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!
October 28, 2004
October 24, 2004
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."
October 22, 2004
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!
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!
October 19, 2004
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.
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.
October 16, 2004
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.
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.
October 13, 2004
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.
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.
October 11, 2004
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."
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."
October 09, 2004
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.
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.
October 04, 2004
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!
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!
October 02, 2004
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!
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!
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