My Thoughts on the The Sound of Music Starring Carrie Underwood

 

Firstly, before you watch this, you need to understand one very important thing:

It. Is. Not. The. Movie!

I knew that before I started watching it. And all throughout people kept posting things on Facebook like, "They completely ruined a beloved story! How could they change it like this?" or "This is not the Sound of Music, they've completely rewritten it!" 

Now, now. Maybe you might want to do some research before posting things that make you sound rude, and quite frankly...ignorant. (Sorry, but it does.)

This version of The Sound of Music is the Broadway Musical. NOT the Julie Andrews movie version. And, like any stage performance of ANY musical (look at every high school across the country) things are going to be a little different from that last time you saw it on stage. That happens to be the director's prerogative. 

Now, I'm not saying that you are not allowed to dislike the interpretation of it. But you should recognize that it IS the Broadway musical version and actually hasn't been "rewritten" or "changed" in any major way. 

Next up: The Acting

I was actually underwhelmed with Carrie Underwood's acting. At first I chalked it up to her, well, not being an actress. She's a singer above all else. But then a friend pointed out to me that she was in a movie called "Soul Surfer" and was actually good. Which I agree with. Then, my sister pointed out that she had been trained to keep a neutral accent so that her cute country twang wouldn't come through...

So that got me thinking. 

I've been on stage before and in front of a camera and believe it or not, your acting does change. 

Let me explain.

 When acting out a scene live on stage in front of an audience, you're often told to "act to the person in the last row of the theater". And for some theaters, that is pretty dang far. So you project EVERYTHING. But you have to find the balance between too much and not enough. Switch the audience for a camera, and you start "camera acting" (that's just what I call it). So now you have a stage, but you're acting to a camera instead of people. With camera acting, you can't be as big without looking silly. Cameras can see a tiny little smile, whereas the person at the WAY BACK probably missed it. But what about her acting in the movie? Well, she wasn't on a stage like she was for the Sound of Music. A sound stage/lot/location is very different from a stage that they filmed TSoM on. 

I know Carrie Underwood can act, I've seen it. But it was in a different medium where she probably didn't have to consciously hide her accent (and if she did, they could just re-shoot the scene if need be). That on top of being LIVE and on a different kind of set, I think, threw her acting a bit. However, it wasn't completely unbearable. I've seen worse. I've seen better but I've definitely seen worse.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that there is a difference and it takes training to switch from one medium to the other and then find a balance of the two. It's hard and I think you'd be surprised to know how hard it can be.

 There were also other actors who could've been better. But actually, the more I think about this, the more I like it. Why? Because it was truly raw. Not "filmed to feel raw and real" but actually raw and real. The acting wasn't perfect. Some actors were over reaching while others were bland. The singing was up and down. Some actor's could get the notes others were slightly flat-even from song to song the actor's weren't perfect. And I'm grateful for it. WHY?? Because how many times a day do we hear about how Hollywood projects this idea of perfection to the world? That you must sing perfectly, act perfectly, look perfect. How many times does Hollywood actually allow for imperfections? Not often. 

And another thing. Take a second to think about the last time you thought about TV and went, "Nope, no way am I turning on the TV just to let worldly ideals come into my home." Hmm? Where was the "bad message" in this show? Perfect? No, it was by far not perfect. But was it something that I would let my kids watch (if I had them)? Yes. Would I feel comfortable watching it with my husband, my parents, my in-laws etc? Yes. It may have been a one time thing, and I may have access to the movie version but this was TV. Do you think a child watching this would walk away grumbling about how bad the acting was or how some people couldn't seem to find their notes? Me thinks not. 

The message is still there. The beloved characters and music is all still there. You can still enjoy this version of the musical if you let yourself. If all you look for is the imperfection, that is all you will see and you won't be able to truly enjoy the show. But if you understand that it won't be perfect bu that it's still that story you loved as a child, then you might actually enjoy it. 

And maybe I'm wrong. Maybe, you'll hate it no matter what. But I suppose now you'll at least have another opinion to consider.

Oh. One more thing. I've always REALLY DISLIKED "Climb Every Mountain". Audra McDonald completely changed my mind about it. I LOVE her version. Her passion and her meaning behind singing those words absolutely came through and I cried. It was beautiful. 

So, there you go. Go see for yourself what you think about it. And if it leaves you with a sour taste in your mouth go see Disney's Frozen because it will melt your heart and you will walk out of the theater will all sorts of warm fuzzies.

The Parable of the Peppermint Oil

 Life is a roller coaster, this I know and have never forgotten. I'm okay with life having ups and downs. If there weren't any downs, how could you enjoy the ups? However, sometimes it feels as though there are too many ups and downs one right after another that instead of enjoying the ride, you just get sick and want to get off. 

Well, welcome to Fall Semester 2013. The worst roller coaster ride I've been on. Too many extreme ups followed by extreme downs one right after another that there has been little enjoyment and lots of nausea. 

This semester I've had the privileged of having two jobs and the opportunity to go to school full-time. While both Neil and I are extremely happy about the extra income and my quickly approaching graduation date, we've both been whacked by the "busy stick". Here is a quick (maybe) overview:

Me: Like I mentioned I have 2 jobs. I've worked at BYU since August 2009 in the same office and have come to love my coworkers like a second family. Seriously, they are amazing. However, this will be my last semester working there because I can't seem to fit a square peg (work schedule at BYU) into a round hole (school schedule). Or is it the other way around? Anyway... I need to finish school and soon because my enjoyment of it is decreasing quickly. I love my major and what I'm learning about, I just hate the papers and tests and scattered schedule aspect of it all. My second job is wonderful. I started on September 1st of this year. It's 20+ hours a week and I choose 95% of when I take those hours. I can do it from any place that has a computer and internet access. It pays really well and has been a huge blessing. This is one thing that will allow me to leave my BYU job without sacrificing the family financial situation. School is another ball to juggle. I'm taking 13 credits right now and I am definitely favoring some classes above others to a dangerous degree. The Reason? Something's gotta give. So, priority first goes to my husband and the financial stability of our family. Then the classes that I really hate because that way I won't fail them and have a need to repeat them, then the classes that I really love because it's easy to do those. Last are those classes that just seem to take up an exorbitant amount of time-the ones that make you constantly list off the things you could be doing instead as a better use of time. Add all of that to maintaining an orderly home (laundry, dishes, dinner) and my ever present wrestle with IBS, GERD, PCOS and insulin resistance AND trying to be a better wife, sister (in-law), daughter (in-law) and friend and you have my life. Too many things to juggle and I know that very clearly. 

Neil: Good grief does he work hard. Two scholarships to maintain, trying to get the best grades possible for his application to the Mechanical Engineering program at BYU which he applies for at the end of this semester, 14 hour credit load, a job and a calling (Elder's Quorum President)= Busy, stressed husband. But he always puts me first and I am grateful for that however we both find ourselves wishing for and struggling to find time to just be with each other. There have been very few moments where we have been able to sit and talk without anything else hanging over us. 

Then this week we dealt with car issues that really just lowered the morale. We were so extremely blessed to have this massive problem resolved by two very loving and caring individuals and we are so grateful for this. We don't know what we would have done without the hand up. 

This culmination of life events have really made Neil and I question whether the decision for me to stay at BYU and work until the end of the semester was the right thing. The idea of leaving before December makes me cringe, in fact, it makes me nervous and sad. I don't like letting the people I love down and if I left before December, I know that I would be doing just that. I know I can do hard things but is this all just too much? I've been so stressed and anxious lately that it has made me physically sick to the point where I can't go into work and barely make it through my classes before "getting sick". We haven't made a decision yet and Neil has told me time and time again that whatever is decided, he supports me fully. We both know that all of this rests on the Lord but where do we go from here?

This bring me to The Parable of the Peppermint Oil.

 

Today while sitting in Sacrament Meeting, listening to the beautiful testimonies being borne to us, I was struggling to relate. There is never an agreed upon topic of testimonies but there tends to be a trend of a topic each time we have a testimony meeting. Perhaps it is the first person who bears there testimony on something and that triggers thoughts, emotions and feelings in others about the same thing and so they want to verbally express their thanks and their faith as well about that subject. Today there seemed to be a "theme" of the Lord knowing and loving us and having a plan for each of us. 

Now, I know this. I do not doubt for one minute that my Father in Heaven literally knows who I am, what my desires are, what my hopes and fears are, what I struggle with personally and loves me still. He loves all of His children and that love will never cease. I also know that there is an eternal plan for me and Neil and that if we rely on Him completely, He will lead us down a path that will bring us home to Him safely while allowing us to have joy in the journey. 

So, what was the problem? Well, lately I've notice how I've had no trouble keeping an eternal perspective. I know that in the long run what we do with our time in service to the Lord is what is most important. However, while that is true, we are still living in the now and must live in the world but not of it. Knowing that 10 years from now these troubles we face won't exist isn't the issue. Oh, there will be struggles and trials for sure but not these specific ones. So how I do keep a "Now" perspective because my eternal perspective is doing just fine. I suppose what I'm driving at is that we none of us should live in the past or rely so much on the future "being better/different" that we ignore and wish away the now. We live now and if we wish it away or ignore it, our future will never come because we'll never recognize when we've "arrived" there. Does this make any sense? I hope so...

Anyway, here is the parable part. I was sitting there mulling over all of those afore mentioned thoughts. I had a headache, probably from a lack of sleep, and thinking about all of these things was giving me anxiety which was seriously triggering my heartburn which was making me tense up more, making my headache worse and the cycle is never ending. 

Then, out of nowhere, I started to smell peppermint. Not the sweet kind you can smell when someone eats peppermint candy or gum, but a fuller, richer, natural peppermint smell. I am no stranger to essential oils and knew instantly that someone had opened or applied peppermint oil somewhere near me. Now, essential oils are wonderful if they work for you. I've tried different brands, combos and "scents" and there are really only a few that work for me. One of which just so happens to be peppermint. 

The scent was happily overwhelming. The deeper I breathed I stronger the scent seemed to get. The combination of deep breathing and peppermint oil began to soothe my headache. Which helped me relax, and by so doing, helped ease but not completely erase the pain of heartburn.

And in that moment, I realized something. Peppermint Oil is how I keep myself balanced. Gratitude for the past, living with hope in the present and keeping the faith for the future. The peppermint oil soothed me. It eased but did not erase my pain. It helped me enough that I could make it through the next couple hours of church without feeling overwhelmingly sick to the point of just giving up and going home.

Reading the scriptures, praying, attending the temple, serving my husband. These are all peppermint oil. These things help ease stress of life. They don't make it all go away but they make it possible for me to keep going and have a balanced perspective about life. 

 I am grateful for small seemingly coincidental events that lead us to self discovery and bring us closer to the Lord. I am hopeful for my present situations and have faith that the future will be bright.I know that God the Father lives. I know that He loves me. I know that His Son, Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer and through Him we are saved.

 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

D&C 121:7&8

Just Some Thoughts and Observations

If you've been on my Facebook in the last couple of days, you'll have seen that I 

re-posted this article.

I admit that my comment on my re-post was a bit dramatic. The whole "natural" thing being shoved down my throat, I mean. Perhaps I should clarify by telling you two short stories (immensely "cliff noted") that will help you understand why I feel as though my throat has been violated. ;)

Story 1: A few friends and I were out to dinner at a rather cozy restaurant. Next to us, at a small table a young lady informed her companions that she would be having a baby. Exciting, right? Of course! But then her mother? aunt? hopped right in and asked how she would deliver. When her reply was, "I'm not sure yet, I need to read some more," the mother/aunt lady quickly informed her that natural was the only way to ensure a healthy baby and that everyone in the family did it that way so she shouldn't go against their wishes. (They continued to have a semi-quiet debate about doctors' impotence, children's future, medical bills etc.)

Hmm. Okay, I don't know this family and maybe they have really good luck with natural births. But something I didn't appreciate (again, it didn't happen to me so I'm projecting emotions, I realize this) was that this young lady didn't even give a definitive answer and showed that it was something to her that was worth the researching. A very diplomatic answer that received a very close minded (or maybe just passionate) answer. Perhaps her mother/aunt could have said, "Well, if you'd like some good research on Natural Birth, I can help you out." Why would that have been so wrong?

Story 2: This did happen to me, and I work at BYU, the ever dynamic BYU, and even though I love my school and the people, there are some individuals who take things too far and believe that if they don't say something, their fellow saints may fall off the straight and narrow. I have actually learned to take abrasive comments with gratitude because I realize that most of these people are genuinely concerned about me, even if their comments are...awkward? Rude?

I was helping a very brand new mother at the window (she was picking up documents for insurance purposes or something along those lines). Because I am curious and have begun my own research and study into natural vs. not, I politely (I hope I was polite, anyway) asked how she delivered. She kind of lit up and told me all about her hospital, OBGYN aided, epidural birth. She said, and I quote, "I waited as long as I could and before it was too late to take the epidural. I wanted to see if maybe I'd be able to go without it but I decided, in the end, to take it." (I did ask about this particular part of the experience, she didn't just give it freely.) I thought that was pretty cool. She wanted to try but didn't have any issues with taking the epidural. She wasn't scared into an epidural or pressured into a natural labor. She chose. Cool. Before she left she said, "If I can give you any advice it would be this, research, study, make a choice and then pray. The Lord will help you decide what is right for you and give you the strength to do it." She left and I was super excited to continue my own research. There was a pregnant young lady-can't escape 'em, I love it though- standing behind her in line and she came up to the window. I proceeded to help her. She asked me if she could give me her advice on having a baby. Of course!! And then this, "You may think that epidurals are okay but it's poison. God didn't give meds to Eve so no real woman would think that it was okay to take them." 

She wasn't saying any of this in a rude manner, so to speak, just very matter-of-factly and I like to think that she was just very passionate about it rather than wanting to judge any and every woman who ever had an epidural but that kind of stuck with me. And also kind of crushed my enthusiasm for researching. Before I move on though I do want to say this. The Eve comment she made...I know plenty of women who say "How many years in this world did women bear naturally?" And that encourages them to do it too! KUDOS! I think that's amazing but I also find modern medicine amazing. I have many health problems that, if I lived 100+ years ago, I would not have the same opportunity at life. So, Eve did it and you want to too? SO COOL but please don't knock modern medicines or at least the people who use them. Cancer has existed for a long too but modern medicines have aided people's chances at life. (Haha, I just compared cancer to pregnancy...)

Please, take a moment with me to stop and think. I understand that these were very different situations, very extreme cases but hear me out. I, Caitlin, who has never had a baby and am not yet pregnant but who is planning on having children and researching my options, do not yet felt that I have found "the way" for me in regards to child labor. Is that wrong? No, it's not because I'm still piecing to together the puzzles. But you want to know what I have found so far? Neither way is perfect. Neither way ensures the baby's safest delivery. There are pros and cons to both. I've also learned that I know a great many deal of people who want to go natural and those who don't. Out of those many people, I only know a couple (from opposing views actually-and they have told me straight out) that are not okay with the opposite view. Which, I understand. They don't have to be okay with it for them but, truth be told, it is okay for many many other people.

I realize that I read and understood the article, perhaps, differently than others. I sincerely apologize if by posting that article and sharing my opinion offended or hurt you or made you think I was judging you. I hope that this post has maybe cleared up my hastily written opinion. In summary, I have no strong opinions regarding which type of labor is right for me and I'm not unlearned enough to think that one way is "right" and the other is not-as I've said I see pros and cons to both- but I do have a strong opinion about judging those who have made their decision. As it is with when and how many children you decide to have, the decision belongs to the Husband, Wife and God. Everybody else just needs to butt out and chill out. Stop judging, plain and simple.

Please feel free to leave a comment expressing your ideas and passions just be aware that if any judgements-no matter how small-are made against people (in general or not) from either opinion or if a rude debate ensues, your comment(s) will be removed. This is a no judging zone, please. If you have some simple and kind advice OR places that I could go or books that I could read for some research PLEASE leave me the details. I would love to make a most educated decision for my someday pregnancies/deliveries. 

 

 

My Old Kentucky Home

So a few weeks ago Neil and I were blessed to be able to visit my hometown back east.

I loved every second of it. 

The weather behaved for us and it was just an amazing few days.

We flew standby and got a direct flight both ways!
(Thanks, Uncle Aaron)

 

We enjoyed beautiful weather. It even stormed for us a bit while we were there!

 

 I got to see my cat and my dog!

Libby is a prissy pants but I still like her and that Sammy dog is just a bundle of love. He snuggled with me one night through an entire movie!

We looked at A LOT of photo albums. Neil had never seen baby pics of me..

That chunk of cuteness is me.

I remember playing with that toy! It made funny noises...

Me and my little sister.

Mr. Mohan was the gate guard for the compound we lived on in Saudi Arabia. He became a good friend to our family and the money he gave us to buy ice cream was always something to look forward to.

Holding a Koala!

"What you lookin' at?" ;)

I finally got to partake of the deliciousness that is queso dip-the good stuff- after being gone for a year.

We played games and watched movies.

We even spent a morning at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory!

The big bat!

It's truly massive...

I got to enjoy Stake and Shake again!

Lauren and I decided that we needed some pampering so we went and got pedicures!

I was slightly surprised to find out that this was her first ever pedicure...WHAT?!?!?!

There are always little critters in my yard. Typically bunnies. Sam goes CRAZY!

That's a bunny. I know you can't really tell. Yay phone cameras.

I also spent a couple hours on my Mom's awesome new elliptical.

If you need to keep your heart rate up for a good work out, just watch the Doctor Who episode, "Blink". Terrifying. And I've seen it before. TWICE!

I would be terribly amiss if I did not mention our visit with these two impressively lovely individuals. Gosh, I just love them!

You really have no idea how awesome these two are. AND they have an adorable son. So that makes them SUPER awesome.

It's blurry but isn't Baby E.V. just adorable? I think he got his mouth from BOTH his parents. (Please see the pic above.)

After a marvelous week of food, fun and friends we had to say goodbye.

Sammy didn't want us to leave. He was so good that last morning, it kind of broke my heart.

It was much prettier than this but this was the sunrise on our way to the air port. I miss it so much.

"Weep no more my lady, oh weep no more today. We will sing one song for my old Kentucky home, My old Kentucky home, far away."

Happy Anniversay and Family Pictures

Yup, one year ago today I married my best friend! He's been so good to me and I love him more and more everyday. 

Here are some of my most favorite things about Neil, this is not a comprehensive list and it's not in any particular order. 

1. He does the dishes FREQUENTLY without being asked

2. He does the laundry FREQUENTLY without being asked

3. He cleans the bathroom

4. He takes out the trash

5. When I have a bad day, he is there ready with a smile and a snuggle

6. He is a hard worker and gives 100% in every task he undertakes

7. He makes dinner for me when I'm busy

8. He laughs at my really dumb jokes

9. He encourages me to run and has started running too, to show his support

10. He loves me all the time

It really has been the greatest year of my life and I'm so happy that I get to spend eternity with such an amazing man.
I know we don't have kids yet, but I really don't care. I want family pictures every year with out without kiddos!

Anyway, I asked a friend of mine if she'd be willing to take some pictures of Neil and me and she said yes!

Here are some of my favorites. 

 Just warming up. ;)

Having a good ol' time.

 This tree was "leanin'." Jackie, that's for you.

Hello tree.

 I really love this picture. I think it's very "us".

On the road of life.

Off the road of life. ;)

I may or may not have stolen the idea for the following picture from Pinterest. Okay, I did but I really liked the idea and LOVE this picture. We're holding our favorite picture from our engagement pics and no, I am not wearing the same outfit even though I AM wearing a jean jacket. Deal with it.
Anyway, next year we'll hold this picture with us holding a picture. Do you see where this is going? Fun, right?

Engagement & Year One.

 I love my man. He's the best.

Tender.

 Another shot I love to bits and pieces!

I love this one.

BAM! Waterfall.

Bridal Veil Falls

Love.

Sunrise.

Getting There

It's been harder the second time around to train for a race. In 8 weeks I've gone from not being able to run a block to being able to run 2.6 miles. 

I'm training for a 10K (6.4 miles) so I've still got a long way to go but I am getting there and I can feel a difference in my body, even though I don't think anyone can see it just yet. 

This week has been better than any previous running week BY FAR!! But it didn't start so happy.

I went to the doctor the other day and received some frustrating news that really kicked my confidence to the ground and then that "bad" news decided to do a  Mexican hat dance on my confidence as well. 

It's funny though, after learning this news and what I needed to do to take care of it, I realized that, in a really round about way, that news I received was the Lord's way of saying "I'm answering your prayers, just not in the way you thought I would." 

 It's been a HARD adjustment but I am hopeful and I know that the Lord is aware of my desires and goals and I know that He is on my side. 

It's going to be a fun, crazy and challenging three months. 

This was from the other day. I'm getting nervous/excited for the race. And I had a really good hair day.

Vacation Day 10: Chocolate

 Day 10 was a half day with Grandma, so that she didn't have to fight Friday night traffic. Anyway, it was a great day. We went to Ghirardelli Square. Which means we had chocolate. Yummy, lovely chocolate.

The Cannery. I thought was pretty. It was on our walk down to the square.

Before we reached the square we ran into a LeRoy Neiman art show and stopped in.

Down the hill...

Across the street.

Bingo! My favorite flavor is still the caramel chocolate.

We watched some chocolate being made.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. Yummo.

We shared. :)

After treats, we headed around the square and popped into a couple of stores where I found some absolute gems and we were able to laugh at some silly books.

Reminds me of all the babies I know.

I would really enjoy owning this book.

From the south side of the square.

 After we said good-bye to Grandma, Neil and I wondered around a little more and then headed down to the Embarcadero where we watched the lights on the bridge from a little, secluded bench on the dock. It was actually very romantic and quite relaxing.

It was a perfect last night in San Francisco.