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.