The Luncheon Project

I realized that I haven't yet personally blogged about my newest blog venture (even more sustainable then the ever-failing home-improvement blog.)

The Luncheon Project (visit HERE) is a site my husband and I started in October. It began as a good excuse to stay on top of personal networking, but we thought we would share our wonderful experiences with others!

It's a little baby website right now, with just a few posts, but so far our traffic has been pretty fantastic, and we have super high hopes for it in the future.

Follow us on Twitter @LuncheonProject and stay tuned for some great posts about some great people.

What I'm going to Do when School is Out

In just 130 days I'll be done with college.

I will celebrate Christmas.

I will read books of my choice.

I will learn to do yoga.

I will learn more about biking.

I will run with my dogs.

I will paint the walls of my house.

And I will continue to learn many, many things.

I will not have to miss work to go to reviews.

I will not have to deal with the scheduling conflicts of everything class brings with it.

I will not have to deal with petty, entitled students who "participate" in reviews by spending their time on Facebook and call the TA's "idiots."

I will not have to stress about parking.

I will not have to worry about "my record."

I will not have to correspond with "TA's."

I will not have to brave the swarming crowds of campus.

I will not have to log into BYU's "My Financial Center."

I will be so very happy.

Poise

I said I would blog more.

So here I go.

Lately, I've been thinking about taking ballet classes again.

When I was little, I took ballet classes because that's what little girls do. Also, my sister did it, which made it something I should DEFINITELY do.

I was okay. I wasn't great, but I tried hard and I was okay. I was much better at jazz and modern dancing, but still not great. I think, back then, I liked the idea of being "a dancer" than really actually being one. Took a lot of courage on my part to accept that and say "no thanks" to dance lessons after 9th grade....

Anyway.

Lately, I've seen a lot of ballet dancers around. You can just spot them miles away..

Backs straight

Chins up

Shoulders back

Stomach in

Feet turned out

Ballerinas are beautiful. Just gorgeous, really. They reek of grace, poise, and confidence. And I know they may not all feel confident - but they certainly look it. And I love that.

And I want to be a ballerina, too.

The Psychology of Audiences

If I were to study anything, at this point in time, it would be the theory/psychology/what-have-you behind audiences.

As previously mentioned, I'm in a show. A show that has audiences.

Monday night audiences are typically not as responsive as Saturday night audiences, which are always far more skeptical than Friday night audiences (which are the preferred bunch.)

Then there are the week-day audiences. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday and Wednesday-ers typically got some sort of 2-for-1 deal, and thus have less of a financial (and thus, emotional) investment in the show. Dull.

Thursday audiences are tired, typically with a vibe of "Go ahead. Entertain me. I'm exhausted and I DARE you to entertain me."

I know. It can be a little terrifying.

But all in all the question is this: WHY? Why the trends. How do exhausted people all agree to go on Thursday. Why do fun people all agree to go on Friday? Is there some sort of underground network of show-goers? Perhaps a show-goer message board with a "Monday," "Tuesday," Wednesday," etc. thread? Do they coordinate it ahead of time?

Or maybe there's a union. A show-goers union. And there's always a representative at each show who gets the word out: "Hey, man, you're at the Friday show. Be sure to laugh loud and clap hard."

It's fascinating. Really, it is.

Too bad I'm not looking to do a research-based masters degree any time soon.

The Thing about Dogs is this:

They're wonderful.

We're watching a friend's baby right now and when he started crying Lucy and Pepper went nuts. They started wagging tails, and smiling and licking his feet like "hey, little puppy-human, it's okay!!"

They're. So. Wonderful.

And I don't understand why dogs aren't more generally accepted.

Don't get me wrong - - a lot of people like dogs and have dogs. I get that. But I just wish that a) they were more trusted and b) people wouldn't raise their dogs to be vicious, violent idiots and give the rest of our happy, caring, loving dogs a bad name.

See, what I'm really talking about here is airplanes.

Small dogs can travel under the seat in a carrier.

Large dogs are treated like luggage.

You have to pay out the nose for your dog to be put beneath the cabin, where temperatures are "regulated," and the workers are "careful" and your dog is "safe."

But rarely do you hear about the dogs that die because of it being too hot or too cold, or because they didn't properly pressurize the storage area or the ones who's cages weren't handled carefully so that they got out ON THE RUNWAY as the plane was landing.

Why can't they just give the doggies some downers so they don't bark or fuss, and stick the kennel at the back of the cabin?

I just don't get it.

See, we were gonna live somewhere like Sweden or Scotland someday. And someday we will. It's just a matter of figuring out if we a) trust the airline system, b) want to risk it or c) leave them in foster-care for a while.

Decisions, decisions.

Opening Night

Dear world,

I am in a play called "The Hit."






















It's opening, as we (or I) speak (or type.)

It's at the Hale Theater in Orem.

I play 5 characters: Swanky, Sweet, Sal, Sexy and Sylvia

This is Sylvia:

Do come!!

Blogging

I think I want to start again.

Because yesterday, while eating the most delicious halibut I've ever tasted, here.  And every time I go up there, whether to eat, explore or play, I'm always inspired. I really should go more often.

I decided that it's about time I start doing the things I want to do and being who I always thought I would be.

Ever thought of that? Just being who you want to be? Just start.

That's what I'm going to try doing.

And I will accomplish it by doing the following things:

Eating less
Hiking more
Disconnecting more frequently from technology
Reading books I like
Finding my spirituality
Spending time with people I Love
Taking care of myself and others
Loving
Throwing away/getting rid of so much of the "stuff" I own
Working hard (increasing work ethic)
Redefining, and strengthening personal values

Ah, summer resolutions. They always seem to work out better for me than the January kind.

Nothing to Say

I haven't been blogging. Sorry.

I haven't had anything to say.

It's a thought that takes me only a second to say and only two seconds to realize is a complete lie.

We bought a house. We bought dogs. The semester ended and I needed a job. When did I grow up?

Why did I grow up?

I feel like I've reached a standstill, where I'd rather someone pick out my outfits, my meals, my daily tasks and my future. I'll probably be fine with whatever "someone" chooses. I just don't want to choose it myself. This is the train of thought that makes me think "I haven't had anything to say."

Fact is, I've had a lot to say. I just don't want to say it.

It's probably because to say things makes me feel vulnerable and open. Generally, I like this feeling. I like to foster that between me and my family and friends. Truly, I do. But I like it on my terms.

And when one is officially a super-senior in college (COLLEGE? WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?!), a wife, a home-owner, and soon to be a full-time worker and goal-achiever, the vulnerability is officially no longer my own.

And maybe that's why I don't want to say things. I think I already feel like I'm saying enough.

Shirley Temple

here's a commercial on these days that use Shirley Temple's song "Early Bird." So I've been thinking about Shirley Temple.

Now, I've never been a huge Shirley Temple fan. Like, ever. I've always thought she was overrated, completley, and nigh unto irritating.

So, having avoided all things Shirley Temple for the last few years of my life because of my Shirley Temple aversion, I decided to give in and YouTube her. I found the following video, and I actually think it's gorgeous.


Now, I don't think this movie did well, and as far as I know, I don't think Shirley Temple's career was great after her childhood, but I think the trailer is so romantic! Isn't it? Don't you just want to run through that big house in a puffy white dress singing "ah ah ah ah!!" Like Shirley?

I still don't like her as a kid - but I"ll give her one thing, that this trailer is pretty pretty :)

I love This

I love Jessica Peterson. Last year, she took my bridal pictures and now she's working on a project about "Charlie the Horse."

I'm obsessed with it.

See it here.

I have a new blog

It's about the house.

Which house?

This house: http://thebeanhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/welcome.html

That we moved into two weeks ago.

There, I plan to write all about the projects and updates and fun, wonderful things we do to said "house."

Hope you'll follow along with me for the journey!

Genius for Many Reasons

My daily planner is full of "inspirational quotes" which I tend to take with a grain of salt. This is usually because the "quote" is something to the effect of "Children are life's love" or something weird like that.

Oh here's one I just found: "The world always looks brighter from behind a smile."

Not bad, mind you. They're typically very true. But they're not usually moving in any particular way.

Today I looked at my planner and noticed the following quote at the top of the page:

"Our task must be to free ourselves...by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty." -Albert Einstein

Admittedly, much of what Albert Einstein said in his day goes so over my head that I can't even feel good about using the phrase "right over my head" because it is SO much farther over my head than just "right" over it.

But this? I can relate to. It's something that is so true but I hadn't quite thought about it in that way. Widening our circle of compassion, embracing all living creatures and the whole of nature is what frees us.

Essentially, we become free through compassion and gratitude.

I say - Good one, daily planner. This week's quote was definitely a winner.

Best Dream Ever

The other night I had the most amazing dream.

The dream was not so much plot-based, as my dreams usually are. It felt more like a series of personal memories.

And in these memories I was Paul McCartney's best friend. Honest to goodness! Just his best friend and confidant. Nothing more, nothing less. It was delightful, truly.

The first memory I had in my dream was of riding in a car with the Beatles on their way to a show. I was sitting next to Paul and George, both of whom held onto one of my hands for moral support before getting out of the car to face a crowd of screaming fans. I assured them they'd be great and had nothing worry about, that I'd be eagerly waiting for them after their show.

The next memory was similar - only we were riding on a train. And it was nighttime. Everyone was going to sleep but Paul and I stayed up chatting, as friends do. But eventually I helped him fall asleep.

Another memory was riding in a plane. I was playing cards with Paul before their first time visit to America.  Everyone was so excited!

I suppose I stopped touring with the group, because the later memories consisted of writing letters back and forth for a lifetime. I remember reading bits about the Beatles' trip to India, receiving and invitation to Paul's wedding, the announcement of his daughter, and a letter about the irony of the song "When I'm Sixty Four," on Paul's 64th birthday.

The last memory in my dream was Paul and I reconnecting as old folks. But we were so happy to see each other.

The best part about the dream, beyond these memories, was the neat feeling of being SO proud of my friends. Only my friends were THE BEATLES. No big deal. But it was not a crazy-fan-obsessive dream at ALL. It was just a calm, pleased, I'm-so-proud-of-you-and-so-glad-to-have-been-there dream.

I woke up from this dream SO happy.

And I have since concluded that we are kindred spirits and were most definitely besties in the pre-earth life. No WONDER I like the Beatles so much.

Tuesday

Was a much better day.

First, I must express my come-to-Jesus moment about my job. I was frustrated, yesterday, I'll admit. And when I posted I suppose I wasn't in my most right mind. I think I was caught up in the *joy* of coming to work first thing in the morning, to find endless papers and many, many pieces of the metaphorical puzzle that need putting-together, some of which I had already put together, some of which still remained, and some of which were new. My job is stressful, I won't deny that. But I think I need to stop and be grateful that I have a job and that I have bosses that are a) neat people and b) detail oriented. It sets a good example. It's not the end of the world. And I'm sorry if I frightened anyone with my frustrated-natured post.

But ANYWAY.

In more happy news, I signed up for a VOICE OVER CLASS. 

Yes.

A VOICE OVER CLASS!

A two hour block of JOY where we learn about radio, tv and animated feature VOICE OVERS. We talked about the 5 main things to consider - placement, gate, dialect, attitude and pitch. We briefly covered pace, texture and rhythm. IS THIS NOT THE BEST CLASS FOR ME?!  Like - EVER?! Seeing as I've done voices my whole live (Bonny, Sprout, Svetlana, The Ghost of Christmas Future, etc. etc. what have you) I'm in heaven with it and I can't wait to continue.

Also, I bought this book:

I'm SO looking forward to reading it. You have no idea. From what I've read so far, it's relatable, understandable, and totally mind-blowing. I'm a big dog person in a big, big way.

Also, Spencer and I are probably going to hopefully maybe look at buying this house:

It looks (and probably is) "just a house." It's not too amazing, or unique. But it's a great house with some great features. And it has a rentable apartment. And it's got its own laundry. And no bass-pumping upstairs neighbors. And covered parking. And a yard with fruit trees. And two bedrooms. And a linen closet. And a dishwasher. And a garbage disposal. I'm still trying to psyche myself out about the commute which will change from 5 minutes to about 15... But it looking out to be a pretty wonderful prospect.

Tuesday, everybody. 

Tuesday.

Monday

Today has been the day of parking and pantyhose.

I got to work relatively on time. I would have been more on time had it not been for the hellacious state of BYU parking.

I walked from my distant lot to the Oliver House and it was snowing. The snow was really just slivers of ice, and they glistened like pieces of silver glitter. It made me think of the confetti that fell from the ceiling during the finales of my childhood dance recitals.

I got going at work and found all the projects I've been working on to be tampered with.  I work with one other person and we do the same job. But our bosses can be very, very, very, very impatient.  If I'm not there to do something on my project, they ask co-worker to do it for me. It feels like I'm being violated every time.  First it makes me feel vulnerable, thinking "Do they not like my work?" "Do they not trust that I'm still working on this project?" "Do they think I won't finish it?" Then it makes me angry. I think "Well if they were around more, I could ask them the questions I need to get these things done sooner!" and "It's not my fault I'm here at 8:00, ready to go, and no one else is!!" or "Why should my credibility suffer when it's not my choice that the bosses don't really hunker down to check out my projects 'till the afternoon shift!!"

Sigh.

I had a meeting with an artistic director today. I made the mistake of driving to the south of campus to meet with him. Good thing co-worker came along, so he could go start the meeting and I could spend 30 minutes hovering by the 15-minute parking spaces only to have them NEVER open up. The dumb BYU parking guys even drove by twice, and failed to catch the illegal actions of the white mini-van and blue truck that remained in 15-minute parking for over 30 minutes. 

Injustice.

Luckily, my two classes I had today were great. Unfortunately, though, I learned that my piano skills are rusty. And it didn't help that with everywhere I walked or sat today, my nylons kept scooting down my legs. So uncomfortable, those. Now I remember why I wear thick, sock-like, stretchy tights most skirt days. 

But now I am home. I am home and I'm in jeans and I have checked my emails. I have purchased school supplies. I have had some peppermint ice cream. And I most certainly NOT gearing up for a rehearsal, at which I would feel more of the same above-mentioned frustration and resentment. 

No sir. 

And I couldn't be happier about it.

My 2011 Engagement Calendar

It has come.

That time of year when I need a new planner.

I've narrowed it down to six (if you can call 6 planner choices "narrow.")

Will you help me decide?

see it here

see it here

see it here

see it here

see it here

see it here

To me, a daily planner is most precious. It holds valuable information! Your schedule, contacts, codes, notes, business cards, tickets, coupons, etc. Well, at least mine holds all of those things.

Last year I had a daily planner/recipe book. It was amazing. There were beautiful pictures of food to look at every day, recipes, healthy snack tips and more! I loved it. I think this year I'm in need of some daily eye candy which, I suppose, is why I've tended toward the artful this year.

It's all a matter of deciding what I need to have with me as my second hand man. Oh, and you BET I'm a physical-planner person. I can't keep track of everything on line. Nope. Not my style.

Anyway - what's your vote?

Oh my heavens, it's twenty-eleven!

The beginning of this year has come relatively quietly. I'm afraid to say its celebratory nature was a bit exhausted by the failure of a contract on a house, some other big life decisions, the passing of a friend, and the beginning of a new semester.

But it has also been joined by the reunion of friends, the warmth of home, and WONDERFUL family. 

Oh how I love the holidays.

But really, I'm posting the requisite "Resolutions" post. Because I have resolutions worth posting that, so far, have gone swimmingly.

You see, I set myself up for success this year.  Instead of taking on one hundred twenty seven thousand, four hundred and thirty eight new things - I've lessened the load. I'm taking a healthy 12 credits. Did you hear that? TWELVE. And they're credits I will ENJOY. I am working twenty hours in the mornings of my days. I am done at 1 pm, with a nice spattering of evening classes to tide me over.

I debated about auditioning for Synthesis. I was going to. And then I wasn't. And then I was. And then I wasn't. And then I was. And then I didn't. I did it for three years, toured with the ensemble twice, and made some wonderful friendships. But it also brings an intense rehearsal schedule, and a lot of anxiety. And by a lot I really do mean a lot. So - thanks for the music. Thanks for the memories. Maybe I'll come to a concert this semester.  I have yet to email the director. That will be hard....

But I'm going to get into shape. Do I want to lose weight like everyone else? Sure. But really, I'd like to just be fit again.  I'd like to cook more. I LOVE cooking. I'd like to learn to speak a language, and you know what? Maybe this year is the year. (Currently I'm listening to this song and, though I don't know what it means, it's beautiful.) 

 And I'll audition for another show. Seusical auditions are on March 3rd, everybody.  COUNT ME IN.

I'll sleep, and I won't feel threateningly exhausted every. day. of. my. life.

I'll read books.

I'll get good grades in every class because I'll finally have enough time to study/practice for ALL of them.

Life is good. And it's going to stay good, so help me.

And, in the mean time, I'm obsessed with this, this, and this. 

Best of luck to everyone and your own resolutions this year!