Must Just Be Life...

It's an interesting thing... During the month of October I submitted my Masters dissertation, and the process of completing the written portion as well as the supplementary video I included was one of the most stressful things I've ever experienced. Upon completion I found myself looking forward to a stress-free future...

Then came November, and with it the stresses of figuring out what to do next. I began researching different job opportunities as well as PhD programs. I then began the process of applying for PhD programs and all that comes with it - requesting transcripts, getting letters of recommendation, writing essays and personal statements, etc. Not so stress-free.

Now in the month of December, I've found myself stressing again, trying to get in shape and get ready to perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker. It's been years (literally) since I've done pointe. What was I thinking committing to such a role?!

So, I'm beginning to wonder. Either I'm a magnet to stress-inducing things, OR life just doesn't get easier or less stressful. Hate to break it to you people, but I think it's the latter.

Mormon Twilight Spoof

Check out this Mormon Twilight spoof! Sooo hideous (and hilarious)!

http://vimeo.com/8009598

Happy, HAPPY Thanksgiving!

With it being Thanksgiving, I've been reflecting on the many things I've been blessed with in my life, particularly this past year, and there is so much to be grateful for!

I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ that has blessed my life.

I am so, soooo grateful for my family, for all of their love and support.

I feel blessed to have had the opportunity this past year to live in London and to have completed my Masters degree at Roehampton University. I am so thankful for the many people I met while living there and for the dear friends I will remember forever.

I am grateful that I've been able to live with my two brothers for the past 6 months, especially before Ben leaves for his mission to Hong Kong, China in January.

I am so grateful for a wonderful boyfriend who is sweet, thoughtful, patient, and loving.

I am grateful for dear, dear friends whom I love so much: Kris in Scotland, Hannah in Texas, Holls in Prov, Tree in SLC, Aimes in London - soon to be Geneva, and everyone else (you all know who you are, but this post would become eternally long if I kept going... sorry).

These are just a few of the many things I'm grateful for, but I wanted to share them with you. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Sugar "Plump" Fairy

That's gonna be me in the Nutracker everyone... aren't you excited to see it?! My poor, poor pas de deux partner... ("he's gonna need a crane to lift her!" - anyone who can name that movie is amazing). I am so out of shape to perform such a role, it's not even funny!

Looks like it's time to stop eating (no more candies, chips, or late night trips to sonics for a strawberry limeade), start running (cuz you all know how much I love it), and destroy my feet with pointe shoes like the good ol' days. Wish me luck! xox

QUARTER-LIFE CRISIS

Uggghhh... the frustration!!! Dear friends and family, I am currently undergoing some sort of quarter-life crisis. I'm having to make the following life decisions:

Stay in Provo? Not stay in Provo?

Move outside of Utah/United States?

Become an American citizen and renounce the country of my birth? Remain Canadian?

Work? By doing what? Some sort of administrative job because that's what I have experience in? Attempt to work in the field of dance?

Further my education by pursuing a PhD? Really? A 4-year commitment that would make me 30 by the time I'm done, severely in debt, and probably still single???

And if I choose to do the PhD route, which school? Which program? What city/state/country should I pursue my education?

As you can see, I'm having to make some major life decisions right now, and it's causing me to experience what some may call the one and only quarter-life crisis.

Heaven help me.

THIS IS IT

Yes, it's me again, the terrible blogger. Now that I'm done with my dissertation I'm gonna make a real effort to be better at this. Promise. So I just have to say that I was pleasantly surprised this evening by a film I saw in the theater. Maybe you've seen it?

All I can say is this: there will never be a musician and dancer as talented and influential as Michael Jackson. He is truly a legend. You really should see this film if you haven't yet. Here's the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyrkcz7msfY. Enjoy! x x x

Where did the summer go???

I have been terrible... TERRIBLE at blogging this summer. I suppose it's cuz I feel like there isn't as much exciting stuff to report now that I'm back in the states and can update you all face to face, but my apologies for not being better. This summer really has been so much fun, despite the fact that I've been highly stressed about completing my dissertation. Let me give you a brief recap...

I got to visit my sister Yolanda in Pasadena, California with my parents and two brothers. We went to the Arts Center where my bro-in-law is going to grad school. This is my family being thespians...

I went to the Huntington Botanical Gardens while in Cali and it was pretty amazing. This is the Japanese garden section.

Went tubing with my bros, Jon and Ben at Jordanelle.

Watched fireworks for Steel Days with my dear friends and significant others...

Threw a successful bachelorette party with Ann for Kris.

Went 4-wheeling up by Fish Lake.

Found myself a very sweet bf.

Turned 25 years old and had the best surprise birthday party ever!!! Thanks Jon!

Went fly fishing for the first time!

These are just a few of the things I got to do this summer, and it really was so much fun! I can't believe it's over, but I look forward to some Fall adventures!

God Bless America!

Ok, so this photo is somewhat deceiving because I spent the 4th of July in Kaysville, UT, but my Independence Day was equally, if not more exciting than what is being portrayed here! The day started off with a bam by rolling out of bed, running up to Center Street in attempts to catch Lani and Elias in the pre-parade, and blacking out on the side of the road only to then experience the most excruciating cramps I have ever felt in my life! It was absolutely horrifying, but hey! What a way to start Independence Day!

The evening of the 4th was the best part because I drove to Kaysville to meet up with my friend Sam and his family. We had one of the most delicious BBQs I've ever had and went to see the Kaysville fireworks after. Nothing beats listening to Celine Dion sing "God Bless America!" whilst snuggling up to watch fireworks!

I realize I am a Canadian citizen and have been living in England for the past year but all I can say is... I love America!!!

O Canada!!!

As the only member of my family that has remained loyal to our Motherland, I would like to pay tribute by posting the Canadian anthem lyrics.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

O Canada!

Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,

The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Time for privacy!

Well, I've decided to no longer have my blog accessible to the world, which may or may not change. I just feel as though I don't have to be as discreet about my thoughts and feelings if I can be certain that not just anyone can read them. It's called self-preservation and protection people... Oh, and it also allows me to no longer be potentially vulnerable to people I may not particularly fancy. That's all.

Ohhhh Provo...

Well, it's offish people... I'm back in Provo. Feels a little strange to be honest, but tonight the "Sisterhood" was semi-reunited and it was so great! Just want to give a little shout out to Holly and Hannah: I love you girls!!! (you were missed Michelle). x x x

A New Look!

Yes, it's true my dear friends... I am no longer living in London, England, so I no longer can title my blog "London Chronicles." Thank you so much for all caring about my life and reading about my London adventures! I know I was absolutely terrible at keeping this thing up to date... the last time I made a post was in March! Terrible! But I promise to update you with posts of my travels to Norway, the Netherlands, and France. Coming soon! Thank you for your patience. Love you all! x x x

Bath, Stonehenge, and Salisbury Cathedral

As I am currently residing in London, England, I decided I simply must visit some of the main sites just outside London and take full advantage of the amazing opportunity it is for me to be living in the UK! I went with my dear friend Miss Aimee Latta, on the most fabulous day trip to visit Bath, Stonehenge, and Salisbury. Here is a mini virtual tour so you can see what it was like!

BATH

Bath was quite the quaint little city! Rather hilly on the way in, and so, so beautiful! As we made our way to the Roman baths, our tour guide (actually a native of Bath) pointed out the flat of Nicolas Cage, and also informed us that Johnny Depp had residence in Bath, as well as Jane Seymour. The best way to fathom the city of Bath (pronounced "Baaawth") is to think Jane Austen. Yep, you got it now don't you...

I just couldn't resist wading in the water...


STONEHENGE

There it is from my very own camera! A lot of people told me they weren't really impressed by Stonehenge because they were just these puny little stones stacked on top of each other... much smaller than expected. Well I beg to differ! I thought Stonehenge was incredible, and well worth the trip!

And there's my head as proof that I was in fact there...

SALISBURY CATHEDRAL

Ok, just take a look at this!!! One word: INCROYABLE!!! I mean, those of you who know me know that I have an obsession with cathedrals. It started when I was living in Paris, France, and it just hasn't gone away! The intricate architecture of cathedrals is absolutely awe-inspiring! This was by far my favourite part of the trip. Just feast your eyes on the beauty...

A bit of the exterior for you. Salisbury Cathedral supposedly has the tallest steeple of all cathedrals in Europe!

It also has one of the largest cloisters I have ever seen. You can get an idea of just how big it is by looking at how short we look standing in one of the many archways that surround the cloister.

Well, it was a lovely trip, and I would highly recommend it to anyone spending an extended period of time in England. More of my travels to come! Love you all! x

Edinburgh, SCOTLAND

Bear with me as I attempt to update my blog for the past month...

When Kris came to visit we had the incredible opportunity to visit Edinburgh, Scotland!!! If it weren't for Kris, I probably would never have ventured out to see Scotland. Not that I didn't want to, it just wasn't on the top of my list of places to visit while I'm here. Well thank heavens for my best friend of 15 years, cuz I absolutely LOVED Edinburgh!

See why I love Kris? She modeled a different one of my hats each day that she was here, no matter how hideous they were, she's not afraid of being ugly in public (like me), she's a little thespian (no matter what she says!), and she knows me so well and still loves me... beastly tendencies and all! I love this girl!

Here's another little example of just how ridiculous we are...

YES, we bought matching sweatshirts!

Well, we froze our little tooshies off frolicking about Scotland, but it was well worth it! I can't believe our dream came true of being in Europe together! Amazing!

Twilight

Guess what I just saw for the second time in theatres (but this time London-style!)?


Sooooo... I realize that I'm 24 years old (not 14), and that Edward from the movie Twilight is a fictional character (as in... does not, will not, and will never exist in real life), but I think I could be in love with him... Hahaha. Ok, so I'm totally kidding, but seriously, how is Robert Pattinson so incredibly gorgeous in this film? Or is it just the role he's playing as Edward? Or both? I dunno, but I seriously wish I could find someone in this world to love me as much as Edward loves Bella.

Supposedly Robert Pattinson went to acting school in Barnes, which is just down the road from me! What it would be like to randomly bump into him on the streets of London! Don't worry, I'll let you know when it happens...

First Visitor!!!

I officially had my first visitor in London since I moved here in September 2008! My dear friend of almost 15 years: Kristen Kathleen Irvine. Ohhhh... it was so great to see her, and we had SO MUCH FUN!!! Feast your eyes on the pics!

Kris on the tube

First stop as graduates in Art History: the National Gallery! Martha would be so proud! =)

Trafalgar Square

Big Ben

Chinatown - We ate RIDICULOUS amounts of food!

Kris experiencing what it's like firsthand to waste away while waiting for the 72 bus. Lucky her!

The London Eye!


Nothing like eating sour candy while on the biggest Ferris wheel in Europe!


Inside the Tower of London

London Bridge

Having Kris visit and explore London with me was seriously one of the funnest times I've had since being here! More to come on our excursion to Colchester to check out University of Essex, and the trip to Edinburgh, Scotland!

Wait... Whaaat?! Snowing in London?!

Yes, it's hard to believe, but I'm now filling you in on the truth people... It has been snowing in London ALL DAY and believe it or not, it's actually STICKING!

I had quite the horrendous experience last night with the snow. After church, I went to the LK rehearsal from 2:30 until about 7, and stopped by one of my friend's flats in Northeast London. I was able to catch the Piccadilly train from Wood Green to Hammersmith around 11, but once I got to Hammersmith and was waiting for the 72 Bus back to Roehampton, found out that all buses were being cancelled due to the weather. By this time, there were also no more tubes. If any of you have ever been to London, try to fathom what the city would be like with no trains and no buses... Umm... yeah. Difficult, isn't it. Utter chaos!!! I then proceeded to run around like an imbecile trying to flag down taxis with 3 other girls who also needed to head back to the Roehampton area. Did I mention it was a complete blizzard outside? We called to reserve a taxi, but learned that there was a 3 hour wait and they were no longer taking reservations. I tried to think of who I could call, but there was no one, no one, NO ONE!!! Everyone uses public transportation to get around in this bloody city! I was completely stranded and was starting to freak cuz I was wearing my dance sneakers, and by this point, I was so, sooo cold. An older woman joined our group who needed to get to Putney, a younger guy going to Putney Heath, and another older man going to Roehampton. The 2 guys were able to get a taxi and told us we could join in. We then smashed 7 people into the vehicle and each only had to pay about 5 quid to get to our respective destinations. Once we were in the taxi and warm, the experience became more of an adventure really. Can you imagine 7 random people - Scottish, Polish, British, French, and Canadian, all crammed in a taxi at 2:30 AM in a complete snow storm?! By the time I got home it was 3 AM. I repeat, 3 AM!!! Yes, quite the evening, especially when I was supposed to get up early the next morning to finish preparing my presentation on Margaret Mead for my Anthro module. I then worked on the presentation until 6 AM (basically until I felt like I was going to die) and slept for a couple hours until 8:30 AM. By this point it was still snowing outside. I tried to call my instructor, left a couple of messages, made the decision that class was most likely cancelled, and went back to bed. Haha!

Long story short, class was indeed cancelled today, and all classes are cancelled tomorrow as well. SNOW DAYS!!! Word up! Talk about a trial turned into a blessing!

After I slept in until about 1 PM, Randa and I went to Richmond Park to explore and play in the snow. So many people were out and about enjoying the snow, and it was so much fun! Here are some pics:

Evidence of the night before can be seen in the bags under my eyes... haha!

So Far So Good!

Well, I must say that the year 2009 has surprised me so far... Call me crazy, but I'm not a fan of odd numbers so I wasn't all that excited about 2009 to begin with. Since my return to London however, I must admit that I have felt much happier about life. I think going home for the holidays was a highly needed vacay, and my goals and new years resolutions have probably assisted in my change of attitude about life in London.

My most exciting piece of news is that I joined the LK Dance Company - a Philippine Dance Co based in London (http://www.lkdance.org.uk/index.php). I feel really blessed to have the opportunity to learn more about the dances of my heritage.

More to come on my London 2009 experiences! xox

NEW YEAR = NEW HAIR!!!

Just before I left to go back to London, Sena and I treated ourselves to haircuts at Lunatic Fringe in Salt Lake City. This was after Sena and my friend K. Tree decided to dye my hair the night before. Are you ready for this...

My beautiful virgin hair (never-been dyed before)...

The box of hair dye...

The grueling process... (looks bloody, doesn't it?) Haha

A little more red rather than purple if you ask me...

Creation of Casey and inspiration of the dude with glasses and a mullet at Lunatic Fringe. Warning - when you give artistic liberties to your hair salonist (especially when they have a mullet or wash their hair every 8 days), be prepared for something strange. Apparently this is what you get when you say that you want something funky but still classy.

Finished product! What say ye?