Memory Lane

Its funny how how something so simple, such as face, or a place or even a day on the calender can bring back such strong and vivid memories.

When I am at my friend's house with our group of friends I always think about all the movies we made while we were in High School, including the gem of a horror movie entitled Peekaboo.

On road trips I think about the many trips we took in our big old cave of a van. I remember sitting on a cooler up front or on the floor. Adrienne would be spread out on the bench that folded out into a bed.

When I go to my Aunt's house I think of violin lessons and band practice.

Today is March 31. Exactly one year ago was one of the greatest days ever. I got to see my boyfriend Michael Buble in concert. I love him. For full details of his amazing concert go here http://abbaqueen.blogspot.com/2010/04/mb-happiest-day-ever.html

Yesterday I saw my 8th grade Algebra teacher, Mr. Barker, at work. I remember his math class whenever I see him but I also remember one day in particular. September 11th 2001. This day will live forever in my memory, as i'm sure it will in yours. I remember watching the news all morning. I remember the phone call my dad got and how upset he was as he hurried off to work. Mr. Barker's class was the first class of the day and i remember how we didn't learn anything that day but we sat and watched the events unfold in New York.

Nothing Funny about Murder

So I am reading this book entitled Murder in Montparnasse. The "detective" in this story in Phryne Fisher. (To be honest I am not sure how to pronounce her name.) She is a wealthy socialite who is from France but lives in Australia. The time period is 1928 or 1929 so every character is understandably more conservative and proprietary. I haven't finished the book yet but I have learned 2 things.

Legs are scandalous-

"Mr. Jenkins, breath held, watched Phryne climb nimbly onto the chair and sweep the top of the cedar wardrobe with her hands. He averted his eyes from her knees, which were on shameless display."

You can marry some old guy that you don't love as long as he is rich.

"I can continue to be nagged all the time abou thow much money my parents spent on my education and how I have wasted it. Or I can undertake a marriage which will give me pretty clothes, unlimited food, lots of dances, and nice places to stay. Holidays. Champagne."

Sadly I did not hear anything in that statement about said husband, caring for him, or acknowledgement that he will be involved in her life at all. Anyway, I don't know why I find these silly things funny, but this book has been making me laugh.

Learning from Experience

So I have been thinking a lot lately about a lyric from the music Wicked. In the song For Good Glinda sings

"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason; bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grow."

I love my family and I feel like they are mine for a reason. I've definitely learned so much from each of them but here a few tidbits.

Mary Jo (aka Mom): She has taught all the best ways to deal with others and to treat them with respect. Everyone deserves kindness and Honesty is the only policy. You can never be disappointed as long as you have done your best.

Dad (aka Dad:Everyone has a story to tell, and Dad certainly loves to dig and get to know people. People are open and receptive if you show take a genuine interest in them as a person. Dad has always taught us to work hard and to not be lazy. Dad has always taught us how important it is to take responsibility for your actions.

Lindsay: is a great mother and she is a great example of teaching your kids about right and wrong and sticking to your standards and values. She has taught me a lot about courage and determination. One person telling you no should never discourage you and cause you to give up. She is a big advocate of pursuing what you enjoy and what you love to do. Find out what you truly interested in and take charge.

Adrienne: For one thing Adrienne has taught me to loosen up and enjoy life. Have fun. She is a big on sharing what you are passionate about with your family and friends. Whether it be a tv show, a book, or even a game or exercise, these can be great ways to bond and stay connected.

Adrienne has been a great example of loyalty to our family. She has also taught me that new places and new adventures don't have to be scary but that change also brings an opportunity for learning.

Erin: She has taught me about picking battles. There times that call for peacemakers, situations where constructive criticism is warranted, but there are also times where you have to stick up for yourself. Nobody deserves to be a doormat. Erin is great at showing me that it is easy, especially nowadays, to stay in touch with family. Even when you live far away. Erin has taught me how important quality is, particularly when it comes to music performances. You shouldn't have to settle for okay, good enough. You should be able to take pride in what you've accomplished.

Jordan: I have learned so much patience from this big brother of mine. Jordan is not an extremely patient person, but he has caused my patience to grow and I have learned to appreciate him. Jordan has been a great motivator. He has always set the bar high. While i struggle to keep up with him he is always encouraging and has an incredible amount of confidence in my potential. While he is not perfect at doing this, he has taught me its important to look for the strengths and positives in others. He has taught me to enjoy learning. Jordan has also taught me that the more you know the funnier life can be.

Muse and Inspiration

So this weekend I have stumbled across two great videos that have inspired me artistically.

First. I have watched the 25th Anniversary Concert of Les Miserables. This music is emotional, raw, dramatic, powerful. The concert was done beautifully. The costumes were great and the voices were practically perfect in every way. From what I read it seems that all of the performers, at least the leads, have been in a previous cast and have done the show before with one exception. Nick Jonas was singing the part of Marius. What the Heck! Who invited him. Not that he did a bad job mind you. He wasn't amazing but I still enjoyed it. It seemed like an extremely odd choice.

Second, is a Documentary called Waking Sleeping Beauty. This film was about Walt Disney Studios in the mid 80s. They were stuggling big time, and the whole animation department was afraid of losing their jobs. Their last big project, the Black Cauldron, was a big failure and was beat out by The Care Bears Movie at the box office. After some changes in management and some new hires, the animation was given new life and started on the road to Redemption with Oliver and Company and the Little Mermaid. It was very interesting and I recommend watching it if you get a chance. Here's the trailer.

Now I want to go do something and leave my mark on the world. I want to perform and create. These stories have made me want even more strongly to develop my talents. I would love to take charge of a project, learn to draw, write a song. Anything.

The Day Bosley Almost Died and the Sucky Week

So my story starts out on a sunny afternoon. Unremarkable but still enjoyable. This was last Tuesday, March 1st. I was on my way to work. I was heading North on 5th East in American Fork. I was just passing the D.I, literally two minutes from my work when some moron pulled out from the DI parking lot. He was trying to turn left into the Suicide Lane, so he could head south toward the freeway, and turned out in front of me. Well as you can probably tell. Our cars met, repelled each other and went crunch. I was angry at first. I called my mom, then I called the cops, and then I had to call work to tell them that I was going to be late.

Three cops ended up coming to the scene. I was balling; I looked like a clown with all of my makeup streaked. The cops had us get out our insurance information and registration and driver's licenses to fill out paper work. To my absolute horror, I could not find license. I realized I had used it the day before to get a library card. I needed a card to reserve a study room at the Provo library and I had left my license in my bag with all of my tutoring stuff. And yes, the bag was in my apartment in Provo.

Anyway my cruiser, Bosley, was pretty beat up. I felt so bad. The passenger side light was smashed and the front passenger side tire was blown. The front end was pretty crunched and the two front doors wouldn't open all the way. Anyway luckily my mom showed up. She took me to work and told me to make sure I got to a bathroom to clean my face up so I didn't scare the customer's at work. Ha Ha.

I stayed at my parent's that night. After my dad got home from work he asked me about what happened. Then he said as he was washing his dishes from breakfast that morning he looked out the window of our driveway and saw my brother's car. He had a feeling right then that we were going to have a car accident that day. Insane. My mom chauffeured me around for about a day until I got my rental. I realized how attached I really was to my car. I missed my Bosley. I did finally get word that the insurance people did not total my cruiser, he is fixable and will live again. It will be about two weeks. I can't wait to get him back. When I do I am going to take him to the carwash and scrub him out and clean him up and take good care of him.

The week just got better. This Monday, March 7th, I found out that I did not get accepted to my grad program here at BYU. I can't say that I was surprised. I could tell as the interview got closer and as I opened the letter that it was a long shot and I probably wasn't going to get in. I was bummed about it. I realized even though I really wanted to stay here at BYU there is another plan set out for me and other places I am supposed to be. I am still waiting to here back from the U of U and USU. I also got a hard copy of my rejection letter in the mail so I can keep it and treasure it forever. C'est Le Vie. I might not understand why this has happened right now but i know it is for the best.