Senior Capstone Concert

As a dance major we all were required to complete a semester long project called our Senior Capstone.  In simpler terms, we all choreographed, staged, chose our music, chose our dancers, did all the lighting for and stressed out immensely over our pieces. Basically, I was a crazy psycho all semester.  

 Some people didn't understand how huge or complex of a project this really was- how about you try choreographing a 7 minute piece incorporating all the necessary choreographic elements, making sure to keep the audience engaged, keeping the integrity of your intent alive and true, all the while actually liking what you're creating! Ugh. It was a rough semester.  As I have grown older, I have grown wiser, {surprise, surprise}- things that are generally tough or require a fair amount of struggle/ push you into uncomfortable and unfamiliar areas, are often the experiences that yield richly rewarding results. 

"Hold on Thy Way"
 My dancers were truly beautiful 

Although, this experience was difficult and I constantly found myself doubting and second guessing my abilities, I really did enjoy and gain so much throughout the entire process. At the end of it all I learned so much about myself and saw what can happen when I push myself far greater than I ever thought I could. It's amazing what faith and prayer can do for you. Overall, I was proud of my work and extremely proud of my dancers- did I mention they were incredibly patient, encouraging, and ready and eager to try whatever crazy thing came into my head? Sigh...I lucked out big time. 

I had so much support from so many people- all the girls I graduated were so amazing. We struggled, vented, cried, ate our feelings together many times during the semester. My incredible husband would stay up late with me as I choreographed on campus or in our tiny kitchen when I needed "just one more eight count". He was always eager to listen and provide fresh, new ideas to help me get out of a choreographic rut. It's amazing what a non-dancers perspective can do for you. 
 My family even came all the way to Idaho to support me on such an important night. My mom flew all the way from Ohio, and even picked up my Papa in Utah to come up. Both my Dad and sister came up from Arizona, it was perfect! To show how incredibly supportive my family is, everyone came up only 9 days later to support me as I graduated- I seriously have the best family ever! 

Here's to new beginnings and a new chapter in my life! 

Da Mama and Papa

Baby Keena 

Mommy and McKenna 

My Dad 

He kept me sane throughout the semester- thank goodness

My dancers after the show

One of my incredible professors- I learned so much from her

The puppies even came to show their support!

Pretty flowers

Right at home 

Chloe is not impressed 

Playing Catch-Up

It's been forever since I blogged! So many huge things have happened in the few months that I have been MIA from the blog world:

***I graduated from BYU- Idaho with my Bachelors of Arts degree in DANCE. I feel so proud, so accomplished, and so sad to be done with school.***

*** I successfully completed my Senior Capstone project for my degree- one of these days I'll post the video of it.***

***Joe is crazy busy working full-time and going to school full-time. He's basically amazing.***

*** I started an awesome job, one that I really enjoy and have grown to love. I'm a manager a Hollister! Surprisingly, to all you scoffing at my job choice, you must have a bachelors degree to be a manager, I have amazing health, vision, and dental benefits for both me and Joe, and it's a full-time job that pays great right out of college! Yippie!***

These past few months have been a whirlwind, I was actually really sad to graduate from college; the entire week leading up to graduation all I did was cry- sounds dramatic, I know but ask Joe he will confirm that I was a blubbering baby. I'm not sure if it was because of the stress of my Capstone project, sleep deprivation, or what my deal was- I was just really sad to graduate.  I literally felt like my life was over. Suddenly, everything around me seemed to be crumbling down to the ground. All my hard work these past four years: was it worth it? Did I accomplish what I wanted? Did I waste my time? I had so many questions, but mostly I was overcome with fear.  I didn't know what life would have in store for me now that I was no longer a student.  Miraculously, my life isn't over like I thought it'd be. I'm now trying to rediscover who I am now that I am a college graduate. It's like a weird transitional phase- to become a "real" adult or not. I guess only time will tell, but for now I am content with no homework, working a job  I enjoy, and having a great time with my hubby! 

Here's a bunch of pictures from the last few months... 

Nom nom's for Joe's Birthday

Wake surfing 

Me and a very pregnant Shae. She was due any day when this picture was taken. Now her babe is 2 months old!!

Joe "body surfing" 

One of the gifts Joe got me...he knows me well

Mine and Joe's birthday's are only 4 days apart- it's so fun to celebrate so close together