Thursday, March 31, 2011

The Free Taco

God loves me because he gave me a free taco today!  Okay, maybe it was the dude at Taco Bell, but I take this as a little love from above.

Why?  Things haven't been working out in my favor in any direction (professional, personal) this week.  Nothing completely catastrophic (one close call), don't worry, just seems my little universe is out of whack this week.  Enough to cause this weird salty liquid to emit from my eyes.  I've claimed over and over that I do not see this "leaking" as a weakness, but I realized this morning I simply don't see it as a weakness in others.  But I do see it as a weakness in myself, a sign that something in me is broken and weak.  But it's not!  I've just had so much stress and emotion boiling and boiling inside of me, it had to come out somehow or I'd drown.

Is it possible that I have faced rejection so few times outside of romance that I don't know how to deal with it?  Yes, yes it is.  And, commence the in-my-head Glee version of the Stones "You can't always get what you waaaaant.  But if you try sometimes, well you might find, you get what you need."  Touche.  I'm not always the one who knows best what I need.

Times like these make me feel a little despair and then something wonderful happens unexpectedly - like a free taco - and I remember that the good far outweighs the bad.  My life is peachy.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Biggest Loser: After the Weight Loss

One of the things I commonly express is, "Once you've been fat, there is a part of you that always feels like that insecure fat girl inside."  My heart will always go out to those struggling with a challenge I faced for thirteen years.  The challenges do not stop once the weight is gone, as many internal struggles then begin. 

Newly fit women exude excitement and confidence.  Men like that sorta thing.  Don't expect them to start asking you out right away though.  Too many people expect everything to flip around overnight.  It doesn't.   When one of those men shows you attention, you act one of two ways - like a turtle right back into your shell or you jump at the first one who bats an eye your way.  Enjoy the attention.  Weigh your options and don't go for that hottie just because he showed you attention...evaluate, make sure he treats you with kindness and understanding.

I hear many women confessing they are embarrassed to begin working out or feel like everyone is staring.  Most gym rats are so "in the zone" they don't notice anyone or anything around them.  When I do see someone struggling?  I think to myself, "Good for you!  I am so glad you are here. Keep coming!"  And, let's face it, sometimes I'm the one struggling:-) Or I'm the one walking around with a mega-embarrassing wedgie or visible bum sweat.  Ew.

I also have to confess that I will, for the rest of my life, be fighting a battle against the internal disconnects that caused me to fall into obesity in the first place. 

Just recently, I hadn't weighed myself in three weeks.  I stepped on the scale and found myself plus five pounds.  I know weight is not a soul indicator of fat gain, some could have been muscle, as I've been working with a trainer again, but still, I was devastated.  The way my brain works, I could visualize falling into a spiral of shame and back into obesity within a matter of moments.  Then, I composed myself and got back in the saddle.  "Maintenance" is a different world than "getting there."  For the past three weeks I've been "getting there."  I've got two more pounds to go and I feel so silly for letting myself slip, but I tell you these things to let you know that everyone makes mistakes, what is important is getting back up to the plate and swinging again.

Health and Fitness is a lifetime dedication, at times easy, at times the most difficult thing imaginable.  Stick with it.  You will never regret it.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Stress and the Key To Failure

Have you ever reached a point where even the fun items you were looking forward to have now just become another item on your "to-do" list?  When just as you think you've reached your max, someone else comes up to you and says, "When can....?"  Then, you finish and can only think, "Whew, okay, now that that one's done...?"

I gotta tell you, I've just about had it - I've reached my tipping point.  I n-e-v-e-r get headaches and I've been walking around with a headache almost constantly since Friday.

Life is filled with so many "have-to's" that I often forget the "want to's."  I love it when my "want-to's" and "have-to's" are the same - which is why performing/rehearsals always serve me so well and give me a marvelous reason to get out of all of those other things I don't really want to do or see necessary at all, but let myself feel guilted into.

A friend recently shared this Bill Cosby quote, "I don't know the key to success but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody." 

When someone asks me if I am available at a certain time and I respond negatively, they immediately ask, "Well when are you available?"  You know what?  I have ONE hour free that day between waking and sleeping.  ONE HOUR.  If I tell you when that one hour is, you want it.  You want my ONE hour of time to regain composure and sanity.  Have you no mercy? Yes, it is my fault for over-booking myself, but just because I have ONE HOUR of free time does not mean it can be booked!  And would you believe the accusatory looks I get - people just stand there staring at me as if, "Well....?"  Does not anyone understand?  No, I'm not selfish or lying to you, quit looking at me that way:-(  When you ask my schedule and I give you 3 different 30 min. - 1 hour slots over the course of 10 days, no I'm not lying to you.  I'm in actuality giving you any spare moment I can conjure.  The looks of accusation are exponentially more common than the looks of understanding.  Yes, I do always end up giving my one free hour away.

Personally?  At this rate, I'll be single forever because I have no time to consider a date unless he schedules two weeks in advance.  Who wants that?  I want to see someone I date, you know, pretty much all the time.

Professionally?  Imagine this: Your job is to manage the store, decorate the cake, customer service, and sell the cakes.  You have someone else to bake the cakes, which you do not know how to bake. One day you suddenly find yourself without a cake baker.  How do you do your part of the job without a cake?  You can't decorate a cake or sell them if there is no cake.  This is the situation I am facing and I'm not sure I've ever experienced such anxiety.  Hopefully the cake maker will be permitted to teach me to make cakes.  No I don't really work in baked goods (although I could...I'm a pretty darned good lil baker but please don't ask me to bake treats for anything right now).

I've been so stressed that my head hurts and my belly aches, making me no fun to even be around.  Yet...the guilt.  This Sunday I thought I wasn't going to make it through church.  I wanted to curl up in a corner and hide, as I knew I needed to be there, but didn't want to be seen.  Almost every corner I turned someone was asking for another favor or time commitment or service.  And church is the thing I should put first, right?  Yet I don't feel any opportunity for church is fulfilling it's purpose if your heart isn't sincere or guilt is the recruiting tactic.  And was I guilted about missing a meeting a couple of weeks ago that I wasn't told about until two hours prior?  Yep.  Never you mind that I was in Ohio with my family.  Heaven forbid.  I then surprised myself and actually told the gentleman that I make a lot of plans and am unable to attend any meeting on such short notice.

I'm sure this will all blow over in a few days.  I'm absolutely thrilled and happy with life.  I'd rather be busy than bored out of my mind, I'm just suffering from overload.  Vent concluded.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Sparkle

Is it not totally annoying to the male species that women are attracted to glitter and all things sparkly for some as-of-yet-unknown reason?

I admit, I see a sparkle and my eyes automatically fixate on the source.  I even enjoy walking on sidewalks more that have glittery specks in them. 

Recently, a friend told me that I sparkle.  Immediately, my thoughts went to my outfit and I thought, "But I'm not wearing any bling!"  Okay, not really, I do not have the word "bling" in my spoken vocabulary...it's just too....too...yeah...anyway.

I realized she was referring to me as a person, me in general.  How sweet is this?  And now I don't ever have to worry about accessorizing!

 

Friday, March 25, 2011

Sleeping Arrangements

My sweet little 7 year old nephew comes up with the most brilliant ideas.

I was discussing, on my visit a couple weeks ago, with my lil sis about her almost-fiancee who was coming into town for the weekend as well.  I asked her, "So where does Matt sleep when he comes?"

Before she could even respond, Max pipes in, "I know!  He can sleep with Aunt Rissy!"
:-)

Progression

Life is about progression, not perfection.

No one expects you to be perfect and, in fact, they know you won't be. 

If they demand this from you, they are either an imbecile, or are trying to push you further along in your progression than you are pushing yourself. 

As long as you are moving forward, even if the tiniest little steps, you are moving the right direction.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

He's Just Not That Into You...Yet

I'm not going to reiterate my infamous, "He's Just Not That Into You," post, although you can review the entry if you wish - it comes highly recommended.

What I am going to say is that just because a man isn't that into you now doesn't mean he never will be.

Doesn't it seem like just when we give up on a guy, *poof*, there he is asking us out?  I don't prefer the route of sitting around wistfully desiring him whilst passing up other opportunities, which is why I tout to get off your duff and go be with your friends, develop your talents, make yourself busy and happy - all those things make you even more desirable. 

We all have friends who, in the back of our minds think, "If he/she were ever interested, I'd definitely give that a shot."  I know that I've dated a handful of dear friends and they've turned into amazing experiences. 

If you find yourself lamenting over some hunkalicious man-friend or babealicious confidante, don't fret!  Buck up, keep your eyes to new situations, keep your options open, be the best you you can be, and you never can tell...

What I'm saying is, don't pin all your hopes and dreams on one person who is not yet into you, but don't totally write that person off just because they haven't yet realized what a fabulous romantical partner you are.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Time is Worth More than Money

You are at a grocery store.  You see those M&Ms you really want.  Cause, let's face it, who doesn't really want those M&Ms?  Back to your shopping.  The candy costs $4.  You know it is on sale at the store five minutes away for $2.  But you buy the $4 bag. Why?  You realize, with the extra 20 minutes a trip to that store and back home will cost, plus the gas, it just isn't worth it.

Now, you are shopping online at Nordstrom's.  You see a pretty purple vintage-style wool coat that you must have.  Doesn't everyone need a pretty purple coat?  The cost is the same as in the store, plus $9 for shipping.  You order online.  You realize the extra 30-45 minutes it takes to go to the store, sort through the coats, and find yours just isn't worth saving the $9.

Are you this person?  I've become this person (who apparently lives in a purple coat eating exclusively M&Ms).  I never thought I'd see the day.  I used to be the girl who would do almost anything to save a buck. My parents used to have to lecture me to spend money on myself once in awhile. But my free time has become so valuable and that extra $5 so meaningless.  I do still utilize coupons at all opportunities, but...yeah.

Do any of you still do anything to save a buck, or have you all turned over to the philosophy that time is worth more than money?
 

Disclaimer: Blog Reader Beware


I have a disclaimer to make to all of those reading.

What I write about is what has made my life the happiest, what has worked best for me.

Will these gems of wisdom I share work for all of you?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  That is for you to think about and decide.  Each individual is unique and needs something different.  When you have a favorite treat, you want everyone to try that treat just because you love it so much and it makes you happy and you want everyone to experience the deliciousness, right?   I want to share with each of you the deliciousness of my world that has made me head-over-heels in love with life. 

You will notice my blog is pretty self-centered and "I, me, my, me, me, I, I, my."  I don't like like this, yet...there it is.  My experiences and life-lessons are the only ones of which I have a firm grasp, therefore the only ones I comfortably share in an all-knowing manner.

When it comes to my dating philosophies?  Those are the things you need to carefully reflect within yourself the most.  I don't want to give someone impressionable the wrong ideas.  Granted, in my (there it is again) life, these are the ideas that work.  We all have our own opinions and are quite entitled to them.   Feel free to express yours, as I clearly express mine.  And, please note, my opinions are constantly changing.

I may or may not have been misinterpreted as to my intentions.  One of my readers informed me in a kind and straight-forward manner (to which I may have very negatively reacted) that I come across as if I want a man to worship me.  That I am going to pass up an opportunity if a man feels like he is actually good enough for me or if he hasn't asked me out in the first few weeks we know each other.  I apologize if I have given any of you that impression. 

I simply seriously want a man who can treat me as good as I treat myself or as good as my friends treat me.  Someone who is at least on level playing ground with me.  I have been through a lot if shiz with men prior to the past two and a half years.  Some snippets?  Men telling me I'm fat, swearing at me, telling me I'm selfish, telling me that if we end up together they will cheat on me, telling me they don't even like me as a friend, telling me I'm not talented at all, calling me stupid repeatedly, knowing my standards yet asking me to touch "it," telling me they aren't attracted to me, telling me I'm too spiritual, telling me I'm not spiritual enough, telling me I am too organized, telling me I am irresponsible, telling me my dedication to Gym will never last (6.5 years strong, baby!), etc. etc. etc.  And these were all men I dated before I changed my philosophies that I share with you. 

Maybe my wishes to be with a man that I can look up to come off wrong.  I want a man to look up to me, but I want to equally look up to him.  I want balance and reciprocity.  I want to be in awe of his characteristics and just hope he returns the favor.  Perhaps I'm living in a Disney movie....but I'll hit the reality ceiling and come crashing down eventually and then I can say I learned my lesson.  That, however, is a lesson I need to learn.  I don't know.  If we knew everything about our lives, where would the adventure and excitement be?  Isn't the unknown and the possibilities of a dream what keeps us moving?  Is it too much to ask that a man make an effort for me?  If it is, I will gladly remain single because my life would not feel complete with someone who has so little ambition he can't even attempt to let me know how he feels about me.  Don't we all deserve as much, man or woman?  I sincerely believe it isn't too much.  Those who know me know that I will make a full return of the initial effort ten-fold. 

You know, maybe I'm just scared spitless and my "philosophies" give me a sense of a control even though I know I ultimately have none.

Just take everything you read on my blog with a grain of salt, readers, please. 

That's my disclaimer.  Over and out.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Bon Jovi: The Circle Tour

Bon Jovi?
Yes, please.
Bon Jovi doing the running man, spirit-fingers, and tail-feather shakin' live?
Heck yes, please.

I couldn't help but feel this overwhelming sense of satisfaction while movin' as much as my limited little seat area would allow me.  Bon Jovi doesn't need gimmicks, in fact the LCD displays were a little cheesy at times.  All they need are their instruments and voices - this band knows how to entertain, the music is in their souls.  During, "The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same," he talked about how the world has changed these past 27 years, but that one thing has lasted and they were all up there on that stage. 

What made the night even more awesome?  My darling Keri Peshell Wright, a fellow Jovi-lover, accompanied me.  She's in an awesome 80s cover band, so you really can't go wrong with the combo of her and Bon Jovi:-)  As the concert wound down, I turned to Keri and said, "They haven't done 'Livin' on a Prayer!' I will not feel fulfilled unless I hear that song!"  She pointed out they hadn't performed "Dead or Alive" either.  Wouldn't you know it that their encore was three songs - two of which were the aforementioned.

There was no better way to conclude the evening that I have waited 13 years for than rockin' out to "Livin' on a Prayer."  I can now cross Bon Jovi off my bucket list.  Although I may have to add, "Stare at him at least once per day."  Roar.  If you ever have the chance to see him perform live, you need to.  Jon Bon Jovi, my friends, is what it's all about.






Tuesday, March 22, 2011

I Will Not Ask a Man on a First Date

I will not ask a man on a first date if I know I am interested in a relationship with him.  If I simply need a date for an event and find a certain young man the one who would have the most interest in the event, I have no problem with asking first.

Why am I such a stickler?  Regardless of all of the exceptions, all of the stories, all of the happy couples, my personal experiences aim me the direction of this rule.

I need a man who wants to spend time with me so much that he puts himself out there by actually asking me.  In my opinion and experiences, if the man does not have enough interest in me to man up and actually ask, then why should I?

I need a man who will take charge, open doors, spend a few bucks on me, spend time planning, etc.  It isn't necessarily the act that is so important, it is the meaning behind the act and all of the other areas of a potential relationship this builds upon: respect, patience, hard-work, organization, service, perseverance, attraction, etc.

I demand to be treated with nothing less than utmost respect.  For my first dating decade, plus a few years, I did not demand this.  Do I think I am a princess?  Certainly not.  But all women deserve to be treated as such (and men...although princes instead of princesses, naturally) and I will not act shameful in my requirements or pretend it does not matter to me.  I would rather be happy single than only somewhat-happy with someone.

In my previous post, I mentioned what my mother and I discussed.  Consider it a challenge to myself to find a man who will treat me as good as I treat myself, as I treat my friends, as my friends treat me.  I know I will be able to be happy in that kind of relationship.

Do not let yourself be one of those girls that has spent too much time with men who give you too little.  I'm not saying him asking you out first will or won't make a difference, I'm just saying this is one of the indicators in my life and, if you reflect, may be in yours.

Momma Says

My mother and I were talking when I was home.

You know how the parents of single people are always expressing, "I wish you could find someone to make you happy?"  Or at least something to that effect?

My mom actually expressed to me something quite different.  She said she knew I didn't need someone to make me happy, that she didn't worry a bit about me being happy when I am off being single doing my happy single-girl things.

What does make her worry is when I am in a relationship.  She says she worries because I have had to learn and work so hard towards being happy single that now she feels I can't seem to find happiness/let myself be happy when I am not single.

Isn't that a change of pace from what I expected.  And reality can hurt.  I often lament about those wonderful women who can't seem to be happy outside of a relationship.  But isn't my predicament just as woe-inducing?

I hereby make it a quest to achieve the same level of happiness whether I am in or out of a relationship.  To love more unconditionally those who deserve my love.  Life is absolutely amazing.  I do want to share my life with someone, making both of our lives even more amazing.  I am happy single, but I don't want to be alone forever.

Have any of you ever found yourselves in this predicament?

Monday, March 21, 2011

Gigantic Larissa at the Capitol Theater

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  I don't even think a thousand words could describe how thrilled and blessed the opportunity I had to work with the Utah Opera publicity team has made me feel for the past year and a half.  And now look at the gigantic Larissa's all over Salt Lake City! My face is on the windows of the Capitol Theater where all of the touring companies perform.  The same windows that hundreds of Broadway stars have shared.  Inside that building, thousands of dreams have come true. How magical!





Friday, March 18, 2011

Terry Cloth Toilet Seat Cover

Does this just strike anybody else, immediately, as a really bad idea?  I mean, sure it is cushy for your tushy and protects your cheeks from the cold chill of night, but...um...yeah...it is just a bad idea in my book.  And dipping it down into the bowl to put it on?  My mind is spinning with all of the atrocities.

 

The Dolphin Suite

I had no idea my trip home to Ohio last weekend would have provided me with such a wealth of material.  Unfortunately, I'll have to save the chili pepper kitchen and Dad's awesome workout clothes for another visit.  I just couldn't pull myself out of bed at 4am to snap a photo of him.

I present to you, the Dolphin Suite.

My mother's passion for dolphins began on our '95 Mexican cruise.  And has turned into her very own themed bedroom, all-inclusive with wall mural, toilet seat cover, shower curtain, bed clothes, nightstands, lamps, and - oh, what's that hanging from the ceiling in this first picture?  You guessed it, a ceiling fan pull, dolphin-style.  And no tour of the suite would be complete without a sighting of its most frequent inhabitant.  Behold, my mother, preparing for a race in her sleep.  Shhhh - don't tell;-)



See the post-it on the cabinet?  That's Dad and Mom writing love notes to each other:-)

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Skyline Chili

I love Skyline Chili -Cincinnati-style chili on top of two tiny hot dogs, then culminating in mounds of freshly shredded cheddar cheese.  Be still my heart.  Actually, if I ate like this all the time, my heart probably would be stilled.


I never appreciated the deliciosity of this treat as a youngin', but as an adult (ew, did I just call myself that?) I make sure to have two every venture to Ohio.  This particular trip did not disappoint.  Yum.

Oh, and for those unfamiliar with Cincinnati-style or Skyline, we top our spaghetti with chili sauce.  True story.  Truly blisstastic.


And how about that dancing coney dog I saw on the side of the road?!  Only in Ohio:-)

Ohio Safety Patrol

Driving down the Ohio highway at 70 mph last Sunday and this nut job pulls this stunt.  For miles and miles and miles. Does anyone have an explanation for this?

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Sharktopus

My lil sis and I have this thing for shark movies - cheesy shark movies, in particular.

She called me the week before I went home in an excited frenzy with a request for a date with me and Sharktopus.  How could I refuse?  Why would I refuse?

Saturday evening rolled around and my sis, her almost-fiancee, and my 'rents all settled in for a movie together.  She let Dad pick and, much to our surprise, he selected "Sharktopus."

Sharktopus, or S11, is under the control of an electronic collar.  Oh no!  The electronic collar got knocked off by a speed boat.  He's on the rampage!  He walks on land!  He can climb!  This is probably the best cheesy shark movie ever.

My mom, in her very observant state, blurted out in the middle of the movie, "Boy, he sure does eat a lot!"   As a good cheesy shark movie must have a high body-count, "Sharktopus" delivered.  Mom couldn't figure out why he was so hungry and suggested we rewind the movie to keep better track of the "meals."  Hilarious.

Even more hilarious?  During one of our moments of exclamation/mocking/amusement, we were all apparently pretty loud.  Dad explodes, "SHHH!  GIRLS!  Quit talking!  We can't hear what's going on!"  Before we could compose ourselves, he picked up the remote and pressed "Rewind," at which point we did all we could to keep from absolutely erupting with laughter.

Really, Dad?  "Sharktopus?"  We had no idea he was that into the movie.  We teased him about it the next day and we started laughing with him and he said, "Well, if I was going to spend time to watch that movie, I at least wanted to know what was going on!" 

We also teased Brit's beau, Matt, because he was the only one who hadn't promptly cracked up at Dad's, umm..."interest" in "Sharktopus."  He said, "I knew you guys were laughing, but I'm not getting myself in trouble!  I sat there saying in my head, 'I'm not going to laugh, I'm not going to laugh.'"  He's totally in with the future in-laws.  And me.

If you need a good laugh, "Sharktopus" with the Villers' clan will never disappoint.  Dig it.


Halloween Preparation

For the first time ever, I know prior to the day before what I will dress as for Halloween. 
And let's just say it involves my high school jacket:-) 
Be excited.  For 7.5 months.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Dry Elbows

A long time ago, I was an adolescent killing time during summer break by watching some cheesy dating show like "Love Connection." 

The man was discussing his dates and said that he really liked bachelorette 2 the most, but she had dry elbows and he couldn't deal with that.

Guess who has had a complex about dry elbows since then.

Front Row

When I sit in the front row of a Broadway Show, I love to stand up at intermission, turn around, and look at the audience.  I imagine how awesome it would be to stand there and perform for all of those people.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Past and Future for my Dizzy Dandelion

My darling Megan S. tagged me in a post.  The thing is, I know when someone "tags" me for something now, that means they truly desire I complete the task and have the faith that I will do it.  Dagnabbit.  ;-)  This one goes out to you, Dizzy Dandelion.

20 years ago......
1: In 5th grade and I wrote the words for my spelling tests on the inside of my desk so I could cheat if I needed to, but I don't remember that I ever actually did...hmm...
2:  Did my last "beginning level" baton routine to "I Got the Sun in the Mornin' and the Moon at Night" 
3: My family drove the mini RV from Ohio across the plains on a three-week "Out West" road trip

10 years ago......
1: I was living in Pinegar apartments south of BYU campus with Katie, Wendy, Jenn, Krissy, and Robyn - when Robyn/Wendy moved out, Piggy and B moved in 
2: Decided my major with BYU would definitely be Public Relations/Communications - and they decided to let me into the program
3: I got to play the part of "Lola" in our Copacabana selections for Music Warehouse - singing with back up by at least 60 other girls was exhilarating

5 years ago.......
1: I worked with a medical technology and pharmaceutical consulting firm - my second "big person" job
2: I lived with my sissy and Tanisha, awesome Jeanette lived downstairs. Sissy was the best roommate and friend I have ever had and Tanisha blessed my life in an unparalleled way with my little Conor kitty when she let me adopt her
3: I saw Jersey Boys twice from the first row and almost knocked myself out when I hit my head on the set

3 years ago......
1: I was getting ready to move to my first "big girl" condo all by myself in Salt Lake b/c my sissy was leaving me to move back home to Ohio, so no reason to commute from Provo to SLC any longer
2: Started working at my current place of employment and got to travel the US.
3: Met a whole bunch of some of my dearest friends - Megan, Julie, Julie-Ann, Shayla, Leah, Chels, Colleen, Kelly, Chops, James, Dallas, Jon, Sondi, Mel, B.J., etc. etc. etc. - I even met my Dizzy Dandelion this time three years ago, but we never officially met until we did 1940s Radio Hour together

1 year ago.......
1: Performed in three lead roles - Kim in Bye Bye Birdie (one of my dream roles), Gloria Thorpe in Damn Yankees,  and Ginger Brooks in 1940s Radio Hour
2: Arranged a trip of 20 + friends to go to NYC, then I went there again with my sissy for Thanksgiving
3: Finished a nutrition plan that made me the healthiest I'd ever been in my life.

This year so far......
1: Taken a long-needed break from performing, but getting very antsy to get back out there
2: Took a trip home to Ohio for quality family time
3: Tried Zumba - the mating-call/thrusting/gyrating workout








Yesterday......
1: Spent time with my family in Ohio (nephew's b-day party, games, family time, up til 1am talking with my lil sis:-)  Priceless
2: Partook of Skyline Chili coney dogs.  Mmmmm.  Those puppies are welcome in my belly any time
3: Laughed with my family.  All. Day. Long.

Today.........
1: Flew back to Utah from Ohio
2: Decided people think I am much more independent and need much less attention/affection than I actually do need
3: Successfully caught up at the office after being out for a day and a half

Tomorrow........
1: Visit Gym
2: Read a book or a magazine...whatever sounds best
3: Laugh at least three times

In the Next Year.......
1: Go to NYC (copy Megan here)
2: Play another of my dream roles onstage (copy Megan here)
3: Hopefully have so much success with my product at work that I get my own department under my control

I am not tagging anyone, but if you re-post this, you have to let me know!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Theater, Drama, Auditions

My Foxy and Fabulous friend recently wrote a rather relate-able entry regarding theater auditions.

Are you a diva if you'd rather have a lead role than an ensemble role?  I once stood on stage at a call-back and said to the director, "I will do wonderful at whatever you want me to do, but I would really really really like to play the part of X."  She responded, "What?  Really?  You'd like a lead role more?"  And then she giggled with me.  We got along stupendously from then on.

But I've heard those rumors that some directors black-list you for admitting such, or for stating you would not be able to commit to the show if you did not get a "more than ensemble" role.  I have yet to actually encounter a director who does this, but the rumors frighten me.  Last year, I could have been one of seven supporting roles in one show, or the teenage-girl lead in another show.  Of course I had to turn down someone and I sure hope that didn't blacklist me in some way.  I apologized profusely to the production I did turn down.

You know what else has really started wearing on me?

Auditioning for the same shows as those I love.  I become so angsty inside knowing that several friends and I may have our hearts set on the same role.  I don't want to be the one to break someone else's heart, but I also don't want to be the one to get my heart broken.  Tough.  I've only, up until now, run into one dear friend at an audition, however having made so many more dear friends over the past three shows and all of us wanting to be in summer shows, more run-in's are bound to happen.  Someone is going to get hurt:-(

Right now, for instance, I have my little heart set on a dream role for which I'd just be plum perfect.  I grew up a country girl in a town next to the hometown of the lead character, I can pull the sweetest little accent, I am the same height as the character, I'm a spitfire to boot, and I'd get to utilize my belty and tender sides. 

Any number of my favorite people may or may not have their hearts set on the same role.  Who is to say for what the director is even looking - may be someone entirely different than what I envision for the part, and there is nothing I can do about that.  Will I do the show if offered a smaller role and give up potential opportunities elsewhere?  I just don't know.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Gotta Go

You know that feeling when you have to go so bad, you can hardly see straight? All of your senses auto-tune into a radar for any sign of a restroom.

I don't think there is any way to accurately describe that feeling of pure joy and relief when you finally get to go.

Hey, maybe this is TMI, but you all know what I'm talking about.  And I drink over a gallon of liquid a day, this crosses my mind a time or two.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Someone Else's Wind

Have you ever noticed, when a person walks briskly past you, the resulting "breeze?"

I have this problem. A paranoia, if you will.

When I am at the gym, and someone walks by me, I crinkle my nose and hold my breath until their "wind" has subsided.  Yes, I have problem with breathing in someone else's gym wind.

What strange things do you have issues with?

Monday, March 7, 2011

So You've Had a Bad Day

What do you do on a bad day?

My friend, Stephen, posed this question on a recent blog of his.

Over the years, our coping mechanisms change - at least mine have.  As a young child, I would cry, pout, cry, throw mattresses across rooms (at age 8 - what the crazy?!), sing to my cats in the fields outside, play piano and cry some more.  That evolved into talking more, eating more ice cream, writing, seeking out those wiser than myself for advice, seeking solitude and even more crying.  

Now?  I feel a bit like Pooh Bear, "Think, think, think....oh, bother."  I've been contemplating this for five days, carefully paying attention to my moods and actions.

A few weeks ago, I had a bad day.  The next morning, I opened the windows and blinds wide - letting the rejuvenating sun shine into every nook and cranny of my condo -blessings of the natural world baptize my soul with wonder, awe, and appreciation - sunshine is God's cure-all.  I caught up on my reading and cleaning, took a long, hot shower, painted my toenails with glitter polish and made myself pretty for church.  I delivered Smart Cookie sugar cookies to various friends, cheered up a recently un-engaged friend with a get-together, talked with another dear friend for three hours and fell asleep as soon as I hit the pillow.   Two days after, two of the most darling, beautiful girls took me under their wings - we had Five Guys, they bought me two nail polishes, then we went back to their place for an evening of laughing and chatting.

Then there was last week when I was feeling pouty for no apparent reason.  I default to the idea that we are all entitled a few inexplicable pouts every now and again.  My "pouts" are fleeting - no cause for concern.  What made me happy again?  Putting on my comfy gym clothes and sweating it out while listening to my iPod.  Then going home to my sanctuary and seeing my cuddly, purr-machine, poof-tailed kitty waiting for me at the door. 

I guess what it comes down to is being with someone/something I love.  No amount of grumpiness or sorrow I feel can ever outweigh the joy that comes from the love.

What about you?  How do you deal with bad days?

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Shedding

Recently I have felt this need to shed pretty much anything of excess or old - clothes, fat cells, pillows, bedding, cleaning supplies, junk drawers - you name it.

I've donated and thrown away bags of things.  Given that I am practically soul sister's with Monica from Friends, I didn't think I even had bags of things to spare.

I feel fresh, new, alive, rejuvenated.  I highly recommend shedding.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Dad's Pay it Forward Plan

Once upon a time, I was dating someone who thought I spent too much money on other people.  He never spent money on others.  Period.  Me spending any amount was too much.

I went to my father for counsel.  He told me he had promised himself long ago that with every pay check he received, he would do something nice for someone else.  As a result, he blessed the lives of many others, as well as his own.  My father never ceases to reveal new ways for me to look up to him.  Imagine, he had been doing this my entire life and I never knew - what a generous, humble, loving example.

Ever since that conversation with Dad, I've made a concerted effort to do something nice for someone else with every pay check I receive.  Ends up something nice for someone else is always something nice for me too:-) 

I challenge you to do the same, no matter how much or how little you have. 

Search Terms v3

'Tis time once again to present you all with some of my favorite laugh-inducing/intriguing Google Analytics search terms that have lead people to my blog.  Enjoy!

  • Larissa is weird
  • Larissa is ugly
  • Larissa weird and ugly
  • I hate Larissa
  • January donut cakes
  • Playful slap taken wrong way
  • I wet the bed
  • How do I help my best friend whom I just rejected realize that life goes on
  • Intellectual stimulation for Virgo
  • Oatmeal sneeze
  • Pictures of a killer whale eating a person
  • What do killer whales smell like
  • Buff Old Man
  • I know he wants me but he won't make a move-baby-marry-marriage-husband-ex-God-Jesus

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Onion Ice

I chopped up some veggies two nights ago - some for consuming, some for freezing.

I also put some ice cube trays in the freezer.

This morning I discovered, upon taking a sip of my drink, the most peculiar thing.
Onion ice.

Yeah, don't freeze fresh onions and make ice at the same time - it will not end well.

Bored

When was the last time you were legitly bored enough to beg someone for something to do?

I remember all of the time, as a child, sitting there thinking the world might just implode as a result of my profound, extreme boredom.

Now?  I can think of a dozen things to do at any given point in time.  "Boredom" never overcomes me because I am too busy feeling guilt about all of the things I "should" be doing.  I sometimes have to force myself to just sit down and relax and forget about all of those other things for a few hours.  Bored is no longer in my vocabulary.

What about you?

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

War of the Aphids

I have two indoor mini rose plants.  I have been determined to keep them alive, mainly because the person who gifted them to me over a year ago stated that he did not believe I could keep them thriving.  Them there's fightin' words, Buddy! 

I have recently ordered a new, more spacious pot to re-pot them together with some delicious Miracle-Gro for their dining pleasure.

We have a loving bond, these beauties and I.

Which is why it hurts me so that aphids are trying to develop a rather destructive relationship with my little Rosies.

Battle One:  I tried running lukewarm water over the Rosies and gently rubbing each stem to clear the pests, promptly squishing them between my thumb and index finger.  This did practically no good.  I swear the squished remains sprout back into five more pests!

Battle Two: I tried the home remedy of warm water and soap.  I accidentally didn't wash off enough of the soap and practically killed the Rosies sans help of the aphids.  That did the trick for a little while - the Rosies even grew back healthier and more full than ever.

Battle Three: I found four aphidinators - clearly the soap-resistant strain.  I sprayed the Rosies down and then sprinkled cayenne pepper all over them.  This seems to be working (kill aphids, not kill Rosies) for the time being.

Any advice for my Great Aphid War?

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

One Buff "Old Man"

Check out this text I received from almost 61-year old Daddy-o yesterday:

Here is my February report: I ran 151 miles including 2 half-marathons on February 21 & 26.  I walked 19.25 miles and lifted weights for 20 hours.  It was a good month.

I wrote back, "Congratulations, Dad!  You are an animal!"

But really, can you believe this?!  He starts his day at the gym by 4am every morning.  Who is this man?!?

I reiterate my statement - my parents are great examples for me in more ways than I can list.  I can only dream I'm able to someday be as great of an example for those I love.  Minus the totally awesome outfit Dad wears to the gym - I'll have to sneak a picture of that it for you when I'm home in a couple weeks.  Be excited - it will rock your world:-)

Riding the Provo River Trail back in '07 when Mom and Pop visited after Brit's graduation

Milk

My mother is quite an extraordinary lady.  She has taught me to stand up for myself when I know I am right.

Case in point -
She would go to the local Walmart for groceries each week and each week her gallon of milk would ring up the wrong price.  She would try to convince the cashier of the correct price and would finally resort to walking back to the dairy aisle, pulling the sign off the milk, and taking it to the cashier.

One Christmas I was home, walking through the dairy aisle with her, and she was telling me about how this had happened several times.  She took me over to the offending milk.

I casually told her my observation, "Mom, that's the price for the half gallon."  Oops:-)