Sunny Weighs in on Body Image

Today I ran into an acquaintance from days of yore at the grocery store. After greeting pleasantries, she asked me "So did you just have a baby?" To which I responded, unsure that I'd heard her correctly, "...Excuse me?" At which she replied, "It looks like you just had a baby."

I looked down at my somewhat thicker-than-in-highschool figure and laughed inwardly. I wasn't affronted or deflated by her comment, I found it both hilarious and pitiful. I know what I look like, and I know what I used to look like. How it was any of her business was hilarious. That she obviously based a lot of one's self worth on the number on the scale was pitiful, and I was sad for her.

Body image is an all too familiar subject in my life, and has taken on many incarnations. What I want to say anytime someone makes a judgement on my body is that they know absolutely nothing about it, through thick or thin.

Yes, I used to be tiny and hard and cut and awesome looking. But did you know that I dieted as early as 6th grade? In junior high I was weight obsessed. I knew from TLC class that anorexia was a disease, and I wished that I could catch it. I didn't want to die from it-- I thought that if I had anorexia long enough to get really skinny, I could probably maintain the weight loss when I started eating again.

In high school, I thought that in my little group of friends, I was the fat one. I weighed 107 pounds. I would verbally cut down my "skinny" friends when we were around other people in order to make myself feel better about my own insecurities. It didn't work, by the way. I went on the lemonade diet for about 30 days. Nothing but that horrid lemon/maple syrup/cayenne pepper concoction for an entire month, to disastrous effect on my teeth and metabolism.  I would spend most of my money on workout videos. I tried whatever fad diet was in at the time and lie awake at night agonizing over the brownie I'd been too weak and stupid to turn down.

After high school, I counted every calorie by day and stayed long hours in the gym by night, until the calories-burned-counter on whatever machine I was working told me I had incinerated every last one of them. I'd wake up every morning and complete a workout video, then go on a run, then reluctantly go to work, counting all the hours I was wasting not working out. In the evening, I'd try to sneak in a bike ride before rehearsal, then immediately after, hit the gym for at least an hour or two. I turned down social invitations if they would subject me to any delicious treat temptation, or if they would interfere with my gym time. I scrutinized everyone's bodies and either judged them for the things I found "unacceptable" or obsessed over the features I found far superior to my own. I longed for long slender arms, legs that had a space between them at the thighs when standing with feet together, that deep canyon down the spine, shoulders that showed muscle definition even when arms were at rest. And I had all of those things, but it was not good enough if it wasn't the way someone else had them. My bedroom wall was plastered with pictures of ballerinas to motivate me to obtain such levels of physical perfection.

I don't know why it hit me, nor how the paradigm shift was so immediate and permanent, but one day I decided I'd had enough of complaining about my body and enabling others to do the same in our interactions. I was done agonizing over the number on the scale, being hungry most of the time, feeling guilt pangs at every not-so-healthy food choice or missed workout.  I considered all of the bodies of all of my friends and realized that they were ALL actually AWESOME! With that newfound insight, I think I saw my body, for the first time, for what it actually was when I looked in the mirror. I can't ever look like a ballerina! I am more T-rex shaped than willow! And it was fine! I had a strong body that was capable of doing everything I wanted it to. And that was good enough. I started feeling beautiful. I still spent a lot of time pursuing physical fitness, but never to the point where it would inhibit my social life or emotional wellness.

During my single adult years, I worked to be a strong runner. I attended the gym and formed a  humble awe and appreciation of my body for the hard things it was able to accomplish. Yoga became like church to me, where I was spiritually filled with motivation, love of my body, and drive to complete other goals in other aspects of my life. Rather than being validated by the number on the scale, I was brimming with self assurance through workouts-- that if I could accomplish this run, or do this many pull-ups, there could be nothing outside of exercise I couldn't accomplish as well! My fitness allowed me to play for hours with my nieces and nephews, to join in a game of ultimate frisbee at a moments notice, to walk around all day at Disneyland, finish a hard labor project, or climb up a million stairs to the high temples in Thailand and not collapse in exhaustion-- or worse yet, be unable to participate in the first place. My healthy perspective allowed me to skip workouts in favor of quality time with loved ones, enjoy delicious food regardless of calorie count, and enjoy a night's sleep free from regret and shame.

My single life was mine alone and I was therefore at leisure to pursue fitness and activity in all of my free hours. Now I am married. And I'm not saying that when you're married you have to stop doing stuff. In my case, my priorities simply shifted. If I only have a couple hours to spare, I would rather spend them with my husband than at the gym. I am perfectly happy with this. I can still storm a workout and run a few miles, but I also enjoy lazy hours on a summers day just hanging out on the deck, or spend the evenings curled up on the couch with Rusty. We make memories over delicious home cooked meals. We have TV show marathons. We enjoy our lives. It certainly doesn't hurt that Rusty thinks I am the sexiest creature to ever walk the earth, no matter what I weigh.

SO! After that long tirade of my health journey, I bring it back to my initial encounter at the grocery store. I wanted to say, yes I have been skinnier. I may have looked more acceptable to you on the outside, but what was going on inside was sometimes at too high a cost. Did you know that? Of course you didn't. I also wanted step firmly on a soapbox and preach that every body should be valued, regardless of shape or size. As long as its not being abused, a body is a beautiful thing to behold.

Incidentally, right before the grocery store run-in, I read a blog entry by a famous actress about learning to love our bodies. She focused primarily on accepting a curvier body type into the mainstream. While I don't disagree, I think it is VERY important to not exclude any body type into what we deem acceptable. She also called out other actresses BY NAME and criticized them for spending too much time exercising or looking too perfect for every occasion. This I vehemently disagreed with. We as women need to break the statute that somehow allows us to berate and belittle one another.

I have a friend who posts beautiful modeling pictures quite frequently, which are just as frequently met with scathing and hurtful comments about how she is "disgustingly skinny" or should "eat a sandwich" or other such thin-derogatory judgements. She is often scoffed at for her workout habits, citing that she is already "skinny enough" whereas her reasons for going to the gym have nothing to do with weight loss, but everything to do with maintaining a strong and healthy body. This person is healthy and beautiful, and happens to have a killer metabolism that endows her with a naturally thin frame. Likewise, I have a friend who practices yoga daily, enjoys a raw food diet, and often runs 10Ks and half marathons. She is considered overweight, though she has perfect blood pressure and cholesterol, among other health-controls, and is likely one of the healthiest and fittest people I know. And then there are plenty of friends with every body type and fitness level in between who are also living happy, fulfilled lives regardless of their gym prowess or eating habits. They are also beautiful and should be celebrated!

I am not perfect in my pursuit for body acceptance. I complain of having "fat days" and lament that none of my jeans fit comfortably anymore. Sometimes (and sometimes ALL the time) I eat nachos instead of going for a run. I am a yo-yo when it comes to weight and probably always will be. I despair after photo shoots or failed auditions because in an image driven business, I know my body is not quite up to industry standard, and that stands in the way of me feeling happy with a promo-shot, or being considered for a role. However, I commit to always keep a healthy perspective on how my body image is affecting my mental and physical health. I will always advocate and pursue a healthy lifestyle to avoid disease and other things that will hinder my ability to enjoy living to my fullest potential.  I don't have kids yet, but when I do I will strive to instill in them values of health rather than aspects of appearance. And I will accept my body in all states because it is a direct reflection of what I've made it! If being super thin again will require hours and hours in the gym and away from my loved ones, I am perfectly happy to look like I "just had a baby". 

Our First Real Vacation

Ahoy, Mickey!

Rusty and I have taken little staycations here and there, mainly to Park City and the like. And always just for the night.  And to my everlasting frustration, we have planned and subsequently canceled more vacations than I care to admit.  NOT THIS TIME, FOLKS! We found a rare window of opportunity between our crazy work and show schedules to escape, and we jumped on it.


We decided, we planned, and we went to Disneyland!!!


As we headed to Vegas after initial departure on Saturday afternoon, the rain was so crazy-treacherous that we detoured to St. George and crashed there for the night.  The next morning we were off with a bang and on our way to sunny California!


...Or so we thought.


As we crossed into the San Bernadino highway stretch of the drive, we were met with menacing gray skies and snow.  What?! It was particularly disconcerting because we'd left a balmy, 70° Utah behind us.  At any rate, we were glad to be fancy-free on vacation so we didn't mind... too much.


We arrived at my home-away-from-home, the Newport Coast Villas, on Saturday afternoon and spent the evening grilling up steaks, veggies, and pineapple.  Ahhhh, how wonderful to leave real-life behind.

Monday marked the first of three glorious Disney days.  We conquered California Adventure on day one.  Rusty hadn't been since 2004 and remembered it as being somewhat lackluster so I was determined to prove him wrong. I succeeded. We had an amazing time.

The highlights of the day included:

Toy Story Mania: Rusty, of course, got a ridiculously high score. And if it's not the coolest interactive game ride, I don't know what is. Let's face it.

Using my womanly wiles, I somehow convinced Mr. Scaredypants to ride. And he didn't hate it!  Although if you look closely, I bet you can guess the not-so-Disney-friendly word he is about to scream as we make our initial drop. Alas, no amount of eyelash batting could get him to go again. But I still count it as a major win on my part!

World of Color: I'd never seen it until this trip so we got to experience a Disney first together!  It was breathtaking.

We went to Disneyland on Tuesday and Wednesday and had a most wonderful time.  The winner of the trip was Rusty's favorite, Pirates of the Caribbean. We went on it at least four times.  In second was the new and improved Star Tours.  OH MAN, it did not disappoint!  I was blown away by the extreme awesomeness. I think given the chance, we would have spent an entire day going on it over and over to experience all of its many scenario combinations.  

Tuesday was kind of a mini-Disney day, as we were at the brink of shutting down from exhaustion, and Rusty wrenched his back somehow. We ended up taking off a bit early. The next day we were ready to rally! We decided to splurge and ate an incredible lunch at the Blue Bayou.  Seemed only fitting, as Pirates was a recurring theme on our trip thus far.  Then, to our surprise and delight, our good pal Matt Glade was there at the same time so we spent the rest of the day with him! 

When we met up with Matt, he said something to the effect of "Avengers away!" That's when I realized-- yep, we sure did all wear our Marvel hero T-shirts to Disneyland that day. 

Storm Troopers like Pirates of the Caribbean too.

Delicious Blue Bayou

Somehow I beat both Rusty and Matt at Astro Blasters. And not even by a small margin either. I obliterated them.

Check out all our super impressive photo ops!

Well, that about wraps it up folks. Of course we concluded our Disney adventure with fireworks and Fantasmic.  And being the ridiculous weenies we are, Rusty and I cried our faces off at both.  Especially Fantasmic.  We are hopeless, but at least we are hopeless together. We had a magical adventure and loved every second of joyful non-adulthood-ness.  May this mark the first of many, MANY more trips to come. 

The Hasty Heart

It's 1996. I have an outstanding amount of acne, a terrible haircut, and 2 years of acting under my belt. I had only done shows at Albion Middle School and Brighton High, so I wouldn't consider it my best work. Now, a sophomore in high school, I go to Hale Centre Theatre's production of "Kiss & Tell" starring the love of my life (at the time) Michelle Henriksen. The only reason I went was to see her and be that really supportive guy. I had never seen a center stage production, and I have to say I was smitten by the whole experience. Being in "love" with the star aside, I was completely engrossed in the story and knew right then that I had to be on that stage. A couple of month's later, I auditioned for "The Hasty Heart". My 9th grade drama teach John Adams was directing, so I figured I had an in. I knew absolutely nothing about the show, but I wanted to be on that stage so I gave it a shot. I made callbacks, which was thrilling enough, and then at callbacks I read for the orderly. It's the smallest part in the show, but I was stoked to have a shot at it. I remember at those callbacks, John said, "Rusty read for Yank. I want to just see how it looks to have a young Yank." Well, I did AWFUL. But that's okay, I got the orderly. Throughout the run, my job, aside from my 10 lines or so, was to make all the men the food, clean the dishes, and help Lachie (the main character) with his quick changes in and out of his kilt. Near the end of the show, there is a POWERFUL exchange between Lachie and Yank. I would stand off stage, watching through the curtain, and just weep. I mean honest to goodness tears of emotion. I told myself every night, "You will do that part someday. Someday." And I didn't even know which part. Yank or Lachie is an actor's dream. For the next few years, starting in 2000, I would always ask when they were doing "The Hasty Heart" again. The answer was the same, "Someday." Well, the day arrived this year. On February 19th 2011, auditions were held. I was determined not to let this pass. I hadn't even made a callback in like 5 years at Hale, so I wasn't confident. I wasn't about to let this pass me by however, so just in case I had a shot at all, I actually cut my hair off before auditions. About 12 inches worth. 2 years and 3 months of growing to be exact. But I didn't want anything to compromise my chances, so snip snip. Oddly enough, I actually auditioned for Lachie. I did okay actually, well enough to get a callback. That in-and-of-itself about knocked me over. I couldn't imagine not getting a callback, but until my name was read...I was in a bad place. On the upside, my name was read. Callbacks were set for Feb. 21....my birthday. Oh the irony. Callbacks. The worst place for an actor without confidence. My run of not even getting callbacks, let alone being cast, didn't exactly prepare me with oodles of swagger. I recognized some familiar faces, and some faces that I have seen at previous callbacks...where they got the part and I didn't. Wasn't feeling awesome, I won't lie. So, the callbacks begin. They start by having the Colonels read. Then the Orderlies, then the Blossoms. Then, it's time for the men in the ward. So, a bunch of people read...a few more...and then I get to read. I read 2 lines for Yank. Two. Lines. That's it. So that part is not on the table, but we haven't had the Lachlens read yet, so I'm okay. When we get to the Lachie readings, well, it was interesting. I thought my Scottish accent was decent, and having seen the show I knew the intentions behind the character, but I didn't do the best. In fact, when I spoke with Sunny on the way home, she asked how I did and I replied, "I think I did the best I could. And I won't get cast." Oh, how wrong I was. They said at callbacks that we would know by the end of the week, so don't get nervous if you don't hear from them soon. Yeah...right. So, the waiting game began. The following day around noon, I received a call. From Hale. It was Tammy Morgan, our P.A. She said, "Are you sitting down?" I said, "I am now!" She said, "They want you to play Yank." Silence. After about 5 seconds, I screamed. I don't mean I elevated my volume, I mean I screamed like a little girl. Tammy was laughing, I was crying. It was absolute madness. I jumped on Google chat with Sunny and told her to call me. Nah eff it, I got the part babe! Then I proceeded to call my parents, my friends, some dude I met one day. Anyone I could find. Thus, I was a member of the 2011 production of The Hasty Heart. This run has amazing stories throughout. The script is friggin' gold, and our cast was spectacular. I really mean it. Top to bottom, we absolutely clicked. Rehearsals were a rollercoaster. We put it all on the line constantly. We were dismantled, pushed, prodded, and somehow came out with an amazing show and story ready to tell.

Holiday Recap

The holidays kind of ran away with me this year, and I sort of failed on the photo documentation front.  But here are a few highlights of the season of festivities, in rough chronological order


Pie Night is the most wonderful time of the year.  It's a holiday the Spencer side of my family created to get us all together around Thanksgiving, since as we get old and add branches to the family tree, convening on actual Thanksgiving isn't as likely.  The rule of pie night: Eat Pie. To excess. This is not just any dessert night, this is PIE TIME. A celebration of flaky crust in a round tin with something delicious inside.  It speedily gained popularity amongst the Family Spencer and has become a favorite holiday for all.

Pie, glorious pie.

I brought a peanut butter cream cheese pie with ganache and raspberries , and a made-from-scratch mac&cheese pie. You heard me,  mac&cheese.  To all you skeptics, I will not-so-humbly say that it was much sought after and the first to be devoured.  If ever I can remember how I made it, I will post the recipe. You won't be disappointed.

Next up, The Grouch Who Stole Christmas.  Rusty performed in the Christmas show at the Off Broadway Theater as the eponymous character.  He was very hilarious indeed. Even in full Grouch regalia, he's still so handsome.

I wore my fan shirt to match. 

Finally, at least as far as the photos go anyway, the Christmas Eve feast at my parent's condo.  Last year for Christmas we kids bought Mom & Dad a date night gourmet cooking class.  They attended one specializing in Italian fare, and then recreated the meal using their newly acquired cooking prowess on Christmas Eve. I contributed the peanut butter brownies and the wassail. 

Dad had a lot more fun making this meal than I think he'd like to admit, for fear of getting regular cooking duty.

My wassail is the stuff dreams are made of. Rusty and I make it throughout the winter, it's such a delicious cold weather treat. 

My first ever Pinterest inspired creation. I saw them and knew they had to be mine.

Thus concludes what is surely the most boring blog post of all time. I will do better next holiday season. 

How Special You Really Are

I asked a few close friends and family members to send me something nice to say about Sunny. It wasn't difficult. I feel bad I didn't get more people, because it would certainly be a sight to see all the amazing things people feel about one person. Sunny did this for me last year, and while I'm not being super original, I think it's the sweetest thing someone can do for the person they love. So Sunny, this is for you. Merry Christmas.

From Matt Glade:

I think of Sunny and I think of someone who goes out of her way to make sure everyone around her and in her life is comfortable, taken care of, and welcomed; even if it comes to a great inconvenience to her. She brings smiles and great attitude to everyone around her. She has been a great friend, even though she didn't have to be and I'll always love her for that.

From Alisa Rodgers:

I love you to death Sunny!!! When I first met you I was overcome with how freakin gorgeous you are, especially when you are smiling, which is all the time. As I got to know you, my admiration for you grew and grew. Not only do you have the strikingly beautiful looks, but you have a power house personality to go along with it. You are strong and independent and are so full of life, and in your own unique Sunny sort of way. It's so interesting, refreshing, and brag worthy. I want to just follow you around, listen to your opinions, life experience, and words of wisdom. You are the life of the party. If you're with Sunny, you know you are going to laugh a ton and have an amazing time! On top of that you are an absolute sweetheart. You care so much for those around you and you are amazing at letting them feel your love. I'm so grateful I've had the privilege of feeling your sweet sincere love and care. It means everything. Another thing is you are so genuine, even with small talk. I know you're going to give it to me straight which to me shows the confidence you have in yourself which also helps bring out the best in others. To top it all of you are talented to the max! You've got a power house voice, and I had better see you in more roles cause I couldn't get enough of you in Robin Hood! I love you to death Sunny! I love you forever! Love Alisa Rodgers

From Monte Garcia:

Sunny is a real person. I've always known her to be genuine and true to herself. She doesn't conform to anyone's expectations but her's and lives life on her own terms. She is strong and kind, and cares deeply for those in her life. She is always full of life and has a quick smile that is infectious. I've had the pleasure of knowing Sunny for almost a decade and am grateful to count her as one of my friends. -Monte Garcia

From Kia Armstrong:

Sunshine, I'm so very glad that I know you! You are an energetic ball of fun and I love every moment we spend together!! I'm glad that we clicked so quickly and that we've maintained our friendship through all the crap life has thrown at us. I love that we can tease each other (relentlessly at times) and talk about serious, important things all in the same conversation. I love acting, traveling, eating, talking, secret projecting, and just being with you! Your friendship means the world to me and I'd hate to imagine my life without you! Thank you so much for all the talks and happy times, I can't wait for years more! I love you and wish you the merriest of Christmases!!! -Kia

From Eric Armstrong:

Oh Sunshine, sharing in your adventures is one of the highlights of my life! Your love of life and travel is contagious and it makes you a joy to be around. You work hard and play hard and work hard at playing hard, but it is not hard to play when you are around! Thanks for being the wonderful little ball of joy and energy that you are and for including me in a few of your adventures. One of my most cherished memories is you running towards the pool in Newport Beach tossing your clothes about like a Tasmanian devil and flinging yourself into the water. When you take this approach to life, you put a smile on all the faces around you. What a gift!

Love you Sunshine, let’s have more adventures together!

-Eric

From Patrick Harris:

Good Evening Sunny,

It's been some time since we chillaxed in classic fashion, but I can say honestly that those board game/cheers nights have ranked among my fondest memories. Verily, I declare, I shall miss them somethun fierce! I have to add that the frank and 'colloquial' advice you and Rusty have given me over the year has saved me from some dark decisions...

I don't think it's an overstatement to say you are easily one of the wittiest and most clever people I've met and any chance to hang is welcomed by me graciously. Keep up the good work!

Happy Christmas! Hope to see you again soon!!

From Amy Simkins:

Sunny,
I am so lucky to have you as my sister in law! I want you to know that I really cherish you as a friend and sister. I don't really know what I would do without you in the family. I love you so much and have so much fun with you. I love the time we get to spend together and love having you to talk to. I admire your amazing qualities of acceptance, forgiveness, optimism, and unconditional love. You are an amazing example to me of true friendship. I really wish the best for you and hope that you can have everything you dream of. You definitely are amazing with kids and I am sure will always be the favorite aunt. :)
Thank you for always being there for me and for putting up with me. I love you and cherish you so much. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Love, Amy

From Sterling Simkins:

Our Sunny is Funny. She’s is also intelligent, conscientious, caring, and compassionate. All of these are wonderful character traits in and of themselves but add the clever wit and ability to brighten the room with her presence and it’s no wonder everyone loves to have her around. We all know we’re going to think, contemplate, and smile when she is with us. Her disposition is truly, sunny.

Sunny is also an accomplished conversationalist. For the sake of a kind word, a congenial exchange, or a pleasant discussion, Sunny contributes delightfully. But should the tone turn to debate, watch out; for she will rip you a new one.

It’s interesting that whenever we happen upon current or old friends, whether from here, there, or everywhere, inevitably the question is asked, “How is Sunny?” Above all else Sunny makes a lasting and positive impression.

SMS

From Robyn Simkins:

Sunny is my sun shine, my dear sweet gift of light. I can’t even begin to say how wonderful it was to hold the most beautiful baby girl in my arms for the first time and thank Heavenly Father for her. I was impressed very early on with her intelligence and talents. She could sing entire primary songs at the age of 18 months. Most children can’t even talk at that age. I have proof of it on cassette tape. She was reading way beyond her years in elementary school, reciting long poems and stories from memory at that early age. She was also performing challenging songs with lots of words that she probably didn’t even quite know what they meant with depth and feeling at that time too. Wherever we have lived, people remember Sunny and ask about her well after we have moved away. We’ve shared the most wonderful times and had wonderful conversations and good laughs. I’ve always known she has the most amazing spirit of anyone I’ve ever known…no battle, no debate. I am so honored to be called “mom” by her during this earthly journey. She’s been my best friend through it all! I love her more than words can express.

From Kori Witmer:

There are so many things I can say about my sister. There is absolutely no way I can put any of it into words. But I'll take a light saber swing at it.

Sunny, my beautiful and incredible sister. Never giving up, always smiling first, never failing to take care of others when she deserves the entire world and universe before her feet. If I were even half the woman she is, it would be an accomplishment unlike I have ever had. She is my hero, my best friend, and best of all; my sister.

Without getting too emotional, I have to especially make the point that my sister is the very core of my life force. My inspiration and my steady balance. As she is always the first person I turn to in time of need, she has never let me down. How I wish I could give her the life loving spirit she gives me on a daily basis. There is no way in any language that I could possibly express my love for my sister and how much she means to me. I adore and want nothing but blissful Jedi-strength happiness for her. The force is strong with this one. And it will be with her... Always.

-me

From Aron Simkins:

Dearest Sunny,

When I was asked to write this letter to you, I had a few decisions to make. The biggest, most important was whether to write it as if it were an obituary or simply as a nice letter for Christmas. Since I don't know how you died, and I don't want to take the liberty of creating your death, I will just write it as the latter.

Throughout our lives, you and I have always shared a lot of similarities; and even though we haven't always gotten along, I have often times boasted that the two of us are, in fact, twins...and not separated by 14 months. It is probably because of our closeness that we don't get along all the time. That and I'm a B-hole. Anyway, we share a similar sense of humor, similar tastes in movies and books, similar disdain for the hardships of growing up in "poor" and sometimes "ruthless" conditions, thanks to our parents' decisions to deprive us of everything from good cereal (the sugar kinds) to more than two squares/plies of toilet paper. And let's not forget the long, abusive nights of sitting in agony at the dinner table, hours after dinner had finished, staring at our cold plate of terrible that was hard to look at, let alone swallow. The worst part was realizing that as much as we wished it gone, we knew we would undoubtably see it again in the morning for breakfast, which is why we never had sugar cereals. But I digress. This isn't supposed to be a letter about our parents. This is supposed to be a letter about you.

Sunny, I have always wanted the best for you. I think, in my sometimes un-tactful way, that I have demonstrated this on a number of occasions over the last few years (for better or worse). The first time I really recall my own desire for your benefit was at the end of my senior year when you found out you didn't make Madrigals. I was surprised at how heartbroken I was for you. I have always thought you were a wonderful singer with excellent stage presence. But it wasn't that you didn't make it that surprised me the most. It was my reaction to your reaction. I realized in that moment that what you do does mean something to me; it was a source of pride for my sister to succeed and be happy. Over the next few years, I had countless other opportunities to share the happy moments and some of the heartaches with you. It has been these experiences that have brought us together. And it has been these experiences that have allowed me to act like a big brother (at times), as well as gloat at your accomplishments. I hope you will always be able to see and interpret my actions as sincere, even when they aren't displayed in the best possible way.

You are a very talented person with a ton to offer. You have a way of connecting with people that I will never have. Things in life may never go just as we want or would like; but despite what obstacles are thrown your way, I hope you will be happy...or at least find that reason to be happy. Thanks for being my sister, even when there are times I'm sure you'd like not to be.

Merry Christmas.

Love,

Aronsaraus Rex

From the Bringhurst Family:

Dear Sunny, We are so happy to have you in Rusty's (and our) life! You are a sweet talented young women and we hope we'll always be a family. Love, Russ, Chris & Tim Bringhurst

Random Facts

And now for a joint post of absolute randomness. Sunny = this color, Rusty = this color. Aaaaaand GO.

I only wear one contact lens.

I am left-handed, and prejudiced against right-handers who think they're so awesome.

I sleep with LOTS of blankets-- not for the warmth, but for the weight.  I also prefer to sleep with my head completely covered.

I once fought a spider bigger than my dog. And lost.

Rusty is given to hyperbole.

The only person I've been friends with longer than I've been friends with Nintendo is Jason Timothy.

I know exactly how many plates, bowls, forks, spoons, knives, and cups I have.

I steal plastic cutlery from Cafe Rio.

When I was in Jr. High I would buy shoes about 2-3 sizes too big because I thought my small feet made me look fat.

I don't use my pinkies when I type.

The thing I am most afraid of is going into the men's bathroom by mistake.  The thing I used to be most afraid of was closed shower curtains in house bathrooms.  Or rather, what might lurk behind said closed curtains.

My vision prescription is -9.50. To put that into terms of 20/20 vision, that is 20/950 which means at 20 feet, I see what an average person sees at 950 feet.

I have been 3 credits away from graduating with my bachelor's degree for like, 3 years now.

I read The Hobbit in third grade and have been a nerd ever since.  A deep, deep fantasy nerd.

I went to Disneyland 5 times in 2005.

I've been to Disneyland twice in my life.  Once in 1983, once in 2004. To put this into perspective, the first time I went, Star Tours didn't exist.

The only video game I have ever beaten is Aladdin on Super Nintendo.

I have probably played about 650 of the original 800 NES games library.

I own roughly 300 books, of which I have read at least 280.

I got into acting when I was 14 due to petty jealousy.  

My drivers ed teacher said that though I did not technically pass my driving test, he would pass me anyway on good faith that I would keep practicing with responsible and experienced drivers.  Subsequently, I got in 9 car accidents in my first year of driving and learned to drive properly from my resulting traffic school sentences. 

I got my ear partially torn off in high school because I was clowning around during a McCarthyism simulation in Humanities class during my senior year of high school.

I am neither a morning person nor a night person.  I could go to bed at 10:00 PM and wake up at 10:00 AM every day for the rest of my life if I could.

I like to be awake when the world is asleep.

In an attempt to avoid hitting an adorable squirrel, I over-corrected and rolled my truck twice, shattering every bone in my left hand.  About a week later I lost my cast and brace in the depths of Pineview Reservoir while riding wave runners, against doctor's orders. 

I broke my elbow in rehearsal for Damn Yankees.  We opened in two weeks, and it healed in a week and a half.  Milk does a body good.

I was homeless for several months when I moved back to Utah from North Carolina.  I lived out of my truck and all of my possessions fit into a single laundry basket.  One of my managers from Barnes & Noble somehow found out and let me live on his couch for a few more months until I could get on my feet with some roommates.  Living with him include some of the best memories of my life.

I've worn the same pant size for ten years.

Even though my weight is the eternal yo-yo, somehow so have I.

The first time I had a run-in with my conscience was right after my baptism.  I ate some gummy bears, my mom asked me if I did and I said no.  I began systematically erasing my conscience after that.

Captain America is my conscience.  I can't even take a pen from the bank without losing sleep until I give it back.

Sunny's a better person than I am.

He's right, you know.   

Let's Get This Show on the Road!

I have spent the summer thus far performing the role of the money-driven saloon owner Miss Katty Black in the Off Broadway Theater's production of "Kung Fooey."  The hallmark of the OBT summer show is that at the end of the run, we get to take it on the road to... Kamas!  Kamas is a small town just beyond Park City, for those of you who have never heard of it. Last year we did the same thing with "Robin Hood" and it was a wonderful adventure.  This year proved to be just as freaking awesome.

Since I play a hotel-wrangler by day, I once again secured some villas in Park City for the cast. Last year I got us a couple of days at Marriott's MountainSide. We went up on Monday (or whatever the heck day it was last year), performed our show, partied the night away, and then got to spend all day Tuesday playing volleyball in the pool, napping, and generally hanging out around the resort.  This year our Kamas performances coincided with several huge Park City conferences and I could only get Monday night at the Summit Watch property, so we had to get creative with our day activities on Tuesday.

We arrived at Summit Watch around 4:00 PM on Monday and a few of us gathered for a little barbecue.  It was raining a bit and I had to curl my hair for the show later so I came up with an impromptu rain cover whilst I cooked my steaks (to delicious perfection, I might add).  It did the trick quite nicely.

Plastic bags-- not just for groceries and destroying the environment!

Since we were grillin', I told the boys to act manly.  This is what they came up with... ahem.

After food, we performed our little farce to the sheer amusement of our Kamas audience.  Rusty made it up for the show and conspired to do some of the Kung Fu subtitle-like voiceovers for part of the second act.  No one in the cast knew he was doing it so we were all surprised and delighted by his hilarious rendition of the role!  I may be partial, but I wished we had gotten him for the entire run.  No offense to those who regularly performed the bit of course--  you were great!  I just like Rusty.  He's cute.  And funny.

After the show we convened at our villas for games and revelry.  In no time, the music was going and a few of us didn't stop dancing for the next several hours.  I woke up with several bruisies and rug burns... but you gotta go where the beat takes you, you know?  I love dance partying.  Oh man, so fun.

The next morning I made breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and biscuits.  We had to check out at 11:30 so thus began our figure-out-what-to-do-with-ourselves adventure.  We began by joining the Jensen's on Main Street for some general tomfoolery and tasty gelato. Being the 24th of July week, Eric acted as a one-man parade up the street-- marching and waving as if accompanied by a float and band. The gelato shop showcased a number of highly breakable items that nary a one of us should've been trusted around. I freaking love actors, we are a ridiculous bunch. Afterward, I knew there was a park nearby so we set out on a journey to find it.  The walk there followed a pleasant, tree lined path running parallel to a little stream.  We paused to enjoy the beautiful nature and wonderful company at the infamous shoe tree.

Yay for gelato!  Sandy thought she was photo-bombing us, but we were on to her.

We decided that if ever we fall on hard times, we're going to the shoe-tree for some new kicks.  Some of the shoes hanging around were better than any we've ever owned.  Park City... sheesh.

At the park, we played on the big nature-inspired musical instruments and strewed ourselves across the grass for some recovery time from our previous late night and current little walk.  We then caught a free bus back to Main Street. My favorite part was when Clarence sat next to a girl with headphones on and talked to her the whole time as if she could hear or was even interested in a single word he had to say. Once back, we perused some shops and wiled away the afternoon until it was pizza time.  

Playing music is fun.  See how much fun Nic & Angie are having?!?

Pull up some grass, the air is fine!

In Dolly's Bookstore, we all signed a  "Kung Fooey" autograph page in a display novelty awesome shiny writing book. We decided that if any of us make the summer show next year, we will come back and sign another.  Think about it.  If we ever become super-famous, this could be a pretty big deal.

We had so  much fun with finger puppets! I really wanted to buy one to play with my nieces and nephews but they were all so incredibly awesome that in the end I simply could not decide which to get.

The 5-Cheese specialty pizza at this place is the stuff of legend, oh gosh.  EJ stuck a red hard candy to his nose and we all decided it looked more like there was some freak spot on the camera lens.

We performed another great show on Tuesday night to officially close the run of "Kung Fooey," bid our farewells and headed home.  There are many reasons an actor acts but not leastways because of the fantastic cast camaraderie that ensues in a show setting.  To the cast: I had a wonderful time, thanks for a great run, lots of laughs, and incredible friendship! 

I don't know who that guy in the middle is... so this is the best attempt I have at a cast photo.  We are hot.