What a treat this has been to me over the years. This past weekend I went with my parents down to the Utah Shakespearean Festival to see all of the plays down there. It was an intense and edifying experience for me. We arrived at 9:40 am and went in to see Father Mike at 10. This was a play about love. Love in your family, love towards your faith, love towards another individual. Much to learn and think about here. Once this was done we went out into the Grove and discussed things we learned, things we didn't understand, things we observed. And found out great news that Mom and Dad no longer needed to stress about a very large check being in the mail, phew, glad we could now enjoy the rest of our vacation. Then at 2 we went in for Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. I don't recall ever seeing it before but how it was portrayed was absolutely beautiful. I loved how with Kate you could visibly observe the change in her nature, the emotions she was feeling through her acting. It was very good. And now I know where the phrase "Kiss me Kate" comes from. Then dinner, and the Greenshow, and then back in the theatre house for another three hours for Cyrano de Bergerac which I LOVED. I think I fell in love with the story in 8th or 9th grade when Mr. Olsen showed it to us and put it all in context with the French mentality behind it, and listening to it in French was just something else, it truly was. This was a wonderful production and showed me a side I had never seen before about the nature of Cyrano himself, and his faults of never seeing past his nose himself, and how THAT affected the story completely. It was a great story and production though. Basically the three days were nonstop fun and entertainment, it was a lot of fun, my parents have really made this a special time for me, it is really nice, and a great way to end the summer. Well the next day was Germaneous Seeds and odd production of finding a balance between maintaining a healthy balance between living one's life and developing relationships of responsibility, and how through the years people handle those situations. Then Fiddler on the Roof which was so powerful. I loved the story and felt like I learned a lot about life from it. And having Aaron Haines play the Fiddler was really really amazing. I was so proud of him up there on the stage with all of those equity actors. I really enjoyed it. Next was Othello, and I just hated Iago SO much, he was just so evil and none of it HAD to happen. And then Othello's change in mentality, it was just shocking. Well, then the The School for Wives which really was for husbands to realize that they can't assume ANY woman is really stupid and naive, especially when it comes to matters of love. Two Gentlemen from Verona, was a Shakespeare classic with the dog on stage, and these young characters learning about themselves and the art of love.
So that was the plays, but the drive home was certainly entertaining as well. My Dad was down memory lane, tomorrow will be 40 years to the day that he first laid eyes on my Mother, and he remembers it..... and told all about it. Then he sucked her into the game, and they both were remembering their lives from way back when, it was so much fun to listen to. You learn a lot about your parents that way. I really enjoyed that. It was a great trip, and a great close to the season. Just now on to the new.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Memories
Oh, I love to go through old stuff. I went through my "Religious Drawer" at home. It basically has everything that I couldn't/can't bring myself to through away. It includes quotes, and handouts, and booklets, and some great ideas, and some fun memories. And I LOVED going through it, it totally made my day yesterday. It inspired me to be better, and to laugh more - and at myself..... Mom helped me to do that. Oh man, I have kept a lot of junk through the years, and I probably still have kept a ridiculous amount, but I did good, and like the stuff that I kept.
It made me realize though WHAT a role the Young Women's Program played in my life. I would not have been as happy, or focused, or became the person I am. And you know what?!? I'm still learning from those things that they gave me. I loved reading the things that I said I wanted in a future spouse.... I decided to keep those, they can still come in handy as I yet make that decision... and my testimony, and the talks I kept that were particularly inspiring to me. My Seminary Journals, and notes that said I was special..... it was a great day yesterday.
And what is even better is that it inspired me to be and do things a little bit better. I've been looking, trying to find that drive to get me going for this next year, and was coming up short, but I found it now and am ready to start this next year.
It made me realize though WHAT a role the Young Women's Program played in my life. I would not have been as happy, or focused, or became the person I am. And you know what?!? I'm still learning from those things that they gave me. I loved reading the things that I said I wanted in a future spouse.... I decided to keep those, they can still come in handy as I yet make that decision... and my testimony, and the talks I kept that were particularly inspiring to me. My Seminary Journals, and notes that said I was special..... it was a great day yesterday.
And what is even better is that it inspired me to be and do things a little bit better. I've been looking, trying to find that drive to get me going for this next year, and was coming up short, but I found it now and am ready to start this next year.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
AZ part three
That evening was the one that I was most concerned would either be a flop or a success, and with starting it out with listening to Brooke's magnificent harp playing and weeding the lawn with Von I was hopeful. They have a beautiful lime tree that my family would certainly use up, and they barely touch, so I decided to make them all a drink (Chad's secret recipe) we started out, but then had to go to the store for some evaporated milk, which was so much fun to go and get. Danielle and I were in a silly mood and were teasing each other, what was great was that as we were checking out the guy had problems and watched us and decided to play along. It was really fun, "that doesn't count" "it should too!" The drink ended up not being so good, I will have to get more instructions on how to make it, but that was alight. Because the evening wasn't over yet, it had barely just begun. We went out with Brooke, Steven and Carson. I was really glad that Brooke came with us just because I have been the younger sister and loved going with my older siblings places as they went out and had fun, so I was glad that we could do that for her. Hopefully to make a memory, but even if not it was a good experience and had fun. It was the first time that Danielle's party had ever been to the Cheesecake Factory. It was fun to go and get dessert then to go bowling. At first things just were backfiring on us, but the two boys did a great job at making the most of it. We went to a different alley and then played pool and air hockey while waiting and it was a lot of fun. I couldn't have asked for more. It was a great trip.
AZ part two
Steven was so much fun to be with. He then took me out to my Uncle's and with jill's help we found it lickity-split. Doug's instructions were perfect as well. I found the key easily enough and was quickly exploring their beautiful house. We made the comment to each other that it was so much bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside. And their cat was SO friendly and practically showed us the house herself, from the big windows lining their back wall to the upstairs rug. It made me laugh to see that Doug had a "drink fridge" upstairs. I guess brothers will be brothers and that is why we have jill. I especially loved looking at their pictures: one of grandpa as a soldier, of them, and their kids, of the temple, I loved it. Steven left and I was ready to head out in their Ford truck, got in it and for some strange reason it wouldn't turn on, I was starting to sweat (we'll pretend that was only from the heat). So then I am looking around in the car, processing information and click, click, click.... it is a stick.... o.k, figured out how to start the car.... but that wasn't enough, and I quickly came to my senses that I was NOT going to be driving someone else's car in a place I do not know especially in a system that I do not know how to drive, and called up Danielle to come and pick me up. At first I was really disappointed but even before Danielle arrived I had realize that it actually turned out better this way. I hadn't figured out how I was going to get back to the airport or sleeping arrangements, so this ended up being better. While waiting I further explored the house. They have a spiral staircase (I love that I am running into those in the most random places) and a beautiful brick patio that I was lucky enough to spend half an hour on in the beautiful sun. And then to go and see their tortoises and grapefruit tree. I was glad that I had the opportunity to go there and have time to myself in those two days. Danielle certainly had fun teasing me that I don't know how to drive "clutch" and maybe it is something that I should learn, but.... I guess that is going to have to wait for the right opportunity.
I was really glad to see Danielle and to have time to spend and talk with her despite that it took her twice as long to get home as it did to come and get me because of the traffic. But I have got to tell you that the scenery in Az is beautiful. I loved driving and seeing the palm trees and the cacti and the pretty flowers, it was fun. Next I got to see Danielle's house which I wasn't surprised to see belonged to Danielle and her mother. They had a "green room" and a "blue room" and it looked like their house was just themed down to the smallest detail and just immaculate. I feel bad that they felt like they needed to clean everything to impress me, but it certainly looked good. Her mother was kind enough to serve us a lasagna dinner shortly after we arrived, but there was an air of uneasiness that was present, I felt slightly uncomfortable intruding in on their home at that point. I was grateful that her sister Kim was their to talk about the first day of her internship. It was fun to see Breana and see Dan in her element at home and with friends. We went to Coldstone and talked outside it was fun. (catch-up, Breana is Dan's best friend from growing up, and is getting married in Dec - I can sympathize with Dan in her thoughts surrounding such an event) Next we saw 'Penelope' at her house and laid in bed talking.
The next day it was great to be able to get up and relax in the morning with just the two of us there. Then Kathy and Brooke came home (they were getting ready for high school to start on Mon -meaning 9th grade - big stuff) and we went over to the mall for a make-over for each of us, a first for Brooke, it was cute to see her so nervous. Then it was fun to share in Dan's traditions of getting black and white chippers. Kathy was really funny about loving how her daughters looked after their mack-overs. She kept telling them how BEAUTIFUL she thought they were, that their eyes just popped now, and then how she thought that we were the three most beautiful girls in the mall right then. She certainly loves her daughters. We next went to a golf course for lunch and it was great to see the family enjoying themselves.
That evening was the one that I was most concerned would either be a flop or a success, and with starting it out with....
(to be continued....)
I was really glad to see Danielle and to have time to spend and talk with her despite that it took her twice as long to get home as it did to come and get me because of the traffic. But I have got to tell you that the scenery in Az is beautiful. I loved driving and seeing the palm trees and the cacti and the pretty flowers, it was fun. Next I got to see Danielle's house which I wasn't surprised to see belonged to Danielle and her mother. They had a "green room" and a "blue room" and it looked like their house was just themed down to the smallest detail and just immaculate. I feel bad that they felt like they needed to clean everything to impress me, but it certainly looked good. Her mother was kind enough to serve us a lasagna dinner shortly after we arrived, but there was an air of uneasiness that was present, I felt slightly uncomfortable intruding in on their home at that point. I was grateful that her sister Kim was their to talk about the first day of her internship. It was fun to see Breana and see Dan in her element at home and with friends. We went to Coldstone and talked outside it was fun. (catch-up, Breana is Dan's best friend from growing up, and is getting married in Dec - I can sympathize with Dan in her thoughts surrounding such an event) Next we saw 'Penelope' at her house and laid in bed talking.
The next day it was great to be able to get up and relax in the morning with just the two of us there. Then Kathy and Brooke came home (they were getting ready for high school to start on Mon -meaning 9th grade - big stuff) and we went over to the mall for a make-over for each of us, a first for Brooke, it was cute to see her so nervous. Then it was fun to share in Dan's traditions of getting black and white chippers. Kathy was really funny about loving how her daughters looked after their mack-overs. She kept telling them how BEAUTIFUL she thought they were, that their eyes just popped now, and then how she thought that we were the three most beautiful girls in the mall right then. She certainly loves her daughters. We next went to a golf course for lunch and it was great to see the family enjoying themselves.
That evening was the one that I was most concerned would either be a flop or a success, and with starting it out with....
(to be continued....)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
AZ part one
Well, I am here in Arizona and I cannot believe how at ease I feel. I guess I've only been here 5 hours, but even the preparation felt natural. I guess that proves my parents right again - I have become quite the traveler. It was a cinch though: dropped off, got my ticket, went through security, then to the atm, waited, read a good book, got breakfast, on the plane and reading some more - that REALLY makes the time go by SO much faster. I got to Az right on time, and then Steven Chicoine was so kind to coe get me and help me to feel comfortable here, he was awesome. And he make the beginning of this short trip just excellent. What a great guy he is. So kind and helpful and giving. And boy did I chuckle when he pulled up to pick me up in his black infinity with black leather seats.
He picked me up and showed his current apartment and the one he will be moving to shortly. Both of them are SO nice. They are REAL apartments, almost like a home in and of themselves with silver handles, wood floors, large windows, patios, and .... a garage - yes, even a garage. Although his choice of entertainment isn't necessarily always mine, I was very impressed with his choice of decorating and living quarters. You know, the more time I spend around him, the more of an education I get. I learned what a "cougar" is - well, a different cougar than an individual that goes to BYU, - and what a hooka is, and I doubt I would have learned that any other way.
Then he wouldn't let me get lunch, despite my efforts. But he took me to a cule little place that I would come take my father back to if I was ever back again. The atmosphere was GREAT, they grilled the hamburgers on this wood burning stove - it was so fun. The Chuckbox had great pictures and great company, and aparently it is famous on campus, which make it even better. It was also fun to have all the buildings pointed out to me and to walk around compus and see their Union Center, a classroom, and then to even join a beginning ballroom class for a few min. I was grateful to have been exposed to ballroom before that though, and then to be associated with BYU. We went into the class and Steven felt comfortable joining, so we went in and danced - he is pretty good. We were doing swing and the teacher came over and danced with me, just a bit and said "you didn't learn here" hen asked if I went to BYU. Then he stopped class and made a point about my form (positive statement) and how great the BYU dancing program is. It was really fun. It was nice to feel cute too - I am sure that helped.
Steven was so much fun to be with. He then took me out to my Uncle's and....
(to be continued....)
He picked me up and showed his current apartment and the one he will be moving to shortly. Both of them are SO nice. They are REAL apartments, almost like a home in and of themselves with silver handles, wood floors, large windows, patios, and .... a garage - yes, even a garage. Although his choice of entertainment isn't necessarily always mine, I was very impressed with his choice of decorating and living quarters. You know, the more time I spend around him, the more of an education I get. I learned what a "cougar" is - well, a different cougar than an individual that goes to BYU, - and what a hooka is, and I doubt I would have learned that any other way.
Then he wouldn't let me get lunch, despite my efforts. But he took me to a cule little place that I would come take my father back to if I was ever back again. The atmosphere was GREAT, they grilled the hamburgers on this wood burning stove - it was so fun. The Chuckbox had great pictures and great company, and aparently it is famous on campus, which make it even better. It was also fun to have all the buildings pointed out to me and to walk around compus and see their Union Center, a classroom, and then to even join a beginning ballroom class for a few min. I was grateful to have been exposed to ballroom before that though, and then to be associated with BYU. We went into the class and Steven felt comfortable joining, so we went in and danced - he is pretty good. We were doing swing and the teacher came over and danced with me, just a bit and said "you didn't learn here" hen asked if I went to BYU. Then he stopped class and made a point about my form (positive statement) and how great the BYU dancing program is. It was really fun. It was nice to feel cute too - I am sure that helped.
Steven was so much fun to be with. He then took me out to my Uncle's and....
(to be continued....)
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