Best Buddies Palooza! Allred

Remember my post yesterday on Best Buddies Palooza featuring The Whits?
If you don't, you can click HERE to read it.
Ladies and gents, it's now time to feature the beautiful Allred.
(Gee gash if he ever reads my blog he's going to think I am one gigantic creeper!
But watch the video and I know you'll agree. )
He is also a main act at my sister's benefit concert that she has organized.
It's going to be such a fantastic show!

On another note, I just want to take a minute to publicly recognize my sister, Dano, who has almost single handedly organized this benefit concert (with the exception of my Papa who has helped a great amount as well).
Have you guys ever met Dano? She's teeny tiny.
If I had to guess, she doesn't particularly want me to share her height and weight but just picture a little person.
Got that?
Now, once you have that image of a small-framed human in your head, add two tons of joy to it. And that's Danielle!
She is the most up-beat and positive person I know, but despite all that, she has faced some mighty challenges putting on this concert! She would never talk about them or throw anybody under the bus but I will. (I am the defensive and protective sister in this family and proud of it. Don't mess with my fam bam.) There are some not so pleasant people out there who don't mind getting in the way of something good! Wha???
Nevertheless, Danielle was able to break down those barriers and conquer it all.

There's a concert on April 7th at the Provo High Auditorium at 7pm.
100% of the funds are going to help children in need and Danielle is the reason for all that.
Come.
You won't regret it.
And it'll be a fun night for all.

You can buy your tickets at the door or conveniently online HERE.
I'll see ya there.

Best Buddies Palooza! The Whits

Hello my friends!

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!

For those of you who don't know, my awesome sister, Dano, is a special-ed teacher at a a local high school. (Yeah, she rocks. Helping the world and all. Go sissy!)

Anywho!!! There is a concert next week on April 7th (mark your calendars) that she has organized featuring not one, but TWO phenomenal artists.

The Whits and Allred.

The lead singer of The Whits was featured on the show, 'The Sing Off' and gosh dang it, that girl has got PIPES! Did any of you go to The Stadium of Fire last year?... she was the opener!

And as far as Alred is concerned, well, he's just dreamy... need I say more? (But in all seriousness, he's mighty, mighty talented.)

Have a facebook account? Click HERE for more information.
Don't have a facebook account?
Well let me tell ya the story!
Best Buddies Palooza is a non-profit organization with chapters all around the world that focuses on being and providing a friend to those with special needs.
How awesome is that?
And folks, here is the real info:
"Provo High is pleased to welcome two great bands, The Whits & Allred, in concert ...at Provo High on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 7 pm. This concert is a benefit for Provo High's new Best Buddies chapter, which creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Tickets are also available from the Provo High Cashier's office. Advance tickets are $5 students with ID, $7 general admission, and $10 preferred seating."

You are NOT going to want such an incredible concert and bonus, it's helping a good cause!
But also, on a more personal level, I have seen the amount of blood, sweat, and tears that has gone into this concert provided by both my sissy and Paps and the ginormous question that is lingering is, Will they come?
So... will you?

You can conveniently buy your tickets online HERE.
You know you want to.

Under Construction

So... you might have noticed my blog looks a little messed up right now...
it is currently under construction.
But a new and improved design will be up soon!
Thank you for your patience!

#57

This has been the best 24 hours ever.

Well, perhaps not in my entire life (because my life has consisted of some pretty awesome days) but today has been pretty great, all the same.

Yesterday evening, my wonderful Mother and I drove up to Salt Lake to stay the night with Keke and Dare Bear's lovely casa because yours truly (me) had an audition the following morning in that area.

The evening was full of class projects, a two-story Walmart, and urban legends.

It was all very enjoyable.

(I love sleepovers.)

Cutest cookies ever!
Keke made Mickey Mouse cookies in honor of our sleepover.
They were absolutely scrumptious.

Katie hard at work at her project.

Boom. A+. 'Addiction'.

This morning, I woke up at the crack of dawn, worked out like a mother (nerves), got in old dance attire (it's been about 10 months since I've done any dancing) and headed to the Rose Wagner theater for my friends with a Disney Character audition.

Sweetest card. Made by Dano.

For those of you who don't know, I was recently accepted into the Disney College Program in a restaurant internship. I am absolutely ecstatic and from what I've heard, working in the restaurants at Walt Disney World have an incredible energy, atmosphere, and level of kindness.
(YES!)

However, those accepted into the college program have the option to audition to be friends with the  face and fur characters. And unfortunately, when I learned of this, and additionally learned that there was an audition in Salt Lake City no less, I had to go.
I despise auditions and generally do not talk about them or let people know when I'm going to go to one or have had one just because it has a huge potential to be awkward if I don't get in or something like that but this audition was totally different.
IT WAS THE FUNNEST AUDITION EVER!!!!

If you have always wanted to be friends with a Disney character (like so many dream of doing) but are too scared to take the first step and even audition, I beg you to dismiss that fear right now and just do it! (Nike style.) The casting directors, choreographer, and fellow auditionees are all full of Disney joy and laughter is plentiful.
Seriously, it was a blast and I wish I could tell details but Disney has a very strict 'Integrity policy' (to keep the magic alive, ya know) so I'm not allowed to share details but I will say that this girl made it through a plethora of cuts.
Sha-bam!
Bragging time is now over.

Although, as fun and magical as it was and felt, I am expecting today to be the first and last character experience I have with Disney. Though I tried my absolute best, there was just so much talent at that audition!
(And truthfully, I was honored to be apart of it.)
But despite the probable outcome, I am grateful for the opportunity.

My number. Out of 170-something.
CATTLE CALL.

After my audition, my fantastico Mother dear and I went to City Creek, a new mall up in Salt Lake.
Holy shmoly kanoli, it's HUGE!
While there, my favorite Mama and I picked up some B-E-A-Utiful apparel for my adventure to Florida (because whether or not I get the entertainment internship, I still have my restaurant internship. Nice, huh!).
This was SO MUCH FUN because my incredible Mumsy has impeccable taste and together we found some essential staples to add to my wardrobe.
Love you Mommy!

After one store, because it was huge and we were exhausted, we drove home to our wonderful fam bam and doggie and I spent the rest of the day relaxing.
It was quite heavenly.
and I am quite blessed.

Thank you to all who made these past 24 hours possible!
Without such supportive and willing family members, I wouldn't be able to try anything new, and what fun would that be?
None.
None fun.
So thank you.
xxx

It was red and yellow and green and brown and scarlet and black and ocher and peach and ruby and olive and violet and fawn and lilac and gold.

Like every other Utah resident, I attended the Festival of Colors yesterday and my goodness, what an experience! It has been on my bucket list for a number of years but unfortunately, I have never been able to make it. But due to a series of rather fortunate events, I was able to attend.

I dragged along Mr. C and he was quite the trooper to tag along with me because when I got there, all I wanted to do was observe. I didn't want to dance, and I certainly didn't want to throw colors at people (I felt mean and violent) but I just wanted to stand at the top of the hill, listen to the music, and watch the hundreds of people celebrating diversity.

However, even with just standing there, we got chalk thrown at our faces, clothes, and hair and even though it tasted gross, it was made of corn starch so thankfully we're not dead.

I spent a solid 10 minutes staring at the lamas with the rest of the little children there and I honestly felt I could have spent another 10 minutes silently watching them. They were fascinating and actually kinda beautiful.

Umm did I just type that the lamas were beautiful?

Pearly whites.


Destroyed hat.

Love the hair.


When we got to the car, we found it had been painted on. Rude, hipsters!

But gosh dang it was fun and if you ever get a chance, I highly recommend going. (However, expect some folks doin' drugs, some inappropriate dancing, and being squished, shoulder-to-shoulder, wall-to-wall. But if you go with good people (or person) like I did, you'll be just fiiine. Just stay safe and don't get lost!) And when you go, enjoy the color, life, and beauty!

And last but not least, a duck face.

My apologies if you hate the 'duck face', it just kind of happened.

Ryan.

Have you guys seen these Ryan Gosling "Hey Girl" photos?
I've come across a numerous amount of them on pinterest and they are just too darn funny!
(To me, anyway. Perhaps you have to absolutely adore Ryan Gosling??)






and last but not least, my favorite:

3.21.12

After work today and an unsuccessful nap (frustrating!), I knew that it was time to study Greek and Roman architecture for my interior design test. However, I had no desire to do so. As I looked out my window, I noticed it was windy outside and that spurred a craving; a craving for photography. It's been over a month since I've broken out Nina the Nikon and ladies and gents, it feel good.

Since I'm not a huge fan of landscape photography, and was all alone in the house at the time, I used the automatic timer and with a little snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, a big whooooooooosh from the wind, and a whole lotta editing fun on picnik (R.I.P picnik. Less than one month left!) these were my results:



I am telling the truth when I say it was tres, tres fun, however is it juvenile to wish I had a twin sister so I could be behind the camera rather than in front? Despite that thought reminding myself of when I was younger, wishing I had someone to play dress up with while my older sisters were at school, I find myself thinking about that a lot these days... because fun side note, both my sisters were at school! Just like the good ol' days. Oh and one's married now... nbd. But c'mon. Who am I kidding? In all honesty, I still act like I'm four years old more often than I act like I'm 19 years old... but that raises the question, is there anything wrong with that?

(I think not, in case you were wondering.)

Nana & Grandpa

These are my grandparents passport pictures for their honeymoon which, by the way, was 54 years ago today. Happy anniversary Nana and Grandpa. You are both absolutely lovely people who I am very grateful for. Thanks for raising my Mama! I owe you both.
Love you.

P.E

This girl is my hero.
And I swear by her videos.
(Whoa. Now you know I'm serious.)
What I love about her videos is that she doesn't make it seem like you're punishing your body for the food you've eaten, but instead I feel that she is endorsing rewarding your body for it's ability to work.
Hard.
No, in this particular video I haven't made it six reps yet, and,
Yes, I want to die after just the second rep,
But I feel stronger every day.
And if your health permits, I challenge you to try one rep (only one to start!) and I promise you'll feel empowered.
Ah!
Just thinking about it makes me smile.
Good luck!

Congratulations, Alex!

My dear fellow-bloggers,

I have some news to share with you.
I got an email with the following subject about a week ago:

"Congratulations, Alex!"

And then a letter in the mail a couple days ago containing the same words.

But what were these words pertaining to, do you ask?

As simple as they sound, those two words are actually going to change the course of my life for a little bit.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to announce my acceptance into the Disney College Program in which, come the middle of August/beginning of September, I will be heading down to Orlando, Florida for several months and partaking of a paid internship at the Walt Disney World resort!
Right now, the details are a little fuzzy, but you can bet I will be keeping you updated!
But for now, I am so grateful for this opportunity and the support of my family and friends!
I can't wait to share this experience with you!
Always,
Sasha
xxx

Elder DJ

Ya know, DJ?
That awesome kid who is also one of my best friends?
I saw him for the last time for two years today.

That's right, he, like Elder McGraw, is serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I am SO proud of him!

But it's also a rather bittersweet day.

DJ is my brother from another mother!

Speaking of mothers! (...or relatives, rather...) His Mom and my Aunt knew each other when they lived in Hawaii about 35 years ago.

AND!

My voice teacher and his Dad knew each other in the musical theater world around their college days.

What a small world.
Basically, I think he and I were truly just meant to be friends.
Thank you universe!

Deej has been one of my closest friends for about a year and a half all thanks to his hilarious pictures of the day, genuine listening ear, and witty sense of humor.

What a guy.
I could never have asked for a better friend.
And Canada could not have asked a better missionary!

Go get 'em, Connor. Make us proud!
And I'll see you in two years... eh?

Bananas and Peanut Butter

I think something awesome is going to happen soon because I've had some not so good days recently.

Well... false. That sounds ungrateful. And that is not accurate.

I am grateful for...

My Mommy's successful hand surgery this morning.

Even having a job. (Work isn't being very kind to me at the moment.)

Friends and Color Me Mine. (I can't wait to show you my latest creation!)

Bananas and peanut butter.

and Spring break next week.

And that's barely skimming the surface!

However, answer me this, universe: why is it that when I am given multiple life-changing opportunities, my life feels more restricted than it ever has before?

I will reveal all in due time but for now, decisions, decisions, decisions!
...I suppose I better get crackin'!

Planking

Do you guys remember over the summer when planking was a big deal? As much as I wanted to, I never participated because I thought it was much too cliche. (I know, I'm weird like that.) But now, planking has died down so ladies and gents, I present to you, my first planking experience:


But then I took it one step further. Keke told me about 'Owling.' That's right. It's when you perch on things (like an owl, of course). It's almost funner than planking:

PS why yes, I am wearing a onesie. It's a daily occurence in my life.

Want to be Mr. UVU?

Today I finally did it.
Ya know, that thing everybody does at least once in their lifetime.
That embarrassing, yet inevitable experience that is causing my face to flush at this very moment.
Let me start from the beginning though...
This morning, after drinking an entire Nalgene after my communications class I really, really had to go to the bathroom. (TMI?) On my way to power yoga, I saw a sign that said, RESTROOMS. Grateful, I quickly turned the corner and entered the bathroom. It was empty so I got to pick any stall I wanted. (It was like Christmas!) Once I did that, I turned around and locked the door only to see the following sign on the back of the stall door that said, "Want to be Mr. UVU?"

Ummm what?
I rushed out the stall only to find that around the corner were urinals.
Gross.
And with that, I literally booked it out of the bathroom and didn't look back.

Jeudi

(Jeudi is my favorite day of the week to say in French).

After a long day at school today, I came home to a loud TV and a smelly dog, and proceeded to read blogs about the coolness of motherhood. Some days, like today, I wish I was a mom. Simply put, these bloggers just feel like my best friends sometimes. (You can read what I just read by Nie, Beth, and Jo by clicking on their names.)

And then I thought a lot about my own cool Mom and how her Uncle passed away today. My deepest condolences, Mama. As well as to My Nana and Grandpa, Uncle Shep, and Auntie Thelma. Know you are always loved but especially in this tough time.

Then, Brannigan came and sat by me so I snapped this (low-resolution) photo with my phone and then smothered him with kisses because, well, I love him.


It's a typical Thursday, or Jeudi, I should say.