes. My recent trip to Philly reminded me of how important it is to continue to have these conversations with my friends when we are able to see each other, which sadly is with decreasing frequency.

I've predicted that 24 & 2007 are going to offer a lot of changes and opportunities. It seems that this is a sentiment a lot of my friends share. I'm excited to continue to make discoveries, learn about who I am, and to figure out where I might be heading in the future.  

Almost at -10. Maybe next week? I know it didn't help that I went out to dinner the night before I weighed in, but I'm hopeful for next week.

I looked up my stats. I started WW on 10/25/06, which makes this my 15th week on the program. I've made a personal commitment to stay with WW for at least one year, and thus far I've completed a little more than one-quarter of a year. I'm very proud.

What is your favorite kind of bagel and what do you put on it? 
Submitted by Nacwolin.

I'm a sucker for an everything bagel with egg, cheese, salt, pepper, & ketchup. Best consumed either at the end of a long night of drinking, or the morning after. Cures a hangover like no other, especially when paired with a Vitamin Water. Sometimes, I miss those days.

Who do you want to win the super bowl? Who is playing in the super bowl?

Who is your favorite team? My family is very fond of the Philadelphia Eages, so those are usually the only games I watch.

Are you planning a super bowl party or plan on attending one? I would absolutely host one if I had my own apartment. I love beer, wings, seven layer dip, the commercials, and half-time. But since I'm living with my parents at the moment, I will most likely go to a party with them to enjoy wings & hoagies.

Did you enter any pools at work? I work for a handbag company; we're not that kind of workplace environment.

Show us a cheer. This might be the only time in my life that I wish I had been a cheerleader. Alas, I have no photo.