Life Update + Happy Things

 Hey friends!

Just popping in with a few things to tell you, as they will probably cause me to implement a few changes around here. 

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So, the biggest update I have for you is that I got a new job! Hooray! After almost two years, I have finally gotten the job I've been trying for - a receptionist position. (I know, some people can't imagine enjoying that but it's honestly something I have wanted for a long time. I love communicating and organizing, and an administration position is great for that.) It's quite a complicated role, and will take me a few months to settle in and know my way around the system, but I am excited for the challenge. The people there are so lovely and welcoming. I'm keeping my cafe job, too, thereby doubling my work hours for the week (turning it into a five day working week).

Obviously, this means I'm going to have a lot less free time. I'm flat out trying to squish in my tap dancing and singing lessons, and alas for my poor blog. However, I am not giving up on it yet. 

It may be ambitious, but I do want to keep up with blogging in some way, shape or form. Without a doubt, I won't be able to post as often, nor keep up as well, but I'll do my best. 

I mostly wanted to forewarn you that my posting may be rather haphazard and inconsistent, but hopefully still a reality. So if I disappear off the face of the internet, just know that it's probably because I'm napping after a long working week. ;) (Just kidding, I hardly ever nap.) (Although I definitely advocate them.)

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Since this post may seem a little flat if I leave it like this, I thought I would add a quick little section of things that have made me happy lately. Because we all need a little positivity. :)

Things That Have Made Me Smile:

• When I was driving on the day I had my interview for the new job, my local radio station played a song I had requested from them MONTHS BEFORE. It literally made me so happy. :') I was shouting and singing at the top of my lungs, haha! (And if you're curious which song it was, it's called "If I Don't Have You" by Love and the Outcome.)

• The crazy amount of well wishes I have had for my new job. People are so encouraging and supportive, and it honestly makes my day.

• Lauren Daigle's album "Look Up, Child" has given me LIFE the past few months. Love it.

• Listening to podcasts (particularly the "Whoa That's Good" podcast) and doing my bullet journal

• The fact that spring has finally arrived!!! I can't believe it's here already! But I'm very happy about it. :D I've already dumped all my winter clothes in favour of cute summer dresses and singlet tops.

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• The snuggly, fluffy baby guinea pig that we have. When it was first born, it easily fit into the palm of my hand... and I have small hands. ;)

• Taking a step back, and realizing that almost all of my prayers from a few years ago have been answered. It's so amazing when you realize how much God listens, and cares.

• Also realizing that God's "no's" have been as good as His "yes's" because I can see now how His plan was so much greater for me than what I thought it was in the moment.

• The strawberries that my little sister painted onto my toenails, haha. Every time I look down at them, I smile.

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I'll end there, but please add to my list and let's create a page full of sunshiney thoughts!

Tell me, what are some things that have made you smile lately?! :D

Hamilton 2020: a Review

*practices cool stance in front of mirror*

This film was way too epic to not review. ;)

I saw this film last month, so I'm going to be racking my brain on some of the finer details here, but I do remember certain things that stood out to me!

So, I will start by saying I knew the soundtrack, but didn't know it like the back of my hand (like, say for example, Les Miserables ;)). I also don't know my early American history in full detail, nor am I a huge fan of rap music. 

But I thoroughly enjoyed it! 

For days afterwards, my mind was still turning over all the great ideas, punchlines and creative genius that Hamilton was overflowing with. (I even wrote down ideas for my own plays. That's when I know it was a good musical - the overflow of inspiration. ;)) 

So instead of going the direction my brain would normally go, I'm going to categorize this to make the review a little less disjointed.

AWWWW

THE GENIUS OF LIN-MANUAL MIRANDA

Okay, so can we just appreciate how much work Lin-Manuel put into this? He wrote the whole thing AND took the lead role (naturally). The witty lines, the punchy jokes, the well-crafted dialogue... I just appreciated everything. It was one of those musicals where there was so much DEPTH and DETAIL that I could tell he put so much work and heart and effort into it. I could watch and listen to it a dozen times and still be picking up on new things hidden beneath. It is a true gem.

THE CHARACTERS

This is where I'm going to do a quick lil' shout-out to some of my favourite character portrayals in this film. 

Alexander Hamilton - Well, obviously. His drive, his determination, his wits, the speed of his brain... he was very moving to watch. He made me want to fight for what I believed to be right, and know where I stand. Watching him, I felt an urge to value true boldness and strength, because it can move people to do such incredible things. I thought Lin really brought the fierceness to this character in a great way, while showing the softer side at times.

Angelica Schuyler - Wow wow wow this girl is FIRE! I loved how Angelica was not going to be content with anything less than what she thought was right. Her sass, her strength, her loyalty, her love for her sister... this woman was incredible, and "Satisfied" is definitely one of my favourite songs from this show. Renee BROUGHT IT.

The sass pose

Eliza Hamilton - I almost want to cry whenever I think of her. Phillipa brought so much emotion to this character, and I was drawn to her throughout the entire story. While I love "Helpless" and "Burn", her other songs like "That Would Be Enough" and "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story" moved me even more. The strength and grace of this woman was so inspirational... I actually think I admire Eliza just as much if not more than Hamilton himself. What would he have been without her?

Aaron Burr - Yikes, Leslie was so INTENSE in this role! I loved it! I could rarely take my eyes off of him, he held the stage so well. And "Wait for It" was pretty epic!

Marquis de Lafayette - guys, I have no words. Pretty sure this guy was THE MOST FUN out of everyone!

 

He's so bouncy, haha

He was basically the life of the party! Daveed was absolutely hilarious with his timing, his expression, and his performance, and I couldn't get enough of his time onstage. Also, that guy can rap faster than I've ever heard before. :O

King George - Cause how can you not mention this guy. ;) He was so creepily fantastic and disgusting and annoying and I can't imagine anyone else playing him. (But the spittle thing though? I didn't really need that. :P) Jonathon Groff looked like he had a lot of fun with that role. I even liked the way the show started, with his voicing overhead. So good!

I'm trying REALLY hard to not let this ruin Kristoff

I wish I could go on and talk about John Laurens and George Washington and Peggy etc, but for the sake of time, let me just say that I genuinely admired the whole cast and would probably watch a movie or musical just for the sake of any of them. ;)

THE MUSIC

This musical was long... very long. And what's more, the music was actually fast. I heard that if the music was sung at the average speed of musicals, it would take 6-7 hours. That's how FAST they rap! I must admit that sometimes I wished they could slow down a little, but c'mon, "Guns and Ships" is just so much fun I don't really care that I have no idea what they're saying! xD My particular favourites from this film would be "Alexander Hamilton" (how EPICCC! "We, fought with him. Me, I died for him. Me, I trusted him. Me, I loved him. And me, I was the damn fool that shot him."), "The Schuyler Sisters" (the sass! Somebody cool 'em down!), "That Would Be Enough" (so sweet :')), "Guns and Ships" (because, hello, LAFAYETTE!), "History Has Its Eyes on You" (so haunting!), "Dear Theodosia" (aww, so precious <3)... and I could go on!

I want an epic coat like that, please

THE CHOREOGRAPHY

Okay guys, this needs a shout-out! The choreographer, Andy Blankenbuehler, also did Bandstand, and his detail and intention behind every little thing is insane. The choreography may not have been happy little tap dance breaks like I am a huge sucker for, but it added a completely different layer to the story and made it even more moving. I watched a couple videos about the detailing of this film, and it was mind-blowing. Did you know that they made the rolling, spinning part of the stage to move anti-clockwise, signifying time was passing? Or how Burr often moves in straight lines on stage to symbolize how he thought and acted, whereas Hamilton moved in circular, wide angles to symbolize his open mind and actions. It was just so clever!

He be flying!

THE ENDING

This was by far my favourite part of the film. The way Lin used the duals to level up the climax, and the timing of everything... it was wonderfully done. I loved seeing "what happens after" and everything Eliza did after the death of her husband. Eliza's lines were truly so powerful, and I was almost in tears during the last part.

"I stop wasting time on tears, 

I live another 50 years, 

It's not enough"

"I ask myself, what would you do if you had more time

The Lord, in his kindness

He gives me what you wanted

He gives me more time"

"And when my time is up

Have I done enough?"

Overall, this film was very long, and I will admit I felt as though there was an insane amount of detail (I sometimes thought "do we really need ALL of these songs??") but because of that, it gave them the ability to take the story deeper. You got to see a lot of people's motivations, desires, and struggles during this story, and it made so much more of an impact. They handle some serious issues and topics in this musical with care, and I appreciated that. I also loved how the cast was very inclusive of race and culture, and broke away from a lot of stereotypes. 

This musical was full of sass, honesty, integrity, sacrifice, love, determination, forgiveness, loyalty, and purpose. It was overflowing with creative ideas, catchy music, and strong stances. It does have some mature themes, and I would not recommend it for younger viewers, but for anyone who loves a good musical, appreciates closer, in-depth looks at history, or strong, complex stories, I would definitely recommend giving it a go!

The genius of that brain

And now I really want to watch it again. ;)

I would love to hear your thoughts on Hamilton! I am fully prepared to discuss this with you in the comment section below! ;)

Of Pain and Purpose

If you were to ask any of my friends to describe me, I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of them would say "talkative, enthusiastic, laughs a lot..." My personality is bubbly and I like to look at the world through rose coloured glasses, if I can. But some days, my heart is heavier than most people would think. 

2020 has wrecked me, in some ways. It has broken apart a lot of the carefree and lighthearted spirit I used to carry around. I am still cheery by nature, but there is a part of me, deep down inside, that is now a little heavier, a little more serious than it ever used to be. I guess it's part of growing up. 

There have been obvious challenges this year - fire, floods, drought, a pandemic, etc - but I have also faced personal challenges. Rejection, lost opportunities, battles with depressive spirals, crying and praying over friends struggling (especially with mental illnesses), seeing all the hurt and grief in the world, losing a friend... it's been hard. And painful. But through it all, I've also grown closer to God, and run into His arms quicker than I ever have before. I've cried and prayed and cried again, and wrestled unceasingly with questions, begging God for answers. 

For when hardships come around, questions will follow. When pain flares up, purpose is brought into our minds. 

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Earlier this year, I experienced grief in a different way to what I ever have experienced before. I lost a friend in a freak accident. She was only young; seventeen, with supposedly so much life ahead of her. I look back at group photos and still can't believe that she was the first one to go home and meet her Maker. I knew so much peace, though, with the knowledge that she was with her Saviour. But the questions came at me, nagging me, from all sides.

That dear girl was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Her gentle, thoughtfulness always amazed me, and even though she was younger than I, I learnt a lot from her quiet, kind ways.

Wretchedly, I would look at myself and think, "why not me, Lord? She was so much kinder, sweeter than I... she didn't deserve to die. I feel so much less than her; I don't deserve to be the one left behind. Why didn't you choose me instead?" 

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Later on this year, I then heard of a young couple in California, YouTubers I sometimes watch, Marcus and Kristen, being in a freak accident, where someone purposefully mowed them down with their car while they were peacefully riding their bike in the neighbourhood. Over and over, doctors and onlookers said "they should have died" because the accident was so horrific and incredible. But they survived. They had dangerous injuries and months' worth of rehabilitation and re-training to be able to walk and live the way they used to live, but they were alive. And NO ONE could tell them how they had survived it, or only why their legs were broken and injured. They literally flew 50 feet into the air! 

But they knew how. 

"Jesus saved our lives", they told everyone.

And I was reminded, yet again, that we're not balancing on this tightrope of fate, not sure if we'll wobble off and perish or skillfully make it to the other side. We're securely, safely, held in God's hand. We forget that God is literally in control of our lives, and if it's not time for us to go home, then He won't let us. But if He knows best, even when we think WE do, then He'll call us back to Him when it's time, just like He did with my sweet friend.

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So no matter how vulnerable or worthless we may feel, we are on this earth for a purpose. And if you are still living and breathing, then God is not finished with you yet. 

God's plan for us is enveloped with His love, and we know that He is good, and His plans are good. And "I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8: 38-39)

We can walk through pain with Jesus, and we will come out of it with Him, grounded in the peace and purpose that He has for us. <3