Happy Birthday Caiti & Ryan!

My little sis is having a b-day today, as well as her youngest, Ryan. I love them both dearly and wanted to give a shout out. I wish I was out celebrating with you guys in NC. As it were, I am here. This is my gift to you (oh, and that awesome dvd that arrived at your house today).
Love you Caiti! Auntie loves you Ry!

feelings; nothing more than feelings.

This season seems to have flown by so fast, and it's leaving me already. I think of the song penned by Bro. McLean that goes something like this: I cry the day when I take the tree down, I want this season to last all year round...
I suppose if this season lasted all year round, it wouldn't feel quite so special when it is here. However, I, like the song, feel like crying when I take the tree down too. Good thing then that I only have a Charlie Brown tree :)
But seriously, I have been in awe this season. One of the reasons for this awe has been the opportunity of being in a play called "Savior of the World". It is the story of Jesus. His birth, death, and resurrection. Being on stage and watching the events that happened made the life of the Savior all the more real for me. Our month long run ended on Saturday, and I felt it. I have felt more purpose in my life, and have enjoyed the company of old friends and new in this production. I am thankful for friendships re-kindled, and new friendships made. My words cannot adequately express my gratitude to the Lord for this amazing opportunity.
I'm thankful for the snow, too. It can be a nuisance when I'm stuck halfway in my driveway, and when my car doesn't start because of the cold. However, I love it. I've always loved it. It has created the ambiance I've sought for this season. It's absolutely beautiful.
I'm thankful for my wonderful family. I love them so much. They make Christmas what it is. Mwah!

Holiday re-cap

What a wonderful Christmas! I always enjoy spending time with my family during the holidays, and this year was no exception. To top off the day, we had a beautiful snowfall. Perfect day. Truly.

Owen & Aidan
Sean & Megan
Conn & Sean posing 'gangsta'-like with the hoodies Santa brought them
Sean & Kai are way too happy to see what Santa brought them. Kalin, not so much.
Conn as 'Buddy the Elf' and the nephews.

20 days of Christmas movies...#20

Well Friends, this is it. This is the last of the 20 days of Christmas movies. I hope you've enjoyed my selections and hope it may have added a wee bit to the season for you.
This is one of my all time favorites. The last scene still makes me emotional every time I watch it. "No man is a failure who has friends"

Please enjoy "It's A Wonderful Life"

Here's wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

20 days of Christmas movies... #19

You all know this holiday classic. I could hardly pick just one clip; there are so many hilarious moments.

"A Christmas Story"

P.S. To my UT folk, how about all of this snow, eh?!

Another favorite Christmas song...

Oh dear, George Michael and WHAM! Sharon, I know you'll especially enjoy this one.
I love the 80's outfits and hair-do's. Oh-me-oh-my!

20 days of Christmas movies... #18

Oh, this one is good. I've been hearing about it, but never actually watched it all until this morning. It is now a favorite. Here is Jimmy Stewart once again, starring in the 1940 movie "Shop Around the Corner". If you've ever seen "You've Got Mail", you'll see that this is where the inspiration from that movie came from. I wasn't able to post the video, but you can go to the segment I love most by clicking here.

20 days of Christmas movies... #17

Just because I love NYC at Christmas time. This one highlights some of my favorite places in that city of cities.

20 days of Christmas movies... #16

Who doesn't love Bill Murray?!

"Scrooged"

20 days of Christmas movies... #15

A classic. I even like the new one. Yep, I do.

"How The Grinch Stole Christmas"
and
"The Grinch"

A favorite song at Christmas

One of my favorite albums of all time is the Carpenters Christmas. Don't laugh! It was one of the many albums my parents raised us on. Every time I hear this song I feel sentimental. This morning as I was driving in a blizzard, driving ever so carefully at 15 mph, this song came on and all of those old sentimental holiday feelings came flooding back. Karen Carpenter has such an incredibly rich voice that I've always loved. Ya gotta love 'er. She died way before her time. Darn that anorexia!

Anyway, it's a cheesy little music "video", but I hope you enjoy the song all the same.

20 days of Christmas movies... #14

A more modern Christmas movie that I enjoy all year round. I'm not really a fan of Cameron Diaz. However, I do love Jude Law, Kate Winslet, and Jack Black.
Fun, fun with the British folk!

"The Holiday"

20 days of Christmas movies... #13

I can't believe how quickly the days have gone by! Amazing that Christmas is a week from tomorrow.
Most of the movies I am highlighting seem to be sentimental favorites and well, that's how it is. I'm sentimental. This next movie is also one that played every Christmas on t.v. I don't think many people know about it - since I only found one little clip on youtube. Mickey Rooney is a character - even in his old age.

"It Came Upon The Midnight Clear"

20 days of Chrismtas movies... #12

Jimmy Stewart just happens to be in two of my favorite Christmas movies. One of them will come later. Here he is playing a sweet, old Janitor that loves Christmas, loves people, and especially loves Jesus. This is a must watch. Lucky for you, you can watch the whole show right here (all 25 minutes). Enjoy it.

"Mr. Krueger's Christmas"

Cancun re-cap

Friends, I feel a very lucky young lady. My siblings have been very gracious in life and have given me wings to fly the past many years. They've shared their airline benefits and have allowed me to dream and travel beyond what I know here in ol' Utah. I've always dreamed of seeing new places (I think it has always been in my blood). They must have sensed this and have indulged me and allowed my dreaming to be limitless. I also have a job that sends me to semi-exotic places every once in a while, so I am doubly blessed.
Last week, my li'l bro (not so little) Sean and I decided on taking a wee trip - since I had a week off from the play. We had decided on Puerto Rico, but our plans changed 6 hours before our plane took off, and we decided to embrace the better weather in Cancun instead. It was 80 degrees, sunny, and cooled by a tropical Caribbean breeze. In a word, it was perfect. Now, I am one that enjoys thoroughly every season. When one season ends, I am anxious to experience the next and all that it brings. Sean, however, loves the sun, the heat, and all that comes with it. It was definitely his ideal vacation. I was happy, but the warmth seemed so out of place. I mean, it's Christmas for heavens sake! Walking on the beach, I couldn't help but feel a little holiday displacement. Don't get me wrong, I relished in lying on the beach and being warmed by the sun, but being one of my favorite holidays, I felt the need to see snowflakes. I received email while I sat on the beach from my sister saying "It's snowing!". I couldn't help feel just a little tinge of jealousy.
It was soon forgotten, however, when Sean and I went downtown for some Tacos Al Pastor and some Mexican Coke! Oh, and a piece of yummy flan. Delicioso!
All in all, our time was spent by the beach, in the pool, downtown, eating my favorite Mexican food, and chillin'; lots of chillin'. And now I'm back to the holidays and have been able to enjoy the beautiful snow that has fallen, and will hopefully continue to fall this week. Hooray for Cancun warmth, and hooray for the holidays in the cool of Utah!

20 days of Christmas movies... #11

Cary Grant as a Christmas Angel? Magic.

"The Bishop's Wife"

20 days of Chrismas movies...#10

Ok, this is another movie Shannon, Caitilin, and I used to watch growing up.

"All I Want For Christmas"

20 days of Christmas movies...#9

My nephews Gavin & Ryan (Caiti's kids) have loved this movie since they were wee boys. About three December's ago, Caiti and Kurt decided to take their first trip alone to Sweden. I had the chance to watch the boys in San Antonio while they were gone. I had the best time with these sweet boys, and never realized how many times a kid could watch a movie while never tiring of it. I think I watched this one at the very least 10 times. So every time I watch it, or we watch it together, we remember that time and we always have hot chocolate! Auntie loves you, Gav & Ry!

20 day of Christmas movies...#8

This one is just sweet - period. This little girl thinks that Santa's reindeer, Prancer, has somehow gotten lost and ended up at her house. It really is a good one.

20 days of Christmas movies ...#7

I'll be on a plane home tomorrow and won't be able to post anything, so here you go for #7. I bet you thought the first time Bing sang "White Christmas" was in the movie named for the song. Not so. It was Holiday Inn.

20 days of Christmas movies ... #6

When we were little kids in the Curran household, we would wait eagerly for this movie to be shown on t.v. during the x-mas season. Again, enjoy!

20 days of Christmas movies... #5

I've been watching "Scrooge" since I was a wee girl (even though the ghost of x-mas future still freaks me out). I love tiny Tim. So sweet.

20 days of Christmas movies #4

I love both versions of this movie. You take your pick!

CANCUN!

That's where I'll be this week. Wish me luck on all the fun I'm going to have!

20 days of Christmas movies... #3

A sentimental childhood favorite. Also, probably one of my fave Christmas songs.

20 days of Christmas movies... #2

20 days of Christmas movies... #1

We're down to 20 days until Christmas, folks. It has gone by so quickly already, I can hardly believe it. I've decided to gift each of you readers with a little x-mas movie everyday until Christmas. It may be a little snippet, but at least you'll have the reminder that the holiday season is here.

How about a little... snow...

Ambience/Ambiance

Definition: a feeling or mood associated with a particular place, person, or thing.

For those of you that know me, you know that I am easily excited by many things; little things. I am especially excited by the little things that make it a holiday. I love the lights, the smells, and the sounds of the very special holiday that is upon us. One thing that makes it Christmas time for me is the falling of snow. Folks, we've had none! The forecast has told of sunny days ahead (argh!) This does not create the ambiance that I so thoroughly love.
However, today I had just a wee glimpse of my dream season. It may have been all of 10 minutes, but the gracious sky giftedly produced giant white flakes of snow on the beautiful earth today. What could I do but grab Melanee and run to Maverick for some Abuelita hot chocolate whilst it snowed, and listen to holiday music on the way. Friends, it was just magnificent!
The ambience was created, and though it may not still be snowing, at least I know it will... eventually. When it does, I hope you'll enjoy the beauty of those fat flakes (even if you don't love them) and create your own moment of holiday cheer.

The end.

Jane Eyre

I do love that Mr. Rochester. I read 'Jane Eyre' many years ago and loved it, saw the movie and loved it as well. However, I recently saw the newest version on Masterpiece Theater. It's magic. Really.
The characters are so well developed, and I love to watch the relationship between Jane and Mr. Rochester grow.
I'm so pleased that so many of you share my love of this book. Now, go and see this movie with Ruth Wilson & Toby Stephens. Lovely, lovely.

Mr. Rochester...

Name what book/movie this character is from.

One, two, three... GO!

Gracias...

So, last night I spent some time at a play with my 8 year old nephew Kai. He's such a funny kid, and he seems to really like spending time with his 32 year old Auntie. He is never in a hurry to get back to his own friends (weird). Last week we began our x-mas tradition of driving around the town looking at lights. Granted, there were not so many houses with lights up yet, but we figured we'd give a big shout-out to those who did. This tradition began with our annual x-mas sleep-over. When I had my own apartment for a few years, Kai and Kalin loved having sleep-overs at my house. Basically, it involved x-mas movies, treats, and a lot of cocomotion! I love this tradition. However, before the sleep-over hoop-lah began, we'd go on a long drive around Orem & Provo just to look at the bounteous x-mas lights. Kalin doesn't like drives quite as much, but Kai has always loved them (he's just like his Auntie). Anyway, I love my little friend Kai. I don't know why he likes spending so much time with me, but it sure makes me feel good. So, today I give thanks not only to Kai for his unconditional love, but to all of my nephews. I don't think they'll ever know how much I love them, or how special they make me feel. I am a very lucky Auntie to Kalin, Kai, Gavin, Ryan, Owen & Aidan. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Ya tebya lublu!

Thanks, thanks, thanks...

I've been debating whether or not I should put this up, but what the heck! I'm thankful for friends and family that allow me to be my crazy self and still love me for it. For those of you that have never seen this side, be prepared.
Shannon's husband Ryan recently found this (we must have done this 3 years or so ago) and she recently posted it on her site. Shannon is a self-taught guitar player, btw. We always enjoy harmonizing to Indigo Girls songs, and this was one of those moments - even though it's one of the more interesting songs (and not so much one that has harmony), but oh, the passion!

Romeo & Juliet...



You might think I was drunk, but nay. I've never touched the stuff. Enjoy!

Thankful...

I'm thankful for youtube videos that provide constant hilarity in my daily life.

Here we go again, Rick.

Sharon, you're gonna love this one. Barack Obama... Rick Astley?

Let's get sentimental

Where has this year gone? Already we are only a week away from Thanksgiving, and I've hardly had time to reflect on it. I've been reading up on blogs lately and have seen many-a-friend write about the things they are thankful for. Being so close to the day and all, I decided today to do the same. So, here goes nothin'...

1. I'm thankful to have a job. In this time of economic hardship, I am blessed to have worked for a great company for four years. I'm also thankful for the people I work with. There are up and down times for sure, but overall, there is fun to be had and a lot of really great friendships made in the process. Go XanGo!

2. I'm thankful for two lovely roommates. I lived alone for a few years, but have felt such a renewal of spirit since I moved in with Mel and Marcole. I'm thankful to them for their friendship.

More gratitude to come...

NKOTB

As a young girl approximately 18 years ago, I was a fool for a certain boy band. I wasn't just a fool for them, but my friends and I were a little on the obsessed side. Hey, we were in jr. high, what else did we have to do with our lives?! Emily, Karen, Shannon and Caitilin know just what I'm talking about.
Well, as luck would have it, those 5 dudes have surfaced in the industry again and graced our state last weekend with a come-back concert. What a memory trip! While I'm not big on their music anymore, I had a great time re-living those memories on Saturday night.The dudes.
Rob, me and Shannon pre-concert.
Sister sing-along.

Um, ok, Karen and Shannon were CRYING! No, seriously, they were!

All in all, a fun trip down memory lane!

Let's start the bidding!

I'm selling a brand-spanking-new ipod nano. It has never been used, folks. Take a look at the specs:

What's in the Box

• iPod nano
• Earphones
• USB 2.0 cable
• Dock adapter
• Quick Start guide

Technical Specifications

Size and Weight

Height:

3.6 inches (90.7 mm)

Width:

1.5 inches (38.7 mm)

Depth:

0.24 inch (6.2 mm)

Weight:

1.3 ounces (36.8 grams)

Display

• 2-inch (diagonal) color LCD with LED backlight
• 320 by 240 pixels at 204 ppi

Capacity

• 8GB or 16GB flash drive¹
• Holds up to 2,000 or 4,000 songs in 128-Kbps AAC format³
• Holds up to 7,000 or 14,000 iPod-viewable photos³
• Holds up to 8 hours or up to 16 hours of video³

Audio

• Skip-free playback
• Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
• Audio formats supported: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV.

Video

H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Low-Complexity version of the H.264 Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; H.264 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Baseline Profile up to Level 3.0 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats

Battery⁴

• Built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery
• Music playback time: Up to 24 hours when fully charged
• Video playback time: Up to 4 hours when fully charged

Input and Output

• Dock connector
• 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack
• 
  

Alright, let's start the bidding! Who ever gives me the best price wins the ever-popular Nano!
If you are out of state, I'll ship it to you free of charge.

Peace out~

$1.99, are you outta your mind???

I've been watching the gas prices fall the last few weeks, and truly, I have never felt such bliss as I did this morning when I passed Holiday Gas on Center Street and saw the the price fall from $2.17 to $1.99! Holy freaking moly, I am happy! I never thought (though I had hoped) it would get under the $2.00 mark.

Happy, happy, happy am I. I'm sure you all are too. Hooray for us!

Recap on nephew Kai's big day

Newly baptized 8 year old Kai

Kalin, Kai and Uncle Sean
Kai w/ cousins Owen and Aidan
Kai and Uncle Shane (Auntie Sharon in the back round)
Kai and Grandma
Sweet Kai

Kai and favorite Uncle Seanie

Last week I was insanely busy with XanGo's 2008 Convention in SLC. I hadn't a moment to add pictures of some events. Particularly those of Kai's baptism. I sure love this little boy. He is such a special boy to me. I'm blessed to have 6 wonderful nephews. Really, I am.

More of Halloween

Just a few more pics for your enjoyment.

I don't think I've ever had so much fun on Halloween as I did this year. Coming up with the costume happened the night before Halloween as my roommie Marcole and I stopped by Savers. I had a completely different plan for a costume, but was all at once inspired once I saw denim dresses being sold. All at once "sister wives" came to mind, along with the high hair, and the attitude. We had a great response at work, and even out of the office (most weren't sure if we were legit or not). So hilarious!

Halloween '08

More to come...

Who am I?

Wordless Wednesday

**Famous**

I made the front page!
They love me on Times Square...
Somewhere in Russia...
Even Paris knows me!

And the fashion world reads about me...


Who knew?!

The play, the play!

So, as I have mentioned before, I am in a play this coming Christmas season. Go here to purchase tickets. Remember, if you want to see me in it, I am in it on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday matinees. A lot of them are sold out, so hurry quick and buy them! It is not to be missed for the season.

Gracias and good luck!

Sean has been reviewed

My brother Sean, a.k.a. "Definit" is a writer of raps. He's amazing, actually. Check out a review they did for his most recent album "Definit is not here". You'll find the review here.

Megan's big b-day (yesterday)!

(Pictured with her two handsome sons Kalin and little Kai)

Dearest Megan, Mekana, Meg-ster, Big Sistah -

I love you because you are:

Giving (of everything you have)
Kind
Considerate (of everyone)
Accepting (almost to a fault)
Loving of absolutely everyone
Forgiving (I could learn a thing or two)
Generous
Non-Judgemental
Quick to laugh
Quick to fake-smile for a photo (family joke)
Patient

My big sister amazes me all the time. Not only is she all of these things above, but she is so much more that I simply don't have room for. She is one of the most kind and genuine human beings I know. She has been through her fair share in life, and I'm amazed sometimes that she has the strength to keep going. She does, however. She doesn't look back (like some may), but she keeps going, and for this I know she'll be blessed. Love you Megs!

The hills are alive...

...well, dying really. However, the end of Summer brings my favorite season, of which I've spoken many times. Today I felt like Maria Von Trapp and felt the mountains beckon, and wanted to climb to the highest peak and break out into song and dancing (twirling, really). I answered the call and took a drive through the canyon and once again enjoyed the amazing Fall foliage. I've noticed that the mountains have seemed almost brown recently, and was saddened that perhaps my favorite season had ended while I was on the east coast. Not so. It seems as though they have sprouted color again just for me. I can't express the wonder I feel when I am within them. Nothing could adequately express it. Since I am not much of a photographer, I decided to add some of my photographer sister's pictures of Fall color. Check her out at: shannonhaddenphotography.blogspot.com

Gift of the Gab

I'm a talker. I am. I admit it. Some days I realize it more than others. Why am I this way? Was it a pre-disposition inherited from my talker of a mother? Or maybe because I kissed the Blarney Stone twice? Could be. Yesterday I realized just how much of a talker I am as I was chatting it up with a co-worker. Not only do I talk, but sometimes I have no idea where this talking is going. I rarely end up with the subject with which it originated. When this happens, it drives me absolutely crazy (however, I secretly hope the person with whom I am speaking doesn't really notice). And so it was yesterday. I would start with one subject, then before I even finished a thought - I was on to another! Sheesh! Dear Friends, thank you for being my friend - though I talk, talk, and talk more. I know it can be annoying, because sometimes there will be someone that talks my head off too! Bless us all, but mostly, bless you for listening.

Carolina of the North

Hangin' in Huntersville (just outside of Charlotte) with my homey nephews Gavin and Ryan. Caiti and Kurt decided to take a long needed vay-cay to Sweden, so Shannon and I are holding down the fort in the yellow house. I'm only here until Monday, then Shannon is taking the reins all by her lonesome until next Friday (eeks, I fear for her). Nah, she'll do great. I'm sure she'd rather have her husband here, or any kind of adult, however. She tends to be... afraid.
Tomorrow we're taking a short, but long-awaited day trip to Asheville to see the luscious Fall leaves. They are not at their peak here in Charlotte, but I've been told it looks pretty darn amazing near the Blue Ridge Parkway. The leaves pull me; they beckon me to come. I must answer the call.

Pictures to come!

Lost in translation

Hi Friends,

So, today I went to El Pollo Loco for some tacos (excellent, btw). After I had finished my meal, I decided to take a tasty cup of Flan home for later. Upon ordering, the cashier asked my name. I spelled out E-R-I-N for him, and when I got the ticket, I realized this is what he actually heard.

Bless his wee little heart.

Conference Weekend

Every 6 months, the LDS church holds its world-wide General Conference. It is always the same time of year, Fall and Spring (which just happen to be my top two seasons). I always look forward to inspiring talks from our leaders, singing from the Mo-Tab (Mormon Tabernacle Choir) and a renewal of spirit. However, I also look forward to spending time with family and taking the traditional drive into the Provo Canyon only minutes from my house in between sessions. Conference usually brings with it lovely weather, but every now and then we have what some might call bad weather. I call it heaven. Yesterday I woke up to the sound of rain outside my window, which of course meant I got to stay in my cozy bed and do absolutely nothing but watch conference! Oh, how I love it! Of course I love a sunny day, but there is something about a rainy day that enchants me. I think I may have inherited this from my parents :)

Well, today started out rainy, but by the time the first session of conference was over, the sun peaked out through the low lying clouds. This is when I decided to take the much anticipated drive through the Autumn-themed canyon with my nephew Kalin in tow. The trees and shrubs were drenched in pink, red, orange, and yellow. It was absolutely breathtaking! Even Kalin (who shows very little emotion) was impressed. We drove up to Vivian park, then to South Fork where it was raining just a bit. We got out of the car at this point to feel the cool air and rain on our faces. Blissful is the only word I can think to describe it. Truly, it was bliss. I'm amazed at this beautiful earth, and give thanks that I can enjoy its wonders every day.
Here is a pic of Kalin and I at Vivian Park. He's only 13, and he's taller than me!
A lovely weekend, indeed. How was yours?

Optical Illusion...

Wow, I'm cracking up already. Doms, this is especially for you, dear cousin. Do enjoy!

Sean-ie is 27 today!

This is how we roll in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.
Here is Sean on his first trip to Europe in Interlaken, Switzerland.

Handsome Sean.

My dear Brother Sean is completing years today (as translated literally in Spanish). If you know him, you know the wonder that is Sean. You know that he exudes charm, kindness, love, and compassion. You also know that whatever you're going through, he understands. Even if he doesn't, he does his best to be a good listening ear. Sean has been on many journey's. He has learned much in his 27 years, and continues to be humbled by each journey - rocky or smooth. He is the most honest person I know. Honest with himself, honest with others, and honest with God. I trust him implicitly and love him more than I can express on this blog.
Sean is a master of words - as evident in his very personal raps. Yes, I said raps. He's a rapper, and a good one. On his road to recovery, his raps have been journal entries and are inspiring. He amazes me all the time.
Happy Birthday, Seanie boy. Love you!

A mi me encanta la musica

*It has been a really good weekend. It started with the chance to spend some quality time with roommates and friends Friday night. Melanee got tickets to see a concert at the Conference Center and generously shared with the rest of us. It was called An American Songbook, featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Utah Symphony, with special guests Denyce Graves and Brian Stokes Mitchell. I had never heard of either one of the guests, so I really had no idea what I was in for. Now, friends, for those of you that know me well, you know that music is in my blood. The power of music is inspiring. My words are so weak and can't do my feelings justice, but music can translate what words sometimes cannot. Music blew me over this weekend! I needed a good dose of it, and I certainly got it - in more ways than one.
Brian Stokes Mitchell, a regular on Broadway, sang a stirring rendition of "Some Enchanted Evening", which has always been a favorite. A song is always so much more powerful when the singer first draws you in with their own charm and personality. He was so gracious and so warm with the audience. He remarked that it felt like he was home in his living room with his own friends. This just allowed the audience to feel the warmth in his voice. I don't think there is a voice that has touched my very heart as he did in a very long time. He proceeded to do a 30's and 40's medley, which featured some of the old standards (my faves), such as "The Very Thought of You", and "Embraceable You". His versatility is impressive. Later on in the program, he stirred us again by singing "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha. I can't even describe in words what I felt, so I'm going to add a video I found of him singing that very song at the Tony Awards back in 2007 and let you enjoy it. I wish I could adequately describe what I felt, but I simply cannot. There are some things that are better felt and described in a tear.
*Saturday morning I went to my first practice for Savior of the World. I have never seen this play that has been running for the past 10 years, but I had a chance to experience the inspired music on Saturday. I can hardly wait for it to begin! I haven't been in a play in years and years and have wanted the experience, but have been taken in by work and life in general. Thanks to my good friend from years past, Rob Abney, for encouraging me to audition. I'm sure it will be life changing, and I am anxious for the experiences it will bring.
*Also, I had the chance to sing in Relief Society today with Marcole. We chose the song "May My Life Reflect Thy Will". It always feels good to sing in church (which I rarely do anymore). I am thankful for the gifts the Lord has blessed me with.
*I feel thankful; thankful that I can be touched by beautiful things like music. I know this all may sound a little cheesy, but since this is my journal, I figure I should share things like this that are important to me. I have to give thanks to mom and dad for sharing their love of music with me and with all of my siblings from day one. So much of what I feel in music stems from happy memories growing up around music and song. Dad playing the guitar, mom teaching us harmony, Dad's passion for singing groups with killer four-part harmonies, and oh-so much more. In short, thanks for the music that's in me.

Twinners at work

It's always a little awkward when you come to work wearing the same thing as a co-worker, but when the co-worker is your friend, it's all good fun. Here is Stefanie and I showing up with our fave blue cardigans ('cuz they just bring out those baby blues so nicely), our white shirt, black pants and glasses (er, not). We must embrace the nerd in all of us, don't you think?!