Monday, July 20, 2009

The good life

Blasted off Thursday to Youth Conference, up far away in the mountains. I'm not quite sure where the actual location was, I practically passed out on the ride up. That morning had been packed full with back breaking yard work- all service around the neighborhood. Some of stories we heard as we picked weeds, lifted branches and pruned trees were incredible. A single mother who caught the swine flu, a father with a large family who just lost his job, and also lots of cheerful elderly couples with yappy dogs. I experienced just how great service feels. Once we reached the campground I enjoyed lots of inspirational speakers, and even more good food. It was fun to get away and spend my last bit of time with friends moving on to college.
Got home Saturday just in time for The Fray with some good company! Ah The Fray.... they sound better live if that's possible. It was a great performance paired with engaging lights and a black and white projection of the musicians. Isaac sang all of my favorite songs beautifully, and then some.
Today I finally had my piece Symphony Espagnole professionally recorded. It's sort of a pre-audition to get into the real Salute to Youth auditions. I find out August 3rd if I'm in!
The five selected finalists of Salute to Youth get to solo with the Utah Symphony. It's a fun goal to work towards, and a nice chance to get a tricky piece under my belt. We'll see how it goes, and I'll upload the recording for you if I can figure it out!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

FBLA Nationals- Anaheim, CA

The shocking confession
This is one of the only pictures I took through the duration of my stay in Anaheim. My parents were bewildered to say the least, and I'm not sure I have an explanation.
In general
It was an incredible trip. I feel so lucky and grateful for every single experience.
Breaking it down
FBLA: Future Business Leaders of America
My event: Introduction to Parliamentary Procedures
In attendance at the national conference: 7, 864 business oriented high school students
Chance of placing: 0.8%
First Reaction
This is massive! This is incredible! We made it! I love California!
Roomies
Julie, Sierra, and Zoe. Fun, crazy, loud, giggly, supportive. Absolutely the best.
The adventures of J, S, Z, and P
Pool conversations that lasted till our fingers and toes turned to prunes
Early morning run to Target. Run back with gatorade and pop tarts in hand.
Sierra's suitcase! (And makeup bag...and stylish mentoring...)
Laughing until two in the morning
Late night lap-top event cramming sessions
The infamous quote list
Instyler should seriously hire Z.
More adventures
A billion yogurt/subway/ chinese stops.
Sunglass modeling with Blake, Brad, and J
Dance bouncing
Pool flips
Light saber fights
Chocolate mints
Disney Land
Caramel apples
Takami's hair after every single ride
Pirates of the Caribbean!
J pointing out every single hidden Mickey know to man, and spewing off random Disney facts at every corner.
Revamped Space Mountain- sunglasses style
The first ride on Indiana Jones with J, and failing horribly at Astro Blasters.
Cell phone hunting
The beach
Huntington, to be exact
Awesome taxi drivers
Salty waves crashing over me and spraying in my mouth and up my nose
Sunburns to last for weeks
TK burgers
Sand burials
Vintage shopping, J and S lucked out!
Parli Pro
I nailed Order of Business, FBLA Bylaws, and Order of Motions. Unfortunately, ten other people nailed them as well.
Computerized tests! That's what you get at Nationals, baby!
The National placers
J. Linton: Bright, intelligent, gave all those male math nerds a run for their money. I feel like a proud parent. A very well earned 10th place!
Blake Ellison, Nate Leung: Brilliant, smooth, clear, relevant. 5th place!
Homecoming
Blue JetBlue chips
Michael Jackson documentaries
Missing it already
It was a great trip, wasn't it?

Thursday, July 2, 2009