RENT!

RENT closed on Broadway on Sept. 7th after 13 years. A film crew went in and captured that closing night performance, and it is being shown in movie theaters this week. I went last night and enjoyed the glorious-ness of that fabulous show for...yep, the sixth time.

I first saw RENT in L.A. during High School (a perfect Christmas present from my brother and sister-in-law). I was already in love with the majesty of the somewhat rock music, the brilliance of the harmonies, and the tenderness of the message- "No day but today..."

That love only increased as I experienced the performance four more times in the next few years- in L.A., New York, and Salt Lake. I can honestly say that the music of that show has touched me and even changed me. How grateful I am for the amazing Jonathan Larson who wrote, casted and directed the whole thing. What a contribution he made to this world not only with the content of the show, but with the talented actor's he chose to portray the rolls! He didn't care about politics or resumes-he wanted TALENT and a specific type for each character. He found that in many non-experienced amateurs, and now look where they are! Anthony Rapp, Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal, Jesse L. Martin, and Taye Diggs... (original cast pictured below)


The irony of Jonathan's life and passing is just such a crazy emotional story. There are incredible minds in this world and I'm so happy that they share!

The movie theater experience last night was not quite the same as being there live, but still wonderful...and it was great to see it with Kevin, who I saw it with once in L.A. in the FRONT row about 9 years ago. We loved the performance last night!

The fellow who played Roger was FANTASTIC! His name is Will Chase and I am now in love with him. This is him:

Successfully haggled...unfortunately

On Monday I went to the mall after the chiropractor and before I had to be at the theater for my show. I had approximately 20 minutes and thought, "Hey, I'll kill the time in Deseret Book or something..."

I made it through Macy's and about 20 ft. into the "middle part" of the mall- when I was young that is what I called any portion of the mall that wasn't a department store. Anyway, at that point I was approached by one of the many hagglers from a little cart or kiosk, whatever you call it.

There was NOBODY around so I felt bad saying no.

Next thing I know, I'm sitting on stool getting my hair straightened by some expensive product from France that uses "new technology," and "works from the inside out,"- "no more split, no more dry, no more frizz," "100% ceramic plates"....blah blah blah
All this was being recited to me OVER AND OVER again as I sort of felt like I was dozing off due to my mass fatigue lately and the lovely feeling of the straightener going through my hair. The voice saying all these things came from a charming, yet pushy Israeli woman with a THICK accent. These phrases were possibly the only things she knew how to say in English. However, I was intrigued and interested in her because I have such a love for Israel and the people, and such a longing to visit Jerusalem.

Basically, I don't know what happened. Fifteen minutes later I was walking out of the mall with a $100 straightener...that I don't need. So much for a soothing trip to Deseret Book.

16 Again!

I am having an excellent time being a part of a fun cast of kiddos in Seussical the musical. I mean, there are lots O' folks my age and older, but there are also tons of teenagers and some kids. My great friend Robbie is in it with me and that is a blast! Anyway, last Friday night some of the cute "bird girls" from my show- they range in age from 15-22- wanted to have a slumber party. I offered to have it at my place since I'm super cool and don't live with parents...ha ha Anyway, it was seriously a blast! We ate, played DDR like nobody's business, did some Disney Scene It, watched Girl's Just Want to Have Fun...etc. You know! That stuff you did at slumber parties long ago! Some of the youngins had to leave before midnight because they weren't allowed to spend the night. BUT by 2:30a.m. there were five of us still awake and kickin' and planning on partying all night. My eyelids were dropping and my head was hurting and I thought...wait! I'm a night owl! What is this tired sensation? Surely it's due to a week of working hard and going to rehearsals and then getting about 5 hours of sleep a night...

...or I'm getting too old for this...

IT was just at this point, that we received a text message from one of the "monkey" boys in our show that told us to open the door and follow the bird seed...they had prepared a surprise for us. OH boy! Now, this is when I realized the insanity I had gotten myself into! Basically, about 3 minutes later I found myself at 27 years old running, screaming through my parking lot at 2:30a.m. with no bra on, dodging water balloons coming from all directions at amazing speeds, laughing so hard, scared to death I would pee my pants! I felt very youthful and invigorated! I loved it! (Robbie WAS a large part of this ambush). I have no pictures of the actual attack, but here are some from earlier that evening...




Yeah, that's Amy...she's adorable...and my fav...love her!

Gratitude

Four things I'm really grateful for today:

1. I REALLY like our new roommate Rachel. She's funny, cool, from So. Cal, loves Disney, and owns seasons of 24 that I haven't seen yet.
2. I LOVE the people in my cast of Seussical. It's a really fun show and I enjoy rehearsal because there are so many fun cute people of all ages to have fun performing with. It will be exciting when the show opens!
3. For the most part, I really like my class. They are good, fun, smart, interesting kids. It's a lot of work, and so tiring, but I feel like trying extra hard for them.
4. This morning I was driving past a Jr. High bus stop. I've driven past the group of kids that are there waiting for the bus a couple times and noticed one kind of unfortunate girl that looks...different...and stands at a distance from the rest. It has made me sad a couple times now. HOWEVER, today when I drove by, she was in her normal spot, but there were about 5 other girls that had moved over and included her in a circle and were talking to her. Because of how it looked, I assume they were saying kind things. It made me very happy and I got a little tear in my eye. See the world isn't ALL bad!

Sisterhood

If you know me pretty well, you've probably heard me sometimes "complain" that I don't have a sister...or you at least probably understand why I would do well having one. I really enjoy my girlfriends a lot, and I seem to have been able to find absolute gems every place I've gone and in many circumstances. I think I have an over abundance of love sometimes. I often try to turn some of my friends into my sisters in my head...which has sometimes not worked out real well because then I think our friendship should mirror some of the best sister relationships I've seen...and eventhough I am willing to put forth that effort...usually it's not reciprocated in quite as much abundance...most likely because they already have a sister!-or something Even still, I consider myself very lucky and blessed because of the fabulous friends I have in my life. I'm pretty good at keeping in touch with all of them because I just don't know how to be any different. I love them all! I wish they were all my sisters. Chances are, if you're reading this, you're one of them! Some of you love that I keep in close contact, some are just as good at it as me, and some probably feel overwhelmed...whatever your situation may be, I love you! And thanks for being my friend!
I was thinking about all this as I watched "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" WITH some of my very best friends!!! Ally, Lisa, Carrie, Jessica, Jen, and Heather. It was a really fun and special night. We definitely missed Jamie, Mandy, and Amy(s)! We took some pictures of course:



Speaking of fabulous friends, I took a trip down to California for the weekend and got to see more of them! Lisa came with me and it was lovely. I ran with Brynn in the Disneyland 5k, which was fun and kind of hilarious because there were so many people to weave around. Then Lisa and I got to spend time with Mandy and Nate at Disneyland because they were up from Arizona. And I got to see my Schmoop Dog, Carrie, and her family and cute kids on Sunday. Fabulous! (Adriane, Holly, Lindsey, and Sari- I wish I could have seen you too! Next time!) On our way back we stopped in Vegas and saw Natalie and Jason too! We miss them being up here!





Also, last week Aunt Cindy came up from Cali so I had my women all in one place :0 Cindy, Pam, Jane, Honey, and my Mom: