the end, and the beginning...

Waiting in the airport for Jason's plane to arrive was... scary. I was very nervous. It had been two years, and the only contact we had were the weekly emails and we Skyped on Mother's Day and Christmas (which I guess is a lot... thank you, Technology). I had told Jason about my little freak out (I tell him everything), and I was unsure of how we should act around each other. I could hardly hold still.

As soon as I saw him, I felt relieved. We hadn't talked about anything, or even touched, but just having him in the same room was comforting. I had forgotten how much I loved him... but all of those feelings came rushing back to me, and it was wonderful! Admittedly, it was still awkward... should we hug, should we not hug? But we did.

The first few hours together were still a little strange, since we really hadn't had the chance to talk one on one. Our wonderful friend Katherine was there to lessen the awkward, and I couldn't have been more grateful for that. By the end of the day, all three of us were cuddling on the couch watching Tangled. Even holding hands with Jason again was like Heaven. I felt so... whole.

We were together again! You have to know, we did give each other the option to date other people for a while... if we wanted to... but neither of us wanted to. After being together again for just a short time, we knew that we wanted to get married. For those who say, "that was fast," I will completely agree with you, but I'm not opposed to it. We knew we were going to get married after a month of dating before his mission, and it wasn't a surprise to either of us that we still wanted that after the mission.

We have a ring, a date, a temple to marry in, a reception center, a dress, a tux, and a marriage licence... and by this time next week, we will be husband and wife, sealed together for time and all eternity; and I couldn't be happier about it!

Part 3: the mission...

Here is the third installment of our love story.... the mission.

When Jason and I started dating, we knew that he would soon be serving a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I think we both kind of ignored the fact in the beginning, but the close that time came, the more we had to face reality: a very small percentage of those who say they will wait for their missionaries actually wait. 

I have to admit, the thought scared me a little bit. Out of all of the men I had dated (seriously or just a few dates), no one made me feel confident and beautiful like Jason did. For those who don't know, I have suffered from poor self-esteem for as long as I can remember. During my own mission, I came to a great knowledge of what it means to be a child of a loving God, and that improved how I saw myself. I thought I was doing very well! Then Jason came along and helped me to love myself... which I hadn't done to this extent. I was so afraid of losing what I I had discovered, and the thought of not being with Jason for the rest of my life was miserable; just thinking about dating other men made me want to throw up a little bit. Jason and I had a long talk, and decided that I would date others while he was gone, and if I was available when he returned... great!

While Jason spent two years serving the Heavenly Father's children in Paraguay, I spent two years finishing up college. I knew that if I was busy the time would pass quickly, and I wouldn't have time to feel lonely. I graduated college with a Bachelor's Degree, participated in many theatrical productions (on and off stage), worked part time, and participated in my church activities. I think I may have gone to the extreme trying to stay busy, because I was burnt out by the time graduation came around. But I must say, the time did pass quickly! Very.

Now, you must know that I did date any guy who asked me... it's just that not very many asked. At first they did, but once word got around that I was waiting for a missionary, the invitations stopped. I really didn't mind it. 

The most difficult part about waiting for Jason was the constant feeling of loneliness. I tried to lessen the feelings by playing with friends and family as often as possible, and constantly being involved in a show. It worked, to an extent. No matter what I did, there was an important part of my life missing, and I knew it. Waiting wasn't hard, it was just lonely.

The second most difficult thing to deal with while waiting was feeling like no one supported me in my decision. I know that some very close friends and even my family members didn't believe that I would wait for Jason. That was hurtful sometimes, and I often felt abandoned... which only made me feel more alone. The closer Jason's homecoming came, the more support I began to receive from those who had been against me... I suppose they finally realized that I was serious about this boy!

I have to admit, a few weeks before Jason come home, I freaked out a little. My close friends know what happened here. I panicked when I thought that throughout these two years we both have changed... what if we didn't work out when he got home? If it didn't work out, could we still be friends... and how would that effect our individual relationships with out mutual group of friends? What if... what if? I calmed down a little bit the night before his plane flew in... but waiting for him in the airport...

Cliff-hanger!!! Stay tuned for more.

my love story, chapter 2...

When rehearsals for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers first began, the brides and the brothers didn't have rehearsals together for a week or two. I didn't know anything about my partner, which saddened me because I thought Jason was very cute, even if he was almost five years younger than me.

I distinctly remember the first Saturday dance rehearsal as the day I started to fall for Jason. It was the first time we had the chance to get to know each other, and he just kept getting more and more attractive as the hours past. I told myself it was just a show-mance, and that it didn't mean anything. I flirt with everyone, so I didn't think it would be obvious that I was crushing on him.

As the rehearsals and performances went on, I liked Jason more and more. I kept telling myself he was too young for me! I have always liked younger men, but four and a half years is really pushing the limit. Those that knew about it told me it was all right because he was 18, I wasn't doing anything illegal. Haha! I have very supportive friends.

I suspected that Jason liked me as well, but tried not to let this get to me. I had just accept that it was just a crush, and move on... it would pass after the show was over... just stick it out until the end.

When there were two weeks of performances left, Jason and I both gave up trying to suppress the feelings, and he asked me on a date. I was going to be up in Cache Valley for the afternoon, so he asked me to dinner after my plans. We went to Coppermill for dinner, and went to the park to the swings. It was wonderful! Then he took me to my car, and I told him it would be all right if he kissed me before I left. Jason told me that one of his dating rules was never to kiss a girl on the first date; my argument was that we had already kissed at least 35 times already on stage. (You can argue that it's not the same thing, but we liked each other, so our stage kisses were... a little more real.) I guess my argument won out, because he came back and kissed me. Triumphant! It was wonderful, and I smiled the whole way home.

After that first date, we were "official", and we saw each other as often as possible. We received many comments from the cast members like "sheesh, finally!" and "we've all been waiting for this to happen!" I guess everyone know about us except for... us.

Jason and I were inseparable from that first date until he left on his mission five months later. 

More to come...

the beginning of my love story...

In December 2009, I had been home from my mission for almost five months and i needed to be in a show. I really needed to be in a show. The community theatre close by was holding auditions for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers; and although this wasn't a musical on my "Shows I Have to Do Before I Die" list (yes, I have one of those), I decided to audition anyway. There would be a lot of dancing, and no matter which bride you are you get a decent amount of stage time. I auditioned and made the part of Ruth, bride to Caleb. 

I was so excited to be in a show again! The last one I had done was Little Shop of Horrors at Pickleville Playhouse before I left on my mission. Our first rehearsal in January was a blast! The scripts and scores hadn't arrived yet, so we just got to know each other-- by trying to escape a human knot for over an hour. I've never been hugged by so many people at the same time! I also had a chance to get to know my partner, Brian. The cast was shaping up to be a very talented group of people, and I was excited to get started... but we were still a little short handed when it came to men, as it is with most musical productions; we had no one to play Benjamin.

Two of the Brides, who commuted from Cache Valley, told the directors that they knew a boy that would do the show. The directors agreed to hold a small audition for him, so Katherine and Kat brought their friend Jason down to Ogden. He sang a few bars and was immediately cast, but he looked too young to play the second oldest brother, so they shifted the partnerships around a little bit, and I ended up with the new kid. I am so glad that happened, because I ended up falling in love with him, and not just on stage.

You can expect a second installment of this story soon...

... things Earnest taught me.

Life has been happening so quickly lately! So much has happened between this post and my last, but it’s been so fulfilling. Here is a small re-cap:

Directing The Importance of Being Earnest was a wonderful growing experience for me! I wouldn't trade those two plus months for anything. Like every production, there were bumps along the way, but the final product was worth every ounce of hardship. My actors were delightful to watch every night; not only were they all incredibly talented, but they all grew as actors throughout the process. My heart swells with pride when I think of those beautiful people.

Here are a few things I learned through the directing experience: 

1) Preparation is the key putting up a quick production. I didn't realize that as the director I really had to be involved in every aspect of the production. It wasn't like acting in a show, where the set magically appears on the stage one day; I had to be the one to make sure the set pieces came together. So many things are the director’s responsibility, and I had no idea. Luckily, I had an amazing assistant director who has experience in directing, and a fabulous stage manager who worked his tail off to make things work. My deepest thanks to them for helping me know what I needed to do. 

2) Sometimes it’s not easy to work with the board of the theatre, but you do your best with what you are given and move on. There was a lot of miscommunication between myself and the Board, and it caused some contention. Although it was hard to deal with, I learned from it and will be better for it. Communication is vitally important. 

3) Every person that is involved in the show brings something new to the production that you hadn't planned on. The scenes that ended up on that stage were not the scenes that I imagined before casting, but after seeing my actors at work, I wouldn't have it any other way. Each person wanted to make this play a success, and you could see their commitment in the way that they brought their characters to life. 

4) I really like directing! I had a small taste of it in the directing classes I took in college, but they did not prepare me for the love I would feel for a production that is mine. The Importance of Being Earnest will always be special to me.

To sum up, I cherish the experience of being a director, and I fully intend to take any future opportunities to direct again! I thought my love for theatre couldn't grow any deeper… but it really did.

I realized as I was working on Earnest that I had been participating in a theatrical production all year long. Remember the Magic began in January, and then I agreed to be the music director for Hello Dolly! immediately following, and then it went straight into Earnest. From January to the end of October I was at the Old Barn. I told myself that I need to take a break, I was tired, and I have more important things to plan now… but it’s been a month, and I feel like that’s been enough rest! I am craving the stage. Although I've been participating, I haven’t been performing all year… so I think that will be the next thing that I do. In fact, The Terrace Plaza Playhouse will be putting up a production of Little Women in the spring... and being Jo in Little Women is my DREAM!!! With any luck (and a lot of preparation), that will be my next theatrical pursuit.

In the meantime, I really do have bigger fish to fry: I’m getting’ married!!!

Happy Ever After

I am not one to pick favorites. In fact, my favorites of anything (color, music genre, food, etc) are constantly changing. But today, I wanted to talk about today's favorite musical: Into the Woods, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. There are many things I love about this musical, but the one that keeps me coming back is that I learn something new ever single time I listen to or watch it.

Call me crazy, but I liken musicals to my life just as much as the scriptures. Today, I've listened to the Into the Woods soundtrack three times, and I found myself seriously connecting with the character of Cinderella. It's interesting to note that last time I auditioned for this show, Cinderella was the last part I wanted. At the time, I felt like her character was stereotypical and it wouldn't be a challenge to play. I can say now that I was completely wrong about her. She and I are a lot more alike than I thought. 

In the beginning of the play, she goes to her mother's grave for help and she says, "What is wrong with me, Mother? Something must be wrong." This phrase really hit me today, with all of the inner turmoil of the upcoming decisions in my life... when things aren't going particularly well, I revert back to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. At these times I really do feel like something must be wrong with me. Cinderella doesn't see her good qualities very clearly, because in her mind her flaws outweigh all other attributes. To us outsiders, she is wonderful. She has lost the only person that really loved her (her mother); her father is there, but non-supportive; and she suffers everyday at the hand of her step-family, and yet she still continues on. She is beautiful, talented, kind, people-oriented, and intelligent. So, how can she possibly feel inadequate?

If you really look at the words of her songs, this girl is hesitant to make a choice. The Baker's Wife asks Cinderella if the Prince is everything she's ever wanted, and she replies, "but how can you know what you want until you get what you want and you see if you like it." I am having those same feelings at this point in my life. Then, in the number "On the Steps of the Palace" we hear Cinderella's inner dialogue about how she came to leave her shoe on the stairs for the Prince to find. She weighs both options and their possible outcomes, but neither choice outshines the other... so she decides not to decide. She leaves the choice-making up to the Prince. Oh, how I understand Cinderella's frustration here. The choices that stand before me right now are daunting and life-changing... and I don't want to be responsible for the outcome! I wish that the right decision was clear, I wish that I could let someone else make the choices for me, I wish that I could run away from the whole responsibility... but I can't. Cinderella let someone else decide and her life was a relatively happy one, but eventually the Prince cheated on her and she was left alone again. Of course, this isn't a one time lesson to learn; Cinderella learns over and over again throughout the play that the choices are hers. I'm sure that if we were to see the story continue on after the curtain comes down, we would see her struggle with this again and again.

My favorite song in the musical (of course, this one changes as well), is "No One is Alone." Here, Cinderella and the Baker and comforting Little Red and Jack during a moment of darkness, suspense, and uncertainty. I feel like Cinderella really grows up during this number. There is someone who needs comfort more than she does, so she puts aside her own needs to teach and comfort another (Little Red). I believe that Cinderella is truly speaking from the heart, drawing on her life choices, and examining her own life. I'm hoping that soon I will be able to grow up like that.

The best thing about Into the Woods is the happy ending. Argue with me all you want, but I see a bight outlook at the end of this musical. Yes, people are hurt or killed, and it's not your typical "happily ever after", but life isn't like that either. The show ends with the Baker ready to teach his son with the knowledge that he gained in the woods, everyong sings about what they've learned, and the Baker even says, "I think I see a glimmer." Life has a lot of ups and downs, and you never really know what will happen, but you can always know that you can learn from it, and that the darkness will not last forever. There are countless "happy endings" in our lives... and then the next trial or experience comes and we trudge through it to the next "happy ending". Hope is not lost, and no one is alone.

So, do you see why I love musicals so much?!

The Importance of Being... Awesome!

You know, I thought when I graduated college that I would have more free time, and I wouldn't feel so busy... I was very wrong. Although I am participating in fewer activities, they are taking up more time than the many activities I was doing before. Just a few short months ago I was going to school full time, working part time, performing in a show (which I had to commute an hour to), constructing 5 full costumes for said show, and trying to squeeze in homework (trying to graduate), practicum hours, and my church calling. People would ask me all the time how I could possibly do so much, and I can honestly say it almost killed me, and I was pretty numb by graduation, but I made it! Now that school isn't in the equation, I figured that I would have time to do more for myself, but I didn't realize that having a full time job would take up more of my week than all of those other things before. I'm only working, directing a show, and fulfilling my church calling; but I think I'm just as mentally and emotionally exhausted as before. But everything will work out, just like it did before. I have hope.


Don't misunderstand me, I really love my life right now. I finally feel like an independent adult: working full time, paying for my own living, and making my own decisions completely; and I love that! I am directing my first show, which is super exciting, if not absolutely terrifying... but we just had our first meeting and our get-to-know-you rehearsal, so we're not quite into the process yet. I have been making and developing amazing friendships lately, and these friends have been a real strength to me during this difficult time in my life. When I lay out the blessings that I have and really look at them, I can see that I have no reason to complain or to be unhappy. Life is really good, despite all of the recent confusion and heartache I've experienced. I'm not alone, and I have full faith that everything will be fine.

The thing that has been filling all of my thoughts and dreams lately has been The Importance of Being Earnest. Many months ago, I found out that the direct for the the Fall slot at The Old Barn Community Theatre would be moving away, and that they were looking for someone to direct the straight play, I jumped at the opportunity. I told the Board that I would soon be graduating from Weber State with my Bachelor or Arts in Musical Theatre, and I that I would love to have the chance to direct a full production. They took me on! I began looking for a straight comedy back in March (or even earlier, I was really excited), and I kept coming back to The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. This was the first play that I read just for the sake of reading a show, back when I was in junior high or high school, and I thought it was hilarious! I didn't think much of it after that point, other than watching the Collin Firth, Rupert Everret movie version every once in a while; but when the time came to choose a show, this one really spoke to me.

Once we decided to start ironing out the details of how we were going to put on this show, my assistant director gave a brilliant suggestion: set it in the 1920s. Genius, I know. He always is. It will be a different production from other Earnests, it will be easier to find costumes and set pieces, and we have the freedom to add a few interesting things (our Algernon is learning how to play the Ukulele!). I couldn't be more excited about the concept! What makes this whole thing even more exciting was the talent that came out to auditions last week. I am happy to say that casting was extremely difficult, because everyone was good! I didn't want to loose anyone that came out... but alas, even with the parts we added to the show, there are only 12 cast members. But these 12 people have so much talent, I have no doubts that they will all work hard to make this show as wonderful as I see in my mind!

I will post the show dates, times, and location when the event is closer. I want to share this beauty with everyone!

...on my own, and loving it!

I have finally crossed over into the realm of adulthood: I have moved into my own apartment! After I graduated from high school I lived with my grandparents for a few months while I went to Weber State… I didn’t like it, so I went back home to work for a while. Then I went to Utah State and lived on campus with a couple roommates for a semester, until I decided to serve a mission… where, once again, I was not alone. Upon returning from my mission, I went right back to Grandma’s to finish up at Weber State, where I’ve been for the past three years. Even after I graduated, I lived with my boyfriend’s parents for a month while I found a place to live.

Finally, I have a place that is just mine! I have enjoyed the freedom of making the food that I want to eat, watching the movie or television show that I want to watch, or read a book without feeling the need to entertain someone else. I only have myself to answer to, and that in itself has been a nice change. (My Grandma, bless her, is the biggest worrier I’ve ever met. I had to call her every night to let her know when I’d be home or she’d stay up debating whether or not to call the police.) And as silly as it sounds, I like being able to organize my rooms exactly the way I want them. 

In all likelihood, I will be spending very little time in my apartment in the near future, since rehearsals for Hello Dolly! begin tonight. I decided not to be an actor in the musical because of all of the other things that I have to do: I’m the music director, the understudy for Dolly (just in case), will more likely than not be making some costumes, and I have my own show to prepare (The Importance of Being Earnest). I was offered a role as a dancer in the ensemble, but I declined as graciously as possible. It’s not that I’m a diva and will only accept leads, because I really enjoy being in the ensemble… I just knew that I had a lot of other things on my plate. I don’t want to be overwhelmed… again. Anyway, the point of this little story is that I’ll be out most nights doing rehearsals, so any time spent in my apartment will be sleeping, eating, and showering (not at the same time). I’m hoping that I get a couple nights a week to myself so that I can finish Remington Steel.

Just to make sure that you don’t think I’m some sort of hermit, I want to assure you that I am still a very social person. Over the past few weeks I’ve definitely spend more evenings out with friends than spending a quiet evening at home. Those are definitely rare… but I truly believe that I need some “me time” at least once a week to retain my sanity. I love having the time to look at my life, where I’m headed, where I want to be heading, and evaluating the choices I’ve been making. I need to do this now more than ever, because my life has completely changed. I’ve become such a professional at being a student, and now that part of my life is over. I have lots of different choices to make now.

The moral of the story is that I love my new place!

Giving it 100%

As stated in the previous blog, I was raised in a house that was filled with music and theatre. During my years at home, my parents were often away in the evenings at some community theatre or other, devoting their nights and weekends to a musical. They never once thought to themselves, “Maybe I just won’t go to rehearsal tonight.” My parents taught me that when you make a commitment like that, you don’t just back out because you don’t feel like going.

This principle has become part of who I am, and not just in theatrical aspects of my life. When I have made a commitment of any kind, my determination to complete the task goes far beyond feelings of obligation. There is no question in my mind… it has to be done. For example, when I decided to work toward a Bachelor of Arts I knew that I wouldn’t quit until it was done. Yes, there were plenty of mornings that I wanted more than anything to sleep instead of going to my 8 am ballet class; but I went. I finished. I graduated. Never once did I entertain the idea of dropping out of college and leaving my goal unattained. This is just one example of many… and I want to thank my wonderful parents for instilling such an invaluable principle in me. As much as this has helped me in the past, my determination to finish what I start will assist me in all of my future endeavors, such as marriage, motherhood, and community involvement.

The reason that I’m bringing this up is to help others understand why theatre seems to take precedence over other aspects of my life. This is, of course, not an accurate statement. There are many other things that are higher on my priorities list than being in a show… I don’t have to be involved in a production to survive (it certainly helps maintain my sanity, but isn’t essential). Once I have agreed to participate in a theatrical production (through acting, directing, costuming, or any other way) I am extremely determined to see it through to the end. Dropping out, not showing up, or doing the task at anything less than 100% is out of the question. My principles won’t allow me to even consider it.

Others have said that they don’t really understand how I feel, but I can honestly say that have a difficult time understanding how people can be so lukewarm about a commitment that was made. I don’t connect with someone that is involved in a show and decides to drop out halfway through the rehearsal process, or choses to go to some other event on a night that we have a show scheduled to perform. When I question such a person about their decision they usually say something like, “I didn’t think I was that important to the cast,” “someone can cover for me,” “I’m not missing anything,” or “I’d rather be at (fill in the blank) than here.” This makes no sense to my brain. Even the smallest cast member is essential to the performance running smoothly! People often don’t see their role as important, but I can say from experience that when a person isn’t there that you’re used to acting with… it really throws you for a loop, and it’s sometimes difficult to recover.

I guess what I’m saying it, if you commit to something in life (ANYTHING at all) give it everything that you’ve got. If it’s something that you’re not willing to put 100% into, then don’t agree to it. Others will be relying on your to do your part. Don’t let them down.

Remember the Magic

I've been meaning to post about my most recent theatrical experience for over a week now... but I still feel like I'd be poking at a fresh wound. I know, I know... "It's just a play," you might respond, "why would it ending effect you so much?" Well, to me theatre is more than just fun. To me, theatre is as much a part of my life as eating. I can go for a while without it, but eventually I need another fix to function normally.

I have been in several shows over the course of my 25 years of life. My parents were (and still are) very much involved in the theatre. I was raised listening to show tunes on Saturdays (that was cleaning day), watching my parents perform from the audience, and being on stage with them. I continued to enjoy performing in high school, although I concentrated on my choir activities more than the drama club. I performed in community show until my mission... where I started going through "withdrawals" because I couldn't be in a show while I was serving the Lord for 18 months. Really, that's not a horribly long time to go without theatre... but it was then that I realized that I don't want to live without theatre in my life... and I decided to go to Weber State University to study Musical Theatre.

I thought I had a great love for performing before Weber State... but now, I find that I am obsessed with it! The more I learned, the more I loved. And the more I loved, the more I grew. I am by no means the best actor, singer, or dancer... but I have been given (or better yet, earned) something that is most precious to me: education. I hunger for it. I want to know everything that I can about the things that I love, and I want to continue that learning for the rest of my life.

That brings me to Remember the Magic: A Musical Tribute to Disney. Two of my favorite things in one place: performing, and Disney! Lets face it... who doesn't love Disney? In this production I got to change from character to character with each new number, and I had to really pull out my inner child to channel into the magic that Disney brings to peoples lives. When I open up like that, I become vulnerable... and when I am in such an open state, the friendships I make with my fellow actors are stronger than any other. I becomes so entirely attached to the people and the performance itself that when it is ripped from me like this, it really stings.

Remember the Magic is up in the top three of the best shows I've been a part of; and that's saying something, because I've been in a lot of amazing productions! I will never forget the magic that I felt bringing the beauty of Disney to our audiences. I will always hold this experience close to my heart.

Xanagrads

You know, over the past two months I was not looking forward to going to graduations. Graduating from college, yes; sitting in a room full of people I didn't really know and listening to some guy speak for an hour, no. And not only was there a Commencement at eight in the morning, but there was a Convocation at 2:30. The fact is, I wasn't even going to attend graduation at all. Just hand me my diploma, I'm done! But when I was asked to sing with some of my fellow theatre students at the Convocation, I decided if I had to go to either one of these activities, it would the the Convocation (because I don't back down from a public singing opportunity, and why could I go to the Commencement where my name wasn't mentioned?). I'll skip the early morning Commencement and just attend the Convocation.

All in all, I'm glad I made the choices that I did. I heard from sources that shall remain unnamed that the speaker for the Commencement had interesting things to say... but took way too long to say them. Some people just can't tell when they are losing their audience. Thank goodness I've been trained as an actress to recognize those things. I'm not sad at all that I missed out on that one.

The Convocation, however, was a freakin' party!! The whole thing was Xanadu themed, since that was the musical of choice this year at Weber State. As a side note, I love everything about Xanadu the musical! Everything! It warms my soul and works out my abs from continuous laughter. That is beside the point. All of the graduates were given streamer to wave about as we walked across the stage; Xanadu was playing in the background; and my fellow graduates who performed in Xanadu skated across the stage rather than walked. I thought it was pretty sweet. They also moved our spirits with a rousing performance of "Don't Walk Away". Amazing! I love my friends so very much. They are incredibly talented. To close the Convocation, we four ladies (and supposedly the audience, I couldn't hear anyone singing along) sang a ridiculous song we like to call Keep Wearing Purple. I felt like we were trying to hypnotize the audience into doing our bidding. Yes, it was that ridiculous.

Can I just say, I love that my department, and Weber State in general, is so crazy! That was one rockin' graduation!!

Welcome to the wonderful life of Sarah! I've toyed around with the idea of starting a blog for a while now, and I've finally given in. I just hope that what I have to say about life is entertaining, insightful, and even inspiring... but mostly entertaining.

To begin, half an hour from now, I will be heading over to the Weber State University for my GRADUATION! I've worked myself to the bone for this Bachelor's degree in Musical Theatre, and I'm going to brag about it. It's been a long time coming. So, I'm wearing my cutest purple outfit, my robes are pressed, and my voice is warmed up for the singing, and I am prepared to have a good time! And possibly cry a little. (That's one thing you'll get to know about me... I cry all the time. Seriously, it's almost embarrassing.)

As thrilled as I am about being done with school, it's all I know how to do. I've been schooling for the majority of my life and I've become pretty much a professional at being a student. Now that it's over... I have to be... a real adult!! Not only do I have to grow up, but I'm really going to miss my friends at Weber State. I have consoled myself with the fact that this will not be the last time I see these people. The theatre community in Utah isn't very large, and more likely than not... I will continue to perform with these wonderfully talented people for the rest of my life! Thank goodness. I hate leaving people.

I won't have a lot of time to grieve and/or party tonight because I've got another show to do!! I'm in a variety show called Remember the Magic: a Musical Tribute to Disney, and I am just LOVING it! Who doesn't love Disney? Crazy people. It's been far too long since I've done this show (four days), and I've missed being on the stage. I know, I know. I'm nuts, but you gotta love me anyway. I'm addicted to theatre!