I Think I Must Be Dreaming...

Somebody pinch me! I am in an incredible state of bliss! I LOVE MY LIFE!! I thought I loved everything before, but then school started and I can't even smile big enough! Sometimes I just have to flat out giggle every once in a while because a simple smile just doesn't cut it.

Yesterday I auditioned for the USU production of the opera "Martha," the USU Chamber Singers, and American Festival Chorus...

The USU Chamber Singers is the advanced choir at Utah State. The American Festival Chorus is the community choir for Northern Utah. This choir is going to be directed than none other than Craig Jessop!! I really wanted to be in these two choirs. I love singing in choirs and it would be a fantastic learning experience to be involved in such prominent groups. I am happy to say that I made it into both choirs! As an alto! Ha ha! I am being dead serious. I am going to be an alto!

I sang Amazing Grace a'cappella for the audition and did some sight singing. Direct quote from Craig Jessop himself... "Beautiful voice! Beautiful, beautiful voice." You heard the man!

But here is the kicker!!!!!!!!

I also got a part in the OPERA!!!! Ahhhhhhhh!!!! I am so excited!!!! There were only two female lead roles. I am one lucky kitty! I will be playing the part of Nancy. Because there are only two female roles, they have been double cast so I will be playing that role two of the four performances. I can't even explain how excited I am! The opera is in German! I am taking a German language class and a German diction class! What an awesome opportunity to study the language! Oh man... My first role!! I really can't even begin to explain my excitement! I am so happy! I can't wait to work work work! Yay for singing!

I hope you all come to see the show! We will be performing the weekend of November 20-22. I hope you can make it! I am not sure which nights I will be performing but I will keep this updated. I am so so happy!

Home Sweet Home...

I AM NO LONGER HOMELESS!!!!!

Yes this is a good thing. I have a permanent (well I guess not exactly permanent considering that I will be kicked out in November) place to live and sleep. But there is something in my life that is permanent and stable. My new DESK!!! And newly painted CHAIR!!! These are two things in my life that are not going to be getting engaged or finding hot freshmen to hang out with. YES!!! I have found stability in a desk and chair. I am the happiest woman in Japan!

My house-apartment is kind of like one of those awesome clown cars. You know the ones that look like maybe two small adults or seven of China's "16" year old gymnasts could fit inside. But don't let the looks deceive you. I am pretty sure that there are about 73 or 6 apartments in this one house. All of which are married people. This will secure my singality. Not that this is necessarily a good thing but I guess it can work for now.

I have not met the people who live below me yet but I am pretty sure that they know that I am there... La la la la la la!!!!! Sometimes I just can't keep from singing! Oh... but back to the point... I am a little bit loud sometimes. Our kitchen has some really great acoustics. And I am a pertty big KLUTZ!! I am always dropping things and knocking things over. So downstairs people, I am very sorry.

Opera!

This week I had the final dress rehearsals for Aida & Manon Lescaut. Wednesday night we opened the summer season for Utah Festival Opera with Puccini's Manon Lescaut! I have really been enjoying doing these operas and I have learned a lot from watching professional performers and being part of a professional opera company. It is really strange when they give me paychecks. It is almost hard to believe that they are giving me money to have fun and do what I love. Just sitting here thinking about it right now, I am feeling a little confused and can still hardly believe that they are giving me money. Not that it is a lot of money or anything but it is just a really new concept for me. I could definatly get used to this! I love singing and acting so much. I love the costumes, the lights, the make up, being back stage, being on stage, rehearsing, performing.... I love it all!!! I am so glad that I have been able to be a part of this.

The opening performance of Manon Lescaut was rather exciting. I am one of the Ladies in Waiting for the heroine, Manon. My friend Amy & I help Manon dress on stage and put all her jewelery on her and stuff. The night we opened, Manon's wig was coming loose and was about to fall off. She is a professional so I am sure the audience did not know that she had any problems. Anyway, Just before Amy & I were to go back on stage the wig lady gave us some pins to put in her wig to keep it from falling off until she goes off stage. We went on to put a cape on Manon & to pin the wig on a little tighter. Well, her wig did not end up falling off but when I asked her if the pins helped at all she said no! Ha it was pretty funny! She was very grateful for our help though. It has been so fun to work with her.

I have met any people from all ober the world doing this opera. There is someone from Australia, Syria, Russia, Argentina, New York, Wasington etc. There are man people . I love it

I LOVE TO SING!!!!!

Independence Day...

July 4th is quite likely my favorite holiday. I hesitate to make that a firm statement because in my life to the present, the 4th of July has not necessarily been particularly superior to other holidays. I am not referring to the reasons for the holiday, just the way it is celebrated. But for the record, to me, Easter is the best holiday when we only consider the reason for the holiday. Anyway, back to Independence Day. I can't imagine anything better than a hot summer day, a picnic, swimming, rollercoasters, motorcycle ride, parades, snow cones, a rodeo and cotton candy. But here is the kicker... FIREWORKS!!!! I love fireworks. Life does not get better. There is only one problem. None of these things would be any fun alone. In fact, they aren't any fun alone. I love my family and friends. I miss my family today. I love them lots and lots!

i heart music

"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads." D&C 25:12

I have felt considerably blessed today as I reflect upon my new calling as the Ward Choir Director. I love music. I love singing. But most of all I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am so glad that I can worship Him through music. I am amazed that there are so many members of my ward that are so willing to take time to join together to worship as a ward choir. They truly have the desire to please the Lord. Being surrounded by friends with such enthusiasm for the gospel is truly inspiring. I feel so blessed for the opportunity to know and be acquainted with such wonderful peers. It is wonderful to join with others in song to praise the Lord. There is such power in music. I love singing. I am extremely grateful for the talent that I have been blessed with.

My Blah Blahg...

I have had a couple of requests or suggestions to start a blog for myself... Well, here you go! I can't guarantee much out of this but I am hoping you enjoy it. Especially my family. I don't get to see you all very much and I am hoping that we can all start reading about each other. We should keep in touch better and be more aware of what is going on in each other's lives. Why? Because we love each other! I'll spread the love.