Night of Stars

Monday was definitely the most fun I've had during my whole college program here at Disney. It was so refreshing being around musicians, being around people that have a passion for something. I woke up at 6, packed up my guitar, dress, lunch, and everything else, and headed to Magic Kingdom first to get a new ID (no luck on finding my lanyard... reported it stolen, sadly), and then I went to Hollywood Studios where we checked in, had vocal warm-ups, were fed breakfast, and started tech rehearsal. I was just blown away. The sound system was flawless, the venue was huge, the lighting was blinding, but still awesome, and the technicians were so cool! I had so much fun. The sound techies mixed my voice live so there were some cool echos and other effects, and I got to joke around with them about meat-dresses and such and it was just a blast. After tech rehearsal, we ate some lunch, practiced some more, and started getting ready for dress rehearsal. Dress rehearsal was madness. I've never had four different girls giving me hair and make-up advice at once, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intimidated. In the end, wearing my chucks with my shimmery dress, lipstick, and curled hair was my favorite wardrobe choice :) After dress rehearsal, we had interviews to be put on the Night of Stars DVD. We had some time to relax and eat dinner after that, and it was really nice bonding time. At this point, we had all been together for 12 hours, and friendships had definitely formed. I especially got to kno a girl named Gabbie, who was a vocalist, and a German international student named Jason, a DJ, who ended up winning the best "Specialty Act" with his partner, who is a Yo-yo national champion. I already knew three of the girls there through work, so it was nice to see a couple familiar faces. Waiting to perform was crazy. Thankfully, Gabbie was right in front of me, and I simply adore her voice. It was very calming to hear a friend perform right before you, and she did so well! The performance itself was terrifying. Singing in front of people is a fear that I've been trying diligently to get over for a while now, but it still petrifies me. Also, a venue that seats 900 was packed to standing room only. That didn't help. After being psychologically pushed around about what jewelry I should wear on stage, I ended up ditching everything but my favorite wooden cross, and that helped me initially walk out. Also, the stage manager told me that I was the production team's favorite, which made me feel special, especially being a techie myself. Anyways, I performed. I forgot lyrics at one point, I definitely went to fast in the beginning, and I was totally fine with it. It was scary, but it was amazing. I made some wonderful friends, I had a great day surrounded by exceedingly talented people, and it was an unforgettable experience. My rooommates, Mallory and Shannon, came, along with Natasha and Kelsen, and we all went to steak and shake. Jason, and the "All-Around Best" winner, Ninam, a beat boxer came with us. I almost fell on my plate, but it was a wonderful way to end the day. So that's about it as far as night of stars goes. I get my paycheck card in a week and a half, so surviving till then will be an adventure no doubt haha. I did just turn in a big wedding planning project this morning, and I did really well. I'm so excited to find out what my grade is! I'm reaching the last few pages of "Man Alive," which has been such a great book, of course, and my John Green books, "Paper Towns," and "Looking for Alaska," just came in the mail today!! Perfect timing. DFTBA people. For non-nerdfighters and people that don't follow the vlogbrothers on youtube, that means don't forget to be awesome :)

Peace.