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!