weekend wrap-up

I haven't done this in awhile, but I'm kinda in the mood! Technically I've done 7 shows since Thursday so pretty much all I've done is the show....but, some others stuff did go on.....

1. Skyped and Video g-chat with good friends and family. Skype/g-chat makes me feel so much more connected to my loved ones. We need to do it more!!! {Congrats again to Emmy for graduating this weekend!}

2. Am getting more and more addicted to Twitter.....just what I feel would happen if I started {thanks a lot Sarah!} Follow me here...

3. Watched the HBO John Adam's series and LOVED it. I know I'm late in the game and most people have seen it...but if you are like me and waited go watch it now! I liked to watch it with the fun facts of history pop-up option.

4. Returned my cute ruffle bathing suit to JCrew as it was a tad too large....got this one in navy instead :)

5. Bundled up for a cold beach weekend. The tide has come in quite a bit and is still so gorgeous outside my window. I am in heaven :)

weekend (holiday) wrap-up: and she's back

Well, I've had a lovely, albeit rather LONG vacation. It is really time to get back to normal life and get down to brass tax. The holidays were wonderful, blanketed in serious snow and full of indulgence. Many movies watched, fun on the four wheeler, LOTS of guests, and many memories.

So moving on...what's next? Well, little sis Caitlyn moved to London today to study abroad so if you have any insights into must see's and must do's please leave a comment! I will be heading back to NY this week and am SUPER excited about it. I can't wait to sleep in my bed and to see all of my lovely friends.

I have a lot in store for the blog including a few changes as my life takes a turn this year. I'll be going on the road soon enough and there will be lots of adventures to share with that.

But, for now I think you should take a moment out and enjoy THIS. If you want to enjoy the deliciousness of popping bubble wrap on a daily basis I think this is the calendar for you.

weekend wrap up

Due to the snow day yesterday I had a 4 day weekend! Here's what I learned...

1. Prayer works. I was asked on Saturday to learn a solo descant part for the ward choir Christmas program. I learned it well enough and ran into a last minute run through with the choir EARLY Sunday morning and it just wasn't going well. So, I said a prayer and went back into another room to practice for a bit and walked up to the front with a lot of faith that this could be pulled off...and it was! It went better than I could have imagined, or actually better than if I was trying to do it by myself.

2. Building a snowman burns 285 calories an hour and having a snowball fight burns 319 calories an hour. Well, I'm happy to say that I burned some SERIOUS calories yesterday. We had the funnest time yet playing in the snow in our front yard. We built a seriously awesome snowman and smothered each other in snow. My mom even got on the back of our neighbors 4 wheeler and spun doughnuts in the street. Such fun!

3. Turning 30 ain't so bad. I had a wonderful day of festivities! My family always makes sure to make the day special as it is so close to Christmas. My dad made his famous omeletes for breakfast and we decided to open presents in the morning so I could enjoy them all day long. And I did! Such wonderful gifts and a lovely day. Also, thank you for your sweet comments!!!

Have a fabulous holiday week!

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned...

1. I don't do anything halfway. Sunday was the opening and closing night (day) of the Primary Program Sharing Time EXTRAVAGANZA!!!! I adapted a Three Wisemen script I found and put in musical numbers, props, etc. It was for my sister's Primary Class (they are 9 and so dang cute) and she and I worked tirelessly to turn this thing out! Let's just say it is training for my future as a Producer....

2. Having a college reunion might just be the happiest Christmas present of all. My dear friend Brandalee had many old college buds over for a little festivity and laugh and laugh we all did for hours. It was the latest I've been up in months....yeah, I'm totally crazy like that.

3. The girl at the Costco Photo Lab needs a little attitude adjustment. Dear photo girl (you know who you are), please stop taking away the joy of this season by acting like a crazy woman. I just want to get my photos printed correctly and pick them up so I can get to what I really came to Costco for: the free samples.

Have an awesome week!!!

weekend wrap up

Here's what happened...

1. NOTHING.

2. Just Kidding....well, kind of. My Mom and I went to see Four Christmases. I didn't think it was all that it was cracked up to be. And I did not do any cracking up either. But, the highlight was our trip to Williams Sonoma. Yummy Hot Chocolate, Apple Cider, and all the Fall stuff of sale!

3. I went on a media fast from Saturday night to Sunday night. No TV, DVD's, Internet, Blogging, Facebook, Nada! I'll be honest, I wasn't perfect with it...but, it was nice to do other things for awhile :) I highly recommend it!

4. Caitlyn and I went to the Beehive Bazaar. There were definitely a lot more vendors this year, but I have to say it is just so hard to pay out the nose for things I could make myself. Some clever new things though....can't really say just yet because of Christmas! Ooh, and we also went to lunch at Sammy's. Super yummy...if you are in the Utah Valley area I only have to say three words: sweet potato fries.

4. I consumed lots of peppermint tea and hot chocolate. It's getting chilly!!!

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned....

1. Congratulations to Casey (QB, #10) for winning State!!! We went to Casey's High School State Championship game. The T-Birds took it 34-28 vs the Cottonwood Colts.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

2. When your sister works for Nordstrom there will be no money left in your bank account.

3. Sunday Baking Club is going to make me gain back poundage. We made Sommer's Homemade Oreo's {recipe below} and as of this morning there was one left {which I devoured for breakfast}. I could barely get my hand away from my mouth long enough to snap this pic.

Sommer's Homemade Oreo's
2 Devils Food Cake Mixes
4 eggs
1 c. Crisco

Mix together with wooden spoon. Knead with your hands to finish mixing.
Roll into even sized balls and press down gently to make flat.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
Cool on a rack and sandwich together using cream cheese frosting.

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned....

1. Seeing old college friends is like getting in a time machine. Seriously, it seemed like it hasn't been the oh, 8 years it has been since I've seen these gals. They both have gorgeous, funny kids and are both just the same! Jess and Sarah (tiny) I love you and can't wait to get together again!!!

2. When I get in a state of worry I simply zone out. Luckily, I don't eat ferociously or lash out irrationally to random people (well, who are we kidding...this might happen anyway) but, as there has been daily news about the affairs of my business surrounding individual feelings about Prop 8 I have begun to zone out into a kind of walking coma. I think I've pretty much worked out my feelings {although, I won't be discussing any of that here} and am ready to deal with whatever comes my way. Sometimes it just takes a few moments to gather yourself and put order to the mush in your brain.

3. I have been halfway done with my Christmas shopping since August. I have a feeling the rest of it will get done in the craziness of December.....so much for getting it done early :)

4. The Sunday Baking Club has spread like the flu {I originally said like wildfire, but I wanted to be respectful to the victims of fires in CA--my prayers are with you}. Our numbers increased 3 times the amount of the original members and the craziness ensued. I made some pie dough earlier in the day and when the girls got here we rolled it out and pressed it into our Williams Sonoma mini pumpkin patch pan and filled the little pumpkin cups with pumpkin pie. It was a good experiment, but was a pretty big project for 6 girls ages 3-12. Next time....crepes!

Have a great week!
Only 10 more days to Thanksgiving!

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned....

1. Sunday baking club makes me so happy. We officially coined it a club yesterday! A few of the neighborhood kiddies come over every Sunday and we always end up baking something super yummy. Yesterday we made Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and they were delicious. I always try to send as many as I can home with the girls because I just don't need to have that lying around! Next week is Pumpkin Pie cups :)

2. Teaching Primary (Sunday School for kids at church) is super awesome. Kids are just so delightful and always say the funniest things. Plus, they are so uninhibited its like they are speaking my language.

3. I can watch episodes of 30 Rock over and over and over....and pretty much did this weekend. Best line from last weeks episode: Tracy Jordan as a white woman, "I'm meeting my girlfriends for brunch, I hope we can sit outsi-ide, Lipstick!"

And pretty much, that's it....lazy weekend!!!
Have an awesome week!

weekend wrap up

I had a little bit of a longer weekend :)

Here's what I learned....

1. I need to listen to my conscience. I had an inkling to let something go, and I ignored it. This has ignited quite an issue with my roommates, but I am hopeful I can work on my skills in forgiveness. Why is it so hard to forgive sometimes?

2. I miss NYC a lot. Wicked flew me in for one night for a measurment fitting. I was thinking it would be one round of measurements and I would go on my way....I had no idea I would have a "handler" taking me around town to all sorts of appointments. It was awesome and I will post pics soon. By far the coolest costume experience I've had yet!

3. Shake Shack, dear friends, and good weather make for the best night ever. I love, love, love my NYC family. They always make me happy, feel loved, and give my abs an awesome workout with all the laughing. Also, a BIG thank you to the boys on 99th for being such wonderful hosts. Tony, you are still in 1st place!

4. Voting in NYC is quite the experience. I'm pretty sure the voting machine was made in 1945 and I certainly hope my vote was counted. It was kind of chaotic, but I am really happy I had a chance to let my voice be heard. Now, I just hope that everyone will calm down!!!

Have an awesome week!

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned...

1. Listening to young children sing is just down right the closest thing to being in heaven. I taught voice and acting for singers this past week at my friend Mindy Smoot-Robbins voice studio and was blown away by some of these young singers and caught myself tearing up when this really little ones (I mean, as young as 5!) would get up in front of the whole class and sing "Castle on a Cloud" or "A Spoon Full of Sugar." It was also a great learning experience for me to see a home studio and how it works. I really enjoyed it Mindy! If you are in the Alpine/Highland area, I HIGHLY recommend sending your children for voice to Robbins Music Theatre Academy!

2. Happening upon a JCrew warehouse sale is just down right incredible - just get ready to dig. Little sis, Caitlyn found some serious finds including a fab 100% cashmere dress. I was so tired after a long day of teaching that I just didn't feel up to bin diving, so I hit the tie table and got some fab silk ties for the boys in my fam ($4!!!), some awesome sweaters for Dad, and a few other little gifts. Shopping for others can be way more fun sometimes.

3. I really miss teaching. I taught an Audition Workshop for the BYU MDT, Acting Track, and Dance students and found as I looked out over the many faces in attendance that I have come a long way since my days at the Brigham and how much I miss the world of teaching. I was very impressed with their insightful questions and bounding energy! I was also amazed with the new studios at BYU and sincerely hope that I was able to give some real insight into the real world of the business of show.

4. I cry at weddings. My close friend Tara got hitched over the weekend and I'm pretty sure I started crying at the beginning of the wedding (10 am) and finally stopped crying when I was driving home late that night (10 pm). PMS played a little part in this for sure, but it was such a beautiful day with so many lovely and kind words expressed. Tara is one of the kindest and most gentle people I know and it was so lovely to witness the beginning of her forever. The wedding, luncheon, and reception were beautiful and Tara just glowed all day long. I'm so happy for you Tara!

5. Sunday is a day of rest? Not so much at my house yesterday. Lots of the neighborhood kiddies came over (as usual) and my Dad made homemade play-dough (a huge hit), I set up a little volleyball net for an impromptu game, and lots of throwing the ball for our dog Roxy. There was of course lots of treats (none for the dieters-ugh) and lots of random requests. When Riley showed up (3 years old) she ran in and screamed BOO! Hillarious. She then saw the play-dough and announced that she would be taking it home. Just another Sunday at the Wilson home!

Have an awesome week!

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned...

1. You are all so kind! Thank you so much for your well wishes, thoughts and prayers!

2. I do not like being poked and prodded. The surgery went really well, but the hospital stay was not my favorite. The nurse had a hard time finding a vein for my IV and I got poked way too much! My body is getting used to having the device and I am recovering really well. I am happy it is finally over! Thank you nurses, Dr. Sorenson, and everyone who was so wonderful during my stay :)

3. College reunions make me smile from ear to ear. I went to a lovely Fall party hosted by my dear friend Molly and saw some dear, dear friends from my college days. We laughed and laughed, ate yummy chili in little pumpkin bread bowls and a divine salad by the talented Emily, played games, had a pumpkin carving contest, and talked until the wee hours of the night. The talent, creativity, and exhilarating conversation was fantastic!

Have a wonderful week!

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned....

1. I love taking classes!!! I am taking Alma Loveland's Illustrator 101 class and can't wait to learn more and more! She's a great teacher and I highly reccomend taking her class if you are in the area, or just ponder on a subject you want to learn more about and find a class! Or, maybe you are an expert on something and should set up a class to teach!

2. Dieting sucks {sorry mom, I know you hate that word}. I am on a low calorie diet and while it is nice to be shaving some pounds I am getting tired of seeing food on commercials and at parties, etc. I am doing pretty good, but here's to getting all the way to Halloween!

3. I was afraid to get excited about Wicked. I found myself 3 days later still kind of shell shocked. I think I have gotten used to protecting myself from the disappointment that auditioning brings and was a little apprehensive to get excited! There is a little part of me that thinks someone will say "nevermind" and that will be that. But, there are small moments when I smile to myself that it is real and is going to be awesome!

4. Going to the freezing {brrrr} Homecoming game is awesome--especially when your team wins! BYU ran for another win {keeping us undefeated} last Saturday against UNM. It wasn't the funnest of games to watch, but it was super fun to cheer on my alma mater with the fam!

5. Waking up to snow falling in October is way better here than in NYC.....I don't know what everyone is complaining about...you get to jump in your car and drive to your destination. In NYC I see white flakes and start adding layers and slip free shoes. Sexy.

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned...

1. Being at home is the best therapy anyone could ask for. I immediately start to shift back to my normal self, anxiety and worry slip away, and I just get to laugh and be reminded how joyful life really is. Sometimes I think I replace joy with stress in my daily life that I forget to live in the present and enjoy it!

2. Conference rocks. Oh my gosh, it was so good this time around....but, I think I say that every conference. There was so much focus on hope and faith--two things I always need to be reminded of. Love it!

3. Food fights are fun. Well, not so much a fight, but getting dumped on was super fun. Caitlyn and I went to Nicole's "dumped" shoot at Rubberball and had a blast. I will post pics soon....

4. Sometimes having your house broken into is a good thing. Our sweet 3 year old neighbor Riley is the funniest girl ever. I was sitting at the table working on the computer and sure enough bounding around the corner from the garage entrance was Riley. She likes to come over and play with our dog, Roxy and eventually lets herself in to the house to see whats going on. She likes to visit with everyone, especially my dad. She asked my mom, "where's your Dad?" Of course, she was referring to my dad (because it might just be too early for the heaven talk) and we had a good chuckle over it. She likes to throw the ball to Roxy and talk about her grandma who is on a mission. She also has the sweetest strawberry blonde hair and loves Ariel. We often talk about what she is going to be for Halloween. I cannot wait for the next Riley visit!

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned...

1. Doing your 2007 tzxes in October doesn't make it any less stressful.

2. Crying through the end of Gypsy is somewhat embarrassing. I went to see friends Nancy, Steve, and Sara in Gypsy and it was wonderful. Patti LuPone was phenomenal. She puts it all out there and then some. Between her performance and the fact I am probably pms'ing I sat there and cried during the final scene and the curtain call. The guy next to me was a little nervous about it, I think! Ha!

3. George Washington harvested peanuts (and found over 200 uses for them). I guess this is common knowledge, but during a rousing game of Cranium only one in our very fun group knew this answer! Did you know that?

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned:

1. Dinner group can be fun! My singles group at church get together with different people (randomly assigned) to have dinner at a host group on Sunday's occasionally. Yesterday's group was the funnest I have been to, and it was mostly due to the fact that we actually all interacted with one another....go figure.

2. When feeling the angst of work and the stress of life, one should not go to the movies and see Lakeview Terrace. It only made me more angst filled and more stressed! Although, I do love Patrick Wilson....

3. I have had lots on my mind and will try to be coming up with holes to fill in the gaps over the next little while. When dreams are not becoming realities, what is the proper course? I will continue to work on that....

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned...

1. The Women is not as good as the original. It was overall fun and interesting that they shot the entire film without any men (including extras) but, I really think a second viewing when the DVD is released will maybe bring a better appreciation...maybe.

2. I am not 20 anymore. I have a new 20 year old roommate who is super sweet and is ready to begin her big NYC experience....and my intolerance level for all things 20 showed up real fast. Needless to say, this will be a good lesson in patience.

3. I am so ready for Fall! I can't wait to layer clothes, put on boots (kind of), and feel the crisp air on my face when I walk out the door. We had quite the steamy Sunday yesterday....

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned:

1. I am so grateful for all of my friends and family who have sent thoughts and love to me before my surgery.....how nice for something THAT NEVER HAPPENED! I got a call Monday morning (the day before my surgery) that my surgeon had to go in for emergency back surgery and my procedure needed to be postponed. Well! They just said that they were sorry. Um, I don't think sorry will bring me back the flight that I paid for. Ugh! {My surgery is now postponed until either Thanksgiving or Christmastime now....I don't want to waste another flight!}

2. Jersey Boys is still one of the best musicals I have ever seen. My dear friend Heather offered me a comp ticket to see the show {again--I've seen it 5 times now I think} and I still loved it. The book and the direction is SO tight that no matter which cast you see, the show will be GOOD.

3. I will miss the Olympics. It has been so fun to cheer on the athletes and super fun when USA wins GOLD! My favorites included: Men's/Women's Beach Volleyball, Men's Volleyball, Men's/Women's Gymnastics, Diving and Men's Basketball. I will not miss the female announcer for diving (so negative), the underage Chinese gymnasts, and the too much celebratory dancing of a certain Track and Field runner for Jamaica. Congrats USA for winning the most medals of any country!

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned:

1. I have Olympic FEVER. I love every single meet. I have such pride for my country and cannot get enough. Last night a bunch of us piled on my bed and watched the events for hours. I also watched the Redeem Team beat China on Sunday morning and was so impressed by the skill on the court. Oh, and the mens 100 freestyle relay was FANTASTIC to watch. I was pumping my arms in the air and cheering by myself in my room :) Go USA!

2. A picnic in your living room on a Sunday afternoon is super. Lots of friends, blankets on the floor, and fun! Thanks all for coming over!

3. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 was cute....considering the cheesiness factor. The reason to see this movie? This gentleman....yowza. Side note: NY movie audiences are some of the crudest, rudest of all time. Geez louise.

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned....

1. A little retail therapy is always good for the soul. I needed a new shirt to wear to an audition so I while I was heading to Verizon to pay a bill I stopped in Old Navy for a simple tee. I haven't been in an Old Navy for awhile and discovered they had lots of really cute and inexpensive things that would help finish off the summer!

2. I'm really getting excited for Fall. I keep thinking about jeans, jackets, layering and cute boots. I always like to watch "You've Got Mail" around this time of year. I love when Tom Hanks character Joe Fox says, "Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies." I feel the same way. Back to school clothes and supplies shopping was always a HUGE event around my house. It was always topped off with a fabulous runway with lots of oohs and aahs making all lof my sisters and I feel super trendy and fabulous.

3. Seeing one of your best friends make their Broadway debut is AWESOME! A huge group of us got together and went to see Jacob in Xanadu. He was fantastic and a total hit. Karyn made a huge sign for him and we had quite the reception after the show. Congrats Jacob!

weekend wrap up

Here's what I learned....

1. Lars and the Real Girl is a FANTASTIC flick. I really enjoyed it, especially Ryan Gosling's performance as Lars.

2. I love Rock Band/Guitar Hero. We played it at our fantastic ward social and had a blast {thanks Karen}! We have Guitar Hero and haven't played it much in awhile....why?

3. I didn't have to learn this, but just scream it from the top of my lungs: a mustard seed grows into a SHRUB not a TREE. I seriously had a meltdown at church when hoo-ha challenged me with his weak google argument. But seriously, I needed to let it go much earlier than I did....hey, at least I'm aware of it.

4. Making Cafe Rio at home is just about as good as the real deal. Yum.

5. Stepbrothers is funny, but could cool it on dropping the F word like every other word. Why?