Spring Semester Thus Far

Blogging.....it shouldn't be such a struggle but it truly is. I can never find the time to blog. Or when I do find the time to blog....I can't think about anything to blog about. So here's just a little jumbled randomness.

Spring Semester = I feel old,and disoriented.

Why you ask? Because of time. The older I get, the more time flies by. I seriously felt like it was the second week of the semester, and just yesterday I realized I had to have all these midterm papers and tests next week. Aaaah! I honestly feel as if every semester gets faster and faster. If I'm not careful I'll blink and be 78.

Time flying means some good things. Like the end of the semester...which means I get to move out of my house. YAY!!!!! I seriously live in Satan's House. In that sense I can't wait for the semester to be over.

Dance is going really well. I have learned so much, and improved so much, and yet I know I still have so much to learn. I've really enjoyed my dance this semester. That is probably in part due to the fact that I am not taking 19 credits. (Dumb idea. Don't ever do it.) Plus I have amazing instructors and so much opportunity to get my work out there and particpate.

This semester for example I got to participate in Alwin Nicholais' IMAGO. It was a choreographer from the 60s...which has a large influence on the piece. You will see exactly what I mean. The dance is based on an imaginary world, much like OZ or Willy Wonka's Oompa Loompa's. Often times they would perform for children to spark their imagination. Our University got a grant to do the piece, for the Faculty Dance Concert this year, a concert with the Ririe Woodbury Company, and then taking it to New York next Spring to perform it there. We are even wearing the original costumes which are like 60 years old. SO COOL! Which includes little white cones on our head, with clown make-up. At this point I have not even the slightest idea if I'm going to New York since there are two casts, but it's a really big honor for the school, and such an amazing experience for me. It really has taught me so much, both good and bad about myself, the professional world, and the art with which I practice everyday. Here are some pictures and videos of people and companies who have done it in the past.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awszvKgl9fA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm1FA_-RTyU&feature=related


The next opportunity I've gotten which I am absolutely ecstatic about is Dance in the Environment. An alumni of the SUU dance program came to my Modern Dance Class, and auditioned us while we had class. She lives in St. George and has been setting choreography on groups of dances in the environment with costumes, and make-up. She goes to a lot of different places to do this, so there's quite a bit of diversity. Then we take photo shoots, and video, and later combines all the dances on stage. For example we are doing a dance to music box music in the snow up in the canyon. Then we will have a big performance later. If Tim Burton did a dance it would be reminiscient of this. I absolutely love it! I'll post pictures as soon as I am able.

There's a lot more to blog about, but I'll leave it for next time, since I've already blogged a novel.

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!