Welcome to the Renaissance

Friends! 

I have been going crazy. There is something I have been wanting to do for about three months now and I was waiting for the right time to do it. So last week...I finally decided to just seize the day.

I CUT OFF ALL MY HAIR

So not all of my hair. But I did cut off ten inches! I feel like a BRAND NEW WOMAN! I went to the cutest salon in Brooklyn that I absolutely love. Sara June is one of my favorite ladies. Not only do I go to her because her talent is worth the trip to Brooklyn, but she is also such a cool chick. It's so nice to get away from life and sit in a chair and have someone take care of you and chat with you. I will ALWAYS go to Sara June to get my hair did. And you should too.

I also got the chance to see a couple of shows over the past few weeks. My rockstar roomie Oyoyo was cast in The Book of Mormon as the vacation swing for all three productions (Broadway & 2 National Tours). She has been on the past week and I HAD to see her. I also felt it was my duty as a Utahn to FINALLY see this show. I was so proud of her. She is seriously a ROCKSTAR. This show is hilarious and sweet and Gavin Creel is AMAZING. 

My dear friend Tim Reed is working on SOMETHING ROTTEN on Broadway (I know my friends are amazing) and I was lucky enough to see it with my sweet friend Shae who was visiting. 

This. Show. Is. Hilarious

And smart.

And inspiring.

I want to see this show seven more times. 

And I hope it wins the Tony

A good day.

New York is so funny. If you read my blog, you'll know from my last post that I was having a little bit of a rough time. Feeling stressed and down, but just two days later I feel completely different. Today was wonderful. I woke up early and worked at Barry's Bootcamp  my new job that I love, then I met up with my dear friend Chris, who I haven't spent time with in a really long time. It was so so good to see him. We went to brunch, played with puppies at CitiPup and walked around down town by the water. Sometimes all you need is a friend.

This is Christopher and I back in the day.

(I believe it was summer 09)

It was also SO nice out today. It made me really excited for summer. It's going to be a good one. I can feel it :)

Hoppy Easter xoxo

Days like this

Life in New York city is so much crazier than I could have ever anticipated. I have had the highest highs and lowest lows in the past seven months than I have (almost) my entire life. There is so much possibility, and yet I feel like I'm stuck in a place where nothing exciting or fulfillig will happen for me. I've been so scared and so full of life, all in the same day. I knew living here would be hard. But I didn't imagine it would stretch me so much as a person. I've had a couple people tell me how brave I am, and that they are proud of me. At first I didn't get this...thought it was almost crazy. But after awhile I realized...yeah. I am fucking brave. Moving across the country, away from your family, your friends, your comfortable theatre career, your home, IS brave. I should be proud of myself. I've been really busy lately starting a new job, working out, and completely changing my eating habits-I've been so caught up in RIGHT NOW that once I had a moment to breathe the reality of my loneliness crashed down around me. So today was hard. I'm not always lonely. I have amazing roommates and a kitty that makes my awesome apartment cozy and happy. But I am such a family person. I'm realizing how much I rely on my family and since I haven't seen them since January, I'm really starting to miss them. I talk to everyone in my family every day. But when I get pictures of them hanging out together in the sunroom my heart kinda hurts. I wish I had THAT comfort. And when I get lonely, instead of reaching out to other friends in the city, I crawl back into my shell and lock myself in my room with my Netflix marathon and feel more and more isolated. It's something I'm trying to work on, because honestly I had those days in Utah, too. I've always struggled with that...hiding away when I should be putting myself out there.

I've also found comfort in things here that I didn't imagine. A kind word from a friend, the smell of spring, the kindness of a stranger, seeing a puppy on the street...it's cheesy but it's true, life is awesome. And awful. And I'm trying to navigate my way through it with as much grace and strength as I can muster. But today especially I miss my people in the 801. Thanks for being there for me, even when I feel alone. Thanks for reading this...whoever you are. Thanks for believing in my dream...when I forget why I have it.

Just thanks.

The trouble with BANGS

Ya know what's really difficult?

GROWING OUT YOUR BANGS.

I've been a bang girl for the last two years. I love myself with bangs. I love the way others respond to my bangs...but I've since grown to HATE them.

Here's why....

#1 New York is WINDY. I leave my house with my bangs perfectly styled, sprayed and ready to go. The second I walk out the door of my beautiful NY apartment I get hit with a blast of wind that makes my bangs look like this:

And while she is always beautiful...this look is NOT. At least not for me. It drives me nuts, and I always have to have a damn comb with me. AINT NOBODY GOT TIME FA DAT.

#2 Let's face it. I'm a sweaty lady. And the first thing that sweats is my HAIRLINE. Great, huh? Even after a shower while I'm blow drying my hair (which is necessary with bangs...or else it can be disastrous) my head starts to sweat. Not a good look people...

#3 It's cold in New York. Which equals a winter full of HATS. I love hats. My bangs do not. I don't know how people make the whole "hipster hat with bangs" look work....but I definitely did not master it this winter. The hat pushes your bangs forward and covers your eyes. So I felt like a goober and sometimes didn't wear a hat which I immediately regretted after I stepped outside. 

So after some serious thinking...I think it's time to say goodbye to the bangs.

We had a good run, but it's time to move on. Please don't make this difficult for me.

Oh. And if any of you ladies have some tips for me on how to make this difficult time a little easier, I'm open to any advice. 

Yes Please

One cool thing about living in New York is that you live in a city that people want to come to visit! We've had many visitors in the last two months: Ally Berry, BJ Whimpey, Trent Cox, Katie Jones, Kelcee Toyn, Tasha Kunzler, Josh Valdez and Sam Cook. Tonight we welcome two new visitors to share The Leaky Cauldron (our apartment) with....Lauren Rathbun and Stewart Fullerton. I cannot wait to have these goofy girls with us. It truly is like a little piece of home is with us.

People visiting also gives me a chance to see shows! Like THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, which is one of the best plays I have ever seen. I could truly see it 5 more times. 

Life is great! I am busy trying to find a full time job! I have had three interviews in the last four days! So we will see if something awesome comes out of that.

I have also recently started working out at MFF!!! I LOVE IT. I have lost an inch from working and I've TOTALLY changed my diet. It honestly hasn't been that difficult, you just find healthy foods that you like. 

I've also discovered a love for cooking. It's so much fun to find recipes on pinterest and see how it turns out! 

Also read this.

I also started re-watching One Tree Hill and it's taking me back to Junior High days.

That Peyton + Lucas love is all I want.

Playing catch up

Hi pretty people!! 

Everything is going really well here in the NYC. Despite how COLD IT IS! Oh my goodness. I'm from Utah so I know cold...I am no stranger to snow and chill. But the WIND in New York City is SHOCKING! Last night walking home from work I thought my face was actually going to freeze off. It's INSANE! So today, after going to my meeting this morning, I'm probably not going to leave the confines of my cozy room the rest of the day. 

I honestly am loving my life. I have a lot of things to stress about, but despite all of that I don't know if I've ever been this happy and pumped about life. I LOVE my new apartment and living with Yo, Sean and Taylor is seriously such a blessing. I'm taking a Resident Director class and this past week I got to sing and do a scene from Kinky Boots for DB Bonds! I also had two great auditions this week AND signed my paperwork for my new job at Unity Yoga! 

I had a marvelous Love day in NYC! I woke up and was spoiled by Sean and Taylor with some treats and brunch at our favorite Harlem spot Lido! 

Then I went to work at Kinky and after I went to Empanada Mama with my dearest Hillary! My first time ever eating Empanadas....SO GOOD! And cheap! Then after that we went to see CABARET! It was truly incredible. It was one of those shows where after I saw it I honestly didn't know what to say about it. It really made me think and is such a brilliant show. The set, lights, music, choreo and all of the performances were absolutely stunning. I was a very lucky lady on Valentines day.

This week I get to see my JOSH! He gets into town on Thursday and I am so excited to paint the town red with him! :) This week I also get to perform for the RD of Matilda! 

I hope all of you have had a wonderful week. Kiki also got a nice little valentine from Sean and Taylor...don't think she liked it as much as I did.

Visits and Juno

This week has been a little nuts.

It started last week when Sean, Tay and I lucked out on three tickets to BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL. We decided on Tuesday (since we all had the day off) that we would try to see a show. Now I have been wanting to see this show for about a year now...and I just had never gotten around to it. I honestly can't put into words the experience I had at that show. I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to Broadway shows. All I ever want when I walk into the theatre is for someone to tell me the story, be honest, let me experience something with them...this show exceeded all expectations. I walked out of the show sobbing. I couldn't stop crying the entire second act. It was beautiful, real, relatable, moving...and Jessie Mueller is incredible and absolutely deserved that Tony. Basically I want to see it 100 more times and be her best friend. 

Then on Wednesday we had our visitors show up! Trent, Ally, Katie and BJ stayed with us this weekend. BJ and Katie were auditioning for URTA's and Trent and Ally just came to visit, and they all happened to be here on the same weekend. Basically Weber State took over Harlem for a minute. It was really fun to have them here. There were a lot of people in our apartment...but it was really fun. Also having friends in town is a good excuse to be able to do some fun things in your city you don't do every day. The first day Ally and Trent were here we went to the Empire State Building. Before we went I wasn't really that excited about it...I'd been up there before and didn't really think it would be that exciting...but looking at the city from up there is breathtaking. It's so beautiful and made me feel really grateful to live here in this crazy city where so many amazing things happen every day. 

Then we met up with Tay and took a journey through Central Park! I love this city...I honestly forget how amazing New York is sometimes...but then you take a moment and realize I LIVE HERE!

Then the next day BJ and Katie came and we had breakfast in Harlem at one of my favorite little places on Malcom X. 

That night we took a journey downtown to see SLEEP NO MORE!!! 

If you don't know anything about SLEEP NO MORE you should check out their website --->***! It is this crazy awesome show that takes places in a five story building. It's immersive theatre telling the story of Macbeth set in the 30's. It's amazing and crazy and terrifying. You all wear these creepy masks and run around The McKittrick Hotel and basically create your own adventure. 

The next day I had to work and Katie, BJ, and Ally were venturing the city, after I met up with them and we decided to try for the MATILDA lottery! We got to see it! It was definitely adorable and I LOVED the choreography.

I stayed with Katie at a hotel that night and the next morning she and BJ had their URTA's! They both did really well and got all sorts of callbacks. 

The next day we had PREPARATION JUNO. Apparently we were supposed to get SLAMMED with this blizzard called Juno. They closed Broadway and the subway and they weren't even letting people drive...and when we woke up the next morning it really hadn't snowed that much. But we went to the store and prepared. I bought the LAST 2% MILK at Target....it was INSANE. 

We ordered Chinese food and hunkered down in our apartment and waiting for the storm...that never came. AND all of our friends flights have been delayed so they're stuck with us until Wednesday! Good thing they're so fun to have around.

That's all for now.

xoxo

Growing

I've just come home from class and am on an absolute high from it. It's nights like tonight where I feel so happy/lucky/excited/energized/STOKED to be living in New York freakin' City. It's pretty cool.

I can't really put into words what happened in that class room for me tonight. But damn. It was wonderful. 

I'm also excited because some Salt Lake City BABES are coming to visit us next week! 

Ally Berry & Trent Cox get here on Wednesday

and miss Katie Jones gets here on Thursday. It's going to be amazing. And I'm gonna love having a little piece of home here with me. Even though...now that I live with the boys I have a little piece of home with me always :) 

Also...if you haven't tried chili on pizza...maybe you should.

So I work for a company called Broadway Merchandising, we sell merchandise at Kinky Boots, On The Town, Pippin (which is now closed), and we just started selling for this Off-Broadway show called Nevermore at New World Stages. It's all about Edgar Allen Poe and I'm working it all day Saturday so hopefully I'll get to see it. It looks amazing. I love the whole vibe at New World Stages...it's just full of art and creative people and I love that.

Click here to check it out.

After this wonderful day I'm settling down into my comfortable cozy new room with my kiki, some wine and Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce.

Night world || xoxo

Lessons Learned

Living in New York City is unlike anything else in the world. I've learned more than I ever thought I would in just three months. Here are some 

Seamless is one of the best inventions in the world.

As is Uber.

Grocery shopping in NYC is a TASK

Comfortable shoes in the city is a MUST

As is an umbrella-I had no idea how much it rains here.

You have to get used to the fact that people will talk to you. Even when you have your headphones in.

Sometimes dollar pizza is the answer.

I am now a master at getting cheap Broadway tickets.

Always carry cash

And a phone charger 

When going to an audition, you don't have to show up in your audition outfit. Show up in sweat pants...you're gonna be sitting there for awhile.

Also, people wear jeans at auditions.

I've discovered my drink is a nice whiskey coke.

You'll see famous people. Just walking around.

Times Square is the worst.

You will feel like your face is going to fall off in the winter. 

I have become more addicted to coffee than I was already.

When nobody is on a subway car...don't go on it, it's empty for a reason.

When a crazy person is on your subway car-change cars.

Seeing a movie in the theatres will cost a million dollars.

Get ready to walk!

My adventures in the big city.

So I haven't been very good at this whole blog thing...it's been quite awhile since I last posted, but I was inspired by my roomie who started blogging about his experience in the city, so I thought I'd give it another go. I've now been living in New York City about three months. And what a whirlwind it has been. Every day is different from the one before and I have had the highest highs and the lowest lows here. I've never felt more lonely and more alive. When I went to Salt Lake for Christmas and people asked me how New York was...I honestly didn't even know what to say. How do you put into words the most exciting/scary/insane experience of your life? Well...I'm still trying to figure that out. 

When I moved here I was living in Brooklyn, and have since moved to Harlem which I absolutely love. It's a beautiful apartment that's brand new! We have a dishwasher, free wifi, and (my favorite part) a WASHER AND DRYER! IN THE UNIT. This was a big deal for us because doing your laundry at the laundromat is the worst. I also have a much shorter commute to midtown. From Brooklyn it would take me from 45-an hour to get there...now it takes about 20. We are close to the A express and it's just two stops to the theatre district. It's amazing how much time I used to spend on the subway...now I barely have time to crack open a book while I commute. It's been life changing, this new place. I finally feel like I am at home. I have a beautiful room that's cozy for me and Kiki. And I have these two babes to live with and soon cute Oyoyo will be joining us (she's currently doing 'The Wiz' in Florida!) 

It's been really wonderful to come home and be able to tell my friends about my day, or the crazy things I witnessed. They are truly a blessing. We are so excited to make our apartment cute and cozy. There has also been talk of starting a band...I'll keep you posted. 

Exciting things are happening in the city. Always. There is always something exciting to do, somewhere new to go and interesting people to meet. I'm currently taking a class from Duncan Stewart which is absolutely giving me life right now. I've only had one class so far but it was absolutely wonderful. I love being in class again. You learn so much from watching other people, and of course it's nice to get feedback on your work as well. This week we have to do our Pop/Rock song so that will be interesting for sure.

I've been able to do a lot of really cool things since I've gotten to the city and can't wait to see what lies ahead. I've seen a lot of shows in three months: Pippin, Kinky Boots, On The Town, Once, Chicago, Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, If/Then, Les Miz and Sideshow. It's soooo cool to live here! I can see a Broadway show whenever I want (and would every day if I had an endless supply of $$$) 

I also had the opportunity to have a coaching session with Lindsay Mendez...now this girl has always had a career I've envied, and been someone I looked up to...but nothing prepared me for how wonderful she would be in person. I want to be Lindsay Mendez when I grow up.

Kiki is starting to really like her new home. She loves Sean and Taylor (which for her is a big deal), gets cozy on my bed and runs around the apartment like she owns the place. I love having my little buddy with me all the time. 

There is a little bit about my life as of late. I will try to write more. And maybe tell you about all the insane things I see on a day to day basis.

xoxo