What a summer it's been so far

Wow! It has already been a crazy summer. I went straight from full-time substitute teaching to the opera and today is my first real day off. In that time I assisted the costume coordinator for The Mikado and the resident designer for Camelot. I also worked on dressing lists, helped out with the dressing staff during opening week and saw little of my friends and family. It feels good to have the opera open--I can now sit back and enjoy the shows for a while before it's time to close it all down for the winter. This is my ninth season with Utah Festival Opera. It really is a fun place to be, in spite of all the stress and stuff that comes up. I really enjoy it a lot.
I was lucky enough early-on in the season to take a day off for a little fishing with my dad and brother on free fishing day. It's a family tradition that I've participated in for as long as I can remember. We had a great time and managed to catch some good fish too.
I am currently getting ready for a fun night with the Michelles. We've not had time to spend together since May so we're taking advantage of a free Monday night to go on a picnic. I can't wait!

Temple Square and Joseph Smith

A couple of weeks ago, my two friends named Michelle and I took a long-planned trip to Salt Lake to see the Joseph Smith movie at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Michelle 1 and I decided that it was about time we saw it so we waited for Michelle 2 to come home from her mission and planned the event.

I took them to a really good eatery (Paradise Cafe) and then we headed to Temple Square. We had some time to kill so we walked down to the German Delicatessen and bought some treats. I usually only get there at Christmastime so it was fun to be there in the spring.

We looked around the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and saw the movie. It was REALLY GOOD! I enjoyed it a lot and it was a really good experience.

After the movie, we went to the top of the Church Office Building and looked out over the valley. WOW!

I only wish we had had more time to walk around and see more stuff at Temple Square. Although I've grown up in Utah, I haven't really done a lot of tourist stuff at Temple Square. Michelle 1 and I decided we'd definately need go back.

I had a blast though and it was good to spend some time with the Michelle's before the opera gets in full swing.

David McCullough

On 9 May, my dad and I went to Salt Lake to listen to David McCullough speak. He was at the Salt Lake Tabernacle as part of an event sponsered by the Larry H. Miller group for Utah Teachers. It was a really good event. I took copious notes (it's just something I do) and I'm really glad I did. He talked about what it means to be a good teacher and how we need to get students to actually learn and not just pour facts into their heads. We need to make learning come alive. It matched my teaching philosophy really well and I came away excited that someone else sees what I do. I'm really glad that I got the chance to go and that my dad got to go with me.

Welcome to Utah Festival Opera

Well, it's here. I officially started my 9th season at Utah Festival Opera yesterday. I think this year is going to be my biggest yet. I'm assistant to the Camelot Designer and the Mikado coordinator plus the Costume Shop administrative assistant. It'll be fun though. The staff seems to be really good and fun. I hope the season goes well!

Whew!

What a week it's been! I finished substitute teaching last Wednesday and I have been busy ever since. Thursday I interviewed at North Cache and a middle school in Sandy for jobs. I didn't get them. Friday I worked at the Opera to get the storage in good shape for the summer staff to arrive. Saturday my dad and I went to David McCullough in Salt Lake. It was awesome, by the way! Then we drove to Soda Springs that same day to watch my nieces Hailey and Hanna dance. Sunday was Mother's Day. Monday I returned to the Opera and have been working here since then. I did manage to slip away for a few hours today and have lunch with Meggan and Jessica. Sometimes I wish that I had been able to get through the teaching program like I planned, but I would not have been able to make the friends I have now. So, as I look back, I am very grateful for the way things have turned out--even if I don't have a job!

Good-bye North Cache, Hello UFO

This is where I have been since 9 March:


This is where I will be until 11 July:


Isn't life grand?!

Die Hard or Just Crazy?

I decided on my way home from school on Friday that I would like to go fishing on Saturday. Saturday morning rolled around, we (my dad, brother, and I) got ready and left the house around 8:30. It was just barely sprinkling. By the time we arrived at the place we wanted to go, it was pouring. We decided we would head back home because 1. we didn't have rain gear, and 2. the rode was closed to where we really wanted to go. We chilled at the house for a few hours and then decided we'd try again. This time, we left prepared with rain coats, pants, etc. Again, it was just sprinkling when we left, but as we arrived at our new destination, it was coming down pretty good. We were determined to get some fishing in and we did. However, we only stuck it out for about an hour. By the time we were on our way back home, I was soaked clear through my rain jacket and sweatshirt, my hat was partly soaked, and I was cold. Die Hard fisher people or just plain crazy? You decide.