From the Inside Out

Wow, I can’t believe that “Leaving Iowa” opens this week! Since returning from Maui, we’ve been rehearsing like crazy! We had a four hour rehearsal on Saturday, eight hour rehearsal on Sunday, and four hour rehearsal tonight. It’s tiring, but at the same time, I’m glad we’re doing it. I missed an entire week of rehearsal while I was in Maui, so I really need it.

Tonight was our first night to be in the Courtyard Theatre in Plano (where we’ll be performing starting on Thursday). It’s an awesome venue, and I’m really excited to be performing there. We have a spacious back stage area, good dressing rooms, and a separate green room. It’s great to have so much space for the cast and crew.

The tech crew joined us for this evening’s rehearsal, so we got to practice with the lighting, sound, and multimedia. It’s great to see it all finally come together. We still have lots of work to do before Thursday’s performance, but I know it will be great!

If you enjoy theatre, please come out to support us. I really like the play. It’s a great story that is both funny and touching. And, I think almost everyone can relate to the family road trip scenes. If you’ve ever traveled with your family in a car, this will bring back memories…and make you laugh. And if that’s not enough, you get to see me act as a “mom” which is a stretch for me…haha!

For more information and to get tickets, visit: http://bit.ly/cGs2qL

For a few blurry iPhone pictures from our rehearsals, see below.

Practicing the Civil War re-enactment scene — just one destination on the family road trip

Shaw and Pam at the diner

Our director and Gary working very hard…or not.

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String games!!

First night in the Courtyard Theatre

The actor’s viewpoint

Wow, we’re only 17 days away from the first performance! I spent the better part of the evening managing promotions, working on the press release, sending cast reminders and recruiting additional volunteers. It’s a lot of work, but it is completely worth it.

Before we know it, we’ll be performing, entertaining people and making them laugh. It’s so much fun. I’m getting really excited!

For all the details, check out the official press release.

According to USA Today, “the most affluent city in the USA might surprise you.” For those in the Dallas metroplex, however, it’s not too big of a shock. Many people might rank San Jose, San Francisco, or Honolulu as the top city, but they would be wrong. According to the Census Bureau’s annual report on income and poverty, Plano is the most affluent city with a population of 250,000 or more. Plano also has the lowest poverty rate.

Plano’s median household income was $84,492 in 2007, up 10% from the previous year. The second runner up was San Jose (my home away from home) with a median income of 76,963. Residents in Plano have a few other benefits too. They have lower taxes than those who live in San Jose. Property is also less expensive — median price is $225,000 compared to $744,000 in San Jose. That’s why I don’t live in San Jose.

Most of my California friends and co-workers don’t understand why I live in Texas, but the numbers speak volumes, not to mention that I love the people, the hometown values and the central location. Plus, my family lives here, and my church rocks. If only we had a beach, it would be the perfect place to live.

There are some days that stand out from the others, and today was one of those. I am incredibly proud to be part of the great group of believers at Abundant Life Church. Not only was the worship service this morning outstanding, but it was followed by a “fantabulous” night of fellowship at The Main Event in Plano.

As I walked into the building this evening, I felt at home immediately. This is my family, an incredible group of people that I am blessed to have in my life. Each person is uniquely different, yet we all share the same faith, the same love for God and the same love for each other. Are we all perfect? No, but therein lies the beauty of it. We love each other in spite of our differences — and sometimes because of them.

I had a blast tonight — talking with friends, sharing hopes and fears, laughing, playing laser tag and my favorite…extremely loud cheering! After the stress of the last few weeks (both at work and with PoP), it was nice to let go and enjoy myself without having to worry about a list of “todos” waiting for me at home.

Thanks ALC! You guys are amazing. I love each and every one of you.