It hit me today. I guess I haven't thought about it much because it's taken so long to get here.
3 (major) moves.
Two universities
3 BYU rejection letters.
One BYU-Idaho acceptance letter.
One BYU-Idaho Associate's Degree.
One UVU acceptance letter.
I-can't-even-count-how-many auditions.
An engagement.
A wedding.
One 2-year break.
Five jobs.
One business.
Tears, blood, sweat, failures, joys.
Six years of total schooling.
In a year, I will have a diploma. A Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance.
In a year, I will be deciding where to go for grad school.
In a year, I will be able to call myself "a professional."
As I think back on these six years, it's been a wonderful and awful experience. I have made and lost many friends. I met the love of my life. I have grown as a person, a woman, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a wife. I have grown as a musician, a professional. I have come to love myself and my gift enough to want to develop and share it.
I want to grow. I want to succeed. I want to be an example to my children, to my students, to anyone I encounter that anything is possible with enough determination and love and faith.
Showing posts with label Bryan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bryan. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Why I need the Gospel in my life
August 9th, 2013 was (in a word) AWFUL.
Terrible.
I had four tearful breakdowns during my 10 hour shift at work, yelled at almost all of my coworkers, and didn't answer my desk phone once.
Needless to say, it was stressful.
I think all the CRAP that's been happening over the last couple weeks just built up and came out yesterday.
Terrible.
I cried twice--yes, TWICE--driving home to pick up Bryan (which is only about 15 minutes long).
I cried when we got to the theatre to start getting ready for the show.
A few hours earlier, I had texted Bryan telling him how upset I was. His response was sweet and ended with "Let me know if you need anything."
"I need a blessing" I responded.
"I can give you one."
When we got to the green room at the theatre, we were able to use my dressing room since not too many people were there yet to use it. My Marie was sweet enough to leave us for a few minutes. I sat down in a chair and Bryan used the power of the priesthood to give me strength.
I was blessed with the love of my Heavenly Father.
I was blessed that all anxiety would leave me.
I was blessed that my performance would be one of the best of our run.
I was blessed with the Spirit of Comfort.
And then it was over. I felt immediately the change in my attitude, a warmth in my bosom. Everything would be okay. It spread around the cast that I had had a terrible day, as well as my sweet assistant, Jennie (who was also in our cast). So many prayers were said, hugs were given, and so many sweet words of comfort and aid offered.
I didn't feel an ounce of anxiety for the next 5 hours. It truly was one of the best performances I gave during our run. It wasn't because of me, though.
I need the gospel in my life because I am not perfect. I need the priesthood in my home because I can't get through this earthly state without the power of God on my side. I need prayer because I need to tell my Father in Heaven when I need help, when I am grateful, when I need forgiveness, and when I love Him.
Terrible.
I had four tearful breakdowns during my 10 hour shift at work, yelled at almost all of my coworkers, and didn't answer my desk phone once.
Needless to say, it was stressful.
I think all the CRAP that's been happening over the last couple weeks just built up and came out yesterday.
Terrible.
I cried twice--yes, TWICE--driving home to pick up Bryan (which is only about 15 minutes long).
I cried when we got to the theatre to start getting ready for the show.
A few hours earlier, I had texted Bryan telling him how upset I was. His response was sweet and ended with "Let me know if you need anything."
"I need a blessing" I responded.
"I can give you one."
When we got to the green room at the theatre, we were able to use my dressing room since not too many people were there yet to use it. My Marie was sweet enough to leave us for a few minutes. I sat down in a chair and Bryan used the power of the priesthood to give me strength.
I was blessed with the love of my Heavenly Father.
I was blessed that all anxiety would leave me.
I was blessed that my performance would be one of the best of our run.
I was blessed with the Spirit of Comfort.
And then it was over. I felt immediately the change in my attitude, a warmth in my bosom. Everything would be okay. It spread around the cast that I had had a terrible day, as well as my sweet assistant, Jennie (who was also in our cast). So many prayers were said, hugs were given, and so many sweet words of comfort and aid offered.
I didn't feel an ounce of anxiety for the next 5 hours. It truly was one of the best performances I gave during our run. It wasn't because of me, though.
I need the gospel in my life because I am not perfect. I need the priesthood in my home because I can't get through this earthly state without the power of God on my side. I need prayer because I need to tell my Father in Heaven when I need help, when I am grateful, when I need forgiveness, and when I love Him.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
"I'll [Not] Forget You": A Memoir of The Scarlet Pimpernel
It's over now.
I will probably never grace the Scera Shell Stage as Lady Blakeney ever again. I will never perform "Where's the Girl?" with my husband as Chauvelin ever again (he's assured me that). I'll never do spacing rehearsals arm-in-arm with my "double-head Marguerite" ever again. I will never nail the footbridge scene with Stephen Gashler ever again.
And it breaks my heart. But I will never forget it.
I am one who loves the stage. It doesn't matter the role I take, but I will never stop loving performing. It's a thrill that can't be replaced.
When I sing "I'll Forget You" and bring tears to not only the audience eyes, but my own eyes, I know I did something right. And when the audience applauds and they recognize the work that went into that emotional piece of music... That makes everything worth it. I makes all embarrassments of hair pieces falling out, of falling down stairs and dropping props, of messing up lines... Disappear. Because they know that I am putting my whole soul into a character that I love so much.
And it makes it all worth it.
As I sit alone in my living room typing this post, I can't help but think of what I'm going to do with my evenings here on out. I have school tomorrow which means studying. I'm looking for a new job which means filling out who knows how many online applications and uploading so many copies of my resume.
I need to clean my kitchen and fold laundry.
But, no. I'm sitting on the floor, humming "When I Look at You" and looking at pictures from rehearsals and the show my cast mates took.
I sent a Facebook message to my adorable double today. I truly miss her. I consider her a close friend now. If I had a little brother, I'd want him to marry her. She's so wonderful.
I think about the fact that I don't get to work alongside extremely talented actors who have taught me so much.
I don't get to feel that complete satisfaction that comes when I know I did a good job in Jerry Elison's eyes anymore. I am going to miss that man so much. I hope with everything that is in me that I get to work with him again. Bryan and I love him so much.
So, here it is:
To My Scarlet Pimpernel Family,
I cannot begin to say how much this experience has meant to me. From the beginning of auditions until closing night this last weekend, this has truly been one of the best experiences of my life. I remember sitting at the callbacks and listening to each of the ensemble ladies sing "Madame Guillotine" and then listening to Marguerite (after Marguerite after Marguerite... *wink*) sing "When I Look at You" and thinking how ridiculously talented each person was in that room. It was intimidating and exciting all at the same time. I knew that, no matter what role I took, I'd have to keep my game up at all times.
When I got the offer to be Marguerite, it was a dream come true. When Bryan was offered Chauvelin, I laughed a little. I won't lie. We were so certain that if I was Marguerite, he would be Percy. But I guess Bryan is just too slimy to be a fop ;)
And so it began.
I loved every one of you the moment I walked into that Pre-rehearsal meeting. Bryan and I were just so excited. We couldn't have asked for better people to work with. Each of the directors were amazing, and as we got to know all of you, it just became better and better.
I hope that we will continue to do parties at Sabrina's house, late-night Menchies runs, bombard Denny's and IHOP at midnight, play night games until who-knows-when, and get into all kinds of shenanigans.
Thank you for making my experience as Lady Blakeney even better than it ever could have been. It's like that line in We Bought A Zoo: "The animals are cool, but I sure do love the people."
I sure do love you people.
With everything that I am,
Kelsey
aka Marguerite St. Just/Lady Blakeney
I will probably never grace the Scera Shell Stage as Lady Blakeney ever again. I will never perform "Where's the Girl?" with my husband as Chauvelin ever again (he's assured me that). I'll never do spacing rehearsals arm-in-arm with my "double-head Marguerite" ever again. I will never nail the footbridge scene with Stephen Gashler ever again.
And it breaks my heart. But I will never forget it.
I am one who loves the stage. It doesn't matter the role I take, but I will never stop loving performing. It's a thrill that can't be replaced.
When I sing "I'll Forget You" and bring tears to not only the audience eyes, but my own eyes, I know I did something right. And when the audience applauds and they recognize the work that went into that emotional piece of music... That makes everything worth it. I makes all embarrassments of hair pieces falling out, of falling down stairs and dropping props, of messing up lines... Disappear. Because they know that I am putting my whole soul into a character that I love so much.
And it makes it all worth it.
As I sit alone in my living room typing this post, I can't help but think of what I'm going to do with my evenings here on out. I have school tomorrow which means studying. I'm looking for a new job which means filling out who knows how many online applications and uploading so many copies of my resume.
I need to clean my kitchen and fold laundry.
But, no. I'm sitting on the floor, humming "When I Look at You" and looking at pictures from rehearsals and the show my cast mates took.
I sent a Facebook message to my adorable double today. I truly miss her. I consider her a close friend now. If I had a little brother, I'd want him to marry her. She's so wonderful.
I think about the fact that I don't get to work alongside extremely talented actors who have taught me so much.
I don't get to feel that complete satisfaction that comes when I know I did a good job in Jerry Elison's eyes anymore. I am going to miss that man so much. I hope with everything that is in me that I get to work with him again. Bryan and I love him so much.
So, here it is:
To My Scarlet Pimpernel Family,
I cannot begin to say how much this experience has meant to me. From the beginning of auditions until closing night this last weekend, this has truly been one of the best experiences of my life. I remember sitting at the callbacks and listening to each of the ensemble ladies sing "Madame Guillotine" and then listening to Marguerite (after Marguerite after Marguerite... *wink*) sing "When I Look at You" and thinking how ridiculously talented each person was in that room. It was intimidating and exciting all at the same time. I knew that, no matter what role I took, I'd have to keep my game up at all times.
When I got the offer to be Marguerite, it was a dream come true. When Bryan was offered Chauvelin, I laughed a little. I won't lie. We were so certain that if I was Marguerite, he would be Percy. But I guess Bryan is just too slimy to be a fop ;)
And so it began.
I loved every one of you the moment I walked into that Pre-rehearsal meeting. Bryan and I were just so excited. We couldn't have asked for better people to work with. Each of the directors were amazing, and as we got to know all of you, it just became better and better.
I hope that we will continue to do parties at Sabrina's house, late-night Menchies runs, bombard Denny's and IHOP at midnight, play night games until who-knows-when, and get into all kinds of shenanigans.
Thank you for making my experience as Lady Blakeney even better than it ever could have been. It's like that line in We Bought A Zoo: "The animals are cool, but I sure do love the people."
I sure do love you people.
With everything that I am,
Kelsey
aka Marguerite St. Just/Lady Blakeney
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Too Much: A Recollection of the Last Three Months
- I got a scholarship
- I finished the semester and passed my sophomore review
- Bryan and I auditioned for The Scarlet Pimpernel
- We were called back... Twice.
- We were cast as Marguerite and Chauvelin.
- We started our business. Officially.
- We got new phones.
- We found out that we're getting two new nieces or nephews at the end of the year. One on each side.
- Bryan's baby sister graduated from high school (weird, but awesome).
- My baby sister needs prayers (not so awesome).
- I want to start teaching voice lessons more than ever, but just can't seem to do it.
- Work is nuts.
- Bryan works so hard.
- We've been married for three years.
- We're going to the Caribbean in December to celebrate those three years (aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!)
- We might even go to Disneyland in September with some friends.
- I'm doing my junior recital in the fall (it's official).
- My mind is totally drunk on The Scarlet Pimpernel.
- My best friend Julie and I invented the BEST BROWNIES EVER.
THE BEST BROWNIES EVER!!
1 box fudge brownie mix, whatever ingredients it needs
Mini marshmallows
1 container fudge frosting (not the whipped kind. Or the sugar-free kind. Defeats the purpose)
Peanut Butter
Make brownies as directed on box at minimum time.
Take mini marshmallows and make a single layer on top of brownies.
Bake for another 2 minutes, or until marshmallows "inflate" slightly.
Remove from oven and let brownies cool.
In separate bowl, mix about 1/2 of the frosting and peanut butter to taste. Spread frosting concoction on top of marshmallows.
Devour.
Your welcome.
- I finished the semester and passed my sophomore review
- Bryan and I auditioned for The Scarlet Pimpernel
- We were called back... Twice.
- We were cast as Marguerite and Chauvelin.
- We started our business. Officially.
- We got new phones.
- We found out that we're getting two new nieces or nephews at the end of the year. One on each side.
- Bryan's baby sister graduated from high school (weird, but awesome).
- My baby sister needs prayers (not so awesome).
- I want to start teaching voice lessons more than ever, but just can't seem to do it.
- Work is nuts.
- Bryan works so hard.
- We've been married for three years.
- We're going to the Caribbean in December to celebrate those three years (aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!)
- We might even go to Disneyland in September with some friends.
- I'm doing my junior recital in the fall (it's official).
- My mind is totally drunk on The Scarlet Pimpernel.
- My best friend Julie and I invented the BEST BROWNIES EVER.
THE BEST BROWNIES EVER!!
1 box fudge brownie mix, whatever ingredients it needs
Mini marshmallows
1 container fudge frosting (not the whipped kind. Or the sugar-free kind. Defeats the purpose)
Peanut Butter
Make brownies as directed on box at minimum time.
Take mini marshmallows and make a single layer on top of brownies.
Bake for another 2 minutes, or until marshmallows "inflate" slightly.
Remove from oven and let brownies cool.
In separate bowl, mix about 1/2 of the frosting and peanut butter to taste. Spread frosting concoction on top of marshmallows.
Devour.
Your welcome.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
School. Music. Life.
I live in a time where I have to go to school so I can do what I want.
So, here I am.
Going to UVU.
And loving it. :)
I think that I needed to go back to school when I did because I was going crazy just working all the time. I feel like the store has been such a mess this summer and I barely survived it. But being able to sing every day and talk about music like it's a way of life (because it IS!) just makes me happy.
There are 3 audition choirs on campus: Women's choir, the Masterworks Chorale, and the Chamber Choir. I was in Women's choir all last year and loved every second of it! Singing in an all-female chorus is such a unique experience. I also loved all the women I sang with and our director is fabulous! This year, however, with work, I could only audition for the Masterworks Chorale. I went into my audition and could hardly look at Cherilyn (the Women's Choir director) because I was so sad. But as I finished my audition, Dr. Criddle looked and me and asked, "Are you sure you don't have time for 2 choirs? I would have called you back for Chamber." A-what?!! Chamber Choir is the "elite" choir on campus. Normally, Dr. Criddle picks choir voices for that group. This year, however, he's changing it up a bit: the choir is going to China in the spring so he wanted to gather up the good voices in the vocal department. So, it's official: Dr. Criddle thinks I'm GOOD. That was definitely a confidence booster for me, as it's hard to please him.
I'm so excited to be working with Tyler again this year in voice lessons. His wife (who is a contralto) is now teaching voice lessons on campus, so I considered moving to her studio. Plus, she's awesome and who wouldn't want to be Val's student?! Anyway, I felt, though, that Tyler really pushed me to find my soprano voice. I have a dark color and a wide vibrato, so most voice teachers have put me in the mezzo-soprano category. But the thing is... I can hit an E above the staff. Yes, folks. That is 3 ledger lines above the staff. B above the staff is a comfortable soprano note. I can hit it. Comfortably. I like singing low and jazzy in choirs because it pushes my range lower (I can sing tenor better than most tenors, lets be honest here), but I love crooning above the staff.
Ok, nerd moment over...
Bryan and I are putting together a small business plan so I can start teaching voice and piano lessons. I need to be singing every day, all the time. Teaching will help me do that :) I think we'll start small--just Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday teaching while I work part-time at the store and still go to school. When I get enough students, then I can go to work and tell them, "It's been real, but I'M OUTTA HERE!" (I'm still working on the exact script, but you get the idea).
Bryan is turning into a real freelancer. Yes, ladies and gent's: He's made a COMMERCIAL. And, he just book ANOTHER commercial through the same advertising company. They really like him. Hopefully this means that he'll get all their small projects (6-8 per year) and then we'll be able to finally start saving for a new car, a condo, and a baby (not pregnant).
Here's the 30 second spot, if you haven't already seen it on TV:
Yes, my super awesome, amazingly talented hubby did that. I'm so proud :)
My family is going to Disneyland in October. My whole family. That's all 8 of my siblings, spouses, grandkids, and my cute parents. Bryan and I are trying to figure out if we're going or not. I really want to go, but money is tight and we're trying to figure out if it's just the right time.... I sure hope we can go. I love seeing my family and I don't get to see them very often. And plus, it's the happiest place on earth! Where Bryan and I honeymooned over 2 years ago!
So, here I am.
Going to UVU.
And loving it. :)
I think that I needed to go back to school when I did because I was going crazy just working all the time. I feel like the store has been such a mess this summer and I barely survived it. But being able to sing every day and talk about music like it's a way of life (because it IS!) just makes me happy.
There are 3 audition choirs on campus: Women's choir, the Masterworks Chorale, and the Chamber Choir. I was in Women's choir all last year and loved every second of it! Singing in an all-female chorus is such a unique experience. I also loved all the women I sang with and our director is fabulous! This year, however, with work, I could only audition for the Masterworks Chorale. I went into my audition and could hardly look at Cherilyn (the Women's Choir director) because I was so sad. But as I finished my audition, Dr. Criddle looked and me and asked, "Are you sure you don't have time for 2 choirs? I would have called you back for Chamber." A-what?!! Chamber Choir is the "elite" choir on campus. Normally, Dr. Criddle picks choir voices for that group. This year, however, he's changing it up a bit: the choir is going to China in the spring so he wanted to gather up the good voices in the vocal department. So, it's official: Dr. Criddle thinks I'm GOOD. That was definitely a confidence booster for me, as it's hard to please him.
I'm so excited to be working with Tyler again this year in voice lessons. His wife (who is a contralto) is now teaching voice lessons on campus, so I considered moving to her studio. Plus, she's awesome and who wouldn't want to be Val's student?! Anyway, I felt, though, that Tyler really pushed me to find my soprano voice. I have a dark color and a wide vibrato, so most voice teachers have put me in the mezzo-soprano category. But the thing is... I can hit an E above the staff. Yes, folks. That is 3 ledger lines above the staff. B above the staff is a comfortable soprano note. I can hit it. Comfortably. I like singing low and jazzy in choirs because it pushes my range lower (I can sing tenor better than most tenors, lets be honest here), but I love crooning above the staff.
Ok, nerd moment over...
Bryan and I are putting together a small business plan so I can start teaching voice and piano lessons. I need to be singing every day, all the time. Teaching will help me do that :) I think we'll start small--just Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday teaching while I work part-time at the store and still go to school. When I get enough students, then I can go to work and tell them, "It's been real, but I'M OUTTA HERE!" (I'm still working on the exact script, but you get the idea).
Bryan is turning into a real freelancer. Yes, ladies and gent's: He's made a COMMERCIAL. And, he just book ANOTHER commercial through the same advertising company. They really like him. Hopefully this means that he'll get all their small projects (6-8 per year) and then we'll be able to finally start saving for a new car, a condo, and a baby (not pregnant).
Here's the 30 second spot, if you haven't already seen it on TV:
Yes, my super awesome, amazingly talented hubby did that. I'm so proud :)
My family is going to Disneyland in October. My whole family. That's all 8 of my siblings, spouses, grandkids, and my cute parents. Bryan and I are trying to figure out if we're going or not. I really want to go, but money is tight and we're trying to figure out if it's just the right time.... I sure hope we can go. I love seeing my family and I don't get to see them very often. And plus, it's the happiest place on earth! Where Bryan and I honeymooned over 2 years ago!
Friday, July 13, 2012
[Friday] Funnies
Well, it's Friday.
The one half-day I get at work this week
The day Bryan and I go to the temple
The day that might cause me to rip my hair out a little
BUT! I must remember the little things and just laugh.
Happy Friday! :)
The one half-day I get at work this week
The day Bryan and I go to the temple
The day that might cause me to rip my hair out a little
BUT! I must remember the little things and just laugh.
Happy Friday! :)
Saturday, June 30, 2012
There's a Birthday Boy in the House...
I feel like everything I've blogged about over the last few posts has been kinda mushy.
What can I say? I freakin' LOVE my super hot hubby! ;)
lol ANYWAY!
Speaking of that super attractive man I get to see every day....
His birthday is coming up!
A QUARTER OF A CENTURY!!!
It's going to be action-packed and I'm feeling quite proud of myself for my plans.
I (unfortunately) have to work that morning, but that doesn't affect any of the madness!
I've got him 4 presents (which I will NOT announce on here because, believe it or not, he reads this!) which will be presented to the birthday boy throughout the day.
That evening at 5:30 pm. we will be going to the Desert Star Playhouse in Murray.
This is where we went on our first date
(you'll have to scroll down to get to it. you'll see when you look at the post).
Yes, the same dinner theatre.
And, to make it EVEN BETTER, we're going with the same friends we doubled with almost 3 years ago!
I'm so excited!
Bryan's excited!
That's all that matters!
I love birthdays :)
Pictures will come following the madness of that day.
For now, enjoy this song that I dedicate to the birthday boy
(He's gonna be a star someday. And I'll be his Debbie Reynolds. Yes, I'm being mushy again)
Saturday, June 23, 2012
A New Life Started and 2 Years Celebrated (lots of pics!)
Exactly 1 month before my 2 year anniversary, one of my best friends from BYU-Idaho got married in the Denver, CO LDS Temple
It was a crazy, action-packed weekend
 |
| I will never wax... AGAIN! |
All in all, it was nice to be with my best friends for 5 days
 |
| We're pretty stylish |
 |
| Waiting to go inside. |
 |
| The bride and groom when they came out of the temple |
 |
| Yep. That's us. |
 |
| One of the best families EVER! |
 |
| Mama D :) |
 |
| The bridal party |
 |
| Kiah got a free donut from Krispy Kreme because she just got married! |
 |
| I kind of LOVED their outfits. These boys are STUDS! |
 |
| I was quite jealous of the photographer's golashes |
 |
| Kiah drew the chalk pictures |
 |
| The pinwheel arch - made by Kiah and her momma. This is where they greeted their guests. |
 |
| My blown-out pic of our lunch box treats! It was so cute! |
 |
| Cute little favors (I won the '80's "Don't Forget the Lyrics!" game) |
Then, exactly a month later, Bryan and I celebrated 2 years by doing sealings in the Timpanogos Temple
The following Saturday, we had (what we affectionately called) our
anniversary day!
We went to the Grand America hotel for breakfast
 |
| That's a milk chocolate mustache! |
Took an adventure at the Salt Lake City Library
 |
| We climbed all the way down from the rooftop! |
Ventured around the Planetarium (which is FREE, btw!)
 |
| I always knew Bryan wasn't from around here... |
 |
| Goodbye, Earth! I'm gonna go live on the moon! |
 |
| This is why I wanna move to the moon. |
And we SHOPPED! Well, I shopped. I love City Creek.
 |
| I'm trying to be my idol [Audrey Hepburn] in this picture. Too bad City Creek doesn't have a Starbucks :( |
So much fun. So exhausting. Can't wait for next year!
Monday, June 18, 2012
I'm supposed to be grocery shopping
But instead I'm blogging.... It's a good thing Wal Mart is open 24 hours...
Anyway, yesterday was Father's day.
I feel like it should been like "Priesthood Appreciation Day"
I love my husband.
 |
| My 21st birthday gift - Mary Poppins! |
I'm just so grateful to have him in my life.
He's my best friend.
He's a wonderful example.
He's an amazing friend.
He's a talented film maker.
He's a gifted singer.
He's one of the most driven people I've ever met.
He's a very uplifting person.
He has a relationship with our Father in Heaven.
He has a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
He is my saving grace, my best friend. The father of our future children (no, I'm not pregnant).
Anyway, happy father's day to my wonderful husband.
I love you most.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
2 Crazy Years
Two years ago today, I made the best decision of my life:
I married him.
 |
| Right after we were sealed for time and all eternity |
This journey has given me so much.
Joy
Experience
Frustration
Grief
Strength
Faith
Experience
Frustration
Grief
Strength
Faith
Most of all...
Love
Love for a man who is my best friend, my greatest example, and my greatest joy.
Our song is "Falling Slowly" by The Frames.
It just seems to fit.
It's about 2 strangers who find one another and fall in love.
Falling in love saved them.
That's our story.
It's not traditional at all, but it's ours and I love it.
These two crazy years have been the best of my life.
Lucky for me, I get to do this for the rest of my life and throughout all eternity.
I love you, Bryan.
Happy Anniversary.
ps. Happy 2 year anniversary to Stacylyn and Zach! :)
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
I guess I was worrying a little too much...
Last night went like this:
Bryan: Have you checked out or kickstarter page today?
Me: I've been avoiding it all day, to be honest.
Bryan: Well, you should.
Me: Why can't you just tell me?
Bryan: You just need to see it for yourself.
Me: (walks over to laptop. Turns it on. Goes to kickstarter page) $1,000?!!!
Yes, people. It's crazy, but it's happening.
Be part of something BIG!
Make the pledge!
_______________________________________________________
On to normal life things....
Work has been insane!
We're doing our big semi-annual sale right now and it has been the BUSIEST semi-annual sale I have been a part of in my 3 years at my job.
SO CRAZY.
But it's been good because we need the business.
I miss school. The end.
Bryan's work is absolutely crazy, too. They have a bunch of shoots going on right now, locally and all over the country, and Bryan has been alone in the camera room for about 3 weeks now because his boss is shooting and his co-worker is on set with the boss.
Poor Bryan, he gets calls all the time from people asking about check-outs. But he doesn't mind. It just gives him more to do.
Lately, I've been listening to/reading the General Conference talks from this last April. I worked all day on that Saturday, so I never got to hear the talks. It has been a sweet blessing and experience reading the words of the prophets. It helps me know that the heavens are opened; that God did not and will not leave us alone. He wants to give us guidance and show us that he has infinite concern for us. I know that one of the ways our Father in Heaven does this for us is by giving us prophets and apostles who know the needs of the Church and of the world. They are good men who love God and the gospel.
Things are going... Just going. I hope I can keep up.
Bryan: Have you checked out or kickstarter page today?
Me: I've been avoiding it all day, to be honest.
Bryan: Well, you should.
Me: Why can't you just tell me?
Bryan: You just need to see it for yourself.
Me: (walks over to laptop. Turns it on. Goes to kickstarter page) $1,000?!!!
Yes, people. It's crazy, but it's happening.
Be part of something BIG!
Make the pledge!
_______________________________________________________
On to normal life things....
Work has been insane!
We're doing our big semi-annual sale right now and it has been the BUSIEST semi-annual sale I have been a part of in my 3 years at my job.
SO CRAZY.
But it's been good because we need the business.
I miss school. The end.
Bryan's work is absolutely crazy, too. They have a bunch of shoots going on right now, locally and all over the country, and Bryan has been alone in the camera room for about 3 weeks now because his boss is shooting and his co-worker is on set with the boss.
Poor Bryan, he gets calls all the time from people asking about check-outs. But he doesn't mind. It just gives him more to do.
Lately, I've been listening to/reading the General Conference talks from this last April. I worked all day on that Saturday, so I never got to hear the talks. It has been a sweet blessing and experience reading the words of the prophets. It helps me know that the heavens are opened; that God did not and will not leave us alone. He wants to give us guidance and show us that he has infinite concern for us. I know that one of the ways our Father in Heaven does this for us is by giving us prophets and apostles who know the needs of the Church and of the world. They are good men who love God and the gospel.
Things are going... Just going. I hope I can keep up.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
I feel so NERVOUS!
So, Bryan has been working SO hard on a script, a business plan, and a Kickstarter campaign for about 6 months now.
In the next 48 hours, we launch our Kickstarter campaign.
Tonight, I talk to several siblings and friends about how to pledge and help make our dream a reality.
And... I'm TERRIFIED.
I'm the kind of person whose mind always goes to the worst-case-scenario.
This is slowly turning into one of those moments.
You see, people look at Bryan and I and think we're crazy.
Yes, Bryan quit school.
Yes, I'm working full-time and going to school so Bryan can be home more to work on this whole thing.
Yes, we're taking some huge risks starting this business.
But let me just say this:
When you look down on us-- and vocalize it, for that matter-- for taking a chance on our dreams now when we have the time and motivation to do it, it doesn't help.
You know what does help though? Support. Any support you can give.
So, this is why talking to my siblings and friends is becoming scary...
I'm afraid they don't believe in us enough to make the pledge.
Can I ask my readers something?
Don't you want to be part of something that could change someone's life?
When it's live, I'll post a link to our Kickstarter page so you can be part of something that will change not just our lives, but everyone's who is involved in this project...
If you want to, follow our journey here.
Believe in us. It sure is a lonely road to making your dreams come true.
_ _ _
I'm sorry this post is kind of bi-polar and not really me, but it's how I'm feeling right now...
In the next 48 hours, we launch our Kickstarter campaign.
Tonight, I talk to several siblings and friends about how to pledge and help make our dream a reality.
And... I'm TERRIFIED.
I'm the kind of person whose mind always goes to the worst-case-scenario.
This is slowly turning into one of those moments.
You see, people look at Bryan and I and think we're crazy.
Yes, Bryan quit school.
Yes, I'm working full-time and going to school so Bryan can be home more to work on this whole thing.
Yes, we're taking some huge risks starting this business.
But let me just say this:
When you look down on us-- and vocalize it, for that matter-- for taking a chance on our dreams now when we have the time and motivation to do it, it doesn't help.
You know what does help though? Support. Any support you can give.
So, this is why talking to my siblings and friends is becoming scary...
I'm afraid they don't believe in us enough to make the pledge.
Can I ask my readers something?
Don't you want to be part of something that could change someone's life?
When it's live, I'll post a link to our Kickstarter page so you can be part of something that will change not just our lives, but everyone's who is involved in this project...
If you want to, follow our journey here.
Believe in us. It sure is a lonely road to making your dreams come true.
_ _ _
I'm sorry this post is kind of bi-polar and not really me, but it's how I'm feeling right now...
Monday, May 21, 2012
Accomplished!
Today was my first day off that was a weekday...
EVER!
It was kind of amazing. I feel so accomplished today!
Bryan and I got Costco cards. Yep, we're adults. :)
I took Bryan to work.
Went grocery shopping (and the sun was out! I don't think I've gone to the store before 9 PM in like a year!)
Cleaned the apartment.
Picked up Bryan from work.
Got new cups for my kitchen.
And now, I'm relaxing at home. And it's awesome. So awesome, I'm blogging.
EVER!
It was kind of amazing. I feel so accomplished today!
Bryan and I got Costco cards. Yep, we're adults. :)
I took Bryan to work.
Went grocery shopping (and the sun was out! I don't think I've gone to the store before 9 PM in like a year!)
Cleaned the apartment.
Picked up Bryan from work.
Got new cups for my kitchen.
And now, I'm relaxing at home. And it's awesome. So awesome, I'm blogging.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Remember how I disappeared for, like, 4 months?
Hi friends.
I know, I know, I've been slacking. But, hey! What do you expect from me? Sometimes I'm good and oftentimes I'm terrible. Just be grateful you're getting an update now! Ha! :)
This semester was one of the best semesters of my college career. Hands down. I feel like I excelled so much more than I ever have and had so many opportunities opened up to me that made me a better person and performer. It's been such a phenomenal experience! I love UVU!
I took the Opera Workshop class (OpShop for short) this semester. It made me realize so much more how I love performing. And how I am not one who would do well in a classroom with students, but rather in a studio. I know, it's crazy. I love teaching. Really, I do. But honestly, if I'm going to do what I love all the time, the best way for me to make a living and do that would to be to teach privately. So, that's happening. Bryan and I are working on putting together a little "business plan" type thing for me to bring around and start getting voice and piano students.
Anyway, going back to OpShop and why I wanted to talk about that in the first place:
1. I LOVE GERMAN. I'm convinced that when Schubert was composing anything for high voice, my voice was the one singing in his head. And the language is just so lovely! (Yes, with the hacking and all).
2. I was cast as Dorabella for the Cosi fan Tutte scene. SO. MUCH. FUN. I would do it again a million times if I could. And, my Fiordiligi was (who am I kidding? IS.) AH. MAZE. ING. I want to be her when I grow up. For realsies.
This class made this semester so worth it. I mean, I took good classes that I enjoyed and learned a lot from. But this experience was one that literally changed my life. It makes me see the Lord's hand in my life so much more when I can recognize the blessings instead of thinking about the trials. I love my Father in Heaven! I love my Savior! They are so wonderful to me!
Bryan is doing great! Work is treating him well, he's working on a script, we're putting together a kickstarter campaign... There really isn't much more we can say besides The Lord blesses those who have faith in Him and who do all that they can do. It's awesome.
Life is good. It's even grand. I'm trying to be better about writing on here because I can say so much more here than I can anywhere else.
I know, I know, I've been slacking. But, hey! What do you expect from me? Sometimes I'm good and oftentimes I'm terrible. Just be grateful you're getting an update now! Ha! :)
This semester was one of the best semesters of my college career. Hands down. I feel like I excelled so much more than I ever have and had so many opportunities opened up to me that made me a better person and performer. It's been such a phenomenal experience! I love UVU!
I took the Opera Workshop class (OpShop for short) this semester. It made me realize so much more how I love performing. And how I am not one who would do well in a classroom with students, but rather in a studio. I know, it's crazy. I love teaching. Really, I do. But honestly, if I'm going to do what I love all the time, the best way for me to make a living and do that would to be to teach privately. So, that's happening. Bryan and I are working on putting together a little "business plan" type thing for me to bring around and start getting voice and piano students.
Anyway, going back to OpShop and why I wanted to talk about that in the first place:
1. I LOVE GERMAN. I'm convinced that when Schubert was composing anything for high voice, my voice was the one singing in his head. And the language is just so lovely! (Yes, with the hacking and all).
2. I was cast as Dorabella for the Cosi fan Tutte scene. SO. MUCH. FUN. I would do it again a million times if I could. And, my Fiordiligi was (who am I kidding? IS.) AH. MAZE. ING. I want to be her when I grow up. For realsies.
This class made this semester so worth it. I mean, I took good classes that I enjoyed and learned a lot from. But this experience was one that literally changed my life. It makes me see the Lord's hand in my life so much more when I can recognize the blessings instead of thinking about the trials. I love my Father in Heaven! I love my Savior! They are so wonderful to me!
Bryan is doing great! Work is treating him well, he's working on a script, we're putting together a kickstarter campaign... There really isn't much more we can say besides The Lord blesses those who have faith in Him and who do all that they can do. It's awesome.
Life is good. It's even grand. I'm trying to be better about writing on here because I can say so much more here than I can anywhere else.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Christmas Traditions
Bryan's cousin Bryton is looking for Christmas traditions.
First off, I lovelovelove her piggy bank Christmas tradition. So cute. I may have to adopt it for myself.
Secondly, I'm grateful that I read her blog today so I could feel motivated to write. (since I've been dead to the world)
Thirdly, let's talk about CHRISTMAS.
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Bryan and I have started a little tradition where we open our gifts to each other before Christmas, that way we can do it together. It's so sharing our own little Christmas. That's pretty much our only tradition together.
One of my favorite traditions from growing up was caroling outside my parents' bedroom door. You see, on Christmas morning, we would all convene in my parents room, make their bed, kneel next to it and thank our Father in Heaven for our Savior before going to demolish the living room.
Well, my parents didn't want all 9 of us barging in there (especially when they were (a) in their garments aka undies and (b)up all night laying out presents so they didn't want to get up right when we did).
My parents locked us out of their room.
So, we sang. Usually, it wasn't very pretty because we just wanted to wake them up so we could commence the demolishing of the living room. But, in the end, it has become one of my favorite thing about Christmas.
Thanks, Bryton :)
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Hello.
I'm Kelsey, and I suck at life.
Well.... Blogging. Yes, I suck at blogging. I honestly love it, but I'm terrible at keeping up! I can never figure out why!
As a little update to our busy life, Bryan is doing fantastic! He's working on two commercials right now--on his own! Yep! Ladies and 'Gents, my cute hubby is doing his own production work! He's excited but still kinda... I'm not sure how to describe it. Stress? Anxiety? idk. Meh, whatever! He's living the dream :)
Me, on the other hand, I'm just cruising along with school. I'm come to reason with the fact that it's going to be about 3 years instead of 1.5 years before I graduate, but I'm doing what I love and I love what I do! My voice teacher has been away since the end of October doing The Barber of Seville in Beijing, China. (Poor soul, his life is so hard... NOT!) He comes back after Thanksgiving and honestly, I'm SO HAPPY. I've been practicing every day and working on my music, but I'm just ready to have him back. Other than that, work is work and all that jazz.
So, in ONE WEEK... Bryan and I are trekking down to Phoenix to see my family for Thanksgiving. I honestly can't tell you how happy I am to be (1) getting out of Utah and (2)getting away from the cold and bracing myself for snow. 70 degrees, here we come!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Post #101. How 'bout an A-Z!
I saw this on I Believe in Unicorns and thought it would be fun to do for my second post in the triple digits :)
The Misses
Age: 21
Bedsize: Queen
Chores that you hate: Making the bed. I know, I'm crazy.
Dogs: I want a puppy
Essential start to your day: listening to music
Favorite color: hot pink!
Gold or Silver: silver
Height: 5’6” ish...
Instruments you play: piano, percussion
Job title: Asst. Manager
Kids: not yet
Live: O-town, UT
Mother’s Maden Name: Thompson
Nicknames: Kels, Kelser Belser, Kelsey Gracie (to Bryan)
Overnight hospital stays: Uhhhh never?
Pet peeves: The word "like" being overly used.
Quote from a movie or tv show: "Hot dog to hot dog bun ratio: Why for the love of mustard are there never enough buns?!" Mr. Magorium rocks.
Right or Lefty: right-handed
Siblings: 5 sister, 3 brothers
Time you wake up: about 7 AM
Underwear: I don't understand this one... But I wear them, yes...
Vegetable you hate: eggplant.
What makes you run late: my husband...
X-Rays You’ve Had: The ones from the dentist. My wrist. And my pelvic region... Awkward. Moving on.
Yummy food you make: I back cakes like NOBODY you have ever met :)
Zoo Animal: Hippopotamus
The Mister
Age: 24
Bedsize: Queen
Chores that you hate: I don't mind doing chores.
Dogs: Had them growing up, and want them when our kids grow up
Essential start to your day: showering
Favorite color: Blue
Gold or Silver: silver
Height: 6'
Instruments you play: violin, a little piano
Job title: Camera Room Assistant
Kids: not yet
Live: O-town, UT
Mother’s Maden Name: O'Toole
Nicknames: Bry, Big Ol' Bry, (insert last name here), Honey-baby (by Kelsey)
Overnight hospital stays: None
Pet peeves: Facebook
Quote from a movie or tv show: "What you do in life echoes in eternity." --Gladiator
Right or Lefty: right-handed
Siblings: 3 sisters, 1 brother
Time you wake up: about 9 AM
Underwear: I don't understand this one... But I wear them, yes...
Vegetable you hate: asparagus, zuccini
What makes you run late: Getting ready
X-Rays You’ve Had: Catscan.
Yummy food you make: I don't cook
Zoo Animal: cheetah or elephants
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