Theater Kids

I'm a Theater Kid.

Theater Kids are weird.

Like, really weird. I don't even think we understand ourselves somedays.

All that being said, Theater Kids are awesome.

I recently had the honor to be in the college's production of "Things My Mother Taught Me." At the beginning of the semester I knew I wanted to be in the fall drama production, or at least try out. At the time I didn't realize what that would all entail. So, I show up at auditions--I was probably freaking out about a paper (or two) and an exam that was coming up--confident that I wanted to participate in this, although still of little hesitant. But within five minutes of waiting with the other Theater Kids I knew this was going to be great.

After auditions we waited.

And waited.

And then we waited a little longer.

Finally we got the cast list, the script, and the rights to perform.

Drama practice nights were the best nights of the week. Even though Thursday nights often meant 3 am bedtimes in order to get homework and studying accomplished and Friday night practice meant Friday night social events disappeared, they were the best nights of the week. The beginning of October seems so long ago, especially considering the final product at the beginning of November.

I'm not going to bore you with all the details of what happened during those crazy hours of drama practice, partially because I don't want to write that much, mostly because I'm not sure it's acceptable to talk about half the stuff we did. Also, I think "bore" is the wrong word to use. I'm sure Jolene can attest to the fact that half of practice was often spent trying to catch our breath after attacks of laughter.

Regardless, after several weeks of hard work in a tiny space we moved out of McGavern hall and into the most beautiful, huge, amazing set I have ever seen.

Just look at it. Counters, shelves, doors, cupboards, drawers, windows . . .SPACE TO MOVE!

Finally out of the tiny space of the classroom and on this majestic stage everything clicked. All our hard work payed off. Dress rehearsal was amazing and the two performances even better. And, as most of you heard since we were all freaking out about it, the playwright came to the show. *begin internal screaming again*

It's been a week since all of that. A crazy insane wacky week. Until last Friday night I didn't realize how much I missed drama practice. I still haven't stopped thinking in play lines, or even the inside jokes. They just pop out at the most random times. So if you hear me muttering to myself, just ignore me, it was probably in the script. (SO GOOD, SO GOOD, SO GOOD!) See what I mean? I just can't help it.

Sunday night we celebrated with a cast party. We talked about what made us proud, what made us frustrated, and what made us laugh. Basically, everything made us laugh. It was a comedy after all!

I was going to list some of the funny moments we talked about last night but as I was writing out the list I realized two things. Either they won't make sense since you weren't there, or its not an appropriate thing to say. Mostly the second reason. What can I say?

 We'reTheater Kids!

And we are crazy.

LtoR: Marissa as Maxine, Tim and Lauren as Gabe and Olivia, Me and Nick as Lydia and Wyatt, Ellen and Nathan as Karen and Carter. And Kevin center stage as directer.

Lights, group hug, action!

Of all the awesome things happening in this picture Pugsy is my favorite. 

Spoiler alert, happy ending

end scene

It Is Well With My Soul

Blessings

It's days like today that I realize once again just how much I'm blessed here at Providence. Surrounded by community, sunshine and the mountains. It's a wonderful thing, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

In the past couple of weeks I've been to the top of the LA city hall, ice skating, concerts, picnics, City Hall sardines, trips to Denny's for drama practice, Biology field trips to the mountains, Late night Fro Yo trips, a Choir performance in Chapel, Open mic night, and just so the adults won't freak out, I have been studying and doing homework. Promise. 

Life is crazy. It is wonderful and beautiful and crazy. Every day is a new adventure. Everyday is a new chance to learn something new about yourself, the people around you, the city, the world. I've done so many things that I don't think I could experience anywhere else. Yes, I could go ice skating in Sioux Center, or go out for Fro Yo with friends. But it's not the same experience. 

And in that way I'm outstandingly blessed. Something as simple as a trip to Denny's,  a tug of war game, or running around, up, down, under city hall at midnight playing sardines builds community in a unique way. 

The blessings are in the little things. Look for them. Live them. 

Sardines at Pasadena City Hall

View from the top of LA City Hall.
The beautiful city of LA!

Sea Beggar Palooza Photo Booth

Slack Lining at the Fall Picnic

Tug of War. The girls won. As always. 

One of my favorite pictures from the BIO field trip

Bio field trip. Right after we had some of the most amazing apple cider I will ever have

Ice Skating in Culver city with a Disney star.



It Is Well With My Soul

What Are You Waiting For?

Apparently nothing worth writing about has happened since March 25. Oops.

So, to catch you up, this was my summer: Work three jobs, a grocery store, the grade school, and Pizza Ranch Corporate office. Take senior photos for friends. Visit the zoo with Emma. Drive all the way to Washington state, visit family, drive all the way back plus yellowstone all in one week. That was it. That was my summer. As fun as some of those things were, I cannot believe how happy I am to be back.

I've started classes and gone to meetings and worked. I've met freshman and gone out for cheesecake, Starbucks, and Carmello's ice cream. I've done homework and played soccer and volleyball. It's nothing out of the ordinary for me, but there's just something about being back that makes me so incredibly happy.

I can't explain it. I might be swamped with homework and planning events, but still, life is good. In everything that is happening, it is easy to see the blessings of God in this world and my life. And trust me, Carmello's ice cream is definitely a blessing.

The theme verse for this year is from Psalm 27:13-14

"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." 

So, what are you waiting for?

It Is Well With My Soul