24 To Do Before I'm 24

Here it is--my annual checklist of small, fun, and random goals to complete before my next birthday! This is my third year making this list and I'm loving the guidance it gives me (see previous lists here and here). It gives me somewhere to turn when an empty weekend appears and I want to make the most of it. Come along with me, won't you? It'll be a great year!

1. See a performance by Ballet West
2. Get a passport (hey, better late than never.)
3. Visit Red Butte Garden
4. Go snow tubing at Gorgoza Park
5. See a local theater production
6. Do something that scares me
7. Go camping at least once
8. Read 10 books
9. Run in a 5K race
10. Go to the Farmer's Market
11. Graduate from college (!)
12. Go up in the tower at Trolley Square
13. Go country dancing
14. Go to the beach
15. Go canoeing or kayaking
16. Wear my hair curly more often
17. Get new bedding
18. Visit the Salt Flats
19. Free Salt Lake Power Yoga class (I have a voucher I still haven't used.)
20. Organize the linen closet
21. Get 3rd South Foodies tee shirts made (yes, really!)
22. Have a slumber party
23. Play tennis
24. Get a Costco card

Follow along on Instagram with #RCG24ToDo

New-to-Me Musicals

Y'all know I love me some Broadway. Well recently, thanks to the suggestions of sweet (and cultured) friends, I have discovered these two incredible shows. I cannot stop listening to the original Broadway cast albums on Spotify and I'm just bursting to tell you about them!

This show has been on Broadway for a little less than a year and was written by Pasek and Paul, an incredibly talented duo. It's brand new, relevant, and deeply moving as it tells the story of a severely anxious and lonely teenager, Evan Hansen, who gets caught up in a lie. Even with a cast of just 8 people, their talent reaches out and hits you in the heart. Each of them is so powerful and talented, and when they come together (like in "You Will Be Found"), your heart will soar. Ben Platt, who you might recognize from Pitch Perfect, stuns in his leading role and leaves me in awe. This Tony-winning show is beautifully done, funny at times, and helps us understand the longing that accompanies loneliness--something we have all felt at some point. 

Yes, this was done in live theater, not just animation! I'm talking about the gorgeous show with music and lyrics by Alan Menken (Aladdin, Hercules) and Stephen Schwartz (The Prince of Egypt, Pocahontas). Yeah, so you already know it's going to be amazing because these dudes are legends. Michael Arden is perfect as Quasimodo and has one of the most powerful voices I've ever heard and Ciara Renee (who plays Esmeralda) sounds like an actual angel. The dramatic score takes you away to Paris and haunts you with its honest lyrics. It's heartbreaking, majestic, and will probably make you hold your breath and then cry a few times.

Seriously, just listen to these albums beginning to end, in order, and with your eyes closed. Take it all in. You will not be sorry. 

...then tell me so we can geek out together. K thanks, bye.