By this time next year . . .

Hello all! I'm back from Oregon. Aah, it was a very nice and relaxing break from my favorite state with gambling and legal prostitution. :) It was actually quite a lovely mini-break with the added bonus of the Oregonian scenery. Imagine living in a place that is green all year round. Quite beautiful. And the mountains, and the river, and the forests . . . It was also a pleasant surprise that it sprinkled some, but no real rain until I left this morning. Wonderful!

So, my trip up was what some may call an adventure. Some may call it a fiasco. I called it frustrating, but never dull. The drive from Carson City to Lebanon is supposed to be (according to mapquest) a bit over 9 hours. Ha ha! Try closer to 12 for the way up. Icky indeed. The weather posed a problem with some snow and such, but driving slowly and cautiously (The cautious part I've actually had down pat for the whole of my life.) proved to work.

I stopped in Mt. Shasta for some much needed gas and lunch. I took off, only to have the driver's side windshield wiper fly off of the hook! EEK! Due to the nature of this particular traffic, it was impossible for me to pull over, pick it off of my car, and put it back on. Drat. It appeared to have completely flown away. I was forced to drive leaning over to the passenger side in order to see. Then the hook began to scrape the windshield. I was convinced it was scratching it, and really not to keen on the thought. I began to run the wiper and a half less frequently to prevent at least some of the damage which I knew would be present. I finally was able to pull off, into a town called Yreka, CA. I prayed to find a Wal-Mart or something to that extent, but finding none in my frantic search, I decided to pull off at a gas station and ask inside. I got out of my car, and first went to the windshield. I rubbed the scratch I feared was there. It was just a mark, though my rubbing of it proved futile in an attempt to remove it. I looked down, and there was the fly away wiper! Huzzah!!!!!!! I reattached it, and went about my way. It flew off again, but I was able to pull over and fix it. Not a problem with it since!

The next part of the story may actually shock some of you, so I will get that out of the way now. Despite the fact that I was born in Bishop, CA, have lived in Colorado, Idaho, and now Nevada, I have never once owned snow chains, nor have I ever actually had to put them on or take them off. I've never actually looked forward to the day I knew would come when I had to partake in this seemingly miserable chore. Well, guess what folks? I was actually not allowed to enter the state of Oregon without them! The guy who was checking for them at the border told me I could drive back to certain points on the highways called Chain Installation Stations (I'll explain in a bit), or I could return in half an hour, when it was very likely that they would be lifting this warning. GRR! I opted to go back, just in case I couldn't get through in half an hour.

I had to turn around and drive back. I drove for a bit and thought I saw a Chain Station, so I pulled off the side returning to CA, and returned to my original side. Either the guy moved, or it was purely a figment of my imagination. So, I looped again and went farther this time, making absolutely certain I had seen more than one before I backtracked again! I pulled around and was able to pull up to a Chain Installation Station without a wait. These stations were actually trucks that some people had been employed to drive. The bed of the trucks were filled with boxes and boxes of chains for all tire sizes. For a fee, they would sell them, and an additional fee they would put them on for you. Seeing no other real option at the moment, I paid for the works (much more than it would've cost otherwise). This process of driving around and getting chains ended up taking about an hour. I drove through the border, and the guys were not checking anymore!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I was on my way to Ashland, and ultimately Lebanon. The thing about chains is that you are actually not supposed to drive very fast. I've heard all different speeds, but my Chain Installation Man claimed that 25 mph would be ideal. I think I drove about 15 minutes past the border before getting so frustrated with a slow speed with no need of it, I pulled over to take them off. The guy gave me no instructions. So, the determined and independent parts of my character which are very strong forces in me worked together. I had to remove my coat and gloves--it was soooooooooo cold! I figured out about 2/3 of the removal process. I had to call my dad for the last part, and since he wasn't there, he told me what his supposition was. It took FOREVER to find the blasted last clasp for both tires, but I eventually did it (with lots of prayer, probably more for comforting myself than anything). After about40 minutes of this icky process I got back into my car--shivering, wet, muddy and tearstained. I returned to my mission of getting to Devon's, that is, after a brief visit to a convenience store in Ashland for washing the cold mud off of my hands and arms.

I did have a grand time at Devon's. We talked. I got to read. I got to journal. I helped out in the cuttings room of the Nursery her parents own and have now developed a new trade skill in case teaching doesn't work out. :) I got to meet Steph and her baby daughter Sydney, which was very fun. We watched some episodes of Monk. We watched a Mystery Science Theater 3000 (The Girl in Gold Boots--not very typical of their movies, but a completely wretched one! It was very funny). I got to visit Devon's very cute apartment, and the Springfield Public Library. We went to the outlet mall in Woodburn, and I was able to get my calendar for the 2005 year. Yeah! I got to hear what some of our mutual friends were up to, as did she. I got a more in depth description as to what Grad school was like for her this first term. Very interesting. I was able to share with her some of the wonderful music in Wicked. We spent some time in the hot tub, but the cloudy night allowed us no satisfying view of the stars. :( Her youngest sister, Brenna, thought it fun to chuck a couple of ice cubes at us from the upstairs window, though this did come to a quick end. Good food, fellowship, friends, and fun. I'd consider this trip a success!

So, I've settled on a New Year's Resolution for the year. I used to think they were silly, but now I kind of like the challenge. In 2005, I am going to make a much stronger effort to keep in touch with friends. I want to devote at least a portion of time (at the very least) two weekends a month to call friends--what is a cell phone really for if one does not take advantage of the enormous amounts of weekend minutes and long distance friends? I've been getting better about it, but I could be even better. I will write and respond more often to friends in e-mail and real mail. I also have decided that I need to read at least one new book a month. I have this nasty habit of going through spurts of reading new books, and then going back to my reliable favorites. Really, and I call myself an English teacher? Tsk tsk tsk. So, if anyone would like to help me out with these goals, I would appreciate it. Phone numbers, or e-mail changes/home address changes. Recommended readings. Etc.

Kara, I loved your Christmas letter this year! All that traveling? Ugh, I'm so jealous! How wonderful. But, I think my favorite part was the small print at the end. So, I can get mentioned if I come out and visit (and as we know, I am always up for a cheap opera!), or do something which deplores you, huh? Okay, another resolution for the year is to be mentioned in your letter next year. A visit would be a blast. But what if I went to Vegas and married a dancer whom I'd known approximately 12 minutes? Or, I could straighten my hair and dye it platinum blonde, get blue contacts, work out, and change my name to Barbie (whose sole goal is to get married to a rich man and drive a pink convertible). I could write a book revealing the horrible person you really are, get it published, and have it sold in Kansas City, particularly at NTS (I could title it "Cow Tipping and Ugs are NOT Terms of Endearment"). I could say John Calvin is my new favorite historical figure, wallpaper my room with pictures of the attractive Mr. Calvin, and find a way to blend our faces together digitally for you. I could . . . oh the possibilties are endless. As fun as a visit would be, this could prove to be more fun! :)

Oh, and for those of you wondering about the blind date, well, it didn't happen. I was not in the least bit crushed, either. Que Sera Sera. I really wasn't even looking forward to it, so I was pleased that it didn't.

The title of this post is from a song called "By This Time Next Year," from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard. It is based on the film from 1950 (I love it, but then I like drama more than comedy). The song is performed by characters who want to be big names in Hollywood and such. Lots o' fun.

May your days be merry and bright!

It's officially Christmas!!!!! It's been so for fifteen minutes!!!!!! Merry Christmas Bedford Falls! Oops, wrong thing. :) I do love Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed in It's a Wonderful Life. Perhaps I will watch that today, since I've not yet this season. Excellent film. At exactly midnight, I was driving to Dayton with Janina, and the all Christmas music station began to play "White Christmas" with the amazing Bing Crosby. Seriously, is there any other person who can sing that song and sound right? I may be very biased, considering the fact that I should have been born in 1935 and in love with Bing since childhood, but I really don't think so. Every time I hear it, I think of him.

Tonight was exciting. I saw Phantom of the Opera! I loved it! I saw it with Nina, Stephanie, Hana, and Eric (whom I've met a couple of times). It reaffirmed my love of Patrick Wilson. I was completely impressed with Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler. Excellent film. No matter what anyone else thinks (Chris!), I do love this musical. It was certainly more amazing to see it from this close than the furthest balcony in the Marquis Theatre in NYC, or the Buell Theatre in Denver. This was the first show I ever saw on Broadway. Great show. I liked how they weaved more of the "newer" part in with the storytelling. I was caught up in the whole thing, and found myself crying. I rarely cry at movies (Though certain ones will get me over and over. Stupid sentimentality! I cried at the song "Puff the Magic Dragon" until I was 13, and will still tear up when I hear it now!), but it got me.

Janina and I have been having a grand old time in Dayton. Nothing but relaxing and having fun together has touched our agenda. We've watched several movies, played a lot of games, shopped, saw Finding Neverland together (another amazing movie), sang songs, and had a great time. I've finished The Da Vinci Code, and even figured out several parts of the mystery before they were revealed. I love doing that! Since I've never read any works by this author before, I was particularly proud of it. It certainly was an interesting story. I think I may have to do some research of my own to see how much of the things were actually true. I've finished through Act II of The Skin of Our Teeth--another very interesting read. It's a strange play, but I'm enjoying it. It's very imaginative so far, and I cannot predict what is going to happen next. The copy I have is neat, because it has original production pictures in it! Tallulah Bankhead and Montgumery Clift were in the original cast! How awesome is that?

Oh! Something fairly exciting has happened to me this week! While growing up in Exeter, I had several good friends. When we moved from Colorado, it broke my heart (considering I'd started Kindergarten in Exeter and they were the only friends I knew). I had a group of friends who meant a lot to me. I really don't keep in touch with most of them now, only Tracie on occasion, and she was my best friend. Well, I got an e-mail from one of them this week asking if my e-mail really was my e-mail. My good childhood friend, Jenifer Brasuel! We've e-mailed back and forth a couple of times this week, it's been neat. The last time I saw her (or anyone from Exeter) was when we went back the year I graduated high school so I could see my old class graduate (La Junta graduated in May. Exeter graduated in June). Things sure have been eventful for the both of us in the last 6 1/2 years, as I'm sure they'd be for most people! I've really gotten a kick out of hearing from her this week. She's married now, has a daughter who is almost a year old, and lives in Oregon. Speaking of Oregon . . .

I'm going to Oregon tomorrow! YES!!!!!!!! I'm going to visit my wonderful friend Devon. It's probably been about two years since I last saw her, so it'll be great to catch up. I'm planning on staying until Wednesday, so it'll be a nice break from Nevada. I realized that the last overnight trip I had that was actually a vacation was in April when I went to Sacramento with Kami Watson to see Julie McClure. Wow! Too long, imho. I love travelling. I love visiting friends. I love seeing other places. In high school, I really did consider becoming a travel agent, just so I could visit places and recommend them to people. Well, clearly that did not happen . . . yet. Perhaps someday I shall do this. After all, I'm going to be 25 in about two months, so who is to say that my life will stay just as it is now? Anyway, Devon and I will have a marvelous time, I'm sure! I may even get a chance to meet Steph, whom I heard a lot about in college and whose blog I now follow regularly. How exciting would that be?

Well, that wraps up my writing for today. The lyrics come from the song "White Christmas." This did not make it's debut in the movie of the same name, though many people think so. Nope! It actually comes from a musical written earlier called Holiday Inn. Bing was the original singer, just so you don't have to worry about that! It also starred the phenomenal Fred Astaire. I like White Christmas more. It became a stage musical this year, when a professional company did it in San Francisco. Esther got to see it! She really liked it. It starred Brian d'Arcy James, who was one of the first people I saw perform on Broadway (in Titanic) when I was 17. I fell in absolute love with his voice, which led up to a rather embarrassing letter I wrote . . . A long story for another time, perhaps. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Well, I doubt I will be blogging again until after Christmas, so I'm sending out my wishes of Christmas joy to all here and now. Then again, I may perhaps write before Christmas, but something awfully big and worthy of my time must take place in order for me to do so. We shall see, won't we?

Tonight was possibly my last "Christmas" for the year. I had the one at school. Kristen and I shopped on Saturday (and had quite the funny time at Olive Garden) before church, so we exchanged gifts then. Saturday evening was the Brown/Carson Smith exchange (meaning Jacque and Laurie. My family has a way of labeling the families by where they live. We have the Beardslees. The El Centro Browns. The South Carolina Browns. The Reno Smiths. The Carson Smiths. Grandparents are not labeled). Yesterday, Jeanne and I exchanged gifts. Tonight was my immediate family's exchange. I gave Stephanie hers last Tuesday, and I gave Chris his tonight. The only person I have left is Hana. Phew!

So, Janina and I may not be going to San Diego after all. She's had to hang around UNR a little longer, because she had some choir fundraising obligations: to be the back up entertainment for a Casino performer. She hated it. Who can blame her? She said they had to sing with the fog machine going. I've been there, done that, and hope to never again. It's a hideous experience. Anyway, she got the mother of all colds--almost passing out last night onstage! Ick. She doesn't want to travel with it, nor does she want to potentially pass on her illness. So it might be hanging out in Dayton for Christmas, just the two of us. Truth be told, I am not really looking forward to the 10 or so hour drive there and back. The Christmas Grinch must have reached my soul, because I really wasn't looking forward to seeing the family, either (I'm so sorry!). I've seen all but the Beardslee cousins pretty recently, though, so I think that's part of it. If we do end up going, I'm sure I'll have a good time. If not, well, more lounging for the two of us is definitely in order. I'm still wiped out from school and trying to overcome this cold.

Umm, I'm reading some good stuff right now. Janina gave me a book of poetry for Christmas that's very exciting!!! All the poems are written by women throughout history and from all over the world; it's titled Ain't I a Woman, after Sojourner Truth's poem. I've only read a couple so far, but this is a great collection. I've also recently started The DaVinci Code. I'm not that far into it yet, but it's a very intriguing mystery so far. I'm reading the fourth of the Shopaholic series right now, Shopaholic and Sister. Ann and Stephanie got me started on them--they're very funny. I'm rereading Love's Labour's Lost at the moment. Chris is directing it this summer at the BAC, so I'm toying with the idea of auditioning. It's been about four years since my last Shakespeare play (Othello), so I figure I'm due! Plus, it's a comedy. My last two were tragedies, and I think I'd enjoy something a little lighter. I'm starting a book called Interpreter of Maladies which Ann also recommended. It's a collection of short stories which are about women from India, or of that cultural background. It won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000, so I've got high hopes for it. I'm rereading Lois Lowry's Gathering Blue, which is kind of a book in the style of The Giver (which she also wrote). Not quite the same society as Jonas', but Kira's is also an interesting story. She recently published a third one which I've not yet read. Oh, and I'm going to start reading a play by Thornton Wilder here very soon (this break) called The Skin of Our Teeth. I'm told it's very interesting and quite good. It's Wilder, so I really quite expect this of one of his plays. Isn't reading one of the greatest things ever? I love it!!!!

So, do enjoy your Christmas, and bit of time off! Did you guess where the title came from? Meet Me in St. Louis, of course! Did you know it came from a musical? It was originally a movie, but has since been turned into a stage show. And the original singer of this famous song? The amazing Judy Garland! She had to sing it to little Margaret O'Brien who played Garland's five year old sister in the movie. The family had to move from St. Louis to New York City soon at the point in the movie where Judy sang this. An interesting random fact is that the lyrics were going to be completely different, "Have yourself a merry little Christmas/it may be your last/next year we may all be living in the past." It went downhill from there. Judy heard the song and told the lyricist, Hugh Martin, "It's a lovely melody, but I can't sing that to a little girl! The audiences will hate it!" He changed the lyrics to what we know now as such a great Christmas standard.

It's a Jolly Holiday!

Okay, I know that since I'm in school at the moment, perhaps I shouldn't be blogging. However, it is the end of the day. The 7th graders are watching the end of A Muppet's Christmas Carol. After all, if 12 year olds are going to read Dickens, they deserve to watch a fun version of the story (particularly on the last day of school). I have exactly 45 minutes and 30 seconds before school is out; I've been ready for this all week, and the end of last week! I need a vacation!!!!!!!!

Okay, so, one more trip to a theatre, and I think I'm done for the year (though if something else comes up, I'm almost certain I'd be game). Tonight Jeanne and I are coming to this church where we teach (but neither of us attend) to see their production of "The Christmas Shoes." My church did it last year, and I played one of the leads. I'm eager to see how different it's going to be, and if I can still say all of my lines.

So, this vacation will be awesome--at least it'd better be! I have very little grading (about 7 research papers, 4 8th grade projects, and about 30 little homework assignments), so I'll get that out of the way asap. If I'm done, I can come in sometime this weekend to plan out the rest of the quarter, and then I can truly relax. I have plans to see Phantom of the Opera with musical theatre friends. Janina and I are driving together to San Diego after our parents are, to spend Christmas with the Browns, and then some of the holiday with Aunt Denise and the Beardslee clan. I'm sad that Will won't be there, but Beau (who has just completed boot camp) will be there--woo-hoo! Plus, I'll get to see the famous Rachel, but I promise to not name my car after her or anything . . . After that, I've got nothing but time to read, lounge, play in the snow (if I don't get too cold), spend time with family and friends, etc. I don't remember the last time I was this excited about Christmas break!

So I'm overloaded with goodies and Christmas gifts from well-meaning staff members and students. Oh my gosh!!!!!! I've got gift cards to Starbucks, Jamba Juice, candles, books, journals, Christmas trinkets of all types, magnets, ornaments, etc. Lots of chocolate and sweets are also included, like I need to gain any more weight! I don't know if this happens to anyone else, but when I get around a lot of sweets like this, just looking at them makes me feel ill and rarely seems at all appealing.

In Bible, I had fun. I read them background stories of Christmas Carols, and then we sang them. Now I know all NNU folk will say, "Oh Lynette, just stop the singing already!" It's not me, I promise! I ask them frequently to stop singing during class--both the 7th and 8th grades! I then took them caroling to the three other classrooms in this building. All in all, a fun period.

So, the movie has ended, and I need to get back to teaching. Clearly the title comes from the song in Mary Poppins. Enjoy your weekend!

A little bit of this, a little bit of that

To all the nonbelievers, I need to say one thing: the Reno/Sparks, Carson City area is not completely devoid of local talent!!!!!! YEAH!! Having one's faith restored in the good of local theatre is indeed a wonderful thing. Oh, side note: the group doing Cinderella had two casts. The third graders saw it today, and Anita Swearingen told me that it was pretty good. We must have seen the "B" cast.

Ruthless was quite good. I felt that the timing, energy, and most of the performances were well done. I laughed all the way through Act I. Act II seemed to lose its structure and go everywhere, so I didn't like it as well. However, it too was hilarious. The plot was an interesting blend of All About Eve, The Bad Seed, and Gypsy. Yesiree, it was strange. Tons o'puns. It was very bizarre, but Karen Chandler's (the director of the theatre department at Carson High School) song titled "I Hate Musicals" and sung like Ethel Merman was very funny. I'd never been to a production at the Bruka Theatre before; odd theatre. It was very warm, and all the seats were couches! Kinda cool!

I got to meet more "Theatre folk" of the area. Chris and I rode up with Dave Anderson (who was our Jigger in Carousel) and his family. They're nice. I'd never really gotten a chance to talk to Dave's wife (whose name escapes me at the moment), so that was fun. I also got to meet the infamous Jeff Whitt (Who did openly gawk at women, much to my amusement--I've never seen anybody quite that obvious about it before! Normally this might offend me, but seeing how silly he looked, it proved to be funny.), and a couple, Rick and Kelly, whose last name I never did learn. All interesting people and it made for a fun night.

Tonight is our Christmas party at work, and boy do I really not feel like going. I acquired a cold over the weekend, and wasn't able to sleep last night for a lack of breathing. We'll see how I feel in about an hour and a half, and then I'll determine whether or not I'll be attending. Teaching was kind of wasted on me today. I can't wait for Christmas break!!! I want to rid myself of this cold, and have plenty of recooperation before auditions for The Fantasticks and Beauty and the Beast in January. I think I'm going to try for both, though the odds of my getting into The Fantasticks are far more slim than BATB since there are only 8 characters. Plus, it's going to be done at the college in a lecture hall/theatre (Which is nothing like the Science Lecture Hall at NNU. This one only holds about 100-150 people!), which will not be as fun as the Community Center. We shall see.

Ooh! My cousin Kelsey sent me a letter and a picture which I received today. Thanks, Kels! I love and miss you too! She and her sister Halley live in an apartment in Anaheim together, and they both work at Disneyland. The cool thing is that they can get me in for free! I'm pondering going down around my birthday, to make 25 less scary for me. Perhaps, if they're willing, I could bring some friends as well . . . Anyway, it was nice to get this. I adore most of my Smith/Beardslee cousins. We're far more close than any cousins have a right to be. Grandma and Grandpa taught their kids that family should always come first, and this carried over into our generation. We got together at least three times a year, every year, until my family moved to Colorado; and this was the whole clan of Smiths, Browns, and Beardslees; not even the random trips to see just one set of cousins or the grandparents.

I have a sad confession to make now. On the Brown side, I'm the oldest. On the Smith side, I'm the third oldest; Shane is three years older than me, and Rachel is 9 months older than me. When growing up, I looked to Rachel as a big sister, which has affected some embarrassing areas of my life to this day. I cried when I learned I would never wear curlers, because Rachel did. I named my first pet, a hamster in Kindergarten, Rachel. We soon learned that Rachel the hamster was a boy, yet I refused to change his name. Finally (and this is the silliest thing), the hair ties. Backing up, I must explain that as a very young child, my hair was slow to grow. I couldn't wear a barrett until I was 2! About the time I hit 3 1/2, it exploded into what it is now. So, when I could finally wear those hair rubber bands, I started calling them "Rachels" since Rachel wore them. I still call them Rachels. My mom now calls them Rachels. Jessica and Janina call them Rachels. My niece Leigha calls them Rachels. I was clearly an obsessed child!!! We were best friends until about Junior High, when some big events took place in both of our lives. We're still good friends, but do not have the tight bond we once had, sadly.

Today's lyrics start off the song "Anatevka" in Fiddler on the Roof. Good show! I loved doing it Freshmen year at NNU. WNMTC is doing it in November. Yeah!

The Theatre, the theatre! What's happened to the theatre?

Well, today's was kinda the opposite of last weekend's great theatre. Actually, this week was that way, and I have one shot left at any good theatre this weekend. Sad, sad, sad. I truly hope that my one shot left will prove to be successful.

Thursday night was the K-4th grade Christmas Program at school. I probably wouldn't have gone, were it not for my photo obligation to the yearbook. I would've asked Jeanne to go as my fellow co-editor, since she didn't go to the 5th-8th grade Veteran's Day Concert last month, but she had a choir obligation. I think she'll be taking the pictures next Tuesday at the Preschool Program. I'll be spending time with Stephanie and Merci (Who's moving in about 1 1/2 weeks to Utah!!!! How sad am I?). It was okay, but about 90% of the Kindergarteners seem to be quite hammy.

Today, I took the 7th-8th graders on a field trip to see Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at the Reno Hilton, with Jeanne, Ann and about 6 parents (which thankfully meant I didn't have to drive students!). I was pretty excited about seeing it. Too bad that was dashed fairly soon after the show started. Oh, before the show began, they allowed the kids have a chance at an open mike thingy like last year during The Jungle Book. Aaron said, "MEEGYPTIONS RULE!!!!!!" Tori and Chae decided to sing. Nubia said, "I love Ms. Brown!!!!!!!!" Ah, junior highers.

Anyway, the show absolutely stunk. It rivaled the production of Little Shop of Horrors performed by Pine Forest when the plant was feeding lines to Seymor. It rivaled the beastly production of Romeo and Juliet at Regent's Park in London where not one part of the show was done correctly (accordian dropping at the discovery of dead Paris, Romeo, and Juliet, Mercutio the unfunny, bitter drunk, etc.). It rivaled the production of Much Ado About Nothing in Boise where the performers all were awful, and the role of Margaret was played by a 9 year old and was in a "relationship" with a man who was at least 50 or older! It rivaled the production of Little Mary Sunshine performed by the students at Exeter Union High School, which was the first time I actually hated being in a theatre. It was horrible enough to even perhaps surpass each of these miserable times at the theatre. The only good parts of the show were the sets, the orchestra, and the fact that the lines were memorized. It was horrendous: mike problems, random Disney songs thrown in (Illegally, I'm sure. The Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization and the Disney Organization would never actually permit this), bad singing, hideous acting, and on and on it goes. There are not enough adjectives in the Oxford Dictionary to describe how truly heinous this show was.

So, I went to the BAC to see Carson High School's production of Oliver Twist with Chris tonight. Break here to say that it's great to have friends in Carson who are more than willing to see shows with me, I've missed that! Anyhoo, it was an awful script. Half the people decided to attempt British or Cockney accents. The other half used typical American teenager accents (including Oliver!). I sometimes had to shake with laughter because there were such bad parts, but I didn't want to throw off a performer with laughing outloud at an inappropriate part. I wanted to leave at intermission when Chris suggested it, but I knew some of the kids and would have felt bad (we were in the second row, and in plain view). The script distorted much of the story, and it saddened me to see how Dickens was slaughtered. Why destroy greatness???????? Who would intentionally do this?????

So, tomorrow is my last straw. I am desperately grasping at it, clinging to it, praying that it will prove worthwhile. We got tickets for Ruthless tomorrow night. I'm hoping it will be good, I truly am. I need to salvage my deteriorating belief in the existence of good theatre locally--two bad shows in one day may prove to be too much for this naiive faith I once held.

Well, if nothing else, I have great theatre in my room at the moment. I bought Season 2 of Gilmore Girls, and have been laughing incessantly at the sheer intelligent humor which permeates throughout each episode. What other show would throw in references to Herman Melville, the Spice Girls, and Frank Sinatra all in one normal episode? This show is so smart, funny, and doesn't gloss over real life issues. It is honestly the only show I make a point to watch.

The lyrics come from the song "Choreography" which was used in White Christmas. Gotta love those Irving Berlin numbers!

Haul out the holly!

Yes, outside of my frequent tuning in to the Christmas radio stations, and my own vast collection of Christmas CDs (The area I think I splurge the most at Christmas. I've been good so far, and haven't even looked at any!), I can tell Christmas is coming. I not only welcome it, I embrace the Christmas season!!!!

Several "Christmassy" things are happening, or have happened lately.
1) I got my first Christmas card of the year, albeit from Maurice's (with a $5 card!).
2) I've received my first Christmas newsletter, thank you Carly Powne!
3) My 11th and 12th graders have gone Christmas crazy when it comes to decorating my classroom. Snowflakes, Christmas chains, a Christmas elf on my door (which is ugly enough to give small children nightmares for weeks), a Christmas tree, etc. I don't mind, provided it's done on their own time, and not mine.
4) I'm teaching A Christmas Carol to my 7th graders, for the second year in a row. Ooh I love Dickens and how deliciously creepy this story can be! Fun for Christmas.
5) I got my ticket today for the staff Christmas party next Tuesday night. Yee-haw. Actually, I did have fun last year. This year, I won't be playing Mary in the staff Christmas presentation for the teachers! Last year, we did a funny skit. I had to wear a basketball under a tunic. I came out with the doll as Jesus, and realized that "Mary" was still "pregnant." OOPS! I hit the top of the ball, and as it dropped out of my costume, I kicked it back to the "Innkeeper." A tad embarrassing, andI'm still hearing about it! This year, we're singing "Christmastime Is No Time to Diet." Phew! Hopefully we'll win the trophy this year, though Pastor Dave told me that the pastors are strong contenders this year.
6) Finally (and this is the greatest part), I received my first Christmas Present today. One of my lovely 7th grade girls gave me an Anthology of Jane Austen's work! :) Granted, I despise anthologies, but it certainly was sweet of her to do. It is lovely to look at. I'm glad that I own all of her novels in single editions! Anyway, it was unwrapped, so I feel no shame in having it now! Last year I got a lot of candles, tea, and such from my students; certainly not amazing books.

This title comes from the show Mame, did you know that? It's from the song called "We Need a Little Christmas." Now, though it is very true that we need a little Christmas, I refused to let two of my 8th grade girls hang mistletoe over my doorway on Friday. We need a little Christmas, but not that much!

A Night at the Opera, Trip to the Ballet, Evening of Theatre . . .

Well, I've just had the most wonderful week, theatrically speaking. Perhaps not the most wonderful ever, but pretty darned good. Since Tuesday, I've seen five performances of various things. :) And possibly the best part is that I only spent $11 for the entire thing! Hee hee hee . . .

On Tuesday, I went to see Janina's opera, The Gondoliers at UNR. Chris and Stephanie went with me. Jeanne, Hana, and Leoney were going to come, but it didn't work out (illness and all). So, I paid my $5 and saw the opera. It felt like I was back at NNU where I literally knew everyone, considering how many people I saw and knew. Melinda and Tara teased me every time I stepped foot on the actual campus during the Student Teaching semester, because of the people I'd greet and such. They used to torment me by keeping a running tally, and time how long my conversations went! Anyway, I saw my family members, and some of Janina's friends whom I've been introduced to. The opera was funny. I just want to reiterate to the entire world how much I love Gilbert and Sullivan--oh so hysterical! Some of the people's acting could have been better, but my guess is that the production was more concerned with the actual music as opposed to great performances. Janina was good as the Duchess. There was one point where she had to run after her husband, and the way she did it was too funny. I laughed heartily! Chris and Stephanie both said that they enjoyed it, as well. Good.

Wednesday night was the show A Star is Born at CVC. Ashlee Negrete, one of my 8th graders, invited me to the show back in September, so I couldn't very well refuse! She's one of those kids that will be hard to part with whenever she's not my student any longer. She played the snobby, hard, evil Ivy M. [Medea] Robespierre in the play I directed at school last year. Back to the show; it was CVC's kids Christmas musical. I was impressed at how well done it was, truly I was. Having been a veteran performer of some of the church musicals myself, and seeing plenty of them, I know what they can be. The kids looked sharp with their dancing, sounded great with the singing, and generally did a great job performing. Ashlee played a "Big-Named Hollywood Star" for this musical. My stomach hurt with laughter at her performance. Oh, and Jim (who was the Minstrel in Mattress) also did a great job. I got to talk to several of my students, former students, parents of students, etc. One of my challenge kids from last year, who's not attending CCS this year, stopped me to talk. He thanked me for the Drama program I had last year and letting him be involved in it! I don't know if I can actually put into words the emotion he expressed, because apparently it meant more than I realized to him. I was a little shaken by this, but have to admit, it felt wonderful. Not only is he doing Drama at his new school, he's acing academically (Something I really had to push him in last year; school did not come easy for him). I guess that just reinforced how rewarding my job can be, but also that it's a responsibility I should never take lightly. Wow.

Thursday night, I drove myself up to South Lake Tahoe High School to see their production of Laughter in the Dark, which was also very funny. The title sounded very familiar to me, but I've never seen it. Nanette (who was Nettie) directed it. Josh, Briana, and Bubba were all in it. I saw it with Stephanie. Overall, it was a very random play. All three had told me of the show, so I also had some of the backstage gossip, which affected my thinking during the show. Very funny! I got in for free, because I was with Stephanie, so I made sure I bought some refreshments and such so that I would be supporting their drama department. Josh, Bri, and Bubba all told me that it meant a lot to them that I was there, so I'm very glad I went. It was also good, because I was able to really listen to the OBC CD of Beauty and the Beast in the car, and practice along with it. We'll see . . .

Friday night, I went to my church's musical (which they always call Sweet Sounds of Christmas). The show was called Extreme Christmas Makeover, and was written by Don Baumann (The pastor I'm closest to at church. He used to be a Drama teacher as well!). Also a very funny show. This was where the other $6 for my $11 weekend came. Stephanie and Jeanne came with me and they had a good time. Kristen had the lead role, and got her inspiration from Paige Davis (Whom I saw in the Broadway tour of Beauty and the Beast in Denver when I was in high school; I think she played a spoon.). Also a very funny show.

Saturday, I was going to see a musical in Reno called Ruthless with Hana, Chris and some people I don't know, but it was sold out on Friday afternoon for Saturday evening's performance. Dash it! I graded all day, went to church, and graded all night instead! It's not as fun as it sounds, trust me.

Today, because I finished so much grading yesterday, I gave myself the chance to go back to Sweet Sounds. There were a couple of reasons behind my wanting to go again, but the main one was to see the Sanborn family. Patty was our secretary last year, and Evan was one of my 8th graders last year. I desperately miss them this year, so it was great to see them and Bill today! I was talking to Laura Dunn before Sweet Sounds, and mentioned I needed to get a ticket. She had an extra for her table, and refused to let me pay her! Laura's great. I was able to "babysit" Rachel Ply while watching, since Linda and the kids were in the production this year. I'm not sure where Kevin was, but I was glad to do it. Rachel's only a month old, and so adorable. However, she slept through the whole show, so I didn't have much to do! The show was much better today than it was on their opening night, I must say.

So, all in all, a great week of theatre. I love seeing shows, almost as much as being in them! Theatre is one the greatest things about life, as far as I'm concerned. Right up there with reading, good friends, etc. Sigh.

The title, again, comes from "Dressing for the Night" in Maury Yeston's Phantom. I got to be one of the actresses in the opera. Since the opera was A Midsummer Night's Dream, and the character of Titania was played by the character Christine Daee (Julie Checketts was amazing!), I always pretended to be the singer playing the part of Helena. I like Helena ever so much more than Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream. I think it's because I truly can sympathize with her situation, and Hermia can tend to be a little snot.

Once upon a time . . .

Hello to all the faithful followers of the dry and ordinary accounts of Lynette Brown!

What is it about life that keeps us so interested? What compels me to write down my life or thoughts? What leads others to read about it? Why do I read others? Seriously, I know I don't stand out if it came to a lineup of fascinating people of the world. I don't think I'd be at the completely boring end of the line, either. It's interesting. I tend to regularly follow the lives of about five others through blogs: my two sisters, my cousin, a good friend, and a friend of hers whom I have never met. Occasionally, I'll just decide, "Hey! I should read other people's blogs, too!" So, I'll go exploring. You know something? I haven't found one that I find boring.

I analyzed this a couple of years ago, in college actually. I knew I was headed into teaching. What led me to teaching, I'm not certain. I love English. I love people. For some reason, I figured that this would be a perfect blend for a job. Sometimes it is; sometimes it isn't. Anyway, back to my point (Aha! The Concrete-Sequential side will come out and say, "Enough of you, Abstract-Random!"), my analyzing. I believed that English could be something which every person loved, but I had to figure out why. I think I hit it then, so I'll share it with you now.

Stories. People love stories. When we get together with friends, we share stories. When children play, there is a story in it somehow. Every movie is a story. Every journey, discovery, science experiment, etc. includes a story. Everything in life revolves around stories. How powerful! So, I came to the conclusion that each person can at least like English sometimes, because this story factor is such an influential part of an English class. How incredibly amazing!

So, go out! Share a story with someone. Create a story with someone. Learn another's story. Revel in the fact that stories literally surround us all.

The title of this story revelation is from Into the Woods. This is the first bit in the initial song, "Into the Woods."

Jeanie's Packin' Up! Jeanie's Movin' Out . . .

. . . to my house! Okay, so I kinda changed the lyrics, but that was only for this part! Kristen has moved her stuff back to Dayton. She is wanting to save money, so she's moved back into her parents house. Her brother Joey was willing to give up the privalage of having his own room because he was so excited for Kristen to come back. Not many brothers would do that, particularly 13 year old boys! So, Jeanne Hyde (who does happen to go by the name Jeanie) has become my new roommate. I moved all my stuff across the hall (Yes, I claimed the bigger bedroom. I am a selfish person.), and have put the big stuff away. It'll be nice living with someone who teaches the same kids I do.

Thanksgiving was fun. Jacque, Laurie, Janina, Jessica, Jason, Leigha, and Brianna all gathered with me at the Brown residence in Dayton. Jessica and I actually got along! I only had to bite my tongue about three times. I can't remember the last time we got along so well. It was great. We actually made each other laugh, and were able to have civil conversations. YES!!!!!!!!! Brianna and I also got to bond. Every time I held her, she was laughing or grinning. She likes her aunt Lynette! I don't know if there is anything more rewarding than a baby choosing to smile and laugh with you. Seriously. It is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Leigha went nuts when I came over. We also did Christmas while I was there. She is still thanking me for the Tinkerbell doll I gave her. She told me she loves me, because I give her presents. Isn't that sweet. I guess that is true adoration and love in a four year old's mind. I can't believe that she'll be five in January! Time flies so quickly.

Ooh! Another exciting thing has happened to me! I'm losing my voice!!!! I don't know what it is, but before my voice completely goes (Which I am trying to avoid, I even refrained from singing tonight at church for the most part! That's really saying something.), I love the rougher version that comes out of my mouth. It is so fun to speak with; somewhat like an accent. Tony, who was Mr. Snow in Carousel, had larengytis the last week of the show. I have only had a slightly sore throat since Sunday, so I'm kinda wondering if that's what I have. My voice has been going since Wednesday. I do hope it'll be back on Monday, so I can teach. But for now, I'll just enjoy the ill-sounding Lynette.

Well, that wraps up what I want to say for now. Actually, there are about 14 other things, but I'll live. The lyrics come from a song titled (what else?) "Jeanie's Packin' Up" from Brigadoon. That was a fun musical to do! I loved playing Meg. I learned that NNU had done this show about 3-4 other times, but I was the very first person to play the character of Meg Brockie! Apparently, she was too "racy" for previous versions! We toned her down A LOT, but I sure had a ball being a flirt with Ben Stecker. Especially after our Russian Bond from You Can't Take It With You, and our whole bit of dialogue concerning his ex-fiance who ran off with a Russian in Brigadoon. Oh the irony.

Reviewing the Situation

"I think it'd be neat to be a singer like they are in Switchfoot. I mean, they're Christians, but they're considered to be a sexual band. Wait! I mean secular!" ~8th grade girl in my Bible class

If ever a person thought teaching could be boring or not stimulating enough, I beg to differ. Every day, and I do mean every day, I get a good laugh at least once. I get some of the most random questions that have ever been asked, and I am constantly on my toes. I'm glad that, for the most part, I've got a mind that can respond fairly quickly to curveballs. Occasionally I'll strike out, but usually I can hit an answer that will take me all the way to second base. Sometimes I even make it all the way home!

Carousel ends on Sunday. :( I don't think I'll miss it as much as I did Mattress at first, but our cast isn't nearly as close as that one was. There are still some people whose names I don't know. I feel bad about that, because that's never been an issue I've had. However, I've never been in a cast this size, so I suppose that may be a part of the reason. Being a strong member of the Mattress Clique (Of course, with only three "official" members, it's hard not to be. Each of us has a very strong personality!) has not affected this. What feels the worst is the fact that more people seem to know me than I know them. Yes, it is a congested and somewhat incoherent sentence, but I hope it conveys what I'm trying to say.

This week has been getting me excited for the Christmas season. I mostly have listened to Christmas music (my favorite part of all the "normal" traditions). I have watched both White Christmas and Meet Me in St. Louis this week as well. And, as you are all on the edge of your seats, I shall now reveal to the world my favorite Christmas song. I think some people know it, but in case you are unaware of the greatest Christmas song it is "O Holy Night." This song should not be performed by everybody, but I do have my favorites. Naturally, Grandpa Smith--the greatest singer in the world, though not famous by any means. 2nd runners up include both Michael Ball and Josh Groban. Shocker? Probably not.

Footloose was fun, but very cheesy for the most part. I was there with Stephanie, Chris, Merci, my fun sister Janina, and a friend of hers named Nicole (who apparently plays her daughter in The Gondoliers). It was hysterical to see Marcus play a character named Cowboy Bob. I sat between Chris and Stephanie--we laughed all the way through his scene. I didn't follow with tradition and break into my "Footloose" dance as I do with the movie, however. It must be a Kevin Bacon thing. Or the fact that I was in public. Probably the latter.

Fagin sings the song after which this post was named. The song is called "Reviewing the Situation." It is from Oliver! This is the musical I've seen the most--3 times! I'd like to play Nancy someday, for the songs, not because she's willingly in an abusive relationship. I don't know that I could get to the point where I can fully understand this mentality. Granted, "As Long as He Needs Me" is beautiful and explains her side a bit more, I still can't wholeheartedly agree with it. It is disturbing, to say the least!

What's the buzz? Tell me what's happening!

Well, life has certainly kept me busy! However, I prefer my life to be filled with theatre, friends, etc. as I find it much more interesting than otherwise. I like getting to know new people (Though I tend to be more reserved and introverted than I think I let on. I'm much more willing to be open and extoverted than I used to.). and performing.

I've once again discovered that I am in my element where I teach. Thursday, we had off because of Veteran's Day (thanks to my numerous family members who were and still are willing to serve, btw), and school was in session again on Friday. Ick. Well, Joel (Science) and Mr. Libby (I have a hard time calling him Don, still) decided to take the 7-12 grades on a field trip for a Science/P.E. thing. Since 4 teachers were out, Jeanne and I were employed to subtitute the afternoon session in the 5th and 6th grades. We were to decide who did what. Jeanne didn't care, so I let her take over 5th. Keith Squires is a very organized teacher who has a system down pat. I had no idea what Kurt Salfrank's structure was. Jeanne was really nervous about it, so I figured Keith's would be easier for her. 6th grade was fun, but I like having students switch classes every 50 minutes. I like that I teach the same subject, and can focus on my strengths rather than my weaknesses. I like that if a class is frustrating me, I know it won't be long before I get a different bunch. I feel like the day goes faster in my classes than it ever did during my long term subbing position at CCS with the 2nd graders. Ugh! Possibly one of the most aggravating months of my life was that Feb. 2003.

The show is getting infinitely better. Stephanie, Bri Billings, Bubba and I have a Phase 10 game every night. It's a blast! Each of us has won at least once, which makes it nice. Today, I hated the game. I was stuck on Phase 3 for about 4 rounds! Ugh! My parents saw the show today, and liked it. My dad liked it! YEAH! After they saw Mattress, he came up to me and said,
"Can we make this quick? We're hungry. Oh, and can I get my camera now?" "
Sure. Did you like the show?"
"Yes. Camera?"
Feelin' the love? He was much nicer this time around.

Oh! I've now seen Bridget Jones, The Edge of Reason. It was soooooooo funny!! It didn't cover enough of the book, but the whole Thailand Prison bit takes a lot of time, so I guess that's why. It didn't deal with Jellyfish as much, Magda and Jeremy (and all the Smug Marrieds), and some other things which I desparately missed. I was not able to breathe properly during certain parts due to my laughter. Oh, and I am sadly in love with Colin Firth all over again. Not sadly because I'm actually sad, mind you. Sad because I know it could never happen, and sad that I feel like a teenager again when this happens. Feeling immature is not something I fancy.

On Thursday, a bunch of us are going to see Footloose at UNR. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this same group are going to see The Gondoliers. On the first of December, I'm going to CVCC's Christmas show (one of my 8th graders has the lead female part. Jim DeZerga--Minstrel from Mattress--has the lead role). Early in December, I'm going to see my church's Christmas show, where Kristen has the lead role. So much theatre, so little time . . .

The title comes from Jesus Christ Superstar. I may not love everything about that show, but overall it is worthy of your time. I thought it strange that Prof. Dennis showed us a couple of clips of the movie during the notorious 8 week quarter/semester transition Greek and Roman Classics. About as random as any Prof Hill (who made me call him Reg in London) movie/literature connection; my favorite being Beowulf to The Terminator. Ah, those NNU days . . .

Kids! Who can understand anything they say?

I have decided that my students are some of the most random and hilarious people that God ever created. This is not an exaggeration. Just today, here are three examples of the group I'm dealing with:

1) A 7th grade boy asked, "Miss Brown, can I call you Charlie?"
"Pardon me?"
"Can I call you Charlie?"
"Why?"
"You know! Charlie. Brown. Get it?"
" ," (my silent staring and gaping).
"Get it?"
"Yes, I get it. No, you may not call me Charlie!"
"Why not?"

2) A tenth grader raised her hand in class today, "Miss Brown, I have a question mark."
"Where?"
"Huh?"
"Where is your question mark?"
"What? OH! I meant that I have a question!"

3) The entire 7th grade class has decided to call themselves the tribe of Meegyptions. I'm not completely certain as to how this came about, but they have decided that this is what they are. 7th graders (ironic and amused look on face with a shake of my head is still occurring)!

Yes, the students are odd, but highly amusing. Thought I'd share it. Alex Biber, a high schooler at CHS has told me that he loves talking to me at rehearsals and performances because of the stories I tell about my students. I've told him about the journal I have not consistently kept as well as I would like. This journal is getting filled with random statements and such that the students entertain me with. He's decided that I should write a book, filled with these quotations, because he wants a copy!

So, the title comes from Bye Bye Birdie. It's been one of my favorite musicals to perform in. We had a fun cast, amazing director, and awesome audiences. In one of theose great moments where life imitates art, we happened to have a celebrity attend the show. Our Kim MacAfee, Kansas Carradine, happens to be the daughter of David Carradine (of Kung Fu fame). The silly way the actors were behaving onstage towards Conrad Birdie was only a little exaggerated compared to the way the people of Exeter responded to a movie star at the performance. Oh, it was funny!

Where is the Life that Late I Led?

I'm sad to say that Howard Keel has died. He was an amazing singer, and a fun actor to watch on the screen. My grandparents got to see him in a concert a few years ago in San Diego, and grandma said that he was just as energetic and amazing as he was on film. He was my first "celebrity crush," when I was five and watched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers for the first time. Sigh. My father is, as often is the case, right. I should have been born in 1935, then I could have appreciated him in his glory days as well.

The title comes from a song of the same title from Kiss Me Kate, which he starred in onscreen. He performed with such greats as Kathryn Grayson, Ann Miller, James Whitmore (who lived in Bishop when I did!), and a very young Bob Fosse. Ooh, and some trivia about the movie! It came out in the 1950s, during the 3-D fad. The movie was a 3-D film when it was first released. So if you've ever thought it odd that things kept getting chucked at the camera, or the people all of a sudden appeared right in front of the camera (like at the end), now you know.

With breathless surprise, the curtain will rise, step out with a gesture of the hand!

Opening night has come and gone. The magic night has passed.

The wedding has also ended, though with a fainting best man during the ceremony.

Our opening was okay. I was dragging, and I did nothing worthy of notation, I'm sure. I got through my solos, "Love has found my brother Junior," and "The clock just ticks your life away/there's no relief in sight/it's cooking and scrubbing and sewing all day/and God knows whating all night!" I spit out my two lines, "Hold your horses!" and "Billy!" Seriously, that is all I say and sing. I'm sure I did everything "adequetly," but nothing well. That stinks. Chris said that I sang well, so that was nice of him. Eh, well.

Today's matinee was much better. I wasn't the only one who was lagging yesterday (though our final dress rehearsal on Friday ending at midnight may have seriously contributed to our exhaustion). Today we all were a little more perky and enthused about the show. Today we had every scene have lighting (Last night there was a brief scene that was not lit at all. Chris said that the lights from the orchestra pit were all that gave Leoney and Dawn light). Today, I remembered to put on my wedding ring for my Arminy solo (the second one). Today, in my opinion, was about 100 times better.

As for the wedding, yes, Jeremy fainted onstage during the ceremony. When Pastor Steve asked, "Who gives this woman away?" Crissy's dad answered "His mother and I." Ooh, and the candles that Matt and Crissy used to light the unity candle were gorgeous, until they burned so far down that a wax rose on Crissy's candle burst. Everything else went well. To help calm Crissy down before the ceremony, we all prayed for her, and then sang cheesy showtunes (which was what she wanted to do!). To thine own self be true, I guess.

Oh, and I walked down the aisle with Chris Smithens. I love Chris and Trisha Smithens--they're funny. They've been married fifteen years and have six kids. Trisha told me that when she met Chris, he was weirdly obsessed with "The Little Mermaid." She teased him and me before the ceremony, "Chris! Lynette has red hair and sings! She's wearing green (the colors were forest green, white and red)! She's Ariel!" I thought it was very amusing, and Trisha told me that if she dies before him, she gives me permission to marry Chris, but I had to promise to take good care of her six kids. Trisha is a nut!

The song comes from Maury Yeston's Phantom. Yes, that is the show in high school where I came onstage without buttoning my dress at all. Of course, it buttoned from the stomach on up. Anyway, the song is called "Dressing for the Night." This was not the number where I came on a little too exposed, however.

What is this feeling? So sudden. So new.

This week has been so different from the last two. For some reason, I feel more relaxed. Odd, perhaps, but true. I should feel more stressed, according to any normal standards. However, I (on occasion) don't feel the way society says I should about certain things. The couple of times I've gone on a date, I do feel flattered (as society dictates), but I can't help but wonder why I was asked. In high school, when I went onstage without buttoning the front of my dress, I should have been embarrassed; but since I didn't make it a big issue, and not a lot of people noticed, so I wasn't. Now during a high stress week, I'm feeling oddly normal. I haven't lost my keys once (always a sign that I am more stressed than usual)!

This week entails many stressful events. 1) Report cards being distributed (I finished them already!). 2) Parent/Teacher conferences (2 down, 1 to go). 3) Carousel (Tonight was our first run-through, and we open Saturday. It only took us about 3 1/2 hours with intermission! Not bad for the first time!). 4) Matt and Crissy's wedding on Saturday, with a rehearsal Friday. 5) Prepping for a substitute on Friday. 6) Getting essays today from the jr. highers which need to be graded by tomorrow (I'm half done!). Yet, I am cool, collected, and calm. Nothing seems to phase me this week--go figure!

Oh, and I must say that I'm happy about the outcome of the election! Huzzah for Bush!!!!! It was fun getting to do the electronic voting at Dayton High School. It was so simple; I'm sure that Florida could have benefitted from this during the last election! It was also funny to wait in the line with local small town folks. I forgot how amusing these people can be when gathered together in such a fashion. I don't know if anyone watches "Gilmore Girls." It is really the only show I watch regularly when I can. The people of Star's Hollow crack me up on that show. Daytonites reminded me of them.

So, overall, Carousel is going well. Leoney is doing an amazing job as Billy--when he sings "Soliloquy," it always brings tears to my eyes. I am not exaggerating, either. That song is just amazing; really the first time that Billy is ever portrayed as a human being with feelings in the show. Bob has this interesting thing he's trying for the show. It's known as "Smell-a-Rama." He wants to have scents that should be associated with the scene performed onstage to permeate through the audience. Example: For "A Real Nice Clambake," he wants the audience to smell fish! I thought it was a joke, but apparently it's truly going to happen. Chris, you'll have to let me know how it goes, since I never go out into the house for any scene. Better yet, leave a comment so the others can read your opinion of this experiment.

The title comes from the amazing show Wicked. I love it! It's from the song "What is this Feeling?" Janina and I like singing it together, because it's funny to sing. "Loathing. Unadulterated loathing. For your face, your voice, your clothing. Let's just say, I loathe it all . . ." Our parents roll their eyes, but since Janina and I have had approximately 3 arguments throughout our life as sisters, we get a kick out of it.

I shall SCREAM!!!!!!!!!

Well, I've had yet another week full of rocking emotions. These weeks are not so fun. I'm battling a constant feeling of frustration at the moment. Probably not the best thing to feel when I'm at school. The kids are all as mad as hatters, and every single one of them seems to think that I need to know how stark raving mad they are. Yes, and when I'm not in a particularly wonderful mood at the moment, that can be a dangerous thing to do. My next period is Bible with the notorious 8th grade class, and then I get my prep. Perhaps with some time without all the children around me, I'll feel better. Let's back up.

Monday, I was very excited for my date with Chris. The closer the time got, the less nervous I felt, which was a good thing. We went to an Indian food resturant in Carson that just opened. It was very yummy to my rookie tastebuds. I've never had Indian before, but based on what I tried, I'd highly recommend it. We talked about everything from London (still my favorite place, Dev) to high school dissections. Odd, perhaps, but still very fun. When he brought me home, he asked if I wanted to go out again sometime. Though yes would have been the easy answer, I knew I had to ask him about his spiritual beliefs before I could agree. We talked, and he's not a Christian. We're still friends, but that was tough for me.

I've also just learned that my 4 month old niece has a fairly pronounced heart murmur. My mom tried to explain to me what happened when the cardiologist examined her. Apparently, there is something that is supposed to develop around the heart before birth, but Brianna's didn't. The cardiologist said that if it develops before she's a year old (which is very common), then she'll be fine. If it doesn't, they'll have to perform a surgery. Pray for her, please. I know that it's expected to come out well, but I can't help but be nervous. She's little!

Carousel is going okay, but we open next week. We've not yet blocked everything. I get nervous about that (though I'm having fun with my friends in the cast).

Matt and Crissy, whom I introduced to each other in February, are getting married next week. I'm a bridesmaid. It's taking place on opening night of Carousel, so I'm in for a LONG day!!!!!!!!!! I'm happy for them, really, but it just makes me nervous that they've known each other less than a year and they're willing to start a life together. I suppose that since it is a choice they mutually made, I shouldn't butt in. When Crissy asked me about my thoughts on the matter in April (they were engaged in March), I told her what I thought. However, I also threw in the fact that since both are my friend, I'm going to support them.

The last day of the quarter, so I have a lovely weekend to look forward to. Actually, I don't have nearly the amount of grading I had expected, so that's nice. Plus, I recently bought Kenneth Branagh's "Henry V," so I can watch that in addition to some of the easy grading! :) Still, I think I'll be fairly busy. Since I am also the "Head Teacher" of the upper grades, I've had to write the letters about Parent/Teacher conferences, arrange a schedule for our three half days next week, arrange conferences, and create a conference schedule. No, please, add more. I love it!!!!!!

So, here I am. I feel like I am slowly going insane. Our Nevada weather is helping an awful lot, too. What with the icy rain and snow and such. I've been listening to Josh Groban a lot, to help relax, which has been a good thing for me. I've also gotten more into the habit of my regular journaling and reading of good books. I'm now in the midst of Founding Mothers, Animal Farm, Great Expectations, Wicked, Curtain, and I just bought Pearl Buck's The Good Earth as a possibility for next year, if I still teach at CCS.

Good things have happened, too. A couple of former students came to school recently, and we were able to have some good talks. Mr. Libby told the kids in chapel yesterday, "Well, guys, I wanted to tell you about an opportunity many of you may not be aware of. There is a college now, that does not charge admission because it is federally funded. They only accept a certain number of students, and only accept applicants every four years. Each state will have a branch of this college. It's called Electoral College." I lost it, it was so funny! The kids laughed at me--I was red, crying, and not able to breathe, particularly since not many of them got it. One of the kids even asked if they could get a brochure for the school! Talk about hysterical!

The title comes from a song by the same title from Oliver! Widow Corony (sp?) sings it with Mr. Bumble. When done properly, it can be quite funny! Enjoy your weeks!

This particularly rapid, unintelligible patter/isn't generally heard, and if it is it doesn't matter!

One of the teachers gave this to me, and I found it funny.

Grammar Made Easy In

Twenty-Three Steps

or How to Rite Rite

1) Don't abbrev.

2) Check to see if you any words out.

3) Be carefully to use adjectives and adverbs correct.

4) About sentence fragments.

5) When dangling, don't use participles.

6) Don't use no double negatives.

7) Each pronoun agrees with their antecedent.

8) Just between you and I, case is important.

9) Join clauses good, like a conjunction should.

10) Don't use commas, that aren't necessary.

11) Its important to use apostrophe's right.

12) It's better not to unecessarily split an infinitive.

13) Never leave a transitive verb just lay there without an object.

14) Only Proper Nouns should be capitalized. also a sentence should begin with a capital and end with a period

15) Use hyphens in compound-words, not just in any two-word phrase.

16) In letters compositions reports and things like that we use commas to keep a string of items apart.

17) Watch out for irregular verbs which have creeped into our language.

18) Verbs has to agree with their subjects.

19) Avoid unecessary redundancy.

20) A writer mustn't shift your point of view.

21) Don't write a run-on sentence you've got to punctuate it.

22) A preposition isn't a good thing to end a sentence with.

23) Avoid cliches like the plague.

I figured I could post it, since the Steven Curtis Chapman/Chris Tomlin concert I was going to go to tonight in Sacramento is (as of an hour ago) is not going to happen. Jeanne and Heather (Jeanne's sister) were nervous about the weather on the way back, since we'd be getting back around midnight. I can imagine that Mr. Libby wouldn't be thrilled with the thought that two of his teachers may not be in on Monday with no lesson plans available. Sigh.

Hope you enjoyed this list! The lyrics in the title come from a great Gilbert and Sullivan patter song called "My Eyes are Fully Open" from the opera Ruddigore. It has since been put into The Pirates of Penzance frequently, and was the melody used in Thoroughly Modern Millie for "The Speed Test."

Blue skies, shining on me . . .

Well, irony is something that will never fail to fascinate me. I am still in shock.

This week has been icky for so many reasons at work. Today was the earliest I came home, about 4:15. What with the bloody Bookfair and being the "official" Volleyball Scorekeeper at home games, I pretty much lived at CCS. I've also been a little sleep deprived this week, so it hasn't been my best. I still agree with everything I said in the last blog, and I don't think any of this frustration filtered its way into the entry.

But, I ended up getting a date in spite of it! Go figure! My friend Chris, who was our Prince Dauntless, and I are going out on Monday. He asked, even after he read the blog entry. :) He, too, was an English major and shares my random sense of humor. I'm nervous about this, but I'm also excited. I enjoy spending time with him, so I think it will be fun.

Oh, my mom called me right before my Carousel rehearsal today. Those of you who think of it, I would very much appreciate any and all prayers for my cousin Will. He is going to be 20 on Christmas day, and he's the one who's a sniper in Iraq at the moment. My mom said that he was recently awarded a Medal of Valor, which is given to people who go out of their way to help another soldier, even when it means danger for themself. Though I'm excited (and not at all surprised about it), I also learned something else. He is being sent on a mission, and he can't tell anyone where it is. My aunt said when she talked to him, he was very serious about what he said and specifically asked for prayers. Will is a wonderful person, and though my family supports him (I come from a family of a deep running sense of patriotism who completely support serving the United States), we are also very scared. Thank you.

The title is from an Irving Berlin song by the title of "Blue Skies." It was used in several songs, but you can't beat Bing and Danny Kaye singing it in White Christmas. Bing singing anything is untouchable!

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, I'm in no rush. Maybe I've learned, playing with matches a girl can get burned!

I realize it has been more of a brief period of passing time between my blogs than usual. I just want to get this off my chest!

What is it about being single that other people pity? The fact that I'm not tied down? The fact that I can indulge in more selfish behavior than they? The fact that I make the decisions of my life, and that (if I choose not to) I don't have to include anyone else in these decisions? The fact that I'm satisfied with my life, and they can't understand it??? URGH!!!!!!!!!!!

Lately, people have been making so many comments on the fact that I'm single, it seems like they've never met anyone in my position before!!!!!!!!! Here are some examples: 1) My entire 8th grade class has determined to set me up with ANY GUY before the end of the year! The fact that I've never dated one person seriously seems to truly bother them. 2) Merci, while talking to me before Clue asked me if I had a boy. We talked about it. She suggested that I go for single guys I know: aka Tony, Chris, and Leoney. 3) At ACSI, Mr. Libby teased me about a young guy looking single in our hotel, and the guy rode down the elevator with us and 10 other staff members commenting on how funny it was that he said it--with the random stranger in there!!!! 4) Sue Strekal telling me at the staff meeting that the artist who is sculpting the statue of Sarah Winnemucca was single, a Christian, and "pretty cute!" 5) Pat Smith has been noted to say that the fact that Jeanne and I aren't married is "the saddest thing I've ever heard." (7th grade). This is all within a two week period!

Do I seem unhappy? Unsettled? Unbalanced? Freakish? Honestly, do I? I don't view myself this way. I am content with my situation. Now, if I were to learn of a guy who had a mutual attraction to myself, I might be willing to get involved; provided certain standards were met. However, this does not appear to me to be the case at the moment, and I'm okay with this. I'm sick of getting teased (or not) in this manner, lately. Perhaps it is because it is such a concentrated period of time, but honestly!

I also don't want to start assuming that a guy means more than what is literally said, because people get worked up about that. I also had a hard experience during my freshmen year of college with a guy who was a friend, simply because others were assuming there was more. It took almost a year to put that experience behind me, just because of how things happened. I wasn't looking for more, but if it took me over a year to get over it and we were just friends. I don't want to imagine how awful I'd feel if I actually put my heart on the line with no clue whether or not it was mutual. It doesn't seem worth it. Pain may be a part of life, but if I can eliminate the unneccessary, I imagine that life is easier.

Anyway, I needed to vent. Thanks for reading. Oh, and the title of this post comes from the end of the song "Matchmaker" from Fiddler on the Roof.

When other friendships have been forgot, ours will still be hot!

Hey everyone!

I just want to state now that friends are God's greatest gift to human beings! I love 'em, I really do. Before I began performing in these shows, I really couldn't say that I had a friend simply because of me. I mean, I had friends, but not because I'd met them on my own; they were all through someone else. My cousins introduced me to people, my parents, my sister, Bethany Ancina (formerly Hylton, whom I grew up with in Exeter), etc. Not anymore! Theatre friends are great, too, because they're such a strange bunch.

Last night, I was going to see Clue at the Brewery Arts Center. Stephanie and I had decided to go together. Then, yesterday at school, Ann told me that Jennifer was coming! YEAH! Oh, side note here, they think the baby is a girl. The name will be Kristen, and they don't know the middle name yet. I keep pushing for Lynette, but she just laughs at me! ;) Well, Dave Tillet was there when I got there, so he agreed to sit with me and help save seats. I learned we had to save seats for: Karen and Kenzie (Dave's wife and daughter), Jennifer, Stephanie, Marcus, Leoney, and Merci! I loved that I know all these people now, whom I didn't about two months ago. Dave and I walked in, and Domenic said, "Dave, you've gotta sit on the aisle!" Oh, boy!

When we got into the theatre, it was set up to be a smaller audience than when I saw Annie Jr. there in Feb. I saw Pam P. (my fourteen year old elbow girl), Katie, and Darian. Of course I had to say hello! The show ended up being sold out. Marcus and Stephanie weren't able to come in.

When Leoney did (as one of the last people), it was funny! He saw Merci, Jenn and I waving to him, because I still had that seat for him. He started walking up to us, and I heard a male voice yell out, "Leoney, up here!" It was Chris and Warren (the punks who are NOT doing Carousel!). We kept saying, "No Leoney, over here!" There was a slight tug of war, and the audience was very engaged. When Leoney said, "Chris, buddy, I'm going with the girls," the entire audience cracked up. The theatre for the BAC is not very big, and they can rearrange how they want the seating. This was a very small stage and audience setting, to say the least.

The show was silly, but a lot of fun. The music, well, let's just say it was a Sondheim wannabe. Much to complicated, and not nearly as good. Sondheim can do it and make it work! Galen Blum, Wayne Barker, and Vinnie Martucci could not. Enough said? There were some very funny lines. Ann said I was the first person she's heard laugh at Tony (Mr. Snow in Carousel, Mr. Green in this one) when he said, "I'm a jack of all shades." There were some very funny lines. By far, my favorite character was Mrs. White, played by another English Teacher, Jason Macy. He was hysterical! It was an entertaining show.

I think I'm caught up in my grading!!!!!!!!!! Happy dance break! The quarter is winding down, fairly rapidly. It's over on the 28th of this month. "Why a Thursday?" you may wonder. I'll tell you why--Nevada became a state on October 31. We always get off Nevada Day, and you won't hear me complaining, either! :) I need that three day weekend to figure out everyone's grades!

Okay, well, I think that's all I wanted to mention. The title comes from a Cole Porter song called "Friendship." It was originally used in DuBarry was a Lady, but thrown in to the 1960s revival of Anything Goes and has since there been stuck. A thoroughly amusing song, too, I want to add.

Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters!

Hey yall. If you hadn't guessed, this is the other contributor, Janina. If you didn't get it from the title, I'm her littlest sister. I, too, have red hair...Though it's from a box... I just wanted to post, cause I never have. I got to see Lynette in the production of "Once Upon a Mattress." She rocked my socks off! It was really good. Oh, and, I also went to see Hairspray, but I went Friday night. Anyways, I think you all should know, I'm in a show as well. If any of you have heard of Gilbert and Sullivan, you're 10 points cooler. I'm performing in an opera that they wrote, "The Gondoliers." It's really good, and you all should come, if you can. I have a way fun part. Uh, guess that's really it...

Oh, almost forgot, the title is from a song. It's sung in White Christmas, though I don't know if it's from that musical. It's a fun one that we always sing during family reunions. Gotta love it.

Let him rest, heaven blessed

Just a quick jotting down. Christopher Reeve has died. :( I am sad about this, because I think he had a lot of courage and was a very gifted actor.

I guess I'll honor him by renting Somewhere In Time, Noises Off, and (of course) some Superman movies. I've also heard that Deathtrap is very well done, so I may have to see that.

Clearly, the lyrics come from the unsurpassable Les Miserables number, "Bring Him Home."

An English Teacher . . .

We got back from Sacramento last night around 7:30 pm. I have been filled with an excitement and inspiration that I didn't even realize I was lacking at the moment! I love ACSI!!!!!!!! I went to four seminars, each of them interesting (as opposed to two of the ones I went to last year which were dull and dry). I went to: Agatha Christie, Mistress of Mystery, Thematic Units in American Literature, Critical Thinking and the Language Arts, and Literature that Lives in Infamy. Each was brilliant, and I am already revamping some of my plans for this year and all of next year!!!!!!! Our General Session Speakers were all great--the theme this year was Transforming the Culture. Mary Rice Hopkins was great. I had a fantastic time!!!!!!

Hairspray was a lot of fun. I would never say it's my favorite, but it was fun. The script was funny, the music was all fun, and the dancing was brilliant. I thought the girl who was playing Penny (Tracy Turnblad's best friend) was one of the weak links in the show. She was good when she was "on," but she seemed to have a strange mix of "off" and "on" moments. She played the really dumb stuff well, like: (Tracy) "We'll protest! We should make signs!" (Penny) "YES! WITH WORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!" However, I just didn't feel like she completely captured the character.

This has been a very strange week for me. Ever since the first real week of August, I've had some rehearsal, and seen some of the same people. Not this week! They had the rehearsal on Thursday, so I could not be there. I miss everyone! I've talked to Stephanie and Hana this week, but it's not quite the same. I'm excited for Monday, because we have rehearsal, and because I should be getting my costume. I hope I get as lucky as I did with Mattress. However, I have my doubts. Costumes of any sort are fun, though, so it should be okay. Maybe I'll get my blocking for Arminy! Did I mention I've now got a part? Yeah, I sing about how lousy marriage is, and then Julie comes up and sings about how great it is. So, I've apparently been married a year, but have had no husband in the show yet. And, he can't be away for long, just because of the nature of what I sing about him. Maybe if we can find more breathing men who wouldn't mind doing the show . . .

Oh. I also want to mention the book I've been reading. I picked it up on Thursday at the exhibit hall. It attracted my attention because of it's title, First Impressions. Now, I adore Jane Austen, and happen to know that this was supposed to be the title for my favorite of her works, Pride and Prejudice. It claimed to be part of something called The Jane Austen Series. Right beside it, I found a book called Reason and Romance, also part of The Jane Austen Series. They are supposed to be modern versions of her books, apparently. Reason and Romance is supposed to be a modernization of Sense and Sensibility.

So, being very excited with anything to do with P&P, I read First Impressions first. Oh my! I now remember why I purposely choose not to read most Christian books. It was so awful! I died--it's like watching the Greer Garson, Laurence Olivier version of P&P, where they costumed to movie to look like it took place in the 1860s! The author clearly has some issues. The book takes place in London, Texas. Yes, and on at least three separate occasions that I can think of (by different characters, too!) a person said something to the extent of, "Would that things would not be so awful." In TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!! Every character, at least once said "Oh my word," or "Oh my goodness." Oh, and another great passage was, "Dave stood on the precipice of indecision." She must have used the word myriad about 250 times. Now, I love using "bigger" words when they fit, but this was hysterical. It was like Debra White Smith (the author) was trying to prove that she was a good writer by using the bigger words. It reminded me of Prof. Dennis warning each of us in Principles of Writing that we should only use a big word when it would help the paper be more concise--using the one word instead of four that would say the same thing. If you want to laugh, please read this book, for it is silly and awkward. I know people who only choose to read something if it is a Christian book, but I feel sorry for them. It is hard to find a Christian author who writes well, so I don't even bother with most. Granted, I adore C.S. Lewis, but the man knew how to write well. Even non-Christians like his work. I'll get off my soapbox now and allow you to make your own decisions.

The title comes from a song by the same title in Bye Bye Birdie. It seemed to encompass almost everything I wanted to write about.

The vittles we et were good, you bet! The company was the same.

I'm switching gears now, as you can tell by the title. Mattress is over, sadly. I won't really miss the music. I will, however, miss our comaraderie. Oh, and the funny things that are bound to happen in a show, too! The funniest thing this weekend (as far as I was concerned) was how Alyss got her lipstick for our Sunday show. We had to go onstage during the brief blackout between the ballet and the opening scene. She got onstage, realized she had no lipstick on, grabbed Taylor (another girl), kissed her so she'd get the lipstick residue before the lights came on! I died with hysterics!

This weekend was consumed by friends, family, food, and fun performances. Did I grade? No, I was with my grandparents from both sides, sister, brother-in-law, and two nieces! Did I lesson plan? No, I was at the theatre! Did I create my grammar tests? No, I was out with the cast at either Red's, Bully's or Applebees! Did I accomplish anything outside of my playing? No--are you mad? Of course not!

I have to say, I wish that Carson City (outside of Denny's) could offer a place to eat and hang out that wasn't a bar late at night. I hate smoke. I hate when there is music so loud that I can feel the vibrations! Bully's usually isn't too bad, but when they have a live band--ick! Dawn and I kept trying to hold one sentence conversations between songs, but we couldn't spit them out fast enough. Marcus made fun of me when I complained about the lousy music (and it truly was), yet he agreed with me that volume does not good music make.

On Saturday, Stephanie spent the night since she didn't want to go back to Tahoe immediately after the show, and Bob didn't want to go out afterwards (and he was her ride). Marcus, Stephanie, Chris, Tracy (whom I met that evening), and I decided to go on a walk at 1 am. Brilliant, I know. It was fun and somewhat an adventure. We walked part way through a field and saw some other people. Marcus was leading the way, "I think there's a road! We need to go in the direction they just came from!" Yeah, it wasn't working. We turned around in five minutes, and the people had disappeared. Tracy's shoe had broken, Stephanie hadn't brought a sweatshirt; we were one happy company! I was slightly amused by it, but realized I wouldn't have been very pleased in the same circumstances, so I really didn't say anything.

Oh, so in Carousel, people have started to call Stephanie, Hana and I the Mattress clique! :) I think it's funny. We are so desperate for men in the show, we are literally asking: "Are you a male? Do you want to be in Carousel?" Chris may do it (and better!) as well as his friend Warren (who'd better!). I promised them that they could be in the clique (after reaching a mutual decision from the other two clique members) if they joined. With such a lucrative offer, how could they refuse?

I'm sad that I have to miss rehearsal on Thursday. I want to know if they'll be there! Jennifer Hoffman (from Mattress) is supposed to stop by and inform us of the sex of her child (to be born in March). Since I'll be in Sacramento for the ACSI conference with school, I'll miss both events! :( Jenn promised to call me and let me know, right after she calls her mom! How exciting! I am eager for the conference, since it was awesome last year. I'll be rooming with Jeanne and Mindy (History and Kindergarten), so it should be fun!

Oh, and Jeanne and I have tickets to see the Thursday Matinee of Hairspray!!!!!!!!! We'll only be about three blocks away, so I'm completely stoked! :) Stephanie and Bob are seeing it on Tuesday. I missed seeing the tour of The Producers in Reno last week. Grr. Many people in Mattress saw it and taunted me with the songs throughout the week. It would have been fun to see. If you're in the mood for theatre, Carson is really the hopping place to be right now. Arsenic and Old Lace just closed. Mattress just closed. Julius Caesar is going. Clue the musical is opening next week. The Sound of Music is opening next week. Carousel will be opening in a month. The Matchmaker is coming up. Noises Off is coming up. Chris is wanting to direct Hamlet, but I think that would be in the spring or summer. WNMTC, the company I'm with now, is doing either Little Shop of Horrors or The Fantastiks in March. Devon, I know you'll be jealous, but their doing Disney's Beauty and the Beast in May! So many shows, so little time . . .

The title comes from "Real Nice Clambake" from Carousel. It seemed to describe what I did with my "free time" this weekend. :) Ciao!

Life upon the wicked stage ain't ever what a girl supposes

We have started the countdown; it is our last weekend of the show. Last night we had a great audience. Today we have two performances and our cast party. Tomorrow, we have a matinee, and then it's all over. :( I wish this was going on longer, as I adore our cast (with the obvious exception of one particular 14 year old. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I've asked people if my elbows are particularly attractive, or if they think I have some magnet in them, since she seems to be constantly at them! She literally shoves her way through my group at the end to stand right next to my elbow and sing off key!).

Let's see, I will miss:
-Seeing if I can beat the clock as Dawn (the Queen's) personal dresser, and my own under 2 minute transformation.
-Playing the not-so-intellectual Princess #12. It's a fun part, even if it is tiny.
-Chris' random comments and phrases. Last night we talked about plays and parts we'd done. In his backstage brilliance, he managed to come up with, "Parts come and go. Only the rocks will live forever."
-Playing third tree from the left during "Swamps of Home." I love that I get to say I've played third tree from the left! It's a classic theatre line, and now it's true!
-Seeing Chris and Stephanie's first kiss--it's so funny!
-Taylor's very talkative personality and random stories; last night it was about the various dogs her family owns and what is wrong with them. Let's just say this: one dog--no eyes, senile, snorts instead of breathes, runs into walls, and more.
-Going out with everyone afterwards and talking about everything.
-Leoney's wig.
-Laughing with Stephanie, Hana and Dawn about things my students have said or done.
-Sonja telling me about amazing history books that she's reading. I'm really interested in reading one now called Founding Mothers.
-Gladyce Jesse. Such a wonderful, kind woman.
-"Choreographing" the numbers. Brittany Walz is doing one of my creations. Chris is doing one now, too! Move over Gina! Lynette Brown will be doing it all from here on out!
-Darian and Katie. Those two are so sweet.
-Using my 1930's looking makeup case. I'll get to do it again in Carousel.
-Getting my microphone from Rich. He is really the most soft hearted man ever. But, I'll get to do that again for Carousel.
-Having people learn I am actually 24 and their looks of shock. Dawn actually started telling people that I was a 12 year old genious and am really 15!
-Dave Tillett bringing the entire cast treats!
-Alyss, Taylor and I putting on our makeup. We have the most interesting conversations.
-Pretending to be a cheerleader as I belt out "With an F! and an R! and an E! and a D! and an F-R-E-D, Fred! Yeah!"
-My blue dress for the chorus with my awesome blue necklace. It's so beautiful!
-Children asking for my autograph, since they've learned that I am Princess #12! :)

I could go on, but I'm sure this will suffice.

Oh, teaching anecdotes! This week was chock full of them!
1) Andrew on Tuesday morning, "Miss Brown, you look nice today! I like your hair that way (a braid!). Your earrings really bring out your face!" Uh-huh.
2) Jessie and Ashlee complaining I didn't give them enough bathroom time for school pictures yesterday. "We didn't get a chance to practice our smiles!"
I, naturally, respond, "How old are you two?"
"Thirteen."
"After thirteen years, you haven't mastered your smiles?"
Jessie, "I did lips, but I wanted to do teeth this year."

The title comes from the stage version of Showboat. I think the song is hilarious!

Another Op'nin, Another Show!

Yes, all my dear dedicated readers, the show has opened. My week has been insane.

I walked into school Monday with a lovely cold. Each day before school, we have either a meeting or devotions. I found Mr. Libby beforehand and declared, "I have the distinct feeling I will be sick on Friday." He seemed a tad amused by this foretelling of the future, probably because he had no idea I had this gift. I explained how I was already feeling miserable, and it was tech week. He simply responded, "Let me know on Thursday." Understanding principals are the greatest! I only had that one half of a sick day last year, so I feel fine about taking it.

Rehearsals have been interesting, to say the least. Since my cold kicked in, my natural tendency to not eat for lack of hunger has started. Well, I'm trying to eat, to keep my strength up. However, it seems that anytime I have more than a Saltine, I begin to feel quesy. And my cold seems to be dispersing, so I'm not sure what the deal is. Icky. Well, back to the rehearsals, I've felt gross every night. Lovely.

Our Opening Night was Friday. There were a couple of mishaps, as is to be expected. However, the worst thing ever happened! Stephanie had been given new blocking for the part where she falls over the wall into the moat. We were all to crowd around the door as she fell onto some of the mattresses. Yeah, it didn't happen. Somebody moved the mattresses, and she hit the stage. Hard. She continued with the show, though.

Last night, I talked to her beforehand. We've been swapping sick stories, since it's affecting both of us. Apparently, her pain has been incessant and everything hurts. She wasn't sure she could sing loud! What would happen to "Shy?" "Happily Ever After?" How was she supposed to dance "The Spanish Panic?" I did some serious praying for the girl. Guess what? I've never seen her do any of the show better than last night! What a pro!

My insomnia has caught up with me. Wonderful. Why can't I be normal in any way????? So, I've decided to work on my grading. After all, I only accomplished 4 1/2 papers by Thursday. I worked all day Friday on grading. I worked yesterday on grading and creating two literature tests. If I work diligently, perhaps I will finish what I have now! One can hope, anyway!

The title is taken from the song from Kiss Me Kate. Fun number, but (much in the style of Cole Porter), too long and too repetetive. I don't think the guy knew when to stop after he had a hit! At least, with his catchy numbers anyway.

What do you do with a B.A. in English?

Hello all!

I want to devote this entry to Stephanie Dixon. She is doing a great job as our Princess Winnifred. I've enjoyed getting to know her a lot. But best of all, she burned me a copy of the Avenue Q CD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not only am I thrilled to finally have a copy, but I've needed something else to listen to.

I've been listening to Mattress practically incessantly in my car so I can practice my chorus parts! Ick. I've memorized not only the songs, but I know that I must pay attention to track 3, 6, 9, 11, 13, and 21. Ack! It's a mad disease which is threatening to consume my entire being! I am decidedly annoyed with the music now. It plays in my dreams. The music worms its way into my head during teaching (though how it manages to work with The Iliad I long to know). The music is my new and unwelcomed stalker! I just keep reminding myself, "In 7 days we open. In 16 days we close. You can do it!" As a cast, we are quickly infecting each other with illnesses and comparing exhaustion stories. Needless to say, it's not the most upbeat cast I've been in. Brittany reduced herself to entertaining with a sock hand puppet which is nothing more than a white sock. No face like decorations. No character whatsoever. Just a sock. That's the deep end I feel like I am rapidly approaching. It is still fun, but I've liked Carousel more since the start, so I am quite eager to be completely focus on that one!

For those of you who are Christians, have you ever felt like God was trying to tell you something by bombarding you with a particular scripture? For some reason, I feel like this about a couple of encounters with the scripture. It's all dealing with the body of Christ. Our place. Our spiritual gifts. Not longing to be something else. I don't quite know why I'm getting this. Just something that's popped up a few times in the last week. I try to pay attention when these things occur, but I'm certain I'm one of the most daft when it comes to picking up on things God tries to clue me in on. Just thought I'd mention it.

The title is a songtitle from Avenue Q. I thought it was funny, and oh so true! :) I'm proud of that degree of mine! Too bad I couldn't be as idealistic with my second degree; nope, I had to be a marketable sell out! So, I'll leave you to ponder just what it is you do with a B.A. in English!