A brief update that is not so brief

My life has been pretty hectic recently and I realized that I have managed to keep some of my family members and close friends in the dark about what is going on in my life. Since I seem to have forgotten how to use a telephone I thought that creating a blog would be the best way for everyone to know what I'm up to. so..without further ado, here is a brief update on my life thus far. Keep in mind that I didn't get a degree in English so if I have some misplaced commas, run-on sentences or misspelled words forgive me :)

Most of you know that I started going to college about 5 years ago at Fort Hays State University. At the time I thought that teaching music would be the best route for me to take so I dove head first into some intense theory classes and mind numbing hours of learning every scale possible. At the beginning of my second semester I realized that music wasn't fun for me anymore and the idea truly terrified me. I almost threw in the towel and moved back home but during my second semester something inside of me changed. I had a discussion with my advisor about changing my degree and he suggested that I get a B.A. in music as opposed to an education degree. He explained that I would be forced to take as many theory and aural skills classes so I jumped at this opportunity. Changing my degree was the best thing for me and 5 years later I am glad that I stuck with it. After having to take one summer class I am now the proud holder of a Bachelor of Arts in music and, I must say, I'm pretty proud of myself. (just so you all know, I passed the summer class with an A, Woo hoo!!!)

While I was attending FHSU I discovered my love for musical theater. I started off my college career playing the role of "Marty" in Grease and after that musical I couldn't wait to be on stage again. Being involved with the theater department helped me gain confidence and turned me into the strong and out going woman that I am today. I owe a lot to that run down stage. I like to believe that a piece of me is still there. I gained enough confidence through my stage work to go on an audition while I was in New York during spring break. I didn't end up getting a role for the show I auditioned for but the experience was the best one that I could've had. I fell in love with New York while I was there and can't wait to return to the city to learn more about life.

Last summer I also was blessed with the amazing opportunity to go to Taiwan for a 10 day tour with one of my singing groups at the college. I was a bit leery of the idea when my director approached me about the idea. Taiwan wasn't the first place that I wanted to travel but, after a lot of fund raising and hard work, I decided that to put my fears aside and travel overseas. I am so glad that I did. The people in Taiwan are some of the most amazing people I've ever met. Everyone was so polite and friendly and I really felt like they were excited to have us in their country. During our first performance the audience greeted us with a standing ovation and hoops and hollers. I felt like a rock star :) Being in Taiwan helped me appreciate everything that life has to offer. I got to soak in a completely different culture and see the amazing beauty that surrounds us all. I happened to stumble upon some Buddhists monks who were in the middle of a ritual and they allowed me to sit in and listen. Words can't describe how amazing that experience was. I can't wait to travel again. I really want to see the world and have more amazing experiences like I had while I was in Taiwan.

I guess that brings me to the present. I have recently moved in with one of my best friends from high school. Her name is Danyel and she has been a wonderful confidant. We're both transitioning into "adulthood" together and it feels good to have someone who knows what I'm going through. Because I still don't know what I want to do with the rest of my life I decided to start working to save some money. I began working as a full time employee at Payless Shoe Source in the mall here in Hays and it was a good job for awhile. I didn't agree with some of the things that were going on in the store so I began looking around for something else. A kind lady by the name of Lois who was planning on opening a store right next to Payless was listening to me complain and she handed me an application. I filled it out and within a week she offered me a management position at her new store. I guess it helps to have an out going personality. The store is a boutique called "Retail Therapy". We sell soaps, candles, jewelry, gourmet foods and anything else you can think of. The opening date is set for August 1st and I'm excited. This will be my first adult job and I believe that it will be a good experience for me.

I still can't believe that I am a college graduate. It seems like yesterday that I was saying good bye to my mom as she drove away from my dorm. Life, although confusing at times, is quite intriguing and I can't wait for the future. I have no doubt that someday my name will be in lights. I just have to have faith.

I think that is all for now. I hope this wasn't too long for you. I promise to keep you all updated on a regular basis. Thank you for reading!
Love
Laura