1. Wendy's started using sweet pickles on their .95 hamburger instead of dill. Bad decision. Very bad. Who likes those things?
2. If I get a front-row spot in the gym parking lot, does that mean I have to work out longer?
3. Why are people I know going nuts trying to find someone to choreograph and some singer/dancer's to perform at their event when I (gymnast, dancer, singer, teacher-of-gymnastics, teacher-of-kids-dancing) am sitting right here with the skills and talent pool of friends (even professionals) at my finger tips and have offered to help multiple times?
4. I have tap shoes and ballet slippers on the front seat of my car and this makes me smile.
5. I was absolutely unphased about
-I typed the above phrase and must have gotten interrupted because this saved in the draft. Now I have no idea what I was unphased about. And that is definitely phasing me. What is this mysterious thing that doesn't phase me? Blagh. I guess I'll never know...
6. Did you know someone hit my car, got out and spoke with me and agreed to pull over to exchange information, then drove away? Yep. I'll tell you more about that later.
8. Todd Bridges (Diff'rent Strokes) showed up at my beau's improv group, Quick Wits, and performed with them. He's a nice, entertaining fellow and didn't knock anyone out for asking, "Whatchyou talkin' 'bout, Willis?" And for any improv folks - he plays "Spit Take" like no one you've ever seen.
9. In a week and a half I get to meet three individuals I'm jumping out of my skin about. I can't tell you two of them until after. One of them is Terrance Mann - he originated the Broadway roles of Javert in Les Miserables,Beast in Beauty and the Beast, and Chauvelin in The Scarlet Pimpernel. Yeah, I'm just a wee bit excited. His version of "If I Can't Love Her" turns me into a puddle of goo.
10. Raspberry Diet Coke from the Coke Freestyle machine is the best beverage on the planet.
I called my dad on Valentine's Day to have him check out the video of my singing Valentine, but didn't tell him why I wanted him to go to Facebook to check a video.
He asked, "Are you doing the Harlem Shake?"
"Noo...what's that?"
"It's like the new Condom Style."
*silence*
"No, no, no, not that...Gotham Style."
*silence*
"No, no, no...Condom Style...No! Gangnam Style! Not Condomn...that would be a whole different dance."
Good morning! The wonderful Tracy Rose, with Healthline.com, contacted me to see what kind of post my readers may need or enjoy regarding health issues. With the constant glow behind me of my co-worker's Seasonal Affective Disorder lamp, I figured there are quite a few of us who need advice on conquering the winter blues. Enjoy!
Everyone hits bottom some days. But depression is
different. Everything seems to come to a stop. Nothing makes you feel good, or
even normal. You stop enjoying the little things - and the big things. You have
no energy, no motivation, no care for the details of daily existence.
Everything makes you sad.
It may not be too surprising that depression is more
prevalent during winter months. In fact, there's a whole medical category for
repeat episodes of wintertime depression: seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
But what accounts for this peak? Well, the lousy weather and cold certainly
don't help. But the real answer is all about light. Some of us are more
sensitive to it than others and, generally speaking, the less of it we get each
day, the more likely we are to slide into depression.
But seasonal depression isn't inevitable, even if you're
susceptible to it. There are a number of concrete steps you can take to avoid
the wintertime blues.
1. Get Enough Light
Make sure you get as much sunlight as possible each day,
especially in the morning. When you're at home, sit near the window and keep
the blinds up. Otherwise, stay outside as much as you can. If you're prone to
SAD or other forms of winter depression, you may want to go even further and
get a light box. These devices can be costly (depending on the model), but for
many people they work better than medication at preventing relapses into
seasonal depression.
2. Exercise
Regular exercise is a proven way to fight off depression
any time of year. It's recommended for almost everyone who suffers from the condition.
It doesn't have to be extreme - walks are a good place to start - as long as it
gets your blood pumping. Try to exercise outdoors when you can.
3. Eat Right
It's important to keep a well-balanced diet year-round,
but especially during the winter. Low levels of vitamin D may contribute to
depression in the winter, so eat foods that contain a lot of it, including
fish, fortified dairy products and eggs. Eat from all the healthy food groups:
dairy, fruit, vegetables, meats and grains. Get all your recommended nutrients.
4. Sleep Well
Disrupted sleep cycles and insomnia are among the biggest
problems for people who suffer from depression. A big step in preventing this
is making sure you stick to a regular sleep routine. Go to sleep at the same
time, get up at the same time. Observe sleep hygiene: Don't watch TV in bed,
don't drink coffee after 2 or 3 p.m., use your bed only for sleeping and sex.
Never use alcohol to sleep. The right sleep habits can keep winter depression
from getting its foot in the door.
5. Stay Busy
Get involved in things you enjoy, hang out with people
you like, spend time with family. Do whatever it is that keeps you active and
happy. You may have to kick yourself in the pants during the winter to keep
going, but it will help keep you from slipping into the seasonal blues. It's
tempting to spend winter indoors, bundled up in front of the tube, but too much
of that is a recipe for depression.
6. Coordinate with Your Doctor
If you already have a history of depression, prepare
before the season arrives. Talk with your doctor and make sure you have a plan
in place to counteract early signs of trouble. If depression does occur, make
sure you know how to react and nip it in the bud so it doesn't last all season
long. Medication options, therapy plans, these things can be mapped out in
advance to give you a fighting chance to keep your winter happy and bright.
No one wants winter depression. The sadness, the loss of
energy, the inability to enjoy life can be unbearable, and the snow, cold and
endless nights don't help. But these six easy steps make easier to avoid the
impact of the seasonal blues and keep your new year going strong.
My mother was once found in the kitchen in the middle of the night, holding a bowl full of flour, lightly tossing handfuls of flour all over the kitchen. When my father asked what she was doing, she replied, "I'm cooking."
This story makes me giggle every time I think about it. I hope it brightens your Friday morning, too!
Heart-shaped jewelry is the crown atop the head of cheesiness.
I know so many out there adore the sentiment of a symbol of love, but it honestly creeps me out in a demented, smiley doll sort of way. And doesn't the kitty in the heart necklace below just make it ten times worse? What kind of jewelry do you hope you never receive? Or do, for that matter?
This time of year drives me crazy for three main reasons:
1. January is the longest, coldest month of the year for me
2. Other people's driving in the snow scares the snot outta me
3. People will not shut up about what they are or are not eating
One and two explain themselves.
I do not understand the phenomenon behind people feeling the need to rationalize everything they do or do not put into their mouths to anyone who will listen. I can't make a trip to the lunch room without hearing what all the ingredients and calorie content are in everyone's meals. Usually, I get a smattering of what the previous meal or two contained. I often hear a non-nutritionist, never-worked-with-a-nutritionist person spouting off unsolicited advice OR solicited advice towards a poor innocent who has no idea that the non-nutritionist is completely void of actually professional knowledge. Then there are those in the office trying out the latest fad diet. I've watched these folks try them over and over again, always losing weight or whatever it is they hope to accomplish, and then six months later being back in the same boat and doing them all over again. I guess if that works for them, great, but the endless pattern and endless conversation completely surrounding all things edible is exhausting for me.
What would be better is if I heard conversations of, "Wow, you've lost weight and I've watched you get healthier and healthier for a year - do you have any tips?" Or, "Hey, Larissa, I know you have worked with a nutritionist and have maintained healthiness for a few years - any advice? I'm struggling." I'll help where I can, but always refer to professionals for more know-how. I understand people need support groups and I know several friends who have private blogs regarding nutrition or their other struggles. I support legit, knowledgeable conversation and advice, please don't think I'm directing this at you if you know what you are talking about.
I eat junk food every day in some form or another. Many people around me are under the impression that I never do, which has been a source of much confusion for me until I realized this one thing...I never talk about what I eat (except with my beau - sorry!). When I eat a Snickers, I don't make a grand announcement and emit love-making noises with every bite. I just dissect accordingly (you'd know what this meant if you ever watched me eat a Snickers) and bask in the glow of tastiness until the inevitable sugar crash comes.
Ya'all don't have to justify what you are or aren't eating to everyone around you. I just want to make a trip to the kitchen without getting an earful of terribly misdirected, misinformed, calorie-reducing nutrition talk. Shut up and make like Nike - justdo it.
They might be onto something though...talking has to burn a few extra calories...
My very first skiing adventure is looming on the horizon.
Picture a young child walking slowly out onto the high-dive board - each step shaky, uncertain, petrified. That's me. Skiing I am fine with, but fear of injury wraps its slimy octopus tentacles around my brain thanks to the residual knee-weakness my gymnastics days left with me. Alas, I've saved my Christmas cash and the other night my beau took me to a local outlet center to purchase snow clothes for the first time in twenty years.
You would have gone nuts if you'd have been there. Rob kept asking me how something looked or felt and my only response was, "I don't know how it is supposed to look. I don't know how it is supposed to feel. You tell me."
He brought me a pair of pants he thought looked about my size and my eyes bulged out of my head when I saw the size on them, only for him to quickly tell me he'd pulled them from the kids' section. Panic attack averted, cool white kids snow pants purchased.
Earlier that morning, my dentist gave me a variety of toothbrushes to experiment with that may be more appropriate for my mouth-size. Included designs? Tigger and the orange Power Ranger.
I will take this as a sign from the universe that I am a big kid at heart and ready for my inaugural snow bunny adventure.
The lovely Londonite, Louise Mitchell, with online dating site Lovestruck, contacted me awhile back with a great idea for a guest blog on Valentine's ideas for teenagers and budget-minded folks. Enjoy her post!
It is that time of year again when everyone’s on the look-out for love, eyes start wandering in the halls of schools and colleges all over the world looking for a special someone to call your Valentine. It might be that you are looking for a date for the evening or are already in a relationship with someone and are looking for some fun things to do. Here are 5 fun suggestions with some little tips on making them a little but special.
1: Favourite Movie Night
This is where you spend the night swapping your favourite movies, so bring your favourite ever DVD to share and an extra large bucket of popcorn and share those special moments with the one you love and maybe create some of your own.
Here’s how to make it special:
Make your own invitation with a ticket but do not give away your favourite movie as this should be a surprise on the night. Maybe include it in a romantic card and set the date, sprinkle a few rose petals in too. You might want to his or her favourite sweets or ice-creams for the date to show you already know what they like. This is perfect when the budget is tight but you still want to be sweet.
2: The Walk and Picnic
If you are near any nature reserves or spots of real natural beauty then arrange a visit there with a picnic, preparation is the key here, research picnic spots and toileting facilities before you go. You might need to research the transport and costs of this as well as getting the right food and drinks too. Arrange this with your Valentine as a cryptic date and make it a surprise but let them know they won’t need a suit or high-heals, it may be this park has boats to hire or something special there so give them a cute clue! Travelling together will give you time to talk as well as letting the excitement build between you. Make sure you have some kind of blanket etc to sit and have your picnic on. Making your own tortilla wraps chicken with salad is very healthy but bring a few treats too. Try to keep the food easy to throw away so that you won’t have to carry it around if you go and explore the area and maybe ask parents of family to get you home safely.
3: Paint Balling!
I know this is not very romantic and it isn’t really meant to be, this is for the group of singles who haven’t got a date but would like to do something with a big group and maybe there’s is someone special in that group you would like to get to know better. Arranging a big group outing around Valentines’ Day is a great way to feel less blue about not having found someone special. Try go-karting, ice-skating or paint balling depending on your area and budget is a great way to get the singles mingling and might even lead to some romance along the way who knows?
4: Romantic Presents
Romance does not have to be expensive and over the top, it should be sweet.
Compliment Jar: A container filled with sweet little hand-written notes of romantic quotes and things that you love about the person to remind them when you are apart how you feel, thing like ‘your eyes
are beautiful’ or ‘when I hold your hand I get tingles in my stomach.’ You can put in lyrics from their favourite songs, poems or even little pictures that will help them think of you. You might want to add love hearts or their favourite sweets or chocolates. You could even dry press some flowers or put in synthetic rose petals to make it look pretty.
5: Ticket Available
There are so many great films to see and there is always a romantic comedy out for Valentines’ Day so never fear, there could be a band playing or a great sporting event or something fun on to do. You should certainly think about who you are inviting and tailor it to something both of you would enjoy whether it’s a monster truck derby or watching ballet, getting tickets for and event is a great way to get a date. Being sweet and sending your prospective date a sweet but simple card with a message about the date, venue and time etc. Maybe you have never spoken to this person before, leave your mobile number in the Valentines card as well as who you are, in this case it is better not to be secretive as they will not turn up and when they contact you, you can arrange to go.
Author Bio:
This is a guest post by Louise Mitchell, a relationship expert who advises couples with relationship troubles as well as helping singles on the ways to find the best partner for them. Louise is currently consulting with Lovestruck on their on-line dating site to help singles use a profiling service to help people find specific traits they are looking for whether it’s a single in Singapore or a lonely heart in London.
Keep in mind, when you enter any magic show or carnival attraction, part of you wants to be fooled with illusion. We call this, suspension of disbelief. Philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge explained, "If a writer could infuse a "human interest and a semblance of truth"
into a fantastic tale, the reader would suspend judgment concerning the
implausibility of the narrative." Take that little nugget and put it in your pocket when you see Side Show, you'll need it frequently.
Also, if you have a dark sense of humor, I forewarn you about the irony of lyrics such as, "We were meant to share each moment,
beside you is where I will stay. Ever more and always, we'll be one
though we're two. I will never leave you."
Once we entered the intimate, tiny space of the Echo Theater, some "freaks" walked us to our seats. We were greeted with the pre-show magical talents of Elias Caress,
which immediately created the atmosphere desired for a side show - that
of a group of people gathering in a dark corner, intrigued with the
mystery of what lies behind the curtain.
In this case,
that is the mystery of the story of Daisy (Adrien Swenson) and Violet
(Angela Jeffries) Hilton, Siamese Twins of eventual Vaudeville fame. We
begin at a local side show and watch them grow through love and loss to
pseudo-fame through the help of Vaudeville agent, Terry Connor
(Aleksndr Arteaga), his friend, Buddy Foster (Taylor Eliason), and the
twins' best friend, Jake (Cooper Howell).And that's really all you
need to know.
A certain feeling of intrigue, discomfort, and confusion sets over you as the characters appear on stage. Yes, you are supposed to feel this way. The reveal of the four-legged woman rather shocked me, as did the impressivelylarge strong man and the man who bit off a chicken head. Bryan Cardoz's "The Boss," introduces the show in the smarmy and slightly perverse way that a villain should,
yet his singing did not convey the same message as his words...needing
more of a character or speak-sing voice to make up for a weaker register.
The sets are non-existent. The first back-drop you see is incredibly...bad. I spent awhile analyzing whether this was on purpose or not and I finally came to the conclusion that it is an intentional off-kilter design to help facilitate the exact awkwardness I felt. That being said, I was very impressed by the quality of the programs, the publicity posters, the t-shirts, and all electronic publicity materials.
Upon The Boss's introduction of Daisy and Violet Hilton, my first thought was a fear for their safety - not because of their horrible boss, but because the black, wheeled box they are placed upon did not want to move as much as the actors wanted it to move. Second, their costumes confused me. They were a featured act but were dressed in brown, burlap-like material with brown head wraps like Cinderella's days as a maid. As the girls grow in fame, their costumes become fancier, explaining my previous confusion. I think sets may have helped explain the situations more, however, as the show progresses, you understand more the choices for the minimalism.
My third thought? WOW. Swenson and Jeffries can put any songstress to shame. Daisy (Swenson), with her illuminating smile and bright eyes is quickly established as the out-spoken flirt, while Violet (Jeffries) holds her posture and eyes just so as the shy sister.
At this point, we also hear more singing from all three male leads. I can't say enough. Each of them is fantastic in their own way. Arteaga as Terry has a voice I wish could sing me to sleep each night and will cover your ear drums in velvet melodies. His acting is not his strongest suit just yet, but I cannot wait to see where this young man goes. Eliason as Buddy shines with his cheerfulness and pep, always the optimist and showing great range with his character's emotions near the end of the show. "One Plus One Equals Three" particularly showcases his abilities as a triple-threat actor and was not only one of two toe-tapping (literally) numbers in the show, winning over audience smiles, but also my favorite non-twin number. Howell as Jake may be the one who wins over the hearts of the audience members most as the faithful friend and hopeless love. I had seen him in Parade at the Rose Wagner theater last year and found his performance commendable, but he has improved in leaps and bounds since then- I only recognized him because of his boundless energy and stage presence. He has a rich, booming register that will leave you wanting more....and more.
The ensemble serves their purpose, were all fully committed, and were overall stronger than most community-theater level ensembles I have seen, however were over-shadowed by the immense talent of the leads.
Utah Repertory Theatre Company has more than a glimmer of hope at becoming what they want to be in regards to a higher standard of community theater. But this makes me wonder - what exactly is a higher standard of community theater? Director Hebda allowed a young lady with true handicapabilities to be part of this show...but would some of the more elite theaters in Utah have allowed participation? I don't think they would. There is a fine line regarding what is trying to be accomplished and I look forward to seeing what the future of this company brings.
In the talk-back session at the end of the show, we learned that Side Show
was meant as an operetta and a lot of the dialogue had originally been
song - further explaining the lyric-like, sing-songy dialogue and the
frequent exposition singing about what each character is going to do
next.
I love writing for my own blog rather than another institution because it enables me to write how I feel most appropriate instead of being given strict guidelines or needing to be strictly "professional." This makes mingling with the cast afterward a little easier and also gives me the inside-scoop point-of-view instead of just a reviewer who saw X, Y, and Z occurring.
I am thankful for this with Side Show. Why? The doors opened fifteen minutes late and there were sound difficulties aplenty (one loud screechright after the phrase, "Are you deaf" kinda cracked me up) throughout the show, although none at critical points. Come to find out, the sound board went out right before show time and the whole cast/crew had to scramble to make accommodations for a scenario of which there is no way to prepare. Therefore, I did not mention any associated difficulties as they will be fully resolved for consequent performances. Hats off to director, Johnny Hebda, for finding a quick solution and for the cast for all being so light-spirited.
Side Show has intrigued me for years. As a 16-year old girl, I remember watching Broadway Divas, Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner, belt out the words to power ballad, "I Will Never Leave You," during the Tony Awards. I made my mother drive me 45-mintues to the nearest "Mommy go broke" store, aka Best Buy, to purchase the CD. I remember dreaming, dreaming of the day I would ever see talent like theirs in person. Through the years, I remember seeing ladies young and old alike attempt to conquer music from this show, only to fall short every time.
Ladies and gentlemen, Adrien (Daisy) and Angela (Violet), ever-so-humble, would fight me tooth and nail on this statement, but, off Broadway, you are not going to find a higher caliber than this effortlessly talented duo. The trip to Provo was entirely worth it for these two alone. Throw Aleksndr (Terry), Taylor (Buddy), and Cooper (Jake) into the mix, and I consider my time well-spent.
Yes, the show has weak points. Yes, the show has some amazingly strong points. No, the show is not the best quality I've seen in Utah. No, it is by far not the worst I've seen. Part of me longed for glitz and glamour, but the other part of me was fascinated by the bare-bones surroundings and this claustrophobic, semi-awkward setting because I imagine that atmosphere elicits the same feelings as a true side show.
If you are at all intrigued by the concept of the show and are not a self-proclaimed "theater snob," by all means, head to Provo and check out Side Show.
Performances at 7:30pm on January 21, 24, 25, 26, 28, 31; February 1, 2. Matinee at 2:00pm on February 2.
$12 Adults, $10 Students/Seniors/Children, $8 for groups of 10 or more, $35 Family Pass (purchase at the door; limited availability)
Do keep in mind extra time for Provo parking restrictions (there is a free parking garage across the street just east of University Avenue on 100 North) and take note there is only one restroom in the facility.
Buy Tickets here with credit card or at the door with cash.
