Some kind of title that suggests this is a post about homosexuality and the church

I am a coward when it comes to voicing my opinions. I really don't want to be the source of a debate and don't like giving people a reason to disagree with me or not like me. Maybe I'm insecure or maybe you all secretly agree, who knows... I probably could have picked about 3000 less controversial subjects to talk about, especially with this being my first post of this kind. But whatever, I’m going to be brave.

As a Mormon and a performer I have friends and family that have thoughts and opinions at literally every point on the spectrum. And its not like Mormons say no and others say yes, it’s just not that simple. Even amongst Mormons the spectrum is just as wide. 

Elder Jeffrey R Holland (an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) stated:

The Church opposes homosexual behavior, and we reach out with understanding and respect to people with same-gender attraction.

The Church teaches that human sexuality has a purpose in Heavenly Father’s plan. In order for us to be happy and to fulfill that purpose, we are commanded to live the law of chastity. Homosexual behavior is contrary to that purpose and violates God’s commandments.

However, if someone is attracted to people of the same gender and does not act on those feelings, he or she has not sinned. The Church’s standard for morality is the same for everyone, no matter which gender one feels attracted to. Neither the Lord nor His Church can condone any behavior that violates His laws. Again, we condemn the immoral behavior, not the person.

"Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction,” Liahona, Oct. 2007, 40; Ensign,Oct. 2007, 42.

The stance of the Church seems pretty straightforward. However, I never understood the way so many of us acted in light of this belief. The Bible, Book of Mormon or any of the latter-day prophets have never said to treat these people any differently. We all know that Jesus taught to love one another and if he were here, what would he do? I believe that he would love and befriend everyone.

In the same talk Jeffrey R. Holland says, 

If you know people who have a same-gender attraction, follow the same principles you do in your other friendships: “Choose your friends carefully. They will greatly influence how you think and act, and even help determine the person you will become. Choose friends who share your values so you can strengthen and encourage each other in living high standards. A true friend will encourage you to be your best self. … Treat everyone with kindness and respect” (For the Strength of Youth [booklet, 2001], 12).

I am extremely proud of the efforts some members of the Church have taken to fix the gap between the gay/lesbian community and ours. Bullying is NEVER ok. No matter what the situation or circumstance. It is a huge deal and something i think a lot of parents and students choose to ignore. As i didn't grow up in America I can't compare schools here to schools back home. All I know is that bullying definitely existed in my schools. We (and i say we because i know that i was just as much to blame as any other) are mean as young people. School is hard and unless society and education gives us enough of a positive atmosphere, kids and teens can be nothing less than vile. 

I say this as if we suddenly learn not to do this when we are adults. We all know thats not true either. I don't believe that there is any excuse for adults. We as adults should be the example to the next generation of how to treat one another regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. Now i'm not being naive, we can't get along with everyone. Some people just don't like us or don't hold the same values as us. No one is forcing you to be around them all the time. you choose who you spend your time with. 

I am in no way perfect but i am grateful for the variety of people i have come across in my life. I have friends from many different backgrounds, of different races, religions and sexual orientation that encouraged me to "be my best self". Our differences don't matter and never will, our friendship is based on the many hundreds of things we share, not the few things we don't.

Having said all of this, I continually struggle with this issue. Maybe if my friends belonged to only one school of thought, community or even continent, I would have a very clear opinion formed in my mind. It is because of them that I am continually reminded to keep an open mind.  I would like to form my own opinion and have been hoping I would so that I can write something thoughtful and poignant. I realize that if and when I do come to a conclusion it will be MY opinion and mine alone, made in my own mind and nobody else's. 

This is what i know:

1. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives me all the tools I need to live the best life I can. I believe that we are given our agency to choose right from wrong and if we follow the path that has been laid for us we will live eternally will our family, loved ones and God.

2. Jesus taught us to love everyone, to not judge and to reach out to others. 

3. Intelligence and curiosity is a gift given to us. Keeping an open mind at all times is the way to form our own opinions and not be swayed by others. We can choose to educate ourselves on whatever we want. (My husband and I were talking about our blogs. We both felt that we can only write about things we feel we know a lot about. Annoyingly, not everyone feels this way so we are constantly reading articles, news posts and blogs written by someone who has absolutely no idea what they are talking about.)

4. I don't know the answers. No matter how much I study this subject, no matter who I talk to, I always come to the same conclusion.. I don't know. I look forward to understanding the subject more, maybe it won't be in this life but I know that one day I will understand better. I know this because I have faith in Jesus Christ. I know he loves each one of us. He has equal love for all of us and is reaching out to each one of us, those in the Church need just as much help as those out.  

I don't love my gay friends any less than my other friends. I fully support them in their lives and careers and really want them to find happiness. I guess it just comes down to respect. You respect me and accept that i don't really know all the answers but I choose to follow the teachings of the Church, and i respect you for your choices too. 

What do they take us for?

I consider myself pretty level headed when it comes to the effects of advertising. However, I have been told that, when the ad or commercial is right, I can fall for almost anything. Maybe if i actually had money i would be one of those people who buys everything from the slap chop to the snuggie. (i do have a snuggie but that was a bit of an international trend for a while.)
Being alone for a big part of the day, I keep the TV on pretty much all the time, even if i'm not watching it. I can now hum or sing along to most jingles, even the local ones, and know most commercials/adverts far too well.
I would like to share some of my less favorite ones. Not only do they make me cringe, they make me angry, making me cry "WHAT DO YOU TAKE US FOR?!" Because at some point they cross the line of silly and jump right into straight up offensive. 'Your marketing team came up with this?! how much money did you spend on this piece of utter rubbish?' And as an actor I find it somewhat annoying that so many of the people in some of these commercials are just absolutely atrocious. I'm talking Harry Potter film #1 level of atrocity.
So without fuming any further...




I don't even know where to begin... So many things to hate- the jingle, the dancers, the location... The first time I saw it i laughed, a lot. Thinking it was ridiculous. The 70th time I just left the room. the saddest thing is that its still playing so it must be working... ugh!

Compare it with this hilarious Geico commercial. We all know that Geico can make a good commercial if they want. Not sure why the choose to fail every now and again though... The gecko one are never my favorite. Here is the extended version of Ronald's "total eclipse of the heart".





Now this one may just be me but I personally despise the voice this commercial. The idea and the videography are not bad but the one liners and the voice they chose? come on! could it be any more annoying? maybe its just me..






The next one is less about the commercial and more about the product. I kind of think this one is the new Snuggie. What on earth?






And lastly... some classics from the UK.











There are some horrendous ones that I failed to mention (nuvaring comes to mind but is just too shocking to talk about). And there are some fantastic ones this year. All in all, are the commercials becoming more interesting than the actual tv shows? hmm..

The Wonderful Lily

I made this little collage for my oldest niece Lily. She's a star.

This photo collage made with Smilebox

Reverse Bucket List

So i've never made a bucket list because I get scared that I will disappoint myself and not do everything on it. But I saw this idea online that you make a reverse bucket list. Basically listing everything that you deem 'bucketlistworthy' (awards, incredible stories, memories, people you have met, friends and family etc.) It was a fun idea so I thought I'd try it. But sad to report that I still not managed to conquer my fear of wax figures. And honestly, I don't think I ever will. But I have done other things that I hope make up for my lack of courage with the whole wax figure thing. Here we go..

• Played in an orchestra
• Conducted a choir
• Went jet skiing
• Sang and played in a band
• Managed to confront my problems head on and stopped biting my nails! (this goes up and down like a yo-yo)
• Conquered my fear of roller coasters to a reasonable level by literally looking death in the eye at the top of Oblivion at Alton Towers. Still will never set foot on Pepsi Max in Blackpool though.
• Danced in pointe shoes
• Went to EFY
• Became an EFY counsellor
• Received 3 scholarships
• Achieved 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and everything below in both song and danceMade and kept an unbeatable group of friends in high school. Still not sure how I managed that one, has to be one of my proudest achievements.
• Learned to Salsa dance at a salsa club
• Completed all grades in RAD ballet
• Met Lea Salonga
• Went scuba diving
• Travelled all over the USA after visiting for the first time when I was 17
• On the same thread.. Flown first/business class (courtesy of my dear friend Tiffanie)
• Dressed up for a midnight showing. (Hunger games- katniss lookalike, people ask for pictures with me. Amazing)
• Visited NYC, London, Edinburgh, San Francisco, LA, Las Vegas, Washington DC and the wonderful Nauvoo, Illinois (yes I did just put that in the same list)
• Got all 9 GCSE's and 3 A Levels 
• Somehow landed a spot in the MDT program at BYU. Never going to understand that one but eternally grateful.
• Served a jewelry thief. Stole the bracelet right from under my nose. 
• Broke both my big toes at the same time. 
• Saw Idina Menzel as Elphaba in the West End
• Accidentally stumbled upon the Glee concert movie premiere and received free tickets to watch inside.
• Saw the Yankees play. First and last baseball game.
• Saw Vocal Point, met the guys and got serenaded on the actual stage. Amazing, and actual dream of mine. Shared with Rachel Gover.
• Lost my engagement ring and never found it. NEVER. (only reason this is on the list is it makes a good story)
• Married my best friend, witnessed by some of my family who surprised me by showing up just a few days before.
• Sang on the Palace Theater Stage in Manchester
• Watched my mum trip and fall into a pile of snow
• Had a four pack (not quite a six pack). Once. 
• Had a stroke. (It counts as an achievement because I'm fully recovered)
• Learned how to belt. At some point. I think.
• Worked as a waitress
• Fired a hand gun
• Fell in love with and starred in Light in the Piazza twice.
• Slapped Kate Bailey. Many times.
• Learned basic floral design.
• Caught a fish!
• Gave up chocolate for a year. (Jan 1st- midnight Dec 31st)
• Graduated with a BFA in Music Dance Theater
• Read all the Harry Potter books (pre-ordering books 4-7)
• Hiked Snowdon and Angels Landing more than once. Still not sure how or why I did it again.
• Never had a hamburger
• Finally got my ears pierced at the age of 21
• Learned how to cook!
• Been to Disney Land, Paris, Disney land, CA and Disney World, Orlando
• Learned to hula hoop till the sun goes down
• Learned to play pool and snooker
• Learned how to knit (and since forgotten)
• Shopped at Harrods
• Seen a broadway show
• Seen Justin Timberlake, S Club 7 and Damien Rice in concert (strange selection)

Bring on the next 22 years! Who knows what will be added to this by then?!

I just really love having nails

Anyone who knows me even slightly knows I have always struggled with my nails. I bite like no other. However, I have grown them out to a reasonable length now and again over the years and yet I still end up back where I started with short stubby nails that get barely a minute to grow before I tear off the tops to reveal the lovely pink swollen skin underneath. I say it that graphically because it really is a disgusting habit. I know that. I have known it for a long long time.
Today I find myself in a false sense of pride, my nails have made it to the ends of my fingers and i have actually trimmed them a couple of times. But this time I will not let myself get too wrapped up in my pride before tearing a nail and ripping them all off in frustration. This time I will stay the steady course! I will take the time to care for my nails and as vain as that is I have to!
So, in an attempt to turn my awful habit around I have developed an obsession with painting my nails and playing around with fun ideas and designs. (For those of you who couldn't care less just thank your lucky stars you only have to suffer through one post. There are whole sites dedicated to JUST nails)

So, here I am facing my fear and putting pictures of my nails online for the whole world to see. Hopefully it will serve as a reminder that I can do this! And also.. nail art is pretty flipping fun.
My wonderful grandma would be so proud .. excel the fact that I'm certain she would not approve of the heinous colors I like to use. But bright and colorful is fashionable right now!

I promised food...

One of our favorite things to do is to recreate (or try to recreate) our favorite dishes we find in restaurants.
The internet has pretty much all the information you could want on copycat recipes. Some of our tried and tested and extremely successful meals are:
Zuppa Toscana Soup - Olive Garden
Whiskey River boca/garden burger - Red Robin
Pear and Blue Cheese Flatbread Pizza- Cheesecake Factory

We like to play around with substitutes and different flavors, especially with the Pear and Blue Cheese Flatbread. We have found that you actually can't go wrong with changing the cheese or the nuts. Whether you use gorgonzola, blue cheese or feta, it doesn't matter- its ALWAYS delicious. And if you think about how expensive it is to have this appetizer PLUS your entree at Cheesecake Factory (and then, lets be honest, you have to get a cheesecake) this recipe is pretty much spectacular all round. Its probably the closest of the copycat recipes I have tried.

Another thing my husband makes fun of me for is my joy of substitutions when I cook. Some work wonderfully! others... not so much. lets just say no matter what internet site says its ok to sub water for milk DO NOT DO IT! however... substituting yogurt for oil in cakes and breads is fantastic! and much healthier. I never feel good about pouring a huge cup of oil into a recipe, no matter what it is. Something inside me just squeals "NOOOOO!!!" But I made some lovely blueberry bread with yogurt instead of oil this weekend so I am sold.

Lastly, we recently tried our own curry from scratch. We both looooove indian food and when we go home to England it almost makes me cry how easy it is to track down the right ingredients for homemade naan bread and poppadoms. My sister may as well be indian, she makes it all from scratch and its all just incredible.
So we decided we would stop buying the jars and try our own. Will a little help from Jamie Oliver plus some improvisation from myself the curry turned out PERFECT. We made it again 2 days later.

Let me know if anyone would like any of these recipes.

Maybe i'll stick to the Elliptical whilst watching Chopped... way more normal

Why can I not decide if I like all of the alternate exercise programs that are offered nowadays. Now that we don't technically HAVE to run or cycle to stay in shape I find myself torn between the cardio floor and the pilates/zumba (etc.) classes. Every time I am exposed to another type of movement whether it is yoga, NIA or whatever.. I just feel.. shall we say stupid? Tonight I went to a NIA class. I'm not sure what makes me feel stupider, doing the movement which (as some of you read on my Facebook status) involved a routine called "diva" and a fist pump whilst shouting "YES!" ...or... the fact that I seemed to be the only one who cared what I must look like. Perhaps a bird in the body of an ape with the co ordination of a fish? 

Maybe I have just become a snob because of all the dance i have done (hear that? "all that dance i have done".. gosh) or maybe it really is stupid and someone just decided that this kind of workout is "fun." For who?! May I ask. 

And yet.. like i said, i am drawn to this kind of thing. My life is constantly leading down that path. I'm not vegan but i happen to not like meat. I don't meditate but I do have a huuuuuge interest and love for massage. But when i meet these people (who are always so lovely and so interesting!) they seem to have taken on ALL of these things. yoga, vegan, somewhat strange choices with fashion.. no judgment. 

I could be completely wrong. And i also could be about 3 years from this lifestyle myself. You tell me. I keep expecting to just fall in love with at least one of these workout programs, I expect it to just make sense and my body just does it. But so far.. my brain can't take it. I always feel pretty good after, i mean getting your heart rate up is good whatever you do. But either I lose concentration, get bored or start laughing. But who knows... 

Anyway...Rant over. Tomorrow I officially try Zumba. I have avoided it long enough.