The Right Path

I am so blessed. The people in my life are truly sensational. Whether I get the part or not, this audition process has been such a positive experience!! I've been encouraged and supported more than ever before, I've met so many amazing people, and I've had several enjoyable evenings of singing and dancing. Best of all, Rush and I have miraculously grown even closer. No one has ever been there for me quite like my loving husband. Only an incredible man could spend a collective 20 hours or so sitting and waiting at various auditions.

The last one was a total blast, mostly due to how fantastic the other Tracy finalists are, inside and out. We went over dances together, chatted, shared snacks, and genuinely got to know and appreciate one another - all in the span of 5 hours as we competed for a role. I personally felt like the character herself at some points. We were five big girls in a sea of tiny, flexible beauties. When it came time for our dance audition, the Tracys got the biggest (ha!) applause of all. That was one of the most satisfying moments of my life.

Everyone there was so respectful of each other and I can't wait to get more involved with this community. Red Mountain and I did not get off on the right foot. Last year, I somehow thought it would be a good idea to intern with them as I tried to finish my last semester of college and plan a marriage. It was not. I was unable to complete my duties and ultimately dropped the show altogether. The company graciously gave me another chance with The Drowsy Chaperone and I've been hooked ever since. What an awesome group of people!!

I have a really pathetic confession to make. As evident by our almost-identical interviews, short, chubby girls everywhere have dreamt about playing Tracy since they first discovered the show. I'm one of those. For the past 5 years, however, my fantasy has been specifically geared towards RMTC. Ever since I saw their production of my all-time favorite show Bat Boy: The Musical, I've often thought to myself how crazy it would be if they ever decided to do Hairspray. And had open auditions for Tracy. And I got it. And I had all my friends and family come see it. And, of course, I was the best Tracy EVER ;)

So, you see, half of my vision has already become a reality. Yes, I will probably cry and wallow and generally feel dreadful if I am not cast, but I would still not trade this opportunity for anything! Never before have I felt so strongly that I am in the right place at the right time. God is directing my feet and I am following. All I can do now is pray that I keep finding the right path.

My Bleeding Heart

I've been to a lot of job interviews in the past 6 months, and just got home from one in fact! One of the most common questions is, "What is your greatest weakness?" and I've got my answer down pat: I'm too sensitive. I always note that in certain situations, extreme sensitivity can be a good thing. For the most part, however, I am entirely too vulnerable.

I was at a friend's house last night and decided to check my e-mail. I read a message from my father-in-law detailing the final days of their dog Hercules who was 15 years old and so sweet. I had a complete melt-down in the middle of the room. I tried to just put it away and not say anything so as not to upset Rush, but it was impossible. I was already a bit fragile because we finally disposed of Douglas (our Christmas tree) and I just couldn't hold myself together. My precious husband, of course, was then comforting me over the death of his family pet. I'm pathetic and ashamed.

This occurrence is not completely unlike the multiple times that I have had to leave a restaurant because I couldn't contain myself when I saw a sad-looking person eating alone. I somehow concoct these stories in my head of unrequited romance or lost loved-ones and I cease to function as a rational human being. Given that, I'm sure you can imagine how I react when witnessing real tragedy. It's a serious problem.

So where's the good? These exaggerated responses only seem to cause additional strife for myself. And my family. And my friends. And basically anyone with whom I come in contact. I like to think it also gifts me with a capacity for empathy that others may not posses. I'm not great at listening or giving advice, but if it's compassion you're looking for, I'm your girl.

Cake Balls Take 2

Well, I'm sure all my avid readers (ha!) will be delighted to know that I retried my baking disaster with much more success!! They're still pretty messy, but this attempt was a vast improvement upon last time. I really don't have a lot to say... I've just felt like a neglectful blogger as of late so I wanted to throw a little update your way. We've taken down all the Christmas decorations except Douglas - he still sits proudly (albeit a little dead) by our window. We really must dispose of him :(

In other news, my family discovered "The Big Bang Theory" and it's quite a hit! We've decided that Rush, Noah, and Dad all together comprise all the nerdiness that show has to offer. My father, of course, is by far the most entertaining - he laughs at things we didn't even know was supposed to be funny and then pauses the DVD to explain it to us. Being snowed in at my parent's house twice in the past month has been very satisfying!! I love my home.

The Search for Tracy

If you're tired of watching me obsess over these auditions, look away now... I don't think it's possible for anyone who knows me to have missed this fact, but for posterity I want to make a formal announcement on our blog: I have been named one of the 5 finalists for Red Mountain Theatre Company's production of Hairspray! There's still voting and more auditions and who-knows-what-else left before the final decision, but I'm one step closer!! Speaking of which, if you haven't done so already, click here to vote :D

I've got to say that the whole thing was actually rather anti-climactic. I was sleeping late on Monday because neither Rush nor I had to work (not that it would have mattered if we did as we were snowed in at my parent's house). My friend Lisa sent me a text that simply said she had voted for me. Well, I couldn't think of any other situation involving myself that would require a vote, but I had to confirm. So I ran downstairs, pulled out my laptop, and started searching. Low and behold, there I was. Top of the page. "Vote for your favorite."

Today I dug a little deeper. I finally got an e-mail from RMTC congratulating us and assuring us that we will receive details soon. Out of curiosity, I googled my name and discovered that a still from my audition is the second picture. That also led me to this site (scroll down to the bottom to see a sweet comment from Nanci S. about yours truly) which apparently featured my video in December right here.

Since I found out my exciting news, quite a lot of craziness has ensued, started in part by my extremely loving sister and mother (with a little help from all of our husbands). I am positively overwhelmed by the response of other family, friends, and even people I hardly know! The support you have all shown in the past couple days has been truly beautiful and I cherish every message, comment, text, etc. that I've received.

I'll be honest and admit that I have to wonder if this voting process even matters all that much as far as casting is concerned, but I promise you this: I will walk into any audition or who-knows-what-else a stronger, more confident woman knowing that I have so many loving people standing behind me. God bless!!

PS
Here's my full audition. I mainly post it because my daddy worked very, very hard with me on this and I think he was a little bummed that they only used 30 seconds of it :)

New Year's Resolution

I wrote up a Christmas Blog last week but never finished it during all the craziness that was the end of our December. Hopefully within the next few days I can properly address all the moments we experienced. For now, Happy 2011!!

I don't believe I've ever made one of these before. I agree with the sentiment that it is more practical to focus on bettering yourself all year. Inspiration has hit, however, and I think it is a worthy goal. My resolution is to make significant contact (i.e. other than texting, Facebook, etc.) with a friend once a week. I've never been good at keeping up with people over breaks but it never mattered that much, because eventually we'd all be back together again. That is not the case anymore and I don't want to fall away from the dear people that make up my past.

This is going to be a challenge. I don't like the phone and I always forget to mail things. I'm excited, though. I think my resolution will be good for me (and hopefully for my friends as well). Feel free to drop me a message or comment here if you'd like a letter or a postcard or even just a phone call. There are only 52 chances for me to think of everyone I care about!