Mama I'm a Big Girl Now!

It's got to be tough to be a mother. Constantly worrying about your child. Trying to protect them from physical, emotional, and mental harm from any source. Hoping they'll live up to their potential and not be lazy bums. All sorts of tough stuff comes with the job description of mother. The closest I've come to this occupation is one of aunt; though baby-sitter and teacher take on some of these obligations as well.

I love my mother, I really do. She's a strong woman, who encouraged me to be strong (and not in the way Leoney teased about what it is to be a strong woman: those who go around breaking hearts and causing destruction to anything or anyone in her way). She is a gifted seamstress, musician, cook, etc. She really can blow my mind at her immense talent in so many areas. Is my mother perfect? Sadly, no. But really, I know how incredibly lucky I am to have the mother I have. She loves me unconditionally. She encourages me to try new things, take risks, strive for my dreams. She believes in me. She'll take the time to listen to me. More importantly, she's willing to talk to me with blunt honesty. I can count on her support always. I am more fortunate than many people, and I am fully aware of this. Perhaps I take it for granted, because these are things I have always experienced, but I cherish my mother.

Putting these things aside, I find that it can be hard for the two of us to reach a place where I can feel like an adult sometimes. I always figured that there was some point when parents sort of "let you go." Not literally. I knew you could count on them for wisdom that life teaches, and such. No, I guess I figured that when I was out on my own, my parents would be less inclined to take an active "parental" role in my life (if this makes any sense). Telling me what is best for me when I'm not asking and such.

Last night at rehearsal for "Be Our Guest," I was having a ball with the other serving maids/tables. We were joking a lot. Anyway, we have to either shuffle or cross our left legs over our right legs in order to move as a table. It's funny. As we were practicing an entrance for the number, I had been crossing as usual. All of a sudden, I felt a searing, excrutiating pain in my left foot's big toe. It was completely awful! I felt as it I'd been poked by a particularly sharp object or something. I flexed my toe, stood on the side of my foot, anything to take some of the pain away without interrupting poor Gina (with 60 people in this number, I don't want to be the one who made it harder on her than it had to be!). It subsided a bit, and I continued on my way.

Today, I sort of recalled this pain from last night. I put in my contacts and checked it out. I had a couple of red spots on the side of my toe, swelling, and a hideous purple and yellow bruise spreading over the side of my toe onto the top of it. Not so pretty. Knowing that tonight was church, I figured I could show mom and get her diagnosis, since she had studied to be a nurse her first 2 1/2 years of college before changing her major.

I had a bit of an adventure, while helping to finish the yearbook at home. Jeanne and I are hoping to put the finishing touches on it this weekend. We had to evacuate our apartment for at least a good hour because of toxic fumes from the blending of the Draino in the sink from last night and whatever our landlord put in this morning (loooooooooonnnnnnnnng story). After we got in, we worked for a bit before I had to leave for the production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown that the CHS show choir is putting on for a fundraiser, with Chris. BTW, the show was adorable. There were some disappointing aspects, but all in all, a wonderful show. I am a little biased, though! :) After this and some dinner, I worked a bit more, then headed to church.

My mom saw my toe. "I think it's broken!" was her response. Great. I'm not even 25 for a week, and have broken my first bone. I'm sure it's all downhill from here! As she's exclaiming this in the bathroom, and drawing a crowd, Susie Cornell (church secretary) walks in. "Susie, come look at Lynette's toe! Do you think it's broken?" "Possibly. After church, we'll get a nurse to look at it. Shirley's here." "Okay. Now, Lynette, be reeaaally careful when you walk on that foot." "I know, mom. But I really don't feel too much pain anymore." "Don't worry, Shirley will look at it. Susie will point her out to us, since we don't know her, and she'll be able to tell us the diagnosis." "Okay, mom. I know."

After church, my mom had me show Aunt Laurie the toe. "See, it's swelling. I don't think it's a bite. You'll have to tape it. Don't wear open toe shoes, or heels. Always be protective of that toe. Do you think it's broken, Laurie? I think it's broken. Do you know if there's something she could take on and off the toe, like a splint? They have them for fingers, now. Yeah, it's probably broken. This doesn't look good, Lynette. It's pretty swollen. Why don't you take off your other shoe and sock, and we'll compare the swelling . . ." I truly don't think my mom drew a breath. She kept repeating this over and over and over. I put my sock and sneaker back on, and went to socialize with people again.

Soon, Susie Cornell came with Shirley, and my mom in tow. I had to remove the shoe and sock for the third time in 1 1/2 hours. As she's looking over my toe, and asking me if I'm in pain as she touches my foot, bend my toe, etc., my mom jumps into her spiel for the second time. However, this time, I've got another crowd, half commenting on how painful this looks, and the other commenting on the fact that I (apparently) have cute feet. Yes, it was somewhat surreal.

The diagnosis? We don't know what happened, but it's not broken. My mom grilled poor Shirley about my toe, all the while throwing out advice to me. Wow.

I have long known that I can do absolutely nothing in a normal way, but this just further proves this theory. If you'd like to debate it, I can offer a plethora of evidence to support my scientific theory. Go ahead, try me! It may not always be fun, but at least I get good stories out of them. Funny, funny, funny.

So, this song (with the same title) is from Hairspray. Sometimes, I wonder if my mom can really comprehend that I am, in fact, over the age of 10. Sigh. It must be hard to be a mom.

A day of harmony! A day of music! Beethoven's Birthday!

I came, I saw, I conquered. I suppose you could say I am a success. I survived my birthday with no severe blows to the head or concussions. And I saw the end of my birthday curse since 1997. This birthday turned out to be just fine. HUZZAH!!!!!!!!!!!! Every birthday from 1997-2004 had something happen which proved to taint the rest of the day; which birthdays clearly should not have happen! I think I do believe in the legend of 7 years of bad luck when you break a mirror. I obviously broke a mirror as a novice 17 year old, and the bad luck only falls on the day of the damage. How silly of me to do so on my birthday! :)

To give an accurate account of my birthday, I must start with Saturday night. I saw Lone Star and Laundry and Bourban at the BAC with Stephanie and Shana. I knew three of the six performers: Chris, Andy, and Amy. They all did a good job, I felt. Jeff directed, and overall I like it, so he did a good job as well. After the play, I went to The Nugget (blech) with Chris, Leoney, Rick, Kelly, and Elizabeth (who I met that evening). They not only sang to me once the time had reached around midnight, but they got the waiters to sing to me (and bring me a free sherbet) after; and the five of them sang again! It always embarasses me to get sung to.

For the actual day, I ended up going to see the play Amadeus at the Bruka Theatre in Reno with my parents, Nina, Chris, and Stephanie. It was done well, overall. The man playing Solieri had talent, to be sure, but was a little over the top at times. However, since he says at least a good 65% of the script, that may have added to this opinion being formed. I really liked the guy who played Mozart, though. I actually want to see the movie again, now. Anyway, after we saw this, Janina had to provide a meat platter for her friends' birthday party, so she ditched us! The rest of us went to dinner at P.F. Chang's. Neither Chris or Stephanie had been there before, and claimed to enjoy the food. Yeah! After that Chris, Stephanie and I went to my apartment to play a lively game of Phase 10 before they insisted on singing "Happy Birthday" at 11:59 p.m.

So, I had myself a pleasant birthday. No fiascos. No sitting around and feeling sorry for myself. I was sad that the other people I invited couldn't be there, but it's fine. I would infinitely prefer a smaller party to a bigger one on almost any given occasion! And one of the best parts? I didn't have to go to work yesterday!

Happy birthday to the memory of George Washington today!

The title comes from the song "Beethoven's Birthday" from the 1999 revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Very cute number, btw. I figured since it mentions both BIRTHDAY and a CLASSICAL MUSIC COMPOSER, the appropriateness of such a title would be apparent. I have a lot of nostalgic memories connected with this show, since it was the first "big" show I ever did at the impressionable age of 13. Granted, I was "bitten by the bug" when I was 6, and I've been in plays since I was 3, but it was the first thing outside of church and school my parents let me do. And I loved it.

Many a lassie as everyone knows'll try to be married before twenty-five

This will be it. My final posting like this. No more will I do this. It is finished.

The next time I post, I shall be a quarter of a century old. Ugh. The thought makes me cringe. I will be 25--25 years old!!!!!!!!!! Sunday is D-day. I was jokingly asking my friends here in Carson to knock me out on the 19th, so I could be in a coma on the 20th, and when I woke up, I'd be 25 already. They laughed at this proposal, not necessarily realizing that the joke was only a half of one.

Let's see . . . by 25, I guess as a kid, I expected to be married and such. After all, by the time my parents were my age, I was alive and bringing the joy that only a firstborn can do. :) Back in the days when I'm certain that my perfections were numerous, and they doubted I'd be anything but an angel for the duration of my life. How right they were . . .

So, I've composed a list to help me feel less trepidation at the approaching milestone age (The next birthday I'm looking forward to is whatever one comes after menopause for obvious reasons. Hey, anyone else think it's weird that the word MEN is in that word?). This list contains 25 good reasons why I like being me and this age. One for each year, I guess.

1) I'll be able to legally rent a car in any state.
2) I've traveled to Europe twice.
3) I've actually said hello to a real, live queen--after she greeted me first!
4) I have a great family.
5) I have wonderful friends whom anyone would be pleased to claim as their own.
6) To quote Devon and something that just stuck with me, "Don't you think it's a credit to us that we're the sort of people who know now that there is no possible way we can do everything we want to do in life?"
7) My life is always adventuresome to some extent.
8) I am at least moderately intelligent.
9) I can almost always find the humor in a situation, and enjoy laughing at it.
10) I thrive on my independence.
11) I tend to be pretty healthy.
12) I enjoy having fun, and can find a way to do it.
13) I am able to get along with all people of all ages.
14) I have taken advantage of many unique opportunities, and they just keep coming!
15) I have been told that I look good in my three favorite colors: purple, yellow, and dark green.
16) I can always find a way to entertain myself, and I honestly cannot recall the last time
I was bored.
17) I have earned respect in many different fields and from many different people.
18) I am able to do many of the things I love (i.e. theatre, reading good literature, travel).
19) I have a good education under my belt.
20) I do not have to use Cliff's Notes to understand Shakespeare, Austen, etc.
21) I am pretty comfortable with who I am.
22) I know I'm taken care of--God has shown me over and over how He provides for me.
23) I tend to be fairly articulate, and have a good ability to convey what I mean when I speak.
24) I think that overall, I am well liked (though there are exceptions to this one).
25) It's 368 days until I turn 26!

I got the title from the song "Waitin' For My Dearie," once again, from Brigadoon. I just wanted to use it, because it talked about people before they hit 25. I am not really worried about the marriage thing. If it happens, it happens. If not, well, that's okay. Stephanie A. and Gina talked to me about it a bit last week at rehearsal. I told them how strange it feels to me that my parents were married and I was alive at this point in their lives. Stephanie kept saying, "Well, 25 isn't what it used to be. People are waiting longer, and that's fine!" Gina kept saying, "Better to be 25 and single, than 25 and in a bad marriage, Lynette." When I mentioned that I like being single, Stephanie said, "Maria [her daughter] says that, too. She doesn't mean it either." Sigh.

If Mama Were Married

So, I made it back to Nevada, safe and sound. The whole trip took about 40 hours. In that time, I drove to L.A., went to the wedding, played with my nieces and cousins, went to Downtown Disney, drove back from L.A., and became exceedingly tired. Boy am I glad I took a personal day today!

The wedding was great. It was on a boat, and I'd say that there were probably 50-60 guests. Very few friends, and tons of family. It was lovely. I got to sit down and have real talks with the Beardslees who were there, Rachel, Charlie, and particularly Aimee (I think we talked for a good 45 minutes with no interruption. With the Beardslee cousins, this is a miraculous feat!). I was able to spend time with Halley. Unfortunately, Kelsey was very sick and couldn't come. :( I spent time with the little Smiths; Bradley, Katie, and Zach. I even got Bradley to dance! He is such a cute 16 year old! Leigha and I danced a lot. Her favorite dances were at the particular request of my aunt Denise: the Hokey Pokey, and the Chicken Dance! I love my aunt Denise!

We went to Downtown Disney, because I wanted to get Kristen's gift for our third annual "Anti-Valentine's Date." Since I have rehearsal tonight, I couldn't do it this evening, so we're doing it this afternoon. Yeah! My parents took Leigha, Jess, Jason, and Brianna to Disneyland. We'd had two cars, Janina's and my parents. Yesterday when Jason, Leigha, Nina and myself went to D.D., the others had to go to the grocery store for food for Bri. Leigha was going nuts, because she was smart enough to figure out the "Big Surprise" (Disneyland) before we even left the hotel. She wanted to go inside, and ride Peter Pan, and meet all the characters asap. Since we had to wait for the rest of the group before she could (and before Nina and I could leave for NV, since we had to exchange some stuff), she was very antsy. I played with her, and all she wanted to do was to dance the Hokey Pokey again. But, the kid wouldn't do it, unless I did it with her!!! So, in the middle of Downtown Disney, Leigha and I sang and danced the Hokey Pokey. Certainly not something I'd pictured doing there.

Janina got her license last summer, and didn't feel up to the challenge of driving. So, I drove all the way to L.A., all the way back, and then to her dorm at UNR. I was sooooooooooooo tired, but I figured if I drove her to UNR, I wouldn't fall asleep. If I'd fallen asleep, the trip back would have been worse. As it was, I had a very hard time keeping awake and alert for much of the trip. Friday, after rehearsal, I'd gone out with Chris, Andy, and Amy. I got to Dayton (spending the night at my parents') very late, and couldn't sleep for about an hour until I got up and added another blanket. So, I got about 3-3 1/2 hours of sleep prior to driving to Southern CA. Not ideal, in the least! I crashed on Saturday night, and as soon as I got back to my parents house last night, I did the same. I feel much better now!

So, there was my little mini-break in a nutshell. Sound fun, no? The title of the post comes from a song with the same title (I like to do that, I've noticed) from Gypsy. Fun show, even if it is about stripteasers. I like it, anyway. Plus, there is some absolutely classic music in it. Good times. I chose the title to honor aunt Denise and my brand-spanking-new uncle Dan! Congratulations, you two. I wish you nothing but the best. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

My bags are packed, I'm first in line!

Who knew it would really happen? I don't think I could ever fully believe that this happens to a human being. However, it has and I simply must accept this fact: I am a lean, mean, grading, mass producing study guide and literature test machine. Part human, part machine. Sigh. Haven't they been saying for years that all jobs will be taken care of by machines and computers? I don't know if I'd ever fully believed it until now.

I've also started to teach The Great Gatsby and Pride and Prejudice to some of my high school classes. Next week, I'm starting To Kill a Mockingbird with the other high school class. Yeah for great literature!!!!!!!!! Oh! My 11th/12th grade class has grown by one more; a BOY! Poor, poor token male (as we used to tease some of our fellow male English majors). Rumor has it that we'll get another guy next week! If this is the case, that class will have grown from 5 to 9 students in a matter of 4 weeks; literally one each week!!!! Crazy.

Today is a monumental day in my life, and I woke up assuming that it would be merely a busy day. I had to do high school grades, middle school grades, leave sub notes for Monday, create a packet for the 8th graders, get yearbook flyers out, etc., etc., etc. Yesterday, some of the 8th grade boys actually had the audacity to ask me to take over as their basketball coach (we're in the midst of a transition in that department). Shamelessly, I laughed at such an absurd request. On top of everything else I have going on, ME? COACH BASKETBALL? Yeah, cause that would be a way to improve the team somehow!

Anyway, back to the reason I will remember February 11, 2005. I had to return a DVD today, since I'm leaving early tomorrow for L.A. I headed to Hollywood Video, before realizing that the DVD was at home. Curses! I changed direction, and went a way I normally don't to get home. I still had to pack and take care of things at home prior to rehearsal. The video rental place is close to school, which is at south end of town. I live about the middle of town. Rehearsals are still at WNCC, at the north end! Now I have to go south, turn around, drive past my street to go to rehearsal. Sigh. Anyway, I was figuring out times and such while driving down Saliman. I GOT PULLED OVER!!!!!!! I have never gotten a real ticket in my life. The last time I was pulled over was in Rocky Ford, CO, summer 1998! And (though it was in front of a liquor store, and everyone I knew in Rocky Ford, Swink, and La Junta drove by and recognized me) that was only for a tail light being out. I was legitimately pulled over today. I thought I was in a 35, not really paying attention. I was doing 42 in a 25 mph. Oops. The cop was nice and knocked it off 5 miles, though. I had to search for the proof of insurance--which expires TODAY!!!!!!!! Needless to say, I was none too thrilled with myself. At least I didn't cry or anything.

So, I'm about to head off for my DVD rental detour to WNCC now. Sigh. To be 9 days away from 25 and receive one's first ticket. I suppose it probably had to happen at some point in life.

The title comes from my favorite song in Thoroughly Modern Millie, "Gimme Gimme." It's awesome for belting, power, etc. The quintessential 11 o'clock number, as they say in musical theatre. My bags are packed, for my trip. I'm excited, even though it will be insanely brief. Good times to be had.

Waitin' for her Dearie

This post is dedicated and about my wonderful Aunt Denise. I have adored her ever since I can remember. If I can ever be half the person she is--even a quarter--my life will be lived to a satisfying degree. She is one the most amazing women God ever created. She's hysterical. She is kind. She is energetic. She makes everyone around her feel like the most important person in the room. She is beautiful; inside and out.

She is getting married next weekend, and I couldn't be more thrilled for her. Dan is such a wonderful person, and he fits into our family without even trying. Considering how quirky the Smith side is, that really says something about him!

This will be her third marriage. I reallyreallyreally want this one to work out, because if anyone deserves to be happy in a marriage, it is her. Her first husband walked out on the marriage after almost 15 years, and 5 children (6, if you count the miscarriage). He hadn't ever told her, but he was gay. This happened when I was in jr. high. I don't know if all of my cousins have actually recovered from this incident in their life. The second marriage was sort of a whirlwind romance, and they got married very quickly. He turned out to not have been completely truthful, either, and ended up being abusive.

Aunt Denise is the most gracious and loving person I think I have ever known. I want the best for her. The fact that my cousin Aimee has come around and not only met Dan, but likes him is really saying something. My cousins are very protective of their mother, and with good reason.

So, next week, I'm off to L.A. for less than 48 hours to attend the said wedding. I really want Aunt Denise to find true happiness and satisfaction. Now that all her children are grown, in particular. Will and Beau are twins, and the youngest of the Beardslee clan. Both of them are serving in the Armed Forces now. Rachel is on her own. Charlie is on his own. Aimee is graduating from Seattle Pacific this spring. I want them to know their mom is okay. I want my wonderful aunt to have a companion forever, because I know how social she is. She literally thrives on being surrounded by people and chaos (you can't choose to have five children otherwise, you just can't!).

This title comes from the song "Waitin' for My Dearie" from Brigadoon. Sappy song? Absolutely! Gotta love anything before the 1970s in musical theatre!

For he's a fine, upstanding/patriotic/HEALTHY, normal American boy!

Yes, I do eat. Yes, I do like food. I will admit this, and I'm not sorry.

Recently I have received several comments about my weight. I've not been trying anything special, nor have I been doing anything on purpose. However, I apparently have been losing weight--too some noticeable degree. I was not aware of anything happening.

At the Soup Night/White Elephant exchange at church last month, several people mentioned it (ironically, I was one of the dessert judges, too!). Esther said something. Friends at church, every time I go seem to say something. My mother said something.

So, I checked. Yes, I have lost some pounds. Yeah! I'm noticing a difference in my clothing. I'm okay with this.

What I'm not okay with is the jokes and comments about being an anorexic or bulemic. I'm not! I've never seriously considered it, nor am I willing to look into it after almost 25 years of life!!!! I'm nowhere near being the most intelligent person on earth (though I do not consider myself stupid, either), but I'm intelligent enough to realize the danger which would be linked with such a decision.

I'm expending more energy. I'm "watching" what I eat more than before. I drink a lot of water, and tea. I do a lot of walking with my job and lifestyle. So, I just wanted to let the world know that any concern seems to be unfounded. I appreciate the caring and concern of all, but really, I am fine. And I'm not lying about this, either.

The lyrics come from the song of the same title in Bye Bye Birdie. Such a fun show! I was going with the obvious one from Oliver, but decided that these lyrics seemed to work better for the point I was trying to make.