Stars of the Show!

Laren and I with Taylor after the show

Bookends to a blond Austin

Laren and I had a blast watching Austin and Taylor in Beauty and the Beast. Austin was completely in his element hamming it up for the audience in "Be Our Guest" and flirting with the Babette character, and Taylor was darling as he sang "If I Can't Love Her", just pleading for someone to love him! Never fear, when he stood up as the prince after the spell was broken, every girl in the audience fell head-over-heels for him. So handsome! I am so glad I didn't miss it! I was terribly proud of these talented and sweet young men. Congratulations you two!

Thoughts on a Wednesday

I lost my phone last night. I really hate it when that happens. I worry that people are trying to get ahold of me, and freak out that I don't have any of the phone numbers written down anywhere, and generally just feel disconnected (no pun intended). It's very disconcerting! I found it this afternoon, hidden underneath the passenger seat in my car, as it so often is whenever I lost it. You'd think that would be the first place I'd look, but it isn't...

I bought new jeans two weeks ago, and they were so cute the first time I wore them! And then... they stretched out. Now, I know that's what "stretch" jeans do, but it always surprises me how roomy jeans can get. Today I could have slid them off my hips if I'd wanted to! Silly pants.

Pretty soon I'll have the shelves put up in my livey-diney-kitchen room! My mom gave me the number of a highly recommended finish contractor from her Stake, and he took measurements of my wall last week. I am proud that I was able to be specific in what I want. Of course, it's a pretty complicated project, what with the slanting wall, and the fact that the stone in the adjoining fireplace isn't even in any way. And I want it to be removable so I can string cords behind it. Oh, and I want the shelves to be varying heights. Tee hee! I love this idea! Mr. Camp gave me an estimate and I called him today to tell him I want to hire him. It was exhilarating! I've never hired anyone for something like this before! When I called him today, I felt like, well, how I imagine people feel when they call me to tell me I've been cast in a play! I was probably more excited about it than he was, but he seemed glad that I'd called back and was willing to pay the price he'd quoted. Geez, it was fun! Next week he'll make some additional measurements and he'll finalize the design. The plan is for him to build it in two parts, and then install it. If all goes well, it should be in in about a month... just in time to host a party or two... what better time than Christmas to throw a party?

I had planned to post a whole bunch of cool pictures of jack-o-lanterns, but I don't know where they went. Maybe I just looked at that email without saving the photos. Oh well, here's another photo with pumpkins in it:


and a photo of witches, just for fun:


Happy Halloween!

G-unit's Primary Program

Today I attended my nephew's ward so I could support him in the annual Primary program in Sacrament meeting. He rehearsed his line for us last Sunday, so I was pretty excited! It was also fun to be there with my parents, my brother Peter, and his lady friend Jordan.

I wasn't disappointed. My goodness, our little boy is something special! He started off strong, with a very serious expression on his face. He used every muscle in his jaw and mouth to enunciate all the words. He really wanted to do a good job. I could tell the point when the music director reminded the kids to smile when singing. I cannot describe how funny it was to see the G-unit try to smile while he was already using his whole mouth to sing... all while keeping that intense look of concentration. The littlest kids said their speaking parts first, and G was one out of maybe 3 kids between 3 and 5 who didn't need anyone to remind them of their line. He even said it somewhat clearly!

About halfway through the second song, he started to get annoyed that he couldn't remember all the words. During the first song, he tried to cover it up by attempting to match the movements of the conductor's mouth, but he told us later that his stomach started to hurt, too, which was distracting. By the fourth song, he looked pretty unhappy. His lower lip stuck out and he glared at the conductor. Then he noticed his family sitting in the third row. Of course, we were all trying vainly not to laugh at his misery -- he was so cute! -- and when he saw me I stuck out my lip too. That's when he realized he could put on a show, so for a little while he pouted just to get a reaction...which we gave him, of course.

By the last song, his tummyache became too much for him, and he started to cry. Bless his teacher who pulled him into her lap for a hug. Adam and Lindsey leaned over to Peter, and Adam said, "He's just like you!" (Peter hated singing in the Primary program. If my mom could actually get him to participate anyway, it usually ended in tears.) We were awfully proud of G anyway. He wanted so much to do well and had worked so hard. If it weren't for that hurting stomache I'm sure he would have had more fun, poor kid.

Since I was there, I ended up finishing the block at Adam and Lindsey's ward. One thing I love about the church: every ward said it's the best one, and there are kind and accepting people everywhere. It was more than a little disconcerting to realize I was probably the only unmarried woman in Relief Society, but what can you do? The lesson was on maintaining a happy marriage, so I made a few comments based on my observations and stored the rest of what I learned for the future. The teacher did a terrific job. I am glad I stayed.

I will, however, have to decide on a ward soon. It's kind of depressing being so transient. I need a calling and ward friends so I can start feeling comfortable again!

Glad I took the opportunity to see my nephew perform, and spend some time with Adam and Lindsey. I love their little family. I hope to have on just like theirs someday!

It's the Feeling of Being Alive!

Thursday I joined Amy and saw her adorable husband Jason play Sir Danvers Carew in Jekyll and Hyde at Rodgers Memorial Theatre. It was amazing! Such a good show! It's a little short on plot, but it's a character piece anyway, so I didn't mind. I love the music, and Rodgers did a terrific job using the stage and gorgeous costumes to help us suspend our disbelief. I loved watching Jason play an earnest and truely nice guy -- it was a breath of fresh air in the midst of all of the murder and horror going on.

Meanwhile, I was surprised to find that my friend Danny Lasko was playing Jekyll/Hyde! Hadn't seen him in years and was thrilled he finally gets to play his dream role. He had an insane amount of charisma and I have no idea where he found all that energy. I had chills every time he came on stage as Hyde. I was so proud of him! It was fun to chat afterwards and catch up a bit. It's always nice to meet someone who is achieving his dreams and knows how truely blessed he is!

There were several other cast members I had performed with years ago that I was excited to see. I don't know why, but I'm always afraid people won't remember me, so I don't always say "hi". But this time I did, and every one of them remembered me and seemed so happy to see me! Hooray! I love having friends in the theatre! One can never feel alone when one is involved in Utah's theatre community. Eventually, you run into each other again and most of the time it feels as though no time has passed. It's fantastic!

Anyway, I had a great time, and will recommend the show to anyone who asks. Tickets are selling out, but go if you can! You likely won't be disappointed. Thanks again Amy for being my date. I love talking with you and cheering with you, too! Well done, Jason! Love you both!

Sign Me Up!

I'm reading Post Captain, one of Patrick O'Brien's "Master and Commander" books, and came across this flyer written to entice landsmen to sign up and join Captain Aubrey's crew. It's kind of awesome, so I wanted to share:

£5,000 a man! (or more)
WEALTH EASE DISTINCTION
YOUR LAST CHANCE OF A FORTUNE!

HMS Polychrest will shortly sail to scour the seas of ALL KING GEORGE'S enemies. She is destined to SAIL AGAINST WIND AND TIDE and she will Take, Sink and Destroy the Tyrant's helpless man-of-war, without Mercy, sweeping the Ocean of his Trade. There is no time to be lost! Once the Polychrest has gone by there will be no more PRIZES, no more fat French and cowardly Dutch merchantmen, loaded with Treasure, Jewels, Silks, Satins and Costly Delicacies for the immoral and luxurious Usurper's Court.

This Amazing New Vessel, built on Scientific Principles, is commanded by the renowned

CAPTAIN AUBREY!

whose brig Sophie, with a 28lb broadside, captured £100,000's worth of enemy shipping last war. 28lb, and the Polycrest fires 384lb from either side! So what will she do, in this proportion? More than TWELVE TIMES as much! The Enemy must soon be Bankrupt -- the End is Nigh. Come and join the Fun before it is too late, and then set up your Carriage!

Captain Aubrey has been prevailed upon to accept a few more Hands. Only exceptionally wide-awake, intelligent men will be entertained, capable of lifting a Winchester bushel of Gold; but PERHAPS YOU ARE THE LUCKY MAN! Hurry, there is no time to be lost. Hurry to the Rendezvous at the -- YOU MAY BE THE LUCKY MAN WHO IS ACCEPTED!

No troublesome formalities. The best of provisions at 16 oz to the pound, 4lb of tobacco a month. Free beer, wine and grog! Dancing and fiddling aboard. A health-giving, wealth-giving cruise. Be healthy and wealthy and wise, and bless the day you came aboard the Polycrest!

GOD SAVE THE KING

Well, what do you think? Sounds pretty awesome, no?

Oh, how I love these books!

Doesn't hurt that I have the mental image of Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany from the movie:

Good times!

Beauty and the Beast opens tonight!

Hello all!

Tonight is opening night for Beauty and the Beast at Taylorsville High School. Our darling Hugo from Bye Bye Birdie and his brother Not-Hugo are starring as Lumiere and the Beast, and I know it would mean a lot to both of them to see their friends there! It runs tonight through Tuesday, October 28. Tickets are $8 at the door, but Austin said they are less if you ask him to get some for you ahead of time.

Hope y'all can go as I'm sure it will be fantastic. I'm planning on Monday. I'm so excited!

The Letter W

The other day, Rachael posted her 10 favorite things starting with the letter P. When I asked to participate, she assigned me the letter W. Boy, did I have fun spitballing wacky, wild, wonderful words beginning with "W" on my whiteboard! I love to spitball!

Here are my favorites:

1. Winter. I adore scarves and sweaters, Christmas, Christmas Carols, New Year's Eve, holiday movies, the hum of a furnace, warm blankets, a fire in the fireplace, hot chocolate, and full moons on snowy nights.

2. Women. I grew up with men for the most part, and though my mom did a great job of making sure I was a girly-girl, I was still in for major culture shock when I moved in with 5 female roommates my freshman year of college. Since then, they have become my preferred companions. I've said it before: I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by talented, gorgeous, thoughtful, fun, kind, geniune women. You all make me so much better than I am. Thank you for being part of my life!

3. Writing. It's the most effective form of therapy I've ever had! Only through writing am I really able to work out my feelings and come to manageable conclusions to otherwise overwhelming problems. I've discovered that I use several different styles: conversational and free in my blog and letters; formal and precise at work; earnest and sincere in my journal. It's wonderful to have that outlet, and have the freedom to just delete or burn things I don't want anyone to see!

4. Water. Yummy to drink, fun to play in, exhilarating to sail upon, relaxing to sit beside on a warm, sandy beach. I'm afraid of drowning in the ocean, but you can't have everything.

5. Wildlife. I love the zoo and the park and hearing the birds and seeing the animals there. They don't worry about the complicated things in life. They just eat and sleep and play... they are so peaceful. I wish I were like that!

6. Wizards. Albus Dumbledore, Gandalph the Grey, Yoda, Merlin, Belgarath the Sorcerer -- there are so many iconic wizards in literature and mythology. They each guide an inexperienced apprentice through perilous times. I am a fan of fantasy fiction because the hero views the elderly wizard as a valued counselor, and the wizard's magic is an accepted and necessary part of the victory. I am blessed to have access to the widsom of a modern day man with spiritual power: President Thomas S. Monson, prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am so thankful for his humility, his sincere gratitude and council, and his obvious love for his family and for the people in his stories. I heard him speak in person last month, and not only did I feel the spirit more strongly than I had allowed myself to in a long time, but his talk was exactly what I needed to hear that day. I know that he is a prophet of God, and I am thankful that I choose to be active in this church. My life is better for it.

7. Wit. Have I mentioned yet that I love to laugh? There are so many things that make me laugh, and the best of all is clever people using inside jokes or movie quotes, brilliant timing, unexpected and appropriate facial expressions.

8. WRETCHEL!! (you all had to see that coming) I wish we got to see each other more often. I need to start making up excuses. Meanwhile, the stories you post make me even more excited to be a mom (could your kids BE any cuter?), your piano skills make me wish I'd tried harder, and your kindness is something I aspire to. Thank you for being you!

9. Washington D.C. Not so much the politics associated with the nation's capital, but I enjoy learning about the history and visiting the sites. I first visited when I was 14 and fell in love with the place. My brother Aaron lives there now and I'm sooo jealous, but I probably wouldn't take advantage of living there as much as he does. His blog posts are the best! I'm so glad he's happy there.

10. Words. Hello English Major! I love, love, love words! I love using fancy words like elucidate (teach) and punicious (red). I love puns, alliteration, and complimentary words like "deliciously evil". I love silly british words like wonky and knickers (heck, anything in a british accent). I love saying normally fancy words in a hick accent, such as pe-CAN and car-ri-BE-an. Words are AWESOME!

Other favorites starting with W: Star Trek's Worf, the musical Wicked, Walt Disney World, movies While You Were Sleeping and White Christmas.

Thanks again, Rach! I liked this tag! Anyone else who wants to try, leave a comment on Rach's blog... or leave one on mine and I'll assign you a letter if you like!

Hope you all had a happy Wednesday! (Hey! That starts with "W" too!! I promise that's a coincidence.)

Eight Greats

Eight T.V. shows I love to watch:
1- Pushing Daisies
2- The Big Bang Theory
3- Dancing with the Stars
4- Lost
5- Heroes
6- The Office
7- Grey's Anatomy
8- Star Trek: Deep Space 9

Eight Favorite Places to Eat:
1- Cafe Rio
2- Romano's Macaroni Grill
3- Cold Stone Creamery
4- Kneaders Bakery
5- The Cheesecake Factory
6- Wendys
7- Subway
8- The Melting Pot

Eight Things that happened yesterday:
1- My alarm clock didn't go off
2- Cloris Leachman wasn't voted off DWTS
3- I finished a bag of peanut butter M&Ms
4- I threw away an old tube of mascara
5- I cooked pork loin and made a tomato, basil, and mozarella salad
6- My doc team members and I found out we spend too much time together
7- I went all the way to South Town mall to return something I bought, tried on everything else in the store, found something I love... then realized it was the item I had meant to return. So, I took it back home. I'll never get that hour back!
8- The people in the condo below me talked until past midnight

Eight Things I look forward to:
1- Buying my own washer and dryer
2- A good night's sleep
3- My next trip to Disneyland
4- A great conversation with a friend
5- Hugging my nephew
6- To Wong Foo night
7- Jekyll and Hyde tomorrow night
8- January 16th

Eight Things I love about Fall:
1- My birthday
2- Crunching leaves
3- Unpacking my scarves and sweaters
4- Wearing the vintage leather jacket my mother wore in college
5- General Conference
6- Pie Night
7- New episodes of most of my favorite television shows
8- Halloween costumes and candy

Eight Things on my wish list:
1- Travel to Italy and England and somewhere tropical
2- A raise
3- New comfy brown shoes
4- Lessons in cherry pie-making
5- A food processor
6- A calling that gets me involved with my new ward
7- Time to read where I don't have to worry about anything else
8- A family of my own

Eight people I tag:
Rachael, Stephanie M, Candice, Jenna, Wendi, Emily J, Emily H, and Sarah R

Casting My Life Tag

Using characters (not *actors) from TV/Film or Literature, cast the important/prominent people in your life, including yourself.

(*This is hard! I generally think in terms of the actors themselves, which is a bit of a different challenge...)

Dad: Matt Drayton from Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Mom: Maggie Malone Seaver from Growing Pains
Adam: Tom Paris from Star Trek: Voyager
Lindsey: Monica Gellar Bing from Friends
Gunner: Young Simba from The Lion King
Aaron: Linus Caldwell from Oceans Eleven
Peter: Steven Hiller from Independence Day
David: Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory

Gram: Caro Bennett from The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
Uncle Martin: George Banks from Father of the Bride
Bryce: Emmett from Legally Blonde
Emily J: Lindsey Meeks from Fever Pitch
Spencer: Algernon Moncreiff from The Importance of Being Earnest

Michelle B: Jadzia Dax from Star Trek: Deep Space 9
Laura: Sabrina Fairchild from Sabrina
Marilyn: Miranda Hobbs from Sex and the City
Kate: Polgara from The Belgariad
Laren: Yvaine from Stardust
Steph J: Karen Walker from Will and Grace
Candice: Claree from Steel Magnolias
Emily A: Phoebe from Friends
Michele S: Miss Scarlet from Clue
Wendi: Reba Hart from Reba
Suzy: Elise from First Wives Club
Golnar: Becky from Sleepless in Seattle

me: Jane Porter from Disney's Tarzan

Lousy Velociraptor

I would like to go on record as saying that when I have the choice I do not watch the scene in Jurassic Park where the kids are in the kitchen with the velociraptors. Still and all, I'm fairly proud of my score here:

I could survive for 1 minute, 3 seconds chained to a bunk bed with a velociraptor

Created by Bunk Beds Pedia

My thought is, unless the raptor and I were chained to the same post, there would be some part of me he wouldn't be able to get right away (I'm a "run away" sort of person.) If he were to bite off my legs, I could still army crawl away. Then again, he may be large enough that any advantage I gain from the length of the bed would be negated anyway...

The suggestion to use my chain as a weapon is brilliant, though.

I generally don't think well under that sort of pressure. I really, really hope I'm never chained to a bunk bed with a velociraptor.

Today's To-Do-After-Work List

1. Call Amy to finalize plans for Jekyll and Hyde on Thursday.
2. Buy dish-separation shelves at Bed, Bath, and Beyond (my new favorite store).
3. Exchange an item at no-longer-nearby South Town Mall (South Towne? Southtown?).
4. Fill my car with gasoline that is currently cheaper than it's been in ages (hooray!)
5. Buy the external hard drive at Sam's Club that Hansen recommended, and install it on my computer when I arrive at home.
6. Cook something for dinner. Pork chop and sweet potato or scrambled eggs with cheese, green pepper and onions? I can't decide! Whatever I don't make today I'll do tomorrow anyway...
7. Learn patience by putting shelf paper on the shelves in my kitchen. I failed miserably last night. (I should probably buy shelf paper for the bathroom too...)
8. Watch Dancing with the Stars: the Results and keep my fingers crossed that Warren and Cody are both safe and Cloris is going home. This season has turned out quite good!
9. Rehearse the gypsy dance for BIT since I'll miss my only rehearsal this week.
10. Wash my hair.
11. Finish one of the two "tag" blog posts I've started.

Wish I could multi-task more of these items... Will I get all of this done in the five hours I have? Only time will tell.

Sheldon's Smile

If you have 2 minutes and want a good laugh, watch this clip from the Big Bang Theory. I had to bite my fingers to keep from making too much noise at work, but I very much needed the laugh! Oh, how I love facial expressions. They say so much more than words do.

"Smile. It makes people wonder what you're up to."

Into the Woods and My Birthday

I saw Into the Woods at Hale Centre Theatre last night, and I must say, it was brilliant! Loved the costumes, loved the set, already love the music, and I was very impressed by the casting. Candice looked absolutely gorgeous in her orange and her pink gowns and I finally got to see her perform! Geez, she has a beautiful voice. How I love her (thanks for letting me chatter your ear off after, Candice!) I also very much enjoyed watching my friend Jon McBride as the Baker -- he is just so genuine on stage. I cried during "No One Is Alone." Such a good show.

I am going to complain for a second though, because I had the WORST seat in the auditorium! My ticket was on the South East side (door 3), row seven, right on the aisle. So, not only did I have most of the Vom doorway in my way, I had the gate above it and the stair railing in my line of sight. Awesome. And there's the fact that I couldn't see Rapunzel's face the entire first act! During "Stay With Me" I wanted to yell out "TURN AROUND RAPUNZEL SO I CAN SEE YOUR PRETTY FACE!" The stupid song was blocked so that the Witch and Rapunzel are sitting on a moving turntable, and Rapunzel kept shifting so that her back was to me the entire time... except for the end when she buried her face into the Witch's shoulder. So, yeah. I was pretty annoyed. I moved during the second act and enjoyed it much better! (The second act is the frosting anyway!)

The play was fantastic overall. I'd love to go again. You do have to love how the handsome princes totally steal the show! Ah, good times.

Mandee asked me yesterday why I never blogged about the birthday party she and Laren threw for me. Sigh. I did blog about my birthday party and posted a ton of photos, though I posted it about two weeks after the fact, so I'm not surprised she missed it. Please check out the post if you haven't seen it and you want to! I had a great time during that party -- seriously still cannot believe all the fuss you ladies made over me. I am so lucky!

Quote of the Day

"It's amazing how long it takes to get things done when you're not working on them."

- on the whiteboard in the empty office at Accela's Sandy branch

At the Movies

I've discovered a website where you can watch the reviews Siskel and Ebert and Roeper and guest-reviewer-of-the-week have given most of the movies from the past 20 years. I spent an entire afternoon one day listening to reviews of movies that I like and any time I take a look I can't leave without watching two or three reviews. It's so fun to see what they liked and hated and why. For example, I was really surprised to find that both Siskel and Ebert liked Clueless, and The Little Mermaid. I looked up Newsies, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Much Ado About Nothing, The Empire Strikes Back, and many, many others. Of course, Master and Commander earned "two thumbs up". I love that movie!

Check out the At the Movies archive and let me know what they had to say about your favorite movies. Have fun!

Sweaters, Socks, and Scarves

It's that time again! That time in Utah where it gets far too chilly far too quickly. I must admit, I look forward to this time because I get to trot out my winter wardrobe! Steph helped me unpack and organize my sweaters and winter scarves on Tuesday, and we were both amazed at how many I have. Cardigans, pullover sweaters, sweatshirts -- I put a whole bunch in the D.I. pile, and I still have enough where I could have a different one for more than a month before I start duplicating. Guess that makes me a sweater junkie!

What I learned yesterday

1) It's much, much easier to find the clothes in my closet ever since director Steph helped me organize. Her expertise and advice is invaluable. Thanks again, Steph!!

2) I accomplished a lot of writing during the latest software release.

3) I wouldn't mind traveling with the ladies on my team.

4) Ordering raspberries and chocolate in my Red Mango frozen yogurt makes the raspberries taste a little like dirt because the rest is so sweet. I should just order the chocolate in the future, but will probably give strawberries and mangos a try.

5) Kate was correct: dessert should always be eaten first.

6) Subway restaurant employees are still nice to me when I eat fro-yo while ordering my sandwich.

7) Though Subway generally has the worst diet coke ever, the diet cokes at the franchise on 6200 South and Highland are not half bad.

8) It takes 25 minutes to reach the Empress Theatre from my condo.

9) I learn music pretty well by rote.

10) I learn even better when I hear the tune all the way through once or twice before I'm expected to sing it.

11) I love the music in Babes in Toyland.

12) I love the cast in Babes in Toyland.

13) I'm sad my double and I can never be in the show together because we are doubles. She's awesome.

14) I now understand why I didn't get leads when I was a teenager but am getting them now.

15) It's foolish to tell the associate behind the check-out counter at Albertsons that I'm in a play, because he will then feel the need to tell me all about when he was in a play in elementary school, and he would love to do another sometime.

16) It's especially foolish to tell said associate at Albertsons that I'm in a play when I very much need to use the bathroom and only stopped at the store for a moment for yogurt and peanut butter M&Ms.

17) It may be a bad sign when I have an easier time talking to someone on the phone than I do in person. I'm usually not a phone talker.

18) I think the next step in my home improvement is to get the shelves put up in the front room. I don't want to unpack my books and photo frames until that's done.

19) Dancing with the Stars is still one of my favorite television shows, and my vote makes a difference.

20) My dreams are hilarious, and always relevant.

Megan in Toyland

And just like that I'm in another show!

Last week when I went to see Seussical at the Empress Theatre, I was talking with Aubrey and Nolan afterwards, and Aubrey commented to Nolan that she thought I would do really well as the lead gypsy in Babes in Toyland. I had learned earlier that Nolan is the artistic director at the Empress, but I didn't know he was directing the Christmas show. I didn't audition a month ago because 1) Christmastime is kind of bad timing because work is going to be stressful up to the January 15th deadline, 2) I wanted to do A Christmas Carol at HCT in spite of the bad timing, and 3) Magna is FAR! Anyway, the way Nolan and Aubrey were talking, I didn't think they were serious so I didn't think much about it, though I was flattered.

Saturday morning, Aubrey called and left a message asking if I was considering the part because apparently Nolan had called some other people who had recommended me, and she thought it would be fun to do a show together. I called her back and then talked to Nolan. It turns out the lead gypsy isn't a terribly large part, but it's an important one. The script they're using is a new one based on the original stories, not necessarily the Disney movie, so my part isn't in the movie. I admit I'm vain enough to want to be a lead, but it's kind of cool this part is smaller, because I'll have fewer rehearsals, and if I need to work backstage during the show (yeah, right, like that will happen), I can. I asked Nolan if I could have until Monday to think about it, and he said that was fine.

So, I thought about it and talked to a few people. I called Nolan on Monday and accepted the part. He told me a bit more about the show and I'm pretty excited! I get to sing, dance, and act, it's not a huge part, everyone is double-cast which gives me even more room to breathe work-wise, and there are a couple of cast members who live in my area who I can carpool with. Score!

I'm in the Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday cast, and the show runs from December 1st through the 22nd; please pencil me into your calendars! My first rehearsal is tomorrow, and I'll have more details about tickets and such when we get closer to opening.

Yay! I'm in a show!

Conference Weekend

This weekend was over too fast! I look forward to General Conference weekend, and revel in the excuse to stay home for two days and learn from smarter and more faithful people than I. I spent Saturday morning cleaning my condo, and the afternoon just listening. Then I saw the movie Ghost Town. It was really good! I laughed so hard, felt invested in the characters, and the last line made me feel all gushy and like I want to be in love. Two enthusiastic thumbs up, in spite of the two instances of the "F" word which I had been warned about previously. (How I loathe that word. It's never necessary and always ugly and shocking. My mother is convinced that it was put in just to keep the movie from getting a PG rating. I bet she's right, and I'm annoyed that's the way Hollywood works.)

Sunday morning my family continued our tradition of a morning brunch that spills into the afternoon. Mom went all out, preparing shrimp, salmon, chicken wings, chocolate-covered strawberries, mini-cheesecakes, sticky buns, orange rolls, cheese and crackers, grapes, cantaloupe, and several kinds of juice. I made deviled eggs -- also part of the tradition. It is just lovely having my parents, Adam, Lindsey, the G-unit, Peter and Dave all there to feel the Spirit and be together. I couldn't help peeking at everyone once in awhile to see the expressions on their faces and spy on whoever was asleep (which, according to Elder Oaks, is okay because at least they are reverent). G has a hard time sitting still at Grammy's house where there is so much to do, but he was mostly reverent. I enjoyed letting him color in my Cinderella coloring book (bought a couple of years ago especially for Conference Sundays), and giggled when I noticed he only wanted to color "the princess" and not the mice or anyone else.

Adam, Lindsey, and I made a special trip to my condo between sessions because they hadn't seen it yet. I admit, I felt quite a bit of pride over their oohs and ahhs! I love my little home, and I'm excited that the people I love think it's a good place, too. Sunday afternoon we continued to snack on brunch stuff and more than one of us, including me, feel asleep at one point. I want to check On Demand and watch Elder Wirthlin, Elder Bednar, President Eyring, and President Monson again, since they were the ones I missed. I very much enjoyed Elder Oaks's talk about being reverent during the Sacrament, Elder Holland's talk about the angels Heavenly Father sends to help, and Elder Nelson's talk about not settling for anything less than a loving and committed temple marriage.

The rest of Sunday was spent with the family. It was peaceful and relaxing, and it just felt good to be with everyone. I am so blessed to have the family I do, and that we get along and like to be together! I am thankful for parents who do their best to teach by example, and who are active in church and who want wonderful lives for all of their children. I am surrounded by supportive, kind, creative, fun, thoughtful people and I know that I am who I am because of them. It was a great weekend with them, and I was sorry for it to end.

On your marks, get set...

A few thoughts on go-karts:

1. Curly hair and helmet hair are a scary combination.

2. A hairnet doesn't make a helmet stay on any better.

3. If you leave the shield up, you can hear the engine rev up much better.

4. If you're 5'4" tall you might need booster pedals.

5. If there is no such thing as a booster pedal for a go-kart, I could invent them and make a fortune.

6. Since I didn't have booster pedals, my lower back is probably going to hurt tomorrow.

7. Go-karts with power steering and brakes would probably be less cool, but they'd be easier to drive!

8. My arms are probably also going to hurt tomorrow.

9. The aches and pains are totally worth it.

Go-karts are AWESOME!!!!!!!

Voting Registration Deadline is Coming

Hey kids! The voting registration deadline for the next Presidential election is tomorrow, Saturday, October 4. If you're planning to vote (and I really hope you are) you need to register ahead of time. Go to www.maps.google.com/vote for registration information.

If you aren't planning to vote, please watch the video below:


See you on Election Day!

Accela-versary

I realized this morning that today October 1st. That means that as of today I've been working with Accela for a year. Whoa! Where has the time gone?

I started off as the new girl, like everyone (unless they are a boy) does. I'd just come from a job where you pretty much have a handle on what you're doing within the first 30 days. But with this one, not only did I have to learn about the company and the features I was writing about, but I had to master five new computer tools before I could even start writing! Those first six-to-eight months were humbling and stressful in a lot of ways.

Now, not only am I not the new girl anymore, I've been privileged to train two new employees in the stuff I've learned. It really is true that the best way to learn is to have to turn around and teach it to someone else. I feel much more confident now in my abilities.

Anyway, I enjoy my job and am grateful to be useful and productive and that I work with the wonderful women I do. Beth, Michele, Emily and Wendi are supportive, honest, hard-working, thoughtful, patient, and hilarious. I cannot believe it was a coincidence we are all working here at the same time. I know they've been a great support to me, and hope I've been as beneficial to them. It's been a good year and I'm looking forward to the next!

Congratulations also to my brother Aaron, who started his job in Washington D.C. a year ago today as well. Way to go, little bro! I'm so proud of you!