New Year Resolutions...

<--------- Times Square 1938

With New Year's coming up I am always interested in asking people about 'resolutions'. Are they making any? Have they kept any? Do they hate them? Love them?

I enjoy New Year's resolutions. Simply because I enjoy taking time to stop, reflect and perhaps make a decision to work on changing something that I haven't been happy with.

Times Square 2006

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I used to worry about keeping the resolutions -- now I know that's not really the point. I think we all need prescribed moments that force us to stop and look at what we are doing with our lives. Are we doing the things that really matter -- for ourselves and others?

Sometimes resolutions don't even have to be that deep. Last year I made a resolution to keep my house clean for as long as I could -- I lasted almost 10 weeks straight with an immaculate house -- then I got busy and it became a mess -- but I definitely proved to myself that I could do it!!

Anyway, would love some thoughts on your resolutions, opinions for and against. And of course would love to wish you all a

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2007!!!!!

Merry Christmas to all...

Just wanted to take the time to say 'Merry Christmas' and to 'show off' my beautiful boy!

I hope you are all well and starting to feel some Christmas cheer -- Hopefully these smiles will help!!

Few More Pics!!

Here are a few more pics of my trip! Soon I will post my 'movie' that I made of my trip -- I'm having a blast making it and re-living my amazing 'daze' in New York!!

Me and my good friend Kristen Chenoweth!

Lauren and her good friend Kristen Chenoweth!

A Panoramic shot take of the inside of Radio City Music Hall!!

Me, as a wanna-be Rockette, on the stage at Radio City (backstage tour!!)

My friend Julie (the REAL rockette!!) and her friend (still in costume!)

Back to Life...Back to Reality...

Well, as the song goes -- I am back to regular life! But the 'hugeness' and wonderment of my trip is still fresh!

Just thought I'd share a few of my pics (with more to come!)

First of is the view FROM WHERE I STAYED!!!! (my friend Jessica's apartment). Wow!!

Next is a shot of the Statue of Liberty (I have LOTS more!!!)

Here is the BEAUTIFUL Lauren Kramm (on the street where she lives -- there's a song in there somewhere!)

And last, but not least a picture of me 'beaming' as I am about to fufill a life long dream -- seeing 'Annie' in New York!!

WOW!!!

New York is soooooooooooo cool! I love it!

Had quite an amazing past 2 days!!! Last night we went to see 'Vancouver native' Julie Tomaino in the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular -- it was AMAZING!!!

And today, Lauren and I went to the Lincoln Centre Dramatic Arts Museum for the exhibit of 75 years of Collecting Theatre Memorabilia. It was SO cool! And FREE!

We then went exploring -- to Ground Zero (sad), shopping (awesome), and I took off to wander on my own. I wanted to see another show, so I was hoofing it up and down Broadway to see what I could get into. I walked about 24 blocks trying to find a show. After loosing the 'Drowsy Chaperone' lottery, I decided to go back to the Mary Poppins theatre to see if I could get 'standing room'. I guess the guy took pity on me and I got one of the 'house seats' (amazing view from the front mezzanine - $110 tickets) for standing room price ($20). It was SO magical!! Kudo's to another Vancouver native Kevin Yee!!

Then I decided to whisk myself off to the Empire State Building as I always wanted to be up there when they said "last elevator going down in 5 minutes" (just like in Sleepless in Seattle!!). It was beautiful -- SO magical!

Tomorrow I'm fufilling a life long dream -- going to see ANNIE in NEW YORK CITY!! I am SO blessed!!

Cha - Cha - Charmin!!!

This is a video of Lauren and I breakin' it down in the new bathrooms in the middle of Times Square. The girl you see with us is the 'Charmin Girl', who's stands there and rocks back and forth with pom poms while people are waiting to take a pee!

She was SO awesome!! This here is her teaching us the 'Charmin Shuffle' (and a few time steps by Lauren!)

I'M HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, here I am in New York City!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


So far it has surpassed my expectations! Everything during my trip here went smoothly -- found Lauren no problem, went straight to a theatre for tickets, and won the 'seat lottery'. So after being here only 2 hours, I found myself sitting in the front row (bench actually) for '25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' -- it was incredible! And the girl that I'm staying with is in it, and she was incredible!!!!


Then yesterday I went and saw 'Jersey Boys' (one of the best shows I've ever seen!!) and then Lauren and I snagged front row seats for Kristin Chenowyth's new show 'The Apple Tree'!!!! Oh my goodness!!!! She is SO amazing!!!!!!! What an actress -- what a singer -- what a performer!!!!


This morning I am going to head off to the Statue of Liberty! (Can't wait to take those photo's Jim!). And then going the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. And before that we are going to go skating at Rockefeller Center!!


I hope everyone is well! Keep me in your thoughts and prayers!

NYC!!!!

"NYC! Just got here this morning...3 bucks, 2 bags, 1 me!!"

Well, I'm not there YET but I leave tomorrow morning! Please keep me in your prayers and check out my blog while I'm gone -- hopefully I'll be able to post a few times!!

I am so excited!! Thank you Brad, family and God for giving me this opportunity!!

I'm almost there, Lauren!!

Fiddler is Over!

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Fiddler has now ended -- and it is always sad to leave a chapter of your life that has brought you so much joy!
But I have learned that each experience adds SO much -- and will bring life long friends!
Thank you again for all of you involved in creating a truly magical show! You are all wonderful!

FAMILY! FAMILY! FAMILY!

Brad and I have this 'tradition' that we do with Caedence, where we have this group hug and then we start out very quiet chanting: 'family...family...family'. And then we get louder and louder so finally were yelling: 'FAMILY! FAMILY! FAMILY! (I know what you're thinking -- my son is messed up for life!)

There really is nothing like family! My cousin from Denmark just visited for a few days and we actually had NEVER met before. I have been to Denmark, but both times I went, I was unable to meet him. So finally I did -- and I have to say, it's so strange to meet someone that you've never met, and to know that you are connected by blood! Yet, in my experience, there seems to be this immediate ease and familiarity with one another. I love it! When I went to Denmark it was like 'going home' even thought I had never been there!! (My cousin's name is Johannes, and his friend's name was Arhnas (not sure of the spelling)

Anyway, just thought I'd share a few thoughts and reflections about family. You can also remember me in your prayers, as I am DESPERATELY hoping to go to New York soon, but haven't found a place to stay yet (but I believe it's going to happen!!!).

Hope you are ALL well, and that you take a moment to appreciate the beautiful family's (whether 'by-blood' or 'adopted') that we all have here on earth.

Wow! Has it been a week already?!!!

I can't believe it's already been a week since my last entry! What a crazy fast paced world we live it!

Went to see Fiddler last night (hadn't seen it since opening) and I have to admit it is a pretty darn good show! I am so thrilled with the dedication in performance that my cast has given me -- they put their heart and soul into it every night!!

It's strange though -- there were a lot of people that I knew last night who came to see it. On one hand it's incredibly moving to see people come out and support your show, community theatre, local actors etc. But on the other hand, I always leave with a bit of a sick feeling in my stomach. I end up feeling so desperate for acceptance from those who's opinions mean so much to me. But in the end I have to remind myself that one person's prize is another person's waste -- an opinion is all so relative. This doesn't really help my desire to be loved and accepted, but it does help remind me that my acceptance doesn't rely on my talent.

Anyway, I don't usually have 'deep thoughts' like these -- or should I say like to expose my vulnerabilities, but I thought I'd 'put it out there' because I know we ALL battle with the desire for success, acceptance, praise, and appreciation.

WE'VE OPENED!!!!!!

Well, we have finally opened the doors to the best kept theatre secret in the Lower Mainland right now: Footlight's 'Fiddler on the Roof'!

Please come out and support local amateur theatre and see the FANTASTIC cast that has been assembled!! Here is a video that has been made by one of our cast members during one of our dress rehearsals.




Would love to see all of you there!!

SUPER CAEDENCE!!!

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's...
SUPER CAEDENCE!!!!

Just thought I'd share a few pics of my oh, so handsome son who was Superman for Halloween! He was soooo cute! I made him a muscle suit for under his costume and he kept asking me, "Mommy, where's my muscles? Do you have my muscles?" in fear that I would leave them at Nanna's and he wouldn't be able to wear them to preschool. While he was at school I carved the Super-Pumpkin for him -- he loved that too. I didn't get to go trick or treating with him, as I had a Fiddler rehearsal, but my sister took picks for me and said that he was a very determined and polite trick or treater!! What a boy!

Fall is In the Air!!

Just a quick note to say how much I enjoy the fall.

The leaves have all turned
And are starting to parade the sky on their earthly journey.
I love the colours.
The smells.
The cool crisp air balanced with a peeking sun.
Excitement builds as children plan their disguises.
Who will I become as I roam my neighborhood in search of sugary delights?
The glow of the orange smile on people's doorstep.
The warmth of home calling you
To sit and relax
As the sun begins to creep out of the sky earlier and earlier,
Leaving a peaceful evening of family, reflection and finally slumber.

Just felt poetic -- hope you are enjoying the fall as much as I am!

Fiddler on the Roof and stuff

Just a little rant AND rave.

First the rant:

My baby boy cut his lip tonight -- and the worst part of it, was that I wasn't there for it. I was at rehearsal and my MOM had to leave and go make sure he was okay because my Dad was watching him and wasn't sure if he needed STITCHES!!! I actually was okay (I'm a pretty laid back Mom -- I KNOW my son's going to get cuts), but it was more the fact that I couldn't leave and give him a hug and kiss and tell him that's it's going to be okay!!!!

Okay...now for my rave...

Rehearsal's for 'Fiddler on the Roof' are going great!! I am so impressed with my cast and the vulnerability they are giving me!! They are working their butts off and continue to grow and improve -- it's just so exciting to watch!!! If any one who reads this is in the cast -- THANK YOU!!!

Caed Play's B-ball!

Caed has his first basketball lesson in a class called 'Sporty 3's' at the rec centre!!










I was a proud mamma!!!

Back home!!!!!!

Went up to Kelowna for Thanksgiving to visit my beautiful sister, brother-in-law, and my amazing neice and nephew (seen in this picture). We had so much fun. Caedence hadn't been to Kelowna and my sissy's house since he was 11 1/2 months old (he actually started walking there!!!). Not only had we not been up to Kelowna, but I actually hadn't SEEN my sister in 2 1/2 years!!!! I am SO ashamed that it has been that long!! I also got to visit with some of my other relly's like my Uncle Randy (Mom's brother) and his great family, and my beautiful Grandma and Grandpa (as seen here!)!

I hope everyone had an AMAZING Thanksgiving!!

I am thankful for:

My Beautiful Family!!!!!!!!!!!

A Gorgeous place to live!

Many friends who are unique and inspiring!

An exciting and fufilling career!

And last, but not least.......

That LAUREN was able to come home for a visit! CAN'T WAIT to see you beautiful!

MY SINCERE APOLOGIES!!!

I want to apologize to all of the dedicated bloggers who check my regularily -- I have been a HORRIBLE blogger!!!

The last couple weeks have been great but extremely busy!! I'm enjoying life as a Mom of a school child, Fiddler on the Roof has been great! We lost our Fyedka -- but never fear -- JOEL BALLARD to the rescue! If you read this Joel -- thank you so much for your willingness and speedy entry into our cast!!!!




I went to Whistler last weekend with my best friend from highschool and a bunch of other FANTASTIC women!!! Just for a 'time out' and a chance to get to know new people and to enjoy old friends!!! There were some SUPER cute babes up there too! I had a wonderful time and look forward to doing it again next year!

That's all for now, except for my flood from my hot water tank -- but don't worry -- it's ALL fixed ($600 later!!!).

Hope everyone who reads this is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!

AND HE'S OFF...

My job as a parent is nearly complete, as today I dropped my son off for his first day of preschool.
It began as an adventure!!


We walked to his destiny, hand in hand.

We reached his new school 'Over the Rainbow' with a bit of time to spare...he couldn't WAIT to enter!

He ran into the waiting room and immediately found his own cubby that I had shown him last week (he remembered where it was without ANY prompting!!!).
And then it was time to enter. He was off as quickly as he could go, making sure to tell his teacher as he went in "I got a new bat-pat (back pack)!"

Most of the other parents went in, but he seemed content to leave me at the door which made me happy because I knew he felt safe!!

God, thank you for such a beautiful, loving and fun little boy!! Watch over him while he's at school!

FAME!

Oh my goodness!

Who is this oh so talented, potential star?!!!!

Blogging Game

Lets Play A Blogging Game (Originally posted by Lauren K.)

"I know this is the second post in a day but I remembered a fun little blog game I thought of a few days ago and thought I would post it!!!Okay here's how it goes.All of you reading this, Pick 5 words that you think describes me best. ( words can't be repeated more than once if someones already left a comment using words you wanted to use) and leave a comment on this post. Then copy and paste this onto your blog and we'll all do the same.
Peace out FOLKS!"

Note (posted by Lalainia):
I just realized I didn't quite read the instructions (I'm very tired!!!) so make sure you note that you CAN'T repeat any words that someone has posted before you...I'm going to go check what I posted!!!!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

As you may already know -- I'm not one to 'shy' away from telling people it's my birthday. Even though I'm getting older (and don't really want to), I like taking time out to remember that this was the day many, many, years ago that I was brought into the world. And what a crazy world this is.

On another note, I went to Alissa Peterson's wedding today and it was beautiful! For those of you who don't know Alissa, I taught her musical theatre at the Lindbjerg Academy for many years and then she starred in 'Meet Me In St. Louis' when I directed it for Footlight. (The picture is a very old one that I took of her and her little sister -- who is now the spitting image of her!!)

She and her new husband are working with a group that trains people to go out and do 'missions' (ie. work projects, food distribution, schooling etc.) in other under priviledged countries. It's REALLY cool to see 2 young people so excited about giving to others! A real kick in the seat of my pants!!

I AM WOMAN...

Here is my fabulous new hair cut -- I love it!!!

I feel so free!

I was just SO sick of hair!!!!!

Hope to hear from you all soon!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(I'm so pathetic!!)

SWANK

Once upon a time there was a young (not so young) girl with golden locks (not natural) who was having a crappy day. "Ho hum." she thought to herself. 'Even though the sun is shining and the sky is blue, I feel tired, grumpy and oh so frustrated' she lamented!! "What shall I do to remedy this calamity?"

She wandered down the street absently, searching for something to satisfy her internal need for happiness. "Where, oh where, shall I go to get a new sense of optimism and'shiny-ness' (that's for you Jen)?" And as quickly as she had thought the thought, her eye caught the hint of pink and the word SWANK on a door directly across the street.

'That's it!!' she cried. She began to smile and run across the street as she could barely contain her excitement, knowing that her utopia was so close.

'Hi.' she said timidly, afraid to ask...afraid to be rejected. 'Do you have time for me?' she asked while silently pleading with her eyes. 'Come back in 15 minutes.' That was it...that was all that stood between her and her utter satisfaction!

The minutes passed in a blur and so did their union... but when it was complete... so was she -- released and unleashed as a short haired woman!

(pictures to follow!!!!)

Broadway Pops!!!

I realized just recently that I never posted any pictures from the fantastic show 'Broadway' produced by James Productions!

I don't have any from ON stage yet (besides the one my friend Carolyn took from the wings), but I do have some from backstage -- you can see the many characters that we all got to play.


My favourite was, 'Defying Gravity' from Wicked -- that's me wearing a black wig and an all black flouncy dress with a velvet cape-like floor length jacket.

It was...well...Wicked! (I know -- NOT FUNNY!)

Thanks to all of you who came out (DID any of you come out?!! Hmmmm!) If you didn't -- you missed an amazing show!!!

Okay...Let's see if this works!

I'm going to try and 'update' my blog more often. Because some people told me (no names mentioned - Kaylee/Lauren) that the reason people don't leave comments is because I don't leave enough posts. SO here I am posting when I don't REALLY have anything to say!

Actually -- this is kind of interesting. I am writing this post from the TUTS office! They are having a House of Blues concert, and I am 'representing' the board!! How exciting and official!

I am now back home completing the post. I started rehearsals for Fiddler on the Roof today and I am so excited. It is such an amazingly rich, beautiful show! And the cast is fantastic!

So I hope people start checking this out more often because there are going to be some EXCITING posts -- let me tell ya'! (Stop yawning!!!)
L():o)