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.