A Year in Review

Today's post is to remember some of the things from this past year, 2015. A year of adversity, a year of change, a year of hope and joy through all things.

Join me.

​January
Having just moved into my new apartment in December of 2014, and after recovering from my tooth accident, lots of interesting things happened.  My sister got married! Some friends got married! And I performed my last musical role from college as Motel in Fiddler on the Roof.  I learned a lot from it, particularly how dedicated and committed one must be to one's responsibilities... Because I almost bailed on a job that I shouldn't have in exchange for another job that ended up being canceled. Whoops. Don't do that.  

February
During this month, I reached 2 years with Ladyfriend, I started my last semester in college, and I had lots of professional auditions, including an exciting one with the Children's Theatre Company as an acting apprentice. Although I didn't get it, I look forward to attempting again!

March
I bonded with my family greatly and created several art projects, like painting eggs and then covering them with pipe cleaners to create little characters.  I also auditioned at the Twin Cities Unified Theatre Auditions and received two jobs, one at Prairie Fire Children's Theatre and at the National Theatre for Children! In addition, I traveled to Oklahoma with my dear friends for spring break, and I rode a horse! And went cougar hunting! And explored museums! And had much needed fresh air in a difficult time during the school year.

April
Easter was fun.  Family did more art.  Yay art. I also saw one of my all time favorite productions, Crime and Punishment at The Soap Factory.  It was amazing, because it was immersive, I went with a friend who had a totally different experience from me, and I have never felt so involved in a production as an audience member.  I will never forget the effect of connecting to the audience in such a powerful way.  I also opened a world premier for the last show of my college career, a piece by my director called Hedda! I played a detective.  I was cool.  My research was Noire.... L.A. Noire. Also, I was in an original mime piece written by a friend that focused on the Jesus story.  I was a tree... Among other things.  And then, my family and I did more art. I painted Biff, and I gave him to Ladyfriend.

May
I co-wrote a Stomp show for an Arts-In camp for high schoolers. I helped with a creative worship team called "VPA" that organized performance events at chapel, including some videos and live skits. I took my finals and turned in my last college papers. I graduated college and gave a commencement speech to my peers and their families about moving into our next phase of life with grace and hope. This reflection helped me realize my personal charisma, writing skills, and the support I am blessed with... And it was super fun. The day after graduation, I started my first professional theater contract with Prairie Fire Children's Theater.  I had the best rehearsal week of my life, where I learned not only how to be a professional both creatively and in show business, but how to interact well with co-workers in the performing arts. I made dear friends who taught me much about life.

June, July, August
During these summer months, I traveled with Haley Karlson and performed and directed Tom Sawyer to and with communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Again, I learned.  I saw.  I traveled. For more information, refer to THIS blog.

September
I took a month off, I went on vacation to Crane Lake, in the northern part of Minnesota, and I moved out of my apartment back into the home I grew up in with my parents.  Not a lot of action, really.  Rough life.

October
I toured with the National Theatre for Children, where I traveled to Arizona with Nick Castellanos.  There are 6 weeks worth of blogs you can read for more information on these journeys. I learned about relating to people, finding important stories in every day people.

November
After returning from NTC, I joined my parents back home.  Thus began the current phase of my life where I attempt to find jobs, figure out where to live, buy and make Christmas gifts, write blogs, write articles, write, write, write, read, read, read, and organize as much of the upcoming year as possible... I also enjoy Thanksgiving feasts with my family and Ladyfriend's family.  I experience great doubt and desire to restart my life, thinking that I have chosen the wrong path. After a dire conversation with Ladyfriend, I realize that my true interest lies not merely in acting, but in directing and writing. I decide to pursue the things that interest me most, not the things that I feel I ought to do because I am supposed to, launching me into some of the most exciting projects in my life to date, which are described here and here.

​December
I celebrate Christmas. For the entire month. I also prepare for important things by recouping my energy from my crazy life.  I have basically been going non-stop my whole life until this month.  Things develop.  I talk vaguely.  I spend time alone, introverting and recovering.  I don't tell anyone about my incubating ideas.  I motivate for a more meaningful life. I watch movies. I research. I read. I share love.


And this was my 2015.  A year full of madness.  A year full of joy. A year full of thanks.  A year leading to 2016, a year which will be full of hope.

My goals for the year of 2016 include the following:
-May I constantly seek to improve myself and feel confident in my worth by spending time doing the things I love and being with the people I love.
-May I become more serving, less selfish, and focus on the enriching of the lives of those around me through theater, film, and art.
-May I continue to better my physical condition through healthy food, plentiful sleep, a balanced routine, and daily exercise.
-May I become better at cinematography through the #dogwood52 challenge by creating one simple Instagram video per week.
-May I improve my ability to communicate through writing by creating a reflective blog once a month.
-May I trust and keep faith in my dreams and my God through all things.


What are your 2016 goals?