Let it Snow

This is a really random short post. Today was the last day of finals for me, and even though it's over, it was a dismal week, and definately today was the worst of them all. However tonight, I happened to have one of the best nights of probably the whole semester. I had a HOPE performance down in St. George, and we sang Christmas carols and drank hot chocolate on the way down. It was a good performance, and then we went out for 5 Guys Burgers. Oh my heck! I don't think I have ever had a burger that good! Amazing! But that really isn't what made it an amazing night. A few of us drove to the Temple (St. George) and looked at the lights, and it started snowing,the most beautiful fat fluffy flakes, all lit up by the temple. It was like being in a snow globe. I don't like to be cold, but it was so gorgeous and magical that I didn't notice the cold at all. We ran around for probably 20 minutes catching snowflakes in our mouths, and walked around after that just watching the snow fall and chatting. It was absolutely enchanting, and turned my miserable day into one of the best nights in a long time.

(This isn't a picture I took. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera, so this is the closest to what it looked like.)

Where Does One Even Begin?

I know...I must be the most dismal blogger in the world. But if you think that's bad, you guys should check the date of my last journal entry...I'm pretty sure the last entry was in July. So here's the general update:

1. Still dancing, still in HOPE, still working the costume shop, still wondering how I got myself into the fix I'm in.

2. I think someone taped a sign on my back that reads:
"If you're not my type, please pursue anyways!"

3. I adopted a cat...who disappeared, and then showed up in Krysta's office, on the 4th floor of the GE building on campus. And then it disappeared again. Still perplexed with that one. (I originally found it in the housing office when I was visiting my old boss)

4. Writing my book still. (The project that never ends.) It's going well, I just wish I had more time to write.

5. I am an AUNT. I was actually up North when Morgan was born, and so I got to see her the next morning. She is so beauteous!!! It's rather surreal. I've wanted to be an aunt since I was five, and I still can't believe that I am sometimes.

Panting on the Sidelines

My summer wasn't very long, and even though last year was pretty easy, I wasn't ready for this one to start. This year was the exception. I started out with 14 respectable credits...and by the end of the week I was taking 17 credits, plus 6-7 hours of dance rehearsal, snagged back into HOPE choir, and I'm working in the costume shop. It's been pretty crazy, and everday it's like...'why am I such an idiot?'

So on some days I have ballet and modern dance back to back. It's like a 4 hour cardio workout. It's been good, but super tiring. I truly have incredible professors, even if sometimes I try to find reasons to not show up to class. All I can say is if I don't lose a pant size, then there's no hope.

Overall, this year is crazy busy, and I'll be at the bar in ballet and thinking, 'This would be a lot easier if I would actually sleep.' And then I remember I don't have time for such a luxury. Although I gotta say, I have traded in the sleep for something pretty cool. I started working in the costume shop, and even though I am not designing right now, I sew, warp and manipulate fabric, and make accessories whenever they need me. It's been such a cool experience so far, and is something that I love. I will be looking into buying myself a sewing machine whenever I get the chance.

So I went to one of my best friends wedding, as her bridesmaid and it was amazing in so many ways, but I will post that later, when I get more pictures of everyone there and the actual wedding pictures and what not...but here is the lovely bride Tori: (I feel so lucky to be able to associate with someone this lovely. Inside and out.)

A Little Bit of Everything

The last post wasn't an update really, so I'll do a real one today.

So work for me has been a myriad of randomness...but then again that is my job. The big project for the last couple of weeks has been decorating. I've been helping Lee(boss), and Cameron decorate the new dorms. It's been really fun, and I've got to say it...I never thought dorms were allowed to look so rad. And I'm not saying that about my decorating expertise *cough cough* (Lee and Cam are the masterminds), I just mean, these kids have got it good. I haven't been around much in the college dorm setting, so maybe I don't know what I am talking about, but I might consider being an RA in this building bc it is so nice...part of me questions that though. The whole me not liking cafeteria food, and my love of privacy may prevent me from doing so. But free housing is still really appealing. So who knows.



Today was a Saturday, and I had appointments down on the quaint Main Street, and the appoinments were like 2 hours apart, so I explored some of the shops and boutiques that I've never been in even though I've lived here for like a year.



Discovery #1- In a bookstore I discovered that Jewel (Yes the songwriter-'Intuition'), has written book of poetry called 'A Night Without Armor'. She writes lyrics, so of course this isn't too surprising, but I was actually very surprised. Most of the poems were quite good, if not phenominal (some were a wee bit wierd). I may have to purchase it at some point.


Discovery #2- Ice cream soda. WOW!!!! Krys and I always meant to get some, but never got around to it....(Krys-you have to try it!!!) Ice cream and soda? I'm not talking about root bear floats....I'm taking about chocolate ice (or some other variety) cream with (non-flavored) soda water. The girl at the counter suggested the chocolate, and I was dubious about it...but actually it was amazing. (I think I'll try this delectable treat at home sometime) - Yeah I know that you probably are snoring bc I am blogging about ice cream soda, but I've noticed that living in a small town I've start getting razzed by the littlest things.

Discovery #3- I have expensive taste. I found this furntiture and dress boutique that sells all this one-of-a -kind novelty stuff. I was quite enraptured. And also aware that I am quite broke.



I am thinking about starting to do nails. I've done pedis and manis for a long time, but I've never charged, and I've never done sets (acrylics, gels...aka fake nails). But I am going to learn and start doing it on the side. I am hoping to get certified next summer in like 2 months for uber cheap, and then I can work in a salon (legally). It all depends on work and money etc... but I really am hyped about it. For future work I am also thinking about being an EFY counselor, a Mary Kay consultant and hoping to work at some animal shelter/hospital/store.


Lastly I have found a new song. Well several actually, but this song is amazing. I am obsessed with music. I seriously always have a soundtrack running through my head all the time. (It can be quite a headache sometimes). As a dancer, there is certain music that feels like it was written for you. For me I get hooked on a song if it MOVES. I know that is really wierd, but that's the best way I can put it. The music moves; spiritually, emotionally, physically, everything. I don't mean that it 'moves you', the song all by it's lonesome moves itself, and in turn the world around it. It's almost like it's a rolling, unstoppable force, that wills you to adore it and feel like your body has no bounds becuase it is that unique and beautiful. The song that I have been absolutely amazed with is by Vienna Teng and it is called 'Harbor'. (amazing artist-highly recommend her other work as well)
I've put a link in so you can experience it yourself, and hopefully you'll get what I mean by moving. (I don't think, that was a very coherent explaination)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKDXe0FP2wc

I hope you enjoy it!

P.S. Tor, I haven't been able to get a picture of the new hair, so I'll try and post it next time! Luv you girl!

It's The Bear Necessities

So a friend from work sent me this forward and I thought it was pretty funny. I was cranky, and he thought I could use one of those 'girls got it so tough' jabs.

FEMALE BEAR

If you're a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months.

I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid.

I could deal with that, too.

If you're a bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute cuddly cubs.

I could definitely deal with that.

If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too.

I could deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling.
He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.
He KNOWS not to get between you and the food.

Yup..... Gonna be a bear

DRASTIC

Yep...I did it-I cut my hair. I never thought I'd ever go short again. But I did. The main reason was because I lost like half my hair, and I was literally starting to go bald in some places. That's definetely not something I can pull off. So I knew the best thing would be to chop it all off. I thought I'd cry or freak or something, but I actually love it! I want it a little shorter, but this was a good start. I like it so much I might keep it for a few years. (I originally had the intention of cutting it and growing it back immediately). The braid in my hands I will be donating to Locks of Love. That's actually the reason I cut it that short. I figured that if I was going to try and salvage my hair, I might as well chop it all off and donate it.

I don't have a lot of other news except that I have been asked to be the secretary of HOPE choir. Um. I don't think I can say no, and it would be fun...but wow that's going to be a lot of work, bc I will probably still be doing most the choreography too.

My friend also wants me to try out for Miss SUU with her. Wierd. I remember wanting to do pageants when I was little, but it all seems really wierd to think about right now. If I do it- 'it's just for fun'. I'll keep you posted. It's very unlikely.

Work is going well, and Ben comes home soon! At the end of the summer, Krys(my roommate during the school year), and I might(might being key word) go on a basically free trek in Zions National park for a week or two, or going to Cali and literally walking down the coast for a week. We probably wont do Cali, because we're not spending money on this trip which means no hotel rooms. California is a scary enough place, sleeping on the beach probably wouldn't be a very good idea. We'll see.

Love you all!

A Lot and A Lot of Catch up

So sorry for the amazing lame picture post from last time...I was essentually pressed for time, and feeling bad that I hadn't posted in forever. I didn't realize how long it had been since I had posted last either, and now I am going to pay for it. SOOOOoooo much has happened.

So first things first: School. Oh my heck! It was unbelievably busy, and stressful-Like I wanted to cry. But as stressed as I was, I finished well. The things I thought I bombed I actually didn't. I ended up with a 3.95 YAY!!!! Exciting right? Well I hardly had any academic classes, and it's pretty hard to fail your dance classes so it is really more of a joke than anything else. The unfortunate part is that due to budget cuts my scholarship got cut to a 1/4 of the original. The ironic part-my GPA is higher than the gpa that got me the original scholarship. So somehow I am going to have to come up with the extra money. We'll see how that goes.

Next: Moving out. Have I mentioned I hate this? Hate, hate, hate, double hate, LOATHE ENTIRELY!!!!! (The Grinch reference was totally for you Steph, although the sentiments are still mine). I almost cried at that part too. So besides a couple of my roommates, namely Krys who is my room roommate, they have been huge jerks, who backstab, exclude, never never clean, and have the attitude of 'holier than thou'. Essentually, me, Krys, and another one of my roommates who they literally would never talk to, had to clean the majority of the house. It was disgusting. Since the garbage cans outside were full, they just started leaving all their junk/garbage on the floor and the table,moldy food in the fridge. If the house had been inspected by officials, it probably would have been condemned. (so maybe that's a little melodramatic, but not by much). Me and krys and one other roommate were the only ones who cleaned out of 8 girls. I have been holding back on complaining about this because I was trying to be patient and what not...but that last weekend cut that resolve. I was livid.

Third: HOPE tour. (above pictures) In a word: Hysterical! My stomach was literally aching by the end of tour from laughing so hard. But maybe I was laughing so hard beacuse I was slap happy. There was like no sleep for the whole tour. We went to a bunch of seminaries mainly and performed our show for like 7 hours, literally, and then had a few more that night. It was a lot of fun. My favorite memory was when one guy changed the narration in one of our songs from 'we will now perform for you 27 of the most popular songs of the century in the next 7 1/2 thrilling minutes! Hold on tight ladies and gentlemen....' to 'we will now perform for you 247,000 songs in the next 14 hours...gentlemen bolt the doors and prepare for the megamix of the millenium!' Of course it probably isn't funny to you...but the entire song was shot after that because everyone was laughing so hard. My most favorite part was singing at the retirement homes. The spirit was always so much stronger there than anywhere else. It was truly incredible.

For the last show my dad (pappi) came up. There is this part of the show that I have to go sing to the boys in the audience, and as I am making my way back to the stage, my jazz heel gets caught on the stair and I biff it. I mean it when I say that-I took a total faceplant-right in front of Pappi. It was classic. That half of the crowd was gasping and saying 'are you okay?' Never live that one down.

As for the present my plans have changed: I am currently living on campus as a summer activities assistant, and RA. I LOVE my job!!!! It is seriously such an awesome job! I basically host and plan family reunions, youth conferences/EFYs, girls state, and camps. I absolutely love it, and might take it again next summer.
Kay, so sorry that was unbelievably long, but I just had to get it out there.

Photos of College Life-Much Delayed

The following are in order (bottom to top): -the death stairs, my bed, my kitchen, university buildings and gardens, going to see 'Big River' with my cuz Kim, Road trip with Krys(roommate),me and a friend from dance, visiting Jayne, playing dress up(I thought the dress looked like a candy wrapper.), and my house.

Winter Wonderland?

Yep, it snowed again. Not sure how I feel about that. Oh no wait, I do. Lovely to look at, hate to be in. I didn't mind the snow at all at the beginning. Actually I loved it. If it has to be cold, it might as well snow right? Well it's been so warm and sunny in Cedar, that I didn't have to even wear a jacket. I was so ready for summer, and then the above picture happened. We got between 8-10 inches in 1 day.

Well this is going to be a really fast post, since I am low on time. Yesterday was a terrible day-couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. I knew it was there, I just couldn't see it, and figure out how to get to it. I was freaking out about choreography-(HOPE),jobs/money, sleep deprivation, packing, cleaning, school deadlines etc... Today was much better, and enjoyable. Thank goodness for the alto section in HOPE who make me laugh hysterically, free food all over campus today, and some other really kind friends!

I have had a job interview, but I am almost worried about taking it. I would be a convention/activities leader of sorts for summer guests at on-campus housing. Could be a really inconsistent, low paying-high stress job, and might not allow me to get another job-which could be a problem.

I am having guy problems again. Though perhaps not quite as freaky as before, but very persistent and unwelcome. I have no luck with normal and male in the same sentence up here. My tactics; avoidance, and maybe a fake boyfriend. I am sticking faithful with the no make-up for Lent, but instead of social/dating siberia, it seems to have had the reverse effect; why I know not.

I am coming home for a really quick stay tomorrow,but I can't promise visits to anyone, as much as I would love to see you all. I really miss everyone very much. But at this point unless there are further developments, I will be getting to Mesa on Friday, and leaving Sunday morning to go up to Salt Lake. I am really excited to see my family, even though it will only be shortly. Oh and Eric, I am bringing a batch of those pumpkin (pumkin?) cookies for you.

Just an Extra

So this is something I had to watch for a class; Sir Ken Robinson (from England), who is lecturing on the problem of education systems and parents crushing creativity in children, and how to cultivate it. It is really funny and insightful. It takes 20 minutes to watch, but is well worth the time!

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

Uneventful Stress

So, I am sorry to confess to the readers that I have nothing amazing, humorous/embarrassing to report. Today is free pancake day at IHOP, and I am hyped. I love free food, and no cleanup. (I hate dishes with a burning passion). It has been tremendously busy, and I feel like I am getting nothing done to speak of. I have been fighting sickness, but not ever getting it full on-everyone I know is sick here. (I'm doomed!)

This week is going to be extra-ordinarily busy, and I am really wishing I had a car. I have to choreograph for HOPE, as well as put together a dance solo to Think of Me. (also for HOPE-could be really interesting.) All Fine Arts Majors are required to put in 30 service hours in production a semester. So for the next 2 and a half weeks, I will be working wardrobe for the dance concert, 4-6 hours a night. Midterms are this and next week. Krys' sister is having her baby tomorrow-YAY! My house is a disaster, and someone's going to have to clean it. I am going to have to fit work in there too. So this is going to be a really stressful week.

In other news, there is a possibility I will be coming down to Mesa for the first weekend in spring break, and then to Salt Lake for the remainder. It would be like a day and a half in Mesa, but still worth it! However, I might not be going anywhere because of the dance concert. (I don't know why the faculty decided to have a show during spring break...no one will be there to see it.) But since I am only helping with wardrobe, hopefully I'll get it off. (Cross your fingers)

For summer job? Who knows. I would really like to be an Au Pair, or a European nanny, but that is going to be difficult to work out. I have to stay in state, to get residency, and most of the jobs I'd have to be there for about a year. Don't think my professors will look too highly on me missing school, and forgetting how to dance. So we'll see what happens. At this point I think I am going to just stay in Cedar, and work two-three jobs. Yesterday, I recieved an academic scholarship, and I am very pleased, so that eases some stress a little, especially with residency.

Later on in school, I am thinking about doing study abroad. If I do, I want to go to London. That would be incredible!!! It would be cheaper to do it that way, than any other way. If not, I will have to get pretty fluent in French, pretty fast. Of course, I don't see this taking place till like the end of my degree, but still, that would be fabulous!

And lastly, I have a friend in dance who decided that for Lent, she would be giving up make-up. What a crazy girl right;)? She's totally serious too. She has to wear make-up for dance performances, but she's going to wash it off before she even goes to meet family after the show. Well yesterday was her first day, and she was asking girls to do it with her. So this morning after I got out of the shower I was about to put on make-up and then I was like...'how 'bout not'. So yes. I am going to be make-up free for the next 39 days(job interviews, modeling, and performances being the exception). I thought I looked okay this morning-Then I started dancing, and got sweaty, and red. Let's just say I have exiled myself to social Siberia...and most especially dating Siberia. Ben will be pleased. It will be a fun experience, and it will save me time, and money.

Update of Sorts

It's been a very busy, stressful month. I had way more on my plate in high school, but I think the difference is having to make and clean up dinner, and big girl things that are a different kind of stress. I realize it's stress, but it has a different texture than the kind I am used to, so I am not sure how to react and handle it just yet. It's throwing me off.

HOPE choir is way early, and I'm not sure what I think of it yet. It's fun and the kids are crazy-go-nuts and silly. We have a couple performances this week, one which includes 'singing valentines'to staff and students all over Cedar City. Should be entertaining.

Work? Can it be called that? I seriously have the most rad jobs in the world! They pay me to read textbooks;which translates to- they are paying to educate me. And in my other jobs, they pay me to watch old movies! How cool is that? All I do is turn it on, and off, make sure the volume is good, and the that the kids don't kill eachother. That's it. I think I will keep this job for the rest of my college career.

So on the weekend I went to the insitute dance with my roommates and friends(above picture), and that was a blast. I love dancing! And this time, I didn't have to ask guys to dance! (there are only enough guys to satisfy about 1/3 of the girls, and only 1/2 actually will dance. So dumb...if you have no intention of dancing, why did you come to a dance?)
On Saturday, I went to a HOPE birhtday party, and we played games, and that was fun, but I had an embarassing experience. Ever heard of the game winkum? Well if someone asks you to play it, say NOOOOO!!!!!! It is this terrible game that everyone says is fun, and maybe it is if your a big, strong person, but for week midgets like me, it is a terrible game. It's basically trying to get away from a partner to another person. They grab/tackle/yank you back, and it's difficult to escape unscathed. (I have bruises and carpet burn all over, in places where it shouldn't be!)
So as I was trying to get away from a particularly tenacious partner, after several tries, I leapt at my next chance,and she grabbed my legs in a deathgrip! I struggled and held out my hands for the person I was running to-he tried to pull me to him, and she pulled me back harder, and all of a sudden my pants were down at my ankles. Yep, I got panced. (not sure if that's how you spell it.) They just flew off. Thank goodness I was wearing spandex underneath, though it didn't do much good. All the guys gasped and looked away, and the girl apologized profusely, and overall it was a pretty funny experience, rather comical in fact, but I will wear a belt if ever I play that heinous game again, which I think is safe to say I will not.

Back to School

I got back home to Cedar about 2 weeks ago, ending a much too short Christmas break. I felt like it was only a week long! I hate how fast time flies! So a lot has happened since I got back. Besides just about keeling over with the temperature shock (sunshine to snow are quite the contrast.)and falling on the ice every chance I get, it's nice to be back. Dance is fabulous, I had a hard time adjusting at first, but with the exception of Julliard, I don't think I could have picked a better school to dance at. I am still getting a major whooping, but I love every minute of it. The dance professors have been bringing several professional choreographers and performers in for master classes which have been absolutely amazing! The most exciting part is Jody Smith from the Shapero and Smith Dance Co. is setting her inspiring dance piece 'To Have and to Hold', on the students and faculty at SUU, and let me tell you it is incredible!!! It's a world famous piece, and it is beautiful, and such an honor for the school and getting the privelage to watch the process!

So as for that heinous cold I had during the week of finals, I pretty much coughed out a couple ribs, and tore a ligament in the front of my rib cage. Only I could have accomplished such a feat. I mean come on-who does that? After the first couple days, I could hardly dance, so I went to my new chiropractor 'Dutch', and he saved me!! I can dance again!

In other news, I got two jobs which are both so convenient for me! The first, I don't start until mid-February, which is running a class once a week, showing films for a drama class, and the other which I just started a couple days ago is reading books onto tape for blind or dyslexic students. These are both perfect for me, because it means I can do it at my convenience, and I won't be walking home in the dark and getting attacked by the demon dogs! Also at a last minute request, I joined HOPE choir, which is our institutes show choir. It's going to be a lot of fun-if I can get up for it! (6:30 am! It's seems so much earlier than marching band for some reason.) I have had some fun weekends (the above picture is 'an ugly sweater party', which was way fun. I actually like this sweater. The gal on the left is my totally awesome roommate Krysta, who is really tall. As it so happens I am standing on a stool.) Life is great! I am enjoying myself, and I feel very blessed.

Love Becky