More thoughts

Hey everyone,

 So by now I am sure that everyone has heard about the tragic loss of Robin Williams. He was an amazing actor and his death has hit me rather hard- which is strange for me because while I am a fan of his work, I will not claim to be his biggest fan because that would be an insult to those who have watched him from Happy Days on. I love him in Hook (which I am ashamed that it took me so long to watch), he's amazing as Genie in Aladdin, Dead Poet's Society, What Dreams May Come, Mrs. Doubtfire, Flubber, Good Will Hunting...just so many pieces of gold.  And it makes me sad that he could not find the help he needed.  I was so frustrated yesterday (and I'm still frustrated) because everyone talks about how it's a tragic loss and I just can't understand why Hollywood isn't doing something about awareness, preventions, and help.  If the NFL can have groups to promote safe tackling and helping kids get out and exercise more why can't Hollywood follow suit?

  I know what many people are thinking- it's Hollywood and there's a certain expectation when you get there.  Drugs, alcohol, and other contributing factors is just part of the game.  I think that is letting the studios get off to easy.  Hollywood, hell, the world is corrupted.  But that doesn't mean we don't expect it not to take some responsibility.  If there is a hotline for gambling addiction that is advertised on shuttles to casinos, Hollywood can make a bigger presence on the scene of helping those dealing with depression and addiction.  We have lost too many actors and actresses to depression and complications to addiction of substances. It's time to step up and help. How many more people do we need to hear their stories of battling these demons? How many more people will we need to lament before something will be done?

  All we can do is extend a hand and offer a listening ear.  A truly listening ear.  We don't know what another person is going through and we need to show compassion and we need to just love each other a little more. I'm not saying we're going to change the studios mind, I'm not saying that this blog post is magically going to make everyone realize that someone cares.  But I will say this:


-People do care

-You are important

-The world is a better place because you're here

We don't have the proper attitude to deal with the true problem

If anyone reading this needs to talk to someone please feel free to contact me here or via Facebook (www.facebook.com/Gabrielle.Arietta.Cross). Also I encourage anyone dealing with addiction, suicidal thoughts, depression...please talk to someone you trust.  And if you don't feel like you can confide in anyone you know, please call one of these hotlines.

*National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
*SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration) 1-800-663-4357
*The Trevor Hotline (LGBTQ):866-488-7386  

I know this isn't a post about running, or acting, or me but it is something important and it needs to be talked about.

God Bless you Mr. Williams: you will be (and are already) missed.

 Until next time-keep running (and just generally being) strong,

Actress on the Run

Things to talk about (Gabrielle Edition)

Hey everyone!

So, I am going to start out this entry with exciting news...I GOT CAST IN A PLAY!  I am so excited to be playing Helena in the James Downing Theatre's production of A Midsummer's Night Dream!  It's my first lead in a full length play and also my first Shakespeare!  Exciting and nerve racking at the same time- I keep expecting an email saying "Oh wait...we actually want you to play Peasblossom"...which would totally be cool but a little bit of a confusion explanation to the family etc. I know it won't change on me but part of me still doesn't feel like it's real...I guess if it does change y'all be the first to know! Analysis has been fun thus far, I only know one way and while it's a great way...it's VERY time consuming (USD Acting Shakespeare anyone?).  It'll be worth it but I guess I am still scared that they'll wish that hadn't cast me...he said we get out of it what we put into it and while I plan on putting a lot into it...it doesn't mean that I'm not scared.  It's very reminiscent of when I got Rona Lisa Peretti in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee- I was so nervous; it was my first big part in college and I was so afraid of doing it "wrong".  I know now there really is no "wrong" way but I have by no means been able to put a lid on it.  I'm working on it but like all things...it takes time.

Homework anyone?

 Running is going fine- I think my boss at work is still in shock that I am running during my lunch break.  Lots of my co-workers give me grief (jokingly of course) about making them look bad but part of me likes that...I am truly a selfish person.  It's weird to admit...but I really do feel like I am selfish, example- I really want people to come to Florida with me to cheer me on.  Not because it'll be fun, not because I want people to race as well, I want people to come hang with me so I'm not by myself after the race. But I won't invite anyone because it's SUPER expensive to go and I don't want people to feel forced into coming.  It's strange, I want people to support me but I don't want to ask people to support me....it's weird.  So I guess if anyone wants an excuse to go to Florida, please use me as that excuse! ;)

Speaking of running- I wish I was running for something this race.  My first race here was to help support the Ronald McDonald house (a charity that means a lot to me) but to run in a 1/2 marathon for them I needed to raise AT LEAST 500 DOLLARS.  Talk about not wanting to harass people! I can't stand the thought of asking people to come to the race with me- how can I ask people to donate that much money???  But I would really like to run for something more that myself...I just don't know what that should be or how to go about raising money for it.  I guess if anyone wants to sponsor a runner just let me know! :P

Like my cool-down mix? Mostly Harry Potter with some Hunger Games and Disney thrown in!

 On a little more somber note- if I ever complain about really anything can someone hit me please?  I was grocery shopping yesterday and I realized how blessed I was; I could stock my fridge, I can afford my own place, I have a job (2 actually!), I am healthy, I have a wonderful family and fiance, and life is really good actually.  I watched a documentary called Bully yesterday and it just hit me how lucky I am and how cruel we can be as humans.   I won't say I wasn't bullied when I was younger; I think a lot of people were...but I was lucky enough to be able to finally quit caring about what people thought (something I continue to remind myself as I grow older) and I saw how hard it is for some people.  One of the areas featured was Sioux City, Iowa...that was 30 minutes from my college.  I just don't understand how people can be so mean and I hope that I'm not and I hope that people who feel victimized know there are people to talk too.  It's hard to preach there is help on a keyboard when I know that there is where much of the bullying occurs.  It's hard to preach help in such an inactive way.   Anyways-that was weighing on my mind (and if you want a movie that will make you think...please watch it. Everyone needs to see it).

On a happier note, it's raining here in Chicago and I am watching Harry Potter :)  I hope your Sunday is going well and like I've said before let's help encourage each other!  If anyone ever needs someone to talk too- feel free to reach out to me, to a teacher, to a friend, parent, someone you trust.  And like I said- let's inspire each other to prove ourselves wrong.  I never thought I could run a half-marathon and look; my next run is a 10k and my training program isn't even out for my race yet!  We are all capable of doing amazing things-we need to start acting like it.

Your pin-spiration

 Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run

Countdown to Princess Half-Marathon: 199 days