Some updates...

Its been quite a while since I've updated this old blog. Ok, maybe only like 4 months... but a lot has happened! Where to start...

I enjoy my job. I get paid to dance. I guess you could say that's pretty cool. Except...when you can't call in sick. When you really are sick. That isn't so cool. I've learned a lot of different styles of dance, and this job will definitely look good on my resume. Except the chances of me pursuing future jobs like this one are very slim. I enjoy it, and I am blessed to have this opportunity to be out here, but I wouldn't choose it as my career. It is extremely demanding. And the only job this demanding I want in life is to be a wife and mom. :)

I get hungry. A lot. I am always wanting to eat something. Especially when I am bored! I love food. I guess its a really good thing I dance almost every day. Otherwise with this appetite I'd be in big trouble.

Missouri is definitely not like Arizona. It is green everywhere! You can't even walk through the forest without worrying you'll get poison ivy, ticks, or spider webs all over you. But the view is worth it. Even though humidity is a killer, I enjoy not having 115+ weather. I miss my AZ family and friends. And Costa Vida. And Jamba Juice. And camping. But... I think once I get back and summer hits, I will wish I was right back here...

Tornadoes. I hate them. That is one experience I don't care to re-live again! But the thunderstorms are wicked! When it rains here, it rains! Lots of sky pictures in my photo albums.

I've met a lot of cool people here. Missouri people are quite friendly. Rednecks are galore! Its great fun to talk with them. Oh, and there are Amish people everywhere! How they survive in this weather without A/C is one question I do not have a single answer to except- they are loco.

My family came to visit me this past week. They flew my younger sister out on the 16th of July, and the rest of them came out on the 23rd. We did a lot! I'll definitely have to save that for another blog. And add pictures. I was so happy to see them out here, and share my awesome discounts. haha. But, inevitably I was very sad to see them go again. Yes, I cried. Not only did I cry because they left, I went and saw "My Sister's Keeper" and totally bawled my eyes out. Sad movie. But really good. I am so glad they were able to make it out here! Definitely a good pick me up!

One of the worst parts about being here in Missouri, I'd have to say, is the lack of social life I have. With anyone close or familiar- family or friends. My job is demanding, like I've said before, and it really restricts the time I have to get out and meet people. Its been a blessing to get every Sunday and Monday off (because I'm stubborn and know when to say "no" to those things :). Church is my weekly revival. When I get the chance to go to FHE up in Springfield, I usually get to meet someone knew, which is fun. However, they are all still merely acquaintances. I don't really know them. Besides those I dance with, I've been able to make one really good friend. Who understands me. Who lifts me up and encourages me to do my best, and to make goals. I'm grateful for that! Living somewhere where no one knows you leaves a lot of room to "slack" off and not live up to what you believe. You can be who you want. For me, I want to excel. I want to be better than I was before I came here. So, in a way the lack of social life is a good thing. It gives me room to work on me. (I gotta keep looking at the positives of the tough situations! haha).

I'll miss Missouri. I have 4 months left until the job is done. I have no clue what I'm going to do after- about work. It all boils down to when I start nursing school. What a pain to have to wait, not knowing WHEN the beginning will come! The good thing is, I know I'm here because this is where I'm supposed to be. Everything else can still just wait until its time to take care of it. No use in worrying about what can't be dealt with now, right? Yeah...I still need to learn that lesson...

There's my update. My rather sparse and simple update. haha. I'm doing good! :)

Heavenly

I know its weird to move half way across the country and still be super excited to go to Bass Prop Shops, but go ahead and call me weird! I love that store. I still wish I could win the lottery and spend half of it there. Ok, maybe not really half...

Anywho, the store is still super cool. A bit smaller in Branson than the one back home, but I hear the one in Springfield (about 40 min away) is the BIGGEST of them all! So expect a report on that one when I visit. I bought a shirt, hat and mug as memoirs of my favorite store in the new town. I took my friend and fellow dancer, Jared, along with me. He had never been to a Bass Pro before! So crazy. I had to show him what life is all about. I think they all think I'm so odd. I definitely don't fit into the Polynesian culture...haha cuz I'm not! Sometimes I just wanna wear my cowboy hat, talk with the southern drawl and let the redneck side of me come out. Then I remember I'm supposed to represent the Polynesian dancing I'm here to do... oh well. When I'm not on the clock I can be ME! :)

Here are some pics of this fantabulous day:

I was very excited to go in!

Jared's first time!! Yes, I made him wear the hat and hold the fish pillow :)

I had to beg him to get a picture, you can tell he wasn't too excited to hold my hand...

This is something I imagine Lisa buying for one of my kids one day... :) haha

Look Lisa! A cowboy hat that is camo! Don't worry, I didn't buy it :)

Outside with the big wooden bear

I'm in Missouri!!!

I can hardly believe it. Am I really getting paid to perform and entertain people on their travels? Wow. Its pretty dang sweet!

The drive was long. My dad and I left early Sunday morning, and after stopping by my mom's work to say our goodbye's, we were on the road. It went by pretty fast, and I really enjoyed the one on one time I got with my dad. We had a lot of fun! Oh, and XM radio totally rocks :) We got into Branson Monday afternoon, and moved me into a room at the Dutton Inn until the apartment was ready. I now live with 3 girls, and we have a lot of fun! Definitely a trying experience to share a small space with 3 others, who all have different styles of living, and come from different backgrounds (to say the least), but its an experience. And that's all that matters.

The work leading up to a great show is something that not very many people know about. 2 weeks of 15 hour rehearsals (give or take an hour) doesn't leave much time to, say...have a life. We've got the show on the road now, and its getting better each day. Pretty soon I'll have more time to explore and see some shows!

Branson is going to be absolutely beautiful in the springtime! The town is in the Ozark Mountains, so lots of hills, trees, and windy roads. Way cool! There's not much green yet, but I can only imagine! The fog in the morning, or the rain and clouds on stormy days are so great. The lake is really close too, and I can't wait to have the time and energy to go out and explore that, too. Bass Pro shops is still on the top of my list to visit! :)

I could post some pics right now, but I'm way too tired to do that. So it'll have to wait. In fact, I should seriously be sleeping right now. I got a nail in my tire the other day so I have to go get it fixed tomorrow. Joy. Just wanted to give a bit of an update. I love and miss you all back home, but I will see you in a few short months! Just don't forget me :)

Peace and Love!

New Car!!

Because I am driving halfway across country to live for 9 months, I need a car that is good on gas. Xterra's don't get that. So, I sold my baby (sad, yes...) and purchased a newer and more dependable car. I settled on a 2008 Chevy Cobalt. I'm not a huge fan of cars, I prefer trucks or SUVs, but so far I am really enjoying the car. Its pretty quick, and snazzy. Here's just a couple pics of the new one in my life:

Firsts

1. Who was your FIRST prom date?
Brett Willis

2. FIRST date?
I don't remember...

3. Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
We used to, with time we've just grown apart.

4. What was your FIRST job?
Moki's Hawaiian Grill

5. What was your FIRST car?
2000 Nissan Xterra

6. Who was the FIRST person to text you today?
Ray

7. Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning?
Umm....my brother since he woke me up. haha.

8. Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
I don't remember, I wanna say Mrs. Kincade...

9. Who was your FIRST Kiss?
Hmm, I think it was Ricardo haha

10. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
I think it was to Utah

11. Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk?
Briana, and no we don't.

12. Where was your FIRST sleepover?
I have absolutely no idea.

13. Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?
My brother Nathan

14. What was the FIRST thing you did this morning?
nothing, just slept, trying to get over being sick.

15. What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?
Kenny Chesney

16. FIRST piercing?
Ears when I was a baby

17. FIRST foreign country you've been to?
Mexico

18. FIRST movie you remember seeing?
haha I don't remember!

19. When was your FIRST detention?
8th grade- chewing gum!! So gay...

20. What was the FIRST state you lived in?
Arizona

21. Who was your FIRST roommate?
Her name was Janae

22. What happened the FIRST time you were pulled over driving? Did you get a ticket?
The two tickets I DID get were NOT by being pulled over....stupid cameras!! I have only been pulled over once, and that is because I had just left a friend's house late at night and forgot to turn on my headlights. Yeah...dumb, I know.

The "Condensed" Story Behind the Choice

I guess telling you WHY I'm going, or what brought up the idea of moving, is important. It all started about 5 months ago...

I received an email from the director of the Easter Pageant telling me about a job opportunity dancing in a Polynesian show that her friends are in charge of, and if I knew anyone else who'd be interested as well. I didn't think too much of it, but decided I'd take the info and see what would come of it. I knew that when the semester was finished, I'd have nothing to do until I start nursing school. I had nothing to lose, really. Just more options.

Soon after, I was contacted by the lady who "runs" the whole show. Sending me some information on the position and all that comes along with it. Before I accepted the info, I didn't realize it would be IN Missouri, causing me to have to move. However, I was extremely excited. I knew I didn't want to sit around doing nothing. I wanted change, and I wanted to get away. Because the show wouldn't be for another 7 months or so, they were in no rush to put together their cast of dancers just yet. They needed time to meet each one, and make their decision. The months wore on, with lots of email contact. Not only did the months wear on, but my excitement started to wear off. Moving is a HUGE decision. Especially moving to another state I've never been before with nobody that I know. Needless to say, I was stressed. Anxious. Nervous. Unsure.

December is when I thought I would know if I truly "got the job" or not. Through emails it sounded like I did, and she mentioned repeatedly how she was very excited to meet me and hoped I was still wanting to come out, however there was never an official "We want you, will you come?" kind of response. December came and went with no answer, and January was on its way out the door when BAM! You've got mail. She was in town, and wanted to meet with me. At this point, I had sort of given up, and got used to the fact that I was just going to stay here and enjoy my time with family and friends. I had things to keep me busy, and I still had a job. I was happy. Still, part of me wanted to take this new opportunity and run with it, no questions asked.

So, we met. My mom came (moral support, every professional has their own "manager" right?) and we met with them. I was told to bring a solo to show, even though I mentioned I was not well prepared and rusty. I didn't even have to do the dance audition! In the first five minutes of meeting me, I had the job. The "mother" of the whole production said that I came with a very high recommendation, and they really wanted me to be part of their show. WOW!!! What a compliment. I was very taken back at this turn of events, and realized I had one very big decision to make, and ASAP.

ABOUT THE JOB: I will be performing at least 200 shows between March and December. About 5-6 shows per week. It is similare to PCC's night show, for any of you who've been there. Dancing representing each island of Polynesia. I'm excited because I've been trained in hula and tahitian, but now I get to learn the other dances too. There are great perks too, I can get into ANY other show in town for FREE. Including the movie theatres. Branson is dubbed the "Live Entertainment Capital of the World". The population of Branson is around 6,000 and they servemore than 7 million tourists per year! It surrounded by lakes, and in the Ozark mountains. Very green and beautiful. Small town feel, with the upbeat pace. I like that! Oh, and my favorite part....Bass Pro shops started in Missouri!!!! :D The summers are extremely humid, and the winters are verrry cold. That'll be a new experience.

Lots of praying, pondering, weighing, and stressful moments later....I decided to go. You see, the show is run by the Dutton Family. They are LDS, and part of their mission is to represent the church in a good light. One of the dances is performed to a Hawaiian version of "How Great Thou Art"-- pretty neat. That is a big factor for me, the whole "show business" can be pretty sketchy. After meeting with them and hearing their goals and what they want for this upcoming year, I can't help but feel excited and wanting to be part of it. I can't say that one day I got this HUGE answer to say "GO!!" (Although that was what everyone else said when I told them haha). It was a lot of little things. That if I wasn't paying attention to them, I probably wouldn't have had the same impressions.

Some people think I'm throwing away my education to go perform. Yeah, performing and dancing is my "thing", but it is not my "priority". I love it. I enjoy it. It makes me happy. My most important thing is to finish school, and grow. At this point, I have no control over the fact that I cannot start nursing school RIGHT NOW. The average wait is 1.5-2 years. I've been waiting since last May. So, the earliest I can even start is January of 2010. Taking that into consideration, I need something to occupy my time, to challenge me, and to help me grow. Voila!! Dancing in Missouri. Honestly, I'd much rather be thrown into nursing school right now than go. But that's life. I'm young, definitely got that advantage.

Its not going to be easy. I know the beginning will take some getting used to, and I may hate it at first. But everything is only what we make of it, and I want to make this an experience I will never forget. I have lots to do with such a limited time to prepare to leave, but it will get done. The best part is that I will be back!! :)

So, that is that. It may not look condensed, but trust me, it is. We'll all have to party it up before I go. Letters, emails, texts, packages with sweets....all will be welcome :)

Something New

I'm moving!!!!!!!!!!!!

There, I said it.
For reals.
To Missouri.
Crazy?
I know.

I got a job dancing in a show called Island Fire. Google it. Or youtube it. I think there's a clip about it somewhere. If you can't tell by the name, its Polynesian dancing. I'll be gone March through part of December. Less than 5 weeks away!!!!

Yeah, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't freaking out a little bit... hehe (nervous laugh)

My newfound love

For years I've wanted to learn the guitar. It amazes me what music can come from such an instrument! My oldest hermano Joshua picked it up when I was a little girl, and now he's freakin awesome at it. In the past couple years, my younger hermano Steven started playin too, and he's got the talent for sure. My grandma taught me piano when I was younger, and since then I've taught myself enough just to have fun and play around with. I love it muchos. But the guitar....that's always been on my mind! In high school I wanted to take guitar and dance as my electives. Dance was always a given, as for I couldn't ever go a semester without it. Somehow they screwed up my schedule and left out dance, but gave me guitar. I was bummed. I was also the ONLY girl in the class. I had to have dance, and nothing would take its place, so I switched it up and dropped guitar class for dance.

Now that I've told you something that means nothing to you, here is one of my TOP New Year's Resolutions that I wrote at the beginning of the month: Learn to play the guitar. CHECK! I bought a Johnson Acoustic, steel string, black, smaller body. Its really nice and the sound is good, considering I'm a beginner and trying to see if I can tackle this life long goal of mine. I'm way stoked. And I love it. I've been watching youtube videos to learn basic chords. There's one guy in particular that I really enjoy. Short, but informative. I have fun just sitting there strummin away, pretending I know what I'm doing. Loving the tenderness of my fingertips after playing, and anxiously awaiting the soon to be callouses! I know it'll take a while. Even though I play piano, the stretching and movement of playing the guitar is mucho different-o. I also hope I get really good, because I fell in love with this beautiful Dean guitar. It had my name ALL over it. But....it was muchooooo expensive. It'll be my treat later in life :)

I'm excited for my bro Josh to come home. He can teach me all he knows, and we can jam like there's no tomorrow. Steven and I came up with a great idea (well, I think its great at least), we are going to form a family band! He and Josh will play guitar, I've got the keyboard, Frank is on the drums, Emily fluting the flute and Nate will bust out his trumpet. My mom will sing some tunes and my dad will be dressed in his mariachi outfit dancing around with a tambourine in hand. We'll be famous. Or...infamous. (That's more than famous).

Moral of this random blog post: I bought a guitar. And I'm way excited about it :)