Step #40-- Never let yourself get bored

"Mom, I'm bored. What should I do?"

As a kid, I found out that I never want to ask this question. Mom finds stuff for you to do, but vacuuming and dusting isn't usually what you had in mind.

I find that when I'm the most bored, I get the most creative. Here's a little something I did this Christmas instead of being bored. Next time you're at a loss for something to do, think outside of the box.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3qMjPVGRdE

Step #39-- Every day moments

Life is made up of all kinds of moments: big moments, like getting married or moving to college; small moments, like learning how to drive a stick shift or acing a final exam; and everyday moments, like making your bed for the first time in a week, or learning how to cook a squash. Lets face it, the big ones don't happen very often...and if they did, they wouldn't feel so big any more. The small moments are more frequent, but if you hold your breath waiting for one, you'd most likely suffocate and die (which would end up being a rather sad big moment). So, most of the time we're stuck with the every day moments, the things we usually take for granted. The other day, for a lack of something else to do, I decided to carve a pumpkin. My plan to make it look like a Pineapple proved to be a daunting challenge, but as I put the finishing touches on my masterpiece, I found myself delighted with the end result. I still smile whenever I think about it. This pumpkin carving activity was a simple everyday moment. It hasn't won me any metals or blue ribbons--the thing's just sitting out on the porch-- but it made me so happy. Sometimes I find myself thinking that I need something huge in my life to find happiness, but it's not true. Everyday moments are full of surprises. If you can find joy in a carved pumpkin or a made bed or a cooked squash, than you're living the best life you can.

TA DA!!!!

Well everyone, I'm officially done. I ran my last couple of miles today. To be honest, I thought this whole "lazy man iron man" thing was going to be a piece of cake, but it actually was a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, it kept me going to the gym and I already feel like I'm in much better shape. I've lost a few pounds and I'm eager to keep up with this exercise habit. I've also discovered that Zumba is a blast! Can't wait until next Thursday's class!

Week two results

Alright, these are my week two totals

Running: 6 miles

Biking: 31 miles

Swim: 0 miles

So, my totals up to this point are:

Running: 12 miles

Biking: 54 miles

Swim: 1 mile

Week one results

This week my totals are (drumroll please):

Running: 6 miles

Biking: 23 miles

Swimming: 1 mile

Not bad for my first week, but I've got to up the momentum if i'm going to make it by the end of the month!

Step #38--Working it out

My two roommates Jenn and Corryn participated in the school sponsored "Lazy Man Iron Man Triathlon" this semester. A "Lazy Man Iron Man Triathlon" is basically the same as a regular triathlon, but you have a month to complete it. Because I was so busy this semester, I wasn't able to join to event, but I've decided that I want to do it on my own. So, during the month of August, I will:

Run 26.2 miles

Swim 2.4 miles

Bike 112 miles

Will it be difficult? Yes. Will it be worth it? Yes. I'm actually quite excited about this.

Step #37-- Doing hard things

As a wise man, Kyle Naylor, once said: sometimes we need to do hard things just for the sake of doing hard things. They challenge us and force us to push ourselves. This semester, I stage managed the school's production of Oedipus--and it's been hard. Being in charge of a show and having real responsibilities is stressful and difficult, but it's forced me to work on my leadership and communication skills. I've also become a bit of a mind reader. When Hyrum asked me to have some plants spiked the other night, I was like "Done, I already told the people back stage." You see, I saw him making plant adjustments before the house opened, so I assumed he'd want things re-spiked. 10 points for Emily. Calling cues is a pretty good time as well, even though I have nightmares about missing them. When I wake up in the middle of the night, I assume that we're in a blackout and I start looking for my promptbook in a panic. What cue's next? What cue's next? Hyrum's going to yell at me! Fortunately, I'm able to realize it's a dream before I have a heart attack. It's been hard, but I knew all this work was worth it when one night my production assistants told me, "We just love you. If you ever stage manage again let us know, cause we'll work for you again anytime." Thanks guys, I love you too.

Play count

I feel so smart. Check out how many plays I've read thus far this semester:

Oedipus

The Waverly Gallery

The School for Scandal

Born Yesterday

The Nerd

Little Shop of Horrors

The Father

Life is a Dream

The Rover

WOW! And it's only midterms. Good thing I love theatre.

Pictures from "The Horrible Monster of Danky Swamp"

I played the heroine, Serenity Braveheart, In BYU-Idaho's production of "The Horrible Monster of Danky Swamp" last semester. Needless to say, I had a blast.

Step #36-- Taking Charge

As the Stage Manager for BYU-Idaho's production of Oedipus, it turns out that I'm pretty important. At times, I want to forget how important I actually am, but then I have to go see Brother Clifford about costumes, make phone calls to cast members about fittings, talk to Brother Ray about the set, or consult Hyrum about scheduling conflicts. I have the keys to the Snow Building which gives me power and responsibility. It's overwhelming when I think about it, but when I stop thinking and just do it, it doesn't bother me.

Today Hyrum called and informed me that he wouldn't be able to make it to rehearsal. He's really sick and sounded awful on the phone. He gave me instructions on how to structure rehearsal, thanked me for being on top of things, and set me loose. I was a little afraid to take charge like that, but the cast respected my authority and did whatever I told them to. It was a productive rehearsal, and I believe Hyrum would've been extremely pleased. But it suddenly hit me that some day I'll be doing this on my own. I'll have my own classes and my own casts to take charge of. I won't have a Mr. Anderson, Ms. McGuire, or Hyrum Conrad to fall back on. More and more I see why Heavenly Father wanted me to take this opportunity. It's teaching me the basics of what to do and what not to do. As I approach student teaching, I'm overwhelmingly grateful for this opportunity.

Step #35-- Miracles Happen

It must be the Easter season, because my camera has resurrected. I can take pictures with it again. Unbelievable, right? I dropped this camera in a POND, and it still works. It's amazing that Heavenly Father can speak to us through everything...even electronics. Thank you Heavenly Father, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Step #34--It happens

That's three cameras and counting. The first one was dropped in Hong Kong, resulting in a broken screen. The second one was stolen at the beach in Florida. This third one was dropped in a pond on the BYU-Idaho campus. I'd set the camera down on a ledge, the ten second timer ticking, and while getting into place, the camera teetered and plunged into the water. Various thoughts ran through my mind as I tried to comprehend what had just happened, but mainly I just kept thinking "Not again! Not again! Not again!" I was able to reach into the murky water and grab the camera about 30 seconds after it fell. Kelly and I then proceeded to take out the memory card and the battery. We rushed home and placed the camera in a bowl of rice. By the next morning, the camera was working, but the inside of the lens was fogged over. Submerging an electronic in water usually leads to its demise. Was it an unfortunate incident? Yes. Is it the worst thing that could've happened to me? Of course not. My philosophy in life is that bad things happen, and I have to deal with those things as they come. Getting all upset and emo about it won't change the fact that it happened. All I can do is mourn the loss, get over it, and move on. Then I can deal with whatever happens next.

In closing, I'd like to say a few words to my camera:

Camera, you and I had some good times these past few months. You never let me down. I hope you've found your way safely to electronics heaven. I hope you'll have more luck in the next life.

Love,

Emily Sue

Step #33-- Raise it up

For Conference weekend, my roommates and I decided to have a last hurrah, so we constructed a massive Lehi-style tent in the front room. Later we remodeled the tent and ended up spending three nights in it. There's nothing like being random! The first picture is of tent #1, and the second picture is of tent 2.0.

Step #32--Listen to the smoke detectors

The last few apartments I've been in have had over active smoke detectors. They go off over the smallest little burnt smell. But here's the thing: I'd rather have a smoke detector that goes off over the little things just in case, than a smoke detector that doesn't go off at all. Life is full of smoke detectors to warn you when there could be dangers. One of the best smoke detectors I have is the Spirit. He'll never let me walk into a fire without some kind of warning. What more could I ask for?

Step #31--Find those moments to shine

I recently auditioned for the children's melodrama "The Horrible Monster of Danky Swamp." It's a 45 minute show following the Everwhine family and their cousin, Serenity Braveheart. The Horrible Monster of Danky Swamp has been terrorizing the town of Prissy Point, so that nearly everyone has left. So, Serenity sets out to vanquish the Monster and restore peace to the town. It's a part of my Reader's Theater class, but it will also be a part of a Main Stage production this semester. There will be special performances for neighboring elementary schools during the day and night performances for the BYU-Idaho audience. I wasn't planning on auditioning for a show this semester once I found out that they weren't doing "The Drowsy Chaperone," but I went for it anyway, and after a monologue and a few cold reads, I was given the part of Serenity Braveheart!!!!! It should be a blast. I've never been the heroine of a melodrama before. I feel really good about it. Now I just have to start memorizing my lines!