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.

Kung Fu You!

So, last night I went jealously to Kamas to watch my lady perform in her show Kung Phooey. She. Is. Fabulous. The show is a riot, and Sunny stands out from the crowd. She's animated, the audience can hear her (not the norm, trust me), and she exudes energy and enthusiasm. What a blast to watch.


It's always amazing to watch people with incredible talents get to share them. Sunny blew people away when she sang. I love to watch/hear her. It's thrilling. The whole night was a blast. I did a voiceover part on the down-low and made a few cast members chuckle.


The whole Kamas thing actually is amazing. One of the most exciting parts of doing a summer show at OBT. Kamas is gorgeous, the people are super friendly, and easily the most appreciative crowds they get all run. This crowd was crazy. The absolutely loved it. What a neat experience to watch people just die laughing.


We went back to the villas that Sunny, as usual, set up for the cast. I hung out for a bit but then had to jet back to the SLC for work this morning. I miss her. I miss her a lot. It's only a day, but still. All in all, it was a GREAT night and I'm so damn proud of my Sunny. Way to go love.

3 Little Monkeys

Today I had two of my adorable nephews and one adorable niece over for an all-day-playdate!  I can't resist posting some pics, just because of said adorableness.

The three of them and I spent the morning at my house, playing dress-up with my cowboy toys, watching superhero cartoons, doling out snacks and bottles, and making my dog really really jealous that my attention was not focused on him.  Around 1:00, Kori joined us and we all went on an adventure to Liberty Park.  Here are the highlights.

Our first attempt at fun was a complete failure.  Just so you don't make the same mistake we did, a word of advice: The ducks at Liberty Park pond are NOT interested in your bread.

Addison was a bit skeptical of the whole water idea, but Logan was positively overjoyed!  This may be my very favorite face he's ever made.

Turned out she had a blast if and only IF I was holding her hands.  Sign me up!

Kori and Logan are cute and I love them.

Goof.

All my favorite lovies in one pool!

Sleepy girl, spider-monkey boy, and happy auntie, ready for the trek home!

Ash always has some superhero adventure going on in his head, and playing out daring feats often caused him to lag behind.  On the way home, I turned around to call him to catch up and he was carrying... a tree.  He kept it up for about 5 blocks before I made him put it down. He got kinda mad at me... but he got over it when we got home, had treats, and watched Avengers and X-Men cartoons. 

Rusty's ER Excursion

First of all, I would like to sincerely thank everyone for their well-wishes, concern, thoughts, and kind words in Rusty's behalf.  Last night was quite an ordeal!  I will recount our ER adventure forthwith. And fair warning: I am a detail oriented girl so if you don't want the play-by-play, this is not the blog post for you.

Russell John Bringhurst Jr. loves his new bracelet!

Rusty was taking an afternoon nap. Around 7:00 PM I decided nap time was over and dinner time was imminent.  Rusty opened his eyes and tried to lift his head, when he was abruptly overcome by muscle spasms, profuse cold-sweats, and dizziness.  His hands clenched and collapsed on themselves like arthritic claws, and he went from dry to drenched within seconds.  He said he felt like his head was a thousand pounds, and could not lift it or move at all, aside from writhing from the pain.  I felt his skin and it was frighteningly cold.  He began to panic from this sudden onset of dread illness.  I left the room for a moment to google his symptoms, and rushed back in at the sound of violent retching.  He puked his guts out into the bedroom garbage can and stumbled his way to the bathroom, where the retch-fest and sweat escalated to vicious ferocity.  He was talking delirious nonsense and looked like death itself so I decided it was time for action. 

Waiting for treatment... Rusty was practically unresponsive and pretty darn green.

Rusty is a stubborn, stubborn beast and would freak out with every effort I made to dress and move him.  I finally had to get  forceful and demanded that he either find the strength to get up and help me move him or so help me I'd chuck him in the car on my own terms.  He swallowed his weenie man-pride and let me dress  and take him to the car, trusty garbage can in tow. 

St. Marks is the closest hospital to our house, but had I known what was in store for us there I would've taken Rusty ANYWHERE else.  I was seriously disgusted at how we were treated upon arrival.  Long waits and completely negligent, dismissive nursing staff marked our waiting room experience.  I had to put Rusty in a wheelchair and he could barely muster the cognitive function to answer questions.  They took his stats and his temperature was barely above 94 degrees.  He was drenched from sweat-- and I mean as soaked as if I'd sprayed him down with a firehose-- with a low temperature, and air conditioning blasting.  I pleaded for a blanket and the nurse acted as if I'd asked for her firstborn, ho-humming and saying "Well, pssshfftt, if I can find someone who can bring you one they can get it for you.  An hour later, with Rusty shuddering and convulsing from cold the entire time, me laying over him to try to give him some of my body heat,  we got called to the accounting desk to settle insurance.  I told the girl that we were getting really distressed and said "I get that there are wait times, I know how ERs work, but all we asked for was a blanket." So she said, "Well I can get you a blanket."  Thus our very first taste that anyone besides me gave a crap that Rusty was suffering.  By the way, he was also puking his guts out into a bucket. In the waiting room.  People were moving away from us, they were so uncomfortable. I even stepped away for a minute to break down in tears at the utter lack of consideration everyone was showing us. Yet the front desk nursing staff continued to turn a blind eye.  I asked the guy we checked in with what the estimated remaining wait time would be.  He was very irritated that I'd interrupted the moment he was sharing with his ham sandwich and didn't even make eye contact as he dismissed me with "We'll get to him when we get to him, go sit down."  Shameful!!!

Nurse Tiffini got the IV in one stab but underestimated the power of Rusty's mutant veins-- dark brown, chocolate syrupy blood gushed out as soon as she had it in.  Bwahaha, blooooood!

So Rusty had gotten sick at 7:00 PM.  We arrived at the Emergency Room at 8:00, were given the blanket I asked for at 8:35 by about 9:45, and were finally shown to a room a little after 10:00.  We waited another half hour to be seen by a doctor, and after that things started to clip along.  Our doctor was fantastic.  He didn't presume anything and was genuinely committed to not only making Rusty feel better, but also discovering the cause of his illness.  Now I should interject here that this is not the first time Rusty has had similar symptoms: On June 27, he awoke from a nap dizzy and puking.  We assumed it was from a migraine he'd had over the course of the day.  A few weeks before that, same thing-- we thought maybe food poisoning was the culprit.  This history led the doctor to his conclusion that Rusty has Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or little crystals in his ear that offset balance and sense of gravity, inciting extreme nausea and vomiting.  It's a frustrating disorder because episodes are frightening and unpredictable, and there is no cure available-- just management techniques.  

You should've seen how the Valium turned that frown right upside-down!  I don't think Rusty's ever felt better! 

Rusty was plugged into an IV, where fluids and quick doses of anti-nausea medication and Valium had him feeling better almost immediately. The doctor ordered a CT scan and blood screening.  Rusty was wheeled away by a kind angel who, after giving him his CT, brought TWO WARM blankets so that Rusty had his first real relief from chills all night.  The CT came back normal (phew!) but they found some disconcerting results from the blood work-- Rusty's white blood cell count was alarmingly high.  Normal levels fall between 5,000 - 10,000.  Rusty's were at about 24,000.  High white blood cell count is generally the result of 3 causes: Infection, high stress, or leukemia.  The doctor thought to rule out infection and leukemia, and hoped that vomiting for several hours had increased his stress level sufficiently to elevate the white blood cell count.  All the same, we were advised to follow up once normal stress levels were reattained.

See?  That's a Valium smile right there.  Getting ready for his brain-probe.

We were discharged shortly after midnight and got home around 12:30.  Rusty was feeling pretty invincible from all the happy-juice, but I venture he was a lot more wiped out than he thought, as he didn't stir from bed until after 1:00 PM today.  He's feeling much better and introducing food back into his war-ravaged stomach one step at a time.  He was given prescriptions that will manage future episodes at the onset.  All in all, no one likes to go to the hospital, but we were glad that we got such thorough treatment and a pretty solid diagnosis so we can effectively manage his vertigo.  I think moments like these are beneficial in that you are forced to examine your life, and Rusty has agreed to taking steps toward a healthier future.  

Rusty better.  Sunny tired... but also relieved that my man-cub is ok :)

We really want to thank all of you who have reached out to us.  Your support is immensely appreciated.  Salud, To Health!

I've been here since when?

I work at 6:00 a.m. That's in the morning for those not familiar with the a.m. system. Sitting here, waiting for the day to begin, and just jotting some notes down.

I have to tell Sunny how much I adore her more. I'm not sure she knows.

I have to show Sunny how much I adore her. I know she doesn't know.

Waking up at 5 is hard. Working 9 hours in a day is harder.

Working is stupid. Give me more monies please.

My dog has hilarious eyebrows. I'm jealous.

It's hard to memorize lines when you don't take your script anywhere.

I'm hungry.

7:35 a.m. Only 7 hours and 25 minutes to go. Wow...that's a lot of hours.

I miss Sunny. I wish she'd wake up so we could chats.

7:36 a.m. Sigh.

Thanks, America!

Have I mentioned that I love celebrations?  I love celebrations.  I love holidays.  I love playing.  I love family and friends and fireworks and festivities and fun.  So this week... I love the Fourth of July!

 

My Fourth of July celebrations started on Saturday the 2nd with some family favorites-- the Fun Run 5K and parade in Centerville!  Much of my family lives in Bountiful, which is what drew me back to Davis County.  I registered for the Centerville 5K at the last minute-- literally.  They were blowing the whistle for all the runners to gather while I was paying my $8 and frantically pinning my number to my shirt.  I ran with my brother Aron, my sister-in-law Amy, and her brother and sister.  7:00 AM is a hard commitment  when I have a show the previous night and abhor any hour earlier than 10:00 AM on a day off, but it is always well worth it.  I had an amazing time with my family-- and didn't even die during the run, even though I've been super lax on my fitness for far longer than I care to admit! I did miss Rusty though, he had rehearsal and was subsequently unable to cheer me on at the finish line.

I finished at 35:25.  Not my best time, the last mile sorta destroyed my life.

Amy finished 2 minutes ahead of me.  Next year's goal? BEAT AMY! Do you hear that Amy?! ...Ok, my goal is to at least keep up with her.

THE RUNNERS.  Yes, Ashton ran too-- in the kid's quarter mile.  Next year he's doing the full mile. Heck, he could probably beat all of us in the 5K.

After the run, it was parade time.  Now, county parades are generally underwhelming, I know.  And this one was no exception-- for the most part.  But there were a couple of stand-out moments that made it well worth the sun-in-your-eyes and never-ending gaps between floats.  First of all, I was with my family.  I love Aron and Amy's family. They aren't just relatives, they're FRIENDS.  And I don't know if I'm the standard in this sentiment, but I LOVE MY NIECES AND NEPHEWS.  Like, crazy love them. I could hang out with them all day, every day.  They bring me so much happiness and delight.  So Aron & Amy were sitting on lawn chairs, wrangling little Addy while I sat on the curb with Mashkins.  I had to explain to him the purpose of a few of the entries that went by (his attention was directly influenced by the throwing of candy) which brings me to highlight #2.  I was less than impressed by all the city council and law enforcement brigades when a procession arrived that bore war veterans in vintage Cadillacs.  In full uniform, soldiers of various office and service proceeded by-- their rank and military stats posted on the sides of their vehicles.  I leaned over to Ash as the first one passed and said, "These are soldiers.  They fight to protect our country," and was surprised to find that I was in tears by the time I got to the last word of my statement. As the procession continued I read the stats and looked into the faces of these veterans.  World War II. Vietnam. Korean War. Desert Storm. Combat tours. Radar operators. It hit me that our WWII vets are becoming an extinct generation, and that WWII will become a historical war, much like the Civil or Revolutionary wars, in my lifetime.  Rusty aptly suggested that my emotions were so close to the surface because of the time we'd spent over the past few months reflecting on WWII soldiers as he prepared for his role in The Hasty Heart. Whatever the case may be, I couldn't stop the tears of awe and gratitude until the last vet passed.  I am so grateful for those who have served or are currently serving our country and defend our freedom.  These proud yet humble men in uniform struck me to my soul.  I've watched Saving Private Ryan and Platoon; these men have seen the real thing. I can't imagine what that must be like and was absolutely emotionally moved by this monumental cavalcade in our little county parade. 

I guess I should also note that Mick was playing in the Millcreek Jazz Band, also featured in the parade.  He was very dashing with his trombone as they passed by, playing Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4."

Wish it wasn't so fuzzy... my camera is lame.  Mick's the one on the corner with the white shorts and trombone.

On Sunday we had dinner at Kori & Pat's house.  It wasn't really for the Fourth of July, but since I'm recapping the weekend I may as well include it.  We celebrated Mick's half-birthday.  I think he liked my present the best. 

Ok, I also gave him a gift card. But think of how much fun he'll have with his Pretty Ponies!

On Monday, the actual Fourth of July, Rusty and I got to finally spend an entire day together! After spending most of a super chill day at home, we ventured over to Aron & Amy's for a BBQ.

WE LOVE HAMBURGERS!!!!

After we got home, we walked over to our friend Jeff's house for what was left of his family fun BBQ and fireworks.  I have to say that Liberty Park fireworks were an epic fail.  We found good lawn spots for viewing as they began and I got the notion to get my camera to try out the "firework" setting.  I had barely glanced into my purse when the fireworks... ended.  That was it.  Everyone gathered up their lawn chairs and quilts with looks of bewilderment on their faces.  Lamesauceballs.  But it was still nice to hang out with friends for a bit.  Jeff played the role of "Lachie" opposite Rusty's "Yank" and the two have remained soul friends since the curtain came down.  We also saw Scott & Carynn, longtime friends of mine. Scott and I traveled through Thailand together and are currently performing in Kung Fooey at the Off Broadway Theater.  Good friends, good times.  

Rusty, me, Scott, Carynn.  Just a few folks having a great time. 

So we came, we watched, and in the end... we lit sparklers.  Happy Fourth of July, all!  And to work, thanks for the day off!