5. Glen Hansard, of The Frames and The Swell Season, depending on which one you're choosing to follow, told us on Friday evening that "Shopping centers are taking over your fucking country! You've got to resist!" I couldn't agree with him more. I think that very statement brought tears to my eyes.
The concert brought bliss to my ears and my heart. It was just plain loverly (as the Irish are wont to say) and I encourage all of you to put on your shoes, get out of the house, and gogogo see them if they're playing anywhere near you. Of course, because I'm an environmentalist, I'm going to encourage you all to walk, as the architect and I did, to the show. Or, perhaps you can take public transport? Or if not, then at the very least carpool together. Gather all your friends and make a grand night of it.
But do go. They're fabulous and not just because they won the Oscar for Best Original Song this year, either. I'd have gone even if that hadn't been the case. The evening of music was worth every.single.penny that I paid. How often do I say that?
4. I will be employed (yes EMPLOYED) for the following few weeks by none other than the University of Utah Hospital. I spent the last week there working, as well, and let me just say this. I am now officially terrified to EVER be a patient in a hospital. The University of Utah hospital is actually one of the best in the country (according to all their literature) and I know that doctors are only human and that nurses are only human and that, well, we're all only human. But goodness gracious, I'm also realizing that this whole practice of medicine is just one huge fucking guessing game and that when you're in the hospital? The guessing game becomes even a tad more complex because this doctor just might not talk to that doctor who might also be not paying attention while making his rounds that particular morning and might just prescribe the wrong medication. Oops! It might do well for those doctors to remember that we're not selling auto parts here! These are living and breathing human beings. At least they were when they arrived. It's our job to make sure they stay that way!
3. I spent part of yesterday attending a little thing called Code Away. I want to tell all of you that I was never really a part of the Silicon Valley geek scene when I lived there. I mean, technically, I suppose that I was, because I worked in the technology sector and I had good friends who were most definitely geeks. But I didn't attend geek get-togethers. Unless, of course, we consider my adventures with Dave Winer. But I consider those just very special gatherings with a very special group of friends who happen to all be Silicon Valley luminaries. Why I was there, well, is any body's guess?!?
But back to Code Away. And my arrival in Utah. It was made all the better by Laura Moncur and her husband Michael. Who greeted me with open arms and said, "WELCOME TO UTAH!" and made sure that I knew my way around Salt Lake City before I had even unpacked my suitcase. They are the sponsors of Code Away and Laura is quite good at making sure that I am always informed about the geek happenings here in Salt Lake. She's also always willing to give me a ride (CARPOOL) if I want to attend.
Thus, I have been to quite a lot of fun blogger dinners, Code Away (yes, me, the girl who can't even spell Code is attending Code Aways) gatherings and even Geek lunches where the talk is so technical I really do feel like the token blonde babe who is there to provide a distraction!
But my attendance at all of these functions has meant that I've made lots of fun, new friends and even just yesterday I met someone who also just moved here from California (hi Kevin!) and he lives right around the corner from me. How cool is that? Sometimes, it pays to be a geek. Or even a geek in training!
2. My sister, NeverNakedBeth, has told me over and over and over again, that the kids in Utah are just plain talented. That it is part of the Mormon culture to excel in music and voice (you want to grow up and be in the Tabernacle Choir) and theatre and this is one of the reasons so many movies are shot here in Utah. I have actually been working as an extra for the film industry since I've arrived here and I am quite amazed at how many movies and television shows are shot in Utah.
NeverNakedBeth, as those of us who have been paying attention know, is a middle school English teacher in Lehi. She is part of the team that puts on their Spring Musical Production each year. This year, because I happen to be living in Utah, she asked me to come and see their production of Seussical.
Now, people, anyone who knows me well, will tell you I'm not a huge fan of musical theatre. They'll also tell you that I'm a HUGE SNOB when it comes to theatre productions in general. I can't help it. I studied theatre in college. I spent two years studying theatre in London with the best of the best. Even when I attend theatre in London or New York, I still have a hard time just relaxing and enjoying the production because I see and hear all the mistakes.
I am here to report, however, that last night's Alpine/Highland Middle School (yes MIDDLE SCHOOL) production of Seussical was absolutely top-notch. I think even Simon Cowell would have been ready to sign some of those kids for a chance at being a pop star on American Idol. And let's not forget that David Archuletta happens to be from Murray, a town just up the road from this very Middle School.
I was prepared to be holding my head and my ears and to make excuses to my sister about how "nice" the production was, but truthfully, it was really quite good. Those kids could really sing. Not just sing. But they were ready for Broadway singers. And they could act. And they could dance. And the costumes were professional. I'm not just saying this because to be nice to NeverNakedBeth. She doesn't even read this blog. Honestly, I really was impressed. And as I said, I'm never impressed.
So Bravo, kids! You scared me, honestly, with how mature you all seemed. You all felt much older to me than 7th graders. But I suppose when you've been acting and singing and dancing since birth, you're just mature beyond your years.
1. The new moon is tomorrow. Last year, on the May New Moon, I burned my pillow. If on that very sacred night, when I was releasing all my dreams and nightmares into the Universe, you had told me that a year later, just 12 new moons later, I'd be divorcing my DearSweetDave, living, no thriving really, in Salt Lake City, working for Sundance and the University hospital, spending time with the architect and contemplating a very cool new business venture as well as the purchase of my own house? Well, I'd have asked you what crack you were smoking? Seriously.
It is often sometimes difficult for me to believe that this is my life. But I want to share with all of you who have traveled this road with me over the last year that I am, honestly and truthfully, happy. I have hope. My heart has not been irreparably damaged. I am still quite capable of love.
As I said recently, I know that happiness is not about where your feet are planted. It isn't about being in Santa Cruz. Or even about being in Salt Lake. It's about being at peace in your heart.
I am at peace. In my heart. And I can only wish the same for all of you.
It's probably no surprise that I'm still on the list of dog activists in Santa Cruz. They're still trying to convince the city that they need an off-leash dog park within the city limits (and a beach!) for their dogs to have off-leash recreation.
