Beach Days, Beach Daze

Did I mention I love living here?

Don't worry, we rehearse too...

Today was one of my favorite days off ever.  Sunshine tired, ready for another 10 of 12 tomorrow, goodnight Neverland!! 

<33

100 Reasons to Recover...

Often during recovery, bad thoughts and temptations get in the way and cloud your judgement.  When that happens, I look at this list...my 100 reasons to recover.  There are countless more that I discover every day, but this list always grounds me and makes me so happy to be alive. 

1. So I can be onstage and tell my story.

2. So that I can be there for my friends when they are struggling just like they have been there for me.
3. So I can be a positive role model.
4. So that I can help people.
5. So that next time I see my brother, I won't be relapsing like the last 2 times he came to visit. So he can see that I've actually made progress. That I am getting better. That I am taking charge of my life.  He can be proud of me and worry just a little less.

6. Because I deserve to love myself.

7.  So that my mom can stop worrying about her 23 year old, adult daughter. 

8.  So that I can stop having panic attacks about the panic attacks that I keep having in front of my sister.

9. So I can go long distance hiking, hopefully on the AT!! I want to conquer the trail, summit mountains, be a part of the wonder of nature, and NOT fall over backwards because my pack weighs more than I do.

10. So that I can travel the world.

11. Because I'M HILARIOUS.

12. Because I always...ALWAYS finish what I've started.

13. Because I always...ALWAYS stick to the plan. My plan is to recover. 

14. Because life is too short.

15. Brownies.

16. So I can go back to NYC, be an actress, party like a rockstar, and not want to just sleep constantly.
17. SINGING!!!
18. Angela.
19. So that I can play some more dream roles.
20. So that people look at me because I'm radiating with joy, not because they're worried about me.
21. So that I can make people smile.
22. So that I can learn new and exciting things with a fully functioning brain.
23. Because my smile is a beacon that needs to shine all the way to heaven to light the Mark World of Delight.
24. So that I can be on Broadway.
25. So that I can carry heavy things without falling down and having people laugh at me.
26. Pizza.
27. So that I can bake delicious treats and actually eat them with everyone at the same time.
28. So that I can finish my musical and share it with the world.
29. So that I'm not cold all the time.
30. MY HAIR!!
31. So that I can go out dancing.

32. So that I can go out drinking.

33. So that I can experience new and exciting foods from around the world.

34. So that I can be spontaneous!

35. So that I can order bar food and not feel guilty.

36. So I can write a book.

37. So I can meet my soulmate and fall in love. 

38. So I can be a mom and raise my children to love and accept themselves and others.

39. High notes.

40. Flexibility - both mentally and physically.

41. Recovery tattoo.

42. No more starvation brain fog.

43. No more lanugo.

44. No more awkward bruising.

45. Food anytime, anywhere, with anyone.

46. So I can go to Australia.

47. No more food lies.

48. No more fear of intimacy.

49. To enjoy holidays.

50. To not plan ahead.

51. To not live by rules, rules, rules.

52. So that I can create something amazing!

53. So that I can ride a bike for miles and miles and feel like I'm flying. 

54. To explore!

55. To make new friends. 

56. Orange Juice.

57. My voice in my brain and no one else's. 

58. Awkward ED humor.

59. So that I can be a motivational speaker and eventually speak on NKU's campus...preferably the theatre department...

60. So I can be a casting director.

61. So I never feel like I'm about to pass out while I"m driving. 

62. So my children can be disgustingly close with their cousins.

63. So my children can marry Robyn's children.

64. So I can be more and more like Shirley Temple (my queen) every day. 

65. There are a lot of books to read.

66. There are a lot of movies to see.

67. There are a lot of shows to watch.

68. So that I can eventually play Emily on stage and not be terrified.

69. Tap dancing.

70. Disney World.

71. Because I'm strong and people assume I'm weak...I love proving people wrong.
72. Because there are so many people in this world who deserve more but can't see it.  I want to show them that it's possible.
73. So that my story can have a happy ending.
74. Yoga.
75. Smoothies.
76. So I can make my Dad proud.

77. So that I can hike the Alps as an adult.

78. So that my siblings and I can grow old together and keep having fun.

79. So I can be in Beth's wedding.

80. So I can be in Robyn's wedding. 

81. So I can be in Sarah R's wedding.

82. So I can be in Jessica's wedding.

83. Because my Mom is the best ever and doesn't deserve this.

84. Because I have come so far already.

85. There are so many delicious treats to be nommed.

86. So I can have my own cat.

87. Because I want to make my children surprise lunches.

88. Because I want my musical to change someone's life for the better.

89. So I can speak/sing at NCYC. 

90. Panini Church

91. So I can go back and have a D-town day with Sarah and Carla.

92. Because everybody loves pie.

93. Because my family has been so supportive and wonderful.

94. Daffodils.

95. So I can go to the world cup and cheer on my boys.

96. So that I can free up all that brain space.

97. So that I never feel silent again.

98. Because I have so much to give to the world.

99. Because I've only just begun.

100.  BECAUSE THIS IS NOT THE END OF MY STORY.

Awakening

HAPPY SPRING!!

The sun is shining, exciting things are on the horizon, and it's officially spring.  I'm personally feeling pretty good about life based on those facts alone.  How could you not?  Just look out your window!!  Here's some inspiration in case you're still shaking off those winter blues...

When spring arrives I feel this insatiable urge to go outside.  Every moment of every day the awakening earth is calling me to wander paths and see the world. 

I do so by myself....

...and with friends. 

Or I find friends along the way. 

Spring time is a time for picnics and celebrating earth's bounty...

...and to revel in your inner child. 

Spring time is a time to romp around downtown Lexington with your best friend. 

Spring is Rhubarb season!!

And bunny season.

Spring time is the time to read your favorite books, sip iced coffee, and soak in the vitamin D your dry skin has been craving all winter. 

Spring time is the time to dream about summer...

...and the adventures that lie ahead. 

Can you tell I love spring?  What's your favorite part of this season?  

NOW GO OUTSIDE. You won't regret it.

<33

Rose Tint my World

Happy Monday everyone!  It's strange, but there's a part of me that absolutely loves Mondays.  It's a fresh start, there are endless possibilities to your week, and it's How I Met Your Mother night (and we all know how I feel about that). I especially love Mondays when I wake up to the sun streaming in through my blinds and there's a promise of temperatures in the upper 50's.  My little heart can't even take the excitement!

Speaking of excitement, this past weekend was full of just that.  As I mentioned in my previous post, Saturday was official interview night for the Kentucky Rose of Tralee!  Anna Joy, Alison, Cami, Claire, Harley, Madison, and myself got spiffed up and went to Hugo's/Harvey's to be interviewed by the judges, mingle with eachother, try out some fancy appetizers for the ball, and laugh the night away with Lexington's own weather man, Bill Meck.  He is going to be the Emcee on the 22nd and he wanted to know all about us.  I may or may not have waxed poetic about Angela, my pride and joy and soulmate forever, so don't be surprised if you hear about her at the ball!

If I'm being honest here, the thing that has me the most nervous about this whole competition is dressing to the nines and putting on make up.  Basically being a girl and not making a complete fool of myself in a pair of heels.  I don't have much practice.  I don't wear make up. I throw my curly mane in a top knot on the daily.  I wear my brother's old baseball t-shirts from the 90's. Luckily, my best friend Jessica knows her way around a make up bag (even one limited to Ben Nye stage makeup and a tube of mascara) and helped me look pretty  for the night of the interviews.  What would I do without her?

The night went off without a hitch, and I had so much fun with the other girls as well as the past 2 roses - Annie and Savannah!  Annie and I go way back.  We were in (of all things) "Annie" when I was 11 and went to middle school together.  I knew she was the 2012 Rose, but I was living in Minnesota at the time so I didn't really ever get to talk to her about it!  Luckily we were able to chat quite a bit about everything from hats to future plans to Father Ted.

The Roses have a busy week ahead of us...St. Patrick's day looms near!  If you're around the area, please come to the St. Patrick's Day Festival downtown this Saturday.  It's going to be such a blast.  The parade is at 1pm, then I am singing with Liam's Fancy at 3:30pm.  Bill Meck himself told me it's supposed to be dry, so head down to the 5/3 Pavilion and connect with your Irish roots!  Even if you don't have any, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's day.

Likewise, let me know if you are interested in attending the 2014 Kentucky Rose Ball.  Tickets are $30 - which include dinner, drinks, and a show!  You'll get to see Bill Meck interview all the Roses and you'll definitely get to hear me sing and play my baby girl Angela. It's going to be a fantastic night, and I can honestly say that no matter who wins, Kentucky is going to have an amazing representative in Port Laoise.  It is an honor to be a part of this experience with 6 other amazing young women!  You girls rock my socks off!
On to another fantastic week...see?  Mondays aren't so bad after all!

Dreams and Songs to Sing

It's hard to believe that it has only been one week since the road to the Kentucky Rose officially began!  I feel like so much has happened!

Tonight is the next step...the official interviews with the judges.  Each Rose will have an individual session with the three judges, followed by a group interview with all seven of us.  While we're not dazzling them with our Irish charm, we will be chatting it up with the Celtic Association board members, sipping cocktails and nibbling on fancy appetizers (a preview to the catered meal at the ball on the 22nd). I have to look and act classy. I'm up for the challenge.

Thursday night the Irish of Lexington really got in the spirit of things at McCarthy's.  There was dancing, singing, and drinking galore!

Claire and I, the only two over 21 Roses (who woulda thunk I would be one of the geezers!) had a great time celebrating in preparation for the upcoming interviews! We even got some free Irish dancing lessons from the incomparable Allison Asay Duvall (Irish dance CELEBRITY).

 

The support I have recieved in this journey so far has been overwhelming.  My family and friends are behind me 100%.  I will be thinking of you all as I go into my interview this evening!

Make sure to mark your calendars for March 15th - the St. Patrick's day Festival!  It will be at the 5/3 pavilion downtown.  Festivities are all day and the parade is at 1pm.  Make sure to stick around after the parade though...after I get off the Rose float, I'll be singing with Liam's Fancy!  Here's a video of me singing with them on Thursday!  

Best of luck to Claire, Alison, Cami, Madison, Harley, and Anna Joy!  We're going to knock their socks off, ladies. 

Happy Saturday!  What are your weekend plans? 

12 Years in the Making...

She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer,

Yet 'twas not her beauty alone that won me;

Oh no, 'twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning,

That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

 If you know me in any way, you probably know that there is a very sizable chunk of my heart that belongs to Ireland.  I lived there in my younger years, and since the day we were forced to move back to Kentucky, I have been aching to go return.  Lots of things have kept me away.  First of all, traveling is expensive, and a plane ticket to Dublin will set any starving artist back.  Second of all, the opportunity always seemed to be overshadowed by other things I needed to do and other roles I needed to play.  Usually some grand trip to Ireland was a back up plan if I didn't land a gig for the summer.  I have been extremely fortunate with my theatre experience but I have to say that I can feel it in my bones...it's time to go back. 

A song for Ireland.

Recently I announced via social media that I am entering the 2014 Kentucky Rose of Tralee Competition.  The dream to go the The Rose of Tralee Festival is one that I have been harboring since 2002, when I watched it on my television in Cabinteely, cheering on the Dublin Rose because there was no Kentucky representative at that time.  The Festival, which turns 55 this year, is a long standing tradition and celebration of Irish culture.  It brings influential young women from around the globe together to make a difference.  This is the 3rd year Kentucky has sent a rose, and I hope to do my home state proud.  I was truly overwhelmed with the support I received from merely announcing the news!

This past Saturday was our first official event as Roses.  We all met, went over the expectations and schedule for the coming month (which is jam packed with exciting things...goodbye February, hello March!), and had an etiquette class taught by Ms. Kentucky 2014 herself: Kelly Anne Beile!  It was so exciting just getting everything started after thinking about it for months.  This coming Saturday are the official interviews with the judges, which I will surely write about once they happen! I can't wait to share this adventure with all of you - and hopefully bring you with me to Ireland this summer via this blog!  

The 2014 KY Roses!

If you want the latest news about the Kentucky Rose of Tralee, like it on Facebook here. There's lots to look forward to - especially the St. Patrick's Day festival and the Rose Ball (contact me if you want tickets!). You can get all of the details for the Rose of Tralee international festival here or follow the twitter here! And don't forget to follow me on twitter as I go on this crazy adventure.

2 of my biggest supporters <33

Bring in the Uke it will complete the groove...

"Tell him Angela and I don't want the two dollars back...just him."

Welcome to Angela and I - the story of one girl, one uke, and one big adventure.

Music has been my life, my love, and my air since before I can even remember.  I don't know when I started singing, but I certainly haven't stopped.  I turned from a hobby into a profession when I decided to become a musical theatre actress.  Well, I don't know if "decided" is the right word.  It just became what I was doing, and before I knew it, there was no other choice!  I can safely say that I am the happiest when I am singing and making music.  

A year ago I received the best Christmas present I've ever gotten...a ukulele.  It was love at first strum.  As a petite individual, the diminuitive instrument fit into my grasp as if it was made especially for me.  I quickly named her Angela (a tribute to one of my favorite musicals, "Hair", and my favorite TV show, "The Office") and began practicing.   She is my pride and joy and now I can't imagine going anywhere without her. 

In all honesty, this past year has been one of the most interesting and confusing ones of my life.  I have soared to new heights and hit rock bottom.  Dreams came true and nightmares became reality.  I lived in 4 different places and traveled hundreds of miles.  And now, I can definitely say I am more than ready for a new year to begin.  I 'm ready for my next adventure, with Angela by my side!  I plan to document my musings, mistakes, and music here...so join me as I find my joy, create what I love, and SING!!