A Perfect Weekend!

I was able to sneak home to Olympia before my rehearsal schedule gets crazy. The #1 reason why I HAD to go home after only 1 week in Leavenworth?

I had to meet my adorable, little nephew - Levi John Simon! Isn't he precious?! I thoroughly enjoyed my time holding him as he stole little pieces of my heart with every coo and sigh. Levi was born on June 1st, just two days after I left for the summer. I'm just so glad I had this weekend to go back to meet and snuggle little Levi. My sister Bekah and her family are doing well and they are all adjusting to having a little one in the house. This is a really big adjustment for Eben, Levi's 2-year-old brother. He's still learning how to be gentle with baby brother. :)

It was nice to be home. I got to hang out with my mom a lot. We went and got pedicures together, and had so many deep and edifying conversations throughout the weekend. There's just nothing like a good talk with my Mom. This is something I'm going to miss this summer.

I also got a chance to squeeze in a morning run with my friend, Callie. It was SO GOOD to tell her about my time in Leavenworth so far. She's that friend who has been there for me as I've come through some pretty rough patches. Today, she was that friend who was celebrating with me! I loved talking with her about how God has been so faithful and perfect with His timing as He's led me to this new chapter in my life. We ran and talked and had a little Starbucks coffee afterward. I am SO thankful for her! Running in Leavenworth without her is very lonely.

So now, it's crunch time! I have to have everything memorized by Thursday when rehearsals officially start. And boy, do the rehearsals kick off strong - I have a 12-hour rehearsal day this coming Saturday. (Glad I got home while my schedule was still free!) So, I'm spending all of my spare time working on the Latin lyrics for being a nun, reviewing lines, lyrics, blocking, and choreography that I learned last weekend for understudying Maria, and then also memorizing lines and lyrics for my role as Tzeitel in Fiddler! Whew!

I am working in the box office this summer, and absolutely loving it! I've had some really fun phone conversations with people from all over who are planning on watching live theater here in Leavenworth this summer! All three shows are selling really well - each show is at around 25% sold, and that's just after 1 week of ticket sales!! There are still plenty of tickets for all performances of all three shows - The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Drowsy Chaperone. If you want more information about dates and prices, go to our website: www.leavenworthsummertheater.org. Then, call me this week to save yourself a seat at one or more of these great shows! The box office (509.548.2000) is open from 10:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M., Monday-Friday. I'll be there to take your call...well, either me or one of my awesome co-workers!

I'm here, in Leavenworth, WA!

I moved here 3 days ago and I've already had over 22 hours of rehearsal... and I'm still alive! What an incredible experience this is going to be though! This weekend's rehearsals were extremely stretching and growing for me as an actor. The director for Sound of Music helped facilitate countless opportunities for us to really discover and develop our characters. I'm super excited to practice all that we worked on this weekend with new and revealing insights into the role of Maria. Though I'm the understudy and may never play the role on stage here in Leavenworth, I'm super grateful for all that I've learned already! Plus, rehearsing with 14 theater kids - they've double cast the Von Trapp children - has been a blast! They are a very talented and enthusiastic group of kids on and off the stage!!

An amazing development since my last blog is that I found a part time job for the summer. Actually, you could say that the job found me! I got an e-mail from Leavenworth Summer Theater (LST) a few weeks ago, asking if I'd like to work in their box office. They also would work around my rehearsal schedule. I, of course, said YES!! What a specific answer to prayer. Truly! I had a handful of close friends who were praying I'd find a part time job that would work with my rehearsal schedule. I didn't even think to see if the theater had a job opening - and in their box office selling tickets to the shows I'm in?!?! Yes please! So, here's where I'll be spending a lot of my time this summer...

That's my dad, buying tickets for some of the shows this summer! My dad drove over with me on Friday to help move me in. My mom joined us later that evening so that he had a ride back. My parents have been so supportive and encouraging through this whole process! I'm so thankful for them - they truly are my cheerleaders and I love them so much!

I'm still settling into my new home for the summer. I'm staying with a great family, and get this - they live two blocks from the school where I'll be rehearsing for both shows!

My room is kind of a mess, but I have all day tomorrow to unpack and organize!

Well, that's all the updates for now! Oh except one more!! My sister went and had a handsome little baby boy today! I got to meet him via facetime tonight after rehearsal. He's so sweet! Bekah is a rockstar - she had a fairly easy delivery and little Levi is healthy and so cute! Congratulations to Bekah, Ezra, and to little Eben who is now a big brother!

A New Adventure!

A new and exciting summer adventure is headed my way! I've been dreaming of this potential plan since before Christmas and since then, it has felt like time is moving in slow motion... until this last week. Suddenly, my summer plans that include A LOT of change and responsibility seem to be rushing at me way too fast!

I'm moving to Leavenworth, WA for the summer to work for Leavenworth Summer Theater. I auditioned back in March for their summer season and was cast in two shows - "The Sound of Music" and "Fiddler on the Roof." I will be living with a family I've only met once and will be looking for another part-time job in town during my time there. My first rehearsal is in three weeks and all lines and lyrics must be memorized by then. I'm FREAKING OUT a little bit. The amount of memorization plus the stress of moving and finding a job when I get over there is starting to take it's toll. I've already had some pretty crazy dreams!

Though I'm scared of the unknown, anxious about the transition, and curious about what my summer is going to be like, I'm truly looking forward to this new adventure. This is something I've never done before. I think it will be a creative, fun, and memorable experience for me. It's also been so encouraging to see how the Lord is providing by taking care of several details, like my housing. I'm staying with a local pastor and his family! I'm excited to get to know this family and live in community with them this summer.

So, I'm excited, and nervous, and overwhelmed, and curious, and excited some more...!!! 3 weeks!! I plan to blog about my Leavenworth experience here at this blog, so stay tuned!

2010. A recap. 2011. An intention.

I stole this idea from my good friend, Kristi. For the last few years that I've known her, I've always looked forward to reading her New Year recap/intentions report. I had so much fun remembering this past year while writing this... so thankful for the Lord's many blessings!! Enjoy!


Shows I Did or Worked On:
42nd Street (GHC)
Little Women (Driftwood)
Dancing with the Dentist/Oly Rescue Mission Fundraiser

Places I Traveled:
Seattle – to hang out with Amy Wood (college roommate) who was visiting from Japan
Colorado – to visit my sister and brother-in-law just before their son was born

New People Enhancing My Life:
Annmarie Schasse – such a sweet woman of God that has joined me on several adventures
Kristi Foster – still my best roommate ever!
Hannah & Steven – We sit together at church almost every week!
Monty Norris – my very interesting, adventurous, intellectual, and my insanely good dancer friend.
Bekah & Ezra (my sister and brother-in-law) – continue to be my housemates that are usually always up for hanging out. I’ve had a great time living in community with them.
Callie Jones – my running buddy and someone I’ve been able to talk the practical use of the gospel with.
Peter Rodgers – what fun it is to be co-teaching 5 & 6-year-olds at church together this year!
Rosa – she has prayed for me, cooked for me, and encouraged me this year. I’m not sure if I’ve been able to repay her dear friendship to me.
Beth Born – a dear friend with whom I wish I could visit with more often
Jamie Quigg – always fun to catch up with her over some delicious lemon drops.
Ben, Aaron, & Grace - my nephews and niece are so fun! It's so cool to get to know them as their little personalities are developing.

Sorrows & Services:
Grandma Cookie – passed away in April. She went in her sleep and was 92.
Wiz – was put down in December. She was an old kitty with growing health issues.

Heartbreaks:
none to report. ;o)

Accomplishments:
- Was awarded Driftwoods “Best Actress in a Leading Role” as Jo March in “Little Women”
- Ran the Seattle Half Marathon in November!

New Experiences:
- Going brown! I dyed my hair dark brown in November and may never go back – I love it that much!
- I spent the summer months studying Argentine tango.
- Training for a half marathon!!
- I tried kereoke at a bar for the first time this summer!

Non-Show Related Jobs Held:
- Quigg Bros, Inc. – Celebrating the Lord’s provision of a “normal” office job – been employed for over a year!
- Teaching 2 jazz classes at Gayle Russell Dance Academy
- Taught a 5-week partner dancing series at Gayle Russell Dance Academy

Favorite Memories:
- Discovering that Suzanne and Kevin are expecting their first!
- Hearing that Matt and Anna are expecting their fourth!
- Skyping with my dear friend from Japan – Amy Wood
- Auditioning for Capital Playhouse in Olympia
- Memorial weekend retreat in Cle Ellem with my community group from church
- Tango at the Fountain at Sunset – I got wet!
- Caroling
- Megan’s bachelorette party

Concerts/Shows I Attended:
Beauty & the Beast – CYT (Vanc. East)
Alice – CYT (Vanc.)
Once Upon a Mattress – Saint Martins University
The Foreigner – Driftwood Theater
Suessical – CYT (Portland)
A Chorus Line – Grays Harbor College
Suessical – Capital Playhouse (KAP)
Burn the Floor National Tour – 5th Avenue Theater
The Matchmaker – Driftwood Theater
Little Women – Tumwater High School
Little Women – Captial Playhouse

Weddings:
Megan Conley & Andy Frieberg – July 17th
Claire Backholm & Jase Mickener – September 5th
Abigail Simon & Kameron Covall – September 10th
Susannah Simon & Jerrod Green – December 17th

Books I've Read:
Abba’s Child – Brennan Manning
Redeeming Love – Francine Rivers
Walking With God – Still working on this one

Regrets:
I wish I wouldn’t have been sick so much this year. I think I could have prioritized sleep a bit more. I wish I would have made more time for reading and less time facebooking. Also, I wish I would have continued to cook good, healthy dinners like I was doing at the beginning of the year.

Overall: 2010 was a year full of things I loved – swing dancing, theater opportunities, time with family. It also was a year of significant personal and spiritual growth – continuing to learn how to accept/receive God’s grace that is SO undeserved!!

Anticipation:
The Drowsy Chaperone
Relocating to Olympia
Auditioning in the Olympia theater scene
Africa summer missions trip!!
Hadley family vacation – Sun River!!

Intentions for 2011
1.) Focusing on getting my knee healed up so that I can start exercising/training again
2.) Save for a new laptop
3.) Continue to work on sticking to my budget
4.) Be more consistent with my “God time” in the mornings
5.) Create time for reading
6.) Cook more!
7.) Continue to hope for the godly man the Lord has for me…even if he’s no where to be found right now. ☺

A growing family means a bigger vacation location

I just realized I have yet again neglected this blog. :( So, I figured I'd blog a bit about this year's Hadfam staycation: a few highlights and what was determined for next summer's family gathering as a result.

Just in case we have some confused readers at this point... staycation (stey-key-shuhn - noun) a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, but no long distance travel. Instead, one stays local to conserve financially: The Hadleys chose to stay in Olympia and enjoy a family staycation this summer.

Yes, it's true. We all got off work and out of other responsibilities to make our way (some from Colorado, Oregon, and Grays Harbor) to my parents' house in Olympia for a long weekend of fellowship. During our 5 days of family time, we went on two day trips. First, to see the wild animals at NW Trek. My nephews (Ben 5; Aaron 3) really enjoyed this activity. The second trip we took was a day up at Tee Lake near Belfair, WA. It was a little bit overcast but I didn't let that hold me back from taking a swim. We also roasted hot dogs, fixed some perfect s'mores, and took turns exploring the lake on our one paddle boat. The other days we spend recovering from the full day trips sprinkled throughout our time together. Truly, with little kiddos involved... it's just a totally different way of living. Can you tell I'm not a mom?

There were a lot of Hadfam staycation attendees this year due to our growing family and some special out-of-town guests. We had my cousin Scott, his wife Meredith, and there 1 1/2 year old son Markus join us for staycation. They were a delight and it had been a long time since most of my family had seen Scott and his family since they live in Ohio. I really enjoyed finding out that Meredith was a fellow running enthusiast, so we got out of the house to go jogging several times. Also, there were so many of us because our family is growing! We now have Kevin - my older sister Suzanne's husband. Though he was the only added person to our family this year, Matt (my brother) and Anna's kids are getting older... and louder... and rowdier... so the three of them felt more like 6 of them! I love them to pieces, but my parents' house didn't provide the space us adults quickly realized we needed with those little rascals on board.

The sleeping arrangements were... well, different (for me anyway) almost every night. My parents' have two guest bedrooms with double beds so the two families with kids took over the upstairs. That left my younger sister Bekah and her husband Ezra and Suzanne & Kevin. The neighbors had offered up their house nearby while they were on vacation so the two couples trekked that way for sleeping. As it turned out, the sleeping arrangements in the neighboring house were not conducive for two couples... only one, so Suzanne and Kevin stayed in a hotel. I ended up staying at my parents house... in the office on an air mattress... and then in the living room on the couch. One night we ended up having all 15 of us crammed in that house. I think everyone slept well... maybe some better than others. Ah, but that is what memories are made of.

Though we had a famously good time, we all realized that it's time to bring the era of Hadley STAYcations to a close and embark on an old - but new to us - adventure of a vacation next time. We have decided on a location and are currently putting money aside for a 2011 Hadley vacation to Sunriver, OR. We've been there before and have really enjoyed renting a house and enjoying all of the accommodations provided such as a hot tub, bicycles, tennis courts, swimming pools, shopping center, and more. Even though we will have two more additions to our family (Suzanne's due in December and Anna is due in January) we still hope to stay in one house, but with WAY more square footage than my parents' place. Also, we're hoping to find time for a white water rafting trip for some of us thrill-seeking adults. It should be fun!

I really do enjoy spending time with my whole family. It doesn't happen as much anymore now that we're all grown up and my siblings are in new chapters of live with marriage and/or raising kids. It's so fun to see though. I love seeing my brother play with his three kids, I love seeing my sisters cuddle with their respective hubbies, I love seeing my mom using her mad cooking skills for our eating enjoyment, and I love talking with my dad about how much we love the little kiddos - Ben (5) Aaron (3), and Grace (1). I also love my added siblings - Anna, Ezra, and Kevin. They are all perfect matches for my siblings and am so thankful they are a part of my family. I love them all and trust that God plans to do great things through their marriages and families.

Spring 2010

Wow, so much life has happened since the last time I blogged. Being busy is a lame excuse for neglecting the up-keep of this blog, but it's true. I guess I'll just give an update on what I've been up to this year so far.

42nd Street
My Dad, my sister Bekah, and I were in a musical at the community college. We all had speaking roles - Dad was Abner Dillon, Bekah was Phillys Dale, and I was Peggy Sawyer. Bekah and I were a part of the tap chorus so we put in hours and hours of dance practices. Neither of us had done much tapping prior to this show, so it was an awesome learning opportunity! The show ran for two weekends in March. I had so many friends come up from Portland to see the show, which meant SO much to me! Thank you, dear friends!

Little Women
The day after our closing show for 42nd Street, auditions were held for Little Women at another community theater in town. I went for it and was thrilled to be cast as Jo March. It was such a fun experience! Being in a non-musical theater production was pretty new to me. I discovered a lot about myself and what I have to offer as an actress as opposed to just a dancer. I made new friends. :) And I also had the chance to work with a handful of people that had just been in 42nd street with me. Little Women performances ran for four weekends in May. I was so honored to have my sister Suzanne and her husband Kevin come visit from Colorado to see me as Jo. Again, I had plenty of out-of-town guests/dear friends come support me in this fun adventure. Thank you, thank you for making the effort to come to Aberdeen!

Babies on the way!!!
In family news, some exciting announcements were made this spring. Both my sister Suzanne and my sister-in-law Anna are expecting. Suzanne and Kevin are due with their first December 17th and Matt and Anna are having their fourth around January 22nd! The Hadleys hit a baby-booming season. I can't wait!! I just love being an Auntie!

Swing it!!
Now that I'm done with the back-to-back plays, I've been able to go out swing dancing about twice a week in Olympia. I just love it! It's hard to describe just how much and why I love to Lindy-Hop (the style of swing dancing I do). I think it's a combination of my deep love and appreciation for jazz music and soloists of the 30's and 40's, my great intrigue with how it works - how I can follow every step the guy leads solely by non-verbal cues, and my love for stylizing and improving steps (and personality!) here and there when the opportunity arises, which is absolutely a blast! I'm looking forward to attending the Seattle Lindy Exchange in August. There will be swing dancers and jazz musicians coming from all over the nation for three days of serious dancing! We're talking dances each night from 9PM-5AM!!! I CAN'T WAIT!

Running
I've also taken up running this spring. My new year's resolution was to run a 10k sometime this year. Well, I'm already running that distance on a regular basis, so I guess I'll keep increasing my distance and go for a half marathon!! I haven't found a race yet, but that's what I'm training for this summer.

So those are the Sarah Hadley highlights of the past 6 months. Ha! Here are a few pictures of 42nd Street and Little Women.

New Blog!

Hey everyone! In case you didn't know, I have a new blog especially for capturing my thoughts and experiences as I rehearse for 42nd Street. Come check out my new blog at: http://42ndstreetghc.blogspot.com/