This is how we roll in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. Here is Sean on his first trip to Europe in Interlaken, Switzerland.
Handsome Sean.
My dear Brother Sean is completing years today (as translated literally in Spanish). If you know him, you know the wonder that is Sean. You know that he exudes charm, kindness, love, and compassion. You also know that whatever you're going through, he understands. Even if he doesn't, he does his best to be a good listening ear. Sean has been on many journey's. He has learned much in his 27 years, and continues to be humbled by each journey - rocky or smooth. He is the most honest person I know. Honest with himself, honest with others, and honest with God. I trust him implicitly and love him more than I can express on this blog. Sean is a master of words - as evident in his very personal raps. Yes, I said raps. He's a rapper, and a good one. On his road to recovery, his raps have been journal entries and are inspiring. He amazes me all the time. Happy Birthday, Seanie boy. Love you!
*It has been a really good weekend. It started with the chance to spend some quality time with roommates and friends Friday night. Melanee got tickets to see a concert at the Conference Center and generously shared with the rest of us. It was called An American Songbook, featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Utah Symphony, with special guests Denyce Graves and Brian Stokes Mitchell. I had never heard of either one of the guests, so I really had no idea what I was in for. Now, friends, for those of you that know me well, you know that music is in my blood. The power of music is inspiring. My words are so weak and can't do my feelings justice, but music can translate what words sometimes cannot. Music blew me over this weekend! I needed a good dose of it, and I certainly got it - in more ways than one. Brian Stokes Mitchell, a regular on Broadway, sang a stirring rendition of "Some Enchanted Evening", which has always been a favorite. A song is always so much more powerful when the singer first draws you in with their own charm and personality. He was so gracious and so warm with the audience. He remarked that it felt like he was home in his living room with his own friends. This just allowed the audience to feel the warmth in his voice. I don't think there is a voice that has touched my very heart as he did in a very long time. He proceeded to do a 30's and 40's medley, which featured some of the old standards (my faves), such as "The Very Thought of You", and "Embraceable You". His versatility is impressive. Later on in the program, he stirred us again by singing "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha. I can't even describe in words what I felt, so I'm going to add a video I found of him singing that very song at the Tony Awards back in 2007 and let you enjoy it. I wish I could adequately describe what I felt, but I simply cannot. There are some things that are better felt and described in a tear. *Saturday morning I went to my first practice for Savior of the World. I have never seen this play that has been running for the past 10 years, but I had a chance to experience the inspired music on Saturday. I can hardly wait for it to begin! I haven't been in a play in years and years and have wanted the experience, but have been taken in by work and life in general. Thanks to my good friend from years past, Rob Abney, for encouraging me to audition. I'm sure it will be life changing, and I am anxious for the experiences it will bring. *Also, I had the chance to sing in Relief Society today with Marcole. We chose the song "May My Life Reflect Thy Will". It always feels good to sing in church (which I rarely do anymore). I am thankful for the gifts the Lord has blessed me with. *I feel thankful; thankful that I can be touched by beautiful things like music. I know this all may sound a little cheesy, but since this is my journal, I figure I should share things like this that are important to me. I have to give thanks to mom and dad for sharing their love of music with me and with all of my siblings from day one. So much of what I feel in music stems from happy memories growing up around music and song. Dad playing the guitar, mom teaching us harmony, Dad's passion for singing groups with killer four-part harmonies, and oh-so much more. In short, thanks for the music that's in me.
It's always a little awkward when you come to work wearing the same thing as a co-worker, but when the co-worker is your friend, it's all good fun. Here is Stefanie and I showing up with our fave blue cardigans ('cuz they just bring out those baby blues so nicely), our white shirt, black pants and glasses (er, not). We must embrace the nerd in all of us, don't you think?!
Or call me an addict, I think it might be true. I am thoroughly addicted to Chex! Not your average every day corn or rice Chex, but the irresistible flavor of Chocolate Chex. If you haven't had the chance to try it yet, oh boy, you are without! Sometimes I eat a bowl as a meal, and sometimes as a treat. The caloric intake is much less than your average binge snack, and it's enough to satisfy any nagging chocolate craving you may be having. I'm inlove! I admit it! Have a try, and tell me what you think.
* Or this could possibly be just one of the many passing fads in my ever-changing ADD life. Oh, but I love it. Today, I love it.
While in D.C., I got to see a few very dear friends. I've known Scott since High School (his lady friend, Katie, I met there). Jenny I've known since our mission days in NYC. She was also a roommate back in the day. Her husband, Eric, was our home teacher. Lo and behold, they fell in love and now have two adorable little boys. I love these dear friends. I'm so glad we got to see each other - even if for a short time.
I'm in D.C. for the next few days for a Meeting Planner's Convention, and I'm happy. I love my country's capital. I love my country - period. Tomorrow is 9/11 as you know, and it's strange that I'm in one of the places where those horrid events took place all those years ago. It's still so surreal to me. I just have to say that I'm proud of my country, and proud to call myself an American.
My sister Shannon and I decided to head to Glendora, CA this past weekend. We went with one intention only; to attend our cousin Wendy's wedding reception. We were unable to go to the wedding and reception in Minnesota, so we (with Caiti's encouragement) decided to take the drive and surprise them with familiar faces at the second reception where the groom's family lives. We had a great time seeing Wendy and her new Steve O'Bryant, as well as Aunt Carol & Uncle Steve. We love them dearly and really enjoyed our time with them. I was reminded how important family is - no matter how distant. Their family has been a blessing to us throughout our lives, and we just felt like it was important to show them how much we appreciate and love them.
Sister bonding time wasn't bad either. Since all of my sisters are married, it's hard to get them away from their families to spend a little time with their single sis. Thanks to Ryan for letting Shannon get away for a couple of days. It was fun - except she was really bugging me! Haha! That's a little joke between little sis and me. It's nice that we like all of the same music (for the most part), and we enjoy singing in harmony together (my only complaint is that Shan doesn't like to share the alto part). Fun was had all around.
This is how we roll in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.
Here is Sean on his first trip to Europe in Interlaken, Switzerland.
Handsome Sean.
