Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Making Everyday Count

I found out this morning that two university music students were in a car wreck last night, and that one of them lost their life as a result. I didn't know either of them. They are several years younger than me, but I have friends that were deeply affected. We decided today to dedicate our Opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors (November 15-17 at First Baptist Church of Opelika-shameless plug), to the two girls.
Our director, Dr. Michael Koon, said something today that resonated so deeply with me that I knew I had to write about it. He said something to the effect of: performing is a priviledge, and now two of your classmates no longer have that priviledge. We need to treat every performance as our last.
That hit me pretty hard. It made me realize how incredibly fortunate I am to be able to pursue something that I love, instead of something that will just pay the bills. I was given a talent by God, and it is now my responsibility to use it to the best of my ability. That doesn't mean being lazy and waiting for things to be handed to me. It means going out there and working for it and TAKING them because I EARNED them. It means treating every performance as the last time I will ever walk onto a stage. It means learned from my misteps to do it better the next time. And means never taking one moment for granted.
Hug your friends. Tell them you love them. And do what you love. Because you never know when you won't be able to anymore.

Monday, November 9, 2009

And I'm Back!

At the prodding of my mother I am going to finally complete the blog I have been working on for a week now. It takes practice, but I have a feeling all the down time I will have in the next few weeks will produce many more blogs.

I have mono. Which is AWESOME. Can you sense the sarcasm dripping off of that one? So yeah, I will have a good amount of time to write blogs. You're welcome mom.

For those of you who don't know, the world lost two young men to sucide in October. While I only knew one, I feel the loss of the Trinity family like I knew both. I can't presume to know all that went into the decision of these boys, and some may say I'm insensitive for even writing about it, but I promise I have a point. From what I understand, bullying of some sort was a factor in both. This absolutely breaks my heart. For two CHILDREN under the age of 13 to think that there is no hope, no way out breaks my heart beyond what I can put into words.

As a girl who has never really fit in, I can understand their pain. I too was bullied in school. I still am, to a certain extent. I don't mean that people tease me or taunt me like they used to, but they certainly don't accept me and they talk about me behind my back like I can't hear them or find out what they say. Believe me, I hear you. You have no idea what you are talking about. Before you go "not respecting" someone, maybe you should find out the reasons behind their decisions. Just saying.

But onto my point. I often don't think about the impact my words have on people. Just last night I said something that I REALLY shouldn't have, for multiple reasons. Yes I was hurting and sick and upset, but that didn't excuse my behavior. I immediately apologized, but that didn't make it better. It really got me thinking about all the kids out there who repeatedly get abused by their peers, verbally and otherwise. Things are worse now than they've ever been, and certaintly worse than they were when I was younger, what with facebook, myspace, twitter, texting, and the like. There are so many options for bullies now that its almost easier not to be one. You can insult someone with the click of a button and never get caught. It's scary to think about really.

I really want to send out a PSA of sorts.
To my peers: yes we are older now, but that doesn't mean we watch our mouths any more than we used to. Please think about what you say. Yes we are all stronger now, but you never know when something you say to be funny could send someone over the edge. Yes some of you feel the need to insult your way to self confidence, but true self confidence can only come from loving yourself, not hating others.
To the adults: please educate your children on the impact of their words. You never know when a simple "if you can't say anything nice, don't say nothing at all" can save one child's life. Love your children. Hug them every day. And let them know there is hope.
To the kids: you now are painfully aware of the impact of words. Please love each other. You don't have to like each other, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE respect each other. If you feel like there is no hope, please tell a teacher, a friend, a parent, a sibling, someone. There is hope, I promise. As someone who has been pretty low, I PROMISE it gets better. If someone tells you they are thinking about killing themself, PLEASE tell someone. Even if you think it's a joke, it could save heartache of many.

That's all for now. Sorry to be so depressing right out of the gate. Love you all!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Yeah, I'm a slacker

I promise I'll put a new post up soon...I guess I've just been too lazy to do anything lately. Got lots of news to report!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Day 4


Day 4: Watching Degrassi

Degrassi has been one of my favorite shows, probably since Junior High-its a Canadian show that is a spin off from an 80s show called Degrassi Junior High. They are having an every-episode marathon every weekend in June and I, of course, had to watch it! This epiosode was the one when Ashley finds out her dad is gay, and when JT pretends to be gay to avoid Liberty. Degrassi: It Goes There. LOL.
Again, cheer campers to come later. Im busy actually having a life for once! I shall try to have it up later tonight!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Day 3 and SYTYCD Results

Day 3: Watching So You Think You Can Dance
So I know the quality of these pictures are terrible, but it is the best I can do with my camera phone (hint hint mom!). My view of the tv while watching SYTYCD. Leaving: Paris and Tony. A little bummed about that. Mom, you were right (although I can almost promise Asuka and Vitolio had the lowest votes). I guess someone had to go-thank goodness it wasnt anyone that I really loved! Next installment of the list to come tomorrow-Im too tired and bummed to do it now!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

So You Think You Can Dance...Dance...Dance

Tonight is the first live night of one of my favorite reality shows, So You Think You Can Dance. Because I am now obsessed with this whole blogging thing, I am going to include a moment-by-moment review of tonight’s performance show.

Here it goes with the very first solos of the competition! Here are my favorites:
1. Brandon: right off the bat he is coming ready to win-he is one to watch!
2. Evan: his old Hollywood style is so refreshing. Not to mention I think he is just adorable!
3. Jeanine: I mean wow. Why haven’t we seen more like her on this show? Bring on the ballet!
4. Phillip: need I say more? I have loved him since last season. SO glad he made it through Vegas week healthy this time! Prediction: this boy will be in the top 4 (if only because I will obsessively vote him there every week, but still!)
Overall, from the first introductory solos, I’m gonna go ahead and say that the guys are way stronger than the girls! There were a few female standouts, but for the most part, I was disappointed. Where are the Katee’s and Chelseas?

Cat Deeley is looking fierce as always in a white mini-dress intricately embellished in gold and silver. And now the “jidges.” Love ADAM!!! So happy he is judging tonight…but Mary? Is she drunk? She just needs to calm down!
Step Up 3D???? WHAT??????? OMG. Can’t wait to see that!
Nice chill inducing montage of the “dancers’ roads,” appropriately set to one of my favorite songs The Fray’s “You Found Me.”

And now onto the couple dances.
1. Jeanine and Phillip: I mean do Tabitha and Napoleon EVER disappoint? Two of my early favorites, Jeanine and Phillip, did a lyrical hip-hop routine to Neyo’s “Mad.” Not one of my favorite songs, but this dance made me love it! Nappy Tab’s moves have the ability to make any dancer look good, and I have to say that Jeanine did a great job stepping out of her style into an extremely difficult genre to master. As far as Phillip-the boy can do no wrong by me! The choreographers really showed him off this week, utilizing his amazing popping skills in a way that integrated beautifully with the choreography and story. An “un-freakin-believable” way to start off the live competition!
2. Asuka and Vitolio: Tyce Tyce Tyce…I love Tyce’s choreography but this whole piece was lost on me. A Broadway piece to a number from Chicago, this dance was fun, but didn’t make me want to get up and dance for joy. Asuka really seemed to capture the style, but Vitolio didn’t grab my attention at all. Overall, fun, but slightly disappointing. Apparently, the judges agree.
3. Karla and Jonathan: Tony Meredith’s Salsa routine to one of my favorite songs “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga did not disappoint. While I don’t know anything about the technical elements of Salsa, I do know that I had fun watching them dance. The choreography was fun and exciting, but the dancers were a little stiff. Jonathan really stole this number-it’s clear he doesn’t have all the experience of some ballroom dancers we have seen in the past, but he is cute as a button and has real stage presence.
4. Randi and Evan: Tyce’s jazz piece to “I Only Have Eyes for You” is my favorite piece of his to date. He took each dancer’s individual style and made it work with their partners’. This piece really combined traditional jazz movements with more contemporary and even some hip-hop movements in a way that told a love story so effectively. Randi was one of my favorites during Vegas week, and it was a relief to see her dance out of her unitard! Evan…I mean really. I just want to hug him! His technique is so beautiful and I don’t want him to stop dancing-it is such a privilege to watch him dance!
5. Paris and Tony: Nappy Tabs hip hop routine was just ok. The exact opposite of their first number, this routine was filled with up-beat music and exciting musical choreography, but the dancing left some to be desired. Paris was such a surprise-she stepped out of her style and hit it pretty well. Tony is cute…but that was about it for me. He didn’t hit it as hard as I wanted him to, but I still like him a lot and I hope he stays!
6. Caitlin and Jason: This Bollywood routine was so exciting! It was fast paced and filled with super intricate movements that I couldn’t tear my eyes away from. I am always amazed when people do this style well, and they really did it justice. Technically, I don’t know anything about the style, but the intensity with which they danced was so effective, so it looked right on to me!
7. Jeanette and Brandon: This Foxtrot to Michael Buble’s “Come Fly With Me” was beautiful. Again, I don’t know anything about the Foxtrot, but it looked pretty phenomenal! It flowed across the stage with grace and ease that was reminiscent of Fred and Ginger. I am so excited to see this side of Brandon-he portrayed a beautiful character and danced well to boot! The lift at the end was executed with strength that took my breath away.
8. Ashley and Kupono: Wade Robison is one of my favorite choreographers. His choreography is always so different and exciting and this number was right on par. Although the choreography could be a little difficult for the general public to understand, I found it beautiful and captivating. Ashley and Kupono danced it with technique that was almost flawless.
9. Melissa and Ade: Mandy Moore’s piece choreographed to Richard Marx’s “Right Here Waiting” captivated me from the very instant it began. I don’t know if it was the music, the fake wind, or the costumes, but something had me. They technique was flawless, and Ade’s strength made some of the most amazing lifts I have EVER seen look like child’s play. And don’t even get me started on Melissa’s feet…I mean REALLY!
10. Kayla and Max: Talk about the hot tamale train! This Samba was sexy and fast and exciting! Max’s hip action blew me away…I couldn’t take my eyes off him! Kayla was phenomenal in her Barbie flapper dress-is it really possible she has never done ballroom?? If they can do other styles like they did ballroom, this may just be the couple to beat! What a way to end an exciting night!

My prediction? Tomorrow, Asuka and Vitorio will go home.

Day 2, plus my advice to Auburn's incoming freshies

Day 2: Views from a Desk














These are pictures taken from my desks in my French and Ethics classes. (Yes, mom, I was paying attention I promise!) Both of my teachers are sarciastic, which I love! * Mom, note the stars in the corner of my desk in the picture on the right. My Ethics teacher gives out these stars for class participation. You need 10 to get an A for the participation grade. I have 16*

For today's blog, I started to make a list of why I hate Auburn summers. I began to explain why for each reason, and I realized I could make individual sublists for each reason. So here's what I decided to do: I will give you the list in its entirety now, with reasons to follow in multiple installments.

The Top Six Reasons Why I Hate Auburn Summers

1. Camp War Eagle
2. Cheer Camps
3. TV
4. No Football
5. Heat
6. Class
Reason 1: Camp War Eagle

Dear Freshmen,
Here is a list for you!

Five Surefire Ways to Make Upperclassmen Hate You

1. Dress up for class everyday.
Sure, a cute outfit every once in a while is appreciated. But no one wants to see you with pounds of makeup on your face, your hair curled, and perfectly coordinated outfits topped off with four inch heels everyday. Don't be surprised if you ever hear the following question: "Are you a model? Then why are you dressed up for class?" So go stock up on soffee or nike shorts and tee-shirts now-you're going to need them.

2. Never move out of the way when someone is moving in your direction.
If you continue to stand there like a deer in headlights, you WILL be run over. I know this not only because I was run over a few times as a freshman, but also because I have knocked a few out of my way on the way to class. Auburn is kind of like New York in that way-you just learn to move out of the way or you WILL get hit. So the moral of this story is: MOVE. Not only will you keep yourself and belongings intact, but you will also learn your way around campus faster.

3. Talk loudly on your cell-phone loudly on the 4th floor of the library.
Did you not learn how to read in high school? There are signs all over the 4th floor that say "Quiet Study." This in no way translates to "Loud, raucous, screaming at your boyfriend on your phone study." It means what it says. So shut up!

4.Talk loudly with your friends about how fat you are while nibbling on your salad or working out.
Yes, we all know you are thin. We also know we are not. But no worries. We will be the first to make fun of you when you blow up like a blimp by sophomore year.

5. Go to skybar underage and be the super annoying drunk girls who fall over on EVERYONE because you are too drunk to stand up in your four inch heels.
I PROMISE you do not look cool. So either dont drink underage (that would be my pick) or learn how to handle your liquor. Because no one WANTS to beat up the drunk chick who tries to fight YOU after SHE stepped on YOUR feet with her stupid super skinny heels, but somehow, it always happens.

So Freshmen, take this advice and you will be well on your way to being the most annoying freshman in Auburn!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

An addition to the previous post

Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

I guess God has really been teaching me about fear and wisdom. I'm not talking about the spiders, elevators, sharks, roaches, lightning, thunder, clowns (shudder) kind of fear, but rather the kind of fear the shows respect. We learned in girls Bible study last nght about Abraham and Isaac, and here are the three things I want to share with you.
1. First, I'd like to point out how funny God is. Isaac means laughter, because Sarah laughed when He told her she would have a child in her "advanced age." I just think thats hilarious-God can use our doubt and turn it into humor. I mean, he allows Bama fans to run around right-now THATS humor. But I digress...
2. Abraham followed God's command to sacrifice his son, because he feared God and had faith that God would do what He had promised (bless the nations through his decendants, i.e., Jesus). That faith is so amazing! How could a man give up his "only son that he loves so much" and have faith that God would deliver Him? Doesn't that paint the greatest picture of salvation? God gave us his only son that he loves so much in sacrifice to fulfill His promise to us.
3. All of this to say, I want to be the kind of woman who fears the Lord enough to give it all up to fulfull His promise. I dont want to doubt that He has great plans for me...I want to be fearful and wise! How cool is that!

Blogs, Bruises, and other things

Well, I suppose I am now jumping on the blogging bandwagon. I resisted for a while, but I have been sucked in just like everyone else. It seems like a fun way to process my thoughts (and of course keep my mom and her friends up-to-date on my life).

So I've decided to use this blog in a few different ways: 1- 365 pictures; 2- a sort-of journal; 3- things I am learning; 4- quotes or verses I enjoy; and 5- lists- I love lists! You may not understand all of this now, but keep reading and I suppose you will.

I guess I will start with 365, or my life in pictures. I was intruiged by this challenge to take a picture a day for a year, so I guess here it goes with Day 1.

Day 1: The Bruise

This past Friday night, Elyse, Macey, and I played crud at the University Village club house with our new friends Will, Jonathan, Matthew, Drew, Caleb, Peyton, and Lori. If you dont know, crud is a game (common to military folk apparently) played on a pool table that involves two balls, lots of running, and intense physical blocking of the other team. Somehow, we managed to find the tallest boys in Auburn (no, seriously-they are all super tall!) to play against, so trying to block them was a challenge. To make a long story short, I got kneed in the leg as Jonathan made an illegal leap onto the pool table. This bruise is a result of my new game-cheating friend. Gross, right? Thanks alot Jono!

I am also, as my theatre teacher Dan Larocque says, "giving you a BOnus" picture. This is me and Elyse with our AWESOME new Auburn friends.

From left to right: Will Brannon, Elyse Darnell, Matthew Turberville, me, and Jonathan Adams. (See, I wasnt kidding-these boys are tall!). These people have already blessed my life in so many ways, and I am looking forward to many more fun (but hopefully not abusive) nights to come.