Silver lining in a cave...

Have you ever wanted to be able to run away and not have to speak to or deal with another living person? That is how I started off this month, wishing that I could just move into a cave and hide from the world. It seemed that there was so many things going on and happening around me.

I always tend to get a little cranky before my choir performs, and for some reason, this past performance really stressed me out! I think perhaps it might have been because this was the second stake conference in a row. This meant that I had a reputation to uphold. The last conference was difficult because I had to draw from the incredible talent that our Stake has, and be able to show them my talent and confidence. This conference was more of a challenge, it was just my ward choir which until December had only had 12 people consistently. (Let me insert here that the Westlake Ward is AMAZING!) I asked for a big choir, and that is what they gave me. We had 40 people singing! 40! They allowed me to be mean in rehearsals, be grumpy when they didn't understand what I was going for...they indulged me in my need to arrange a medley of hymns and watched as it came together in front of them. The finished product was exactly what I had been hearing for weeks, and it was fun to share the creative process with them.

I think what scared me most was the stake now had expectations. They had seen me direct a large choir, perform in an amazing play, and seemingly take over a whole bunch of different music things. So that is a lot to live up to. And live up to it we did! I am so thankful to all those who supported me throughout this crazy experience.

During all of this, I started working with an amazing group of people. Every year, West Linn-Wilsonville School district puts on a musical with their middle schools. This year they are putting on Beauty and the Beast. Through serendipitous circumstances, I have been asked to help out. This has truly been an eye opening experience. Working with 130+ 7th and 8th graders has been a challenge. What do I know about this age group? Nothing, other than I hated being that age. Fortunately for me, the musical director is an amazing woman with mounds of talent who is willing to show me what it takes. And the artistic director has shown incredible faith in me by including me in this process. The kids are fantastic. Yes, challenging at times, but mainly they just want to be good!

I have an truly wonderful family, and I am so grateful that I have them in my life. Yes, there are some family relations that are... shall we say challenging? But what family doesn't have drama?

So while I have been sorely tempted to hide away and have no further contact with the human race, I have realized that there is alot going right! I am so thankful to wonderful friends (you know who you are) who have helped me deal with my bipolarness this last month. So for now, the cave remains vacant.

Ch-ch-changes!

I have needed a haircut for a LONG time (just ask my hairdresser!) So, I finally called and made an appointment. First off, let me say:

I LOVE MY HAIRDRESSER, BARBARA!

secondly, allow me to say that I have been vacillating between growing my hair out, and cutting it back to the super short sassy do that I had for a while. Literally, I was in agony trying to decide what to do. I texted many, and many responded...equally! So, I showed up to my appointment and said "AAARGH!!" She laughed and had me sit down.

Now, for those who may not have seen me recently, my hair had made it to my shoulders (an incredible feat) and was just blah. So I either had to keep it long, but give it shape, or chop it off. It was suggested to shave it, which had crossed my mind many times.

Finally I told Barbara to make me look good, whichever way she chose to cut it.

Good Choice!

She always knows what I want, even if I don't! Amazing! So, I have my sassiness back, and I don't feel like I have to always put my hair up!

Success!

We haven't seen these guys in awhile...

These pictures were taken at Thanksgiving by yours truly...

I know Lily isn't looking up, but Cooper's face is so precious!


We spent alot of time walking outside. Lily and Cooper would say "Outsi? Outsi?" So outside we would go!

This is Cooper saying "Where did they go?"

Such an adorable family!

Walking, walking, running

Running with cousin Hannah

This is what Cooper does when you tell him to squint

I love these kids! Aren't they adorable?

The Holiday Season

Wow! Let's see, where have I been? A Christmas Carol played in November, just before thanksgiving. The show was so much fun, and I dearly loved playing Mrs. Fezziwig. She and I are kindred spirits.

(This is my play family, Mr. Fezziwig, Charlotte, and I. Btw, this young lady can play a fiddle like you wouldn't believe!)

I spent thanksgiving with my parents, and all of my siblings were home, with my niece and nephew there as well. It was really fun to be all together again.

Of course it wouldn't be a Zimmerman family get-together without game of Rummi and Sees Candy. We had so many who wanted to play we had to get 2 tables going. This is a tradition that reminds me of Grandma Z.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas I worked like crazy! Anyone who works retail understands that this is the busiest time of the year! I had a nice quiet Christmas morning, and then had Christmas dinner with my good friends the Edvalsons.

My latest projects seem to take up most of my time. Our ward choir has once again been asked to provide the music for Stake Conference. Our choir normally has 12 or so people attending. After begging, pleading, and cajoling we have about 30! It is amazing! They are sounding so good. Fortunately, things will go back to normal after conference is over.

The other "project" seems a little scarier! I have been asked to help out with a local school districts middle school musical. They have done a major musical every year for the past 16 years or so. This year they are putting on the Broadway show Beauty and the Beast. There are about 150 seventh and eighth graders in this show, which means a lot of kids packed into rehearsals. I have been accompanying for rehearsals, which is a lot of fun. The music is great, and the kids are a riot to work with. Some of them are just perfect for their parts.

A Christmas Carol

Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nov 19, 20, & 21

7:30 pm each nite, with a 1:30 Matinee on Saturday

Come see 125 cast members of all ages perform this timeless classic!

Busy, busy, busy!

I realize it has been quite a while since I last posted. Lets see, whats been going on? Our Stake is currently doing a play...A Christmas Carol, the full musical version! I am Mrs. Fezziwig, she is the wife of Scrooges old boss, they are the ones who throw a huge ball every Christmas Eve. They describe her as "a plump, comical woman." Why do I feel like I have been type cast?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints

14903 SW Westlake Dr

Lake Oswego, OR 97035

The play is running at the address above the week before Thanksgiving. November 19, 20, & 21. Starts at 7pm every night, with a matinee at 1pm on Saturday. Admission is free, we ask that patrons bring a can of food to donate to local food banks.

I am still directing the ward choir...trying to get ready for our Christmas program. Still playing the organ for sacrament meetings and various ward temple nights.

Still singing with the Oregon Chorale (www.oregonchorale.org) We have multiple performances coming up... Sunday, Nov 1 6pm at St. Marks Cathedral in downtown Portland. More info to follow later!

Working part time for Toys R Us, super fun! I get to play with toys!! Today I even jumped in a HUGE puddle! It was pouring down rain, and the puddle was irresistible. Except in the middle of my jump, I realized that I would be landing in the deepest part of the puddle and it was too late to change my trajectory. So, there I landed, in water up to my shins! I had to jump back out too. So, I squished my way back into work, where I got to stand in soaked shoes for the rest of my shift. But it was totally worth it.

This past weekend, I took a couple of good friends down to my parents house for their ward primary program. While we were down there, we went to McCready Hot Springs. It is a great hot springs and we enjoyed them very much. It was fun to spend time with my family as well. We crammed 6 girls into one bedroom, so needless to say only 1 of us really got any sleep.

I think that is the highlights for now. TTFN!

Current Favorite Quotes

"I have buns of steel, but they are not magnetic!"

"Just dial Hell, and I will answer!"