..."There's No Business Like Show Business"

As I drove home from my final performance of "Annie Get Your Gun," I thought I would come to my own little corner to write about how sad I am to see it end. Though I do feel the usual twinge of sadness that comes at the closing of any performance, I am overcome with gratitude. Before I even had a chance to shed a tear for the ending of this chapter it was almost as if I was wrapped up in a gratitude blanket. Cheeeeeesy. Yes I know. But it's the truth. I am so glad I did this show. I am so glad I had the experiences that I did. I'm so glad I met the people I did. Especially the children.

My love for children has grown again exponentially. I've always loved the youth. Three years of EFY showed me that...but what a combination. Youth+Theater. I have found my new heaven. I really think I am going to pursue some work with youth within the performing arts. I feel as though it is my new calling. My new life calling.

I'm so glad I'm able to recognize the Lord's hand in my life. Sometimes I don't even look and I still manage to find it. It's the little tender mercies that fill my heart up until it overflows and it seems to be overflowing a lot lately. It continues to amaze me how He continues to build and enrich my character. Not my stage character, but my real character. Once again, the summer has been one of growth, enlightenment and understanding. And all I can do is smile. There really is no business like show business. Oh the things the Lord has taught me throughout this show.

Thanks to wonderful friends and a wonderful family I have a wonderful life.

"Let's go on with the show."

...people are all that really matter.

I have so much homework to do it is scary. When and how did I get so behind? I have been the world's worst student this last semester. I'm kicking myself now that the semester is pretty much over and I'm scrambling to get everything done. I love school, I really do...but I also hate school. Yes, I know that is a contradictory statement. You're probably wondering how someone can hate and love something at the same time and I wish I could give you an answer. All I know is that it is possible because I do it all the time. I'm a lover and a hater.

I'm going to be honest. I am not a great student to begin with. Ever since I can remember I was the kind of kid that went to school to play with my friends. I looked forward to swings and tether ball the most. Four square was fun too. But mostly the swings were my favorite. Anyway, my point is, I'm seeing that I haven't changed much. I find myself doing the very same thing fifteen years later. No wonder it has taken me so long to graduate! I'm so close but I often wonder if it's ever really going to happen. Sigh. I just get involved in these leadership opportunities and I love it. I love leadership because I get to associate and serve with amazing people.

Which brings me to the point of this blog post:

People. My people mean the world to me. I've been acting as president of the LDC choir this year (that's how I got behind in school) and it has been unforgettable. I am coming to a close of my presidency with the end of the school year and I can't help but reminisce about the whole experience. Like many of my former leadership experiences, I have been tried and tested. Go figure. But it has all been worth it. Worth it because I am rubbing shoulders with the best of the best. Not only are these people so unbelievably talented, they are living their lives in accordance with the gospel and it has had a significant effect on me. I'm honored to belong to such a choir.

We performed the show we've been working on all semester this weekend and it was such a success. All who attended were truly edified. Our third and final show was hands down the best show I've every performed with LDC. A show about the blessings of the temple...it doesn't get any better than that.

I'm falling asleep. I'm going to bed.

...friends are more fun than homework.

I'm doing homework. Well attempting...

I suddenly am inspired to blog more. I seem to wait awhile before doing so and then I forget all the incredible things that have happened in my life. Basically, nothing really has changed. I'm still going to school. Still working at the PF Changs. Speaking of PF Changs, everyone is married. Everyone. A former hostess and server I worked with for a very very long time are getting married to each other this Saturday...it's still sorta...strange. If you knew the whole story, you would understand why I say that.

I'm listening to a mix CD Jennifer made me for Valentine's Day.

Current song: If My Heart Were a House by: Owl City

They make a shout out to Flower Bomb perfume. That is my favorite perfume! I love it. Thanks Jen.

Thank goodness for girlfriends. I miss my bestie Britt who is currently doing an internship in Siena. Sometimes I get reeeaaaally overwhelmed when I think about the amazing people in my life. I can't think about all the people who have touched my life over the years for too long because I will cry. So I stop.

"I am a part of all that I have met." -Helen Keller.

Jennifer, Brittany and I.

Love.