New York, New York

Yesterday, I got up at 5:00 am to be at The Conservatory for a 6:00 am departure for New York in order to see Mel Brook's newest show, Young Frankenstein. Boston Conservatory paid for almost everything--the $80 tickets and transportation to charter a bus, if we would just kick in $20--a fantastic deal. It was so great to be in the city again. Shannon and I went down to the Ground Zero Memorial. The last time I was there was 2003 and since that time, it is so hard to believe how little progress they have made with the gaping hole...

Young Frankenstein is JUST like the Gene Wilder movie. It was a little weird to have these characters break into song and dance...Igor and Frau Blucher were incredible. And it was fun to see Sutton Foster in another original Broadway cast, although her best scene was the first one in the hay wagon. It was great to see Roger Bart too, who was also in the original The Producers. After the show, we had dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant in Time Square. I love New York. Did I say that?

Happy 30th Beautiful!

You don't look a day over eighteen, Sweet Sister...I'm so glad I got to be with you right before your special day....Hope its a precious one!

Resurrection Sunday

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

let me hide myself in thee;

let the water and the blood,

from thy wounded side which flowed,

be of sin the double cure;

save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law's commands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.

The disciples sat down with Christ to the first night of Passover, the feast of unleavened bread, now tradionally Maundy Thursday, or better known as the Last Supper. A platter is passed around, called the Seder Plate. It has all the main symbols of Passover including such things as a green, leafy vegetable, reminding participants that Passover corresponds with Spring and new life (another cause for celebration) and a dish of bitter herbs representing the bitterness of slavery.

A blessing is said, the first cup of wine, the washing of hands, then the retelling of the Passover story. It was an occasion to remember the events and sing about them into the night. Just like wedding vows today are imprinted in our minds, the disciples had the celebration memorized, word for word. Jesus probably proceeded to give the standard introductory words recited by the one leading the blessings...and although I don't know the traditional script, he was expected to say something like,"take this bread, which symbolizes the slaughtered lamb, that saved your firstborns and may it be a promise to you of the coming deliverance that was prophesied to you in the days of old..." But no. He said, "Take this bread. It is my body, which is broken for you. My blood upon the doorpost can now deliver you. Drink it and it will bring life to your body. Forever after, think of me when you do these things."

Could there be anything more beautiful than this? The promise had finally arrived and they couldn't fully comprehend it! They were surely dumbfounded by his deviation from tradition...the plan that seems so obvious to us, was just now being unfolded for them in the most dramatic moment in history. Yet surely they did not see the big picture. Because they were just like me....Christ have mercy on me.

Because of his death and resurrection I am:

Made alive
Marked in Him with a seal
Enlightened to His incomparably great power
At peace
A fellow citizen of God's household
A dwelling place for His Spirit
Established in Love that surpasses knowledge


Adapted from my Easter blog last year (on myspace).

Highlights of my Spring Break

On St. Patrick's Day, I had lunch at Bethel with my old voice teacher, Vicki. It was so good to visit again and tell her about my school. In the evening, I went over to my best friend, Caren's, to participate in the gossip, preparations and general excitement that comes with a long awaited engagement! She is getting married to Chad Coleman on June 21st! We found dresses for her little neices and worked on the centerpieces for the reception...our only pre-wedding girl time besides the week of her big day...

Tuesday morning, I had a delicious breakfast with Scott's mom at IHOP spending some much needed mother daughter time together. And later that day, I got together with a very dear friend, whom I haven't spent time with in light years. We met our other friend Teri and her adorable one year old, Marissa, for lunch at Brewsters in Michigan. H, it was so good to be with you again. Keep smiling. You have Norm's smile you know...
Steve Chung met up with us later that evening... always a good time. Always.

Wednesday morning I woke up with a nasty cold that took two days away from me and my Spring Break. It turned out to be the worst throat cold I've had in a couple of years. My brother stopped by to give me some wonderful tea called Throat Coat by Traditional Medicinals because of my solo on Good Friday. What a touching gesture it was, not to mention a delicious cinnamish (cinnamon and licorice) cup of hot liquid!

Thursday, the 20th, was my little girl's seventh birthday. She grew up so fast; she's a little older than me now...my precious girl. She got a hedgehog squeaker and a little tiny pound cake, thanks to my mom. The hanky was my Granma Harriett's, since I forgot her party bandana at home. And yes, she is on the dining room table. These things must happen at eye level, you know. I also have a video of me and my mom singing to her, and her trembling because she can't have her presents until we're done.

I did make it to Good Friday, and by the grace of God, made it through my solo without a coughing fit, as well as the rest of the worship music Shawn generously let me be a part of. I was overwhelmed by everyone who came to hear me sing. You don't know how meaningful that was to me. Thank you. And it was such a moving service too, ending with communion and leaving the sanctuary in silence and darkness. The bitter cup had been taken up...Praise God!

Afterwards, Christine said, "you wanna come have icecream with us? I know that's what I would want to have on a sore throat." I couldn't resist. We had some kind of triple chocolate icecream. Thanks, sister.
Saturday morning, mom and Jeny and I were able to go to the Farmer's Market in South Bend like we have been doing for so many years on Easter Saturday. With our busy lives, I was so grateful that we were able to squeeze in this favorite outing. Being such an early Easter this year, it was snowing and there weren't very many flowers available, but my heart was thrilling to be there.
After the market, I went over to Jeny's to help her get ready for Annabelle's first birthday celebration. She doesn't look big enough to be one! She's only thirteen pounds!! The outfit I got her is for 3-6 months...

The theme was lambs, with lots of pink and brown accents....I just love the cake(s), especially the blue-eyed ones! What a sweet little party, Jen.
This was my present to Annabelle. It was supposed to be a gift at her birth, I admit, but with the move last year and time for everything but crocheting, it became her birthday present this year. I've been told that my other neices and nephew have gotten out their own Aunt Jayme blanket since I have left. I'm so glad they understand its a hug from me, when I can't be near to hold them.

I love this picture. I think Noah took it and I didn't know about it until I downloaded my images when I got home. Thanks, Lil' Noe!
I really packed a lot in on this trip, but there will be never enough time for my precious family. Love you guys.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday was a special time with Scott's parents and grandparents. It was so sweet to be the only kid with them for the holiday. While mom was putting the finishing touches on lunch, we dyed Easter eggs together...
Mine are the three in the middle: light green with white, dark chartreuse and orange and blue with a dove.
On the menu was fresh blueberries and raspberries with creme, pineapple upside-down cake, cinnamon and cream cheese rolls, amazing shish-ka-bobs, mouth-watering stuffed mushrooms, twice-baked potatoes! Are you kidding me?? What a royal treatment...
It's hard to see in this picture, but mom had a picture of Scott at my seat. Too sweet. There was a meaningful Palm leaf from their church service as a center-peice.
I just love these women. Love oozes from their pores. They are SOOO good to me!

Happy Birthday, Trish!

It's hard to believe that we met six years ago already, over a latte. You were the customer and I was the barista. What a blast we had working together, the best work experience of my life. You feel like an old college buddy. Now you're back from Seattle and moving to my Chicago and I'm in your Boston...time sure has its way. Congratulations on your engagement to a guy we both met through Seattles Best!! Missing you...Hope its memorable!

Happy Birthday, Big Brother

It was fun to land in South Bend on a loved one's special day....even though I didn't get to see him today. Christine, I had to steal your picture because I don't have any like this and it really captures his spirit. My heart is with you, John...Love you.

Finally...

...after roughly eight months of inconsistent work and job searching, Scott started a new full time position today with Jean Brook's Landscape Construction Company that he secured back on Feburary 10

I was looking through some of my old blogs this morning and came across what I wrote for his 30th birthday, the day MIT turned him down after a second hopeful interview:

"Today, my sweetheart turns 30. ' "If you're lost and you look, you will find me, time after time. If you fall, I will catch you, I will be waiting, time after time..." ' There's a job out there with your name on it. Love you, Boo." I was just struck by the simplicity of my words to Scott and the weighty situation they were hung on. That 'job out there with [his] name on it' was a long, hard wait. He has been down for so long--I'm sure I'll never know what it feels like for a man to not have a steady job.

So, onwards we climb! What a long-anticipated day. I hope its everything you need...

Happy Birthday Zach Man!

Hey, you're six years old today! Who told you to keep growing? This picture is a little outdated, but I love its playfulness and you look like your uncle scott...I know every day you are becoming just as sweet and gentle and thoughtful. We love you very much buddy! Hope your day is extra special.

Happy Birthday Precious One!

Chloe, I just can't believe you are six already...you have gone from a very shy and quiet little person, to an outgoing (well, that's going a bit too far, don't you think?) smiling, artistic and interesting little sunshine. You make me happy!

I know this picture is kind of old, but I don't have the pleasure of having your face near me very often and I just love how your mama captured your pretty lips and carved chin in this shot. We love you birthday girl!

Primary Results

Terrible news: Clinton won three out of four states last night: Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island. But Texas and Ohio only by a few percent. This woman is a nightmare...would someone please stop her? Thank goodness, Obama still has a daunting lead. And against the odds from just a few months ago, McCain finished getting the 1,191 delegates he needed last night, winning all four states of course, causing Huckabee to step down last night. Now we look to Pennsylvania's primary on April 22...

a year ago this weekend..

..I flew out to audition at The Boston Conservatory. My dance audition was at 3:00 Friday afternoon, March 1st, and my singing audition was at 5:15pm. I remember waiting on the third floor of 8 The Fenway and having about 20 minutes to calm my nerves, since I didn't know when I was going in. Neil, the head of the department, was the only one in the room, as I performed a classic monologue, a modern monologue, How Could I Know? from Secret Garden and The Wizard and I from Wicked. I had a brief interview with Neil and he invited me to a thesis project of a second year grad student that very evening on the life of Fanny Bryce.

The day was blustery and rainy and I suffered from severe nerves all day and spent a good portion of the time on the phone with my mom, who prayed for me and talked me down off my cliff. After my audition, I walked up Bolyston, turned left on Massachusetts Avenue and called my mom again with extreme enthusiasm about how well my audition just went. The next morning, I walked Freedom Trail and Fanueil Hall before my flight home to Chicago....We got news of my acceptance on March 19 and I remember jumping up and down and hugging Scott and crying in our apartment in Hyde Park. What a year. I remember these details so vividly and now here I am, almost done with my first year.