tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64971395362768653292024-03-18T03:48:56.261-06:00Larissa Explains It All...One step up from the days of "Clarissa Explains it All, " from theater reviews to recipes to travel adventures to personal insights.Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.comBlogger1063125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-61776206804889005202018-01-16T12:03:00.000-07:002018-01-16T12:08:15.538-07:00Finding Joy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div data-contents="true">
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="bicb9-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bicb9-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="bicb9-0-0"><span data-text="true">I often find myself grasping so tightly to the rules and technicalities of life, of the way something is "supposed to be," that I lose perspective.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="6bjgp-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6bjgp-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6bjgp-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="adbpn-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="adbpn-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="adbpn-0-0"><span data-text="true">In gymnastics and dance, I used to be so caught up in the exact move or flick or nod at the exact right time that I ended up with stiff execution and an overthinking expression on my face, except for the perfectly-timed, "smile here!" </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="9ji29-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9ji29-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9ji29-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="8u2mc-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8u2mc-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8u2mc-0-0"><span data-text="true">I remember the exact moment when I first learned to loosen my vice grip on the way things are "supposed to be." </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="15s52-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="15s52-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="15s52-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="5p2q1-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5p2q1-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5p2q1-0-0"><span data-text="true">I was 20, performing in a summer show on an amphitheater stage (audience covered, dressing rooms not) in Piqua, Ohio - home of the most inspiring, breath-taking thunderstorms of torrential proportion. As August nights in Ohio go, one of these storms visited our performance. Just as my big solo began, so did the lightning and thunder, cracking a whip louder than any speaker could project my sound. My brain screamed, "Pay attention to me!" </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="3ud5i-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3ud5i-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3ud5i-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="7k4mg-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7k4mg-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7k4mg-0-0"><span data-text="true">Then it happened. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="2oier-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2oier-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2oier-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="eog0u-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eog0u-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="eog0u-0-0"><span data-text="true">The rain ripped away my grip from all of the preciseness I'd rehearsed. Little rule-follower, technical Larissa fell away and out emerged someone who embodied "dance like no one is watching." </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="akgm7-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="akgm7-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="akgm7-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="fhq0n-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fhq0n-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fhq0n-0-0"><span data-text="true">This storm prevented me from following my plan. With all of those technicalities washed away, I found joy.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="9rpcq-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9rpcq-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9rpcq-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="692nj-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="692nj-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="692nj-0-0"><span data-text="true">The rest of the show, we sloshed around in soaking wet costumes, just praying to get through and laughing our faces off at how ridiculous we looked.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="4qd1a-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4qd1a-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4qd1a-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="accfc-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="accfc-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="accfc-0-0"><span data-text="true">After the show, an older patron said to me, "You sure did look like you were having fun up there!" At the time, I was not pleased. Fun? FUN?! I'd never been told that before. You are supposed to tell me I'm good!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="9vrr5-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9vrr5-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9vrr5-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="a4u0a-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a4u0a-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="a4u0a-0-0"><span data-text="true">But it was in that moment that I not only found what I need, but what everyone around me needs. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="b673k-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b673k-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="b673k-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="8ne5m-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8ne5m-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8ne5m-0-0"><span data-text="true">Joy. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="a55c5-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a55c5-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="a55c5-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="4a6j9-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4a6j9-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="4a6j9-0-0"><span data-text="true">What do you have a vice grip on in your life? Are you trying so hard to be perfect, be a "yes" person, appear to the world that you've got it all together, that you've lost sight of the spark that gives you purpose? </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="93dji-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="93dji-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="93dji-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="72u38" data-offset-key="6lohv-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6lohv-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6lohv-0-0"><span data-text="true">Let go. Peel away each one of those stubborn fingers clinging to conventionality. There are so many things in life we cannot control, that we lose ourselves in the constant, "herding cats" of it all. Do not cling to things just because you can control them. Find the joy in the unexpected. </span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com311tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-83248930335992472682017-11-02T11:55:00.003-06:002017-11-07T10:40:56.908-07:00Total Hip Replacement at 36<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am trapped in a body that does not work.<br />
<br />
Me.
A gymnast. A dancer. An Actress. A gymnastics coach. A
choreographer. An athlete. A wedding planner. A weight trainer. A
10,000 steps 6 days a week mover (curse you, my beloved Fitbit).<br />
<br />
Lest
you are confused, rest assured I have spent the past six weeks trying
to wrap my head around the words, "We have two options. One - do
nothing. Two - you need a total hip replacement."<br />
<br />
As my
mind spun out of control, the doctor went on to explain to me that
something to do with Hip Dysplasia is measured on a scale from 1-4, 4
being the worst. I'm a 4. Osteoarthritis is measured on a scale from
1-3, 3 being the worst. I'm a 3. There is an angle they measure to
recommend hip replacements at anything less than a 20. I'm a 14.
Obviously, I lost grasp of details here.<br />
<br />
Other words swirling as they entered my brain were:<br />
bone-on-bone, bone spurs, no ligaments, calcified ligaments, zero range of motion<br />
<br />
Time to back-track.<br />
<br />
Most
of you are probably confused, either never having heard me complain or
perhaps remembering a time or two I mentioned my hip was sore. I didn't
want anyone knowing I was in pain because then I might not get cast as a
dancer in a show or asked to coach gymnastics, or I'd be lectured on
why I wasn't going to the doctor. I was afraid. I was afraid of
knowing what was wrong. I was afraid of being stupid because I had <i>no</i>
idea where to start with the doctors. I was afraid of medical bills. I
was afraid of being told there was nothing they could do. I was
afraid, most of all, that I was crazy and making up some phantom pain. <br />
<br />
But I am not crazy.<br />
<br />
This
all started 4 years ago when my hip started popping just prior to
getting married. The feeling was a discomfortable pop out of place -
like a searing knuckle popping almost.<br />
<br />
In January of
'14, I had my first of many, as I call them, "flare ups." The pain in
my groin/inner hip area was as if I was being stabbed. I could not walk
without a severe limp and my poor husband found me collapsed on the
stairs in tears, paralyzed with fear. But the pain subsided after a few
days.<br />
<br />
Every few weeks, I'd have a day or two of pain.
Especially if I had a heavy dance day. I remember auditioning for
"Footloose" and hardly being able to walk that night. But I kept moving
and dancing, hoping I'd just tweaked some muscle or aggravated
something in my aging body, accepting my new normal. My husband became
accustomed to hearing, "I'm having a flare up today, don't walk so
fast." But that never stopped me. I kept trucking right along.<br />
<br />
Along
the way, I tried massage therapy, chiropractic care, sports
chiropractic therapy, stretching, stretching, more stretching, and I
even became a gymnastics coach in part because I knew it would keep me
active and stretching every day. All the while I continued to work out
6 days a week with weights and cardio. I tried anything I could do to
loosen up what I thought was a "locked hip," but nothing helped. Even
cold/heat therapy, electric stimulation, a daily regime of mobility
exercises, and ultrasound stimulation. I am often told, "Just hearing
about all you do is wearing me out." <br />
<br />
Why did I keep pushing through this pain?<br />
<br />
Let
me tell you a story that helps you understand what happens inside of me
when I do gymnastics or dance. Last May, I auditioned for "Beauty and
the Beast" at Hale Centre Theatre. I left the theater feeling as if I
were flying through clouds of freedom. My body moved! I moved! I
cartwheeled and high-kicked and tap-danced and split and jumped and
leaped and every beat of my heart exhilarated the core of my soul. I
posted from the parking lot, "And then I danced. And suddenly all was
right in the world."<br />
<br />
You see, when I dance or tumble, my
soul is free. My heart is free. Anything is possible. Happiness is
limitless. My brain tingles. I love feeling the strength of my body
and of what it is capable, tying together what is inside my heart with
physical expression. My body is literally flying when I do a back tuck
or an aerial...literally I am a bird soaring. There is nothing in this
world that can free my mind, body, and soul this way. I can fly.<br />
<br />
Back
to "Beauty and the Beast." I sought some massage therapy before my
final audition (callback) and my leg was manipulated in all sorts of
positions. Thinking it was simply a muscle problem, imagine my chagrin
when this caused the worst flareup yet. At our first rehearsal a month
later (I made it!), I walked as normally as I could, not wanting my new
cast mates to know that not only was I 10 years older than all of the
other dancers, my body wasn't working. A few weeks later, I did
something coaching gymnastics that rendered me practically immobile. My
hip would pop painfully without warning with almost any movement. I'm
talking paralyzing, breath-stealing pain. I remember a friend grabbing
my leg at rehearsal to fix my positioning on the floor, my hip popping,
and then the room flashing bright colors and spinning around me because
of the blinding, searing pain.<br />
<br />
Yet I danced. I
danced for 4 months day in and day out. I loved every moment as much as
my comprehension of love allows. No experience in my life has left me
more fulfilled.<br />
<br />
But the day after the show closed, I
could not even lift my right leg. I had to pick it up with my hands to
get it in the car.<br />
<br />
And you know what this dummy did?
Thought, "Huh, I must just be fatigued from the show. It will get
better." That's right...I <i>still</i> didn't go to the doctor. I continued working out, dancing, choreographing, coaching gymnastics....all of it.<br />
<br />
This
summer, I was part of another production where my dancing was minimal,
but I found myself frustrated. How could this little amount of dancing
cause me pain? Then I wore my heels for the show. Have mercy. My hip
wanted nothing to do with those heels.<br />
<br />
I traveled to
Disney World just before we opened, and my friend there, at the end of a
3-park day, said, "Are you okay? Do you have blisters? You are
hobbling..." I said, "No blisters, just this stupid hip thing I have
where it hurts at the end of the day. No big deal." That's when I knew
this was not something I could hide much longer.<br />
<br />
One particularly
emotional week when my husband was out of town, I had collapsed in pain
too many times. In between tears, I picked up my phone and googled
something that lead me to the Orthopedic Specialty Group at TOSH. I
pretended I wasn't crying as I told the poor woman on the phone my sob
story, not even knowing if she was someone who knew anything at all.
She was an angel and referred me to the right doctor based on our best
guesses. <br />
<br />
The next available appointment was 2 months out. For. The. Love.<br />
<br />
Which brings us back to some of the strangest words I've ever had to comprehend. "You need a total hip replacement."<br />
<br />
Aren't I too young for this? Isn't there another option? How could I have prevented this?<br />
<br />
Nothing
I did caused this and nothing I did could have prevented this.
Apparently, this condition is quite common for females in their 30s.
Hip dysplasia is genetic.<br />
<br />
Do you know what was actually
happening this whole time I was in pain? Because of the dysplasia, I
developed severe osteoarthritis. My bones began slicing into my
ligaments until they were destroyed, then began grinding into each
other. My body began building new bone to protect itself - calcifying
the surrounding tissues and even forming bone spurs. The doctor cannot
even temporarily prescribe pain medication because none will help my
particular situation.<br />
<br />
I walked out of the doctor's
office into the perfect sunshine of a September morning. The wind dried
the tears off my face. My life, as I know it, will change forever.
But there is an answer. Relief is in site. I am not crazy. <br />
<br />
This entire time I have been running about willy nilly with my bones grinding together. Who does that?!<br />
<br />
This is where I ask for your help, your patience, and your forgiveness.<br />
<br />
I now know what my body has been going through. I now know why my mental health has been slowly, yet steadily declining.<br />
<br />
Chronic Pain.<br />
<br />
I
have been suffering with chronic pain for 4 years. Please Google "long
term effects of chronic pain" for more information. What I can quickly
tell you is that it deteriorates your mental state. Sufferers are
prone to emotional variances, depression, outbursts, extreme fatigue,
lack of comprehension, and the list goes on.<br />
<br />
I have
had some friends say I don't seem as happy as I used to be, that I'm not
myself. Others have simply distanced themselves from me silently.
Several have asked about my "swollen" body. Friends, I need
you....there is a light at the end of the tunnel! I will be back to
"normal" in about 4-6 months! Please hang in there with me. Please.<br />
<br />
Right now, I am exhausted beyond comprehension all but a few hours a
day. Choosing what to do with my very limited energy supplies each day
is almost impossible and has left me disappointing others and myself
almost constantly. The surgeon said the most important thing I can do is to keep moving every day, so most of my energy is prioritized into workouts. Frustrating workouts because my body is putting all of its focus on healing a hip that can't be healed and none into metabolizing. This has left me humiliated and ashamed, as my whole lifestyle revolves around health and fitness. I should not be because none of this is my fault, but I can't exactly stop every person on the street and say, "I'm just so swollen because (fill in the entire story I just told you)." <br />
<br />
My surgery is scheduled in January. I'm scared. Out. Of. My. Mind.<br />
<br />
I
recently watched the beautiful musical theater stage show, "American in
Paris," at the Eccles Theatre. As we walked back to the car, I started
crying as I told my husband, "The dancers are all so free. They all
leap and spin and dance and their bodies are free. I'm scared to death I
will never feel that again in my life. I need to feel that way, Rob. I
need to dance. What if I never get to feel that way again?"<br />
<br />
In
one of his wisest marital moments to date, he responded, "You can't
move like that now. This surgery will fix you. Maybe you won't be able
to do <i>everything</i> you did before, but you certainly can't now. Let's get you out of pain."<br />
<br />
I
am having a total hip replacement. I am hoping for a new lease on
life. I am hoping to be able to feel free again in this body that
currently has me trapped.<br />
<br />
Until then, I'll cry every
time I watch "Dancing with the Stars," or coach my gymnasts and watch
them fly, or see my friends perform, or imagine what life will be like
when I can once again take a step without pain. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gUx6vs5et4mk6QJvMQtnQ9xqN4zmZplNXn5uPgOt25Xejw6yzJBaWs07RFJdO1ME0LKRFZpfYFh0O72HaB2_LhCvSH_j3l5l9f3Wpj8dqQMUXb8srJUHbzxnbkFLWHZRlhe8UQ3P9dE6/s1600/IMG_4016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gUx6vs5et4mk6QJvMQtnQ9xqN4zmZplNXn5uPgOt25Xejw6yzJBaWs07RFJdO1ME0LKRFZpfYFh0O72HaB2_LhCvSH_j3l5l9f3Wpj8dqQMUXb8srJUHbzxnbkFLWHZRlhe8UQ3P9dE6/s320/IMG_4016.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, this is me playing "Grandma" in "Addams Family "just two weeks ago...still refusing to accept my condition</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-57259176965446377012017-04-28T17:50:00.001-06:002017-04-28T17:54:11.307-06:00Rejecting Faith<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<div>
<div>
I am bothered when people present, "questioning faith" as a negative.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
Questioning
and curiosity are part of human nature. Without questions, we would
never learn. Without questions, man never would have explored space,
never would have adventured into the unknown parts of the world, never
would have invented the iPhone. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Is faith
something you establish once, all at one time, and then any deviation
from your initial thought is considered a questioning and rejection of
your faith? Certainly my faith in God now is entirely different than it
was as a child.<br />
<br />
</div>
Faith is something that grows and changes every moment. How is it possible to view this process negatively?<br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
Another
oft-used term is, "rejection." I do not see how any existence of
belief in God or a higher power is a rejection of faith. Perhaps your
particular path to commune with God has changed, or your belief in the
expectations He has for you in this life, but does that really call for
the label that you have "rejected" faith?<br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
Why does a
realization that your path may be different than you once thought have
to have so much negativity attached? As a child, I told everyone I
encountered that I was going to be a "Vegetarian" when I grew up so I
could take care of animals every day. Once I Iearned the accurate term of
"Veterinarian," and that I'd also be responsible for putting animals
down, I changed my mind. No one criticized me for abandoning my future
career path and I received much encouragement to continue searching.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
Most often, the members of the sect of faith that is being questioned are the ones who object. Last year, an article was published about how some Malawi girls are
forced to have sex with a man, known as a "hyena," after their first
period. This act is believed, in their faith, to be a sexual cleansing
and to keep the family safe from diseases and disaster. If a girl
refuses this, she does not know what calamities will befall her family.
In their culture, rejecting that faith is a terrible thing. But to
those of us on the outside, we see rejection of those beliefs as
life-saving and liberating.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
If a person changes from
Catholic to Protestant to LDS to Non-Denominational, that person is not
a rejector of faith 4 times over. That person is human and curious and
constantly searching for their individual path to a higher power.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
We are all simply
trying to find our personal way to most connect with the divine. I
truly believe that path is different for each one of us. I truly believe
that our higher power knows we are human and prone to err. I truly
believe that we are all on earth to love and be loved.<br />
<br />
<br />
* <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-36843769?ocid%3Dsocialflow_twitter&source=gmail&ust=1493508902147000&usg=AFQjCNH9Tsu0ff9f-G18JJaClqzf2wYk1A" href="http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-36843769?ocid=socialflow_twitter" target="_blank">http://www.bbc.com/news/magazi<wbr></wbr>ne-36843769?ocid=socialflow_tw<wbr></wbr>itter</a></div>
<div>
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-12718236027943280912017-01-24T15:21:00.001-07:002017-01-24T15:41:48.398-07:00Past Year's Resolutions: 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What did I accomplish this year?<br />
<br />
Every year I ask myself this question and make my retrospective resolutions for the year. Hindsight <i>is</i> 20/20.
I think it is much more uplifting to reflect and think, "Wow- I did
that!" than to think, "I didn't meet two of my ten goals. I'm a
failure." I always push myself as much as possible towards work I love and then let the universe fill in the blanks. <br />
<br />
In no particular order:<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Perform in "Beauty and the Beast" at <a href="https://hct.org/online/">Hale Centre Theatre</a> as Silly Girl 1. Life Changing. Words are not adequate. </li>
<li>Film, "<a href="http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/my-christmas-love">My Christmas Love</a>," for the Hallmark Channel. </li>
<li>Win Best of State for Event DJs with <a href="http://life-of-the-party.com/">Life of the Party Entertainment</a></li>
<li>Still able to rock my tumbling like <a href="https://youtu.be/DnENWIz8mjw">this</a></li>
<li>Choreograph "Charleston" for Riverview Junior High</li>
<li>Perform as Sally Brown in "Snoopy," also choreographing</li>
<li>Watch my husband sing a duet with Backstreet Boy, B<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Littrell">rian Littrell</a></li>
<li>Transition my work with <i><a href="http://www.life-of-the-party.com/">Life of the Party Entertainment</a></i> to mainly wedding consultation and coordination, hiring an assistant for business coordination. </li>
<li>Become a Certified Wedding Planner with <a href="http://www.thebridalsociety.com/">The Bridal Society</a> in New York City.</li>
<li>Continue to work out regularly</li>
<li>Get my braces off!</li>
<li>Visit: </li>
<ol>
<li>California in October (Disney Land, Universal Studios), </li>
<li>Florida in November for Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios and a wedding</li>
<li>Florida in March for a conference in Amelia Island & an oceanside stay at the Omni </li>
<li>Las Vegas,</li>
<li>Phoenix, Arizona,</li>
<li>D.C.</li>
<li>Virginia</li>
<li>New York City (3 times)</li>
<li>Buffalo and Rochester</li>
<li>Ohio</li>
<li> Pennsylvania</li>
<li>Canada/Niagra Falls </li>
</ol>
<li>Watch Rob DJ the wedding of his mentor - also the man who DJ'd our
wedding - Elliot, in Orlando </li>
<li>Have the most successful year thus far helping brides and grooms implement the weddings of their dreams</li>
<li>Finally get the upgrade to some much-needed space for our company car - 2016 Honda Pilot</li>
<li>Coach gymnastics all year and continue to feel that rush of adrenaline anytime one of my girls lands a new skill</li>
<li>Meet Steve Martin walking his dog while walking home from <a href="http://www.brightstarmusical.com/"><i>Bright Star</i></a></li>
<li>Watch a friend perform in <a href="http://waitressthemusical.com/index.php?gclid=CNTt1In62NECFYpufgodvRANSQ">Waitress</a> and then introduced to star, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessie_Mueller">Jessie Meuller</a><i> </i></li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
Resolutions of Year's Past:<br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2016/03/past-years-resolutions-2015.html">2015</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/01/past-years-resolutions-2014.html">2014 </a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2013/12/past-years-resolutions-2013.html">2013</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2012/12/past-years-resolutions-2012.html">2012</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2012/01/past-years-resolutions-2011.html">2011</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2011/01/past-years-resolutions-2010.html">2010</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2010/01/old-years-resolutions.html">2009</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2008/01/schmezolutions.html">2008 </a><br />
<br />
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-48084619948098888862016-03-26T12:44:00.000-06:002016-05-31T20:38:10.013-06:00Past Year's Resolutions: 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What did I accomplish this year?<br />
<br />
Every year I ask myself this question and make my retrospective resolutions for the year. Hindsight <i>is</i> 20/20.
And I think it is much more uplifting to reflect and think, "Wow- I did
that!" than to think, "I didn't meet two of my ten goals. I'm a
failure." Know what I'm saying? <br />
<br />
In no particular order:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Attend the Tony Awards in New York City!!! What a dream-come-true, all thanks to my little sis.</li>
<li>Be featured on a national network television show. Blood and Oil. Opposite Don Johnson. Yes, <i>that</i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Johnson"> Don Johnson</a>. </li>
<li>Choreograph <a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/07/taylorsville-arts-joseph-and-amazing.html"><i>Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat</i></a> for Taylorsville Arts</li>
<li>Choreograph 4 elementary school musicals for Murray City and Sandy City</li>
<li>Be dance captain for <a href="http://www.sandyarts.com/sandy-arts-guild/home.html">Sandy Arts Guild'</a>s <i>Shrek</i></li>
<li>Perform as an ensemble member for my very first time in <a href="http://www.sandyarts.com/sandy-arts-guild/home.html">Sandy Arts Guild</a>'s <i>Shrek</i></li>
<li>Perform in Nunsense for my third time. Sister Mary Leo and I can't seem to part ways.</li>
<li>Meet the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys (minus John Lloyd Young) and sit front row center for their concert - Midtown Men</li>
<li>Increase my husband's business, <i><a href="http://www.life-of-the-party.com/">Life of the Party Entertainment</a>,</i> 234%, since I first began working with him three years ago</li>
<li>Continue to celebrate many special occasions and adventures with my hubs </li>
<li>Continue to work out regularly</li>
<li>See myself on the big screen at the movies during the Sundance Film Festival - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3534282/">Don Verdean</a> </li>
<li>Live through rubber bands, metal springs, and braces galore</li>
<li>Take a road trip to California with one of my dearest old roommates, Andrea, for the wedding of one of my dearest friends of the past 14 years. I love him with all my heart, he was one of my toasts at my own wedding, and now I can love his darling wife just as much!</li>
<li>Visit Las Vegas thrice - once for Mobile Beat, once for Las Vegas DJ Show where my little sis and her hubs met up with us, and lastly for a quick 24-hour trip to visit my older sister while she was there for a convention. On the February trip, I survived the most violent illness I've had in a long time - even having to call a doctor to come to the room to treat me because I could not leave the room. Awful. Rob learned a lot about me that day and I him - he's amazing. </li>
<li>Take my parents to see some of Utah's/Arizona's wonders they had on their bucket lists: Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Zions' National Park and the Shakespeare Festival.</li>
<li>Visit Disney World and Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights/Harry Potter with my husband - we've been talking about doing this since I first met him and he told me he worked there for three years. Lindsay and Elliot were extremely generous in hosting us. I can't wait to go back in November to help make their wedding the best day of their lives.</li>
<li>Throw the greatest "A Christmas Story" party yet</li>
<li>Continue helping beautiful brides plan and implement their weddings</li>
<li>Continue helping with <a href="http://www.theculturalhallpodcast.com/"><i>The Cultural Hall</i> Show Podcast</a></li>
<li>Learn how to groom/shave my cat </li>
</ol>
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Resolutions of Year's Past<br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/01/past-years-resolutions-2014.html">2014 </a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2013/12/past-years-resolutions-2013.html">2013</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2012/12/past-years-resolutions-2012.html">2012</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2012/01/past-years-resolutions-2011.html">2011</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2011/01/past-years-resolutions-2010.html">2010</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2010/01/old-years-resolutions.html">2009</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2008/01/schmezolutions.html">2008 </a> </div>
Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-51289285583740421552016-01-13T14:11:00.000-07:002016-01-13T14:36:51.870-07:00Best Snickerdoodles in the World - Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you love chewy, moist snickerdoodles, then this recipe is for you. I originally ran across my favorite recipe <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/the-best-snickerdoodles-i-have-ever-eaten-49534">here</a>, however I quickly began making tweaks to make the recipe my version of perfection. One of my male friends ate 8 in one sitting, then returned an hour later for 6 more, proclaiming, "These are even better than <a href="https://www.greatharvest.com/">Great Harvest</a>!" <br />
<br />
This recipe yields about 3 dozen. <br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
1.5 C Butter @ room temperature<br />
1.5 C Sugar<br />
1 C Brown Sugar<br />
3 Eggs<br />
3 tsp Vanilla<br />
1 tsp Almond Extract<br />
4.5 C Flour<br />
3 tsp Cinnamon<br />
1 tsp Salt<br />
1.5 tsp Baking Soda<br />
.75 tsp Cream of Tartar<br />
<br />
<b>Topping:</b><br />
6 tsp Sugar & 3 tsp Cinnamon mixed together<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Preheat oven to 300 degrees </li>
<li>Cream Butter & Sugars</li>
<li>Blend in Eggs, Vanilla, Almond Extract</li>
<li>Blend in Cinnamon, Salt, Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar</li>
<li>Blend in Flour </li>
<li>This dough is a-mazing. Go ahead, take a spoonful </li>
<li>Refrigerate dough for an hour. This is not absolutely necessary, but really does make a good difference. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. If you don't have time, just stick the dough in the fridge while each batch is in the oven. </li>
<li>Roll dough into slightly larger than a walnut size (2-3 tablespoons)</li>
<li>Roll dough balls into cinnamon/sugar topping mixture</li>
<li>Bake for 12 - 14 minutes. You will know they are done because they will be slightly cracked on the top. Do not overcook, these are best chewy.</li>
<li>Let cookies cool and chow down! </li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpf04ZQfIdaJiZZW-DTZF4y6N6te1grlbUDhdpc8I00UWtUd8th3fBJ_dvgAWJDX3LCba2gv80a4iiOS6-c8hoBFRyL-RCGwk0bImKymFd_O0Qp6Fy1RAt3_PzZGr1XdWPkuMF6l4OAnt/s1600/SnickerDoodles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpf04ZQfIdaJiZZW-DTZF4y6N6te1grlbUDhdpc8I00UWtUd8th3fBJ_dvgAWJDX3LCba2gv80a4iiOS6-c8hoBFRyL-RCGwk0bImKymFd_O0Qp6Fy1RAt3_PzZGr1XdWPkuMF6l4OAnt/s320/SnickerDoodles.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snickerdoodles in the middle of this display from my <a href="http://www.theculturalhallpodcast.com/2015/12/17/how-to-host-a-christmas-story-party/">"A Christmas Story" Party</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-82859304414295022015-12-16T14:28:00.003-07:002015-12-16T15:03:31.148-07:00Homemade Oreo Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjharekMDgVESbkwwWF_IBmHS2HW_dj0mkGj43r8-rlmGlvO86E4OZrjcC7gDuePVhwYWIcC3QM90vb6-W8Ktu8lLdxapOo9TrFEIegW3na_vhanu0jb1SBWztpmdL4bCR7dBir1BfvaH45/s1600/IMG_2169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjharekMDgVESbkwwWF_IBmHS2HW_dj0mkGj43r8-rlmGlvO86E4OZrjcC7gDuePVhwYWIcC3QM90vb6-W8Ktu8lLdxapOo9TrFEIegW3na_vhanu0jb1SBWztpmdL4bCR7dBir1BfvaH45/s320/IMG_2169.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Oreos with Cream Cheese Frosting rolled in Holiday M&Ms for an extra seasonal flare</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over the years, I've been asked for my Homemade Oreo Recipe more times than I can count. So much so, in fact, that I have an email draft all saved and ready to go anytime someone asks. Why not share this secret with the world?<br />
<br />
I had my first go at these with my friend, Jon Scott, in 2008 and have been tweaking it ever since. At my highest, I was making three batches per week for about two years. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">For those of you who need EXACT, overly ridiculously precise instructions, this recipe provides.</span>
<br />
<div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;" />
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Cookies:</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">1 box Betty Crocker Devil's food cake mix (has to be Betty Crocker, has to be Devil's Food)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">2 eggs</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Whatever amount of oil the cake mix box says</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Roll into quarter-sized balls and bake at 350 for 8-9 minutes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">You
will be able to tell if the cookies are cooked enough because they will
have cracks in the top of them and when you lift the pan up and let it
drop down, the cookies will sink a little.</span><br />
<b><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Cream Cheese Frosting (enough for two batches):</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">1 stick real salted butter</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">1 8 oz. block cream cheese</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">blend until smooth</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">1 TBSP vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">1/2 tsp almond extract</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">blend until smooth</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">1.5
cups - 3 cups powdered sugar - this is the one where you have to trust
your taste buds. Some people like really cream-cheesey frosting, others
like it very sweet. I typically put in 2-2.5 cups. It's up to you. </span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Blend until smooth and refrigerate.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">This
keeps in the fridge in a sealed container until the expiration date of
the cream cheese. I usually have a tub of frosting in my fridge ready
to go, that way I only have to worry about making the cookies and I can
do that super fast. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Let the cookies cool completely before you frost them.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Put however much or little frosting in the middle that you want. I find that most people like more frosting.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Once
I have them all frosted, I typically keep them refrigerated until ready
to serve. I also find that most people prefer these chilled. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;" />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">Each box of cake mix makes about 20 <span class="highlight" id="0.06420234018047055" name="searchHitInReadingPane">oreo</span>s.
That's why my frosting recipe is for a double batch - I almost always
double up on the cookie recipe when I'm taking them somewhere.</span></i><br />
</div>
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</div>
<div>
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">If you roll the Oreos in M&Ms or other candies, simply dip the top half of one ball of dough in the topping, then bake. Only the top half of each completed cookie needs dipped, which will help your garnish last longer. </span></i><br />
</div>
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</div>
<div>
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;">You can use any kind of cake mix and duplicate this recipe for a variety of flavors. </span></i></div>
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-63083103845590570732015-11-03T11:39:00.003-07:002015-11-05T18:16:16.327-07:00Carrie The Musical: Utah Repertory Theater Company<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">I walked into <a href="http://utahrep.org/tickets/">Utah Repertory Theater Company's</a> space at the Gateway for <i>Carrie: The Musical,</i> and was immediately submersed in a world that felt like a Haunted Gymnasium. The sounds,the lighting, the smells, the "dead" people walking around were all on par. I'm not a big fan of interactive casts when the production wasn't originally designed to be interactive, so I was a little leery until I realized this was not an interactive production, but an immersive one. The "dead" students simply existed to create the atmosphere, which perfectly pulled me into the spell of <i>Carrie: The Musical. </i> </span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><i>Carrie: The Musical</i>, directed by Johnny Hebda, is based off the famous Stephen King novel and subsequent film, <i>Carrie.</i> The plot follows the title character as she matures in high school, as she is bullied relentlessly, as she learns to trust and distrust, as she is abused by her religious zealot of a mother, and as she discovers her powers which ultimately lead to her demise and the demise of almost all of her classmates. </span></span><br />
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Immediately, I was impressed with the strong choral ensemble sound and great acoustics in combination with superbly-executed dance moves. In spite of the fact that the actors are often directly in front of you or surrounding you, the blending is fantastic and, because of the intimate atmosphere, even if an actor's mic wasn't on as quickly as it should have been, you could still hear the actor. Vocally, the strongest numbers for me were anything sung by Rachel Shull as the terrifying Margaret White, "Unsuspecting Hearts" - a duet between Natalia Noble's Carrie White and Megan Shenefelt's Miss Gardner, and "Shine"- a duet between Emilie Starr's Sue Snell and Brock Dalgleish's Tommy Ross. I was impressed with how healthy of a belt sound the leading actors produced with an exception of a few pushed lines on the title song "Carrie." <span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Skye Dahlstrom's sassy, insecure bully, Chris Hargensen, on "The World
According to Chris" had a strained, forced sound to her belt, but melted my heart with her crystal clear angelic, gentle sound when singing in her
higher register head voice as she introspectively sings alone after the rest of the cast exits the stage. </span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Acting-wise, Dahlstrom is a stand-out in her portrayal of Chris - she shows us the insecurities deep within that manifest into cruelty. We watch all of the character relationships develop throughout the show, but the best relationship chemistry, surprisingly, is at the beginning of the show between "best friends" Sue (Starr) and Chris (Dahlstrom). I also enjoyed the loving, protective relationship between Carrie (Noble) and Miss Gardner (Shenefelt). </span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Natalie Noble will absolutely knock your socks off as she becomes Carrie White - from her posture to her mannerisms to her awkward glances to her unsure-come-unstoppable metamorphosis. Margaret (Shull) was truly the most terrifying character in the show, with her religious-zealot mind frame and the way she loves and simultaneously abuses her daughter. My notes actually said, "Shull as Margaret - YIKES!" Miss Gardner (Shenefelt) is Carrie's inspiration in a voice of love and reason. There was a certain melody missing to her southern accent, but nothing can stop the warmth you feel emananting from her and her love for the students. Emilie Eileen Starr's Sue is the heart of this production, covering every emotion from joyous to tearfully traumatized to love to fear to hate - and bringing the audience along with her on the ride. </span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">As a whole, the ensemble characters are fantastically convincing in character, never breaking even though at times they are practically on top of the audience. They precisely and energetically execute Ashley Gardner Carlson's ambitious choreography. One female ensemble member lacked the electricity to her character the others portrayed, while none of the male ensemble members convincingly portrayed the heterosexual males they are intended to be (one is written as being "confused). But don't take what I'm saying the wrong way - the ensemble was absolutely at a level at which any director would be more than pleased. To
both ensemble and leads - most of the cast has rock-star physiques that
the best of trainers would be proud of, so I must point out there is no
need to fidget or adjust the costumes while on stage. </span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Speaking of the ensemble, the staging of many of the scenes, full of chaos and running, was precisely portrayed the performance I attended. I can see how one wrong step could lead to a collision or injury, but the cast seemed acutely aware of each other, in spite of darkness, flashing lights, and screaming. </span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">The lighting, by Geoffrey Gregory, with precise spots, color changes, creation of the tone for the special effects, etc, was also exactly what I would hope for in a production in this space. The magic of the special effects shared with the audience were spot-on. Many of the effects were implied for the audience to use our imaginations with sound and light, which absolutely worked because the imagination is often times more vivid than reality, yet because the effects we saw were so enthralling, we were left wanting more of the magic show. </span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Also a huge help in creating the atmosphere was the makeup by Kelly Donahue. Characters change from dead to alive at the beginning of the show through the flashback story-telling of Starr's Snell. I was amazed at the quickness of that change. Carrie is a girl who doesn't know how to take care of herself, but I don't see her as absolutely wretched, which is what her harsh makeup at the beginning of the show creates with the red tones on her eyes and flesh tone on her lips. Her color tones were more blended by half-way through Act 1. The aging makeup on Shull worked well, considering the very small venue and how close we were, but I wish I had been twenty feet further away so I wouldn't have noticed. To save the best mention for last - the blood. <i>The Blood!</i> The blood looked real, created gore without being over-the-top, and smelled delicious. Yes, I understand the creepiness of that statement. Very well done. </span></span><br />
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The music was perfection. I didn't realize the orchestrations were live until part-way through the show because they were precisely executed and at such a perfect balance sound-wise with the vocals. Balance may seem a given, but in most shows there is almost always one over-powering the other. Hats off to music director Kevin Mathie. <br />
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Director Hebda's vision for the show was original and well-executed. Many of the props, as we experience this story through the flashbacks of Sue Snell, were left to the imagination, except vital pieces such as The Bible. In flashbacks, we remember only integral details, not every minute object. The missing pieces added to the atmosphere, creating a disturbing element visually. Hebda's vision also leant itself to leaving out some of the vulgar bullying
aspects at the beginning of the show that weren't necessary. He wisely re-imagined the beginning of the show to have the characters first appear as deceased, then a close-up on the living Sue, creating the full-circle of the story. You will also notice that Sue never changes costumes, which makes sense as the audience is experiencing this story through her narration of her memories. She flawlessly transitions from telling the story to being part of the story.<br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">There wasn't
any better place to be this past Halloween weekend than watching this
production. The talent impressed, the atmosphere transported, and the
message touched hearts to the point of tears from both audience members and cast alike. If you are intrigued by the idea of <i>Carrie</i> as a musical, go check it out and you will walk away with your heart more full, whether for your love of people or horror.* <i>Carrie </i>is the perfect choice for entertainment to haunt you with the ghosts of your past, as every audience member will be able to connect with one of the characters as someone they knew, or were, in their youth. </span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">You can <a href="http://utahrep.org/tickets/">buy tickets</a> for shows Wednesday at 7:30pm - Sunday, November 8 at 7:30pm. There is a 2pm Matinee on Saturday and a 3pm matinee on Sunday. This Wednesday is "pay as you may" day at the door (</span></span><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Gateway Mall, 90 S. Rio Grande St. in Salt Lake City) as long as tickets remain. Prices are $18 for adults pre-purchased, $15 for students/seniors, and $20 for adults at the door.</span></span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">*Content
Advisory: This production contains adult language, with several uses
of "the F-word." There is also physical violence, although it is purely
theatrical, it is staged convincingly. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class=""><span class=""><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class=""></span> </span></span></span></span></span>Directed by Johnny Hebda <br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class=""><span class=""></span></span></span><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fsl"> Musical Direction by Kevin Mathie<br /> Choreography by Ashley Gardner Carlson<br /> Assistant Directed by JayC Stoddard<br /> Produced by Cylie Hall</span></span></span><br />
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fsl">Sound Design by James Hansen</span></span></span><br />
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fsl">Lighting Design by Geoffrey Gregory </span></span></span><br />
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fsl">Makeup by Kelly Donahue </span></span></span><br />
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="fsl"> </span> </span></span><br />
<span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">Cast:<br /> CARRIE WHITE- Natalia Noble<br /> MARGARET WHITE- Rachel Shull<br /> SUE SNELL- Emilie Starr<br /> CHRIS HARGENSEN- Skye Dahlstrom <br /> TOMMY ROSS- Brock Dalgleish <br /> BILLY NOLAN- Derek Gregerson <br /> MISS GARDNER- Megan Shenefelt <br /> MR. STEPHENS/REVEREND BLISS- Jim Dale<br /> NORMA- Giovanna Doty<br /> HELEN- Kellie Rodriguez <br /> KIM- Micki Martinez <br /> LISA- Jenny Bauman <br /> FRIEDA- Morgan Michel<br /> GEORGE- Todd McRae<br /> STOKES- Tommy Kulkus<br /> FREDDIE- Garrett Grigg<br /> STEVE- Dallon Thorup<br /> RICKY- Paul Calvo</span></span></div>
Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-52112593307812347192015-08-25T18:37:00.003-06:002015-08-26T13:22:06.971-06:00The Unfriend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Unfriend." <br />
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I simply want to share how this strangest of all verbs has affected my life and my desire to change that.<br />
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The only thing that will cause me to "unfriend" a person on the book of faces is if someone is offending me in an extreme manner with a personal attack, cruelty, or mega stalkage. You see, in my world, someone has to have gone so far past the tolerable zone, that I will go out of my way to hunt down the "unfriend" button and consciously make the effort to click it with a sigh of good riddance. Most often, the unfriend is not worth my time. I've "unfollowed" here and there when someone loves to talk about a topic not of interest to me too often, but it takes a lot to get me to truly feel someone is not worth being in my life any longer and actively make the cut. <br />
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This, my friends, is why I hurt more than I should when I haphazardly discover someone I have loved at some point in my life (friends, old roommates,cast mates, ultimate frisbee buddies, the list goes on) has gone out of their way to unfriend me. This usually happens when I go to send a message or type on their wall that something made me think of them. I <i>know</i> there are many, <i>many</i> reasons someone could have chosen to unfriend, but because I know why I do, it hurts. I think, "How sad is it that I'd still be thinking of them and they have cut me from association?" I find myself going through stages of denial. Then I spend way more time than I should looking over my own Facebook page trying to figure out what the heck I did that was so offensive to them that they wanted to cut me out of their lives. If I knew, I would absolutely apologize, but I come up blank every time. (All ex's have a get out of jail free card in the unfriend...I understand those).<br />
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Maybe a picture of myself in my latest theater production that a friend tagged is too much? Maybe my bi-monthly status updates are too much? Maybe they can't handle my awesomeness? *sigh* I really don't know. I have tried over and over to not let it bug me, but it does because I love so deeply and so permanently. Every person I have associated with has left an imprint in my life - helping me become the person I am today.<br />
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I'll never know. It will probably always bug me. But that's okay. Life is great and I can consider myself blessed to have had a friend in the first place and then even more blessed for the ones who keep me around. </div>
Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-41614095917931065132015-07-20T15:23:00.000-06:002015-07-20T15:28:06.767-06:00Ordinary Days: Utah Repertory Theater Company<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I entered <a href="http://thesugarspace.com/">Sugar Space</a> at 616 Wilmington Avenue in Salt Lake City expecting an ordinarily charming, eccentric, entertaining show from <a href="http://utahrep.org/">Utah Repertory Theater Company</a>. What I received in <a href="https://www.blogger.com/Cast%20and%20Production%20List%20%20Director:%20Chase%20Ramsey%20Music%20Director:Jeanne%20McGuire%20%20Claire:%20Mandi%20Barrus%20%20Deb:%20Brighton%20Hertford%20%20Jason:%20Matthew%20Wade%20%20Warren:%20Thomas%20Kulkus"><i>Ordinary Days</i></a> was so much more.<br />
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We are introduced to the characters on a chaotic New York City street, which is hard to imagine with only four cast members and a piano as accompaniment, but the pandemonium was real. Inspirational quotes are shared (both in delivery and on flyers handed to audience members) through the refreshingly, adorably optimistic Warren (Thomas Kulkus), having the audience in giggle fits from the first moment we see the expression on his face. There is a delicate balance in the use of breaking the fourth wall in theater, which this cast utilizes with perfection. They interact to let us know they are telling us their story, yet pull back to the art of story-telling at precisely the right moments.<br />
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For those who have been to an Off-Broadway show in New York City, they know the intimate setting and feel of only those tiny theaters where the performers are practically in your lap, the set pieces that become a wall or a car or a coffee shop so imaginatively flawlessly, and the feeling at the end of the show that you are part of something bigger than when you entered. Sugar Space was the perfect venue to create that exact sort of feeling for Salt Lake audiences - a larger venue simply would not do. <br />
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Audiences will have an innate knowledge that these four characters are destined to intertwine into each others' lives by the show's conclusion. I have already mentioned Warren (Thomas Kulkus). We have Deb (Brighton Hertford), the ever-agonizing intellectual graduate-school hipster. Next is Jason (Matthew Wade), the sparkly-eyed man in love. Finally, is Claire (Mandi Barrus), a charismatic woman with an initially awesomely Ingrid Michaelson-style sound, obviously trying to let go of something to make room for a man she knows loves her. <br />
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As each character shares with us bits of their ordinary days in their ordinary lives, we see how truly humorous and devastating even the smallest of daily events can be. In each of their stories, we can clearly see our own lives - from the ever-present twinkle in Wade's eye as Jason, to the angst of a lost school assignment, to the extreme desire for human connection. <br />
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One of the songs presents the concept that we keep things as mementos as proof that our past life was real. My mind spiraled out of control thinking of all of the ways my past seems a distant, fictional creation that I truly might not believe if there weren't tangible evidence. I think of my life in Ohio growing up - the barn, the My Little Ponies, the gymnastics t-shirts galore...all things that seem so far removed, yet I can open one box and an entire world is there before me of which I never want to let go. <br />
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Just as you might feel as if you will succumb to the aching of nostalgia, Warren and Deb's interactions have us again grinning ear-to-ear. The one exception to this is Claire's number, "I'll Be Here." I publicly proclaim to the world that I have never cried at a movie. Even crazier, I had never cried at a theater production, unless I was performing on stage. Friends, I had tears rolling down my cheek (just the left one) to the point that I could not believe Barrus was able to complete her performance without breaking down. The sniffles echoing through the audience let me know I was not alone.<br />
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About twenty minutes into Utah Rep's <i>Ordinary Days</i>, I quit taking notes. Each performer had such fine-tuned nuances, such intricately enunciated lyrics, that I wanted to drink in every moment undistracted and let my mind take me away to their world in New York City. Each performer sings their soul with such honesty and character that you almost forget there are notes written on a page instead of a tune you've somehow always known.<br />
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I have always tried to put into words what a crazy miracle life can be. What if I had moved to a different neighborhood? What if I hadn't met up with a heartbroken friend one night for improv comedy? What if a dear friend hadn't reached out to me to attend this production? I don't have answers. I don't <i>want</i> answers. What I do know is that Adam Gwon presents us with a brief glimpse into how the lives of four people changed forever because of several "fortuitous coincidences." Which leads me to wonder - is our life full of an endless stream of "coincidences," or "miracles," or both? <br />
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If you have a chance, any chance at all, I suggest you eliminate one "What if?" from your life and see this production. So often I share that a show is for a particular target audience. <i>Ordinary Days</i>, however, will resonate with everyone. Everyone. You will see yourself in its honest compilation of ordinary events that add up to create a legacy for each or our lives. <br />
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Some performances have sold out, so you will want to make sure to get your tickets as soon as possible <a href="http://utahrep.org/tickets/">here</a>. Take a date, take a best friend, take yourself. You can find more information on <a href="http://utahrep.org/2015-utah-reps-season-of-levity-and-consternation/ordinary-days/">Utah Rep's website</a> or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/591091980993537/">Facebook Event</a>. The show is only 75 minutes, which is just long enough to fully develop each story, while leaving you wanting more. The rating would be PG-13 for some language only. Remaining available performances dates are as follows:<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"> Saturday, July 25, 7:30 p.m.<br /> Sunday, July 26, 3 p.m.</span><br />
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<span class="fsl"><b><u>Cast and Production List </u></b></span><br />
<span class="fsl">Director: Chase Ramsey<br /> Music Director:Jeanne McGuire</span><br />
<span class="fsl">Claire: Mandi Barrus</span><br />
<span class="fsl">Deb: Brighton Hertford</span><br />
<span class="fsl">Jason: Matthew Wade</span><br />
<span class="fsl">Warren: Thomas Kulkus</span><br />
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-26488345483847542532015-07-14T12:10:00.000-06:002015-07-14T14:23:11.122-06:00Taylorsville Arts: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Every once in awhile something magical happens with a cast both on and off the stage.<br />
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In years past, I have had a rough go at teaching my choreography. The ideas are all beautifully harmonious in my head, but due to my <a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2013/03/my-diagnosis.html">little voice disorder</a>, it becomes painful to project/yell (yes, even with a microphone) for three hours at a time. Don't worry, voice therapy and medicine mostly keep my vocal chords strong and can now last a two-hour show no problem. Most community theater participants are performing for many reasons - one of them being social. I love it when my casts love each other, but the anxiety that grips my heart when I realize they love talking, and loudly, is pure dread.<br />
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I love to perform as well as choreograph. The two most often can't go hand-in-hand because I have to dedicate my voice to one or the other. Yet, when director Wendy Dahl-Smedshammer approached me to choreograph <i>Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat</i>, I could not say no in spite of the stifling fear of facing a painful and not-as-successful-as-I-would-have-hoped experience like I've sometimes had in the past. To cover all my bases, I found a wonderful choreographer friend in Natalie Fortie Adams for 5 of the bigger of 21 numbers who also covered some of the rehearsals I could not attend and the best dance captain a girl could hope for in Aubrielle Johnson. <br />
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Miracle of miracles - everything fell into place to choreograph and perform all while successfully pleasing both groups. But this is not the point of the story.<br />
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The point is, I was scared going into this experience. I didn't know if I could do it. I didn't want to let down my performers or myself, but could I get them to successfully bring to life the dancing visions in my mind? <br />
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YES! The answer is a resounding, "YES!" The 70-ish performers in Taylorsville's production of <i>Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat </i>work incredibly hard. They love each other and talk, but also respect all of the production team members when they are talking. They remember all of the notes they are given for a better performance. They practice. They ask for tips on how to be better. They help each other. The list goes on and on. I could not be more impressed with this group. <br />
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In fact, for the first time I have teared up watching them dance. This is the first time I can say, "Yes, that is the vision that was in my head and there it is on stage just as I imagined!" I tear up watching how much they have grown to love each other the past couple of months. I tear up thinking about how there is no way we could have known when we were casting the show the first weekend in May that these performers would step up to a level they were not near two months ago. There is no way we could have known the magic that would happen. <br />
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I love this cast. I would work with them time and time again. There is an air of love floating around that stage I have no doubt the audience feels. There is laughter and joy every night. Mingling in the crowds after the show, I see nothing but smiles. We don't have a budget for fancy technology or sets or costumes, but we've got magic. What more do you need? <br />
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Closing night is tonight. I truly hope lives have changed this summer. I also truly hope I have been a part of that.<br />
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Alder Amphitheater SLCC Campus off 4600 Redwood Road. 8:00 pm. $7 or $5 for groups larger than 6.<br />
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All photos courtesy of <span class="null">Janel Williams.</span> <br />
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-64946827227691575742015-04-23T18:49:00.001-06:002015-04-23T18:49:28.034-06:00Larissa's Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I learned today that a picture really is worth 1,000 words. All I did was post a photo of some cookies I baked for a friend and - *BAM* - dozens of requests for a recipe. They do look amazing, right? I promise they taste even better! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGiWXCCjxww6aljn5PMdIGwN06h0k1TyfjGKdF3dv2q3J1CS7Hnq5-lYRlv9fek3Vr6eqQ_fRAdA61rr8q_23yJ90I-7MToa1JJrUl1U1eMHfLrs6Xm6CO762JDUolFmnMz3bZJ9WEpkq/s1600/LarissasChocolateChipCookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGiWXCCjxww6aljn5PMdIGwN06h0k1TyfjGKdF3dv2q3J1CS7Hnq5-lYRlv9fek3Vr6eqQ_fRAdA61rr8q_23yJ90I-7MToa1JJrUl1U1eMHfLrs6Xm6CO762JDUolFmnMz3bZJ9WEpkq/s1600/LarissasChocolateChipCookies.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<u><b>Ingredients</b></u><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>1 c. brown sugar</li>
<li>1/2 c. granulated sugar</li>
<li>2 sticks room temperature butter (aka softened, not melted)</li>
<li>1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract</li>
<li>1 tsp. almond extract</li>
<li>3/4 tsp. baking soda</li>
<li>3/4 tsp. baking powder</li>
<li>1 tsp. salt</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups bread flour</li>
<li>1 cup flour (<span style="font-size: x-small;">or just do 2 1/4 - 2 1/2 regular flour</span>)</li>
<li>1/3 bag Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Chips or Trader Joe's Chocolate Chips</li>
<li>1/3 bag Trader Joe's Chocolate Chunks</li>
<li>1/3 bag Nestle Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (the only time I ever use Nestle, as I don't prefer their chocolate)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Directions</b></u><br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Combine sugars and butter until integrated/fluffy (too much mixing will melt the butter = bad)</li>
<li>Mix in extracts, soda, powder, salt, and eggs (again, do not mix too much)</li>
<li>Mix in bread flour until just integrated</li>
<li>Mix in flour until just integrated (the dough may seem as if it is not going to stick together, but it will once you knead)</li>
<li>Knead in chocolate chips with freshly washed hands</li>
<li>Refrigerate dough for <i>at least</i>* an hour. I prefer to let it set overnight, which is why I love this recipe- you can whip it together right before bed in ten minutes, then bake the next day (or three days later!). </li>
<li>Roll dough into balls - I usually do about a 50-cent piece size just slightly smaller than a golf ball, but it works for larger sizes too</li>
</ul>
*I <i>promise</i> you if you don't let these set/chill, they will turn out very flat and crispy, which is not at all what you want. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Baking/Post-Baking </b></u><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Some ovens may take 11. You want them to only have the lightest of brown on the higher points of the cookies.</li>
<li>Let cookies develop on sheet for two or three minutes.</li>
<li>Use spatula to remove and place on whatever surface you use for cooling - I use a sheet of wax paper or tin foil. Nothing fancy. </li>
<li>The cookies may seem to be gooey or more likely to fall apart, but they will solidify upon cooling. </li>
</ul>
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-50431581946507261952015-03-05T17:04:00.002-07:002015-03-05T17:04:21.161-07:00Noises Off: Midvale Arts Council<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<i>Noises Off</i>, by Michael Frayn, is an absolutely wacky show-within-a-show where nothing happens, yet everything happens. <br />
<br />
In act one, the characters are learning their lines and blocking for an actual production. Act two leads us backstage to see the antics of the performers as they make their entrances and exits. The closing act shows us the absolute deterioration of the performances on stage due to the crazy mishaps off stage. <br />
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There are shows that make you think and shows that make you laugh. I love the opportunity to sit back with a smile plastered across my face as my brain goes on vacation. All of the performances were perfectly flawed to fit the absurd antics of the characters designed to be larger-than-life. <br />
<br />
The true genius of <i>Noises Off</i> is found in the set design. Wow. In between each act, the crew and cast take apart the set and reconstruct it to show the backstage/on stage dynamic. You can see what a feat Midvale has produced in this <a href="https://instagram.com/p/zjLjeHRxx4/?modal=true">15-second hyperlapse video</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.midvalearts.com/">Midvale Arts</a> has also been doing an entertaining campaign with their Instagram account, which I suggest you follow<a href="https://instagram.com/midvalearts/"> here</a>. Each day, a different cast or crew member takes over the instagram to show you what a day in their life is like, as well as their character's view from on stage. Talk about getting the inside scoop! <br />
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I don't have anything eloquent to say except that this show is exactly what you need to cure the winter blues. I found myself with my hands on my face, watching with disbelief at the "I can't believe this is happening" moments in the third act. Each move is something straight out of <i>America's Funniest Home Videos.</i> You will end the night breathless from laughter and feeling like you got a great workout simply from watching the actors and actresses command the zaniness on stage. <br />
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You have three chances left to see this show: 7:30pm March 5, 6, and 7 at Midvale Performing Arts Center (695 W. Center Street, Midvale).<br />
T<span style="color: black;">icket prices are $7 for general admission,
$5 for seniors and children, family passes are available for $25 (one
household.) Group discounts are available by contacting Producer,</span> <a href="http://www.midvalearts.com/Stephanie@MidvaleArts.com">Stephanie Johnson</a>.<br />
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Cast List:<br />
Director: Aaron Sparks<br />
Producer: Stephanie Johnson<br />
<div>
Dotty/Clackett: Carrie Simper</div>
<div>
Lloyd: Chris Kucera</div>
<div>
Gary/Roger: Scott Millet</div>
<div>
Brooke/Vicki: McKenzie Stanworth</div>
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Poppy: Megan Smyth</div>
<div>
Frederick/Phillip: Madman Madriaga</div>
<div>
Belinda/Flavia: Nichole Keddington</div>
<div>
Tim: Mark Hanson</div>
<div>
Selsdon: Dain Percifield</div>
</div>
Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-44123711348933374432015-03-03T23:10:00.002-07:002015-03-03T23:34:01.781-07:00The Last Five Years: Utah Repertory Theater Company<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Every story is told from the point of view of the person sharing the story. Utah Repertory Theater Company shares with us a musical masterpiece of composer Jason Robert Brown<i> </i>in <i>The Last Five Years. </i>Audiences experience a love story, told alternately through the eyes of Jamie and Cathy, Jamie recalling from the beginning of the relationship, Cathy from the end, and meeting in the middle. <br />
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<div class="header-title-description">
<span class="light bigText highContrastColor">Utah Rep's website sums up our characters best: "Jamie Wellerstein (Rhett Richins) is a young, talented up-and-coming Jewish novelist
who falls in love with Cathy Hiatt (Erin Royall Carlson), a struggling actress and shiksa
goddess." Audiences spend the next hour and a half with the talents of Richins and Carlson alone on stage, as directed by John Sweeney.</span><br />
<br />
Rhett Richins' nuances as Jamie Wellerstein were natural, convincing,
and often hilarious. He conveyed every nuance of an emotion through
one simple look, one pronunciation. I loved the way he wove accents in
and out of his singing as he talked about his Jewish mother and an old
clock maker named Schmuel. Actors are often directed that every movement has a purpose, which Richins personifies as he tells a story in each look, movement, and musical note. <br />
<br />
Erin Royall Carlson as
Cathy Hiatt evoked a strong stoicism and warped sense of humor that
being a theater professional requires. We see such weight on her
shoulders as she begins the show at the end of her story and
relationship, with each scene seemingly lifting off another emotional
brick to unveil the light, energetic, radiant Cathy that Jamie fell in
love with. <br />
<br />
<span class="light bigText highContrastColor">Live orchestrations grant these two performers the ability to interpret
the lyrics and musicality with emotion and depth, helping transfer those
feelings to the audience. Music director, Anne Puzey, created a
remarkable atmosphere with her ensemble of talented musicians. Composer Jason Robert Brown is known for intricate work, and these musicians created a feeling of intricacy that could have shared the story even if the songs had no lyrics. </span><br />
<span class="light bigText highContrastColor"><br /></span>
<span class="light bigText highContrastColor">The set, lighting, and sound were all very simply designed as we focused on a three-point turning set piece in the middle of the stage, with side pieces and use of shadows to direct or focus to a certain character or scene. I agree with these decisions strongly, as this story is about two people and their relationship, stripped bare of the world around them. </span><br />
<br />
Watching the decisions of Jamie and Cathy, my heart wrenched with the agony of my own choices and where they were
leading my life and the life of my relationships. Cathy and Jamie made
these seemingly insignificant choices that became more and more
substantial until their relationship was ruined. We can choose our
path, but we cannot choose our consequences. I became keenly aware of
how important each moment is. When Jamie asks Cathy if she will share
her life with him for the next ten minutes, then ten more minutes, I
thought about how many times the present ten minutes would not leave my
friend or husband to ask me for another ten minutes. Jamie gifts Cathy a watch at one point, saying, "You get to be happy...I give you unlimited time." Watching <i>The Last Five Years</i> stress the importance of time and its correlation with happiness drives home the invaluable importance of every moment. It's in the moments that life is made or broken.<br />
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As a passionate theater-goer, yet not someone who researches beyond plot-points to the intricate nuances of a show before I attend, I can confidently say that <i>The Last Five Years</i> can be confusing even if you know there are two timelines that meet in the middle. Perhaps a talkback session would have explained the answer to our questions, but my companion and I both had a difficult time understanding why there would be a Jamie scene where he is singing to Cathy and she is present, then the next Jamie scene where he is singing to Cathy, she is not present. We didn't notice a correlation between his temperament or the stage of their relationship and her presence or lack thereof. The one correlation we found was between her presence/his presence and costume changes. For such a minimalistic production, the elaborate costume changes seemed a bit much. Yes, it did help tell the story and create clear "this is a different scene" moments, but I would have liked to see both characters on stage at all times <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(which I know is more exhausting than a marathon for performers)</span>, with simple costume changes, like the addition of a jacket, a change of shoes, a scarf, etc. This would have fit the overall minimalistic feel for me. I also wondered if perhaps the age in the lyrics could have been changed to more accurately reflect the age of the performers. </div>
<br />
Some of you may question whether to see the live theater production or the movie that is hitting wide-release in theaters. My suggestion is you must see both. There is beautiful story-telling in the movie, however, live theater has an electricity in the air that makes the experience undeniably more real. The raw vibrancy of a person standing in front of you shedding real tears and real sweat while singing their heart out to you, to tell <i>you</i> a story, cannot be recreated on film.<br />
<br />
If you have a heart, it will break watching Utah Rep's performance of <i>The Last Five Years</i> - it will break with joy, mourning, inspiration, and appreciation of the beautiful work of art in front of you. You will see scenes from your own relationships played out before you, giving you the cherished feelings of each loving moment while your gut wrenches with pangs from loss. Should you choose to use your time at <i>The Last Five Years</i>, that time will be incredibly well spent. As Jamie sings, "Take a breath. Take a step. Take a chance." <br />
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<br />
The Last Five Years<i> runs at various times, with varying admission prices, until March 15 at Sugar Space Studio Theater in Sugarhouse, then March 20-22 at the Ziegfeld Theatre in Ogden. Please refer to the <a href="http://utahrep.org/tickets/">website for more information</a>. Please also note that the movie version of this production is rated PG-13 for language and adult themes, which echoes the stage production. </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GXx5fBHtRfuSVDS_DqBFyNtL39nZ-5GKH0J438Gu5TkXIp-ejXFl5IVtF20aOPAz3FUggQUPtrq4eLt2cxNCDLgV5YoDbCgSfKio0zucbcKgoOHnl3k0T-O6WXra7-YS8-TUHUFGi9Ls/s1600/thelastfiveyears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GXx5fBHtRfuSVDS_DqBFyNtL39nZ-5GKH0J438Gu5TkXIp-ejXFl5IVtF20aOPAz3FUggQUPtrq4eLt2cxNCDLgV5YoDbCgSfKio0zucbcKgoOHnl3k0T-O6WXra7-YS8-TUHUFGi9Ls/s1600/thelastfiveyears.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from Utahrep.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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*Disclaimer* I've heard it said, and fully agree,
"Reviewers don't write about theater, they write about themselves at the
theater." </div>
Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-60244536642097881812015-03-03T17:44:00.000-07:002015-04-23T17:45:57.094-06:00Empress Theatre: Into the Woods<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">I recently reviewed <i>Into the Woods</i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> at the <a href="http://www.empresstheatre.com/">Empress Theatre</a> for </span><a href="http://frontrowreviewersutah.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-decoration: none;">Front Row Reviewers Utah.</a><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">We all know the stories of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel - complete with their evil nemeses. But what happens when you flip these fairy tales on their heads? </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Into the Woods<i> happens, that's what. Lucky for you, Nancy Jensen is directing a lovely production for audiences to see this inside-out tale at <a href="http://www.empresstheatre.com/">The Empress Theatre</a>.</i></span><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">If you'd like to read more, please do so </span><a href="http://frontrowreviewersutah.com/?p=2612">her<span id="goog_1119360230"></span><span id="goog_1119360231"></span>e</a>.<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Narrator: Nathan Unck</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Cinderella: Valerie Packer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Jack: Skye Davis</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Jack's Mother: Jamie Crane</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Baker: Brett Johnson</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Baker's Wife: Sarah Johnson</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Cinderella's Stepmother: Kimberly Wicker</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Florinda: Sunny Watts</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Lucinda: Melissa Head</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Cinderella's Father: Perry Whitehair</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Little Red: Alexis Shaw</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Witch: Diane Nebeker</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Cinderella's Mother/Giant: Christin Saling</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Mysterious Man: Steve Hedman</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Wolf/Rapunzel's Prince: Geoffrey Gregory</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Cinderella's Prince: Chris Kennedy</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUsL1ogIgDJr-6292Cy6ox3NjNg9Q0MlcwnU5OabddSVpSGSIFEh3e1TEa9kwZx0UonDAIEaAi9pR7haNo4MDhyw2ACRQGz2oboUx-SsSfky20sQ3Hz4uW6aPqu8SiwWyKSdyt6RGyiJ9/s1600/TheEmpressTheaterIntoTheWoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUsL1ogIgDJr-6292Cy6ox3NjNg9Q0MlcwnU5OabddSVpSGSIFEh3e1TEa9kwZx0UonDAIEaAi9pR7haNo4MDhyw2ACRQGz2oboUx-SsSfky20sQ3Hz4uW6aPqu8SiwWyKSdyt6RGyiJ9/s1600/TheEmpressTheaterIntoTheWoods.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Empress Theatre</td></tr>
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-67764029176765642992015-02-21T14:51:00.002-07:002015-11-05T18:03:25.140-07:00Adult Braces: My Third Adjustment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Due to the promise I made after my second adjustment regarding not purchasing milkshakes, I was pretty darned excited for adjustment number 3. I mean, c'mon - MILKSHAKE! <br />
<br />
This time has actually been okay, folks. I expected to not be able to eat much for a couple of days, so I prepped for more than my fair share of soft foods with not a lot of pain. I won't be munching tortilla chips anytime soon, but it's okay. <br />
<br />
I received two new wires (top and bottom), as well as some pretty blue rubberbands on the bottom. My next visit will bring me a "claw" (I asked, they told me it meant bending wires to close the spaces that were created to turn/straighten certain teeth) and all the other prep work for adjustment number five. What is happening on adjustment five? *gulp* Springs. This option is better than head gear, but I also fear the side effects. <br />
<br />
I listened to myself on the show in podcast form that I help with - <a href="http://www.theculturalhallpodcast.com/">The Cultural Hall </a>- and heard this weird "sh" every time I said an "s." It was very weird listening to my intonation and enunciation be so different than recordings in the past. C'est la vie, it'll only last another year and a half-ish. <br />
<br />
Until adjustment number 4, chew lightly.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/11/adult-braces-making-decision.html">Adult Braces: Making the Decision </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-spacers-aka-prep.html">Adult Braces: Getting Spacers aka The Prep Work</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-braces-on.html">Adult Braces: Getting Braces On</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-learning-to-eat-with-braces.html">Adult Braces: Learning to Eat with Braces</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-my-first-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My First Adjustment</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-rubber-band-replacement.html">Adult Braces: Rubber Band Replacement (the first few)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/01/adult-braces-my-second-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Second Adjustment </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/02/adult-braces-my-third-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Third Adjustment</a><br />
<br />
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-84880994114834911992015-01-29T18:53:00.000-07:002015-01-29T18:53:53.118-07:00Past Year's Resolutions: 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What did I accomplish this year?<br />
<br />
Every year I ask myself this question and make my retrospective resolutions for the year. Hindsight <i>is</i> 20/20. And I think it is much more uplifting to reflect and think, "Wow- I did that!" than to think, "I didn't meet two of my ten goals. I'm a failure." Know what I'm saying? <br />
<br />
In no particular order:<br />
<ol>
<li>Stay married! Apparently this is a pretty big deal.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2014/04/new-york-city-and-me-two-weeks-of-2014.html">Visit NYC for 2 weeks</a>, seeing 16 shows (My favorite was <a href="http://beautifulonbroadway.com/carolekingsearch/?gclid=CISCho-IncMCFQyraQodPjUAbQ">Beautiful</a>, thanks for asking)</li>
<li>Be on David Letterman. For real. Here's the <a href="http://www.life-of-the-party.com/dj-rob-late-show-david-letterman/">story and video</a>.</li>
<li>Buy a new new car. 2014 Honda Civic EX. Probably never going to happen again in my life. </li>
<li>Choreograph <i>Hairspray</i> for Taylorsville Arts</li>
<li>Choreograph <i>Broadway My Way </i>for Taylorsville Arts</li>
<li>Choreograph for Murray elementary schools</li>
<li>Perform as Vi Moore in <a href="http://www.sandyarts.com/sandy-arts-guild/home.html">Sandy Arts Guild</a>'s <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footloose_%28musical%29">Footloose</a></i> - I guess I play adults now?</li>
<li>Perform in a dream show <i><a href="http://www.marvelouswonderettes.com/">Marvelous Wonderettes</a></i> for <a href="http://www.sandyarts.com/sandy-arts-guild/home.html">Sandy Arts Guild</a> as Betty Jean Reynolds - Wait, I'm 18 again? </li>
<li>Audition for my first show at Hale Centre Theatre and get called back! </li>
<li>See Frankie Valli perform live at Niagra Falls - that's one off my bucket list</li>
<li>Increase my husband's business, <i><a href="http://www.life-of-the-party.com/">Life of the Party Entertainment</a>,</i> another 20%, meaning his business has doubled since I began working with him </li>
<li>Maintain my six-times weekly dates with Gym</li>
<li>Be in a movie - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3534282/">Don Verdean.</a> I was just an extra, but we are seeing the final product at Sundance Film Festival Saturday</li>
<li>Win "best couple that never actually hooked up" in the costume contest at <a href="http://www.peppernix.com/">Pepper Nix's</a> Halloween Spooktacular for our "A League of Their Own" costumes, we've been trying to win for three years</li>
<li>Become a redhead (for a show, but I kept it).</li>
<li>Get braces, a wish in the making for 17 years</li>
<li>Visit Rochester, Niagra Falls, Ohio, NYC, Moab, Las Vegas (twice), Phoenix, Shakespeare Festival, Goblin Valley</li>
<li>Throw the greatest "A Christmas Story" party (creatively speaking) yet</li>
<li>Read the <i>Fablehaven</i> and <i>Under the Never Sky </i>series</li>
<li>Finish watching <i>Twin Peaks, How I Met Your Mother, The Carrie Diaries</i> (don't judge)<i>, Sherlock, </i>and<i> Breaking Bad</i></li>
<li>Continue helping beautiful brides plan and implement their weddings</li>
<li>Continue helping with <a href="http://www.theculturalhallpodcast.com/"><i>The Cultural Hall</i> Show Podcast</a></li>
</ol>
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Resolutions of Year's Past<br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2013/12/past-years-resolutions-2013.html">2013</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2012/12/past-years-resolutions-2012.html">2012</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2012/01/past-years-resolutions-2011.html">2011</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2011/01/past-years-resolutions-2010.html">2010</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2010/01/old-years-resolutions.html">2009</a><br />
<a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2008/01/schmezolutions.html">2008 </a></div>
Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-65414562654595941442015-01-22T08:06:00.000-07:002015-11-05T18:03:37.245-07:00Adult Braces: My Second Adjustment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Why-oh-why did I become filled with naivete? Oh, that's right, because I had no pain after my first adjustment, I assumed I'd be fine for all others. Wrong. <br />
<br />
On January 14th, I actually ran from my car to the office, wanting to be on time and actually excited. I don't have much control over how quickly or correctly my teeth choose to move, but ever-the-perfectionist, I couldn't wait to be praised for how good I was taking care of my teeth and how lovely they were behaving. <br />
<br />
I received my praise, new wires on the tops and bottoms, a superchain (they chain rubberbands together across the bottom to pull them closer together once they are straight enough) on the bottom, and new bands on the top. <br />
<br />
I treated myself to a salad that night with my friend, Shayla, mentioning that my mouth was a little sore so my consumption would be slow. I haven't had anything crunchy since then. I even had to make a handshake agreement with my husband that I would not purchase anymore milkshakes until my next adjustment. Yep, <i>that</i> happened. <br />
<br />
I want pizza.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/11/adult-braces-making-decision.html">Adult Braces: Making the Decision </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-spacers-aka-prep.html">Adult Braces: Getting Spacers aka The Prep Work</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-braces-on.html">Adult Braces: Getting Braces On</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-learning-to-eat-with-braces.html">Adult Braces: Learning to Eat with Braces</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-my-first-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My First Adjustment</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-rubber-band-replacement.html">Adult Braces: Rubber Band Replacement (the first few)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/01/adult-braces-my-second-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Second Adjustment </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/02/adult-braces-my-third-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Third Adjustment</a><br />
<br />
</div>
Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-61492336504646959392015-01-22T00:37:00.000-07:002015-02-05T23:49:45.718-07:00Into the Woods: The Empress Theatre<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXSqcgUxlzsuOLkD3iwzcVia9k_YnQsBj3ButIXVipYlCPQK4VzZ-ZnEV5fYIj0MrIClUg1eOdZgx89-yhEo5jFCSaAO5Lgav4TxuvBcTqmCzQA2w5Vue5ox98XTxos-tpxwi9kUesx_3/s1600/EmpressTheaterIntoTheWoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXSqcgUxlzsuOLkD3iwzcVia9k_YnQsBj3ButIXVipYlCPQK4VzZ-ZnEV5fYIj0MrIClUg1eOdZgx89-yhEo5jFCSaAO5Lgav4TxuvBcTqmCzQA2w5Vue5ox98XTxos-tpxwi9kUesx_3/s1600/EmpressTheaterIntoTheWoods.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">We all know the stories of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel - complete with their evil nemeses. But what happens when you flip these fairy tales on their heads? </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><i>Into the Woods</i> happens, that's what. Lucky for you, Nancy Jensen is directing a lovely production for audiences to see this inside-out tale at <a href="http://www.empresstheatre.com/">The Empress Theatre</a>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">The opening number introduces us to all of the main characters (except the charming princes, who bound in just in time for some great comic relief) and introduces us their plights from wanting a child to wanting to escape to wanting money. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Jensen created a wonderful vision in this 3/4 of a theater-in-the-square. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">What I loved most about the show was the actors' dedication to their characters and roles. I did not see a single person break character, even in light of other mistakes. This is community theater, which means you enter with a certain reservation of expectations. In this show, in spite of some actors being strong or weak in certain areas, everyone was quite good overall! Trust me, I say that with a huge sigh of relief. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">I particularly enjoyed Cinderella's lovely soprano as she enchantingly sang to her origami birds, the youthful vigor of our actual teenager Little Red, and the over-the-top prancing of the charming princes. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Our Narrator, Nathan Unck, truly helped us feel as if he were telling us a story that he was more than amused with. He was excited to share the successes and plunders of each scene, wrapping us in to what part of the story he created for us next. I've seen Unck perform before and this was my favorite role for him. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Cinderella's Mother is a role that often gets left in the shadows, but Christin Saling performed with love and compassion while dressed in a beautiful gown. I only wish that half the audience weren't missing out on her stunning face because of a tree branch blocking her. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Skye Davis is a mature adult, yet used this adorable Pinocchio-esque character voice to successfully portray the youthful, adolescent Jack. At first I thought it may grow old, but by the end of the show he had me chuckling every time he opened his mouth. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">As far as improvements, The Empress needs a new lighting and sound system. They work so hard with what they have, however, I've not seen a show in recent memory, other than Addams Family, where the dark lighting and hard-to-adjust spotlights work (in reading my show notes, I mentioned the troublesome lighting four different times). Often times actors were out of the spots and difficult to see. The sound is spotty, so they accommodate through only mic'ing those who "need" it or are main roles. The problem with this is that our ears have to readjust every time we switch from one to the other, or preventing us from hearing certain singing over the minus tracks. I do prefer having to adjust my ears over the screeching and popping that occurs with some of the mics. I truly feel the Empress could have <i>much</i> more community support with these technical issues resolved. The historic theater and the talent deserve as much. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">The two biggest laughs of the evening came from our charming princes and Little Red's Granny. During the reprise of "Agony," sung by Rapunzel's Prince, Geoffrey Greogry) and Cinderella's Prince (Christopher Kennedy). Those two hammed it up, the lyrics hammed it up, and we ate it up entirely! Thank you, men, for making us laugh. Speaking of...another big big laugh of our came from reading the bio of Rapunzel's Prince/The Wolf, where he mentions he is single, ladies...again apparently. Granny (Chalese Craig) was performed in a way I have never yet scene this typical "throw away character" played. She was fierce - you just have to see her for yourself. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><i>Into the Woods</i> is at the peak of popularity due to the recent cinematic release. If you and your little ones enjoy the film, I highly recommend venturing to the empress to take in the live production. They won't disappoint you and I promise you will leave with a smile on your face. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Tickets can be purchased <a href="https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=emptr">online</a> or at the box office now through January 31 for $10. For more information, visit The Empress Theatre's website <a href="http://www.empresstheatre.com/">here</a>. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><b>Entire Cast List:</b> </span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Narrator: Nathan Unck</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Cinderella: Valerie Packer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Jack: Skye Davis</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Jack's Mother: Jamie Crane</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Baker: Brett Johnson</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Baker's Wife: Sarah Johnson</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Cinderella's Stepmother: Kimberly Wicker</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Florinda: Sunny Watts</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Lucinda: Melissa Head</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Cinderella's Father: Perry Whitehair</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Little Red: Alexis Shaw</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Granny: Chalese Craig</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Witch: Diane Nebeker</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Cinderella's Mother/Giant: Christin Saling</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Mysterious Man: Steve Hedman</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Wolf/Rapunzel's Prince: Geoffrey Gregory</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Cinderella's Prince: Chris Kennedy</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWQD9_UBT3BYMTUKd9YL5tMjlEwCP7fIqTiVXKgZfHML1CBYLn2RuI2C_iH1zpobq-tzP0y_mUDhD6a3boysjUFbgmAsjv-MIQXQHiofSGp77gY7VbxOB4dPHzfGQLvEXuEqcIDaF5dmn/s1600/TheEmpressTheaterIntoTheWoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWQD9_UBT3BYMTUKd9YL5tMjlEwCP7fIqTiVXKgZfHML1CBYLn2RuI2C_iH1zpobq-tzP0y_mUDhD6a3boysjUFbgmAsjv-MIQXQHiofSGp77gY7VbxOB4dPHzfGQLvEXuEqcIDaF5dmn/s1600/TheEmpressTheaterIntoTheWoods.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-88588277902099584212015-01-18T00:36:00.002-07:002015-01-19T16:28:51.928-07:00Bare: Utah Repertory Theater Company<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKarsttFnYP1heX2gcVraVqOvpLFLMrxe3skThy1Ffudcb8j99zXGVnrUwdBjK8DAeousIEp5u5j-oQM4f2FfEr80SM-Zchi6Qj43-_Iek83lHS3neFcRW4fBFTFoOMIPRyg4RLis-SIDi/s1600/10405634_974023155960523_5890726264390913016_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKarsttFnYP1heX2gcVraVqOvpLFLMrxe3skThy1Ffudcb8j99zXGVnrUwdBjK8DAeousIEp5u5j-oQM4f2FfEr80SM-Zchi6Qj43-_Iek83lHS3neFcRW4fBFTFoOMIPRyg4RLis-SIDi/s1600/10405634_974023155960523_5890726264390913016_n.png" height="147" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
In your life, in what situations
would you use the term "bare?" Of what meaning do you think?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
The first thought that comes to mind
is "naked." A step further leads you to think of feeling
exposed/vulnerable, then perhaps to a burden you bare, or even to bare a
testimony.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://utahrep.org/">Utah
Repertory Theater Company</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>has
taken a huge stride in the equality movement through bringing<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bare:_A_Pop_Opera">Bare: A Pop Opera</a></i> (musical),
to Salt Lake City. In fact, Utah Rep is giving 15% of ticket sales
proceeds to <a href="http://www.outreachresourcecenters.org/">OUTreach
Resource Centers</a>, "a non-profit collection of youth resource centers
dedicated to transforming communities and saving lives through programs
designed to promote positive outcomes for youth experiencing homelessness, family
rejection or victimization."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i>Bare,</i><span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span>straight from Utah Rep's<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://utahrep.org/2014-season/overview-bare/">website</a>, "<span style="background: white;">is a coming-of-age story of a group of high school
seniors at a co-ed Catholic boarding school, with each struggling to define
themselves in the face of their relationships, sexuality, and religion. As they
search to come to terms with who they are — and who the world thinks they
should be — they seek answers from their church, their friends, and ultimately,
from within themselves. <i>Bare</i> examines the consequences of
baring your soul — or hiding it — from those who matter most."</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background: white;">Instead of sharing with you the specifics of the
plot, I want to share with you the feeling of the show. Go back to my
earlier question about "bare" situations in your life. How did
you feel: Declaring your first love? Graduating from high school?
Moving away from home? Falling in love? Losing someone you
love? Keeping a secret that could change someone's life? Finding or
losing your love for God? Realizing someone you trusted was wrong? </span><span style="background: white;">You were vulnerable,
exposed, and bare. We have all been through at least one of these
situations, which means we all know exactly what the feelings and struggles of
the characters in this story. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">Utah Rep and director Johnny Hebda, pulled off quite a feat over the past
few months, gathering a cast combined of experienced actors and actors the
actual age of the characters. I worried at first that this material is
not appropriate for teenagers. Not even close to appropriate. But
watching the story, I realized that these are exactly the trials<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i>real</i><span style="background: white;"> teenagers and young adults are experiencing. </span><br />
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white;">My
first thought upon entering the new<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://thesugarspace.com/new-river-district-space/">Sugar Space</a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="background: white;">facility was in regards to how drastically improved
the venue is since my last visit. Several months ago, I was rubbed the wrong way about the
bare-bones of the set structure, lack of temperature control, and location.
Audience members will be relieved to know that all of these issues have
been resolved and many additions have been made. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">You will notice 5 LCD screens that will delight
you throughout the show with text messages, face book posts, instagram feed,
and photos. Mostly used during scene transitions, this feature keeps the
audience absorbed in the world of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i>Bare</i><span style="background: white;"> while keeping us all in stitches
with laughter. Surrounding you on the walls are 24 posters of the
cast members' characters,leading your eyes to the stage with rows of lockers,
dual staircases, and a church backdrop, immediately warping you back in time to
grade school days. Utah Rep's lighting and sound systems never missed a
beat (although the sound tech did miss a few cues in the rapid one-off solos of
the 24 cast members). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">When the cast enters, we are thrown back to the
days of Catholic school uniforms and mass. I quickly picked up on the
flattering and meaningful costume details of Nancy Susan Cannon. The
senior class members are dressed differently than the underclassman, with great
detail on the crests of their sweaters, matching skirts, personalized shoes,
and hairstyles. I see the same simultaneous uniqueness and uniformity I saw
in my Catholic-school friends growing up. One of the costuming/prop
decisions that made me smile was for Peter (John Patrick McKenna), the lead
character struggling with his sexuality, to have a purple backpack. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">In the opening number, there is an eerie vocal
line sung simultaneously with a choral piece by Jonathan Scott McBride as the
priest- this monotonous, deep Latin curse. I'm sure it wasn't actually a
curse, but it sets a tone immediately that while things may seem perfect, there
is something dark lurking beneath. Writing of music brings me to one of
the production qualities I always love about Utah Rep is the use of a live
band. Our music director for this show is the brilliant Anne Puzey.
The physical placement of the band in proximity to the audience was
perfect to be able to see them as part of the show, yet not overpower the
vocalists who are precisely on par in their singing and their character
portrayal as actors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">In the first ten minutes of the show, we see
Claire (Shalee Schmidt), the mother of Peter, balance humor and heartbreak to
convey a complex feeling of distress, confusion, love and acceptance regarding
the truths she knows about her son, but will not yet admit. Continuing
with the "truths we know" theme, the characters all seem to be sure
of God's existence, yet constantly ask, "Is God listening?" We
see each struggle more with asking why God isn't responding than asking if God
exists. This strikes me as a theme of underlying, constant hope that
there is more out there in something greater than ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">Enter Jason (Brock Dalgleish) in the locker room
kissing Peter. Jason is a muscular man's man, always a step ahead of
letting himself feel in anticipation of what others might think. A quote
from the priest in the second half sums up Jason's actions in the first,
"Don't question too much and you'll get along fine." The
problem is, no one can accept ignorance for long. We all start
questioning eventually. For Jason, however, there are no answers and he
is lead to a world full of fear of the unknown. If not for Dalgleish's
portrayal of the carefree, then conflicted Jason, I don't know if I would have
understood the importance the show needs us to see of never accepting a world
at face-value. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">Back to Peter. He looks the conventional
fresh-faced innocent type, yet has no problem accepting his life is not
conventional. He recognizes love and knows love is more important than
fear of a "what if." McKenna makes a heroic return to the Utah
stage with his powerful tenor and silent turned siren character. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">Peter is not the only one in love with Jason -
the ever popular, promiscuous Ivy (Emilie Starr) is too. What I love
about Starr is how comfortable she makes audiences feel when she is on stage.
She has a calming presence in that you are never worried about her making
a mistake. I don't worry about most actors, truthfully, but she truly
puts me at ease. If you watch her throat when she sings, you don't even
see strain - a true gift of talent and training. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">To add to this weird love triangle, making it
more of a square(?), we have Matt (Thomas Kulkus) who is in love with Ivy.
Kulkus is utterly convincing as the doe-eyed, puppy-dog faced (in a good
way!) longing teenager. Matt intrigues me because of his devotion to a
girl who won't return the favor and his devotion to the secrets of Jason and
Peter. He sees he is losing Ivy to Jason , yet holds on to something that
could destroy Jason's reputation. When provoked the tables may turn, yet
Kulkus portrays this character in such a way that you do not see any true
intention of malice. You see a hurt young man who seems to understand how
important it is that we be authentic to our choices. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">Jason has yet another love - his sister Nadia
(Katie Evans). She is the only character who seems the full 360 degrees
of what he is experiencing. Evans plays off of Dalgleish in the most
adoring, unconditionally loving, tormenting relationship that only a brother
and sister could share. The pair does not shy away from physical affection,
be that a hug or a punch. Nadia's burden to bare is her insecurity about
being fat. Her song about the burdens and dreams that will never be
because of her size are thoughts that crippled me as an adolescent, obese girl.
I watched Evans' Nadia wanting to hug her and tell her that she can take
control of her life and things do get better, yet even if Nadia were a real
person, I know that telling a teenager those things means nothing until they
experience it themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">In a show so concerned with love, we see only one
truly unconditionally loving character in quite the unexpected place.
Sister Chantelle (Yoah Guerrero) delivers two of the most poignant lines
themes in the show: 1. God don't make no trash 2. He is just as God wants him
to be. Guerrero can SANG! Her voice never quit, but there were a
few parts where the tricky vocal runs caused some breathlessness and strained
facial expressions, but as soon as she got a breath in - Bam! Big note.
Not only can Sister Chantelle deliver love and vocal majesty, she is
hilariously the true comic relief of the show which may or may not (go see it!)
include a guest appearance as the Virgin Mary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">Other stand-out performances shared with us were
that Carolyn Crow as Kyra, Jennifer McKay as Diane, and the entire "ensemble."
Crow has a light of a presence on stage that grows brighter and brighter.
Her face is always illuminated in expression and feeling. McKay is
just adorable in an absolutely beautiful and talented way. She pulls your
eyes towards her almost every time she is on stage with her dedicated, natural
character decisions. The ensemble kept the energy high through their
choices to not let their characters drop, having purpose in their movements,
and singing to fill the room whether an angelic tone or rock. I also want
to point out the professionalism of a very young cast - I heard zero back-stage
noise, all scene changes were prompt, and everyone appeared to make their cues.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">As with all things wonderful, there were a few
aspects that could have used improvements. The score is vocally quite a
challenge and at parts, mostly the lighter-sounding runs, the pitch fell
wayward. Not often, mind you, but it happened several times from
several characters. There was also a rap solo that, although the lyric
and vocal energy was high, just didn't have enough energy by way of facial
expression and bold movement. Look as confident as you sound because the
scene is great. To all on stage, I also share that you should not be
fidgeting with your hair and costumes unless your character is. Audiences
are distracted by watching those constantly swiping hair out of faces (so much
of this happened) or pulling skirts/pants down/up. If you don't act
uncomfortable, we won't be uncomfortable. My final fix is for the facility
itself. The ladies restroom stall doors can be "locked" but
opened with a slight push. Which I unfortunately found out when someone
thought I might be a little lonely in my stall at intermission. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i>Bare</i><span style="background: white;"> is, most of all, about love, conveying the power of a
lyric most are familiar with from the musical<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i>Les Miserables</i><span style="background: white;">, "To love another
person is to see the face of God." </span><i>Bare</i><span style="background: white;"> teaches us to love, to hope, to know that God creates
each of us with purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">Please see<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i>Bare.*</i><span style="background: white;"> Please remember what you felt at
your most vulnerable, that rawness, that fear, that wonderment. Look at
each person you pass today knowing they have felt those things too and love
them a little more out of understanding if nothing else. You can find details about the show, which runs through January 31, <a href="http://utahrep.org/2014-season/overview-bare/">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background: white;">*Content Advisory* - This show would have a
hard "R" rating if it were a movie. Those sensitive to
non-family friendly entertainment or easily offended should not see<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i>Bare. </i><span style="background: white;">However, if you have a close friend or family member who has
struggled with accepting their sexuality, I think this show might help you
understand a little more. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-28325972861168952022014-12-09T19:49:00.000-07:002015-11-05T18:03:07.091-07:00Adult Braces: Rubber Band Replacement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Getting your rubber bands replaced at adjustments or because your eating adventures dyed the clear bands orange *cough* Buffalo Wings in Buffalo, NY and Skyline Coney Dogs in Ohio *cough* feels as if someone is trying to rip your teeth out of your face. <br />
<br />
I suppose it isn't really so <i>painful</i> as it is disarming. There is a lot of pressure that truly does feel as if they are trying to pull your teeth, but I think it is the fear of the unknown that makes it even more weird than the physical aspect. You don't know what's going on - you can't see anything, you've never been through this before. All you know is...*ow.* You make a few weird faces and in sixty seconds it is all over. The pain isn't even bad enough to need ibuprofen and only lasts for the moment that tooth is worked on. <br />
<br />
Then you leave the office with beautiful, clear rubberbands and teeth on their way to perfection. I'll take that deal any day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/11/adult-braces-making-decision.html">Adult Braces: Making the Decision </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-spacers-aka-prep.html">Adult Braces: Getting Spacers aka The Prep Work</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-braces-on.html">Adult Braces: Getting Braces On</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-learning-to-eat-with-braces.html">Adult Braces: Learning to Eat with Braces</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-my-first-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My First Adjustment</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-rubber-band-replacement.html">Adult Braces: Rubber Band Replacement (the first few)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/01/adult-braces-my-second-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Second Adjustment </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/02/adult-braces-my-third-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Third Adjustment</a><br />
<br /></div>
Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-75390949350321217152014-12-08T07:47:00.000-07:002015-11-05T18:02:58.060-07:00Adult Braces: My First Adjustment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So. Not. Bad.<br />
<br />
On December 3rd, I received a new bottom wire, my top wire was flipped, and my rubber bands were replaced. <br />
<br />
I was not sore for one second afterwards. I felt perhaps I was living in an alternate reality, but ends up I just got lucky.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/11/adult-braces-making-decision.html">Adult Braces: Making the Decision </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-spacers-aka-prep.html">Adult Braces: Getting Spacers aka The Prep Work</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-braces-on.html">Adult Braces: Getting Braces On</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-learning-to-eat-with-braces.html">Adult Braces: Learning to Eat with Braces</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-my-first-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My First Adjustment</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-rubber-band-replacement.html">Adult Braces: Rubber Band Replacement (the first few)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/01/adult-braces-my-second-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Second Adjustment </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/02/adult-braces-my-third-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Third Adjustment</a><br />
<br /></div>
Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-75051346498384811812014-12-04T13:45:00.004-07:002015-11-05T18:02:50.710-07:00Adult Braces: Learning to Eat With Braces<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Until you have braces, there is no way to comprehend the dilemma most commonly referred to as "eating." <br />
<br />
The first two days were simply odd - almost as if my mouth were numb. We are used to our teeth feeling all the sensations of substance and temperature as we enjoy the bursting of molecules of foods jumping around our mouths. Braces block most of that. Even swallowing at all caused my tongue to rub on metal. Days three and four brought on a lot of strife. I tried to eat. I tried to drink. I work out a lot, so I knew I needed calories and forced myself to eat, but cried simultaneously. I've been through my fair share of blisters on the back part of my tongue and I know I still have to get my bottom back molars wrapped, which means I get to go through this transition process again soon. Oy. That joke of days three and four only lasted two days, luckily.<br />
<br />
Braces also block the capability of fully chewing with my molars (because of my <a href="http://larissaexplainsitall.blogspot.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-braces-on.html">build ups</a>) and I've heard this is the same for many others. Imagine taking a bite of pizza, chewing two or three times, then swallowing. There will be big chunks of food you haven't had the opportunity of "flavor-bursting," as I like to call it. There is something beautiful about the process of biting your food until you have pulverized each crumb and burst the flavors open in your mouth. For me, no matter how many times I chew, my molars can't crunch down, always leaving me swallowing chunks of food that I wish with all my heart I could enjoy much more.<br />
<br />
Speaking of enjoying food - this has been a huge mental hurdle for me. I love food. Understatement. I <i><b>LOVE</b></i> food. Imagine the frustration of, let's say, wanting to chew a Skittle and chomping once, then swallowing. What a gyp, right?! No savoring, no texture-enjoyment, no flavor-bursting, nothing! I don't eat Skittles, that's just all I could think of that most people can relate to. I have tried to eat all my favorite foods, but I just don't enjoy them anymore. If it isn't the chewing dilemma, it's the fact that everything involves my tongue hitting metal. Having that texture and taste involved with every bite kinda ruins it. Now that I am six weeks in, I am through with the worst of my withdrawals and cravings. I am not close to joking at all when I state that I felt like an addict going through withdrawals. <br />
<br />
When I do chew, I have to cover my mouth because I haven't yet gotten used to the food sticking on the front of my teeth and I think more food will get between my molars for the sad-sack chomp if I open wider. I have to take bigger chomps to try and free the captive crumbs from their cages, which leads to a lot of embarrassing spitting and drooling. Yes, I am not above admitting there has been a noticeably higher amount of saliva escaping these days. I hear this all goes away pretty quickly.<br />
<br />
Five weeks after I got braces, I was finally able to bite into soft breads with my front teeth, which weirds me right out as I feel the food sinking into my front braces. I prefer cutting up all my food and shoving it directly to the back of my mouth.<br />
<br />
What do I eat?<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Squeezy fruit snacks. Yep, the ones for kids like pureed mango, applesauce, peaches, and berries.</li>
<li>Mashed potatoes. I prefer the instant because they take five minutes and there are no lumps I have to "gum" or suck on til they dissolve.</li>
<li>Milkshakes. Oh Milkshakes. Sonic peanut butter fudge is my best friend. </li>
<li>Soft Serve. Iceberg chocolate soft-serve has saved me too often.</li>
<li>Chocolate milk. I drink 8 oz. before and after the gym and sometimes when I know I need to eat, but just can't work up the energy.</li>
<li>Protein drinks. Calories, protein, calcium - it's efficient. </li>
<li>Smoothies (nope). We bought stuff for delicious, healthy, balanced nutritious meals, but I can't bring myself to make them because I'm too darned cold at home. Will someone tell Rob 66-degrees is not warm? I eat the soft-serve and shakes in the car on the way home, people. </li>
<li>You might think popsicles and the like would be good, but anything that involves sticking your tongue out repetitively means a lot of abrasion and escaped saliva - not pretty and pleasant.</li>
<li>Avoid anything highly pigmented if you have ceremic braces with clear rubber bands - spaghetti sauce, curries, that sort of thing. These will dye your brackets and your bands.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
You may be wondering if I've lost weight. Truth be told, I lost six pounds pretty quickly, but then I went on a trip to <a href="http://www.montagehotels.com/deervalley/">The Montage in Park City</a> for a convention and immediately to Rochester, New York. The Montage is a five-star hotel with five-star food. I did my darndest to try everything I could at each meal. In regards to Rochester, if you don't know a lot about the east coast, let me just tell you that it is food mecca. I kept trying to eat everything I got my hands on. Nothing was really that great because I couldn't enjoy the eating process, but I kept trying over and over again. My mouth was so sore from all my trying I had to take pain medicine. I gained all the weight back and didn't even enjoy the process. I guess lame sauce <i>is</i> on my menu. <br />
<br />
My final thoughts on this whole eating debacle is that in a few weeks everything will be fine and I'll have adapted. In the midst of all of this, I've had many times where I can't imagine "getting used to" this new way of eating, but I know I will. This is my honest point of view six weeks into the process. I want other adults to know that it is ridiculously wonderful and ridiculously difficult all at the same time. I didn't really find a lot from a patient's point of view before I got my braces, so I'm sharing. <br />
<br />
Again, final thoughts: So worth it. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5hDP133MkD54Ay-svpuZ439D1wyE9fOGBK1D4QVkFXnABqM2xRV5WAAb09UZMsdfY-Yw6zbgx1psvy-5LpLU3agdGgkX2JLXUNFLYFWsObdxp8XR2-0UwVnee1Xln6O_jB6TD45eXLyi/s1600/2014-11-13+13.58.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5hDP133MkD54Ay-svpuZ439D1wyE9fOGBK1D4QVkFXnABqM2xRV5WAAb09UZMsdfY-Yw6zbgx1psvy-5LpLU3agdGgkX2JLXUNFLYFWsObdxp8XR2-0UwVnee1Xln6O_jB6TD45eXLyi/s1600/2014-11-13+13.58.02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo Wings in Buffalo, New York - notice the fork for cramming things into <br />
the back of my mouth to avoid biting with my front teeth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/11/adult-braces-making-decision.html">Adult Braces: Making the Decision </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-spacers-aka-prep.html">Adult Braces: Getting Spacers aka The Prep Work</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-braces-on.html">Adult Braces: Getting Braces On</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-learning-to-eat-with-braces.html">Adult Braces: Learning to Eat with Braces</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-my-first-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My First Adjustment</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-rubber-band-replacement.html">Adult Braces: Rubber Band Replacement (the first few)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/01/adult-braces-my-second-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Second Adjustment </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/02/adult-braces-my-third-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Third Adjustment</a><br />
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-23686396954611637692014-12-02T15:45:00.001-07:002015-11-05T18:02:41.088-07:00Adult Braces: Getting Braces On<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Once I made the decision to get braces, everyone I consulted with told me, "Getting them on is the worst part." <br />
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Being an adult with good oral hygiene and no orthodonic work until now, I haven't really been poked and prodded and pushed. People told me my mouth would be stretched beyond what I ever thought possible with a contraption and to make sure to take pain medication before going because my jaw would be ridiculously sore.<br />
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I forgot to take medicine. I also forgot to have a painful jaw, apparently. I wasn't sore one bit. The worst parts for me were the taste of whatever adhesive or cleaner they were using and then the cold air/water blowing - wooo, doggy, that was intense! I've never before had cold tooth sensitivity. But within an hour, they were done. Totally brace-ified. I had no idea we were already done even though they apologized that it took longer than usual for my tiny mouth and getting the brackets to stick. I stood up carefully after being upside down for quite some time and still no pain. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before Braces and After Getting Braces On</td></tr>
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Rob, the generous and understanding hubs, took the above picture before I'd looked in the mirror. Want to know the first thing I thought? "Wow - I didn't realize braces came with complementary collagen injections for my lips!" I could not believe, and still can't believe, how much more voluptuous my lips look when my mouth is shut. I'm going to miss these plump kissers when the braces come off. <br />
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In fact, I was in entirely pretty pain-free bliss for the first two days. Eating was weird, as I was tentative of knocking off these strange new things on my teeth and all my food gravitated to them like magnets.<br />
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Days three and four brought on quite a bit of misery. By that point, the metal had been rubbing at virgin skin for enough time to create raw spots, blisters, and general swelling on the tongue and cheeks. Enter the wax. One friend was very firm in her conviction that powering through this tough time without applying wax to the braces opposite where my skin was raw would help calluses form more quickly and I'd be better off quicker. I took her advice. I only applied wax twice. <br />
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By day five I was doing much better, verging on "okay."<br />
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Within a week, my pain and general getting used to the braces had subsided enough that I noticed the "build-ups." Build ups are basically temporary fillings in two teeth to keep your bite from going down far enough to knock off your brackets (the square part in the middle of the tooth). I knew this, but it didn't sink in that I would no longer be able to shut my molars all the way. I'll talk more about this in my post about learning how to eat. <br />
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I can't describe the weirdness of waking up with your cheeks totally stuck to your braced teeth. Or biting down as you have your whole life and your teeth only coming into contact in two places. Or spending time cleaning out your mouth after every meal only to find a huge piece of something you aren't even sure you ate stuck to your front tooth. Where is that crud hiding?! <br />
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Generally speaking, it took a few weeks to get used to my cheek skin catching on parts of my braces (which hasn't happened for two weeks now), figuring out if I needed to get my wires trimmed (if your teeth have moved enough, there will be excess wire towards the back of your mouth), and eating foods that won't dye my clear rubber bands. <br />
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I ended up having to get my rubber bands replaced three weeks in due to eating some brightly-sauced buffalo wings in Buffalo. I knew better, but I had to! I would highly advise against doing this while your teeth are still tender from the initial application of the braces. Yowzas. <br />
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My teeth were actually sore until about a week ago. The best part about my teeth being sore is knowing they are moving. One of my bottom teeth, in particular, was the longest victim of pain and I couldn't figure out why until one morning I looked in the mirror and realized it is now in front of a tooth it had been hiding behind for 17 years. There is nothing like waking up and feeling something different in your mouth only to quickly realize it is exposure to part of your tooth you have no memory of ever feeling. <br />
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But folks...<br />
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My first adjustment appointment is tomorrow. I've told several people this week and they all make the same agonizing groan followed by a pained sucking in of air. I've stocked up on chocolate milk and mashed potatoes, so I'm good. I think. <br />
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I'm more excited than anything, truthfully. The amount of change I have seen in six short weeks is unbelievable. I sit in front of the mirror almost every night staring. Seventeen years I have wanted these changes and, *poof,* in six weeks they are here. In spite of all of this initial discomfort and perhaps a few emotional break-downs, I have three words to summarize my feelings so far: "So worth it." <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/11/adult-braces-making-decision.html">Adult Braces: Making the Decision </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-spacers-aka-prep.html">Adult Braces: Getting Spacers aka The Prep Work</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-braces-on.html">Adult Braces: Getting Braces On</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-learning-to-eat-with-braces.html">Adult Braces: Learning to Eat with Braces</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-my-first-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My First Adjustment</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-rubber-band-replacement.html">Adult Braces: Rubber Band Replacement (the first few)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/01/adult-braces-my-second-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Second Adjustment </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/02/adult-braces-my-third-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Third Adjustment</a><br />
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497139536276865329.post-91514612874566215562014-12-01T13:52:00.002-07:002015-11-05T18:02:32.307-07:00Adult Braces: Getting Spacers aka The Prep Work<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Spacers.<br />
<br />
I had never heard of these little suckers until I walked into my appointment and said, "I decided to get braces!" (instead of Invisalign)<br />
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Immediately, I was escorted to the chair to get my spacers in for a week before the braces. Apparently these suckers separate your teeth enough to allow for space for the wires to go around your teeth in the back as needed. My teeth have always loved each other very much and even occasionally gang up in a game of tug-of-war between me and my floss.<br />
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They are so tight, in fact, that these cushy-looking foam spacers in the below picture would not fit between my teeth. I had to have metal. Ouch. For some reason, I wasn't prepared. I didn't realize I wouldn't be able to eat without those metal pieces jamming into my teeth and gums. On top of that, the pressure of my teeth moving was unlike anything I've ever experienced. To top it all off, one of the metal pieces did not get along with my bite and came apart to start stabbing my gum in a bloody brawl within 8 hours of placement. Needless to say, I pulled that sucker out and went back to the doctor the next day. In just that little bit of time, my teeth had separated enough to allow for a foam spacer, but then my bite is so wonky that I immediately bit right through the thing. The doctor said it would be okay to wait and work on that particular space later in the process.<br />
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I finally started getting used to the spacers one day before I got my braces. I'd been nibbling at everything with just my front teeth, not yet realizing that front-teeth-nibbling is not something I'd be able to do again until the braces are off. I had to learn to eat one way with spacers and an entirely opposite way with braces. <br />
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When I went in for my application appointment a week later, I was shocked to see how quickly my teeth decided to part ways with each other and leave room for the braces. Seeing results fast is encouraging. I was also shocked at how quickly braces are applied because less than an hour later, my life for the next two years was changed. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/11/adult-braces-making-decision.html">Adult Braces: Making the Decision </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-spacers-aka-prep.html">Adult Braces: Getting Spacers aka The Prep Work</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-getting-braces-on.html">Adult Braces: Getting Braces On</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-learning-to-eat-with-braces.html">Adult Braces: Learning to Eat with Braces</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-my-first-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My First Adjustment</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2014/12/adult-braces-rubber-band-replacement.html">Adult Braces: Rubber Band Replacement (the first few)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/01/adult-braces-my-second-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Second Adjustment </a><br />
<a href="http://www.larissaexplainsitall.com/2015/02/adult-braces-my-third-adjustment.html">Adult Braces: My Third Adjustment</a><br />
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Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15144055102075531918noreply@blogger.com5