The end.

After rereading my New Years 2011 blog (which you can do my clicking here) I cannot help but smile at the realization that good always seems to outshine the bad in my life. I had completely forgotten about what a terrible year 2010 was for me because 2011 has been so incredible. Over the last 12 months I have been blessed countless times with opportunities and people that have altered my life for the better.

Of course it hasn't all been rainbows and sunshine. I've had my hard moments too. But again, when stood next to the awesome joy I've felt, they just don't seem so bad. The year started off a bit rough. The "bummers" I experienced left me annoyed and bitter, but also opened my eyes to what was holding me back. They were the final push that helped me break free from an inhibiting environment that I helped to create.

I can only hope that the joy and excitement I felt in 201l will be of comfort and strength to me when I am faced with the "bummers" I am sure to come up against in 2012.

So, in the spirit of reflection, here are a few Highlights and Lowlights as well as my favorite blog post of 2011. Enjoy! :)

Thanksgiving 2011

I wasn't too good this year about posting something every day that I'm thankful for. Mostly because my life the last few weeks has been insanely busy. But through the stressful and emotional moments of the last month or so, I just kept telling myself "you just have to make it to Thanksgiving. If you can make it to Thanksgiving you'll be golden." Well, boys and girls, I made it. And I'm golden.

Because life has been so crazy, I haven't really been thinking much about Thanksgiving itself. And now it's here. Laying in bed this morning it took me only about three and a half seconds to decide what I'm thankful for.

In all my life I have never felt so at home and so welcomed in a group of people as I do in the theatre department at the University of Utah. The awkward transition period was virtually nonexistent. I went, rather quickly, from knowing absolutely no one to having friends in every corner of PAB. I can't walk down the hall of the Performing Arts Building without being mauled down with hugs. It's a great feeling to be accepted and I hope it never goes away.

A huge part of this is thanks to my involvement in Hair. Had I not done Hair I would have only really known the people in my class and not the upperclassmen. The Tribe made my transition to University seamless. I found love in that group of strangers so easily it was astounding. I've never been so sad for a show to close. If I didn't have classes to go to and papers to write all the time, I would definitely be able to perform that show long term. But though the show has closed and we've been forced to move on to other things, the tribe still exists. And I will always be grateful to them.

And because I'm close to those in the tribe, I've become close to other upperclassmen who were not involved in Hair. I've honestly met some of my soul mates in that building and I'm so excited for the next few years with them.

I'm also incredibly grateful for my class. The ATP class of 2015 (that sounds so far away!) is a great group of kids (and a few really old kids). We've gotten really close lately and I'm so excited about our future together. I can't wait to grow, learn and create with these people.

My life isn't perfect. It never is. But when life gets especially imperfect,  it's nice to know that I have a place to call home and a people to call a family.

Life is good.
MJ

"True People"

Auditions came and went. Rehearsals came and went. Opening night came and went. And now it is day two in our eleven show run (plus two previews) and there is a part of me that still can’t believe that Hair is happening to me. One of the most astonishing things to me is that I was this close to not auditioning. I honestly didn’t know whether or not I was going to until the moment I stepped through the door. Auditioning for this show was by far one of the best decisions I have ever made.  

I’ve always heard that being in a production of Hair is life changing. I never was sure why exactly (in fact I’m still not positive why). But it’s truth. The piece isn't perfect. Our production certainly isn't either. It isn’t as polished or as clean as it could be. It’s imperfect. But it’s beautiful in its imperfection. It has definitely been life changing for me.

So what makes Hair so different? The piece itself is unusual. When it opened in 1968 it was ground breaking to the American Theatre world. It completely changed the way people saw and made theatre. The piece leaves room for its creators to improvise and play. To discover. This means that no to productions of Hair have been or will ever be the same. No two “tribes” (for in Hair we are a TRIBE not a cast, another notable difference) ever says the same thing. No two tribes want the same thing. And no two tribes ask the same thing.

Our production in particular been different as well; from the way it was auditioned, to the way it was rehearsed and now to the way it is being performed (you’ll have to come to find out exactly how). We found and created the piece completely organically. Never did the director say “I think this scene should go like this” or “I think by saying this line you mean this.” Everything the audience sees on stage is completely organic and fresh. The love that the audience feels coming from the tribe is not synthetic. It is pure and real.

Truth is something we have striven for from the beginning. Our goal has been to never “show” the audience anything. We do not preach, or teach. We share. We invite each audience into our “home” and live with them for two hours, taking them on a journey with us. Broadway diva Patti LuPone said that “If I [as an actress] am taken to a place honestly the audience is going to receive that, and it will happen to them.”  Though the piece is disconnected, nonsensical and confusing, the audience simply has to feel what we are feeling to understand the message of our piece. We haven’t always hit our target. Finding the truth in the show has been a struggle. But I think we’ve found it. It is tradition for each tribe to choose a name for themselves. Because we have fought so hard to find truth, we chose the name Hach Winik. It means true people.

This has been a growing and learning experience for me both as an actor and as a person. And I think all good theatre does that. As my good friend and fellow tribe member Tia Galanis said, “It was always in the stars.” This tribe has become my family. Three months ago I knew not a single one of them, and now I feel that they have a piece of me that I could never give to anyone else. We became a tribe through a mutual goal of finding something special. And in the end we found was each other.

...and counting

22 years ago today, mini Michael was brought into the world screaming and crying and covered in gross. 

adorable.

Now, 22 years later, the adult (ha) version of that screaming new born is going through a similar, although less traumatic (and less messy), experience. A new chapter in my life has just begun. And I can't help but think about everything that has led me here. 

Lately, I've been focusing a lot on regrets. A lot of my attention has been put on my weaknesses and how I could have worked harder in my past to overcome them. I've become slightly obsessed with fantasies about what life could be like right now if only I had put a little bit more time and energy into myself in high school and the years following graduation. 

Luckily, I'm still young and have a lot of time to grow and learn. Right?

Simply put, the clock is ticking. I don't want to wake up in another 22 years and realize that all my dreams and ambitions passed me by.

I need goals. Fortunately I'm really really good at making goals.

Unfortunately, I'm a failure when it comes to reaching them.

Please bless that the next 22 years are more productive than the first 22 have been. 

-mikey-

Climbing uphill....

It's both awesome and overwhelming to be in a room in which you are literally the least talented person. We are halfway through the second week of rehearsals for Hair, and quite simply, I'm a little bit out of my league...

Being able to look around at your cast members and see what you could be is completely different than anything I have experienced since I was a sophomore in high school. When I went to CEU I was never really surrounded by upperclassmen, so I never had this feeling of awe at the people around me. Being in hair is completely different.

And I'm not just trying to seem humble here. This ins't one of those "I'm going to tell you how much I suck so you can tell me how good I am" situations. It isn't like that at all. There is simply no doubt in my mind that of all the cast members, I have the least experience, training and talent when it comes to singing and dancing (even though I'm older than half of them). It's a fact. It can't be denied.

Now I know that sounds bad. I know it may seem like I'm whining. Actually, I'm doing quite the opposite. I'm not upset at the situation at all. In fact, it is exactly what I wanted. I wanted a humbling experience that forced me to work hard to hold my own. And my hell, I'm getting it! I feel so liberated and excited and energized. In this show, with this cast and this director, I will not be able to fall back on my old tricks and habits that have gotten me through before. I'm going to have to be constantly working and growing. I can't express what an amazing feeling that is. I have so much to be grateful for.

I can't wait.

-mikey-

I'm just a HAIRy guy....

First week of school. Check.

First set of auditions. Check.

First set of call backs. Check.

First time seeing my name on a cast list at the University of Utah. MAJOR CHECK.

That's right, ladies and gents. About three months from now, you will see a much more harry (and hopefully much less flabby) version of Michael. I've been cast in my first show here at The U. I'll be performing as a tribal member in HAIR The Musical November 11-20. Hell. Yes.

HAIR HAIR HAIR HAIR HAIR HAIR HAIR HAIR!

Honestly, I could not be happier. I couldn't have asked for more. I am so excited to do what I love with new people, in a new place, with a piece of theatre that is unlike anything I have ever done. It will be a challenge for me in every way. But that is what excites me the most.

Also, I'm not allowed to cut or shave any part of my body. And that means ANY part. Joy. 

As my second week at school begins, I get the feeling more and more that this is where I'm supposed to be. My acting class is amazing. We have a great group of kids who are bonding and growing by leaps and bounds. I'm making friends, getting out of my comfort zone, and having a blast.

Let's just hope it continues to go up.

-mikey-

Well, we're here!

So. It's begun. I have officially survived my first day as a student of the University of Utah's actor training program. I've been looking forward to this day for months. And now that it's over I wonder what I was so nervous about.

Though it's only the first day, I already have a few things to stress about. Auditions for three different shows are this weekend. (eek!) Two of the plays I haven't read. (eek again!) and the musical (which I've at least seen) I'm not even sure I'm allowed to audition for! I've got a lot of preparing to do....

I think I'm going to enjoy my classes. My acting class is going to be... well... I don't know. I'll leave that judgement for a later date. It's definitely a "fundamentals of acting" class. This means we probably won't be doing very much scene work. It's kind of a bummer because I feel like I've taken this class before (more than once). But it's good to have a refresher I suppose. And there are a couple people in the class I can't wait to get to know.  My queer theatre class is going to be awesome I think. It's basically just reading a bunch of plays and discussing them. That is definitely right up my alley!

Tomorrow I only have one class (though it's two sections). I'm looking forward to it though, it should be fun. And I'm REALLY looking forward to my private voice lessons. Hopefully they won't be too difficult. 

So, here goes nothing. I hope I can keep up with it all. I'm sure I'll be overwhelmed at some point. But as of right now, the future is looking bright!

Living on a Latte and a Prayer

I'm not really sure what this blog is. It is three in the morning, and I started thinking. Bad combination.

I've spent the last month and a half focusing the greater part of my energy on a musical that I've grown to love and a company that I believe in more than almost anything. I don't have a job. I don't go to school. And I have next to no social life (except Wednesdays of course). It's a strange feeling, being able to focus almost everything I have on theatre. At school my "other" classes took my energy for part of the time. And while theatre was always at the top of my list of important things, there were always a few things that seemed to get in the way. I hope that the last month and a half is kind of a preview to what the next few years of my life will be. As far as school goes, I no longer have to take any classes outside of the performing arts building if I don't want to. And living in (or near) salt lake will give me the greater opportunities as far as auditioning goes. Living and breathing acting is going to be amazing.

On the other hand, I'm freaking scared out of my damn mind. Come August 22nd, I will no longer be at the top of my game. At CEU I pretty much knew where I stood. I knew what I had to do to get what I wanted. At the U, I'll be lost. I look forward to the challenge of having heavy competition. I am excited to have to fight my hardest for everything. But, as invigorating as that is, it's frightening. I remember feeling that way when I made the move to CEU. It didn't take long for me to find my place, but for a short time I was afraid I wasn't going to make it. And here I am again, afraid that the moment I walk in the door everyone will be able to see through me.

As hard as it may be to believe, I'm quite an insecure person. (NO WAY! Michael? Insecure? Who would have thought?!) I'm rarely impressed with myself and my work. In fact the best compliment I usually give myself is "Man, Michael. Look at you! You really have these people fooled into thinking you can act! What morons!" I constantly live in fear that one day people are going to see that I'm really faking my way through everything. But until that day comes, I suppose I just have to keep faking.

...I have no good title for this...

I guess it's about time I start blogging regularly again. I've been putting it off because I really don't have much to say. My life in Tooele isn't what you would call exciting. In between dead end job interviews and frustrating rehearsals I'm usually found curled up reading in my favorite room in the house. It's the room the rest of my family spends the least amount of time in. This is the reason I like it so much, it's usually empty.

I do spend quite a bit of time reading. I basically flew through the first few Harry Potter books (pausing for only a day to blaze through Patti LuPone's memoir that I couldn't put down). But this last one (The Goblet of Fire) took me a bit longer. I'm taking this as a sign that I need to give JK Rowling a chance to catch her breath. So I got a few memoirs and a novel from my good friend Valerie. I'm stoked. I love memoirs, so I shouldn't have a problem getting through those. The novel is one I've been dying to read for a while: The Princess Bride. I've heard amazing things about it, so I'll start that first thing tomorrow morning.

My quest for employment has failed time and time again. I feel like I've done a thousand job interviews since graduation, and they have all lead me to nothing. I don't know what to do. Keep looking I guess. Looking and praying.

Speaking of prayers, I have good news. After months of worrying and stressing and wondering, I received a nice little envelope from the University of Utah Financial Aide and Scholarships office. Ever since I received my acceptance to the program, there has been a nagging tug in the pit of my stomach that seems to mutter "one of the most expensive schools in the state." But, friends, my prayers have been answered! A scholarship. A GENEROUS scholarship, for even more that I hoped for. My entire tuition for my freshman year is covered. All I have is student fees and books to pay for. What a relief!

So, all in all, my summer has been... okay. I have ups and downs. I don't have good days and bad days. I have good hours and bad hours! I guess thats why they call it manic. In high school, springtime was always the hardest when it came to my depression. But for the last three years, it has been summer that I've had to struggle through. The last two summers were understandable. I had legitimate reasons for the way I felt. But this year I really have no justification for the way I feel sometimes. I guess that is all part of having a mental illness. There doesn't have to be a reason for every mood swing.

But I'm getting there. I'm happy. Thanks mostly to my amazing family and friends (two friends in particular who I get to see at least once a week. Let's just call them my cougars). I just hope August gets here quickly. I'm ready for something new and fresh and alive!

-mikey-

Ten Days.

It has been Ten days since I moved back in with my parents. And it feels like it has been ten weeks. Don't get me wrong. I love being home. I love my family and my friends here. I'm loving the play and the fact that it keeps me busy at night. But I just miss my life in Price. I don't miss the school, or the drama, or the politics of it all. But I miss the people. The laughter. The tears. The hugs and kisses. I miss them.

It rained today. And it was liberating driving around the city in the storm, just thinking about life. How much I miss and long for him. How much I worry about her. How much I love them. It was depressing, in a good way. I finally realized that it's okay to miss it. For so long I told myself that I hated it there and I was going to be glad when it was over. But once I let myself grieve the past, it felt good.

So now that I've faced the fact that it's okay to be sad, I guess I can start looking toward the future. The past ten days have been... weird. For lack of a better word. I haven't had nearly the energy or enthusiasm that I thought I would have. I have all these goals, but no energy to begin them. I guess I just have to do it, whether I want to or not. Some of the goals I have are incredibly personal, so I don't think I'll share them on here. But good energy would be appreciated. I can use all the help I can get. :]

The play is coming along really well. I love singing the music. Despite all the shit I say about Rogers and Hammerstein, they definitely knew how to write a love ballad (even if they all pretty much sound the same...). The music is simply lovely. And I only have ten lines. Ten lines and two gorgeous duets.... that doesn't add up to me!

Still no job. And no prospects. After three interviews in a little over a week I'm back to square one. :S Again. Good energy would be appreciated.

-mikey-

CHALLENGED FINISHED!!!

Finished at last! Now I can get back to blogging about what I want to blog about. I guess when I get stuck I can go to other blog challenges to get ideas. But for now, I make the rules! :]

Day 31- A picture of yourself and three good things that happened today.

I dunno why. But I like this pic a lot. 

1) I finished Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for the millionth time. I've read the series so many times I've lost count. It's kind of my summer ritual. And I'm off to a good start this year. Chamber of Secrets tomorrow. :]

2) I made great strides in putting my room back together today. I'm moved back in with my parents for the summer and for next years Fall and Spring semesters. I have so much shit! This is the first time I've really moved back in completely. For the past three years I have only lived with my parents for the summer. So I never really took the time to completely unpack. It's nice to be in a place that I know is going to be my home for more than just a few months. 

3) Today is Mother's day. Which always gives one a chance to reflect on Mother's and how important they are. I definitely have a fantastic Mama. She's incredibly supportive and loving. A parent when I need advice. A best friend when I need to laugh. She's amazing. 

There you have it! Three good things. And a stunning picture of me. Enjoy. 

-mikey-

Tanka 05/06/10

Wish I had the balls
To say what I really think.
Maybe I'll grow some.
Until then, I'll simply smile.
Swallow my worry and smile.

Day 30

This one is going to be short and sweet. Because I can.

Day 30- Something you could never get tired of doing.

This

This

Oh and this.

I think you get the picture. I could never get enough of spending time with this guy. :]

Ok. Cheesiness over.

-mikey-

They are just PEOPLE, people!

Day 29- Your biggest pet peeve.

Ok, asking me to name one pet peeve as my biggest is like asking The Count what his favorite number is.



One annoying habit, ah ah ah. Two annoying habits, ah ah ah.


It's impossible.

I hate it when students raise their hand, get called on, and still feel the need to begin their question with "I have a question." WE KNOW!

I hate it when people think that "I'm a theatre major" is an excuse to act like an imbecile in publice. It isn't.

Speaking of theatre, I hate it when people ask "Are you excited to perform the play tonight?" No. I'm not excited. I hate acting.

Speaking of plays, I hate it when people tell me that they KNOW I am going to get a part in a play. Worse than that, I hate it when people say "Of course he/she/you got that part!" It's not a compliment. It just makes you sound bitter.

I hate it when people blame their teachers/classes for their bad grades. I am a lazy student. But at least I can admit it.

I hate it when people whisper, tell secrets or say "I need to tell you something... later" in public. IT'S RUDE!!!!

Conspiracy theories.

It's. Its. To. Two. Too. They're. Their. There. Learn the difference.

I hate it when people leave the shopping carts in the parking stalls instead of walking ten feet to return them.

Speaking of shopping carts, I hate it when fat people get to use those cool little motorized shopping carts.

Also, being fat does not equal being handicapped.

Also, just because you are fat does not mean that everything I say is a fat joke, or a comment about your weight. Your weight isn't the only thing that I think about you.

It annoys me when gay people think everyone else in the world is gay.

It annoys me when straight people accuse gay people of "shoving it in their face" because they hold hands in public or wear bright clothing, or have "equality"  bumper stickers.

Speaking of gay people, we aren't how the media protrays us.

"Gay" does not mean stupid.
"Retarded" does not mean annoying/difficult/not working properly.
If you wouldn't say the N word, you shouldn't say "Faggot."

Really really long acronims. USUCEUWTF.

Double standards. (I'm kind of guilty of this)

"Just kidding"   ...no. No you are not. (I'm definitely guilty of this.)

And my latest one, I hate how everyone is so obsessed with this freaking Royal Wedding. Who gives a rats ass? Not me.

...and the list goes on. add to my list! this could be fun!

-mikey-

Free time? I could get used to this...

So this afternoon, after I got out of my rockin geology class, (I hate puns. really I do.) I found myself standing in the doorway to my closet sized bedroom staring in and thinking: "What now?"

It's a weird feeling having free "me time" after you've had weeks of nothing but stress packing every second of your day. You kind of don't know what to do with yourself. So I did what any other young adult does when they have a spare ten minutes. I opened my laptop. It was nice to just be in my quiet room all alone. I let the day, the week, the month just slip away. With finals coming to a close I can finally feel the stress lighten. I'm not quite done yet. I still have a few more finals to do. But the worst of it all is over. And before I know it, it'll be summer and I'll be home. Yay? I haven't quite decided...

Anyway. Onwards and upwards.

Only a few more days left of my challenge. Let's do this.

Day 28- Your favorite movie.
This one changes from time to time. I love movies, so it's hard to pick just one. But this one consistently rises above the others.

Just seeing those orange stripes makes me happy inside.

I think the thing that I love most about Juno is that it is everything that a good movie needs to be, without trying. It's hilarious because the screenwriter is hilarious. It's that simple. She didn't hire joke-writers or get gimmicky. The pages of the screenplay are not dripping with slap stick or caricature. There isn't a Will Ferrel or an Adam Sandler in sight. It is simply witty writing. It stears clear of melodrama. Juno is touching because the situations are real. They aren't dramatized, cheesy or tacky. They just are. The characters are people that I actually care about. They are people I want to meet and spend my life laughing with.

So there you go. My favorite movie. Watch it.

ps. the other amazing thing about this movie is that it always makes me think of one of my best friends in the whole world. Love you beej. :]

Almost there!

Oh man. I am so close to being done with this blog challenge I can taste it! I think it was good for me to do because it has gotten me into the habit of writing more. But, I'm about ready to just start blogging on my own again. So that will be nice!

Also, I'm sick. I could feel it coming on last night and by the time I went to bed I was feeling kind of crappy. But I feel better this morning, apart from the fact that my throat is on fire. This week is going to be stressful enough without the sickness. Looks like the little bug picked the perfect time in order to do the most damage. Damn.

Ok so here we go. Day 27- A picture of you last year and now and how have you changed since then?



A year ago.

  In all honesty, so much has changed in me in the last year that could definitely spend a lot of time blogging about it. But I will keep it short and sweet.

The thing that has changed the most since then is that today, I am a more independent person than I was a year ago. I was happy, content with where I was in life. But I relied so much on the love of the people around me in order to feel like I was worth anything. After a summer of heartbreak, and a fall semester of having few really close friends, I found out that it really sucks to have to do things alone. But I can do it if I need to. That is an amazing feeling.


Now.


Secondly, and this completely coincides with my first change, is that I have learned to take nothing for granted. There are people in my life that I love and care for, and they deserve to be treated the best possible. I am so grateful for the people in my life. I cannot tell you how much I love my family and friends. And now I know how important it is to show that love.

I loved who I was a year ago. I thought there was nothing in the world that could make me happier. But a huge change in my life showed me different. Invite change. You may never know what it can bring you. God loves me. He wants me to be happy. He will get me there.

-mikey-

a look toward the horizon

I've been failing at the whole blog challenge thing lately. I've just been swamped! But I'm going to continue my break from the blog challenge for just a few more minutes. I promise to do the next challenge.... eventually.

Man what a crazy few weeks it has been! With the dance concert wrapping up, I thought I would have a lot more time on my hands. Of course, I was mistaken. But I don't know why I'm surprised how stressful the last week or so has been. The end of the semester always brings stress with it. It cannot be helped.

The only thing getting me through the busy days and nights is the thought of the fantastic new adventure I'm about to take next semester. It's (finally) official. I have been accepted into the University of Utah. So if everything goes as planned I will be attending the U next semester in the Actor Training Program. The only downfall is that I'll be living at home. Joy. Honestly, I don't think it's going to be that bad. I love my family. And it'll be nice to have my own, full sized bedroom again. Living rent free will be nice as well. And the idea that anytime I'm hungry I can just go home and eat is a fantastic thing. So all in all I think it will be a good thing. At least for the first year. That is one thing that appealed to me so much about the U. Besides the fact that it has a reputation for an intense, prestigious acting program (which I feel is exactly what I need) I will finally be close to my family again. No more missed birthdays or Sunday dinners or school plays or basketball games. :]

But, as I look forward to this fall I realize that I have a long summer ahead of me. There are times when I wish I could just pause time for a while and enjoy my friends in Price before the year is over. But the end is inevitable I suppose. My feelings about this change is interesting. I'm not incredibly upset about leaving the school. I grew up a lot during my time here. I am a happier person because of the experiences that USUCEUWTF has given me. But honestly, I'm not going to miss this school too much. At least, I don't think I will. I definitely will miss the Geary. It's become my home and my sanctuary. And I will miss the fantastic friends that I have and will always have from here. But as for the school, I'm ready to move one. I definitely feel that I have learned all I can learn here. And God has given me several pieces of evidence that it is time to move on. I just wish I could take my loved ones with me. On commencement day, saying goodbye to the people in my Price-life is going to be one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

But that's just it. I have to do it. It is a part of adulthood, a part of life. And I need to accept that. The next four years are going to be intense and exciting. I need to look ahead. Not back.

So ladies and gents, I need to start looking forward to the amazing summer that I have ahead of me. In the spirit of optimism here is a list of good things that this summer is bringing me!

• Wednesdays with Val and Christin (I get to see Benson AND Christin get big! :D )
• The King and I (Guess that means I better get in shape!)
• Family (Reunions, barbeque's and birthdays)
• Money (which means a repaired car and computer, and a tattoo. Maybe...)
• A tan (and maybe a six pack? as if...)
• And a fresh start on my new years resolutions!

My good friend Farrah has decided to live a Summer of Happiness. Which inspired me to do the same. I am going to have a summer full of fun, preparation, and hard work. And you know what? I'm stoked. :D

-mikey-

oh ps. The Boy has started a blog! Follow him! It'll be worth it! ;]

Day 26

Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy.
Day 22 – Your favorite trip you have been on.
Day 23 – Your dream house
Day 25 – A Photo of something that means a lot to you.

Day 26 – Whats your most recent entertainment?
Recently I've started watchig the TV show Criminal Minds. It was referred to me by my good friend Farrah. I was sceptical at first. I don't usually like Crime Shows. To me they always end up cheesy, predictable and lame. But so far (in the eight episodes I've seen so far) that hasn't happened. It's an intense, thought provoking show. I can't wait to start watching them again after my life settles down a little bit.

The last week has been over run with stress. I'm stage managing for the CEU Dance Ensemble Spring Concert (which is going to be awesome btw). As much as I complain about it, I love the job. The dance ensemble is full of really fun people, I'm good friends with the choreographer, and it gives me a chance to work on my tech skills. I don't mind doing the job at all, except for nights like last night. STRESSFUL. But its over. Tonight will be better, and the concert will be great. :]

Day 25

Day 19 – Another picture of yourself.
Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy.
Day 22 – Your favorite trip you have been on.
Day 23 – Your dream house

Day 25 – A Photo of something that means a lot to you.

This is a picture of me and my parents at my high school graduation three years ago (HOLY CRAP. I'm old.).  Education is very important to me. I want to be the best person I can be and I know that I cannot do that without a good education. Knowing that a good education is important doesn't necessarily make me a good student, however. I'm kind of lazy in the classroom. But I'm working on it. And besides, after this year I will never have to take any Gen Ed. classes ever again! Hallelujah!

Day 23- I'll Be There For You

Day 18 – Something you crave a lot. 
Day 19 – Another picture of yourself. 
Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name. 
Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy. 
Day 22 – Your favorite trip you have been on. 


Day 23 –  Your dream house
Title- The theme from F.R.I.E.N.D.S

So I have always loved Monica's apartment in Friends. I just think it's cool. I love the purple walls, the balcony that you have to crawl through a window to get to, the view of NYC. Someday I want to have something similar, a big open flat with lots of space so can have lots of family and friends over all the time. 


-mikey-

Day 22- NYC

Day 17 – A photo of you and your family.
Day 18 – Something you crave a lot.
Day 19 – Another picture of yourself.
Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy.

Day 22 – Your favorite trip you have been on.
Title- NYC from Annie. For obvious reasons.

The summer after my Junior year of High School, I was given the chance of a lifetime. My drama teacher at the time arranged a trip to New York City for some of her students and close friends. I can honestly say it was the time of my life. Sometimes when I see movies or TV shows set in NYC, I still can't wrap my brain around the fact that I've been there. I haven't been blessed, like others, with the chance to travel a whole lot. I have friends that have been to NY several times. But I'm not so lucky. So this was an opportunity I didn't want to pass up.

The trip was art based. We went to a museum or two, toured an opera house, attended a few workshops and, of course, saw some great (and some not so great) Broadway shows. What an experience it was! I can't wait to go back and experience the magic of my dream city again.

Me with my good friends Brittany, Lindsey, Zach and Sal in front of the NY skyline. I think we were on a boat on our way to the Statue of Liberty if I remember correctly. It was so long ago!

 

Brittany, Lindsey and me in Times Square. I love these girls! We are so young!



Again, look how young I am! I honestly don't have any idea where this statue was. All I remember is that it was of a naked woman. And I posed with it. A few times. :D

-mikey-

Day 21- Wednesday!

Day 16 – Your celebrity crush. 
Day 17 – A photo of you and your family. 
Day 18 – Something you crave a lot. 
Day 19 – Another picture of yourself. 
Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name. 


Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy.

WEDNESDAY!!!!

Look how young Em is! 

My very good friends Christin and Val have been super close for a couple of years now. For about the past two years we have gotten together almost every Wednesday afternoon to just hang out, laugh our butts off, and occasionally spew the room with Dr. Pepper.


It has been a great time being close to them. I don't know what I would do without my two favorite "cougars." I definitely wouldn't be as happy or secure with myself as I am. We don't always see eye to eye on every issue. But we love and support each other through everything. And that makes me happy. :]


-mikey-

Day 20- I Want to Make Magic

Day 15 – Your favorite childhood show. 
Day 16 – Your celebrity crush. 
Day 17 – A photo of you and your family. 
Day 18 – Something you crave a lot. 
Day 19 – Another picture of yourself. 

Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name.

Title- I Want To Make Magic from Fame the Musical. This song has been really close to my heart for years. My good friend and mentor Carol LaForge shared it with my Advanced Theatre class my sophomore year. The song is all about creating “magic” on stage. And that is what theatre truly is. Magic.

That is why I chose “Making Magic, One Line at a Time” as my blog title. The title mentions “lines” which can be taken as the lines on a page of writing or as the lines that an actor says on stage. I want to create “magic” through my acting as well as my writing, touching people’s lives and helping them see and think in new ways. It’s simple, perhaps cliché and cheesy. But it’s what I was born to do.

-mikey-

Day 19- This Is Not Over Yet

Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to. 
Day 15 – Your favorite childhood show. 
Day 16 – Your celebrity crush. 
Day 17 – A photo of you and your family. 
Day 18 – Something you crave a lot. 


Day 19 – Another picture of yourself.
Title- From the musical Parade. I chose this because I just have to keep telling myself that sentence. This Is Not Over Yet. Visiting the U campus got me so excited that I am just mentally done with school here. BUT I CAN'T GIVE UP NOW!!!! 

This is a picture of me and Sterling at the Festival of Colors that we went to a few weeks ago. It was so fun. It was my second time going and I had a total blast! The festival is held at the Krishna temple in Spanish Fork Utah. It is held to celebrate the coming of spring. They sell chalk powder in several colors. You throw the chalk at each other and then at the same time, everyone counts down and throws their chalk in the air at the same time. The cloud of chalk is HUGE and can be seen for miles. HUNDREDS of people were there. Mostly college students from UVU and BYU. Definitely one of the most fun things I've done in my life. Definitely going again! :D 

Day 18- We Kiss in Shadow

Day 12 – A photograph of the town you live in.
Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to.
Day 15 – Your favorite childhood show.
Day 16 – Your celebrity crush.
Day 17 – A photo of you and your family.

Day 18 – Something you crave a lot.
Title- We Kiss in Shadow from the musical The King and I. This song really has nothing to do with todays topic. The reason I chose it is because I was recently cast in LaForge Encore Theatre's production of The King and I as Lun Tha and I will get to sing this, and one other, beautiful song with one of my very good friends. You can say I'm pretty excited. :]


 This one is a no brainer. Simply put- I am highly addicted to the sweet, tender lovin of Dr. Pepper. He's so good to me. He and I have been together for several years and I expect a long and happy future ahead of us. Unfortunately, the Doctor and I have been taking some time apart recently (stupid lent). I have been fooling around with the Doctor's not as delicious cousin, Ms. Diet Pepsi. She is tasty and fun, it is true. But nothing can compare to the unique taste of Dr. Pepper. Don't worry Doc. Come easter you and I shall be united once and for all!


Oh doctor. How I love you. ;]

Day 17- I Just Might

Day 11 – A photo from high school? 
Day 12 – A photograph of the town you live in. 
Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to. 
Day 15 – Your favorite childhood show. 
Day 16 – Your celebrity crush. 


Day 17 – A photo of you and your family.
Title- I Just Might from 9 to 5 The Musical. I love this song because it always makes me think of my mom. Especially one line, "You are the one that keeps me strong. You are the shoulder I lean. When I think I've had enough, I think of you and toughen up."

I've said it before and I will say it again. I have the greatest family in the world. They mean the world to me and I don't know what I would do without them. As you can tell from the above picture, we are a pretty good looking bunch, although I hate this picture of me. I think I look like a moron. My brothers are both great guys. We all have our struggles, but we are always able to forget them and love each other no matter what. I know that they love and support me no matter what, and I know they feel the same. My parents are simply awesome. I'm so lucky to have such a great support system. And, as weird as this sounds, as consider myself so lucky that I have two parents that love each other as much as they do. After 22 years, they are still going strong and they are such a great example to me. I couldn't ask for more. 


-mikey- 

Day 16

Day 10 – A photo of your favorite place to eat. 
Day 11 – A photo from high school? 
Day 12 – A photograph of the town you live in. 
Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to. 
Day 15 – Your favorite childhood show. 




Day 16 – Your celebrity crush. 
Title - Couldn't really find a song to match this blog. So too bad so sad, readers.


So go ahead and judge me all you want. But I have celeb crush on T.Laut. Why? BECAUSE LOOK AT HIM. Oh man. K bye. 


Disclaimer: I DO NOT have a crush on Jacob from Twilight. I can't stand the books (and yes, I did try reading them and couldn't get past the first thirty pages) or the movies (I tried watching the first one, if I hadn't been in a movie theater I wouldn't have finished that either). My crush is on Taylor Lautner. Not Jacob. K bye. 

Day 14- A Way Back to Then

Day 9 – Something you are proud of. 
Day 10 – A photo of your favorite place to eat. 
Day 11 – A photo from high school? 
Day 12 – A photograph of the town you live in. 
Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to. 




Day 15 – Your favorite childhood show.
Title- A Way Back to Then is a song from the musical [Title of Show]. It's an awesome musical. The song is all about 
returning to the feeling of being a child and young. So I thought it was appropriate. :] 


My all time favorite show as a kid was Rugrats. I don't know why exactly. I just absolutely loved it. I remember that whenever I heard the theme song, I would run from wherever I was in the house to the TV. I still watch clips from it on youtube every once in a while just for the sake of nostalgia. And I still love it to this day. :]

Day 14- I Dreamed a Dreamed

Day 8 – A song to match your mood. 
Day 9 – Something you are proud of. 
Day 10 – A photo of your favorite place to eat. 
Day 11 – A photo from high school? 
Day 12 – A photograph of the town you live in. 


I'm skipping day 13 because I feel like. And it's my blog and I'll cry if I want to! ...wait what?


Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to. 
Titile- Originally it's from Les Mis (duh.) But gLee does a version of it that is fantastic. My favorite version of the song ever recorded. 


So. Here's the thing. I don't watch TV. I don't have a TV. I don't even like TV. But I do love gLee. And yes, I know. It's cheesy and predictable and whatever. But I love it none the less. The thing that I love about gLee is that the creators of the show KNOW that gLee is cheesy and predictable and whatever. The humor is all tongue and cheek and sarcastic and just my style. And I don't care if it promotes teen sexuality and drinking and whatever. To me, it is just plain fun. And that's all that matters. So. I'm a gLeek. Get over it.