August 29, 2005

Am I drunk? Or maybe I'm dreaming . . .

Well, I meant to post sooner, believe me I did. Bri helped remind me of that with her comment, so thanks, Bri! Sorry I haven't been able to talk to you much at CFY rehearsals yet. We're Phase 10ing it backstage again, and you can feel free to join us if you want (Unless we bring Uno, or Skip-Bo, or something else. Then you can play that with us!).

So, my first day of school entailed a 4 hour meeting. Woo-hoo. We herded all 17 of the 27 enrolled who were present into Dave's room and bombarded them with the Carson High handbook as well as our rules and regulations. Since I teach at the alternative high school, we teach three classes a day, and are done at 12:15. So, that was it for that day. The next day I went over rules and procedures for my class. Day three launched my classes into the material: Nouns for English III/IV, and reading assesments for my Reading class. The three of us teachers at Opp HS teach the third period together. This quarter, it's Life Skills. We've begun an Orienteering Unit, which has proved fun thus far. Today, I furthered delving into the noun unit, did a newspaper project with my Reading class. Orienteering has been popular thus far.

I'm stunned at how well behaved the kids are so far. I'm not so naiive as to think it'll last much longer, but for now I'm enjoying it. The kids actually behave better than the kids did at CCS on the first days of school. Maybe it's my past experiences I've learned from, or maybe it's something else. Whatever it is, I'm not complaining!

The International Independent Film Festival was, in a word, awesome!!!!!!!!! At the kick-off party (that Chris insisted we dress up for, only to find that ironed jeans were the next nicest clothes!), I got to meet a few of the directors of the films. I rubbed elbows with Andy Dick (eh), AND (drum roll inserted here) Dave Barry!!!!!!! I actually didn't feel comfortable talking to either of them without a real purpose, but they were at the same small party with me, and I KNOW they both saw me. It was a lot of fun. Also, because I was "with" Chris at this party, I got a Celebrity badge (For free! It normally cost a few hundred dollars), which got me into any of the events and films for free! I took advantage of it!

I left rehearsal early on Friday night (9 pm) to see a movie in Incline (part of Tahoe). It started late, so they let us ride to a party across the street for the director . . . in a limousine! I've never ridden in one before, so that was cool. The funny thing was, there were 8 of us squished in this thing, and I only knew Chris. And for the knee slapper? I had to sit on the floor! Oh well, it makes for a good story! Well, this time, we were both kind of underdressed. And even though they were serving free drinks, neither of us are really drinkers--occasionally a glass of wine or something, but even that's pushing it for me. So we walked back to the theater.

We caught a short film that I would suggest everyone see if they get a chance. It's called Final Sale and it's about the funniest thing ever! It's about two best friends in a boutique somewhere who get into a fight over a dress (which there's only one of), and they break into some serious martial arts! I laughed so hard! Then, we saw another short called Dear Sweet Emma. It was funny, but in a VERY black humor sort of way. Then they began to play the feature for the evening, which was why we were there, My Big, Fat, Independent Film. The premise? They were combining several Independent blockbusters into one film and making fun of them. Sounds entertaining, no? Yeah, well, we left less than an hour into it because it was so lousy, cliche', and I was personally getting a little disturbed at some of the material. There were some funny things, but not enough to make it worth my time. I'm also glad we left early, because at the end was a Q and A with the director . . . something I would have not really cared to listen to.

On Saturday I saw the short films Little Red Jiving Hood (absurd, but hilarious), AdCorps (about the group of people that would have named a store Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Hysterical!), and Cold War (a little dissatisfying, but remeniscent of Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner). But, the really cool thing I did that night? I got to see Mickey Rooney perform LIVE!!!!!!!!!! He was in a film at the festival (which I still want to see even though I couldn't that night). He sang. He danced. He played piano. He told jokes. He imitated rap singers!!!!!!!!! His wife was performing with him, and the two were absolutely adorable. He spent a lot of time giving some of his history. I didn't know Ava Gardner was his first wife! He did a beautiful segment to Judy Garland, too. Oh, and did I mention that I was in the front row? Yeah, 10 feet away from the legend! By far, one of the coolest experiences of my life!

On Sunday I saw a documentary called Shakespeare Behind Bars which was very moving! It's an educational program for prisoners in Kentucky (and maybe other places, too). These men work almost a whole year on a Shakespeare production to perform for their fellow inmates, family and friends, and sometimes they tour other prisons. It was absolutely fascinating. I'm going to see about getting the DVD of it, so I can possibly show it to classes when I teach Shakespeare. These men were not light criminals, either. One of them even had a double life sentence! The group they focused on was putting on The Tempest that season. I really enjoyed this documentary!

So, I guess that's about it. This last week has felt quite surreal because of all of these experiences. I've really enjoyed myself! The title comes from the song "Jimmy" from Thoroughly Modern Millie. I must admit, I can fully understand how Millie Dillmount is feeling at that moment!

August 23, 2005

To go to a fancy nightclub and stay out after ten!

Tomorrow is the first day of school. EEEK!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so very nervous. Excited. Ready for the challenge. Wishing I were an ostrich who could bury my head in the sand. Sigh.

I also get to go to a VIP party-thing for the Tahoe Independent Film Festival! For free! The BAC is showing some of the films, so Chris got tickets. Ooh . . . I get to rub elbows with the independent elite. All I know is that if John Heder (sp?) is there, I'll be thrilled and probably follow him around quoting Napoleon Dynamite all night. Well, for the two hours the event lasts, but I'll brag about it during Fiddler rehearsal tomorrow evening.

Umm . . . I joined a gym today. My first time ever. I decided that I need to tone up a bit, particularly with my sliver of a piece of fabric for a costume(s) in Crazy for You. What is Bob thinking?????????? So I may get . . . something? Ah, I'll be in better shape. My clothes will fit better (not that there's much of a problem or anything). Taking care of God's temple and all that jazz.

The song lyrics are from "How Lovely to be a Woman" from Bye Bye Birdie. Kim MacAfee has just been "pinned" by her first boyfriend, and is dreaming of all the new experiences it will bring with it. I suppose since everything in this post is a first for me somehow, I feel it works.

August 17, 2005

There are times I am not sure of what I absolutely know

Phew! It's amazing how one's life can change in the course of a week. I was hopping around in circles and singing for joy last week at this time, because I'd just learned that day that I had a job. Today, I'm up to my ears in insurance papers, binders with papers about The Framework for Teaching (which, thanks to NNU, I feel very familiar with), Carson City School District's policies, handbooks, Opportunity High School's policies, 3x5 notecards with various information, etc., etc., etc. (to quote Yul Brynner in The King and I).

I've been getting nervous about this position ever since the reality of it hit me. I just hope and pray that I have the strength and wisdom to do this job well. I've been praying about it a lot. I do think that it's what God wants me to do, but I can't help but realize how tough this will be. I think it'll be good, too, though. I will only be teaching about 4 1/2 hours a day, and the rest of time will be lunch and prep. I'm getting a signing bonus for the district and the state! I'll also be getting paid extra for doing detentions once every three weeks. I try not to be money obsessed, but considering that this is quite a leap up for me, I cannot seem to help it. The Lord is truly good!

We have finally begun real rehearsals for Fiddler. I'm excited for it. Jen and Rachel are such fun girls, and I do feel an older sister inclination towards the two of them (practice, perhaps?). Peter-Pedro (as I and several others call him) makes me laugh, and I think it'll be fun to play opposite of him. Lots of fun people are in the show with me. Yeah for fun shows!!!!!!!!

The title of this post comes from the song "A Puzzlement" from The King and I. It mirrors how I feel about this upcoming teaching position. Stand firm and strong, Lynette!

August 10, 2005

Then the job is yours and Hudson's Floor Wax really doesn't matter!

Aaaahhhhhhhhhhh sweet mystery of life at last I found thee! I got a job! I'm teaching English this year! At the alternative high school in Carson. I'll be "in" the district! I'll have much better pay! I'll have benefits! I must admit that I'm overly ecstatic about this. Delirious with relief. Huzzah!!!!!!!!!!!!! Blogger won't let me enter to skip lines, so I'll end it here. The title is also from "The Speed Test" from Thoroughly Modern Millie.

August 07, 2005

One week, will it ever be right? Then out of the hat, it's that big first night!

The Taming of the Shrew opened on Friday. We've had two performances. We have one tonight. Then, there are only 6 more to go, with at least one pick-up rehearsal. Huzzah!

Actually, I think the show's been going about as well as it could be. Most people have memorized all of their lines and have been delivering them quite well. There are just three people whom it's hard to trust to know cues, and even some of their lines. I've been told of some changes to scenes right before I go on stage for that scene--thank you director. Oh well.

I still haven't heard anything from the school, so I suppose I'll hear tomorrow. I really hope so. Denise, the costumer for all of the WNMTC shows I've done so far, has called me and told me that there are still openings in the Carson City District. She's very nice, even though I know people who try to say otherwise. I've never had any trouble with her; just the opposite, in fact.

The title of this post comes from "Another Openin', Another Show" from Cole Porter's Kiss Me Kate. Supposedly, the writer got the idea for the show while working with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne in a show together! A great couple in the theatre who worked well together on stage. On stage, during the rehearsal process, was an entirely different story.

August 03, 2005

Tell me where my desk is, when we eat lunch, how much I'll be paid . . .

I just got back from my interview at PHS/Opportunity High School. This is the first teaching interview of the summer where I have felt good about how I did. I don't think I did poorly at the other two, but this one felt different. I am hoping that that is a sign of some sort. I was able to tell them of some of my proud teaching moments--6th graders "doing" verbs, The Odyssey and The Iliad plays, the Anne Frank "grounding"--all of which they seemed impressed with. They asked me if I had to teach Health and English at the same time, how I might tie the two together. Literature! Literature is the answer! I said I could possibly pull in a Dickens novel, and study the two together, and have them do a project with both of the subjects. I hope they were impressed with me. I really need a job.

Dev, that dream sounds DREADFUL!!!! I'm sure your English Comp class will be nothing but top-notch teaching and preparation. :) I've had two weird dreams this week. On Saturday, I dreamt that I died. I died in bed. I was able to see initial responses from people, which was kind of cool. I also saw a bit of my funeral. Talk about creepy, huh? The other dream involved me posing as a teacher, but really being a spy. I was in Washington D.C. with two college friends whom I deduced were actually enemy spies. I was able to outswaggle them and escape their evil plot to kill me. Jennifer Garner has nothing on me!!!!!! :)

I fell last night during Shrew rehearsal. Let me rephrase that. I BIFFED IT at rehearsal last night!!!!!! I always wipe my face off after one scene where Michelle (Katherina) pours water on my head and powdered sugar in my face. I was running towards a house we use, and there was some rolled up carpet on the ground. I, of course, did not see it. I tripped and would have fallen face first if the stairs hadn't broken my fall. I landed on my left thumb, stubbed both of my big toes, hurt my left leg, skinned my right knee, skinned and bruised my right hip, skinned my right elbow, and seriously bruised my upper right arm (which now hurts if I lift something or move it upwards). I'm such a klutz!!!!!!

The title of this post is in my earnest hope that it will happen. The lyrics are taken from the song "The Speed Test" from Thoroughly Modern Millie