"Canda"

#Toronto2k17

It's Official

 

CHICAGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Imagine this in the voice of Trina from Victorious. You know, this clip.

Looks like I finally have time to write this blogpost about my INCREDIBLE time in Chicago. I can't express how grateful I am to the Janes family for this opportunity. I saw a beautiful city, I was spoiled like mad, and I spent some amazing time with some of THE GREATEST PEOPLE. I'll post a video about it whenever I have time. But let me talk about some of the stuff I did

• For the first time in my life, I got off the plane and went outside rather than immediately into the airport.
• We toured Columbia College Chicago, University of Chicago, DePaul University, and Northwestern. I have MISSED college tours. University of Chicago gave me a pretty nice tan haha. It was so amazing to see schools that actually had not only an appreciation but a love for the theatre. Very eye opening.
• We saw six shows. Between Riverside & Crazy at Steppenwolf, Fool Me Twice, Deja Vu at Second City, a burlesque show, Thaddeus & Slocum at Looking Glass, and two improv shows at IO, one of which was performed by their Shakespearean improv troupe. The improv was incredible and I laughed so stinking hard. The rest had some insanely talented performers and told some very important stories, both humorously and dramatically. I am always down for a good show. Especially one that gives me new quotes or makes me talk about it all the way home. And WOW how nice to be in a city where even people who know nothing about theatre still know how good their theatres are. I'd sooner move to Chicago than New York
• Horses and carriages made me happy
• BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE LITERALLY EVERYWHERE
• We went to a DOG BEACH. A BEACH LITERALLY MADE SO DOGS CAN RUN FREE AND HAVE FUN. Ugh there were so many precious puppies and they were SO HAPPY and wow I'm obsessed it's the only kind of beach worth going to, oh my goodness. I want them all to love me.
• Art Institute of Chicago was cool and inspiring. I wish I could go to museums more often. ALSO there was a modern art exhibit and one piece inside that was just a pile of candy? And the story is kinda sad but we couldn't find the little description so we just thought "okay art" as we did about most things in the modern art exhibit. AND THEN PEOPLE STARTED TAKING THE CANDY?! WHICH apparently is actually encouraged but we didn't know that so LENA AND I WERE VHELLA UNCOMFORTABLE it was a time.
• Had some BOMB Cinnamon Rolls. Like. Life changing. Thank you Ann Sathers.
• Also thank you Stan's Donuts for the BEST donuts I've ever had in my life. Do werk.
• Didn't go into the American Girl or Lego store but I SAW THEM IN PERSON WOW SO PRETTY
• Rode the train or bus everywhere. EVERYWHERE. Chicago is a public transportation friendly city. Like, seriously, you do not need a car. My kind of place.
• We went to the Lincoln Park Zoo and I saw a baby zebra and a baby camel and baby chimps, and cute, playful otters and some turtles. It's the only zoo I've ever seen with roaches as an exhibit but like.. kay. So freaky.
• Just a whole lot of good food. Like, Cafe Iberico gave me LIFE. I had some of the best pasta I've ever had in my life at that one Italian place. Food life is the COOLEST kind of buffet/food court. Jam & Honey is the cutest little breakfast spot.
• Soul Cycle sorta changed my life? I mean it wasn't life changing as promised. But it was cycling class and definitely a super fun way to workout. If I had more money and I were two inches taller (the minumum height is 4'11" and my groin confirms that the bike cannot be made any shorter and you will hurt if you are any shorter than 4'11") I would definitely sign up for a class here. The instructor was so sweet and supportive and she said she couldn't believe it was our first class. Eep!
• We walked through Millenium Park and saw the bean that everyone speaks of, which was pretty cool actually, AND a rehearsal for a music festival. It sounded so lovely. Also the face towers were super cool.
• Explored the gorgeous Navy Pier. I would love to spend a whole day there with the girls.
• Confirmed: Deep dish pizza is fantastic.

Tons more. Lots more. I loved the things as simple as shopping or just walking through neighborhoods. It was such a good experience. It was a much needed vacation. And while I spent most of the trip with my heart back home, I know that I'll have to make it back some day. You and I will definitely have to explore together. We'll add it to our list of adventures.

Best of all, I came back home after a long, tiring week of awesome and some stress, and the first thing I see is a letter from you. I promise I'll respond super soon and I'll let you know everything that has been going on. I know I've been a bit of a mess these past few days. I'll explain soon. Trust me, you are a major reason that I can keep going. Love you, best friend. Thank you for welcoming me back home.

1-12-16

Traveling once again. This time, it's Pennsylvania. I'm at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. It's full of fun and opportunities and important things for me to learn and experience. Thank God, we made it here safely, and everyone has been loving and welcoming. I look forward to these adventures.

Day 12 (late): Warm

A cold drink on a cold day. With my name spelled right! Which gives me warm & fuzzy feelings.

Why Oh Why Oh Why Oh

We are going to Ohio for the weekend! Eric's sister Lisa is having a baby shower and we have been invited. Eric's mommy was super excited about getting our room all nice and pretty for us, which is way too cute. Going elsewhere will be a nice change of pace. Also, a weekend with Karla & Cristina! Always something to look forward to. Sidenote, hella proud because I'm packing ultra light and I honestly don't feel like I'm missing anything. Mommy might be struggling with that a bit more, but I'm sure she will manage okay.

Grid is not going with me on this trip ('cause let me not be rude and on my computer all weekend) and accessing blogger on my phone is a hassle and a half SO I shall see this blog again on Sunday!

To The Place Where I Belong

First off, we need to talk about the S.T.A.G.E blog. Precious babies are enjoying their wonderful time in Edinburgh. I'm jelly. But also super happy for them. Reading the entries gives me joy. Partially because I'm seeing all these pictures and thinking I WENT THERE! I'VE NEVER SAID THAT BEFORE OMG. I CAN ACTUALLY SAY I'VE BEEN THERE. And mostly because this is an INSANE experience and I'm hoping that they love it and learn a lot from it. It's good for them.

Speaking of good for you. ONTO AUGUST BLOGGING!

Day 1:

• Bless these people, they really do not understand how to travel. We're so inefficient. It's so cute.
• A conversation plane ride and I'm wide awake!
• California weather is hot but oh so nice. The breeze feels lovely and there's no humidity!
• West Coast Baptist College has a beautiful campus. Not necessarily the place for me, BUT it was so nice and everyone was very sweet and accommodating.
• We caught a glimpse of Lancaster Baptist Church's Vacation Bible School and man did these guys go all out! Shows what can really be done when people put forth the effort (and money).

Day 2:

• Evangelizing! Honestly, I don't think that's where my gifts lie. But it was good to do it all the same. Especially knowing that someone's heart actually was touched and we helped someone get through a hard time. We also had some pretty AWESOME guides. 
• We had a tour of this place and it really was nice. Again, not the place for me, but anywhere is more likely to have better music resources than McDaniel. I can see why other people would certainly be very happy here. I'm glad I came because I've now seen Angelique in this environment and know that she will definitely benefit from this school.
• Also really glad that this has the little ones thinking about college. As I predicted, tour guide called me out on asking all the big questions. Good. I made the kids pay attention. And most of them seemed to decide that this was not the place for them BUT they certainly have an idea of what to look for. I've planted a seed. Hallelu!

Day 3:

• BEACH. Mind you, I don't love the beach. At all. Far from it. But the weather was so nice and the view was pretty sweet and these people just had my laughing the whole time. 
• Service. I learned to plant a seed and shine my light. I think everyone who goes to church hears this once in a while. I can't describe it or reiterate it as the guest pastor did. But his personal experiences and stories, as well as his wording and evident love and kindness just touched me. It made it obvious to me how much my testimony and the impression I leave really mean. We even got to speak to him and his beautiful wife afterwards. I seriously love how kind people here are.
• More kindness. We found an old friend of Hermana Delmi's after the service. He and his wife were lovely and funny and automatically showed us so much kindness. They even invited us to dinner at In n Out Burger! It's a thing. I've finally tried it. Check that off the list.

 Day 4:

• Six Flags all day
• We actually did have a lot of fun. Again. Not so much because of the activity. It really was just because of the people I shared the day with.
• I took a picture with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and Foghorn Leghorn!
• So much Harley Quinn and Superman stuff everywhere. I was a happy girl.

Day 5:

• We're still really bad at this airport thing. But we have improved significantly.
• All our seats are separated. I am placed next to a kind older gentleman who is actually very funny. He talks to me about how much he hates So Cal and just prefers Virginia. How his family is from the city, and how he left his parent's home at a very early age (as opposed to kids from our group), and now he and his wife live in the country! We spoke about food, tourism, attractions, his daughter, and college. It was very pleasant.
• Right as the plane started moving, a stewardess explained to me that some girl near the front was very distraught about her seating arrangements and was hoping to trade seats with me (I'm assuming it had something to do with family). So instead of being alone in the 22nd row, I was alone in the 8th row. This time, however, I was sitting in Economy Plus. More leg room! 'Cause I totally need that, right? Haha. I also sat between two pregnant women who were both very sweet and would joke every now and again with each other. Overall, I'm hapyp witht he flight. Didn't sleep so I'm exhausted. But I'm happy.
• Now I'm home. And I'm so so so so so glad of it. (Also. Finally saw new RWBY episode. SO GOOD)

Every day all the time:

• Very personal moments with these wonderful people. Moments that helped me learn where the people I cared about were in their lives. Stories about our pasts. Jokes about the future. Absolutely idiotic moments. Advice and prayer. And so much understanding. And an overarching feeling of love that I truly needed.
• Parodies of all kinds of songs
• Jokes about Joshua trees

California, Here We Come

WOW. It's been a while since I've written here. And that's completely not okay. Not sure if this is the BEST idea 'cause I know I'll be very busy soon. But I'm deciding right now that (sans the 1st and 2nd where I am without computer), I will write an entry every day for the month of August. Like the old days! Get back in the swing of things. My life could use it :)

I'm writing today because tomorrow morning, at 4AM to be exact, I'm headed to the airport! And then I will be on a flight towards LAX. I will be spending the remainder of this week in West Coast Baptist College with my youth group. This is bittersweet, admittedly. I don't know why, probably because there's a lot of ways this could go. But I'm positive! It'll be a good experience for me. Plus, I leave home all the time, and I already know what dorm life is like. This will be a breeze. It'll be nice and warm and we will all have an incredible experience. Sure, I'll have lots of episodes and videos to catch up on -sigh- but that's completely okay. I'm gonna make the most of this crazy time. I'm not even so excited about the destination. California is okay, but it doesn't amaze me. And again, I know college life. I'm more so excited for the blessing this could be in my life and the lives of my friends. Speaking of, I'm pretty sure some of the younger ones are gonna be looking at this school in the future and will just think "ooh pretty campus, I'll apply here!". So the little Upward Bound goody two shoes that I hid somewhere in my distant memory is probably gonna come back out and start asking about visitations, library hours, class sizes, parking, meal plans, etc. Ahh. College tours. I have not missed you haha. Pray for me. Wish me luck. I'll see you in a few days <3

Tempted to post the song that this post is named after.

BUT I've been playing this non-stop and I for one actually really like Coldplay.

So. Priorities.

PS: This is my 500th post. And tomorrow is the 2 year anniversary of Smilation. How CRAZY is that?!

Last Blogger Europe Update (Promise!)

SO I won't see my niece for two weeks and I shall come back to LOADS of youtube videos. Sad but worth it.

All packed
I've eaten
Said bye to my mommy before she left for church
Had a dance party around my house
Blared HOT 99.5 for the last time
Life's good. Life's really good.

Leaving Home in: 1 hour
 Leaving McDaniel in: 2.5 hours
Arriving at BWI in: 4 hours
Departing for England in: 6 hours

FINAL COUNTDOWN

Get it. Cause the song is by a band called Europe

Leaving Home in: 4 hours
Leaving McDaniel in: 5.5 hours
Arriving at BWI in: 7 hours
Departing for England in: 9 hours

Alumni Cabaret

Sidenote: I met Karina! She seems lovely. I didn't really get to talk to her. Wanted to, but I had like 20,000 people to hug and when we went to IHOP it just wasn't happening. Love my boys, but Lord knows I can only handle them one at a time. I'm easy to pick on, and when it's in a mob my patience just. Whoops. Anyway, she's a darling.

Main note: THE CABARET WAS FABULOUS. Storm & Jason sang together and I got all kinds of feels. Eric Teran a song from one of my favorite musicals (In the Heights). Rebecca Bradley & Mary Holmcrans were their usual fabulous selves. And Rory picked a song that surprised the heck out of me until I saw her perform it. She may not be the most agreeable person but you cannot deny it, that girl owns the stage. And then there was a mob of people who graduated before I did. And it just. OMG. There was SOUL. And BELTING. And HEARTACHE. And FUN. And TALENT. Like, I'm glad I didn't perform. I'm pretty good, but some of these people just. I'm just so proud of this school. This program. And how it's managed to be such a huge part of all our lives. Also, we know boys who can sing are my weakness. Tonight was just no fair, my poor little Sammy heart didn't stand a chance. ALL the swooning at Mr. Prince Charming. Ah well haha.

IHOP was also fun. The boys are a bit too much for me, but God bless every moment I spend with Charlotte. That girl is ridiculous and wonderful. Margie was so missed <3 especially during "If I Were A Rich Man" hahaha

Leaving Home in :14 hours
Leaving McDaniel in: 15.5 hours
Arriving at BWI in: 17 hours
Departing for England in: 19 hours

TOMORROW

EUROPE

Thank you God. Thank you family. Thank you friends. Thank you McDaniel. Thank you world. It's tomorrow. OMG IT'S TOMORROW.

Ongoing Process

Life and plans and such. Constantly moving forward. So here is how things stand.

• I AM HOME FOR FALL BREAK. HALLELU! I shall be here from, well, Friday night, to early Wednesday morning, since I have no morning classes. MUCH NEEDED break at home
• Spent last night and all today with Karla & Cristina & Eric. Twas lovely as always. Oh how I missed that little girl. Missed her with all my heart. And time with Karla is always just so healing.
• This Monday my Dad and I are going to get my passport stuff sorted. I highly doubt I can, on account of this fun little government shutdown. My Dad doubts it, too. My Mom says we should check anyway. It is in my best interest to get it, and I'd rather say I tried. So, as things stand, Monday is passport day.
• SHOULD MY PASSPORT COME BEFORE JANUARY. Yes. I am going to Europe. The most amazing trip ever. And it will be glorious.
• SHOULD IT NOT COME. There shall be an alteration of plans.
• Europe 2016. Possibly no Doctor Who experience, but basically all the restaurants and tours and shows are the same. The trip will come again and I will be able to have the most memorable senior year ever.
• Toronto 2015/2017. That is a goal. Assuming I'm using the extra year(s) to save up, I should at some point get enough for my much wanted trip to Canada. It will happen within the next 4 years, I am determined. Hopefully the prices aren't ridiculously higher than they are now.
• No more BufferFest. As incredible as the whole experience is. No passport. No free transport now that Kimberly is not going. And the expense of the tickets for all the events. It's a Youtube convention, not a concert. So, I've made a decision. Until a Youtube convention reaches DC or Baltimore, or I just happen to be in the assigned area at the convenient time, I won't plan on attending.
• thisroutehastolls will be up before the end of 2014. One way or another. I doubt I will ever have money to buy my own mic and camera, so unless I am gifted these things, I should stop waiting for that to happen. HOWEVER I am seriously debating getting a smartphone. Specifically for the camera. Lord knows I HATE smartphones and it's not like my Dad and I can afford data anyway. But tons of people do iPhone vlogs. Maybe my quality won't be so great but I'm sure we can make up for it in content. And that way, your sister and I have more or less the same quality in our videos. We'll work our way up to better visuals later. Honestly, our focus just needs to be starting the channel.

Like I said. I'm a dreamer. Maybe this is just where I write everything down. So that I jinx it. Or just remember it. Or have witnesses to hold me to my goals. I dunno. I plan on keeping you updated. These things are pretty major events that I want in my life. It's only right that you stay updated on it all :)

Odds Are

Odds are I don't get to go on this amazing Jan Term. It's sad, but I think I'm getting used to the idea. I have to accept reality and the fact that there is no money for these things. MEANWHILE. If I were to miss the trip, why not take a trip of my own? To Toronto for example? BufferFest, the Youtube gathering, will be in Toronto this November and I WANT TO GO SO BADLY. I mean seriously, LOOK at that schedule. Obviously, the tickets don't come cheap. But that would be AMAZING. Kimberly is thinking of going SO we might be able to go together! And apparently your mom already offered up her home to me. Like, omg if this works out <3 I'm such a dreamer. Who knows if anything will work. I may very well not travel anywhere for the next 5 years. But I still like to get excited about things! Possibilities are always endless. Why not dream big?

"Odds Are" by Barenaked Ladies. Video produced by Rooster Teeth (same people that do Red vs Blue and RWBY). Both the song and the video are precious.

Tidings of Joy

So any day where I spend time with my incredible family and my beautiful niece is automatically amazing. I got my nails done and I wore my new favorite shirt. I chatted with some relatives about my major, and my cousin seemed to be incredibly supportive. Like. REALLY. And another one was talking about her daughter, who liked to dance and sing, and she said her daughter would "probably follow Sammy and go the performance route, which I would love." Honestly, ALL performers know the risk of this business, and are fully aware that they hav like .006% chance of making it. You really can't get mad when someone hates on you for following that dream because, let's be so real, they're probably right. But SUPPORT? UGH. Nothing feels as good.

SPEAKING OF FOLLOWING THEATRE. There's a Jan term (class for 2 weeks during winter break. McDaniel requires you to take at least one before graduation). A theatre tour through England and Wales. Touring historic locations. Seeing professional shows. Staying at some wonderful hotels and eating at cool restaurants. Touring through London. Globe Theatre. Roman ruins. Shakespeare's birthplace and Anne Hathaway's cottage. Cathedrals. Just to name a few things. AND, special feature available only this year. Tour at BBC, "Doctor Who Experience". My school is amazing. My professor is amazing. And my dad said he's helping me pay for it. I could've cried. I'm so happy. I don't know if it's for sure yet. It IS a lot of money. But. Oh my goodness. I'm so close.

And, you can click here, for general happiness that will make you go AWW

S.T.A.G.E blog

Smeallie posted a blogpost!

Before Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, all the directors whose program's are invited to perform meet up and see the dorms where people will stay and such. Smeallie posted about his trip, which makes me really happy to be in the loop. Smeallie should definitely blog more. And oh my goodness the photos are so pretty! I want to go! I want to travel outside of the USA! I truly am so jealous. And yet, so so happy for these kids who get the experience of a lifetime. Meanwhile, take a look at the picture of the dorms. Small. But. WHAT I WOULD GIVE TO HAVE A SINK IN MY DORM.