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.
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
Monday, July 1, 2013
I've got to stop.
I'm really set in my ways.
I mean, I don't mind change at all. Let's face it: I've moved more than a lot of people should in their lifetime and I enjoyed it every time.
But if you're going to tell me that something (like say, who you're cast with in a show) is going to be one way and I get used to the idea, don't turn around and tell me that it's changing.
I have my opinions.
Maybe I shouldn't share them.
But hey? Who's going to be reading this anyway, right?
There are two Marguerite's and two Percy's in our production of The Scarlet Pimpernel. I am one of the Marguerite's (but let's face it, I don't think I would have turned down Percy, either!). Anyway, we've had two weeks of rehearsals and we still hadn't heard who we were going to be paired up with. We've been trading back and forth with each rehearsal to give the directors an idea of how we work with each other. I'm going to be honest: I am a singer, first and foremost. I sing, I learn lines, I learn my part, then I act. Acting, for some reason when there is no music underneath me, is really hard for me. So, of course switching Percy's every other day has been a task. Obviously a good one because, hey, I'm not a great actress! But learning to listen is something every performer should know how to do.
Moving on. I've asked the director on a couple of occasions (which looking back on it, I probably shouldn't have but again, I'm terrible and I'm set in my ways) if he knew who we'd be with. He told me both times the same Percy's name. One of those times, the other leads heard him. Naturally, we gravitated that way and would practice in those pairs more than not. Probably not the best choice, but we did it.
Just the other day, he mentioned that because of extenuating circumstances, we would probably be switching.
What?
Did I not just say that I'm set in my ways? Have I not been freaking out for the past two weeks because I'm not that strong of an actress? The Percy that I was supposed to be with has a very similar singing and acting style that I do. The other Marguerite and Percy are the same way: acting and singing styles blend very well. And now he's going to switch it up?! Ah! I felt really comfortable and now I'm being taken out of my comfort zone.
Not that I don't think the show still won't be amazing. I will just have to adjust. But I'm afraid I'll hold back because of how different the other Percy is to my style of performing.
I don't know why this is bothering me so much, but it is.
I mean, I don't mind change at all. Let's face it: I've moved more than a lot of people should in their lifetime and I enjoyed it every time.
But if you're going to tell me that something (like say, who you're cast with in a show) is going to be one way and I get used to the idea, don't turn around and tell me that it's changing.
I have my opinions.
Maybe I shouldn't share them.
But hey? Who's going to be reading this anyway, right?
There are two Marguerite's and two Percy's in our production of The Scarlet Pimpernel. I am one of the Marguerite's (but let's face it, I don't think I would have turned down Percy, either!). Anyway, we've had two weeks of rehearsals and we still hadn't heard who we were going to be paired up with. We've been trading back and forth with each rehearsal to give the directors an idea of how we work with each other. I'm going to be honest: I am a singer, first and foremost. I sing, I learn lines, I learn my part, then I act. Acting, for some reason when there is no music underneath me, is really hard for me. So, of course switching Percy's every other day has been a task. Obviously a good one because, hey, I'm not a great actress! But learning to listen is something every performer should know how to do.
Moving on. I've asked the director on a couple of occasions (which looking back on it, I probably shouldn't have but again, I'm terrible and I'm set in my ways) if he knew who we'd be with. He told me both times the same Percy's name. One of those times, the other leads heard him. Naturally, we gravitated that way and would practice in those pairs more than not. Probably not the best choice, but we did it.
Just the other day, he mentioned that because of extenuating circumstances, we would probably be switching.
What?
Did I not just say that I'm set in my ways? Have I not been freaking out for the past two weeks because I'm not that strong of an actress? The Percy that I was supposed to be with has a very similar singing and acting style that I do. The other Marguerite and Percy are the same way: acting and singing styles blend very well. And now he's going to switch it up?! Ah! I felt really comfortable and now I'm being taken out of my comfort zone.
Not that I don't think the show still won't be amazing. I will just have to adjust. But I'm afraid I'll hold back because of how different the other Percy is to my style of performing.
I don't know why this is bothering me so much, but it is.
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, March 2, 2013
[Saturday] Scribblings
Yes, I said "Scribblings"
I need to dance more.
I need to dance more.
I have to usher a concert today that I'm actually really excited about.
I have to go to a dance concert tonight that I'm excited about...
But I'm not excited about the critique paper I have to write about it.
Yuck.
I'm wanting to read/listen to a talk every day. I fee like I need it; feasting upon the words of latter-day prophets and apostles. Do you have any recommendations or favorites? Ensign, General Conference, New Era, The Friend... Don't matter to me! (Excuse my awful English).
I'm watching FRIENDS from the beginning
And I love it
I'm addicted to Once Upon A Time. It's bad.
My sister goes back to Alaska at the end of the month. It makes me a little sad.
My brother and his wife had their cute little baby girl 2 weeks ago! She's so beautiful!
We found out that a close friend of ours is expecting.
I'm excited, but I won't lie, I cried a little. Not the good kind.
I want a baby so bad...
Friday, March 1, 2013
Oh, you know...
So, my blog has been neglected a lot lately (if you haven't noticed).
But I had this idea... it's just getting the gall to do it. I'm so lame.
I want to get off Facebook for a while. I think it might help me get more focused on other things--like my blog! And my Instagram (I'm a little obsessed with it).
What do YOU think?
Anyway, holy cow life is grand! Can I just say that?
I REPEAT: LIFE. IS. GRAND.
Of course there are things that make me fall apart (which seems to happen a lot), but I'm finding that I just need to think about my blessings.
When people have been asking me lately about school and work, I've been trying to focus more on the good things rather than turning into that crazy complaining lady that you just roll your eyes at and want to stuff a pair of dirty socks in her mouth. I don't know any of those... **shifty eyes**
Anyway, it's been really good. I won't say "amazing" because I'm still struggling with a lot of things.
But all in all, I'm finding that God is near me. And I feel it.
I'll tell you more about that later.
TTFN. :)
Friday, October 5, 2012
Halloween: My FAVORITE time of year
Sometimes you need to take 2 hours and do mindless crafting to bring in your favorite holiday
Sunday, September 23, 2012
An Interesting Place
I'm going to be very real for the next few paragraphs.
When Bryan and I got married almost 2.5 years ago, I was in a really good place. Mentally I was sound, spiritually I was focused, physically I was fit, and emotionally I was balanced. But it began to fade a little after the end of year one.
I stopped going to school.
My scriptures became dusty.
Working out became a scarcity and random.
Crying turned into an almost daily occasion.
I've gotten back to school. I don't cry as much, and only when it is healthy. But my body is tired and I'm losing all capacity to keep it healthy. God is becoming a stranger and my scriptures are still neglected.
That scares me.
I like to think of myself as an "athletic" person.
I love to dance.
I don't mind running.
I like playing sports.
But I have lost all desire to do those things.
Bryan is constantly asking me if I'm going to go to the gym with him, to keep him company and help him with weights when he needs it. I find myself not even considering or wagering. My response has been for the last little while a straightforward NO.
Where does this come from?
When we were dating, I'd go. The same when we were engaged. When we got married, I told him that I didn't like going to the gym, but I still danced regularly. We even got me some Zumba DVD's for those days when I didn't have time or the capacity to come up with my own workout.
But now... Nothing.
I have faith.
I feel the Spirit.
I try to remember that all things come from God--and thank Him for those things.
I keep a prayer in my heart.
I listen to uplifting music.
But how often do I get on my knees? A number that I am ashamed of.
How often do I read my scriptures? Not enough, for certain.
Our ward is doing a Book of Mormon Reading Challenge: 2 chapters or 4 pages a day from Sept 1st-Dec 31st. How far have I gotten since day 1? 1 Nephi Chapter 8. That's maybe 20 pages in. I've got a lot of catching up to do and a lot of changing to do if I want to make this part of my life.
I want to feast on life again. My sister-in-law wrote about me on her blog right after Bryan and I got engaged about how excited I was about life and how I loved the Gospel. Do I have that anymore? I like think that I do...
This isn't a bad place that I'm in. I know I'm blessed, more than I deserve. God is a gracious God for blessing someone as imperfect and lazy as I am.
I'm just in an interesting place.
When Bryan and I got married almost 2.5 years ago, I was in a really good place. Mentally I was sound, spiritually I was focused, physically I was fit, and emotionally I was balanced. But it began to fade a little after the end of year one.
I stopped going to school.
My scriptures became dusty.
Working out became a scarcity and random.
Crying turned into an almost daily occasion.
I've gotten back to school. I don't cry as much, and only when it is healthy. But my body is tired and I'm losing all capacity to keep it healthy. God is becoming a stranger and my scriptures are still neglected.
That scares me.
I like to think of myself as an "athletic" person.
I love to dance.
I don't mind running.
I like playing sports.
But I have lost all desire to do those things.
Bryan is constantly asking me if I'm going to go to the gym with him, to keep him company and help him with weights when he needs it. I find myself not even considering or wagering. My response has been for the last little while a straightforward NO.
Where does this come from?
When we were dating, I'd go. The same when we were engaged. When we got married, I told him that I didn't like going to the gym, but I still danced regularly. We even got me some Zumba DVD's for those days when I didn't have time or the capacity to come up with my own workout.
But now... Nothing.
I have faith.
I feel the Spirit.
I try to remember that all things come from God--and thank Him for those things.
I keep a prayer in my heart.
I listen to uplifting music.
But how often do I get on my knees? A number that I am ashamed of.
How often do I read my scriptures? Not enough, for certain.
Our ward is doing a Book of Mormon Reading Challenge: 2 chapters or 4 pages a day from Sept 1st-Dec 31st. How far have I gotten since day 1? 1 Nephi Chapter 8. That's maybe 20 pages in. I've got a lot of catching up to do and a lot of changing to do if I want to make this part of my life.
I want to feast on life again. My sister-in-law wrote about me on her blog right after Bryan and I got engaged about how excited I was about life and how I loved the Gospel. Do I have that anymore? I like think that I do...
This isn't a bad place that I'm in. I know I'm blessed, more than I deserve. God is a gracious God for blessing someone as imperfect and lazy as I am.
I'm just in an interesting place.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Thank you, Mr. Disney
Today is my birthday.
Disneyland's facebook page was nice enough to post this for me.
Thank you, Mr. Disney.
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, August 10, 2012
Shabby Apple
I don't know if you've ever been to Shabby Apple.
But if you haven't perused it, I suggest you should.
It makes me wish I had more money, but I sure do love their clothes!
A blog I follow is doing a giveaway for a $75 gift certificate.
HOLY COW. I WANT I WANT I WANT!!!
Anyway, happy Friday!
But if you haven't perused it, I suggest you should.
It makes me wish I had more money, but I sure do love their clothes!
A blog I follow is doing a giveaway for a $75 gift certificate.
HOLY COW. I WANT I WANT I WANT!!!
Anyway, happy Friday!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Okay, I needed another laugh
I dare you NOT to smile, giggle, or anything else that entails happiness while watching this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4abiHdQpc&feature=youtube_gdata_player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4abiHdQpc&feature=youtube_gdata_player
[Thursday] Things .... On Friday
Well, just a few things on my mind today. Hopefully I can sum up the week, considering I haven't posted in a while... Don't worry! I have a funny waiting at the end for you :)
- My manager is back from vacation and I've found my brain again! It's been quite lovely
- I'm starting to get used to the fact that our car no longer has air conditioning. As much as I don't like t, I'm getting used to it
- I need to find a good Alfredo Chicken pizza recipe. Or try ad make one up myself. I can't afford to go to CPK or Pizza Pie Cafe every time I want one...
- I've come to the realization that I am NOT a morning person. Heaven help me when I have children someday...
- I still have to post a pic of my new hair... I'll get to that
- I found out on Wednesday (?) that my 2nd oldest sister and her cute family are going to be here this weekend! Woot woot!!!
- Last night we saw The Dark Knight Rises as midnight... All in all, a little disappointing. I enjoyed it, it was entertaining. But just a little disappointing
- I get to see Wicked in Saturday with my 3rd oldest sister!!! I'M SO EXITED, I COULD DIE!!!!!!!
Anyway, happy Friday. Go find your hilarious friend to be with this weekend :)
- My manager is back from vacation and I've found my brain again! It's been quite lovely
- I'm starting to get used to the fact that our car no longer has air conditioning. As much as I don't like t, I'm getting used to it
- I need to find a good Alfredo Chicken pizza recipe. Or try ad make one up myself. I can't afford to go to CPK or Pizza Pie Cafe every time I want one...
- I've come to the realization that I am NOT a morning person. Heaven help me when I have children someday...
- I still have to post a pic of my new hair... I'll get to that
- I found out on Wednesday (?) that my 2nd oldest sister and her cute family are going to be here this weekend! Woot woot!!!
- Last night we saw The Dark Knight Rises as midnight... All in all, a little disappointing. I enjoyed it, it was entertaining. But just a little disappointing
- I get to see Wicked in Saturday with my 3rd oldest sister!!! I'M SO EXITED, I COULD DIE!!!!!!!
Anyway, happy Friday. Go find your hilarious friend to be with this weekend :)
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! :)
Thursday, July 12, 2012
[Thursday] Things
Today is a day that I need to take some time and just vent about some things... Or be grateful. It's going to be a little bit of both.
- I'm grateful for my job, but it's driving me a little bit crazy this week. Tomorrow I only work a half day so that will basically save me.
- We're going to the temple tomorrow. Thank goodness.
- I'll be done with most of my big jobs at work by tomorrow afternoon, which is comforting
- I got my financial aid awards for school. Grateful, but not totally happy. I'm wondering if getting my bachelors is going to be worth all this someday
- I dyed my hair this last weekend. I love it :) pictures to come, I promise!
- I'm grateful for my job, but it's driving me a little bit crazy this week. Tomorrow I only work a half day so that will basically save me.
- We're going to the temple tomorrow. Thank goodness.
- I'll be done with most of my big jobs at work by tomorrow afternoon, which is comforting
- I got my financial aid awards for school. Grateful, but not totally happy. I'm wondering if getting my bachelors is going to be worth all this someday
- I dyed my hair this last weekend. I love it :) pictures to come, I promise!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
[Tuesday] Tunes
The music video is hilarious, but the song is kinda how I'm feeling right now.
Thank you Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffet for singing my feelings.
Thank you Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffet for singing my feelings.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
The 4th of July... On the 3rd.
Since I'll be sitting in a car all day tomorrow, I figured I'd talk a little bit about why
i love america.
I come from a strong military background.
Both of my grandpas served in World War II, one receiving a purple heart.
Three of my mom's brothers served in Vietnam.
My dad and all three of his brothers served in some branch of the military.
My dad spent about 3 years in Thailand.
A year of that time was spent engaged and married to my mom.
Bryan sometimes talks about joining the Army, if movies don't work out.
It terrifies me, but--to be completely honest--I wouldn't be a more proud wife than to have a soldier as a husband.
I have several friends who, upon graduating high school, joined the military.
It makes my heart so grateful for the sacrifice.
I know that this country was built upon a foundation of our forefathers,
in the hopes that its freedoms will never break down.
I was told once to uphold all the laws and rights in this country, so that this chosen land will prosper through to the last days and to the second coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I take that very seriously.
Every time I have sung The Star-Spangled Banner, my heart is filled with pride.
Every time I see veterans leading out the parades on the morning of Independence day,
I weep with gratitude.
I love my country.
Let freedom ring.
God Bless America.
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