Fun Times and Good Friends in the Last Week of February

Life is pretty good. In fact, I'm in a constant state of feeling overwhelmed by the many blessings that the Lord has poured out upon me. I am so grateful for how wonderful my day-to-day life seems to be. However, some weeks are even better than average. Last week was definitely one of those.



MONDAY: The week started off super well with a large gathering (Stake FHE--see "Cookies" to hear a little more about that adventure) and a movie (I saw Push. Has anyone else seen that yet? I don't think I would have gone by myself, but it was my friend Tessa's birthday).



TUESDAY: The next day I had work (which is always good) and then, on the way home, I helped an old friend, Shawna, pack up her apartment. It was so nice that we got to chat and catch-up. I ended up inheriting 6 new purses, cleaning supplies, and a bunch of brand new make-up from Victoria's Secret (she didn't want to stick it in storage). It was like Christmas all over again!



WEDNESDAY: American Idol! I watched it at my friend's house just so I could see my cute cousin (Kai Kalama) perform. He did well, though he didn't make it to the Top 12. I had to stay up late so that I could vote for him (my cell phone is a CA number, and the voting system is somehow related to your time zone. Yawn!). It was awesome seeing someone I love and adore on national television.



THURSDAY: Rachel Ray Show! Yes, so I went to a taping of the Rachel Ray show. It was fun. By the end of the taping, I was hungry and ready to go, but I definitely enjoyed myself while I was there. Jeff Foxworthy was one of the guests and Tom Allen (from the Food Network?) was the other guest. During the real life spot (whatever that is when they do a spot on viewers and their real life challenges), I was sitting next to the three guests. So, I should definitely be in the shot. Other fun times from that day include a visit to Grand Central Station, Hip Hop Class, and going to Cafe Lalo (anyone seen You've Got Mail?) to meet up with my friend, Kevin. Since he was staying with us for the weekend, he treated my roomies and I to dinner and dessert. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. We were all so tired and loopy (especially Kevin with his 2 hours of sleep), and it was like being back in Provo... but cooler since it was NYC. :)



**Okay, I need to take a moment to mention that Kevin is one of my dearest friend's from BYU, but we haven't actually seen each other since his wedding reception. To give you an idea of how long ago that was, his wife is currently pregnant with their 2nd child and they waited a bit to start having kids. He was staying with us for a few days while he hit some auditions and met with work associates. Thus, he's mentioned for the next few days, though there is obviously no romantic interest since he's happily married**



FRIDAY: First, it's important to note that the weather was AWESOME! I didn't wear a coat at all (day or night). Woohoo! So, Kevin's friend, Nicole, is currently playing Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway. Though we'd both seen it before, Kevin felt like he should see it again, and didn't really want to go alone. So, we played the lottery and won (I know--I love my luck!). Since we... okay... he won, I met him in the Theatre District after work so we could grab dinner. While in that area, I ran into a bunch of friends, including my friend Daniel with whom I did a show in San Diego. Crazy! NYC is seriously the biggest small town I know. Anyway, Wicked was very good (though there was one character with pitch problems--NOT Elphaba or Glinda) and we went backstage after the show to chat with Nicole. She is super sweet! After we left the theatre, we went to Serendipity and put ourselves into serious sugar highs. No wonder we stayed up talking til 3 am.



SATURDAY: Saturday I had a stake meeting (very inspiring and informative) and then came home to get a bunch of work done. Then, I got all gussied up and went to our Stake Speed Dating Event. Yes, you read me right. I went Speed Dating. I only went because I promised my roommates and friends that I would go, and I LOVED IT! There were 115 guys and 115 girls. It was sooooo fun! I don't know if anything dating-wise will come of it, but it was great to meet so many new people. After we (my roommates and me) got home, we stayed up til 2 telling Kevin our speed dating adventures and laughing our tails off...again.



Well, I think that's where my tale of February ends. Sunday started a new month (Hurray for March!), and a brand new week of adventures. I am grateful for extra fun weeks. It was exactly the stress relief I needed and that I've been praying for.

Cookies

So, lately I've been working on acting more like a guy... Let me explain. You see, I have been listening to these relationship tapes that have really struck a chord in me. Also, I saw the movie He's Just Not That Into You on the same day that I began the tapes. All of these have made me think that I need to change my dating style. Soooo, I'm trying to act more like a guy in the dating area of my life. You know--like actually "date" instead of doing the women thing of "forming relationships" with men that have no real attachment to me. I mean, let's be honest--How many of my guy friends can I fall in love with without them liking me back "in that way" before I get it? So far, dating like a "guy" has been fairly successful and rather enjoyable. I like dating, and it definitely takes the pressure off when I'm not expecting a boyfriend, eternal marriage, and kids after he takes me out the first time.

So, this leads me to last night. I went to a big singles' gathering, and I was having tons of fun. I was working the room a little bit, and enjoying myself immensely. I talked with lots of guys, and definitely got hit on. I made new friends (guy and girl) and formed tentative future plans with a few without being over-bearing. You think I would have left feeling pretty good. The only problem is that somehow I got talked into making a guy cookies. Somehow I got caught in one of those single man traps! How did he do it? How did he throw off my non-attachment, come and get me energy and talk me into making him cookies? The worst part is that I'm pretty sure that it was my fault and that I totally set myself up for this. Where was my "inner guy?!" My girl instinct totally kicked out the "guy" and took over.

Once again, like many a good female, I've been committed to give something to a man without him doing much in return. And as one of my favorite religion teachers always said "why would any guy buy the cow if he can get the milk for free?"

Joys of Being a Substitute Mommy

So, I wrote this blog last week, but it got erased. Then, I got sick, so I never rewrote the entry. But now, here I am--grateful for the opportunity to rewrite and, hopefully, improve upon what I wrote earlier.

As I mentioned in one of my previous entries, I had been asked by some friends to babysit their three children while they were out of town for a week. Since I adore the children, I was more than happy to agree to watch them. This babysitting adventure took place from 1/16 to 1/24, and I have definitely had my eyes opened. I could list the challenges of being a single mom to three children under the age of 5 (Maragaret is 5, Cole is 3 1/2, and Stella is 11 mo.) in NYC, but I think I have plenty of friends that have a greater and deeper understanding of these trials than I do. What I would like to list, though, are a few of the joys of being a substitute mommy for such delightful children. As you read it, please note that the parents took months preparing the chldren, and telling them I was going to be the mommy for the week (I was the sub). The parents have not really referred to me as a "babysitter" so, I believe I have had a unique experience.

Here it goes!

• I discovered that I really llike to be called "mom." What a sweet title!
• I discovered the joys of "bedtime." I love that time
• Somewhere along the line, I realized that I could accomplish and was alright with all the crazy mommy stuff
• Relief Society sisterhood. My testimony of the importance of the Relief Society has increased 10-fold. I don't know how single mothers are able to do it without RS
• Being able to relate to friends who've entered the motherhood stage of life in a way I've never been able to before.
• Making new friends because their kids are friends with "my" kids. There are some truly amazing mothers here in the city.
• Play groups are fun! It is fun to watch kids play with each other and to get in on the fun yourself
• Late night feedings for the baby. I'm not good at getting up in the middle of the night, but there is nothing as sweet as a little baby snuggled up in your arms
• Cuddle time with Cole. He is a typical 3-yr old boy and he doesn't like to cuddle. However, one night he got up in the middle of the night and decided to curl up on the couch. I joined him, and it was the only chance to sit and cuddle with him without any kind of fight. It was a peaceful and a precious moment.
• Having plenty of time to think of someone besides myself
• Hugs and kisses goodnight
• Family prayer
• Family Home Evening (I love that Margaret and Cole reminded me to have it)
• Kids being excited about what you made for dinner
• Ordering in. Sometimes that's the only way to keep sane
• Bath time. It's kind of a pain, but I think it's a lot of fun.
• Excitement over the small things
• There's nothing that warms the heart quite like a when a pair of big eyes in a small face light up because they've seen you.
• I love that the Cole still prays for me every night (his mom told me), Margaret still runs to show me what she's made at church, and Stella still reaches for me and cuddles (though she easily goes back to her mom)

I'm glad for this chance and challenge. It was an opportunity and I am so grateful that I took advantage of it. I look forward to when I get to be the mother to my children.

Thank you to all of you moms!!! You are amazing women! Thank you for sharing your kids with those of us that aren't!!! They are precious. Most of all, thanks to the amazing mothers in my life--especially my mom and step-mom. Loves to you all!

A night at the Opera

So, I know that it is technically Feb 1, but I still haven't gone to bed, so I am going to consider this a blog update for January. Hopefully, there will be more tomorrow, but since I am already behind, I thought I would give a quick update about the date I was on tonight.

I went with my home teacher (that's basically a male member of my church who visits once a month to share a message and offer any help I need), Adam, to see Orpheus and Eurydice at the Metropolitan Opera. Now, I don't normally date my home teacher (one of those unspoken rules), but I've known Adam for a couple of years now, and he's a great guy, so I thought...sure! He'd originally asked me to go to dinner with him on Monday of this past week. Of course, that was the day I awoke uber sick with the fever and chills (poor guy had to come over and give me a blessing when he was going to be taking me out). So, we rescheduled.

The music was beautiful. The mezzo playing Orpheus (yes, this means a girl was playing a boy. It's an opera thing, sometimes) was fabulous! Adam says he's seen her do other things where she is even better. The orchestrations were lovely. That's about where the good stuff ends. The costumes and set looked like they were comprised of whatever happened to be lying around the shop. The lighting wasn't too bad, and actually had some great moments. The choreography (there is always a core of dancers in a traditional opera) was awful. It was painful to watch at times, but there was a redeeming scene (but only one). However, it was a good learning experience and reminder of what my job is as a choreographer. Gratefully, as I said earlier, the music was beautiful and my company was great, so I really did enjoy most of the opera.

After we left, we were re-introduced to the freezing night air, so Adam suggested we get hot chocolate. I, of course, jumped on that idea. We went to a gelato place on 74th st and Broadway. I know--who has hot chocolate at a gelato place, right?! Well, apparently the Upper West Side does. I had a taste of the milk chocolate, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven by way of Paris. It was the most amazing hot chocolate (what an insufficient title) I've had since I was in Europe. I ended up getting a Hazelnut Hot Chocolate with whipped cream. It was so rich, and the cream was so thick, that they gave me a spoon to help me drink it. Adam got the pear and chestnut gelato. I tried some of his pear, and it was delicious!

As we walked back to the subway, Adam introduced me to one of the many gourmet grocery stores in Manhattan, and he pointed out the best places to get chocolate in the area (he's quite the chocolate connesiour). The ride home on the subway was long (the NYC subway on the weekends is always ridiculous), but we had a good conversation.

I had a good time. I only coughed a few times, and it was all induced from postnasal drip, and not some other nasty phlegm. I looked human again (it's been a tough week as far as looking presentable). And I got to know my friend a little better. I had fun! Hopefully, we'll do it again.

Alright, I better go to bed now since church starts in 7 1/2 hours. Hee hee hee.

There's No Place like Home for the Holidays

I'm home. Back in CA and loving it. The last week before I came home was super busy and NYC got a nice little dousing of snow. Luckily, it cleared up and I was able to get in the sky before the Big Apple got hit again.



My only thought about the trip is that the airlines are getting ridiculous. I flew out to CA on US Airways. Not only do they charge for checking a bag, but they also charge for any snack or drink (including water). Considering the dangers of dehydration while flying, I find this to be negligent behavior.



Okay, that's all the complaining I'm going to do. I'm off to enjoy the fam.



Merry Christmas, everyone!

Parties, Playtime, and Good News

Hello my lovelies!

Well, I am up much too late and have to awake much too early. However, it is Sunday and it's been a busy week. So here's a quick update of the fun for this week.

Work:
* I got hired with Disney Theatricals as part of their Education Department as one of the Teaching Artists. Translation: I teach musical theatre for Disney now. Good times!
* One of the State Assemblywomen might come to see one of my classes this week (this is a class that I'm currently teaching with Roundabout Theatre Co)
* I got offered another contract for the Jewish Summer Camp that I worked with this last summer. Yep, I'm going back. Kosher Cafeteria food--here I come!
* Worked my last day (until January) for the swim school. :)

Parties:
* I just got home from a Charlie Brown Christmas Party at the Herrick's apt. It was a blast! It was really nice spending time with friends that I don't get to see as often as I like. The Herricks are great friends that I kind of know from BYU and better know from living here in NYC. I'm babysitting their kids for a week in January--which will be fun!
* Last night I to our Ward Christmas Party. It was a Christmas Cabaret and it was tons of fun! I was asked to perform Santa Baby. I did...in front of the bishop...I still have my recommend.
* After the ward shindig, I went to a Stake Singles Sub-for-Santa event. It was great! Unfortunately, I wrapped only one gift before I ran into a friend I haven't seen in a long time. After that, I got caught up in conversation and made two new friends. It was also very fun! And I helped a little bit again afterwards
* After the Sub-for-Santa (I know! This is ridiculous, huh?!), I went to a friend's Christmas Party (called Moose Mugs and Egg Nog). It was almost the biggest apartment party I've been to since I've been here. It was fun! Lots of good food, good music, and new friends. Also, there was a photo booth.
* Friday night, there was a going away party for my friend Jodi. She just finished grad school at Columbia and is getting ready to move back to AZ. I'll miss her, but I'm excited for her.

Other Good News:
* Miracles! Everywhere miracles! And blessings!
* The weather is still surprisingly warm.
* The youth that I work with are awesome!!!
* I've got my ticket to CA for the holidays and I fly out on Friday. HURRAY!!!

I love and miss you all!!!

My Family Rocks!

Anyone who knows me knows that I love my family. My family is amazing! In fact, I have a hard time understanding how I got lucky enough to be part of such an awesome family. We're not perfect, but we are strong and happy. So, in response to my wonderful family situation, I am dedicating this week's blog to reasons why I love my family. This list refers to both immediate and extended family, unless noted otherwise.

1. We are hilarious!
2. They love me
3. They call me out if I'm acting like a jerk or idiot
4. They bring me real mexican food from Yuma
5. My sisters (and sis-in-law) call me on the phone and send me messages
6. My brothers keep me safe
7. My cousins keep me sane
8. We don't argue as much as we did when we were younger
9. We laugh together (always have, always will)
10. We are grateful for every opportunity to get together
11. We make cute babies (obviously, I am not yet to this point in my life, but I trust that my babies will be cute too ;) )
12. We help each other when life gets tough
13. We pray for each other
14. We remind each other to be better than we are
15. We give each other a reason to strive for celestial glory
16. My grandparents are amazing (I've been lucky enough to have 8)
17. We sing together
18. Katey brings me Stephen's Hot Chocolate from Utah (did I mention that I'm almost out?)
19. My family is talented
20. My Dad still checks my muscle tone in my arms and legs. I love it! It makes me feel like a little kid again, and it motivates me to keep up my exercise
21. We like to play and do silly things together
22. We tell each other that we love each other
23. My niece is always excited to see me. She jumps up and down--it makes me feel special
24. It's difficult to say goodbye to my family, but we still smile when saying goodbye so that the other person won't feel worse (even Mom is getting better at this, though I know it breaks her heart every time one of us leaves)
25. I always learn something new because of my family
26. My dad is my hero
27. My mom is my best friend and advocate
28. My step dad makes me feel safe
29. My step mom makes me feel inspired and special
30. I can be anywhere and in any situation with Kyle, and I know that I'll be safe
31. Melissa is fun and style wrapped into a loving package
32. Leilani is more wise than she knows and is a great example of motherhood
33. Mike is brilliant and has let me lovingly torture him since before he became my brother
34. Katey is my "mini" who has passed me up in so many ways
35. My in-laws have only made my family richer. For the most part, my siblings have had good taste in spouses.
36. So, you remember those cute kids? Yeah--they rock (this includes my cousins' kids, too)!
37. As my niece says, "cousins are way better than just friends"
38. My brother, the Marine, will sing if I play the piano
39. Singing with my sisters is always fun. We sound amazing together and we laugh when someone messes up (but without stopping, of course)
40. Anywhere I go, I will find a family member nearby
41. They're my favorite!
42. We share the eternal perspective of the gospel and the Plan of Happiness
43. Culture out the whazoo! Hawaiian, Mexican, Californian, Bicknellan, McDonaldFarmin
44. The cabin!!!
45. I look nothing like my first cousins--I get a kick out of that
46. Because of the women in my family, I've now read all of the Twilight series
47. Because of the men in my family, I know a lot about James Bond and art
48. My family understands my addiction to and obsession with the water and water sports
49. There's no place like home
50. We're together for eternity