Today I Love Colleen

My first week at church in Salt Lake City, I caught wind of a group of people who played ultimate frisbee every Wednesday.  At the time, I was playing on a league in Orem, so of course this piqued my interest.  Someone gave me Colleen's cell phone number and told me she knew all the details.  The rest is basically history!  The group of us frisbee players all began hanging out after games and watching movies every Sunday night and the get-togethers never ended.

This summer, I ran into an obstacle and Colleen would invite me on Sunday morning walks every week to talk'n'walk for an hour.  I highly recommend this activity, as it leaves your heart and soul feeling refreshed.  She is so much like me in that she is a business woman who is going to put her all into getting the job done, yet outside of that persona, she has the most tender, loving heart.

I will confirm nor deny rumors that she got me to watch "The Bachelorette" with her every Monday night this summer.

Some of my fondest memories of her are those walks this summer, lounging by the poolside at my complex, laughing at "Dam* You Auto Correct" messages with Julie until we could laugh no more, going to chick flicks, and whispering/laughing during church.

I also love that she trusts me.  She trusts me so much that there is nothing on this earth that could ever get me to violate that trust- which I hold to my heart as a treasure, the same way I hold Colleen herself.

The trait of Colleen's I admire most is her love of the Lord and her passion to commit to doing what is right.  She has had a difficult path in life at times, yet she always knows the Lord loves her and will do everything she can to see and feel His hand in her life.  She has taught me that, even when we feel we are alone and like we can't sink any deeper, the Lord is there with us.  If we don't see Him, he is there begging us to let Him help us.  Of course, she is also a prime example of how happy and blissful life can be, never letting an opportunity pass her by to be thankful for all of her blessings.  And when I need a human presence for joys or for tears, she is always one of the first to recognize it and join in with my celebration or my sorrow.

Colleen, I love you so stinkin' much and you have filled my heart with exactly the right medicine more than you'll ever know!

A Christmas Story party and Julie-Ann

San Francisco in our matching coats

My birthday party '09

Guest Post: But You Say He's Just A Friend

Hi, I'm Jeff. Larissa and I met in New York City in the spring of 2003 as part of the same BYU internship group. Even though we've lived fairly close to each other (in both Provo and SLC) during much of the intervening time, we actually have spent more time together in Manhattan than in Utah. We share a love of New York, musicals, chocolate, themed parties, and blogging. Riss invited me to craft a guest post on her blog a few months ago, and although my procrastination may indicate otherwise, I was flattered. If you enjoy my writing, I'd love it if you visited my blog sometimes.



It's likely many of you have seen the above video since it first appeared online about two months ago. I figured Valentine's Day would be a great time to discuss it, and this would be a great forum for the discussion, as Larissa writes about dating and relationships on a regular basis (including thought-provoking, related posts like this one, this one and especially this one just in the last couple of weeks).

So anyway...the conclusion reached in the video...I agree with it. Or, I agree with the sentiment being conveyed, as held by the demographic conveying it. There are so many people in the world (or even just at Utah St., where the interviews were conducted) who are all unique individuals, that obviously there's no viewpoint on this subject that applies universally. There are always exceptions. But I agree that, generally speaking, heterosexual males in the age range of those in the video are unlikely to become friends with women they would not be interested in dating given the right set of circumstances. (As I've moved into my 30s, I don't relate quite as much to what the guys in the video were saying, but in my early- and mid-twenties I would've answered just like they did.)

By "friends," I mean good friends, the type of friend that you take classes with or go to the movies with or talk to about your dates. It's unlikely that anyone has more than a half-dozen or so of these friends of the opposite gender in their lives at any given time. Just because someone can read your Facebook status updates doesn't mean they qualify as a friend in the context of this debate.

I need to point out here that as I analyze this I am only thinking about friends who are both single. Once the man or the woman (or both) enters into a committed relationship with someone else, the two can certainly remain friends but the nature of their relationship and how they interact with each other should and hopefully will change. If a guy's female friend gets married and the guy still wishes he could date her, that is inappropriate.

I also believe the women in the video were sincere. It seems reasonable to me that girls can develop solid friendships with guys with absolutely zero interest in any kind of romantic relationship. But that doesn't mean those same guys don't want to date the girls on some level. Guys and girls are different. We all know that.

So, if I'm right, guys and girls can't "just be friends," largely because guys only choose to become close friends with girls they "like." However, I think a more important question than "Can men and women be friends?" is "Can men and women have true, sincere friendships while harboring some level of not-acted-upon physical attraction?" While that would be a little unwieldy to ask people in a rapid-fire, man-on-the-street YouTube video, I confidently answer "yes" to that query. You ladies don't need to freak out that your guy friends like you and have expended at least some mental energy trying to figure out if there's a realistic way to make your friendship evolve into a dating relationship. Most of us are able to walk this tightrope without making the time we spend together awkward or uncomfortable.

Any guys out there want to back me up? Any ladies want to point out the flaws in my arguments? Bring it on. (Thanks again, Riss, this was fun!)

Today I Love Love

I do love Valentine's Day.  I am a single lady.  I've always been a single lady (now put your hands up...).  To me, this day has never been about romantic love.  Valentine's is one of three days per year - the other two being Christmas and a birthday - when you can tell someone how much you love them without them looking at you like you are on some sort of narcotic.  Let's face it, I'm definitely not one to shy away from letting people know how much they mean to me, so this holiday and I were meant to be together.  Today is about the full spectrum of love.

My very best Valentine's memories are the ones when I forgot about myself and dove into service for my friends - anonymously dropping off treats, throwing parties, and going out with my friends.  I aspire to, one day with my significant other, perform acts of love and service for my Valentine's celebrations...because nothing makes me feel more loving or more loved.  Some of my friends beat me to the punch on this, as I found two long-stemmed roses on my doorstep this morning and another Valentine on my car.  When I got to work, I had some hugs and kisses on my desk as well as a bag of goodies.   I'm soon on my way to pick up cookies from my favorite bakery, Smart Cookie, to share with my loved ones.  And the day isn't over!  I'm very much looking forward to my evening out tonight. 

To all my special someone's - Happy Valentine's Day!  I know, if I always love with all my heart, I will never find myself in the wrong.

In honor of the romantic side of this day,  I found this through Tara who gives credit to Letters of Note for sharing this enlightening John Steinbeck letter. 

In November of 1958, John Steinbeck -- the renowned author of, most notable, The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden, and Of Mice and Men -- received a letter from his eldest son, Thom, speaking of Susan, a young girl with whom he believed he had fallen in love.  His beautiful letter of advice can be enjoyed below.   (Source: Steinbeck: A Life in Letters)

New York
November 10, 1958

Dear Thom:

We had your letter this morning. I will answer it from my point of view and of course Elaine will from hers.

First—if you are in love—that’s a good thing—that’s about the best thing that can happen to anyone. Don’t let anyone make it small or light to you.

Second—There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you—of kindness and consideration and respect—not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn’t know you had.

You say this is not puppy love. If you feel so deeply—of course it isn’t puppy love.

But I don’t think you were asking me what you feel. You know better than anyone. What you wanted me to help you with is what to do about it—and that I can tell you.

Glory in it for one thing and be very glad and grateful for it.

The object of love is the best and most beautiful. Try to live up to it.

If you love someone—there is no possible harm in saying so—only you must remember that some people are very shy and sometimes the saying must take that shyness into consideration.

Girls have a way of knowing or feeling what you feel, but they usually like to hear it also.

It sometimes happens that what you feel is not returned for one reason or another—but that does not make your feeling less valuable and good.

Lastly, I know your feeling because I have it and I’m glad you have it.

We will be glad to meet Susan. She will be very welcome. But Elaine will make all such arrangements because that is her province and she will be very glad to. She knows about love too and maybe she can give you more help than I can.

And don’t worry about losing. If it is right, it happens—The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.

Love,

Fa

Today I Love Julie

Julie came to me as a package deal with Megan (you can see this post for more photos of Julie).  How lucky can a girl get?

Once upon a time, Julie and I would e-mail back and forth throughout our work days, just catching up and chatting about random co-worker bathroom encounters, snacks for the day, you know, things that only good friends care about:-)  Then she went into "retirement," traveled all around, and up and moved to Phoenix.

When thinking back on my move to Salt Lake, I can't remember a time Julie hasn't been there.  I remember hanging out with her before, during and after each of my relationships.  One Easter, her roommates and I all walked through Murray park, then sat on her front porch chatting until the sun went down.  I remember countless parties there, Aladdin sing-along's, prank planning sessions, haircuts, tears, laughter enough to fill a lifetime, food...oh yes, I have fun with Julie.

I don't have a favorite memory with this girl because there are just too many.  Laughing all night in San Francisco after walking a couple of miles to our hotel whilst singing Christmas songs at the top of our lungs?  Being stuck in the airport in Hawaii for two days?  Our goal to visit every ABC store along the waterfront in Honolulu while Megs and Kev went on a date?  Shopping for Megan's wedding?  Valentine's parties?  Fondue parties?  Random gym run-in's?  Like I said...too many!

What I admire most about Julie is her chutzpah.  When she gets a goal in mind, she does it - she doesn't care what obstacle is in her path or how long it may take, she takes action immediately and sticks to it.  I've never seen her give up on anything.  That says a lot.  She may realize something isn't working, but then she'll try another method and another and another.  If she stops acting, that means she realizes her goal isn't the best for her any longer.

I also love that she is willing to listen.  To me, to anyone, she's listening.  And she truly does remove any personal bias to share with you what may be the thing you most need to hear.  Not what you most want to hear, mind you, or not even what she most wants to say, but what you need to hear.  Through our many conversations, she has helped me be a better person and pushed me to do things I didn't know I was strong enough to endure or accomplish.

Jules, I miss you terribly, but I'm coming to see you soon!

I LOVE YOU!

Jules came to see me as Sister Mary Leo in Nunsense

Pearl Harbor Memorial in Honolulu Hawaii

San Francisco Airport with Mel and Megs and Jules

Rainforest Cafe in San Francisco, watching the fish play in the bubbles

Mel again - hooray for Mel!  This was a girls' night at a cabin near Brighton Ski Resort

Megan's wedding!  Aren't we pretty little vixens in red?

My birthday party

Jules and JA at the Halloween Dance in '10.

Today I Love Melissa Singleton

Melissa is a babe.

She and I first crossed paths when we both volunteered to help the group of churches in our area put on a musical - me as a performer, she as the costume mistress.  Right after the musical ended, she ended up in my church congregation!  What perfect timing, because right then was when she was particularly reaching out and searching for more people to love who share her passions in all things.  I lucked out!

She submitted my headshot to be used for promotional photos for the Utah Opera and I was selected!  Let me tell you the thrill it is seeing your face on the side of buildings and buses! Shoot, I get to do all kinds of fun things because of Melissa - trips to Saint George, being on the radio, season tickets to the touring Broadway companies of shows, fun movie trips, game nights, symphony nights, random dress-up parties - you need a fun time, Melissa delivers!  I never know what hair color she'll show up with, what random thing may cause her to bust out with the most hysterical laughter, or what will make her so excited she physically starts shaking.  You cannot help but be excited about everything around her - even work!  I have seldom met someone who is a more dedicated, stellar worker than this gal - when she puts her mind to the task, consider it done 200%.  If you need help with anything, Melissa will do all within her power to be that help.  I could not look up to her more as she marches to the beat of her own drummer, and I could not imagine her any other way.

I love Melissa because she isn't into playing games.  She isn't a person who says "walk away cause it hurts less."  She isn't into anything except a person staying true to what will make them truly happy.  She always stays true to who she is.  She passionately supports any decision in life that will make the chooser truly happy.  I recently shared with her that I love being around her - she makes me cry because I feel so loved, versus crying because I don't feel so loved.   She offers counsel when she feels it appropriate, which may be nothing more than, "Larissa, I love you.  I am here for you."  But what more could I ever need or want? 

Melissa, the day you entered my life, my world flipped upside-down to open my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities.  You don't just believe dreams come true, you know they do.  I LOVE YOU!!!

This was our second or third meeting, going through costumes

Halloween this past year a few hours after we returned from Saint George

The Roller Derby.  Oh yeah, we went there.

Melissa's Super Hero Birthday Party in '10

My birthday party in '10

My A Christmas Story party in '10

Melissa took us all to hear these Broadway Divas (Stephanie Block and Julia Murney) in January '11

Melissa's Birthday at the Karaoke place - '11

Why yes, we have season tickets for the Capital Theater together!  Pre-planned good times out with friends four-five times per year - priceless!

Today I Love Megan Smyth

Megan Smyth = big hug of sunshine.

Seriously.  When you are with her, these rays of sunshine shoot out of her body and wrap themselves around you in their warm embrace.

I actually knew who Megan was for a couple of years before we officially met.  You see, when I moved to Salt Lake, I saw her my first Sunday at church (she moved away very soon after this) while she lead music in one of the classes.  Then, she got up and announced that we all needed to come watch her in Bye Bye Birdie.  I thought to myself, "If she can do it, I can do it!"   I didn't act on that inspiration until the next summer, with the help of amazing Leah, but she planted a seed.

Fast Forward to October of 2010, one of the first rehearsals for 1940s Radio Hour.  Megan showed up to audition for the role of Anne, after our original Anne had to drop.  A couple of other auditioners took their turns before Megan was offered the role and she introduced herself to us.  I think we've giggled over how trepidatious we both were about meeting each other - I was intimidated by her because I knew she'd been performing for years and she was intimidated by me because I was playing the over-confident "sexy" character and had taken on a little of that persona.

After rehearsal one Saturday afternoon, we bonded over something that had concerned us with rehearsal and planned on going vintage clothes shopping for costumes after a good burger (mmm..the way to my heart).  Throughout the two months of rehearsals and running shows, we talked about everything - dating, food, shows, philosophies, finances, friends, professions, travels -  you name it. 

The interesting thing about the friendship Megan and I share is that I don't remember one specific experience where I made the goal, "I must make her my friend," it just kind of happened...that's how easy things are with her!  Megan is that sweet, sweet, sweet (did I mention sweet?) individual who cannot help but to make everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside.  She will do anything to make sure you are loved - including invite you to Thanksgiving dinner with her family because your closest family is 2,000 miles away.  She is also my one friend that I bond with over Anthropologie - such good taste we have.

The attribute of Megan that I admire the most is definitely her ability to care/support and truly listen to her friends and loved ones.  She remembers everything you tell her - your concerns, your loves, your activities - and she regularly follows up with you about all the things you have told her about.  If she hasn't heard from you in a little while, she'll even give you a call just to check in.  When she knows you are busy?  She makes plans with you for two weeks later.  She is a treasure.  I cannot imagine my life without her and we've only been friends for a little over a year.  That's just the thing - it seems like I've always known her and always had her with me.  Heck, we've even been asked if we are sisters on more than one occasion - this tickles me.

I love you, Megan!!!

1940s Radio Hour

Out and about an a lovely summer evening

Am I that happy because of the delicious Shake Shack burger or because I am sitting next to Megan?  Hmmm...

New York, New York!

Today I Love Alissa

I met Alissa not even a year ago when all of the LDS singles wards in the area were thrown into a tornado and reorganized.  There she sat, playing the organ.  Then, there I sat, asked to conduct choir again (in spite of the fact that I have zero talent in this area) and also asked to organize all of the musical numbers/hymns for our church meetings.  I felt overwhelmed.  I still do. 

Enter Alissa's amazingness. She not only calmed me down a bit about the huge responsibilities, she took on the calling of playing piano for the choir even though she already had several large responsibilities like teaching Sunday School every week.  I figured anyone who was willing to serve so much had to be super cool, so as the weeks wore on, we chatted more and more...maybe a little because we'd often be the only two at choir rehearsal for the first fifteen minutes, but that ended up being a blessing in disguise. 

After bonding at one Sunday evening gathering over a conversation about her riding a camel in Egypt (oh yeah, she's that awesome), we began talking about boy problems (Will they ever end?!) throughout the weeks and just chatting in general.  She's one of those who will lovingly verbally slap you across the face if you don't demand the absolute best in all things.  And then give you gospel principles to apply to your situation.  Love this trait in her. 

I particularly remember one night sitting next to her at the Salt Lake Bee's game.  As if I didn't already adore her enough, I learned this night of our mutual love of baseball.  Hers is more of an overwhelming passionate love (she coaches for the high school she teaches with), while mine is just a whimsical like, but it definitely made me love her more!  She drove me back to my vehicle, where we sat talking and giggling and everything in between for a good solid hour or more. 

Alissa also makes church exciting - giving absolutely amazing Sunday School lessons, being irreverent with me, and all-around helping me feel I am where I belong.  I love when you hear something that tickles your fancy and you look to the person next to you, who is quickly returning that look and, as you catch eyes, you know you are on the same wavelength and share a giggle.  I can always count on Alissa for this.  And a random Saturday night chick flick.  And M&Ms (seriously, she always has some in her purse - how could you not love her?).  And ladies' night's in.  And pulled pork dinners.  And trips to the MoTab Christmas Concert. And rides home from the airport.  And And And.

Alissa's last week in my church congregation boundaries (which doesn't matter much cause I'm switching to the old folks' ward in two months anyway) was last week.  While this bums me out, I know we'll be friends for a long time to come, whether she likes it or not:-)

Alissa, I LOVE YOU!

This is the closest I can find to a photo of us together - one I took at my A Christmas Story party.  Sad.  Liss, we need to fix this.

Today I Love Tanisha

I moved into a condo with Tanisha back in '05 when my little sister decided to come finish her last two years of schooling with BYU and would not come without her kitty, Cyrus.  Tanisha's place was the only one that would let us have the kitty, so off we went.

To say we had a rocky start wouldn't be adequate.  I was still in BYU-bubble mode, although graduated, and my sis was enrolled.  Any non-BYU standard activities in the apartment at all could get lil sis kicked out of school.  And, let's face it, BYU standard is strict.  So I was...well...to avoid calling myself some pretty bad things, I'll just say I was an over-protective big sis.  I don't recall actually being cruel, but sometimes our regrets are more about the nice things we didn't do.  The interesting thing is that over-protective-big-sis mode kept me from fully supporting what I have always supported  - a person needs to pave their own path in life, as long as they are a good person.

And that's something Tanisha has always been - a good person.  She definitely helped me to learn how important it is to look to someone's heart.  In spite of all the petty things I may have said or done, didn't say or didn't do (don't you just want to kick your younger self sometimes?), she looked through all of that and forgave me.

Not only did she forgive me, she gave me the most priceless gift I have ever been given - little Conor.  That's right, she gave me my kitty.  You see, she'd adopted Conor from the pound.  She was originally told the little ball of fur was a boy, hence naming her "Conor" after her favorite singer, Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes.  When she took Conor to get neutered, she was surprised to find him already...without those parts.  I'm not sure when the little kitty decided to be a loving sweetheart to me and a bratty diva to Tanisha, but it happened.  I tried my darndest not to fall in love with the kitty, but she won me over.  When Tanisha moved out, she told my sister, "Larissa can have her if she wants her..."  I thought my heart would explode.  Someone I had not loved as fully as I should have was doing the most selfless thing ever for me.  I only hope that some day, in some way, I can repay the favor.  I will always look up to Tanisha because of her heart.  This may have been one of the most humbling experiences of my life.

Tanisha is now is an amazing mother and wife with her second little one on the way.  Her Facebook posts regularly crack me up.  I know a photo of us together exists, I just can't seem to find it...

Tanisha, I love you!

Cute little baby Conor as Tanisha's

The very evening Tanisha let me adopt Conor

Today I Love Megan Fife Taylor

Megan Fife saved me.
She and I met the day after I moved to Salt Lake in 2008 and within a month we were hanging out more than often.
I'm noticing a trend as I write these posts, and that is that I tend to gravitate towards women-friends who are sassy, adventurous,  and fiercely protective.  Yep, that's Megan. 
She and I have been through a lot together in these few years and have needed each other for emotional support.  Both of us had moved to Salt Lake for a fresh start at life and boy did we ever find it with each other.  When I think of her, I think of two things: 1. Her contagious, joyful, loud laugh 2. The motherly look of  love and concern as she expresses something like, "Larissa, you know what is best and you know I love you no matter what." 
She has come to support me in every single show I've done and, dare I say it, but she and Julie Taylor are my only super fans.  What makes you a super fan?  Well, you have to wear a t-shirt with my face on it.  Yeah, awesome.  I died the first time I saw them as my heart melted into goop that my friends loved and cared for me enough to be so supportive and silly.
A couple of years ago, she met her husband, Kevin.  You know, he may care about my friendship with Megan as much as Megan does!  He is always asking if she needs time with the girls and when he knows we are having a rough time, he plots with her ways to make us feel on top of things again.  And he lets us be crazy girls around him.  He's great!  One of the things that has meant the most to me, and almost brings me to tears, is when Megan asked me to be a part of her wedding along with Julie.  I know some of us are out there thinking, "Always the bridesmaid..."  But think of it!  Someone loves you enough to ask you to be a part of the most important day of their life.  That's HUGE!  I'm absolutely overwhelmed with love for this lady.
If you take a look at the photos below, you can see we've been all over - Oregon, Washington, San Fran, Hawaii!  

Megan was born to be a mother, and not too long ago I was able to attend the blessing of her darling Jana Grace.
Megan, I love you so much.  I look up to you in so many more ways than you will ever know.  You inspire me.  You show me that life keeps going and that I must give it my all no matter the circumstance.  You have taught me that through serving and loving others, all of that will come back to me ten fold.  You also show me the Lord will bless my life and my efforts and I know, because of you, without a doubt, that the Lord's will for us is better than we could have ever dreamed for ourselves.  I love you!!!

Jana Grace and me!

Shopping for stuff for Megan's wedding with Mel and Jules

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Megan's crazy aunt's house in Oregon, right after she'd met Kevin

Kualoa Ranch, Oahu HAWAII!

She stole my heart, in San Francisco - this picture makes me laugh every time

Nothing wrong with a tiara in San Fran - especially when on our way to see Wicked, right?

The super fan shirts!!!  This was at Damn Yankees

I LOVE THIS PICTURE!  Megan's wedding at the Bountiful Temple

Today I Love Damn Yankees

There is no way I can go through this month without giving love to my Damn Yankees crew.
I had quite the experience performing in this show for a good six weeks and I didn't realize at the time the lasting friendships I was building with these people.

Kristen
I've written about Kristen before, and if you couldn't tell, one of the big reasons I love her is because of her spunk.   We have shared the stage not once, not twice, but thrice.  Whenever I have needed a wallop of common sense or an elevator for self-esteem, Kristen has been there for me.  Break-downs about ill-fitted costumes?  She's got my back.  Jumping up and down with squeals of excitement over a job well-done or a show well-closed?  You better believe she's bringin' me in for a hug and off we go to the Village Inn for midnight food:-)  More important than that is that this girl is fiercely loyal and through her sometimes seemingly tough-as-nails persona, she will do anything for those she loves and will always pay attention to the details of your life.  In fact, I was quite blue the other week and, simply through electronic communication, she knew something was up and, in spite of all of her shows and moving and pet dilemmas, she lovingly offered up her hand to help anytime anywhere.
I love you, Kristen!

After a performance of All Shook Up

During rehearsals for Damn Yankees

Girls' night at the Melting Pot - see Amy and Keri there too!  (and Tiff and Megs)  I need me some more of this...

Dennis
Gosh, where do I even start?  I love this man.  You may recall reading about our adventures in Salsa classes.  Well, the fun never stops.  Dennis was so quiet and reserved when I first met him, but one night we ended rehearsal early and he and I stood in the hallway chatting about his most life-changing event for over an hour.  Those conversations never stopped.  Dennis is pretty much inside my head and can tell me what I'm thinking or going to do before I even know.  I can always count on him to be my "date" for a show, cheer me up when I'm feeling down, or make me through-the-roof happy when I'm already buzzed.  If ever there were a tender-hearted man, this is him.  If ever there were a man to completely appreciate me just as I am, this is him.  Sometimes I think he feels my pains and joys as deeply as I do.  I can also always count on seeing his smiling face in support of whatever it is I'm doing, be it a show or a party or pancakes or a love for Jurassic Park:-) 

Dennis, I love you!

Fake ignoring me as my fake husband watching baseball

Keri's Halloween Party

Keri
I don't think I've ever told Keri this, but she reminds me quite a bit of my older sister in all of her passions and desires and protectiveness over me...and sass.   What do I admire about Keri?  Almost everything!  She is an amazing mother of two who finds time to balance her family and profession and friends and even moonlights as a singer in an 80s cover band.  Radical!  She shares my passion for Bon Jovi, traveling, performing, food, exercise, and really juicy stories:-)  She is one of those people that can't do anything half-way, she is always giving 190%.   I love how she is always up for any adventure she can squeeze in and will sacrifice her personal life entirely to be there for those she loves.  She is so on top of her game, that I remember initially being rather intimidated by her stunning presence, intelligence, dedication, and talent.  I'm immensely grateful I didn't let that get in the way of getting to know her more because dang I would be missing out.  In fact, as I was going through photos trying to find some of me with each of my Damn Yankees I came across dozens more of Keri than of anyone else from this crew.
Keri, I am so glad you are part of my life - I love you!

New York City Subway

Bon Jovi Concert

One of Keri's gigs for her 80s cover band

Keri's Halloween party in her amazing home (Amy too)

Central Park where I made her walk 16 miles whilst 7 months pregnant...oops

Amy
When I think of Amy, I can immediately hear her laugh, see her dimples and smile, and think of sunshine.  She may just be the happiest person I know.  In fact, I've wondered what kind of chemical assistance she has because there is no way on earth someone can be so full of energy naturally:-)  I mean, c'mon, what mother of five do you know who can perform in musicals, attend all the social activities of her friends, rock it out with an 80s band (same as Keri), take care of her family, and still have enough energy left to be bouncing off the walls?  She inspires me to not give in to the exhaustion's of life, to keep moving, and to see the joy in every little thing.  And let's talk about her rockin' bod - five kids?  Seriously?  Not fair.  She's also always up for a juicy conversation;-)
I love you, Amy!

Keri's Gig at a bar in Magna

The Melting Pot for a girls' night out with Keri too

Must have been a tech rehearsal for Damn Yankees cause we both look a little...out of it...

Justina
Ah, my little breath of fresh air youngin'.  She is so full of youth and so ready to just jump at life, snatching up any opportunity she can and trying to create opportunities where none have been presented.  She's such an innocent, classy young lady.  What strikes me most of Justina is her growth.  I don't think she's ever satisfied to accept "that's just the way things are."  She has worked her butt off since I first met her a year and a half ago and I am so proud watching her really try to make something for herself. 
Justina, much lovies to you!

We randomly ended up being at the same improv show together

Keri's birthday dinner (notice Amy and Dennis as well)

Jeremy
Ah, sweet Jeremy.  He, too, is full of youth and vigor.  What a ride it has been watching him grow and try to learn his place in life as he discovers new things each day.  I make it a point to see all of his shows to support him and I'm pleasantly surprised how he steps-up the level of his performance with each new character.  The thing I take from Jeremy is unconditional love.  He does not see age, gender, social status, color...nothing.  He sees the person standing in front of him.  Although you better be just as dedicated and hard-working, otherwise he forms some pretty strong opinions:-)  He's never one to shy away from letting you know just how much you mean to him, even if he hasn't seen you in months.
Jeremy, I love you!   

Another fake husband I am fake mad at whilst he fake watches baseball

I believe I am insulting his manhood right about here...

Stephen
Stephen.
If you know him, you know that about sums it up!  There is not a creature in the world like unto Stephen, the ice cream-eating, poem/book-writing, comic book-loving, art-drawing, theater/improv-performing, healthcare-working, opinionated, loud guy that he is.  When I first met him, he was an egg I could not crack, which is a bit frustrating for me because I swear I've got "everyone needs to like me" syndrome.  One day, he chipped away his shell a little bit, did this, and the electronic harassment that ensued became the beginning of a beautiful friendship.  In fact, if I am ever feeling a little too inflated about myself, I can even count of Stephen for a good break-up conversation!  All kidding aside, this man is a good man.  He stretches himself if for no other reason than he sees that if he stretches to become more, he will better be able to be a man his friends and family can depend on.  And I do.  They do.  This past year, I've seen the results of his actions and how much more he has come to rely on himself as well - funny how when you serve others you ultimately end up serving yourself.  Our conversations range from philosophically enlightening to embarrassingly juvenile...all in one breath.  You'd be surprised if you found out how many of my blog posts or his were inspired by some conversation we'd shared. 
Stephen, I love you man!

Must have been early on in a tech rehearsal - mic's and coherent faces and tongues?  Ew.

Stephen's bestie Darian and me at my A Christmas Story Party in '10

Stephen came over and was trying to help me make oreos.  Instead he exploded my mixer. Smoke and everything.  Hilarious.

Leatherby's this past Saturday night.  There is something strangely attractive and simultaneously repulsive about a man who can consume so much ice cream in one sitting.  For the record, I made him do it.  Next on my agenda is making him get a hair cut...