Poor Joe

About a month ago my boss Joe was climbing down a ladder in the pitch dark, thought he was at the bottom, and stepped off. Unfortunately he was still like 10 feet in the air. He broke his leg and has had several surgeries over the last few weeks.

As soon as I heard the news I decided there HAD to be a way to cheer him up. So I started taking video of how we are "dealing" with him being gone. He is the Production Manager, so he is in charge of everyone in Paints, Electrics, the Scene Shop, the Prop Shop, the Costume Shop, Sound Dept, and Stage Management.

It was so fun to have everyone getting into this project. The saddest part of the process was when I lost all footage from the costume shop and paints. Costume shop had props and everything. They were having a drunken party dancing with their mannequins. Paints was short but cute as I walked into their huge shop with ginourmous paintings that cover the stage to find a little baby sitting in the middle of it all holding a paint brush while the "adults" played poker. I was so sad to lose those, but I had to finish the video for Joe. So just pretend you see that footage while you watch this.

Do you think it'll make him feel better?

Goodbye 2010

As the first week of 2011 comes to a close, I've been thinking about 2010 and what a new year means. 2010 didn't seem like that big of a deal to me. I didn't really go on any trips. I didn't run a race or graduate or do anything that seemed too noteworthy. I just kind of...worked.

My blog has suffered for this same reason because I felt like I didn't have much to talk about because nothing much was happening. I've been pondering these things this week and realized that actually yes, thi

ngs did happen to me in 2010. It actually was a year of firsts and a year of accomplishment.

Top "Firsts" of 2010:

I lived alone for the first time early last year, and by the end of the year had my own place.

My first 9-5 office job. Well, it was telemarketing, but it was in an office.

My First NFL game!

I was in charge of running backstage for a professional theater on my own for the first time.

I made things for Christmas presents. (I found that I actually DO have a creative side)

Favorite moments of 2010:

AJ's wedding of course!

Living with this all summer.

Being in St. George with the whole family.

Many gospel conversations with my co-workers. They challenge me like I've never been challenged before.

Christmas with the family was just amazing.

Biggest accomplishment 2010

Well, considering that I spent most of 2010 working, I have to say my career. It definitely took a turn for the better this year. Last January I was the new, quiet, and shy intern at The Cleveland Play House. Today, it is a place I love to be, with people I love, in a job that I feel I am doing well. My dad raised me with a firm belief that hard work will take you places. He was right.

"Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds." - Gordon B. Hinckley

So I guess my year wasn't just a waste. I learned a lot about what I'm good at, what I want, and what I can accomplish. I'm making a little life for myself out here in Cleveland, Ohio, but I've learned I could make a little life for myself anywhere that I go.

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Living might mean taking chances

But they're worth taking

Lovin' might be a mistake

But it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart

Leave you bitter

When you come close to selling out

Reconsider

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

HOME!

I took some pics of my apartment as I was packing last night. I have one of just the tree but you can see the presents under it so I can't post it. ;)

Along with being fun and festive, the lights were very helpful in brightening my very dark apartment. It will be hard to take them down and go back to darkness.

I got up this morning at 5:45 AM Cleveland time, got on my plane around 12, and made it to Utah around 7:30 Cleveland time. The long day was made longer by a nagging headache, but I flew Southwest and they completely won me over!

Southwest Pros:

I changed both my to and from dates for no fee, and it was cheaper so they gave me credits to put toward a future trip.

I didn't pay to check my bags.

They gave unlimited snacks and drinks.

One of those beverages offered is....HOT CHOCOLATE. (They could've only done that and I would've been won over)

So from now on I will try my darndest to only fly with them.

Now I'm sitting in the family room and realizing how I've gotten so used to living in a tiny space. Dad's kitchen is way bigger than my apartment. "Have you seen this refrigerator? It's GINORMOUS!" I kinda feel like I have everything Dad has in miniature. Sad.

I am so excited to be home. I love the feeling I get when I first see the valley and the mountains, and then when I pull onto my street.

Coming home is one of my favorite things in life. Maybe that's why I always leave, so that I can come back home.