A few months ago I mentioned that I was able to see Brian Stokes Mitchell and Linda Eder in concert. Well my childhood Broadway idols just kept coming. Two weeks later I saw Idina Menzel (of Wicked fame) at the Deer Vally Music Festival. Her chattiness and flighty demeanor actually made her that more endearing to the audience. Of course she sang songs from Wicked and it was even better live!
Then, Lea Salogna (Jasmine, Mulan, Miss Saigon, and Les Miserables) came to BYU. I felt like a little kid in a candy store. I just sat there with a giddy smile as her voice resonated in the DeJong Concert hall. She was personable and down to earth. And "On My Own' was phenomenal! I walked away from the Lea Salogna concert with a "once-in-a-lifetime" feeling. Absolutely wonderful!
When I was telling my mom about all the Broadway singers I had seen the past two months in Utah, she reminded me of a story that my seminary teacher once told her. When I was in high school, our seminary had a dating week in February. We filled out a survey that gauged our interests, personality, etc., etc. I went up to my teacher and told him that my favorite music type wasn't listed. All the typical genres were listed but mine was missing. He stared at me incredulously then asked, "What is your favorite music?" "Musicals." He looked at me. Looked at the paper. Then said, "You're right. It isn't listed." He was surprised by my answer but when he related the story to my mom, she wasn't. She knew that I would listen to different musicals while cleaning the house, working in the yard, and driving to piano lessons (a three hour round trip drive). She knew that my sister and I would sing-along to the symphonic version of Les Miserables and even try to sing every part in One Day More. She knew that one Christmas she searched the country (this was before the Internet was helpful) for a copy of The Sound of Music as a surprise for me. She knew.
Now do you understand how seeing Linda Eder, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Idina Menzel, and Lea Salogna made me feel like a kid again? One day I'll make it to Broadyway, but until then, I'm content with all the Broadway opportunities I've had in Utah.
Admit it. You had fun clicking on all those links. :)
Life is My Adventure
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Fasting
Not the kind you think of. I found myself being on social media too much. Too much time on Facebook. Too much time on LinkedIn. Too much time on Twitter. Too much time on YouTube. And all of that was for my job!
The past two weeks I've taken a step back and just stopped being on it for now. I know once some things pick up at work, I'll have to be back on all of these more throughout the day. But for now I just monitor everything in TweetDeck and stay away from other sites. It's kind of nice to get rid of that distraction.
The past two weeks I've taken a step back and just stopped being on it for now. I know once some things pick up at work, I'll have to be back on all of these more throughout the day. But for now I just monitor everything in TweetDeck and stay away from other sites. It's kind of nice to get rid of that distraction.
Friday, September 23, 2011
12 People, 2 Vehicles, 180 Miles of Running
Last summer my friend Ben asked me to be part of his Red Rock Relay team. Being the crazy fool I was, I excitedly said, "Sure!" I had no idea what I was getting into especially since I traveled to San Francisco the week before and had little time to train in August. Also, after running two half-marathons, I was kind of tired. For those not familiar with the Ragnar or other relay races, here is a quick recap: A team of 12 runners tackles one set of 3 legs that equals to 180+ miles. Our team started at 7:00am at Brian Head Ski Resort in near Cedar City, UT and ended at the entrance of Zions National Park the next day at 1:20pm.
In spite of my lack of desire to run at the time of the relay, I packed up my parents' Honda Pilot and traveled to Southern Utah with a few friends. Since I was part of the second vehicle, we decided to spend the night in Provo and head down that morning. We met up with our teammates around 10am and quickly joined the party. I didn't realize how much fun we would have cheering one another on and supporting one another as a team. We survived blistering heat, rain and hail, frigid temperatures, and a few miscues between the two teams. My first run was right when the storm subsided. It was a bit chilly at 10,000+ feet but it made for an easier uphill run. I felt energized and excited for the next run.
Finishing my first run
We made it into Cedar City, passed off the baton to the other team, and grabbed a bite to eat. I tried to grab a bit of sleep but it was too light and a former student saw my Facebook check-in and wanted to see me. These two girls met me at the SUU campus and we caught up on life. It really was fun to see these girls grownup and doing well. An hour later we were off again. My next run was another uphill route but I had trained for hills so nothing I couldn't handle. It was weird running through the mountains with no one around me. We were close to the Mountain Meadows Massacre site and it was a bit spooky knowing the background of that story. After I was finished, I continued driving while everyone else slept except the runner who was out at the time. I did miss our runner once because I fell asleep but we we found him at the next check point.
Still smiling and happy after my second run.
Finally we were off to Washington to the last checkpoint, which happened to be at the local rec center. I found a lounge chair by the pool and grabbed an hour or two of sleep. Around 6:30am, we were off again ready to finish the last 38 miles. My last leg was extremely hard for me. I had a couple of large, rolling hills and the heat was setting in. I was getting discouraged but was able to push through by remembering an email from my boss: Just take it one step at a time. (I really do have a great boss!) After one last push, I handed the baton off to my teammate. I was finished!
Yes. I ran up that hill. And another just like it around the bend. Not fun but I kept going.
The last few hours of running just got hotter. I felt bad for my teammates. We stopped more frequently and offered water to all the runners who passed us not just our own. We finally met up with the first vehicle and ran the last 50 yards together. Such an accomplishment! It required a very different mental endurance than any of my half-marathons. I enjoyed my night run and the beautiful scenery during the day. Simply breathtaking!
One of the beautiful vistas we ran by. You can see Zions in the background.
On Monday when my boss asked me about the relay I replied, "It was fun, in a sadistic sort of way." I still believe that. It required a physical and mental toughness that I thrive on. Even though I hadn't had a good training schedule between my July half-marathon and the Red Rock, I felt such a sense of accomplishment. I'm up for another one if any of you ever need a teammate.
I brought my camera hoping to snap a shot or two. My teammates went camera crazy and took over 500 pictures! I've posted a few of them here but if you want to see a a lot more of them, then visit my Facebook page. For those who are looking for cheap therapy, I recommend running. It's been a lifesaver for me.
We made it!
Three marks for each "leg" we ran.
In spite of my lack of desire to run at the time of the relay, I packed up my parents' Honda Pilot and traveled to Southern Utah with a few friends. Since I was part of the second vehicle, we decided to spend the night in Provo and head down that morning. We met up with our teammates around 10am and quickly joined the party. I didn't realize how much fun we would have cheering one another on and supporting one another as a team. We survived blistering heat, rain and hail, frigid temperatures, and a few miscues between the two teams. My first run was right when the storm subsided. It was a bit chilly at 10,000+ feet but it made for an easier uphill run. I felt energized and excited for the next run.
We made it into Cedar City, passed off the baton to the other team, and grabbed a bite to eat. I tried to grab a bit of sleep but it was too light and a former student saw my Facebook check-in and wanted to see me. These two girls met me at the SUU campus and we caught up on life. It really was fun to see these girls grownup and doing well. An hour later we were off again. My next run was another uphill route but I had trained for hills so nothing I couldn't handle. It was weird running through the mountains with no one around me. We were close to the Mountain Meadows Massacre site and it was a bit spooky knowing the background of that story. After I was finished, I continued driving while everyone else slept except the runner who was out at the time. I did miss our runner once because I fell asleep but we we found him at the next check point.
Finally we were off to Washington to the last checkpoint, which happened to be at the local rec center. I found a lounge chair by the pool and grabbed an hour or two of sleep. Around 6:30am, we were off again ready to finish the last 38 miles. My last leg was extremely hard for me. I had a couple of large, rolling hills and the heat was setting in. I was getting discouraged but was able to push through by remembering an email from my boss: Just take it one step at a time. (I really do have a great boss!) After one last push, I handed the baton off to my teammate. I was finished!
The last few hours of running just got hotter. I felt bad for my teammates. We stopped more frequently and offered water to all the runners who passed us not just our own. We finally met up with the first vehicle and ran the last 50 yards together. Such an accomplishment! It required a very different mental endurance than any of my half-marathons. I enjoyed my night run and the beautiful scenery during the day. Simply breathtaking!
On Monday when my boss asked me about the relay I replied, "It was fun, in a sadistic sort of way." I still believe that. It required a physical and mental toughness that I thrive on. Even though I hadn't had a good training schedule between my July half-marathon and the Red Rock, I felt such a sense of accomplishment. I'm up for another one if any of you ever need a teammate.
I brought my camera hoping to snap a shot or two. My teammates went camera crazy and took over 500 pictures! I've posted a few of them here but if you want to see a a lot more of them, then visit my Facebook page. For those who are looking for cheap therapy, I recommend running. It's been a lifesaver for me.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Just a Bit of Silliness
That line from Finding Neverland popped into my head as I sat to write this blog post. Often I have very distinct thoughts, feelings, impressions, or whatever you would like to call them. For me they are very real. I question whether or not they come from me or from a much higher power. I would like to brush them off as "just a bit of silliness" but in reality I know better. My very nature creates a sense of urgency to want to act on these and move forward and make things happen. But, as you know, that isn't what I should be doing right now. My challenge and test is not to worry. To place all things in the hands of the Lord. To trust Him completely. For the Spirit of the Lord will always guide me if I listen and obey.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Bite Me! I'm So Sure!
This weekend I spent a few hours in the yard weeding, mowing the lawn, and getting everything in order. I woke up early Tuesday morning scratching my legs to pieces. I had over 15 bug bites on my legs! I was in pain! I had some anti-itch cream from the last major bug attack, which happened in Hawaii when I had over 50 bites!, but it wasn't helping.
I did what any deliriously tired person who was rubbing all her skin off would do. I searched the Internet. I read a few things that I could do, did them, and fell asleep for a few more hours. Woke up again at 5am, applied more home remedies, and found some relief. I double dosed my allergy medicine that morning and went to work. At the temple that night, a worker gave me some more options. So against all my self-imposed medication habits, I drove to Rite-Aid and bought some Benadryl.
At home, I soaked my feet and legs to help ease the swelling, applied more anti-itch ointment, and popped a Benadryl. The pain, itching, and swelling have finally subsided. The most interesting sensation though is feeling the medicine wearing off. Since I rarely take any medication beyond my allergy medicine, I am very sensitive to anything I take. Hopefully the worst has passed.
PS - The title comes from my sister who said that when she saw then squashed a mosquito that had settled on her arm.
I did what any deliriously tired person who was rubbing all her skin off would do. I searched the Internet. I read a few things that I could do, did them, and fell asleep for a few more hours. Woke up again at 5am, applied more home remedies, and found some relief. I double dosed my allergy medicine that morning and went to work. At the temple that night, a worker gave me some more options. So against all my self-imposed medication habits, I drove to Rite-Aid and bought some Benadryl.
At home, I soaked my feet and legs to help ease the swelling, applied more anti-itch ointment, and popped a Benadryl. The pain, itching, and swelling have finally subsided. The most interesting sensation though is feeling the medicine wearing off. Since I rarely take any medication beyond my allergy medicine, I am very sensitive to anything I take. Hopefully the worst has passed.
PS - The title comes from my sister who said that when she saw then squashed a mosquito that had settled on her arm.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Advice from HBR
I read (or skim) many business articles each day. My favorites come from Harvard Business Review's Management Tip of the Day. These short snippets always get me to read the entire article, because often their advice links well to both my professional and personal life.
Here are two of my recent favorites. The first rang true as many unexpected events seem to happen in my life. It's the subtitle of my blog. It actually reminds me of the scripture in 2 Nephi 2:26 "To act for themselves and not to be acted upon." I have a tendency to fly off the handle when the unexpected comes my way. I'm working on not doing that and these three steps have helped me with that goal.
3 Ways to Handle the Unexpected
Trying to predict the future is futile. Instead, be ready to respond. When the unexpected arrives at your door, do these three things:
Stop. If you feel pressured to make a decision, stop what you're doing. Give yourself a chance to think before acting.
Assess your options. Don't waste time wishing things were different. Think about the best outcome in the given situation, the information you have at hand, and the available resources. Then lay out your options.
Move forward. Based on your new assessment, make a decision and commit. Even if the decision isn't ideal, accept that it's the best under the circumstances.
The second article validated what I was already trying to do: not let stress control my life. Elder Scott once spoke about making choices and understanding the difference between worries and concerns. I've re-read this talk multiple times as I have encountered stressful situations. Learning to deconstruct my own feelings then acting accordingly is still a work in progress.
Turn Stress into an Asset
Stress is unavoidable, but it doesn't have to be damaging. When managed correctly, strain can positively impact productivity and performance. Here are three things you can do to make stress work for you:
Recognize worry for what it is. Stress is a feeling, not a sign of dysfunction. When you start to worry, realize it's an indication that you care about something, not a cause for panic.
Focus on what you can control. Too many people feel bad about things they simply can't change. Remember what you can affect and what you can't.
Create a supportive network. Knowing you have somebody to turn to can help a lot. Build relationships so that you have people to rely on in times of stress.
I really like the last point. My family and friends have been a tremendous support to me. They've been there for the good and bad, and more often than not, carried me through the overwhelmingly stressful times.
Here are two of my recent favorites. The first rang true as many unexpected events seem to happen in my life. It's the subtitle of my blog. It actually reminds me of the scripture in 2 Nephi 2:26 "To act for themselves and not to be acted upon." I have a tendency to fly off the handle when the unexpected comes my way. I'm working on not doing that and these three steps have helped me with that goal.
3 Ways to Handle the Unexpected
Trying to predict the future is futile. Instead, be ready to respond. When the unexpected arrives at your door, do these three things:
Stop. If you feel pressured to make a decision, stop what you're doing. Give yourself a chance to think before acting.
Assess your options. Don't waste time wishing things were different. Think about the best outcome in the given situation, the information you have at hand, and the available resources. Then lay out your options.
Move forward. Based on your new assessment, make a decision and commit. Even if the decision isn't ideal, accept that it's the best under the circumstances.
The second article validated what I was already trying to do: not let stress control my life. Elder Scott once spoke about making choices and understanding the difference between worries and concerns. I've re-read this talk multiple times as I have encountered stressful situations. Learning to deconstruct my own feelings then acting accordingly is still a work in progress.
Turn Stress into an Asset
Stress is unavoidable, but it doesn't have to be damaging. When managed correctly, strain can positively impact productivity and performance. Here are three things you can do to make stress work for you:
Recognize worry for what it is. Stress is a feeling, not a sign of dysfunction. When you start to worry, realize it's an indication that you care about something, not a cause for panic.
Focus on what you can control. Too many people feel bad about things they simply can't change. Remember what you can affect and what you can't.
Create a supportive network. Knowing you have somebody to turn to can help a lot. Build relationships so that you have people to rely on in times of stress.
I really like the last point. My family and friends have been a tremendous support to me. They've been there for the good and bad, and more often than not, carried me through the overwhelmingly stressful times.
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