Non-sequitors on my mind today:
1. Bad news: I sprained my wrist two months ago at Seven Brides rehearsal when I whacked it with a cowbell. Did I mention it's my writing arm and now I'm wearing a brace? Good news: It isn't carpal tunnel! And the brace helps it not hurt as much, makes me feel like a superhero, and I can still type when I wear it! Oh, and my new doctor is wonderful :D
2. I loathe Microsoft Word. It's just a crummy writing tool. No small amount of frustration at work comes in result of it. BUT, today I finally figured out how to do two things that have recently been causing me much angst. Yaaaay! Take THAT, crappy writing tool!
3. Note to recent frequent headaches: You have not been fun and I am ready for you to go away.
4. Note to turquoise shoes: I love you. Why don't I wear you every day? Oh yeah, because I have a couple pair of shoes I love, too. Ah, fickle fashion love.
5. Funny how I always forget that after I close a show I'll spend a good two weeks or more trying to catch up on life before things slow down again. At least they're fun things!
6. The Lion King musical is mind-blowing. It's on a tour in my town, I saw it Saturday, and I want to go again!
7. The next person who tries to make me feel better about being single will get a swift kick in the shins. Even if I'm complaining about it. Telling me that boys/men are stupid or about the problems in your own relationship doesn't help, because I still want one someday. I honestly don't mind being alone right now!
8. If I am so tired that you see me crying, let me go home! Don't talk my ear off for 45 minutes about the topic covered in note #7.
9. I have NO desire to go skydiving, but highly respect my brother for doing it. You ROCK, Aaron!
10. Thanks, Dave, for not being at all concerned about my faux pas. After our conversation, I hung up the phone and thought, "Why aren't we closer friends?" I'm going to need to fix that. You also ROCK!
11. Have you ever listened to the podcast Stuff You Missed in History Class from the How Stuff Works website? It's fascinating! There are so many reasons I was a Humanities/English major in college.
12. Going to Lagoon with my parents and my brother's family tomorrow. Haven't been in at least 5 years, never been with little kids, and it's FREEEE! I am so excited!!!
13. Also planning a trip to the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City for the near future. Excited to get out of town, escape from regular life, and immerse myself in good theatre!
14. I have the best best friend in the world. 'Nuff said.
Now that's out of my brain and on the page, it's time to go back to work.
Thursday, August 19
Wednesday, August 11
Cottonwood Joseph post #6: An idea that didn't make it on stage
I posted again on the Cottonwood Joseph blog. I'll probably post at least one more time about doing the show, but I really wanted to post some funny backstage/rehearsal photos, so that's what it is.
I can't believe we only have two performances left. Surreal!
[For convenience' sake, and because I'm afraid the Cottonwood Joseph blog will suddenly disappear one day, here is the post in full:]
The rehearsal process is an opportunity to experiment. During one of the final dress rehearsals, the brothers wore letters on their costumes. The idea was ultimately rejected, mostly because when they stood together this happened:
A really cool idea that did work was matching tennis shoes. Everyone in the cast recieved a free pair that we get to keep. Many of the shoes were in light colors, and many cast members found it easy to color them their favorite color:
It's weird to think that we've performed three times already. Only two shows left. Come while you still can!
I'm going to miss it when it's over. These people are hilarious!
I can't believe we only have two performances left. Surreal!
[For convenience' sake, and because I'm afraid the Cottonwood Joseph blog will suddenly disappear one day, here is the post in full:]
The rehearsal process is an opportunity to experiment. During one of the final dress rehearsals, the brothers wore letters on their costumes. The idea was ultimately rejected, mostly because when they stood together this happened:
A really cool idea that did work was matching tennis shoes. Everyone in the cast recieved a free pair that we get to keep. Many of the shoes were in light colors, and many cast members found it easy to color them their favorite color:
It's weird to think that we've performed three times already. Only two shows left. Come while you still can!
I'm going to miss it when it's over. These people are hilarious!
Singlutionary
The other day, I was reading random blogs linked to other blogs on my blog list, and I came across Singlutionary, a blog dedicated to not apologizing for being single. I've only read a few posts, but I love it! I love hearing positive stories! I love that there are people out there who don't necessarily expect or are looking to get married right away. I love that I feel less frantic when I read about that. There are still good single people in the world! There is no conspiracy from married people to "make" single people feel badly about themselves. We are all just living our lives the best we can and hoping to make a difference and connect with the right person and the right time if it is truly meant to be (and if we allow it to happen).
It just so happened that the first post I read was The Introverted Singlutionary. If I hadn't been at work at the time, I would have cheered. This is me, from people thinking I'm a snob, to needing time alone to recharge, to feeling guilty when saying "No." Love it, love it, love it. Please read if you'd like to understand me better. Heaven knows I understand me better now.
Tonight is my first night off in a long time. No rehearsal, no performance, no date, no Girl's Night Out, and no family obligations. My best friend asked yesterday what I'm going to do with today and I said "Catch up on my DVR." You have no idea how relieved I was when she said, "I love doing that!" I knew she knows how much I needed a day off, but I was still a little afraid she'd ask to tag along or go somewhere. I'm a people-pleaser. I loathe saying no, especially to people I like and don't get to see often. Thanks The Singlutionary for putting my thoughts into such well-considered, honest, straightforward words! And thanks Best Friend for understanding that I still love you even if we don't hang out tonight! It's so nice I'm not the only one who needs to be alone sometimes. Makes me feel a lot less guilty.
Even alone, I have plenty to do tonight: shop for groceries, actually cook dinner, return some dresses I bought but didn't wear at the wedding, pay my bills, sort through paperwork, finally vacuum, maybe scrapbook, and catch up on my DVR a bit. I am sooo looking forward to it!
It just so happened that the first post I read was The Introverted Singlutionary. If I hadn't been at work at the time, I would have cheered. This is me, from people thinking I'm a snob, to needing time alone to recharge, to feeling guilty when saying "No." Love it, love it, love it. Please read if you'd like to understand me better. Heaven knows I understand me better now.
Tonight is my first night off in a long time. No rehearsal, no performance, no date, no Girl's Night Out, and no family obligations. My best friend asked yesterday what I'm going to do with today and I said "Catch up on my DVR." You have no idea how relieved I was when she said, "I love doing that!" I knew she knows how much I needed a day off, but I was still a little afraid she'd ask to tag along or go somewhere. I'm a people-pleaser. I loathe saying no, especially to people I like and don't get to see often. Thanks The Singlutionary for putting my thoughts into such well-considered, honest, straightforward words! And thanks Best Friend for understanding that I still love you even if we don't hang out tonight! It's so nice I'm not the only one who needs to be alone sometimes. Makes me feel a lot less guilty.
Even alone, I have plenty to do tonight: shop for groceries, actually cook dinner, return some dresses I bought but didn't wear at the wedding, pay my bills, sort through paperwork, finally vacuum, maybe scrapbook, and catch up on my DVR a bit. I am sooo looking forward to it!
Tuesday, August 10
Morning Person
Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis
Since yesterday was a busy, 21-hour day (starting at 4:30), I could relate to this strip this morning.
Yesterday was, however, a really good day. I was out of the house before dawn to join my fellow Joseph castmembers on a local morning news show. I worked a full 8 hour day (needing only a 45 minute nap). We had our best performance yet for Joseph, performing to a very responsive, nearly packed house -- an estimated 700 seats sold, can you believe it? And then I went to my best friends house for good ice cream, good television, and good conversation.
Meanwhile, my show got a great review at Utah Theatre Bloggers. The writer sent us a rough draft yesterday that Kate read while we were waiting to be filmed, and we were thrilled at all of the compliments! For convenience' sake, I posted the final version here:
And here are a few of the news spots. Aren't my friends talented?
(I also posted this same post on the Cottonwood Joseph blog. Just for your info!)
Since yesterday was a busy, 21-hour day (starting at 4:30), I could relate to this strip this morning.
Yesterday was, however, a really good day. I was out of the house before dawn to join my fellow Joseph castmembers on a local morning news show. I worked a full 8 hour day (needing only a 45 minute nap). We had our best performance yet for Joseph, performing to a very responsive, nearly packed house -- an estimated 700 seats sold, can you believe it? And then I went to my best friends house for good ice cream, good television, and good conversation.
Meanwhile, my show got a great review at Utah Theatre Bloggers. The writer sent us a rough draft yesterday that Kate read while we were waiting to be filmed, and we were thrilled at all of the compliments! For convenience' sake, I posted the final version here:
Cottonwood Heights dreams big with “Joseph”
Written by: Sara Harvey | August 10, 2010.
COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS — The Cottonwood Heights Arts Council, which is only about two years old, has chosen Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, to be its first production. Joseph is a beloved musical, especially to Utah audiences. Thoughts of Donny Osmond and past productions are not far when you hear another group will soon be putting on the show. Did Cottonwood Heights Arts Council deliver?
For me, they definitely did! With a 30 piece live orchestra behind them, this cast of over 50 people—ranging in age 3 to adult—gave a beautiful representation of the play.
A few highlight performances for me were those of the Casey Matern (Narrator), Craig Clifford (Joseph), Jason Wadsworth (Judah), C. Pehrson (Simeon) and the children’s choir. Watching preschooler Abigail Barlow singing “Go, Go, Go Joseph” was the highlight of my week. The children’s choir was very impressive. I love watching children perform especially when they are so focused, engaged and have such a beautiful sound.
The best thing about the production was the spot-on live orchestra directed by Thomas C. Baggaley. I especially enjoyed the electric bass solo.
Choreographer Stephanie Maag definitely met (and surpassed) expectations as she featuredthe cast was doing jazz, hip hop, line dancing and…drill(?).
This production and its cast personify what the musical Joseph and community theater is about, dreams and family. Clifford’s performance as Joseph was one such example. He returns to the stage after a 16 year hiatus with his son, Alex. His natural acting style and beautiful voice makes me hope we will be seeing more of him in the future.
Directed well by Kate Rufener, this is community theater where cast and crew become like a family working toward a common goal. If you are expecting lavish costumes and sets you will be disappointed. If you want to see a solid performance with energetic actors and a fantastic live orchestra you will be delighted to attend this production in Cottonwood Heights.
Congratulations C.H. Arts Council on your first production! Keep on dreaming!
And here are a few of the news spots. Aren't my friends talented?
(I also posted this same post on the Cottonwood Joseph blog. Just for your info!)
Wednesday, August 4
Cottonwood Joseph post #4: It's-almost-opening-night jitters
I posted again on the Cottonwood Joseph blog. (Yes, I am aware that it's kind of bratty of me to post a link, when some of you are already using google reader to get to this blog and end up having to click three or four links to read the actual post. Thanks for doing that for me! Next time I may just post the same post in both places...something to think about.)
We open in two days! I am so excited to finally get to perform this show! Rehearsing is fun, but performing for an audience who has never seen the show before is the BEST!!
[For convenience' sake, and because I'm afraid the Cottonwood Joseph blog will suddenly disappear one day, here is the post in full:]
A few weeks ago, our cast started to get tired, grouchy, frustrated and stressed. Our illustrious director, sensing the frustration, wisely played the Glee version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing." This song (especially this version of this song), for me, is a reminder of why I love to perform: the lights, the audience, the comraderie, and the pure joy of singing for no reason other than it's my favorite thing to do. We all had different lines in the song that expressed what we love about theatre and how we want to approach the show. It was cool hearing everyone's take on the song, and afterward we tackled the play with renewed enthusiasm.
Joseph opens in two days. We are ready. We have worked hard these last six weeks getting to know and trust each other, learning the show and all of the multiple songs in their multiple styles, and mastering all of the choreography (some of which is impressively difficult). I can feel that we are really good, especially in certain numbers. The energy is fantastic and all of our work is paying off.
But, on the other hand, we open to paying audiences in two days. I am once again stressed, tired, and grouchy. I just want to do a good job and if one little thing goes wrong or I do one little thing wrong I whine and complain and want to go home. It's not a mature reaction, but it is the truth.
So, this morning, I listened to Glee's version of "Don't Stop Believing" again. I may just put it on repeat on my iPod and listen to nothing else today, because all of the positive, hopeful, joyful feelings came back. This is not the time to succumb to my stress. This is the time to sit back, remind myself often to relax, perform because I love to perform, and give the audience the thrill of seeing a show I know is really terrific!
In case anyone else reading this has been feeling the same way I have, here's a replay of our unofficial anthem. I hope it helps you all in the same way it has me. I love you all. Let's completely rock the rehearsal tonight!!
We open in two days! I am so excited to finally get to perform this show! Rehearsing is fun, but performing for an audience who has never seen the show before is the BEST!!
[For convenience' sake, and because I'm afraid the Cottonwood Joseph blog will suddenly disappear one day, here is the post in full:]
A few weeks ago, our cast started to get tired, grouchy, frustrated and stressed. Our illustrious director, sensing the frustration, wisely played the Glee version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing." This song (especially this version of this song), for me, is a reminder of why I love to perform: the lights, the audience, the comraderie, and the pure joy of singing for no reason other than it's my favorite thing to do. We all had different lines in the song that expressed what we love about theatre and how we want to approach the show. It was cool hearing everyone's take on the song, and afterward we tackled the play with renewed enthusiasm.
Joseph opens in two days. We are ready. We have worked hard these last six weeks getting to know and trust each other, learning the show and all of the multiple songs in their multiple styles, and mastering all of the choreography (some of which is impressively difficult). I can feel that we are really good, especially in certain numbers. The energy is fantastic and all of our work is paying off.
But, on the other hand, we open to paying audiences in two days. I am once again stressed, tired, and grouchy. I just want to do a good job and if one little thing goes wrong or I do one little thing wrong I whine and complain and want to go home. It's not a mature reaction, but it is the truth.
So, this morning, I listened to Glee's version of "Don't Stop Believing" again. I may just put it on repeat on my iPod and listen to nothing else today, because all of the positive, hopeful, joyful feelings came back. This is not the time to succumb to my stress. This is the time to sit back, remind myself often to relax, perform because I love to perform, and give the audience the thrill of seeing a show I know is really terrific!
In case anyone else reading this has been feeling the same way I have, here's a replay of our unofficial anthem. I hope it helps you all in the same way it has me. I love you all. Let's completely rock the rehearsal tonight!!
Don't Stop Believin' lyrics
Songwriters: Schon, Neal; Cain, Jonathan; Perry, Steve;
Just a small town girl
Livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in south Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere
A singer in a smoky room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlight people
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night
Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin' anything to roll the dice just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlight people
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlight people
Don't stop believin'
Hold on
Streetlight people
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlight people
Sunday, August 1
A new sister-in-law!
My younger brother, Peter, married his gorgeous Jordyn on Saturday. It was a great day and fun party, and I am glad that I got to share the experience with them as they committed to love and take care of each other for the rest of their lives.
My top 5 favorite moments of the day:
1. The whole wedding ceremony. Jordyn had worked hard not to let Peter see the dress before she walked down the aisle, and as soon as Peter saw her in it he started to cry. It just got better and better with the vows, the officiator's words, our nephew's dilligent and successful job as ring bearer, seeing the ring actually on Pete's finger and realizing he really is a married grown-up now, and the bride and groom's joyful kiss when pronounced "man and wife."
2. Peter dancing with Mom to "Dream a Little Dream of Me." Only Peter would think to choose such a meaningful song for the two of them. Mom used to sing it to us as babies, and as soon as the music started playing, all of my brothers, my mom, and I started to cry. It was beautiful.
3. My nephew dancing. PURE. AWESOME! That kid had boundless energy and even has a few good moves! The photographer loved him and took about a hundred pictures of those dance moves. The best was when his dad would dance with him and demonstrate moves that the G-unit would try to copy. "G! Do the bum-wiggle!" Then, of course, all the rest of us on the floor would jump in and do it too. The dancing was a great idea -- Thanks Jordyn for encouraging us all to party with no shame or embarrassment!
4. Jordyn's sister catching the bouquet. I was worried that our "single ladies" group was too far away and the bouquet would hit the ground, but Whitney ran right up and caught it. Then she and Jordyn proceeded to squeal happily and jump up and down in perfect sync. It was too funny! I wished I had a little sister who could catch my bouquet! (Sidenote: I usually hate standing in the group to catch the bouquet, but I didn't mind at all this time. It just felt natural and fun and not at all humiliating for once! Also, at my wedding, no one will be playing Beyonce's song "Single Ladies" when I toss the bouquet. Love the song but...no.)
5. Seeing my family all dressed up. We don't have many occasions where we can get decked out together, and this time we even matched! My parents looked classy and elegant; my brothers were exceedingly handsome in their suits and ties; the G-unit looked too grown-up in the tie, shoes, and belt he proudly informed me were "just like Daddy's, except black instead of brown"; my sisters-in-law were radiant and beautiful; my nieces were completely adorable in their matching dresses; and I felt waaaay too attractive to be the old maid big sister. It was fun to be photographed together and appreciate just how good-looking a family we are!
Let us take a moment to appreciate how awesome my outfit is:
Note the freakishly high heels! They were not as uncomfortable as you might expect, though I changed into lower, comfy cork sandals to dance in. My mother finished this dress the morning of the wedding, if you can believe it. I had a bunch of back-up dresses on hand, but they were the wrong color green. The pattern on the first dress my mom made didn't work so we were scrambling to finish this one in time. It was quite the adventure trying to buy a necklace without knowing exactly how high the neckline was! In the end, I bought three belts, three necklaces, a couple of bracelets... it was pretty hectic. Thankfully, Lindsey was able to help me choose which accessories to actually use and I felt really pretty on the day. I liked the high shoes, because my brothers and Jordyn's family are all so tall, as you can see in the photos (Peter is 6'3" and Jordyn is about 6', in contrast to my 5'5"). Like I always say: "If someone in the family has to be short, I'm glad it's me." I've become quite the fan of heels lately. They make me feel totally sassy and grown-up. (Sorry Aaron for posting such an odd photo of you, but this is my favorite one of me! Why are you frowning, anyway?)
Congratulations, Peter and Jordyn! Thank you so much for inviting me to celebrate your special day with you. I can't wait to celebrate many more special occasions! I'm thrilled to have another terrific sister-in-law in the family and am looking forward to seeing what happens for the two of you. I love you!
My top 5 favorite moments of the day:
1. The whole wedding ceremony. Jordyn had worked hard not to let Peter see the dress before she walked down the aisle, and as soon as Peter saw her in it he started to cry. It just got better and better with the vows, the officiator's words, our nephew's dilligent and successful job as ring bearer, seeing the ring actually on Pete's finger and realizing he really is a married grown-up now, and the bride and groom's joyful kiss when pronounced "man and wife."
2. Peter dancing with Mom to "Dream a Little Dream of Me." Only Peter would think to choose such a meaningful song for the two of them. Mom used to sing it to us as babies, and as soon as the music started playing, all of my brothers, my mom, and I started to cry. It was beautiful.
3. My nephew dancing. PURE. AWESOME! That kid had boundless energy and even has a few good moves! The photographer loved him and took about a hundred pictures of those dance moves. The best was when his dad would dance with him and demonstrate moves that the G-unit would try to copy. "G! Do the bum-wiggle!" Then, of course, all the rest of us on the floor would jump in and do it too. The dancing was a great idea -- Thanks Jordyn for encouraging us all to party with no shame or embarrassment!
4. Jordyn's sister catching the bouquet. I was worried that our "single ladies" group was too far away and the bouquet would hit the ground, but Whitney ran right up and caught it. Then she and Jordyn proceeded to squeal happily and jump up and down in perfect sync. It was too funny! I wished I had a little sister who could catch my bouquet! (Sidenote: I usually hate standing in the group to catch the bouquet, but I didn't mind at all this time. It just felt natural and fun and not at all humiliating for once! Also, at my wedding, no one will be playing Beyonce's song "Single Ladies" when I toss the bouquet. Love the song but...no.)5. Seeing my family all dressed up. We don't have many occasions where we can get decked out together, and this time we even matched! My parents looked classy and elegant; my brothers were exceedingly handsome in their suits and ties; the G-unit looked too grown-up in the tie, shoes, and belt he proudly informed me were "just like Daddy's, except black instead of brown"; my sisters-in-law were radiant and beautiful; my nieces were completely adorable in their matching dresses; and I felt waaaay too attractive to be the old maid big sister. It was fun to be photographed together and appreciate just how good-looking a family we are!
Let us take a moment to appreciate how awesome my outfit is:
Note the freakishly high heels! They were not as uncomfortable as you might expect, though I changed into lower, comfy cork sandals to dance in. My mother finished this dress the morning of the wedding, if you can believe it. I had a bunch of back-up dresses on hand, but they were the wrong color green. The pattern on the first dress my mom made didn't work so we were scrambling to finish this one in time. It was quite the adventure trying to buy a necklace without knowing exactly how high the neckline was! In the end, I bought three belts, three necklaces, a couple of bracelets... it was pretty hectic. Thankfully, Lindsey was able to help me choose which accessories to actually use and I felt really pretty on the day. I liked the high shoes, because my brothers and Jordyn's family are all so tall, as you can see in the photos (Peter is 6'3" and Jordyn is about 6', in contrast to my 5'5"). Like I always say: "If someone in the family has to be short, I'm glad it's me." I've become quite the fan of heels lately. They make me feel totally sassy and grown-up. (Sorry Aaron for posting such an odd photo of you, but this is my favorite one of me! Why are you frowning, anyway?)
Congratulations, Peter and Jordyn! Thank you so much for inviting me to celebrate your special day with you. I can't wait to celebrate many more special occasions! I'm thrilled to have another terrific sister-in-law in the family and am looking forward to seeing what happens for the two of you. I love you!
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