Back in Black!

Happy 5th Anniversary to ME!!!!

2011-01-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

Many of you have been asking what I do. What all comes into play by being a Director of Catering and Conference Services? As I began to think about that, I thought "Wow! Today marks my 5th Year in the Hotel Industry!" What a great opportunity to share in detail what I do, and how I've gotten here.

Compared to a lot of my colleagues, 5 years is nothing. Many of them have over 20 years experience (I'll get there one day). However, at my age (26) and what I have accomplished so far, it's something definitely worth celebrating! Just to give you an idea, here's a little timeline of how my career has developed so far:

WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?
So what's next? I've always been a person who likes to work hard and push myself to succeed. I'm thrilled to see where I will be in the next 5-10 years, and based on the the last five years, the possibilities are endless. I just plan to continue to work hard and advance my career as much as I can. My goal is to progress and move up to lead larger properties/resorts, and eventually end up in a Regional or Vice-President position for a Hotel Company where I can share my skills and experiences with multiple properties. Leading and Teaching is my passion. I crave it and become a better person each and every day from it.

As I continue to make that journey towards my highest goals, I continue to focus on the current position and involve myself more and more within the industry.

MARRIOTT UNIVERSITY PARK HOTEL
This property is the perfect start for my major leadership track. The Marriott University Park Hotel has 219 guest rooms, and about 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space. Manageable for a new Director, and plenty of opportunity for me to step up and make major improvements based on my experience with other properties.

I directly oversee an awesome Catering Team that consists of myself (the Director), a Catering Manager, and an Executive Meeting Coordinator. Together we sell and/or service all events that take place within our hotel. Specifically, I am responsible for maintaining our Catering Food and Beverage Budget by developing appropriate pricing strategy, special promotions and marketing, and action plans for my team to meet our expectations. I also deal with forecasting our anticipated revenues on a weekly basis, menu development, creating standard operating procedures as they relate to our events and functions, and lend my expertise within our Sales database system as the System Administrator.

CERTIFIED WEDDING PLANNER
Through Marriott's extensive wedding training program, I became a Certified Wedding Planner. This certification places me as an expert in the art of weddings, and will help me stand out amongst my competitors as I continue to succeed in my career.

MEETING PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL
I recently joined MPI's Utah Chapter where I look forward to educating myself and surrounding myself around years of knowledge and experience within the colleagues I associate with. I am serving on the Events Committee where I will help plan the chapter's many annual and monthly events that they host.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CATERING EXECUTIVES
Utah currently does not have a Chapter for NACE. So, recently, I have teamed up with the National NACE office and they are assisting me in preparing and leading a steering committee in order to get a Utah Chapter in place. I'm stoked for this experience. It's going to be hard and it's going to be a long process, but I know it will give me an opportunity to step up as a major leader in my community and prepare me for bigger and better things in my career.

These are just a few things I get my hands in. Those that know me, know that I will always keep myself busy and find ways to get involved with everything I can. "CHEERS" to another 5 great years in the Hotel World!

TJ

Wade in the Water!

2011-01-09T11:36:00.001-08:00

Harriet Tubman sang this spiritual as a warning to runaway slaves. To escaping slaves, the song told them to abandon the path and move into the water. By travelling along the water’s edge or across a body of water, the slaves would throw chasing dogs and their keepers off the scent.

Last night I had the pleasure of being a part of an awesome workshop for the new musical, "Harriet!" It was written by Colette Call and her brother, J. Michael Call. We performed the workshop at the Rose Wagner Theater in downtown SLC in the Black Box, with an audience of about 100 people. It was my first workshop, and what a fantastic process to be a part of! I played the role of John Tubman, a free slave who didn't really share Harriet's dream of running North. She knew she could potentially be sold and her marriage would be split apart. John didn't want her to run, and essentially gave her the ultimatum of "If you run, I'll turn you in!" So what does she do? She runs. Harriet comes back two years later, and finds John has re-married, not sure she would ever be returning. The material was deep, and throughout this process I learned so much about H-Tub, that I'd never learned before.

For the workshop, we had a cast of about 50 talented performers. It was a pleasure to be able to share the stage with some of my most favorite people such as Josephine Scere and Carleton Bluford. We put the workshop together in only 4 rehearsals. Our original performance date of November 23rd was rescheduled to last night due to a "blizzard" that Utah received that day, canceling most activities in the area.

The production was received well by the audience, and during Q & A we got some great feedback as to the material, the length and the quality of music. We only performed Act 1 of the musical last night, and the next step for Colette and Michael is to finish Act 2, completing the whole show.

I look forward to hopefully being a part of this finished product and sharing this amazing story of Harriet Tubman with the world!

My Professional Catering Word of the Day!

2011-01-06T07:28:00.000-08:00

Insipid [in·sip·id] adj. Lacking flavor or zest; not tasty. Lacking
qualities that excite, stimulate, or interest; dull.
Ways in which I have used this word in a sentance so far today: "In my opinion, the asparagus was insipid and needs something more!"
(Fancy Director of Catering talk!)
Your Turn!

Drawing the Line on Semi Formal

2011-01-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow night is our Annual Company Party. The dress is Semi Formal. UGH! What the heck does that mean? How does one who dresses in a suit and tie each day for work, change it up enough; staying fashionable, but keeping the semi formal dress code?

Well, whenever I need an answer, I turn to Google. Here's my favorite search result...is it really Semi Formal enough?

http://lookbook.nu/look/45573-Smart-casual-for-semi-formal-events

2010: Your One and Only Post about the Year

2011-01-03T17:37:00.001-08:00

Ok, ok...so I realize I have not blogged since May of 2009. So sue me. But this boy has been busier than busy and most of you who know me can certainly understand.

So, I thought I would take a moment to give you the scoop on all my crazy happenings of 2010 and a preview of what lies ahead for 2011. Brace yourselves, 2010 was a happening year for me.

CHAPTER 1

The Sheraton & Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2010....The day that will life in infamy. After only five months of employment, the Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel decided to eliminate my position (Senior Catering Manager) and lay me off. Really? On MLK Jr. Day? Ok, whatever. It was bitter sweet. I know that I was ultimately not happy there, but knew in this economy I couldn't just quit and be left with nothing. That day ended up being a blessing in disguise for many reasons (you'll know more later in the blog). I considered it a paid vacation (thanks unemployment benefits)! While actively seeking employment I was enjoying the fact that I could sleep in until noon every day, work out for 2 hours a day, and start Lost from Season 1 and get through all 5 seasons on DVD in only a couple of weeks. Best. Vacay. Ever!

So what took place while I was unemployed for three months? I did a lot of Theatre...duh! Continue Reading.

1) January 2010

I had a starring role (Paul) in a production of Six Degrees of Separation presented by the Wasatch Theater Company at the Rose Wagner Theater. This was by far the most challenging role I've had the pleasure of ever playing. It really tested my acting abilities and pushed me to skill levels I didn't realize I had. I credit an amazing director, Jim Martin, and talented cast whom I learned so much from and created lasting friendships with. What a great way to pass the time while being recently unemployed.

2) January-February 2010

I musically directed a fun production of Kiss Me, Kate at Rodgers Memorial Theater in Centerville. A Clever musical with fun music and a great cast!

Additionally, I also musically directed an amazing production of Reefer Madness: The Musical produced by Dark Horse Company Theatre at the Egyptian Theater in Salt Lake. One of the best casts I've ever had the pleasure of directing and I thoroughly enjoyed working with Christopher Glad in his debut Musical Directorial experience. It was a brilliant show and received rave reviews and made me so happy to be a part of such success.

3) February-April 2010

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill starring Dee Dee Darby Duffin, and produced by the Pygmalion Theater Company at Rose Wagner Theater, was probably my favorite production to be involved in to-date. This was a two-person show in which I Musically Directed and also performed the role of Jimmy Powers (the accompanist to Billie Holiday). Dee Dee's portrayal of Lady Day was phenomenal and she made it easy for me to bring out the necessary vocals to portray the character with such detail. It also was a huge challenge and learning experience for myself. Having studied piano classically, I never dove into the genre of Jazz and Blues. Playing this show taught me so much (on my own) and made me that much more of a better musician. Dee Dee and I were led by an amazing director (Teresa Sanderson) who knew Billie and that time period, in and out! She made the show what it was and brought out the best in us! What a fantastic experience. Additionally, we completed the run with pretty much sold out houses and leaving people begging for more. We hope that PYG will Encore the show in one of their upcoming seasons.

CHAPTER 2

WAHOO! I Found a Job!

After only 3 short months of unemployment (January 19 - April 20...which is pretty great considering the state of the economy and employment market), I was pleased to receive an offer of employment from the Salt Lake City Marriott University Park Hotel in Research Park. I believe everything happens for a reason, and the second I walked into that place I knew I was at home. The Marriott is what I call "the Undiscovered Secret" up on the Foothills of Salt Lake City. It's a great hotel with an amazing clientele and management team. The best part about this new opportunity is that I was promoted to the Director of Catering and Conference Services after another 3 short months. Can we say blessing!? Here I am laid off in January and promoted to a Director level by the end of July. That's something to be thanking God for. It proved that the risks I was taking and everything else I was doing the last 4 years in the hotel industry was paying off. I work with an amazing catering team and know that my career is headed in the right direction.

Other highlights of my 2010 Craziness...

May 2010

I played keyboard 2 for a production of Bingo: The Musical at the Grand Theatre. Many might not have known this since they forgot to list the orchestra in the program...bummer.

June-August 2010

I Musically Directed and Conducted a production of Guys and Dolls at the Sandy Amphitheater. I'm thrilled that I get to conduct at least one show a year in a pit with a baton!

September-November 2010

I reprised my role (for the 4th time) as Blacula in the Live Entertainment Division for Lagoon's Frightmares. I promised my best friend Ashley, that if she did the show, I would. And together we made it through! Hopefully if you made it to Frigtmares this year, you were able to stop by and catch one of the 7 shows we did in an evening!

November - December 2010

Not a darn thing! I took this time to soak in all that took place in 2010. I used this time to really focus on my new job and position, my family and friends, and continue to succeed and move forward with life.

What an incredible year! Really. I would not change one aspect of this fast paced roller coaster I was on. I sure hope 2011 can keep up!

Speaking of 2011....what's ahead? On top of continuing to run a successful Catering Team at the Marriott, I look forward to many Theatrical Opportunities. I wouldn't be Trevor Jerome without them:

March 2011

Look for me as Keyboard 2 in the production of Marvelous Wonderettes at the Grand Theatre.

June 2011

I will be musically directing a production of The Civil War at the NEW Rodgers Memorial Theater (Now called Centerpoint Legacy Theater). Looking forward to working with a great directing team of Ron Jewett and Marilyn May Montgomery.

July- August 2011

I look forward to working with the Sandy Arts Guild on their annual Summer Production as Musical Director and Conductor of their 30+ Member Cast and 20 Piece Orchestra.

Ok. If you made it this far, thanks for reading. I hope to update more frequently as to not create these novel blog updates. Much love to you all, and wishing you much success in all of your 2011 endeavors.

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

Oh hi there! Didn't see you sneak up on me! :) Well, it's memorial day and once again I am way behind on my update. Whoops! But you're getting one now so just be happy.

A LOT has been going on in the last couple of months. I mean honestly, when isn't there a lot going on in my life?

I'm STILL doing my show "American Fork Idol" at the Desert Star Theatre in Murray. We close next weekend finally. These runs are long, but I've certainly had such a blast doing the show. I should do a behind the scenes video sometime and show you how fun and crazy the cast is backstage. Oh what the audience doesn't see. It's great! It's one of those bitter-sweet type things you know (in regards to the show closing). I will miss all the peeps, but it will be fun to move onto the next production and have something fresh and new.

What is the next show? Well, I'm musically directing and conducting the orchestra for Seussical: The Musical at the Sandy Amphitheater. This is my 3rd Season with Sandy, and I love working for them. The best part of my contract is getting to conduct the orchestra. What an amazing and rewarding feeling to be the leader of such amazing instruments and music. So so cool. For those of you unfamiliar with Seussical, it sounds kind of cheesy I know. However, the production was written by the same team who wrote Ragtime in which many of you have seen me in. It is such pretty, clever, memorable music and I am happy that I finally get to work on it.

I've also joined forces at Rodgers Memorial Theatre in a different fashion (other than Directing/Designing). I'm now lending my expertise and serving on their marketing committee. Committee makes it sound like a large group of people, but it's really just two of us. Our team is responsible for making sure the current theatre operations get marketed better, and then we are also preparing to open the new theatre and heading up the marketing efforts for that. The new theatre breaks ground on Thursday morning @ 10am in Centerville, and will open for its' first production January 2011. This has been a LONG process in the making, and I'm so excited that it's actually a reality. We submitted a proposal to the Eccles Foundation in hopes of obtaining more funds needed to keep the project going. This is HUGE for Davis County, and I am glad I get to be apart of the original team to make it happen.

Amongst all these major commitments of mine, I have managed to have some more quality time with Bailey, my dog, and to see and spend time with friends. I started going back to church regularly, and it feels good. I transfered my membership from my home church in Layton to a great congregation in Murray. I've even started writing music again and finished a song last night. I'll post lyrics and music soon.

Haha, anyway, that's the update for now. I'll write more again soon, I promise!

-T

Ha ha ha! April Fools!!

2009-04-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

So tonight after my show, American Fork Idol at Desert Star (go see it. It runs through June 6th!) I was driving home listening to the nightly talk-radio show on KSL, The Nightside Project. Tonight they were discussing April Fools jokes...some that people played today, or some that people remembered from years past. It motivated me to call and tell everyone about a joke I played when I attended Utah State years ago. The joke still gets talked about!

It was April 1, 2004. I was in the computer lab working on a project. My friend Jon was also in the lab. I was a student in the Utah State Theater program, Jon was studying music at the time, however, did many productions with the Theater program. Being the actor that I am, I HAD to come up with some kind of good April Fools joke and Jon was there to help!

The Theater program was getting ready to hold auditions for all their shows that would be produced in the coming school year. We decided it would be perfect to post a cast list for "The Laramie Project" which was the first show of the following school year. So we typed up a list with names of familiar Utah State Theater students....and the not-so-familiar ones. Once the list was typed, we snuck down to the call board and posted the list.

The reaction was PERFECT! People began to see the list and many of course, surprised! Some were upset that they missed the auditions...others were excited that they were pre-cast in the show without even having to audition. The best was when oue professor Kevin Doyle got frustrated that he was left out of the decision process for casting the show. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!! :)

To top it all off, in our department's end-of-year banquet, awards were given out for "Best Actor, Miss Congeniality, etc..." Each recipient received a certificate and trophy/prize. Well, the award for Best April Fools joke was announced. Jon and I were pleasantly surprised and rushed up to get our prize, and of course they all yell "APRIL FOOLS!" and we receive nothing...LAME!!

It feels good to know the joke lived on for much discussion years after I was finished! :)

Hope you had a fun April Fools day and didn't crush anyone's life while doing so!

-T

Everything Today is Thoroughly Modern!

2009-02-25T07:21:00.000-08:00

My most recent production I have been working on, Thoroughly Modern Millie opened last weekend to great success. We had been heavy into rehearsals since the beginning of January, and it's amazing how fast opening came. This has been one of the smoothest easy-going processes ever. The production team I got to work with was just so perfect.

The Deseret News came on Saturday and gave their review of the show. It was a really nice review. (See Below).

I have now started rehearsals for the next show...I'll be playing in Desert Star Theater's American Fork Idol starting at the end of March. It's a very funny show spoofing, of course, on the hit show American Idol. It is full of all the funny inside quirks people are familiar with if they have seen the show...with a little Utah twist to it. I'm really excited to be on stage performing again and in a different, cheesy style of theatre. COME SEE IT!

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE REVIEW:

'Millie' cast has fun with the '20s
By Erica Hansen

Deseret News
Published: February 25, 2009

"Thoroughly Modern Millie," through March 21, Rodgers Memorial Theatre (801-298-1302); running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes (one intermission)

Meet Millie Dillmount — a Kansas City girl who moves to the Big Apple in the 1920s. Quickly adapting to the "modern" scene, she cuts her hair, shortens her hemline and lands a job as a stenographer — with the very modern plan of marrying for money, not love.

As with any great tale, high jinks ensue — in this case, when a white slavery ring, run out of the Hotel Priscilla, is discovered.

"Thoroughly Modern Millie," directed by Leslie Giles-Smith, is the latest offering at Rodgers Memorial Theatre.

Saturday night's cast, under the musical direction of Trevor Jerome, sounded great, had a nice energy and seemed to enjoy bringing the '20s to life.

Maggy Lawrence's bright eyes and wide smile were perfect for Millie (double cast with Sarah Makus), and ditto for Millie's love interest, Jimmy, played on Saturday night by Jon Rash (double cast with Chad Craner).

Both had lovely singing voices, which especially lent themselves to the beltier moments. However, the two seemed a bit stiff during their moments of dialogue, but that could easily mellow during the run of the show. Lawrence's physical comedy was really well done.

Mrs. Meers, the villainous white hotel owner who disguises herself as Asian, is played by Megan Call (Alison W. Jensen). She had a lot of fun with the role, but her accent was really hit and miss.
Her big number, "They Don't Know," was fun, but the choreography left her noticeably winded. Her sidekicks, Landon Cole Welch and Trent Brown (Adam Jones, Kyle Allen), were delightful — I found it odd that Rodgers cut one of their early numbers, which was not only disappointing but diminished a joke later in the play. The trio was very funny during "Muqin."

The other two leads did a fine job. Jessica Lesser (Angie Winegar) had a lovely soprano voice, but Todd J. Wente (Drew Thompson) seemed to struggle with his part of the rich boss — fumbling lines and struggling to hit some of the notes. But he delivered his comedic moments very well.
The set, designed by JD Madsen, was effective, though some of the moving pieces were very rickety — which was noticeable when the characters were locked in jail cells but didn't dare to touch the bars.

Saturday also had a handful of sloppy set changes and light cues that ought to work themselves out. Susan S. DeMill's choreography was fun.

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" is a night of lighthearted theater, and Saturday night's audience enjoyed the journey back in time to when jazz was hot and being a "modern" was all the rage.
Sensitivity rating: One dance scene takes place in a speakeasy, where the characters drink.

"Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today....."

2009-02-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

Remember that quote? It's from the hilarious film, "Groundhog Day!" Well, yesterday was officially Groundhog Day; the day when Puxatony Phil comes out of his cage to predict whether or not Winter will continue for six more weeks. The old-fashioned tradition is if he sees his shadow and gets "scared" we have six more weeks; if not, we are moving on to spring.

Each year I eagerly wait for this moment. By this point of the season I am so sick of the winter, and driving in the snow, I am rooting for him to not see his shadow and be happy. Well, of course it was not any different this year. That stupid rodent saw his shadow...again...and we are stuck in this inversion-fested season. Who freaking died and left him in charge huh? It's such a joy walking outside and feeling like you've just smoked six packs of cigarettes without even lighting one up. I love having to scrape my window off each morning before I can drive to work.

I just want to wear shorts and flip-flops and ride my motorcyle around. I can't wait for this dreaded winter to be over and things can be sunny and warm!!

25 Interesting Facts about Trevor

2009-02-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

So on Facebook, there has been this chain going around. You are suppose to post 25 Random Facts, Habits, Goals, etc. You then tag at least 25 friends and they do the same, and post on their page. Well, I've been getting tagged on so many notes from other people, I figured it was time to do one too. So here you go...facts you know, or forgot you know, or didn't know. :)

**DISCLAIMER: These facts, habits, or goals about me are in no particular order. Only the order that they come into my head as I write. ;-)***

1. I wear a "doo-rag" to help make my hair look good everyday....and yes it's because I am black.

2. I once had long hair that went down to my shoulders. Don't worry, it will never happen again; some sort of early mid-life crisis or something.

3. Music is my passion. I have been playing the piano since I was about 10 years old. I started teaching piano 3 years later.

4. Theatre is my bigger passion. I have acted, directed, musically directed, conducted many orchestras, designed lighting, sound, set, and stage managed. I feel like I have major job security and will never get bored :) in the last year I have Directed, Musically Directed and/or performed in 6 shows...which calculates a show every two months haha.

5. I have a dog that I adopted after she was abandoned at the West Valley City Library 2 years ago. She is a Border Collie/Lab mix and the best dog ever. Her pet peeve seems to be when I spin in circles in the kitchen (yes, I dance around my kitchen-make fun!).

6. I ride a motorcycle (bullet bike) which seems to be surprising to so many people. Many have said they just can't picture me on one. It's the most fun investment ever. I've joined the Utah Sports Bike Association and meet lots of fun people. I learn from the most trained and experienced riders around and feel so much more safe when I ride. I am taking the Advanced Rider Training course this summer and will start spending some time at the track.

7. I played an Ethiopian Jewish Baseball player in a feature film (THE YANKLES) in the summer of 2007. I took three and a half weeks off from my full-time job to play the role. It had Don Most (from the original Happy Days cast) in the movie as well. It is currently in post production and set to be released sometime this year. I have not seen one second of footage from the film, and am freaking out about seeing myself and my fake Ethiopian accent on tape. **Check our movie out on IMDB.com.

8. I once played the best April Fools joke on my theatre department at Utah State University (back in 2004), which still, to this day, gets spoken of. The scoop: The department was holding auditions for next year's season of shows, and my friend Jon and I decided we would post a "cast list" for the Laramie Project which was the first show of the next season. Everyone fell for it...even one of the Directors who was offended that this was cast behind his back. APRIL FOOLS!

9. I have never traveled outside of the country. The places I want to go really soon (within the next 5 years) are: 1. Prague, Czech Republic. 2. Spain 3. Australia 4. Paris 5. London. One of those top 5 choices within the next 5 years....I would love to do one a year, however, I'll need to be rich first.

10. I used to want to be a pilot when I "grow up." I even joined an Air Force auxiliary organization called the "Civil Air Patrol" and started taking flight lessons as I promoted in rank. However, with my vision being as it was, it appeared that I would not end up in that route. Ultimately, I ended up going the Broadcast Journalism route....ok, cool.

11. I am not the only person in the family with "musical talent." My oldest brother Aaron, who is also a Pastor, has actually released two CDs. He is a Christian Rap artist known as S.O.U.L.J.A. AND SOOO GOOD. I was actually featured on his second album in a song of his as a "report interviewing him." I would ask questions, he'd answer/rap back. Wicked cool...check him out: www.pastorsoulja.com

12. In an earlier note, I mentioned how theatre was a huge passion of mine. Ultimately, I would love to work professionally in the field. Well, I would say I am already, however, I would want to go even more professional, by making the move to Broadway! It WILL happen, I know it. I continue to get so much great experience here in Utah, and it is only grooming me for the "big dogs!"

13. I once had two warrants out for my arrest...crazy huh!? No, I didn't murder anyone haha. That's just what happens when you forget about a traffic ticket that's been sitting in your glove box for over a year. Whoops! There was a moment this past fall, where my car's registration was past due, and I had a warrant out (that I lazily hadn't taken care of yet). I got pulled over (for the faulty registration) and totally thought I was going to get arrested...they called a backup officer/car and everything. I was freaking out. In the end, they impounded my car and gave me a citation for expired registration, and let me go with a warning about the warrant haha. You better believe I took care of that the next day haha. NOTE TO SELF: Pay traffic ticket; register car. Done! "So I lost my keys, and uh, that's that!" (inside joke)

14. I've only been sunburnt once in my life. Believe it or not, we black folk do get darker, the more time we spend in the sun. However, I have only been burnt once in the past (when I was a wee little lad.). It was on my neck and I was BARELY burnt. I did cut it close though, this past summer when I went to Hawaii. I got home from my trip extremely dark and my back (where I didn't put sunscreen) was peeling pretty bad.

15. I am slightly color blind. It's funny. When we play games at home for Sunday dinner with the family, I always have to be blue, because I know I can recognize that color. I have a hard time distinguishing browns, greens and reds. But I get by pretty well.

16. My favorite TV show of all time, and still to this day, is I Love Lucy. I have every single season on DVD and never stop watching them haha. When I was in the pre-teen years, I used to record the show on TV using my VCR and watch it every night before going to bed. Other favorite shows these days include: Will and Grace, Arrested Development, Scrubs, Alias, and 24.

17. I once broke my arm when I was Kindergarten. It's a funny story. We (my brother Chad and I) were playing War with the neighborhood kids. The big kids were running and jumping over the fence to get around, and I wanted to fit in. My brother warned me that I could only jump the fence should I REALLY need to (like if my gun was on the other side). So...later I threw my gun over the fence so I could hop over it and retrieve it. Well, upon trying to climb the fence, I fell off, and broke my arm...it was literally broken in a "Z" shape. So gross. I spent all night in the hospital because they couldn't operate having eaten right before that. But I had a cool looking cast when I was done...I even think it was pink...LOL...awkward.

18. I bite my nails. I'm really trying hard not to but...ok really, i haven't done anything to break the habit, but know it's bad. Oh well.

19. I actually don't work in Broadcasting, however, I do work full time at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center in downtown SLC. I am the Catering Manager and oversee local events and Weddings for the hotel. I've been the three years now and LOVE IT.......well, I've been there three years now anyway. While working at the Hilton, I've won the companies highest honor (nation-wide), the Spirit of Hilton award, as well as Manager of the Quarter.

20. I have to admit I thought this project was only 20 random things and now I'm at 20 and realized i still have 5 more to go....Ugh....

21. My favorite food has to be Chinese. Yum, yum yum...followed by Italian. I do not, however, like the taste of SUSHI! It makes me want to vomit like a drunk man on the street. YUCK! But then again, I'm also the worlds pickiest eater, and it's funny that I work in the Catering Industry.

22. My favorite wine is any kind of sweet Riesling. I love me some wine, and pretty much have a bottle in stock at all times.

23. My Favorite Musical of All time: Ragtime. Such a powerful story/message and the music is just amazing. I've played the lead role in this show two times, and have Directed/Musically Directed/Conducted the show as well. Others that are right up at the top as well include: The Color Purple, Title of Show, and Sweeney Todd!

24. Contrary to popular believe, I have never plucked my eyebrows. My assistant Jessica, is determined that I do; that they cannot possibly that perfect. Well, Jess...THEY ARE!

25. I have 1,040+ friends on facebook. It's weird and not a huge effort was really put in to get there. I am grateful for all the many friends that I have made through all of the million things that I do in life. :)

Obama for your Mama!

2009-01-20T15:42:00.000-08:00

So...Obama is our new president; how cool! Yet it's so weird at the same time. I can't say that I've ever been heavy into politics, but it's been really fascinating this year to follow what's going on and actually "live" through this historic time. I sit and think about how he must be feeling (tired? excited? overwhelmed?). I think about how crazy it must be to be living a semi-normal life one day and then become president the next. If it were me I'd just constantly have butterflies.

We were joking in the office today about how long it will take for him to get gray hair haha. You know it will happen...and rightly so...it's a stressful job!

Feb, one of the black girls in my office, was talking to me today about how she has had a few people come up to her and ask her "how she feels today now that we have a black president?" It's kind of a silly/funny question that people have. I tend to put color aside and just think of all the good changes he can make and bring to our nation. Yes it's wonderful that he is our country's first black president, and that we have come so far in terms of accepting "race" but Obama becoming president is no more of a beneift to me than it is to any other ethnicity.

But really, I'm just so excited to see what good things will come out of our new leader.

I have faith that good things WILL come and that we really will start to see change in america

....change in the way we think...the way we live...the way we operate and function. I just really can't wait.

The 2008 Throwdown: A Mass Update

2009-01-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

Hey Peeps!

Happy New Year! It's been a while since I've update, but things have definitely been busy the last little while. I can't beleive we are alread into 2009. Um, one question...Where did freaking 2008 go!?!?

2008 was a good year. I thought I'd recap on everything I got to do this year:

January - April: "The Civil War" at Hale Centre Theatre in West Valley (playing leading roles Frederick Douglass and Clayton Toler). By far one of the best, and most powerful shows I have been apart of to date.

March - May: "Feelin' Groovy-A 60's Review" at Rodgers Memorial Theatre in Centerville. Put together and Arranged Music, Directed and Musically Directed the Show. A very tiring project, but worth the experience and it had a really neat outcome.

May-June: "Ragtime: In Concert" at Sandy Amphitheatre in Sandy. Directed, Musically Directed, and Conducted this production. What a freaking fun project. I had to come up with a simple concept/design that would be achieved with very little budget. The Orchestra became part of the set and background, and the cast dressed in "concert black" to simplify costuming. It turned out to be a successful production, and Sandy has now decided to do another concert production this upcoming season.

July: This month took me on trips to both Hawaii and Las Vegas. I spent 7 Days in Hawaii...BEST TRIP EVER. Met one of my dear friends Kristine who transferred with our company (Hilton) for a promotion. I stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Villiage Resort on the Big Island (Ocean View Room). My roommate Andrew flew over and joined me for a couple of days in Honolulu where we stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Villiage Resort (in an awesome Suite with Ocean View!!) We had some great site seeing and beach time. It was my first true vacation in YEARS and felt so nice to get away from work for a while.

Later that month I joined a bunch of my good friends for a fun weekend trip to Vegas. It was in honor of a couple of friends Birthday's. We rented a nice Toyota Highlander and had a fun trip down. It got pretty wild and crazy at times, and I randomly ended up at this classy "strip club" and had an interesting night there....WTF!? haha

August: I had a fun trip to New York City with my best pal Scott M. Primary purpose of the trip was for call-back auditions for the Hairspray National Tour. While we were there we got to see 4 shows (Title of Show, Hairspray, Gypsy, and A Tale of Two Cities). It was sooo fun and laid back. I'm glad Scott was able to join me. I stayed at the Hilton right across from Ground Zero (Terrorist Attack Site). I could literally see down into the huge empty pit from my room. It was crazy.

September: Moved out of the Hudson House where I had lived for almost 3 years, and got a new house downtown in the Rose Park Area. Moved into a neighborhood where 3 sets of dear friends already lived. It's soooo nice living down town, and next to a park where my doggie can run around and play. I moved in with a great roommate, Ashely, and we have such a fun time together.

September-November: I played Dracula in Frightmares at Lagoon again. They built us a stage this year, so it felt much more like a real show this year. Of course it was fun having my roommate in the show with me along with other fun friends.

October - January: MUSIC MAN!!!! I ended the year working on "The Music Man" in Park City at the Egyptian Theatre. I worked on the show as the Musical Director and Conductor. It was a fun project. It felt pretty long and tiring, simply because it ran over each major holiday of the season (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year). But I was so glad I got to be apart of it. The orchestra was such a delight and sounded so good for how small it was (7-Pieces was all). We ended the run after 31 totall performances.

And now look....2008 is over and we are off to a busy 2009. Already I have opened a show "The Wizard of Oz" in which I designed lighting for. Now, I'm Musically Directing the show "Thoroughly Modern Millie" at Rodgers Memorial Theatre in Centerville. It opens on February 20th so be sure to come and see it!

Alright, that's all for now. :)

-T

Music Man is Hot!

2008-12-07T22:03:00.001-08:00

Here's a lovely review about my current production, "The Music Man." It's playing at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City. COME SEE IT! :-)

___________________________________________________

Review: Egyptian Theatre's 'Music Man' is hotIowa in July in Park City in December? You bet!

By Robert Coleman

Special To The Tribune

Salt Lake TribuneUpdated:

Park City » Going from fresh snow on Park City's December streets to Iowa in July seemed quite unusual. Why would a theater in this winter sports hot spot present Meredith Willson's "The Music Man" this time of year?

But the Egyptian Theatre Company's lively production had the audience quickly shedding coats and longing for ice-cold lemonade.

The musical's story of con man Harold Hill (Mark R. Gollaher) selling band instruments and uniforms to the parents of River City's youth, and skeptical librarian/piano teacher Marian Paroo (Carianne H. Jones), unfolded enthusiastically. The rapid-paced production benefited from Gollaher's fast-talking, relentless performance and director Terrence Goodman's judicious score cuts.

Gollaher's transformation from an oily salesman to love-smitten penitent is remarkable. His slightly raspy voice had trouble reaching low notes during "Seventy-Six Trombones" but achieved clearer focus on songs with Jones, including "Till There Was You." Her buttery voice had operatic heft in "My White Knight" (a tune replaced by "Being in Love" for the movie), but took on a tender shade for "Goodnight My Someone." Vocally and physically, she was Gollaher's opposite, but they quickly developed an appealing chemistry.

The solid cast had many other standouts. Mason Johnson stole the show as Winthrop. There may not have been a more endearing version of this character since Ronnie Howard played the lisping child on the big screen. His priceless expressions and fearless rendition of "Gary Indiana" are worth the price of a ticket.

Charleton W. Bluford as Hill's friend Marcellus Washburn is another total-package performer. "Shipoopi" highlighted his appealing voice, effortless dancing and considerable acting chops.

Kinetic energy and bluster infused Bob Longoria's depiction of anvil salesman Charlie Cowell. Expressive eyes and feigned pomposity made Dee Macaluso's portrait of the mayor's wife, Eulalie Mackechnie Shinn, less forbidding but she sustained a scene-stealing presence throughout.

Veteran actor Fredric Cook as Mayor Shinn suffered from some comedic timing misfires that robbed some of the intended bufoonery from his character's lines. But his jowl-wobbling line "Where's the band?" was a unique touch.

The school board-turned-barbershop quartet -- Aaron Spencer, W. Derek Hendricks, Tyson Richard Baker and Rick LaPointe -- delivered tight harmony and animated performances.

The rest of the cast delivered polished performances and maximized the small capacity of the stage thanks to Goodman's purposeful direction and Janet Muse Gray's compelling choreography.

Anne Benson's beautifully detailed, efficient sets allowed scenes to flow seamlessly. Nancy Hill's turn-of-the-century costumes, Jesse Portillo's lighting and Eric Robinette's sound design kept eyes and ears focused on Iowa's small-town citizenry. And a seven-piece band led by keyboardist Trevor Jerome accomplished the yeoman's task of distilling a full orchestral score into a tight combo chart. Trumpet player Reed LeCheminant's endurance was particularly amazing.

As Professor Hill told Marian, "Pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll find you have nothing but a bunch of empty yesterdays." Don't miss an opportunity to spend a bit of your holiday in Iowa.

Trouble comes to Park City

What » "The Music Man"

Where » Egyptian Theatre, 328 S. Main St., Park City

When » Reviewed Dec. 4; continues at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 28. Additional shows Dec. 11 and 18 at 7 p.m.

Tickets » $16-$30, at 435-649-9371 or www.ParkCityShows.com.

Running time » Two hours and 20 minutes, with one intermission.

Bottom line » An energetic "Music Man" has marched into Park City for the holiday season.

212º - The Extra Degree

2008-12-05T13:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I was at a meeting this morning, and I came back to my office to find a book sitting on my desk. The book was entitled 212º the extra degree.

So I opened it up and the preface reads:

ONE DEGREE
"Applying one extra degree of temperature to water means the difference between something that is simply very hot and something that generates enough force to power a machine - a beautifully uncomplicated metaphor that ideally should feed our every endeavor - consistently pushing us to make the extra effort in every task, action and effort we undertake...."

I started reading all of the simple suggestions that help in general life...or even as specifically as if you were a Baseball Coach. It's amazing the little things you can do...the extra degree that you add...and how that truly can affect things. My favorite one so far (there is much more to read) is:

212 commitment
Put a smile in the path of complain...once daily.
Cease to complain.

I work in an environment where there is always just so much negativity and it is exhausting. I work with some people who tend to complain about EVERYTHING...but if I help set the standard and not complain at least once a day, that is 365 seeds of negativity that I eliminate :) Here's to hoping it works.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas!

2008-12-03T10:55:00.000-08:00

This week, while I am off from the show for a few days, I decided to get my Christmas Lights and Decorations up. It's been fun especially being in the new house and wanting it to look all pretty and festive. So as I decorated outside, Bailey watched me from behind the glass door. I tried letting her stay outside with me but she kept chasing after anyone who walked by. She gets sooo excited when she sees people. :)

I still want to add more to what I've done. It's funny, you think you are done and then once you see it you want to add more garland "here" or some lights "there"...it's a work in progress. But considering that I didn't decorate an OUNCE last year at my old house, I wanted to be sure to get more in the spirit this year. I also want to go see and do more festive activities like going to see Holiday Concerts or Shows, Christmas Lights, Christmas Caroling/Parties, etc. Today I downloaded 3 Christmas Albums to add to my iTunes library. This is going to be the best Christmas ever!!

Thankful for my Family!

2008-11-28T13:27:00.001-08:00

So i absolutely LOVE getting together with my family. There has not been one time when we get together and we don't laugh so hard that our abs hurt.

My Mom made the most delicious dinner ever complete with, Stuffing, Collared Greens, and of course the infamous Turkey. The first huge laugh of the evening came from this story:

We ALWAYS have either a Lemon Merenge Pie or at least a Lemon Cake for our major family holiday functions, usually all those gatherings in between as well. Well, my brother Chad and I discovered that there was NO LEMON PIE!! Now, I don't like pie, but he craves for that pie. My dad's excuse was that mom had gotten up too early to start the Turkey and it was in the oven all day so there was no time. I thought, "Well, at least there is a Lemon cake!" We got to joking about there not being any Lemon Pie and how Thanksgiving was ruined, and my niece Kaley revealed accidentally that the cake that was sitting downstairs was NOT a Lemon Cake. My mom immediately made the face at her like "NO!! Don't tell!" We FREAKED OUT!!!! NO LEMON CAKE!?!?!? WHAT!??!? And Mom tried to hide it...she thought she could hold it off until we went to go cut the cake. WTF!?! haha My dad was so shocked too...he had the most disgusted face ever and all the sudden he yells out "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU MAKE!?" haha Funniest thing ever.

Naomi was out at the store getting some last minute items, so Chad immediately called her and told her to get all the ingredients to make a Cake and Pie! She saved Thanksgiving because he and I almost left.

Anyway, we finalized all the dinner items and began to eat together downstairs. We started talking about the movie "Twilight" and how they all wanted to go see it (again!) Yeah, with the exception of my mother the girls of the family had all seen it at least 2 times already. I was strongly AGAINST going to see it after all I've heard of it's cheesiness. I tried getting them to go see the new 007 movie, but to no avail. So we didn't end up going to see a movie at all. Instead we ended up watching a bunch of movie trailers online haha then we played games.

This year we decided to draw names for Christmas presents. I think it will be fun and different, and EASIER on each of us. Especially with the tough times lately. We decided to not discuss who we drew and keep it a surprise. We'll create a master Christmas Wish list so people can find out what others want for Christmas.

Hope everyone had a tasty and fun Thanksgiving!!

-T

MTV Cribs: Rose Park Edition

2008-11-25T15:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I realized that I've been living in my new house in Rose Park and have not even shared pics and details about it with you. So here you are. It's an awesome house in a cute neighborhood. I have an awesome roommate, Ashley, and Bailey is absolutely in love with the house AND Ashley. We have two sets of families that we are already good friends with that lived there before we moved in, so it's been nice knowing people in the neighborhood and having decent neighbors, unlike having Madge as a neighbor.

This is the Outside of the house!

Here is Bailey posing outside the new house...her right side is apparently the better side.

I'm in love with the nice open Kitchen...and the recessed lighting hehe.

Kitchen view - Part 2 (Behind where I'm standing is the Living Room. I didn't get a picture for some reason, but I will...trust me it's nice)

Here is my nice Bathroom...I found that super cool shower curtain at...WAL MART! Crazy huh?

My Room with a nice big Walk in Closet. I went from having like 3' closet space, to pretty much a second bedroom haha.

76 Trombones!

2008-11-24T08:15:00.001-08:00

Oh wow, gee golly, it has apparently been too log since my last post. I apologize to you all for the suspense on what has been happening in my life. It's been a busy few months for me.

As you were aware from my last post, I played Dracula in Lagoon's Live Entertainment this year. It was a fun month. I was definitely so happy and excited to not have to wash make up off of my face and out of my hair each night.

At the conclusion of Frightmares, I jumped right into rehearsals for "The Music Man" that is now playing at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City. I'm the Music Director and Conducting the orchestra for the show. It's fun times. We had our opening night last Friday, the 21st. It was a good opening weekend. Please come see it and tell others to as well. It's a cute family show. We play Thursday - Sunday (except Thanksgiving and Christmas).

Speaking of Thanksgiving, we had our 2nd Annual Thanksigiving at Sunset yesterday. SOO fun! (Seth and Aaron's house is on Sunset). It was fun to hang out with all our very dear friends and eat really yummy food and drink 40 bottles of wine...seriously! It was fun to go around the table, read the quote that was under each of our plates, and say what we are thankful for. I was thankful that God has given me yet another year to live and be with the people I love so much.

Until we meet again...

T

A Conspiracy Theory on Rush Hour!

2008-09-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

I've come to the conclusion that rush hour is a nightmare and a total conspiracy! Seriously, when you think about it....where does Rush Hour start?! It's probably someone's job twice a day to go out and and put some congestion on the free way, and then when they play it on the news, it's totally entertaining seeing people parked on the freeway stuck in the heat on their motorcycles....DUMB!

Well, today I was stuck in Rush Hour on my way to complete my 5th year of lame, boring, and useless orientation at Lagoon. That's right, it's time for another exciting performing season at Lagoon for this years' Frightmares season. I am returning as Dracula...excuse me "BLACKula!" Should be pretty fun and my cast is amazing. But then there are days like today when you have to sit through and hour and a half of Orientation on Sexual Harassment and Work Safety. The videos are completely outdated and from...what the 60's? And of course the acting is cheesy! In one sexual harassment scene, Bobby is wiping down the picnic tables and his supervisor sally comes up and says, "Hey! You should wipe me down next!" LAME! haha I keep hoping that every year when I return it will be a new and exciting video...nope...same old boring video.

But be sure to come see my show, especially if you are Lagoon this fall. I'm in the MONSTER CLASSICS show and it's a good one.

Pei Wei vs. PF Changs

2008-09-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

So my assistant and I have pretty much a daily tradition of going somewhere to eat for lunch. We are deathly afraid of the food in the hotel cafeteria (a.k.a. the Salt Cellar) so we find ourselves becoming poor by eating out. Today I was pretty set on grabbing a good old fashioned hot dog at the corner hot dog stand. I love it seriously...it's so yummy and costs like $3 for a couple hot dogs, chips and a soda. PERFECT! Well, of course Jessica had to come up with a better plan of going to Pei Wei for lunch.

The plan was, she was going to go cut our co-worker Scott's hair during lunch at his place and then bring Pei Wei back to the office for us. I couldn't wait. I tried to think of a way to justify still going over to the corner stand and having a couple of hot dogs before she got back, but then I'd just be a pig.

It seemed like she was gone FOREVER!!! Oh wait...she was. My stomach was gurgling. What's even worse was when she finally got back, I was stuck on the phone with a client for 30 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could smell the food from my own office and I was dying. In my head I was thinking. "What is the easiest way of ending this conversation so I can go eat...." I hung up the phone and went into the conference room to eat...I noticed they had brought back literally like 40 fortune cookies and left me 2 soy sauce packets...real nice!

Jessica seems to think that Pei Wei is better than PF Changs. I can't help but completely disagree!! Pei Wei is great, but there is soemthing so tastefully special about PF Changs. Maybe it's the fact that I eat there EVERY year on my birthday. DUH...it's just soooooo good. Jessica doesn't know what she is talking about....Hmmm....what do you think?

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus....WTF?!

2008-08-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

Good news...I tested positive for MRSA...in English it means I had a Staph. infection. I don't know how the heck I got even got it. The Doctor says most people walk around with a staph bacteria and it sometimes just so happens to find it's way into your body through dry and cracked skin or an open wound or something. Sounds so fun!!

So how do you get rid of the infection?? Well, it's the most painful process in the entire freaking world...seriously...on Friday he had to cut me open. So first he numbed me...stuck a freaking needle right into the infection. I cried because it hurt SOOO bad. Then he took a knife and cut open the top of the infection to drain the puss out (I hope you aren't eating lunch or dinner right now, while reading this). And now the Dr. has me on anti-biotics and I swear it's making me have really bad dreams. The other day I took nap and had a collage of bad dreams in during one nap....my dog turned rabid and attacked me....I witnessed the worst motorcycle accident....I discovered Santa wasn't real! It was a crazy dream.

Anyway...these pills I have to take are HUGE. I get anxiety everytime I have to take them, wondering how that pill can possibly be swallowed without choking. CRAZY! So now you all know to NOT get MRSA. Save yourself the pain! :-)

T

Game Night Extravaganza! What's your Sign?

2008-08-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

8/24/2008

Last night my very good group of friends (I've had since Highschool or earlier) got together for our new monthly tradition of...well, getting together. We had Game Night Extravaganza hosted at Brody's mansion in Layton. It was a great turn out yet again, and so fun to see everyone and laugh really hard all night. I had a headache and it really hurt to laugh, but it was soooo fun!

The night started off playing Mario Beijing Olympic Games on the Wii. Let's just say I was NOT meant to compete in the Hammer Throw. 2 out of 3 tries, I hit the Fence after spinning around and getting extremely dizzy. But the 3rd try was the charm, and I threw that freaking hammer (or whatever you would call it...I assume it's a hammer since it's called the "hammer throw" even though it doesn't even look like a freaking hammer) 62.8m. Rock On!!!

On that note of the Olympics...it's been interesting to see the various games that people can compete in. One very odd sport is that of Horse Jumping. Why is this a sport in the Olympics. The humans don't do anything right!? It's all the work of the Horse. If the Horse got the Gold, then THEY should be the one on the Wheaties Box right!? Maybe next time we have the Summer Games, we'll see the Olympic Wii Competition!

After that game, we busted out the Eye Touch Groove Game on the Playstation. This game is sorta like Dance Dance Revolution with a twist. Instead of hitting the appropriate mark in rhythm with your feet, there is a camera on you and you use your arms/hands to hit the spot on the screen. Clearly, the developers of this game were not Black. haha The camera couldn't pick up my hands (because they are so dark) so I was not able to compete....Until I busted out the white Wii Tennis Rackets!!! I was unstopable! haha

The last game we played was a very popular one amongst us in high school...Signs. It's the game where each person has a sign. They are trying to pass it around the circle without getting caught by the person in the middle. It's really awkward being the person in the middle...I know...I was that person a whopping 14 times last night haha. Everyone is laughing because you turn around and barely miss the sign being passed...it's like a huge inside joke and you are just dying to know what everyone is laughing about. But seriously, I have never laughed so hard. It was great times.

Night Games Extravaganza!!

2008-07-26T12:54:00.001-07:00

On Friday, my best friend Brody and I organized a Night Games Extravaganza. We got all of our old High School friends (and their spouses) back together for a fun time of hanging out and Night Game action. It was such a fun night. It was really cool to reconnect with everyone after not seeing each other for a long time. Camille has a 7 month year old baby (Riley) and she is just so adorable, but it's so crazy to see your good friends with families now.

A few of us brought some treats to share. I had to bring something that didn't melt in my backpack on my way to Layton (I was on my motorcycle), so I brought Sweedish Fish (surprise surprise) and Starburst. Camille brought some really tasty cookies
Then there was Steve's treat....haha...it was pretty random if you ask me. He brought French Bread from Harmon's your neighborhood grocer, with Honey Butter to spread on top of it. He also brought Tomato & Basil Wheat Thins with Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cheese-Wiz to spray on top of it. It created some kind of interesting Speghetti dinner on a cracker....sick! haha

After hanging out at Brody's while we waited for it to get darker, we headed over to the Layton Park to get started playing. We decided to play Capture the Flag. It was fun times. There were a few other random people in the park as we were playing so it got a little confusing at times trying to know who was really from the other team, or just some random couple making out on the park bench. Haha unfortunately, that park bench was our teams "Prison" and Steve thought the two people making out on the bench were people captured from his team. So I ended up catching him when he tried to "save them."

We really only played one round of Capture the Flag (it lasted a while), and then some sprinklers turned on, so some smart person decided we should play "Shark" and run across a field back and forth as if we were in P.E. Class getting tested haha. We were all completely exhausted by the end of it haha. So we decided to head over to Denny's to get some food/beverages. That was fun.

We had a blast together. We decided to try to get together again monthly. So we'll get together around the same time in August for some Board Games and such at Brody's house :) Can't wait!!

A Moment of Silence for Estelle Getty: Thank you for Being a Friend!

2008-07-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

Please take a moment of silence (maybe by eating some cheesecake while reminiscing about Sicily) for the passing of Ms. Sophia Patrillo.

Most of us grew up with the Golden Girls and were drawn in by Sophias razor-sharp wit, particularly when trading insults with her daughter Dorothy. I also remember her in great classics such as TOOTSIE and MANNEQUIN. She'll truly be missed and I'll always be a long time fan!

TREVOR'S PERSONAL ROAD TO AMERICAN IDOL
So once again, I've decided to compete in the Salt Lake Idol 08 sponsored by Fox 13 and 97.1 ZHT. Last year I competed, and made it to the Semi-Finals (Top 20). This year, I feel even better...more prepared and more on my game. This could be the year.

The process goes like this: You record a video of yourself singing about 1 minute of a song, and drop that off at Fox 13 Studios. Today a panel of Fox Employees watched all the videos and selected a Semi Final group of 13 people. They'll call the 13 people (including me hopefully) to let them know they have to compete in the Semi Finals on Saturday Morning at 8am! SUPER EARLY for singing...PERFECT.

So on Saturday the 13 people will compete for a spot in the Top 5 finals. Out of the top 5, TWO (2)Grand Prize winners will be selected. The Grand Prize is a guaranteed audition for the Producers of American Idol. That=no waiting in the long cattle call line that everyone else has to wait in. How great would that be to just surpass that?!

So now we wait....and hope they call tomorrow. If they don't call by Thursday night then I am not a finalist. I feel pretty great about my audition video though. I sang Stevie Wonder's "For Once in my Life!" It's powerful, upbeat, shows energy and range. I am still trying to come up with a group of additional songs to have ready to sing at any moment, just in case.

Only 5 More Days until the loss of another Hudson Roommate
Only 5 days remain until one other original Hudson roommate leaves us. Brooke will be leaving to perform on Holland America Cruise Lines for 6 months. It's sad to see all of her things packed and her room so empty. We've been through so much fun and good times together in the good old Hudson House. Our annual Hudson Family Vacations...random roadtrips...Sunday Guitar Sing-a-Longs in the living room...Christmas Caroling at christmas. The list goes on. Seth, another original Hudson roommate moved out last August, so only two original roommates remain (Andrew and Myself). I suppose I will be here for a while, but who knows how long Andrew will last. He has so many good things going for him, he could be gone really soon.

Anyway, i suppose that's enough for now. Time to sleep. More tomorrow!

T

Trevor's Really Big Vacation - Chapter 2

2008-07-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, so first of all...can I just say that traveling back in time 4 hours, really messes up one's sleep. There are times I keep waking up at like 7am Utah time, which is only 3am in Hawaii. Luckily I've been able to fall back asleep for another hour or so before I finally just wake up and get my day started. But it's cool...I'm on vacation!

THE AMAZING SHOWER
The Hilton has amazing guestrooms. I took THE best shower. It's so crazy how amazing a shower can be. But the showerhead distributed such an even flow of water. The temperature was so perfect. The shampoo had this amazing aroma to it. Then when I got out to dry off, the fresh, nicely folded towel did me so much justice. It was amazing soft....*sigh*. Haha ok, enough of the shower, but it was great!

BREAKFAST AT THE PALM TERRACE
The Waikoloa Village Resort is split into like 3 or 4 different lodging Towers. I am in the Lagoon Tower which is the furthest West. I decided to have breakfast at the Palm Terrace which is in the Ocean Towerw (complete opposite side). So I walk down to catch the Tram ride over. Of course it is BARELY leaving as I walk up. So I decided it would be nice to just walk down and catch it at another stop. Well, apparently I was barely walking too slow. I kept missing it by a tiny bit. So I ended up walking the entire way down there. But it was a nice walk. Took pictures of things on my way down.

So I get there. I check in and get my name on the list. It was a crazy 30 minute wait, even for just myself. So I sat down and watched people for a bit until they were able to seat me. I ran into the family I sat next to on the Airplane ride here, so I said hi to them for a bit.

It was finally my turn to be seated (after only about 15 minutes). They sat me RIGHT infront of the buffet, which was perfect. The buffet wasn't anything too special. Just your typical Hilton Breakfast Buffet. My property offers the same style, but it was definitely good. The annoying part of breakfast was the crazy birds that were EVERYWHERE. These little...sparrow's? were just begging for food and flying all over the place. It was funny...the table next to me had their coffee served and then got up to get food from the buffet. While they were gone, a sparrow? decided to bathe in his coffee haha. Another lady sitting across from where I was really froke out (there's that froke word again) and she froke out loud when a sparrow? frightened her. haha

The Buffet was so good, I decided to get up for seconds. I made my rounds and then I stopped by the omlette station to get some Maple Syrup for my French Toast. While I was doing so, the chef attendant there looked at me and said "Sir, here is the omlette you ordered." I had a very confused look on my face.

"Um, I didn't order an omlette."
"You didn't?" She replied
I quickly responded sarcasticly, "I think you have me confused with the OTHER black guy getting breakfast."

The OTHER black guy happened to be like 50 years old and balding and had some greyish hair...another account of how some people think we black folk look alike haha.

THE DAY'S OUTDOOR ADVENTURES!
After breakfast, I thought it would be good to walk off all of that food, so I went on a little hike for a bit. It was a nice hike along the shore line. The waves were great! I got pictures of some fun little creatures and the beautiful water. It was nice and soothing.

My friend Kristine called (she took the day off to spend time with me! How nice of her!!!) and we arranged to meet at 11:30am to head over to the beach together. I was excited. So I made my way back to the hotel, took a little nap (because I was already a little tired haha). And then made my way downstairs to the lobby to meet her. We stopped by Angie's office (Angie is the hotel's director of Events and Catering) so Kristine could get her bonus check. While in Angie's office, I met Jeanette - The Healthy Non-Religious Female who's main excuse for not being mormon is because she wouldn't be able to drink wine!!! She has this great Brittish accent, and the personality to go with it. She is HILARIOUS!!! I think we are planning to meet up with her on the 4th of July (but while we are with her, we won't be celebrating the 4th of July because she is from Brittain) haha.

We said our good-byes and headed up to the beach. It was Spencer Beach and it was about 15-20 minutes up the road. By the time we got there it was a little overcast and not so sunny....dang it!! But that's ok. We set up camp on the beach. We had our little beach chairs, and our cooler full of snacks. We must have stayed at the beach for like 4 hours. Played in the water....I played in the Sand a little bit. We sat and just talked. It was nice and laid back. My favorite thing about this whole trip.

After the beach, we headed up north some more and went to Parker Ranch in Waimea (Parker Ranch is more "Cowboy" country of the island.) They had a few little shops that we went into. Then we stopped by this little restaurant that Kristine had read about. It's called "Pau" which means "Finished...or over". So almost like it was place for people to go when the day was done and work was finished or something. Anyway, I had this amazing pizza and salad. It was sooooo yummy. I really want to go back there once more before I'm gone.

After dinner, it was finally about 7:30 pm and Kristine drove me back down to the Hotel and dropped me off. I came back and got in the Hot Tub down by the pool and sat there for about 45 minutes. Made friends with this couple (Tyson and Sarah) they just got married and are on their honeymoon. They are from Arizona. Very fun. Then I went back up to my room and just lounged around. With it being after 8pm in Hawaii it was after 12am in Utah. So my body had began to shut down. I lounged around on the Balcony for a little bit with a glass of wine, watched the dolphins play. They are cute. I came inside got in bed and started watching some TV and was out within probably 5 minutes haha. SUCH A NICE DAY!!

NEXT ON TREVOR'S REALLY BIG VACATION: Trevor heads to Honolulu to meet up with THE Jennifer Stapley, and his roommate Andrew. Stay tuned for all the juicy details of this crazy adventure! :)

Trevor's Really Big Vacation - Chapter 1

2008-07-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

That's right folks, I'm on VACATION!!!!! This will be the daily blog about my adventure to the crazy big island of Hawaii. I know most of you are having a hard time continuing on with your daily life in the lovely career/school world, while I enjoy mai tai's and get my tan on while sitting on the beach. Hard life :)

My trip began on Monday morning. Amazingly the packing went very well...TOO well. I managed to fit everything into one suit case (for 7 days). I'm just waiting for the moment to discover that I forgot something. I loaded the car and was on the way to the airport...called my mom to let her know I was leaving ok and to say aloha for the week. I parked in the economy parking lot and hopped on the shuttle to the Delta Terminal (time now is about 10:25).

I had the instinct to pull out my flight itinerary just to double check. In my head I'm thinking, "I'm fine. I have over an hour until my flight. I'm making great time." Then I look at the itinerary..."DEP: 1100am." AHHHHHHHHHHHH! haha I froke out big time (and yes I said FROKE!) I rushed to the Delta desk to check in...they lectured me about being late (I hate when they do that) and checked my bag. I am totally great at getting through security really fast...usually...I totally picked the slow line, and then I forgot to take my laptop out of the bag so that slowed me down a bit too...LAME! *sigh* oh well. I got to the gate, and people were still in line waiting to get on so I made it *phew*

My first flight was to L.A. where I would connect to my flight to Kona. The flight to Hawaii is so long!!! UGH!! haha Thank goodness for first class and In Flight movies...not to mention alcohol! The movie the plane played was Fools Gold with Matthew McConaughey!!! OMG!! Why!? Why must he have such a good body. One day Trev. One day. Then on my laptop, I watched August Rush!!! WHY!? Why must someone be soooo genius with music. One day Trev. One day! haha so my flight there turned into this crazy time of jealousy haha. But I am going to Hawaii and many people are jealous of me. All better.

I landed...FINALLY about (8:30pm Utah time). I have never been on a flight where you exit off of the plane on to the tarmac. It was kind of fun...definitely and indication of SMALL airport. I walked towards the baggage claim. There were some people waiting for family with their cameras ready, and I finally found my two friends who came to pick me up. Angie and Kristine. They greeted me with a fresh, and real Hawaian lei! It was so awesome....I got "leied" We got onto the "freeway" which was really just a bigger version of 7th South haha (Definitely indication of Small town). As we drove towards the resort, the landscape is pretty much lava rock on the right, and ocean on the left. No trees...wait...there was one random tree that I remember seeing. Still pretty.

We finally arrived to the resort and it is SOOOO beautiful. I went to the front desk and checked in, and was just so ecstatic to be here. After checking in we walked down to where my room was: The Lagoon Tower. We took the elevator up the 5th Floor and came into a room that Angie told me she had upgraded for me. She opened the curtain to show me the AMAZING OCEAN VIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was in complete heaven!! I could also look down from my Balcony to see the cool Dolphin show that takes place at the resort. ANGIE IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I also found a lovely welcome amenity of Fruit and Water prepared for me. I have great friends.

Kristine and I then proceeded to go to dinner. The resort is so large you can either get around by a little boat, or the tram. So we took the boat to dinner, and road the tram back. It was fun. It was such a long day for me. It gets dark here about 8pm. So my body shifted back to Utah time at that point (which was about 12pm Utah time) and I started getting really sleepy haha. Sat on the balcony and listend to the waves a little bit, called my mom to let her know I got here safe, and put on some TV and fell asleep.) Good day it was.

NEXT ON TREVOR'S REALLY BIG VACATION: Trevor and Kristine take a trip to the beach. Will Trevor overcome his ancestors struggle of not knowing how to swim? Will he brave the huge waves and the scary sharks? Tune in to tomorrow's blog!!!

I'm Feelin' Groovy!

2008-05-06T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Sorry I don't blog very frequently. It's only because I am constantly occupying my time with one adventure or another.

After a few months of just absolute stress and madness, my recent directing project, "Feelin' Groovy" will be opening. The show is opening this Friday night at Rodgers Memorial Theatre. The production is a Music Review with a fun, progressive look at the music from 60s era. It's something that I've been working on for almost a year now, and just a little crazy that it's ALREADY here. I have such an amazing and patient cast that I just love, and they really are going to shine in the production.

It's been a crazy week this past week. My roommate Andrew lost his job on Friday. He had been with his company for 11 years. I think it was a good time to leave, and move onto a new adventure.

Major changes have been happening at my place of employment as well. My boss was fired over a week ago, and on top of that, the greatest Assistant I have EVER had is leaving me to go work in another deparmtent of the hotel. It really makes me so depressed. She has been my assistant for 1 1/2 years :( :( What is the world coming to?

Anyway, I'm running out of things to say. Come see Feelin' Groovy!!

T-Bone

Sunday Brunch: The Cheesecake Experience!

2008-03-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

Who ever thought this Sunday tradition would be so fun. Seth, Aaron, Scott and myself have been going to Sunday brunch each week. It's turned into a great tradition that I look forward to every Sunday. Today we decided to have our brunch at the new Cheesecake Factory at the Fashion Place Mall.

I was running a little late this morning...for some reason Seth and Aaron like to schedule brunch at the butt-crack of dawn, and this morning I just didn't wake up in time. Today we were "popping the brunch cherry" for Chase. I picked him up and we headed down the restaurant. When we arrived, we were greeted by some pretty heavy doors. They looked cool though. Everyone was already seated, and as we approached our table, we noticed Ryan Bott sitting there too. I guess we "popped his brunch cherry" as well. Very exciting.

As we sat down we were greeted by our waiter...dressed in all white attire. One could think we were at the temple or something...it was an interesting choice of uniform.

As usual, I ordered the French Toast with scrambled eggs, and a side of bacon. haha My favorite brunch meal. Ryan had this really gross looking Hash something-or-other.

After Brunch was over, we said our good-byes to Seth and Aaron. The rest of us went over to the mall for a bit. I had to buy some more lotion and new Wall Flowers, to help our house not smell like crap. It's been really bad lately.

It was a great brunch today (even though the weather was not fun).

And We're Back!

2008-03-29T11:15:00.001-07:00

So here we are, over a month later, and I have not written one thing. Please accept my sincerest apologies. So much has been happening, that I simply didn't find time to remember to post.

I am still in amongst the run of my show "The Civil War." We close next Saturday. I can't believe it's already time to close. It's crazy how fast time flies by. On top of Civil War performances, I started rehearsals for the show I'm directing called, "Feelin' Groovy-A 60s Concert." That is going pretty good so far. We open May 9th so that is slowly creeping up on me too.

Now, on top of "Feelin' Groovy" I've been in pre-production mode for the next show I'm directing, "Ragtime: In Concert" for the Sandy Arts Guild. It's going to be such a fun, unique production and I can't wait. We audition for that in one week (April 7th).

My roommate Brooke just got word that she will be cast on a Cruise Ship starting in July. That means she will be leaving me for 6 MONTHS!!! I don't know how I will handle that. It's sooo exciting for her, yet, sad for me. *sigh*

Anyway, more updates to come, and I won't delay as long as I did this last time. Thanks for reading!

T

T-Bone Announces the New Blog!

2008-02-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new blog! I'd like to thank Stef Dean for her support in getting this blog started. If it weren't for her I wouldn't be here or at the Hilton today-Love you Stef!

Today is President's Day and of course no day off from work...dumb! Stefanie, Garrick, and I went to Litza's Pizza for lunch today. It is quite the yummy restaurant. The only sad part about our dining experience was the lack of Fruit Punch. They had none, and it was seriuosly the most disappointing thing for me. *sigh*

Tonight is the final dress rehearsal for the new show I'm in...The Civil War at Hale Centre Theatre. Below is our cast picture.

I play in both casts. Frederick Douglass in the Monday, Wednesday, Friday cast and Clayton Toler in the Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday cast. Both casts are so strong so come see it:

The Civil War
Hale Centre Theatre (West Valley City)
February 19 - April 5
(801)-984-9000
www.halecentretheatre.org

Ok, well I suppose that is enough for now. This will get more exciting as we go along, so stay tuned. Until next time...

T-Bone