Rain or Shine, I'm always a Brave

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730 days

I have a buddy. More than a buddy really.

He is serving a mission. In Tallahassee, Florida to be exact. I mailed him his first letter today. Odd. I watched a movie with him one week ago. Seven days. Add a three and a zero and you have two years.

Two years is a long time. I can't even comprehend life after my lit test on Friday, let alone starting my sophomore year of college. Two years is a long time.

So long buddy, enjoy the next phase of life. Keep me a part of it, okay? Write me every so often, keep me in the loop. I've been in the loop for the past five years. Please keep me in the loop.

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Tribute to July

Technically I am posting this in August. But my heart is still in July.

I always think of July as firework month. I love fireworks... A lot... so July is one of my favorite months.

This month has held the heart of my summer. Everything has happened in the last 31 days it seems. I went to girls camp, YASE camp, vocal appointments, made "On Broadway" company, and met some incredible people.

I am so blessed to live in this wonderful place... So here is my shout out to all of my ancestors and the pioneers for their overwhelming sacrifices to make my life what it is today. I don't know where I'd be without their love for the gospel and their willingness to follow the Lord's servants. I would probably be living in Boston, working in a clam chowder restaurant. Not that that is a bad thing, just not the right thing for me. I am sure plenty of amazing people serve clam chowder! Now that I have verbally dug myself into a hole...

I just wanted to send July off with a proper blog tribute. So here it is, my July blog tribute. It's like "candle in the wind"... Only a thousand times better. Gotta love Parks and Recreation.

What is this thing called... YASE?

So you may be wondering, what is this thing called YASE? Why do people post about it and freak out like little babies when it is over and post a million pictures of them wearing matching shirts? I was a skeptical person at first, I signed up and was ready to be ready for the week to be over after the first five minutes. Not so. YASE is incredible! It is the BYU Young Ambassadors Singing Entertainer workshop.

Jealous? You will be. 

The first day consists of orientation (blah) and auditions. Auditions didn't go so well for me... bummer. We learned sections from two different dances and then had to perform them for judges. YIKES! After that we had singing auditions. There were six songs and a line from each song. We were given about 2 minutes to learn each line and then had to stand in front of everyone and sing it. Some songs were sketchier than others. After auditions and dinner we were put into different groups. There were six groups and each group is given a song to work on throughout the week. I was in the white group and we performed "Heaven's Eyes" from the Prince of Egypt. I'm not going to lie... I was pretty ticked that I was put into that group. We had to wear robes and it wasn't as upbeat as some of the other songs. I absolutely loved my song and group by the end of the week! We were paired with the red group (performed "Just Haven't Met You Yet") for a combined song "It's Just Life". We did music and most of the choreography classes with the red group. We stood on risers and sang for them while they did "Just Haven't Met You Yet" and then sang for us when we performed.

The second day started out with an hour long dance class. You could pick between beginning and advanced. I decided not to push my luck and stuck with beginning. It was great! I got sweaty, which was not pleasant for the rest of the day... but it was a great work out! After dance class my group and the red group had music class. And then lunch (yummy!)... lunch was my absolute favorite part of the day. I ate lunch with Brian and Morgan on Tuesday. I met Morgan a few weeks ago at an auditions camp and Brian is a cowboy from Colorado... who likes to perform... Interesting. ;) After lunch the white and red groups had choreography... then more choreography... then more choreography. There may have been some singing in there as well. I just remember that I freakin' danced my butt off that day. Tuesday evening we had box dinners and went to the Pardoe Theater in the HFAC for the "Entertainer's Showcase". Basically everyone who wants to can perform. I was unable to perform in the showcase considering I was supposed to be on vocal rest this week and I was singing anyway... I thought it was best not to push my luck. I believe Brian said that 83 people performed. Yeah, it was a long showcase.

The third day... started out the same as the second day. Dance class. Then music class... then LUNCH! I ate with Brian. Yay for lunch buddies. After lunch we had choreography and then vocals and then we went to the recording studio to record for "It's Just Life". They played back our recording... and it sounded SO good!! Props to the red and white groups! For dinner we ate sandwiches and then boarded buses to go to "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" at Hale Centre Theater. I sat by Brian and Morgan. I am seeing an odd trend... I should have made more friends. Oh well. We got a tour of Hale Centre Theater... which was SO COOL! I loved it... and I was blown away by the engineering of the stage and sets. Sounds cheesy, but seriously... it was incredible. They do amazing things with that little stage. Another thing I thought was super cool... we got to see the squares of fabric that are going to be Joseph's coat! Snazzy business. The show was freaking hilarious. Loved every minute... and the ending totally got me! Probably because I'm not a very good predicter... On the way home... Brian definitely put the moves on me. I was surprised because no guy has ever been that... forward with me. Props to Brian for being bold!

The fourth day (Thursday)... Dance Class. Music Class. Lunch. Choreography. Vocals. Performance Workshop. Dinner... was ridiculous. Since I was a commuter, I had to pay for this single dinner. The lady was rude when I told her I had to pay, which irked me... and then guess how much the lowsy food cost?! $10! I was disgusted. The food was nasty and pathetic. Maybe I'm just ranting now. After dinner I went to Morgan's apartment with her and we got ready for the fireside and dance. The fireside was AMAZING. Annalece (my voice teacher) sang the most beautiful song and it really brought the spirit, at least it did for me. Everyone around me was sobbing, which made me feel insensitive. I felt the spirit, but in an extremely calm way. After the fireside, we had a sweet dance. I danced like a freak... and it was SO FUN! I enjoyed myself quite a lot.

The fifth (and final) day at YASE began with music. Then choreography. We then travelled to the Pardoe Theater for dress rehearsal. We ate lunch and then we did all of our group numbers in costume. BAH! Then dinner was quickly eaten... and then... dun dun dun... THE FIRST PERFORMANCE! The solos that had the most vote from YASE participants were put in one of the two performances. There were some INCREDIBLE performers! Holy cow! They blew me away with how talented they were! Can I just say that when we sang "Lullaby", I was almost in tears. It is such a beautiful song... and to hear such an amazing group of performers sing it in unison? Breath taking. I loved being a part of such an amazing camp. After the first show... we reapplied makeup and deodorant and we performed the show again! My parents had tickets to the second show... and my siblings came too! I have such an amazingly supportive family. I am so lucky to have them! After the show I couldn't find my family... which frightened me! We went into the back hallway where everyone was meeting and I spotted my family... My dad's and brother's heads sticking a foot above the rest of the crowd. It pays to have a tall family... especially in situations such as this. After I said goodbye to my family, the YASE campers headed to the canon center where there was a party. We had a couple of hours of eating and laughing at taking pictures... then it was time for me to go. It was hard to say goodbye and I will always remember the people I met there! I made some incredible friends and had some wonderful experiences that will never be forgotten.

Slippin' through Summer

Summer has been great! I can't believe it is already July though... it just doesn't seem right! In the past month some pretty great... and not so great... things have happened to me! The last week in June, I went to an Auditions Camp. It was a camp that teaches you audition tricks and how to handle yourself. All week we prepared two songs and one monologue and each day we did a new dance combination for practice. On Friday we "mock" interviewed for Randy Boothe, Marvin Payne, Jennifer Madsen, and some teachers from the studio. The idea was that after we auditioned we would recieve a feedback paper form each judge on our audition. I decided to make my audition not quite so mock, and audition for Sr. Company, "On Broadway". I didn't think there was a flying-fart-in-space of a chance (thank you "The Kid") that I would be cast. But I was!! I had four days to decide if I was going to accept the chance... and I decided to do it! The rehearsal are two times a week from August 2011-June 2012. In June 2012 they go touring and perform in New York! It will be one heck of an experience.

Downside to performing... I have been having vocal problems. I know I know, I've been asked it all. Is it just a cold? Some allergies? Are you stressed? NO! I have looked into all of those things, and that isn't what is going on. It probably started with a cold I had in late April. Yeah, it's been going on for three months. Yay... I went to a vocal specialist on Thursday and it was a pretty interesting appointment, considering I had NO idea what to expect. They had me sing some of the Star-Spangled Banner, unwarm. But I felt like I did pretty good! :) They then stuck a camera that was on the end of a rod to the back of my throat and made me make sounds like "eeee" and clear my throat really hard. They recorded it and then I watch some of the video. It was pretty awesome... and disgusting to see my vocal chords at work! After they showed me the video, they said that there is a possibility of a nodule or cist on my right vocal chord, but they were too swollen to be sure. I have a week of vocal rest (yeah, right, no talking??) and mediciation I am supposed to take, and another appointment next week and the week after.

After the doctor, my throat was fairly sore, as they were sticking a rod pretty far back there for nearly three minutes. Brandon asked me how it all went and if he could do anything to help. I told him he should come hang out with me... and guess what?! He brought me ice cream... how sweet is that?! It was probably the best ice cream I've ever had. It was nice because while hanging out, he wouldn't let me talk. Thank you for taking my vocal health into consideration... but it was darn hard! We watched "Hitch", a movie I didn't realize I loved quite so much. I was laughing through THE WHOLE THING. Can I just say one thing? Albert Brennaman is my hero.

Yesterday we had Collin King and & Lacy Downing's bridal shower here. The Kings came, and it was great to see them after three years in the missionfield of Georgia! I hid in my room for most of the shower fesitivites, but when things started to wind down I grabbed some food and headed outside. After basically everyone left Collin and Lacy told their dating story and such. It was great to just talk. Matt and Andrea spent the night, and we watched youtube videos. Some pretty good ones I might add. Check this one out! Darn hilarious!

Well sorry for the super long catch-up... but I haven't blogged in forever! Feels good. Ta ta for now!

You'll Come Back, When They Call You

So many fun things have been happening... And will be happening.

First of all I got to hang with my favorite cousins this past weekend... So great! I got a striped feather in my hair. I feel so... Trend-following.

On Monday I helped my mom around the house and in the yard and then dined on costa vida. Delicious. After, of course, I went to my first blocking of the Crazy Escape! Whoo. I need to remember to bring celery...

Yesterday I went to my voice lesson... Which recently got moved to a new studio... In American Fork! Crazy business.

I am getting new glasses today... Excitement is in the air! And senior portraits are today! It is insane how fast life is zooming by. Oh... A tidbit of the most exciting news... My dear friend Brandon got his mission call!! Look out Tallahassee! I am so excited for him and proud of him. He will be the best missionary!

Tomorrow? Set up. Major set up. My house/yard will be receiving 18 tables, 84 chairs, 85 chair ties, and enough lanterns to light NYC... yeah. You may be thinking, what occasion would warrant such an army of furniture and decorations? I shall tell you. A wedding reception! My brother Matt is marrying the most amazing girl... Andrea DuPaix!... Soon to be Andrea Erickson! I am so excited to have another sister!

Friday... The wedding day! They will be married in the Bountiful Temple. Friday @ 5:30? The reception in my backyard! I have the honor to sing "The Call" by Regina Spektor for their first dance. Hence, the title of my post.

Cheers to a full week!

3 Girls. 230 Photos. 1 Day.

Today I did a photoshoot with Tyler Smith, Mia Boldt, and Steph Jensen. Emily came to assist me. It was so much fun!... I hope they thought it was fun too! I decided to share some of my favorites. :) Enjoy!

An Auditional Week

Auditions anyone? I technically had five this week.
Monday, first audition for Oklahoma!
Wednesday, three callback auditions for Oklahoma!
Saturday, an audition for The Crazy Escape.

1+3+1=5

Let me give you the low down...

My audition on Monday was... Okay. My last note sounded like Pangea breaking apart though... Not good. I got callbacks for Laurey, Ado Annie, and Aunt Eller. My callbacks were not very good... But considering my illness and such... I was proud of myself. (I got the part of Gertie Cummings, which will be super fabulous). Anyway... Oh! I also found out I'm Drama Club President for next year! Snaps for Tiffany! Today I auditioned for Brent A. Johnson's The Crazy Escape. I got the part of Liz Lewandowski! I'm quite thrilled.

After auditions today, Emily and I went to gateway to purchase Steph a birthday gift. We succeeded. I then went to her party around six thirty. We did an assortment of fun things which included; eating pizza, playing the dance game, and watching Harry Potter!... Man I love that boy.

Guess what? I got a bequest in the school newspaper from the lovely Erica Farnes. I was quite ecstatic.

Horror & Cookies

What a combination, eh? Horror and cookies. It suits me though, surprisingly enough. Erica and I went to paradise bakery and ordered some cookies. Delicious cookies. She then told me of her favorite horror films. My goodness, I cannot hold my horror very well.
We came upon this cookie-eating-horror-hearing experience through less than usual circumstances. It was 7:40 pm as we walked into the bowling alley. We looked, but there was no trace of Emily. I was told, by Emily herself, that if she was not there that it was a type of code red and to call her immediately. I did so... No answer. Erica and I, completely stumped and confused, proceeded to numb our sorrows for the loss of Emily in cookies... And horror. Emily then called me around 10:10 pm telling me that she had left the alley right before I called. What kind of weirdos go to an alley to bowl one game?? Lame. You would think you would bowl long enough to make up for the traumatic experience of putting the nasty clown shoes on... Guess not. Horror and cookies it is then.

A Smattering of Things

My week... has been... a smattering, if you will, of things. Some things little, some things large. No, none of them were large. Not this week. This week was a conglomeration of little things that just piled on me. I feel like the camel that has the truckload of straw on its back... and is waiting for that one piece of straw to break it. *Side note: Have you ever imagined how much straw it would take to break a camel's back? And seriously, just one straw finally breaking it? Blows my mind.* Anyway... back to my breaking back. Well, I guess that's all I had to say. My back is breaking. And that is sad. Because school should be over. Now.

There Is Power

There is power in knowing when it is your time to shine.
There is power in knowing when it is not.
There is power in cheering on your friends.
There is power in cheering on your enemies.
There is power in being confident.
There is power in being humble.
There is power in knowing your strengths.
There is power in knowing your weaknesses.

It is incredible how much power we have, even when we are not on top of the world.

The Dumb Things

This is a tribute blog post to some of my friends. Emphasis on some. Just some of the people who live life with me day to day.

Here it goes...

Emily D Regis

Man, this girl is whacky. But she is always there for me! One thing that never ceases to amaze me is that she can be perfectly honest without losing loyalty. She can tell you something you don't want to hear... But never leaves you feeling bad. She listens to my every problem and knows every single one of my likes, dislikes, and secrets. Even though we have six classes together and go to lunch everyday, we always find something to talk about and are constantly laughing at the DUMBEST things! Kudos to Emily D!

Aimee Marie White

This lady is amazing. Perfect, actually. No matter what, she is always humble and down to earth. She never gets a big head or thinks she is better than anyone. It doesn't matter how much the world around us changes and how the fads shift and how high school warps people... Aimes stays the same awesome girl. she has the stongest testimony that blows me away. Go Aimee!

Cadisen Ann Haycock

Umm... Where to begin. This girl is incredible. She is the best listener I have ever met and she honestly cares about others. She is probably the first and only person to fully understand the complexity of my sarcasm and sense of humor. She always knows what I mean and why I act the way I do and always encourages me to be better! Cads is da bomb!

Hanna Cutler

Wow. How can so much talent be packed into such a small girl? It amazes me! She always brings others up without bringing herself down. She is confident and knows what she wants, and helps others discover what they want too. She is hilarious and super creative! I've had some great times with her!


This is not near all of my incredible and outstanding friends, but these girls have influenced me this week. I've been looking back on all the fun times I've had with theses girls through the years and I noticed something.... These girls do even

The Dumb Things
with me.

Good. Better. Best.

This past week has been brilliantly wonderful for so many sporadic and weird reasons.
Reason #1. I went to spring scream with people I hardly know and it was super fun!!
Reason #2. I made a friend in physics class... Although for the sake of being saved from his teasing... He is just an acquaintance.
Reason #3. An incredibly attractive guy smiled and waved at me in passing.
Reason #4. I'm done with AP calculus.
Reason #5. I went to lunch with two delightful girls and talked about boys while dining on Joy Luck orange chicken.
Reason #6. I'm singing So Much Better from Legally Blonde the Musical in my vocal showcase.
Reason #7. Netflix exists.
Reason #8. I have friends who listen.
Reason #9. I got the classiest shoes from Famous Footwear. Ask Hayden Call.
Reason #10. Tomorrow is Mother's Appreciation Day.

Life has been Good... It's getting Better... And it will be the Best.

Got Talent? Sutton Does.

Just watch these videos. You will not be disappointed. I know you're thinking "Nah"... 

JUST WATCH THEM.

Or just watch one... all of them are  amazing.

But you should definitely just watch them all.

Sutton Foster singing "Astonishing" from Little Women

Sutton Foster singing "Gimme Gimme" from Thoroughly Modern Millie

Sutton Foster singing "Show Off" from The Drowsy Chaperone

Hats off to you, Sutton.

I smell an End

I smell the end of Junior year at BHS!

Just some signs of the school year drawing to a close...

Piano Recital

Prom

&

Easter

 Before the Davis County Honors Student Recital at Baldassin

Before going to Speed Street for our Prom day activity!

Getting ready for Prom!

My snazzy Prom dress!!

Dying Easter eggs!

Matt getting into the hunt

Searching... Searching... Searching...

Manda was so excited!

Andrea counting her eggs...

P.S.

Check out the extensions. Yeah, awesome, I know.

Thanks to Photobooth for the classy picture.

Dancing in the... Slush

A couple of weeks ago I did a photoshoot with Hanna Cutler. It was slushing. And freezing. But she did it anyway! Here are some of the pictures...

Isn't she wonderful?

A Precipitation in the form of Ice Crystals

Snow.

How is it possible that the sky has MORE snow in it? It never stops. It's like when you see someone cry for days on end and you wonder where the water is coming from.... or (in reverse) when you see a tiny girl eat an entire pizza.

It blows my mind. 

Don't get me wrong, the snow is gorgeous. But really? When it gets in your shoes and makes your feet numb... not quite as delightful. Especially when I'm on SPRING break. You know, spring, the time when snow is supposed to be gone and tulips are supposed to be blooming. I see no tulips today. None.

Here is a picture to show what spring break was like for me last year. 

In Alabama.

Look... 

Tulips.

Imma Musical Goer

I looked back at the past few months of my life... and I didn't realize exactly how many musicals/plays/things where I sit in an auditorium, I go to! Check this out-
Oklahoma!- UVU
Les Mis- WXHS
Hairspray- Legacy
The Scarlet Pimpernel- VHS
Tale of Two Cities- Hale Center Theater
Romeo & Juliet- CAA
Pride & Prejudice the Musical- LPHS
FCCLA Fashion Show- BHS
and SOON... Charley's Aunt- BHS

Seriously... it's my life.

May I just expand on one of the above mentioned experiences?

Pride & Prejudice as a musical... EPIC FAIL.
     I'm sure that LPHS has fantastic talent and such... but such an awful show. Honestly, snoozer songs. SNOOZER. To be perfectly honest... we left at intermission. I have NEVER left a show early, but I couldn't take it any longer. The most upbeat song of the first act was George Wickham singing about the army... total drill team choreography. They ruined the best song with femmy dance moves.

Yeah. It was bad.

Seemingly Meaningless Nothings

My life is full of little seemingly meaningless nothings that fill me with joy. Here are some seemingly meaningless nothings that have given me joy as of late-

• Time alone
• A "goodnight" text
• A friendly "hello"
• Pictures
• Friends... especially the ones who listen when I seem to have nothing to say.
• Talking about boys

High school is rough... so why not just love EVERY little thing that comes your way?