December Catch-up

Wow. Have I really not written on here in almost a month? Yeah, I've been busy. But that's unacceptable. Let's get so some smiles

• It's Christmas. Like I know it's not yet, but it's Christmas. And there's pretty lights everywhere and all these fun decorations and outfits and the radio has Christmas music and people are in such a cheerful mood. Yay holidays!
• We keep getting all this amazing food brought to the office. Blessings galore.
• I miss McDaniel and Dog Party and Holiday Cabaret and all those fun things. But it's nice to see everyone else enjoy them and have a whole new generation take part. Plus, Torreke and Veronica danced to Howl's Moving Castle score and I'm still not over it.
• I had my last therapy session on the 9th. I was told that I could always count on my therapist as a resource if I ever needed it, but that I'd gotten to a good place and made a lot of progress in a short time, so I don't need regularly scheduled appointments anymore. I've gotten my anxiety to a manageable place.
• I had a birthday! With lots of fun gifts! And delicious foods. But mostly, with my favorite people. Cutting a cake with my immediate family was honestly so nice. My niece always manages to put a big smile on my face. She even prayed for our dinner and for my birthday. I was a very happy aunt. And the next week, I had a bigger dinner with some close friends. Seeing them was such a treat, but seeing them all get along and become fast friends is truly the greatest gift I ever could have asked for.
• I had a lovely brunch with Jim Dyson, only my favorite alumn ever! We caught up and talked life after McDaniel and RWBY fan theories. He's such a good person and I had a blast. Can't go wrong with Silver Diner!
• I've been able to talk to Nick a lot more. The kid has a life, and finals affect everyone differently, so I am still sad that I didn't get to see him for my birthday, but I refuse to hold a grudge or let that get to my energy. I'm just glad we're talking somewhat regularly again. I'm very happy to have him in my life.
• Michael is such a great friend. He's just so supportive and kind and understanding. I am glad that we've always gotten along so well.
• Hairspray Live happened. It may not have been the greatest thing ever but I had fun and it brought back some sweet memories.
• Pentatonix had their own Christmas special oh my goodness I am way too proud of them.
• I got to see Eric! We had a mini-birthday celebration for the both of us. I need that boy in my life more, seriously, he's a gem and I miss him.
• Brookside Gardens twice. I never ever ever get tired of that place. It's so beautiful and magical and happy. It reminds me of childhood, and it's so fun to walk through, even if it is cold haha.
• Ugly sweater party at church! Even if I didn't win, everyone looked so cute and it's nice to be silly with the youth group every once in a while.
• Christmas party at work was awesome. Exhausting and kinda expensive on my end, haha. But awesome. People are still telling me how much they enjoyed the games, which is always nice to hear. And I just enjoyed some delicious food with people I am proud to call my co-workers. Everyone looked so good. And I got the most beautiful ornament from my boss' wife. There's no way on earth she knew how much I love angels. That's God at work right there.
• Have I mentioned how happy I am that you're here? I hope I have. Because I really am. I almost feel spoiled compared to the 8 years without you right by my side. I have no idea what I'll do when you leave. But I know it's not forever. And until then, I'm loving the mess out of having you in the states.
• There's more. There has to be more. It's been such a good time. I am so very blessed. Bad days happen and bumps get in the way but overall, I am grateful. I pray that the rest of the world be able to feel the love this holiday season. It's a scary time for so many out there, but none of us are alone. And there's always someone, somewhere willing to help in whatever way they can. So I'll do what I can to keep spreading that cheer. And to keep it going all the way into 2017!

Dressing Up, Looking Good, & Feeling So Alive

Reason 95: Halloween. First time I dressed up in ages. Seeing all the costumes. Getting all done up. Taking pictures. Eating candy. MAKING OUR OWN STORY. I absolutely love this holiday. Today was just fun.

This is Emma. She's my white twin. This was decided during Hairspray. Interestingly enough, the costumes were not planned! (I'm SO GLAD I got that haircut!!)

And this is what my title is from. MY CHILDHOOD. IT'S SO 80'S!

Spencer On The Hill

Geddit? Cause "Spencer & Hill"? Techno artists? Geddit?

Reason 70: Seeing Spencer seriously made my life complete. I adore him to bits and pieces and seeing him made the world. Admittedly the show did not go as well as we'd hoped. But seeing him made me forget absolutely all of that. Aww, my little man. And also NO MORE HAIRSPRAY EVER AGAIN. WOOT!

This is a .gif made from a scene in the anime Ouran High School Host Club (one of my favs). This is basically what happened when I saw him.

It Feels Dynamite!

Reason 69: I've been stopped by people I don't even know who came to see Hairspray. And they're always like "Oh my gosh, it was SO GOOD!" which is a compliment to any performer. But all the people who did know me just stopped and said, "I had no idea you could sing like that!!" and that's where my heart melts and I feel all warm and fuzzy. I'll take the ego boost for now. It feels incredible. And now more people know what I love to do!

Mind you, I don't feel THIS ridiculously cocky. But just some examples from Jem about how wonderful it feels. (The first group is the Misfits aka the bad guys, and the second is Jem, which you've all seen. But the 2nd is from closer to the end of the series so the animation is weaker.)

Showtime, Synergy!

Reason 67: Opening night was incredible. That energy? I'm so proud of us. And I can't wait to do it all again.

I'm not a Spongebob fan, but this is so necessary

Ready Joan?

Reason 66: WE OPEN TOMORROW! AHH!

Possibly my favorite song from this show. I know EVERY musical they use in this number :)

So Come On!

Reason 65: Hairspray flashmob. Hairspray run through. Hairspray feels great. And so does my throat. SO EXCITED.

Stay So Connected

Reason 63: So 12 hour rehearsal. Fun times, non? So tired. But the best part, interestingly, was texting Spencer. My little baby from back home. He's like a son to me. And the fact that we've been talking all day just gets me so nostalgic of Einstein and the strong connection I have to that school. I love hearing about the show and his classes and the homecoming decorations/themes. All of it! Also, he's the only person who I know will for sure be at Hairspray. That seriously touches my heart.

Obviously not the same sentiment. But a cute song :)

It's German

Reason 62: SITZPROBE. We're running our first rehearsal with the orchestra. It makes me ridiculously happy. This is always my favorite rehearsal. It gets our energy up and we see what we're working with. I love love love it. So glad I could get out of this funk. YAY HAPPY MUSIC!

Our practice room. Small band. Big sound :D

They Came From Way Far Out In Outerspace

Reason 59: We just flash-mobbed the mall! It was so fun! Yay Hairspray! And we had a blast. You could tell we all had SUCH high energy. I was impressed with us. I think we're ready for this :D Also, fun with Adrian, John, & Jennifer once again. We are the best team! And I now ship John & Adrian (teehee i kid i kid. It's so funny how much it bothers them though). And I stole John's newsboy cap that he wears ALL THE TIME mwuahah. But I feel bad because I dunno how to get it back to him. Whoops!

I'll share video once I HAVE it. Until then, here's a few I thoroughly enjoy.

Like A Boy

Reason 34: I like singing tenor! Haha hooray! All my life I've said the boys get the better singing parts. I was right! And now I get to enjoy it, teehee! Yay Hairspray, doin' something right! This will be the most fun!

Speaking of singing, lets listen to awesome people.

I Know Where I've Been

Reason 32: Nostalgia. Maybe it's the fact that Storm (one of the besties) moved to college today. Maybe it's because my math class reminded me entirely of Mrs. Havener (my math teacher junior year). Maybe it's because Jonathan (the bff) texts me all the time. Maybe it's because Hairspray's first rehearsal was today (SO FUN!) and I kept reconnecting to S.T.A.G.E's version of the show. But I keep thinking about AEHS. I kinda miss high school. And I don't think it's a bad thing. I think I'm blessed to have carried such a positive experience with me. I'm happy here. I'm happy there. It's a lot of happy.

Skillet! Now THAT is a flashback mode. Middle school, man!

Motivation

So I'm reading my math assignment about how to be successful in the class. Book reads, " To stay motivated, there must be some outcomes from this course that are worth your time, money, and energy. List some reasons you are taking this course." I'm taking it because it's required. Done. Hah, does it want me to write it? Probably not. "Do not make a mental list - actually write them out." Oh, kay. Maybe later. "Do this now." Wow. Well you didn't say please. Besides, I'll be forced to think of more answers. "Although we hope that one of the reasons you listed was an interest in mathematics, we know that many of you are taking this course because it is required to graduate." O.O... all knowing math book teach me your ways.

Reason 31: I'm cast in Hairspray!! No rehearsals tonight so I can do more work, but I'll be plenty busy. I GOT CAST AS A DYNAMITE! (What? I just. I don't. How. I. skahgsja. Eloquence.) I dunno how because I am by no means a soprano. But God willing, He will guide me through, and I'll have the best time!

The Dynamites are the singing group. O.O my life right now!

Only the Beginning

Reason 30: First day of classes, done! That excites me. They were fairly simple. My teachers are cool. I bought a wonderful new poster ("Everything I Know In Life I Learned From Friends"), and got cupcakes. This is real school life, not just orientation. But it all feels so natural :) Happiness is starting the day with Cocoa Pebbles.

Auditions for Hairspray tonight. Ahh!

More Jem. This is from the first episode, hence choppier animation.