While I sadly have no plans to visit anywhere soon, even New Jersey, I am thrilled with the fact that I get a full two week break from grad school. Nothing hangs over my head. I don't mentally need to prepare for anything. It's almost making me giddy! :) I have not had a real two week break since the program began. I mean, I get two weeks off for Christmas, but that was in the middle of a class, so it didn't really count! I have enjoyed week one, so it's time to salvage what I have left and get 'r done!
I sometimes wonder if the program I'm in is worth it. I'm not particularly passionate about the subject. I signed on for it when I still taught at the alternative high school, and it was much more pertinent, applicable, and my time was much more available. But then I remind myself it's only a little more than 14 months away, and I've spent all this money, etc. I just don't know if it's worth it to me. Perhaps a program I cared more about, yes, but I don't know if this is it. I should figure it out soon, because if not, I'm stressing a TON about an Action Research Project and paper that is due at the end of the spring. I don't like the idea of quitting, nor do I like the idea of having spent all this money on books and tuition, etc. However if I feel somewhat apathetic about the whole ordeal, that's making the process harder too, and possibly not worth the trouble. Please send me advice, those of you with grad school experience. I really am stuck and don't know what to do. At all. It sucks!!!
I keep planning out things I want to do; after grad school is over. Things like teaching overseas. Doing more plays. Reading for long lengths of time because I can. Sigh. Well, here's an example: Last summer when I spent my 10 hours in NYC I had a ball. I love New York so much! Anyway, my friends said, "Why don't you spend the summer here? You could get a job working at a theatre as an usher, or a dresser or something. We'd help, and you could stay with us!" I'm still dazzled by this idea and really want to do it! I want to go out there and just live. I get paid through the summer. Perhaps I could FINALLY make it up to PEI and visit all of Anne's haunting grounds. I looked at my summer class schedule and it looks like it's a doozy. Is it worth it? I mean really. I honestly don't know if I could really get a chance to experience living in New York over the summer if I'm tied down with tons of classes that honestly do not sound even remotely interesting to me.
So I throw this question out to the masses. Should I bother? Really and truly bother with the rest of this program that really doesn't stir any excitement up in me anymore. I mean, it's interesting, but I don't know if my stubbornness to continue in such a program for the sake of not being a quitter really cuts it for me. But then what? When do I get a masters? Are all programs like this? HELP!!!
The title comes from the song "Atlantic City" from Ragtime, which (along with Les Miserables) is my favorite musical.
October 25, 2008
September 18, 2008
Everything was beautiful at the ballet
As I'm sure you guessed, I'm a movie fanatic. Old, new, foreign, indie; I'm all over them. I love a good story whether it teaches me something, makes me cry, makes me want to get up and dance, or makes me laugh until my sides hurt. I use my discretion to screen those I'd be interested in and those I would not.
I also love books. I have always loved books. I, again, love a good story. Classics, contemporary, childrens, foreign, etc. Reading allows me to go anywhere, any time, and meet some of the greatest characters a person could ever hope to return to.
When the two are paired, I've learned that it can go one of two ways: fantastic or a dismal failure. I always hope for the best, but alas it cannot always be the case. I always get excited when I hear of one of my favorite books is being turned into a film.
Around last December I turned to a childhood favorite. Well, actually, three of my childhood favorites. Noel Streatfield's classics: Ballet Shoes, Theatre Shoes, and Dancing Shoes. I've always been charmed by these stories. I love the British factor, the history factor, the performance factor, and the charm factor. There is something that will always endear me toward these stories.
After I read them, I decided to look them up on Amazon to see if they were films. There was one made of Ballet Shoes made many years ago. And then . . . there was one to be playing on the BBC on Boxing Day last year, which had a fantastic cast. I was so excited! Emilia Fox! Gemma Jones! Harriet Walters! Richard Griffiths! Emma Watson! HUZZAH! Sadly, it was not on a DVD which had the ability to be played on American DVD players.
So on Thursday I had a rotten time at UNR. I went to Barnes and Noble to calm down enough to drive safely. And to wait to see if Dana was still interested in our tenative dinner plans. I was browsing many areas within the wonderful two story building filled to the brim with information and imagination. I meandered toward the films. They were playing an ad for Ballet Shoes--the version I'd been dying to see! I went on the rampage searching for it to see if they actually had the movie. To my delight--they did! So I bought it.
It was charming. Not completely like the book (the girls were older, for one), but still lovely. One thing cracked me up like no other. It was rated PG. Why? Because there was one scene where two of the adults smoked (gasp!). It lasted all of maybe two minutes. And Emilia Fox (Garnie) coughed as a result of her attempt at it. Hilarious!
The title comes from a song called "At the Ballet" from A Chorus Line. It seemed fitting.
I also love books. I have always loved books. I, again, love a good story. Classics, contemporary, childrens, foreign, etc. Reading allows me to go anywhere, any time, and meet some of the greatest characters a person could ever hope to return to.
When the two are paired, I've learned that it can go one of two ways: fantastic or a dismal failure. I always hope for the best, but alas it cannot always be the case. I always get excited when I hear of one of my favorite books is being turned into a film.
Around last December I turned to a childhood favorite. Well, actually, three of my childhood favorites. Noel Streatfield's classics: Ballet Shoes, Theatre Shoes, and Dancing Shoes. I've always been charmed by these stories. I love the British factor, the history factor, the performance factor, and the charm factor. There is something that will always endear me toward these stories.
After I read them, I decided to look them up on Amazon to see if they were films. There was one made of Ballet Shoes made many years ago. And then . . . there was one to be playing on the BBC on Boxing Day last year, which had a fantastic cast. I was so excited! Emilia Fox! Gemma Jones! Harriet Walters! Richard Griffiths! Emma Watson! HUZZAH! Sadly, it was not on a DVD which had the ability to be played on American DVD players.
So on Thursday I had a rotten time at UNR. I went to Barnes and Noble to calm down enough to drive safely. And to wait to see if Dana was still interested in our tenative dinner plans. I was browsing many areas within the wonderful two story building filled to the brim with information and imagination. I meandered toward the films. They were playing an ad for Ballet Shoes--the version I'd been dying to see! I went on the rampage searching for it to see if they actually had the movie. To my delight--they did! So I bought it.
It was charming. Not completely like the book (the girls were older, for one), but still lovely. One thing cracked me up like no other. It was rated PG. Why? Because there was one scene where two of the adults smoked (gasp!). It lasted all of maybe two minutes. And Emilia Fox (Garnie) coughed as a result of her attempt at it. Hilarious!
The title comes from a song called "At the Ballet" from A Chorus Line. It seemed fitting.
August 24, 2008
Keep it Positive!
So, yeah, school begins tomorrow. Lordy! How did it get here so fast? I've been to the school everyday since August 11. It's been jam-packed with LinkCrewFreshmenOrientationTeacherInservices. This time can also be known as many meetings, no real school prep time allotted. So I've been staying until 4-5 again. Anyway, I rearranged my classroom to fit some different things I want to try and I must say I like it a lot. It seems roomier and more aesthetic to me. I'm also able to fit more students in (which is good since my biggest class so far is 32 students, my smallest is 24). Yay moi!
In a couple of weeks I'm heading up to Seattle--possibly my favorite city on the West Coast. Why? To visit Esther again. This time, I think Fin (or Kristina for those who didn't know Kara really well) will be joining us. 'Twill be fun. Particularly since we're going to be seeing Shrek. No, not the movie sillies! The stage production which begins in Seattle before heading to Broadway. It stars many of my favorites, including Sutton Foster. And Brian d'Arcy James (Who is involved in a personal story of mine which lends itself to much humiliation on my part from when I was a teenager--I love telling the story, but I don't particularly feel like writing it out now).
So, here's to teachers who are in my boat. I am sure we all feel the same way. Nervous, unprepared, and gearing ourselves up for exhaustion and great hunger (at least, I always feel like I'm eating so much more at the beginning of the year than later). Good luck--08/09 will be a great year for all (I hope!).
The title comes from the song with the same title from Legally Blonde the musical. I won't necessarily suggest that "It's positively time to shake your junk!", but it would be good to keep a positive attitude in the fall and throughout the year.
In a couple of weeks I'm heading up to Seattle--possibly my favorite city on the West Coast. Why? To visit Esther again. This time, I think Fin (or Kristina for those who didn't know Kara really well) will be joining us. 'Twill be fun. Particularly since we're going to be seeing Shrek. No, not the movie sillies! The stage production which begins in Seattle before heading to Broadway. It stars many of my favorites, including Sutton Foster. And Brian d'Arcy James (Who is involved in a personal story of mine which lends itself to much humiliation on my part from when I was a teenager--I love telling the story, but I don't particularly feel like writing it out now).
So, here's to teachers who are in my boat. I am sure we all feel the same way. Nervous, unprepared, and gearing ourselves up for exhaustion and great hunger (at least, I always feel like I'm eating so much more at the beginning of the year than later). Good luck--08/09 will be a great year for all (I hope!).
The title comes from the song with the same title from Legally Blonde the musical. I won't necessarily suggest that "It's positively time to shake your junk!", but it would be good to keep a positive attitude in the fall and throughout the year.
August 12, 2008
In the good old Summertime!
Yeah, so it's been years since my last post. Well, so it feels to moi! It has been one jam-packed summer, let me tell you!
Okay, June: We had to stay awhile after the kids went home. The teachers got a raise, and that was how the union helped us get that (since the state was adding it this coming year anyway). So I took off that Monday after we were done, and flew to LA to visit with Nina and my cousin Kelsey. Janina and I spent time at Disneyland/DCA, the adorable town of Fullerton, and a day in Hollywood. Twas fun. However, my phone rang non-stop while on this vacation.
Why? Well, I had signed up to teach summer school, and I was only supposed to teach afternoon. It did not happen. These phone calls went as follows: Carson Middle school needed a summer school teacher and were willing to let me do two days a week, the high school had a lot of students sign up late for summer school (thanks to the arrival of report cards, no doubt) and needed me to teach a morning session as well (so there would be two morning sessions--myself and my friend Lori). Basically, it felt like a tug-of-war, and I ultimately made the choice to teach morning so I could make more money for my vacation. It was nice to earn that money, but I don't know that I'd do two sessions again. Especially not with over 60 students and 35 minutes of break within those two sessions.
I was in a production of The Tempest. Actually, it was part Shakespeare, part Cameron Crain (our director, Ferdinand, and president of the Nevada Shakespeare Company). They marketed it as The Tempest, Kinda a freely adapted script. I played Ariel. My hair was Cyndi Lauper from the 80s huge, with green face makeup and glitter (which I'm still trying to get off from Saturday--our last show). It was a very silly production. You know, I have to say that it worked though. The audience up there prefers that. And while I like the show enough to read, I imagine it's hard to sit through all those monologues. Gotta say, it's not my favorite Shakespeare.
Because of the show, though, I could not attend my 10 year reunion from high school. I have to admit I was curious, but it didn't work out. I did make it out East though. I took a five day vacation (since I don't have a full free week this summer) to the opposite coast. I left Reno at midnight after our first Saturday show and flew to Houston, then Baltimore. Jen (Hill) Boutz picked me up and we went off to visit Mount Vernon. Because of the time that we got there and the line, we decided against going into the house. We, instead, visited his farm and such. The last time I was there I was 11 (when the Queen of Norway was there and said hello to us!). Most of what I saw wasn't there in 1991. It was actually very ingenious, some of the stuff he created and did. From there, we were going to visit old town Alexandria, but I called my oousin who works in Alexandria. Jen and I met with Marissa at the movie theater she works at and had dinner with her at Panera (a place we need out here!). I haven't seen her in about 8 years, so that was fun. She then let us into the movie theater for free where we saw the X-Files movie. Watching it with Jen was fun--it was like being in college again! :) The next day I went into D.C. on my own since Jen and her husband both had work and study plans. I took myself to the Library of Congress. It was awesome! I definitely saw the Gutenberg Bible, but many of the other displays I was interested in were closed down. :( Luckily, the Bob Hope vaudeville and career exhibit was open and fascinating. I got to see Eddie Foy's tap shoes! I got to see Houdini's handcuffs and shackles! Everything I saw was fascinating to me. His career was really impressive (which I knew, but to see his stuff was awesome!). Then I took myself to see the Holocaust museum. I didn't have a lot of time, but I saw the David exhibit (the kid's perspective) and I saw the special exhibit--the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Oi! I learned so many fascinating things. I felt ignorant in the fact that the only Olympian I recognized was Jesse Owens. Hitler was able to spread a lot of his propaganda. So many countries considered not attending in protest, but ultimately decided against it. It was interesting to see the way that seemed to encourage the Nazi movement.
In the late afternoon, I took myself to the train station and hopped a train for Princeton. I was met there by Kara Lyons-Pardue. I had dinner with she and her husband Charlie. The next day I explored Princeton while Kara studied and tutored. The campus was amazing. I visited the chapel and what I could of the library (only students can use it, but they have displays the public can visit). The children's section of the library was wonderful! They had pillows and books everywhere, but they also had "play places". Houses, a well, a tree with a treehouse--all of which were for the kids to read in. It's hard to explain, but so cool! I then went in and saw a display that had an amazing collection of 1st edition books donated by many alumni, and a rare coin collection (some coins dating back to 300 something B.C.! I checked out the art museum, some of the theatre stuff, and I tried to sneak into a dorm, but alas, access was denied. :( In the afternoon Charlie picked the two of us up and we three headed to Philadelphia! Why? Oh, just to visit the Franklin Museum and to visit National Geographic's Pirate exhibit! It was so awesome! They'd brought up artifacts from a Pirate ship that sank. It was interesting to see the various things they used and what it taught today's people (such as weapons they did not know had existed). Based on what I learned, it confirmed my impression: had I lived in those times, I would have wanted to be a pirate! :D We actually got to touch pirate treasure, too!
The next day, I had some stupid train fiascos on both ways, but I headed into NYC. I was able to meet up with my Nevada friend, Marcus. The two of us went to the Met and saw some of the cool displays and exhibits. One special one was superhero costumes and how they've inspired fashion designers for runway outfits. It was really interesting to not only see it, but to learn some of the subtext the clothing suggests. Last time I was at that museum, I was 17 and didn't actually see a lot. This time I didn't have a ton of time, but I visited a couple of places (including one of the displays of furniture which reminded me of From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, which I loved as a kid). Marcus and I left to eat an Irish pub on 46th street with some friends of mine. The name of the pub? The Pig and Whistle! The friends? Ashleigh (from Tahoe) and Katie (from high school). The three of them got along famously. It was so much fun, and I had an EXCELLENT shepard's pie! :) Marcus and I then saw Young Frankenstein
with the original cast (sans one of my favorites, Sutton Foster!). I think I laughed through about 95% of the show. They did some truly amazing things and it was hi-larious!!!!!!!!! I got home uber late thanks to train delays. I felt incredibly bad, because I had an early flight out of Philly.
The next day I had to leave, which was an adventure, but nothing too notable.
The rest of my summer has included seeing many plays (Richard III, Cambio, Midsummer, The Complete Works of William Shakepeare Abriged,another Midsummer, scenes from the LTSF kids camp, etc.), grad school (three more classes done, one started yesterday), family time, reading, and more. My time back at CHS started yesterday, even though school doesn't start until the 25th. Link Crew runs freshmen orientation, so we're gearing up for that. Tonight I'm auditioning for South Pacific. And there you have it!
The title is an old song, but it was used in the musical film In the Good Old Summertime with Van Johnson and Judy Garland. It's based on the movie The Shop Around the Corner. Funnily enough that film inspired the musical already mentioned, a Broadway musical called She Loves Me, and the film You've Got Mail!
Okay, June: We had to stay awhile after the kids went home. The teachers got a raise, and that was how the union helped us get that (since the state was adding it this coming year anyway). So I took off that Monday after we were done, and flew to LA to visit with Nina and my cousin Kelsey. Janina and I spent time at Disneyland/DCA, the adorable town of Fullerton, and a day in Hollywood. Twas fun. However, my phone rang non-stop while on this vacation.
Why? Well, I had signed up to teach summer school, and I was only supposed to teach afternoon. It did not happen. These phone calls went as follows: Carson Middle school needed a summer school teacher and were willing to let me do two days a week, the high school had a lot of students sign up late for summer school (thanks to the arrival of report cards, no doubt) and needed me to teach a morning session as well (so there would be two morning sessions--myself and my friend Lori). Basically, it felt like a tug-of-war, and I ultimately made the choice to teach morning so I could make more money for my vacation. It was nice to earn that money, but I don't know that I'd do two sessions again. Especially not with over 60 students and 35 minutes of break within those two sessions.
I was in a production of The Tempest. Actually, it was part Shakespeare, part Cameron Crain (our director, Ferdinand, and president of the Nevada Shakespeare Company). They marketed it as The Tempest, Kinda a freely adapted script. I played Ariel. My hair was Cyndi Lauper from the 80s huge, with green face makeup and glitter (which I'm still trying to get off from Saturday--our last show). It was a very silly production. You know, I have to say that it worked though. The audience up there prefers that. And while I like the show enough to read, I imagine it's hard to sit through all those monologues. Gotta say, it's not my favorite Shakespeare.
Because of the show, though, I could not attend my 10 year reunion from high school. I have to admit I was curious, but it didn't work out. I did make it out East though. I took a five day vacation (since I don't have a full free week this summer) to the opposite coast. I left Reno at midnight after our first Saturday show and flew to Houston, then Baltimore. Jen (Hill) Boutz picked me up and we went off to visit Mount Vernon. Because of the time that we got there and the line, we decided against going into the house. We, instead, visited his farm and such. The last time I was there I was 11 (when the Queen of Norway was there and said hello to us!). Most of what I saw wasn't there in 1991. It was actually very ingenious, some of the stuff he created and did. From there, we were going to visit old town Alexandria, but I called my oousin who works in Alexandria. Jen and I met with Marissa at the movie theater she works at and had dinner with her at Panera (a place we need out here!). I haven't seen her in about 8 years, so that was fun. She then let us into the movie theater for free where we saw the X-Files movie. Watching it with Jen was fun--it was like being in college again! :) The next day I went into D.C. on my own since Jen and her husband both had work and study plans. I took myself to the Library of Congress. It was awesome! I definitely saw the Gutenberg Bible, but many of the other displays I was interested in were closed down. :( Luckily, the Bob Hope vaudeville and career exhibit was open and fascinating. I got to see Eddie Foy's tap shoes! I got to see Houdini's handcuffs and shackles! Everything I saw was fascinating to me. His career was really impressive (which I knew, but to see his stuff was awesome!). Then I took myself to see the Holocaust museum. I didn't have a lot of time, but I saw the David exhibit (the kid's perspective) and I saw the special exhibit--the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Oi! I learned so many fascinating things. I felt ignorant in the fact that the only Olympian I recognized was Jesse Owens. Hitler was able to spread a lot of his propaganda. So many countries considered not attending in protest, but ultimately decided against it. It was interesting to see the way that seemed to encourage the Nazi movement.
In the late afternoon, I took myself to the train station and hopped a train for Princeton. I was met there by Kara Lyons-Pardue. I had dinner with she and her husband Charlie. The next day I explored Princeton while Kara studied and tutored. The campus was amazing. I visited the chapel and what I could of the library (only students can use it, but they have displays the public can visit). The children's section of the library was wonderful! They had pillows and books everywhere, but they also had "play places". Houses, a well, a tree with a treehouse--all of which were for the kids to read in. It's hard to explain, but so cool! I then went in and saw a display that had an amazing collection of 1st edition books donated by many alumni, and a rare coin collection (some coins dating back to 300 something B.C.! I checked out the art museum, some of the theatre stuff, and I tried to sneak into a dorm, but alas, access was denied. :( In the afternoon Charlie picked the two of us up and we three headed to Philadelphia! Why? Oh, just to visit the Franklin Museum and to visit National Geographic's Pirate exhibit! It was so awesome! They'd brought up artifacts from a Pirate ship that sank. It was interesting to see the various things they used and what it taught today's people (such as weapons they did not know had existed). Based on what I learned, it confirmed my impression: had I lived in those times, I would have wanted to be a pirate! :D We actually got to touch pirate treasure, too!
The next day, I had some stupid train fiascos on both ways, but I headed into NYC. I was able to meet up with my Nevada friend, Marcus. The two of us went to the Met and saw some of the cool displays and exhibits. One special one was superhero costumes and how they've inspired fashion designers for runway outfits. It was really interesting to not only see it, but to learn some of the subtext the clothing suggests. Last time I was at that museum, I was 17 and didn't actually see a lot. This time I didn't have a ton of time, but I visited a couple of places (including one of the displays of furniture which reminded me of From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, which I loved as a kid). Marcus and I left to eat an Irish pub on 46th street with some friends of mine. The name of the pub? The Pig and Whistle! The friends? Ashleigh (from Tahoe) and Katie (from high school). The three of them got along famously. It was so much fun, and I had an EXCELLENT shepard's pie! :) Marcus and I then saw Young Frankenstein
with the original cast (sans one of my favorites, Sutton Foster!). I think I laughed through about 95% of the show. They did some truly amazing things and it was hi-larious!!!!!!!!! I got home uber late thanks to train delays. I felt incredibly bad, because I had an early flight out of Philly.
The next day I had to leave, which was an adventure, but nothing too notable.
The rest of my summer has included seeing many plays (Richard III, Cambio, Midsummer, The Complete Works of William Shakepeare Abriged,another Midsummer, scenes from the LTSF kids camp, etc.), grad school (three more classes done, one started yesterday), family time, reading, and more. My time back at CHS started yesterday, even though school doesn't start until the 25th. Link Crew runs freshmen orientation, so we're gearing up for that. Tonight I'm auditioning for South Pacific. And there you have it!
The title is an old song, but it was used in the musical film In the Good Old Summertime with Van Johnson and Judy Garland. It's based on the movie The Shop Around the Corner. Funnily enough that film inspired the musical already mentioned, a Broadway musical called She Loves Me, and the film You've Got Mail!
June 08, 2008
It's a Most Unusual Day
Okay, so yesterday I had a typical "Lynette's Catastrophe" day. Nothing too bad; just a string of very strange occurrences. This used to happen to me a lot. It's been awhile since. I almost forgot that I did this. Until yesterday.
Okay, so yesterday was the CHS graduation. I wanted to get there around 9 since it started at 10 and parking goes insane. Well, I had my house keys and had to get my car keys from the jacket I'd worn on Friday when I went to Reno. Yeah, my house keys totally disappeared in the process. So I used my other key, put the laundry in my car to take to my parents' house after the ceremony, and drove off to Starbucks for chai before going to the football field (I got off later than I wanted). The line was long and I got out later than I wanted--I didn't get to the high school until about 9:30.
I had to park behind the soccer field that's behind the school. The gate to the field on my side was open. I asked if the cop there I could cross the field and he said okay. I started making my way there and the head of security at CHS, Orlando, came up and said I couldn't because the other side was probably locked. I walked all the way around. Then I headed towards the big gym where the graduates were contained. I joined the teachers in the cheering tunnel for the graduates as they walked onto the field. Then Beci, Jackie and I sat in the chairs for teachers which are behind the graduates. The ceremony was okay.
Afterwards, I congratulated several of my students and headed to the administration conference room for the food they left for the teachers. A few of us stayed out there for awhile to let the traffic die down. On my way back to the car, I thought I'd see if the gate was locked on the far side of my car; if not, I could cross the soccer field. It was open! I walked across and . . . they'd locked the side that was open when I came in!!!!!!!!!! GR! I decided that rather than walk around and take an extra 15-20 minutes, I would climb the chain link fence. Yup, in my new white sundress with blue green flowers, I climbed the fence.
So I drove out to Dayton. I realized that I'd forgotten my cell phone at home, so I couldn't call my parents (who were on their way to Sacramento to see Phantom of the Opera) to see if they had a spare key somewhere (and after the event on my birthday, Lord knows they should). I figured I'd just open the gate to the backyard, walk to the garage and enter the house from the entrance in the garage. Nice plan, right?
Had it worked. Oh, if only it had! No, the door to the garage was locked, as was the rest of their house. I figured my one shot was the doggie door. I reached in (after I removed the board to block the doggie door), and while I could touch the door handle, I could not turn or unlock it. Fortunately for me, I was actually able to fit inside the doggie door. Unfortunately for my dress and white elbow length shrug, it was muddy. So my first load was the dress and sweater.
I had a rehearsal at three. It was about 1:30ish when I got to Dayton. I washed the dress and sweater. Then I ran them quickly through the dryer on a quick air-dry cycle. Still damp. I ran them through a quick heated cycle. I had to do this until they were "dry enough" to wear. I left the house about 2:50. I zoomed up to Gold Hill and regaled them with my late excuse (which they loved). Then we rehearsed.
The rest of the day was event-free. And when I went home, I found my house keys . . . in my bathroom. I really don't know what to do with myself at times.
The title comes from a song with the same title. It's from a "B" movie musical from the 1940s called A Date With Judy. It's fun. It has Jane Powell and Elizabeth Taylor as teenagers.
Okay, so yesterday was the CHS graduation. I wanted to get there around 9 since it started at 10 and parking goes insane. Well, I had my house keys and had to get my car keys from the jacket I'd worn on Friday when I went to Reno. Yeah, my house keys totally disappeared in the process. So I used my other key, put the laundry in my car to take to my parents' house after the ceremony, and drove off to Starbucks for chai before going to the football field (I got off later than I wanted). The line was long and I got out later than I wanted--I didn't get to the high school until about 9:30.
I had to park behind the soccer field that's behind the school. The gate to the field on my side was open. I asked if the cop there I could cross the field and he said okay. I started making my way there and the head of security at CHS, Orlando, came up and said I couldn't because the other side was probably locked. I walked all the way around. Then I headed towards the big gym where the graduates were contained. I joined the teachers in the cheering tunnel for the graduates as they walked onto the field. Then Beci, Jackie and I sat in the chairs for teachers which are behind the graduates. The ceremony was okay.
Afterwards, I congratulated several of my students and headed to the administration conference room for the food they left for the teachers. A few of us stayed out there for awhile to let the traffic die down. On my way back to the car, I thought I'd see if the gate was locked on the far side of my car; if not, I could cross the soccer field. It was open! I walked across and . . . they'd locked the side that was open when I came in!!!!!!!!!! GR! I decided that rather than walk around and take an extra 15-20 minutes, I would climb the chain link fence. Yup, in my new white sundress with blue green flowers, I climbed the fence.
So I drove out to Dayton. I realized that I'd forgotten my cell phone at home, so I couldn't call my parents (who were on their way to Sacramento to see Phantom of the Opera) to see if they had a spare key somewhere (and after the event on my birthday, Lord knows they should). I figured I'd just open the gate to the backyard, walk to the garage and enter the house from the entrance in the garage. Nice plan, right?
Had it worked. Oh, if only it had! No, the door to the garage was locked, as was the rest of their house. I figured my one shot was the doggie door. I reached in (after I removed the board to block the doggie door), and while I could touch the door handle, I could not turn or unlock it. Fortunately for me, I was actually able to fit inside the doggie door. Unfortunately for my dress and white elbow length shrug, it was muddy. So my first load was the dress and sweater.
I had a rehearsal at three. It was about 1:30ish when I got to Dayton. I washed the dress and sweater. Then I ran them quickly through the dryer on a quick air-dry cycle. Still damp. I ran them through a quick heated cycle. I had to do this until they were "dry enough" to wear. I left the house about 2:50. I zoomed up to Gold Hill and regaled them with my late excuse (which they loved). Then we rehearsed.
The rest of the day was event-free. And when I went home, I found my house keys . . . in my bathroom. I really don't know what to do with myself at times.
The title comes from a song with the same title. It's from a "B" movie musical from the 1940s called A Date With Judy. It's fun. It has Jane Powell and Elizabeth Taylor as teenagers.
May 20, 2008
Life's not worth a damn till you can shout "Hey World--I am what I am!"
Yes, apologies are in order since I have shamefully neglected this blog. I just haven't been feeling "it" lately. That, combined with a never-ending schedule, seem to be my major downfalls. Sorry.
Anyway, in the last month or so:
Romeo and Juliet ended up going pretty darned well. I never killed myself in the swordfights. We had great audiences and the ending had the cast crying every single night--I kid you not! We went for raw emotion, and I think the effect was beautiful.
I auditioned for The Tempest with Nevada Shakespeare Company/Gold Hill. I will be spending a good portion of the summer portraying Ariel! Goodness! Never really pictured myself playing that part, but I'm excited to give it a go.
I decided to turn down the opportunity to perform in A Midsummer Night's Dream because I looked at my finances. It wasn't feasible financially, so I changed plans and I'll be teaching Summer School until mid-July. Eh. It won't be too bad.
I'm testifying to the Education Committee of the Nevada State Legislature with a few other people on Thursday. YIKES!!!! Not only do I have to miss teaching my absolute favorite class (seriously, it's fun content and I adore these students), but I know I'll feel nervous. I'm talking about Link Crew and Fresh Start.
Fresh Start is a new program at CHS next year that I am going to be developing and teaching. I was asked to do it because of my "strong background in differentiated instruction". I was surprised by that. Anyway, I'll be working with at-risk freshmen and teaching skills to help the transition to high school be easier. I'm actually pretty stoked, because I think it'll be an interesting challenge. I'll teach two sections of that next year.
Speaking of changes to my teaching schedule, I'm also going to be teaching a section of Beginning Drama next year! Huzzah for moi!!!!! I am only going to teach 2 sections of American Literature (which is a fun class to teach). Next year looks like fun!
I am trying to plan a trip out East this summer. Anyone want to be a travel companion? I want to visit my friends Marcus and Ashleigh in NYC, Kelly in PA, Kara at Princeton, Jen in D.C. Laurissa in Baltimore. I also want to visit PEI to see Anne Shirley's place, but so far no one else can go with me. We'll see. If I can swing my 10 year high school reunion in La Junta, CO as well, I'll do it. I can't believe it's been so long, and I have to admit I'm really curious about it.
Anyway, there's my life in a nutshell at the moment. Always more, but I'm tired and about to hit the hay. The title of the post comes from the song "I Am What I Am" from La Cage Aux Folles. I felt I could identify with it, because I've been a lazy blogger of late. Sorry if the swearing was offensive, but it really does need to be there for the impact of the lyrics, imho.
Anyway, in the last month or so:
Romeo and Juliet ended up going pretty darned well. I never killed myself in the swordfights. We had great audiences and the ending had the cast crying every single night--I kid you not! We went for raw emotion, and I think the effect was beautiful.
I auditioned for The Tempest with Nevada Shakespeare Company/Gold Hill. I will be spending a good portion of the summer portraying Ariel! Goodness! Never really pictured myself playing that part, but I'm excited to give it a go.
I decided to turn down the opportunity to perform in A Midsummer Night's Dream because I looked at my finances. It wasn't feasible financially, so I changed plans and I'll be teaching Summer School until mid-July. Eh. It won't be too bad.
I'm testifying to the Education Committee of the Nevada State Legislature with a few other people on Thursday. YIKES!!!! Not only do I have to miss teaching my absolute favorite class (seriously, it's fun content and I adore these students), but I know I'll feel nervous. I'm talking about Link Crew and Fresh Start.
Fresh Start is a new program at CHS next year that I am going to be developing and teaching. I was asked to do it because of my "strong background in differentiated instruction". I was surprised by that. Anyway, I'll be working with at-risk freshmen and teaching skills to help the transition to high school be easier. I'm actually pretty stoked, because I think it'll be an interesting challenge. I'll teach two sections of that next year.
Speaking of changes to my teaching schedule, I'm also going to be teaching a section of Beginning Drama next year! Huzzah for moi!!!!! I am only going to teach 2 sections of American Literature (which is a fun class to teach). Next year looks like fun!
I am trying to plan a trip out East this summer. Anyone want to be a travel companion? I want to visit my friends Marcus and Ashleigh in NYC, Kelly in PA, Kara at Princeton, Jen in D.C. Laurissa in Baltimore. I also want to visit PEI to see Anne Shirley's place, but so far no one else can go with me. We'll see. If I can swing my 10 year high school reunion in La Junta, CO as well, I'll do it. I can't believe it's been so long, and I have to admit I'm really curious about it.
Anyway, there's my life in a nutshell at the moment. Always more, but I'm tired and about to hit the hay. The title of the post comes from the song "I Am What I Am" from La Cage Aux Folles. I felt I could identify with it, because I've been a lazy blogger of late. Sorry if the swearing was offensive, but it really does need to be there for the impact of the lyrics, imho.
March 19, 2008
I Wanna Be Where the People Are . . .
Crazy! A new Anne book? I'm intrigued and nervous at the same time. Let's hope it stays truer to the stories than Scarlett did to Gone With the Wind. Check this article out: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080319/lf_nm_life/book_anne_dc
I also got a book today that makes me excited. A Choose Your Own Adventure style book for Jane Austen!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to get started and see if my Elizabeth Bennett choices actually get her with Darcy or Mr. Knightly or . . .
Next week is Spring Break. I'm heading to Ashland! Woo-hoo!!!!!! I'm seeing Midsummer, The Clay Cart, and Fences. Fun times!
Yes, the song is "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid. It recently opened on Broadway and some of my NYC friends have seen it. Oh so jealous am I!
I also got a book today that makes me excited. A Choose Your Own Adventure style book for Jane Austen!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to get started and see if my Elizabeth Bennett choices actually get her with Darcy or Mr. Knightly or . . .
Next week is Spring Break. I'm heading to Ashland! Woo-hoo!!!!!! I'm seeing Midsummer, The Clay Cart, and Fences. Fun times!
Yes, the song is "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid. It recently opened on Broadway and some of my NYC friends have seen it. Oh so jealous am I!
February 17, 2008
Dancing through Life!
Funny coincidence about this particular post. It's my 220th! Funny since my birthdate is 2/20. Very strange happening.
Okay, so, for my birthday list. Apparently I always post it 3 days before my birthday, so I'm just following tradition. So here it is--28 accomplishments in (almost) 28 years:
1) Learning to read (age 4 or 5)
2) Learning to ride a bike (age 9--seriously!)
3) Performing in my first play--Church Nativity Play (age 4)
4) Performing in my first ballet--Cinderella--Garland Girl (age 8)
5) Performing in my first musical--You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown--Patty (age 13)
6) First award that meant something real to me--A Humanitarian Award from 8th grade graduation (age 14)
7) First read a chapter book (age 6 or 7)
8) Learned to swim (age 6)
9) First team sport joined and played--Basketball (age 8)
10) First G.A.T.E. class--Sign Language (age 6)
11) First time on television--Journalism trip to the local News Station in Fresno (age 13)
12) Graduated from high school (age 18)
13) Graduated from college (age 22)
14) First traveled out of the country--France, Germany, and Italy on a Choir Tour (age 21)
15) First Shakespearean Play read and performed in--A Midsummer Night Dream--Titania (age 13)
16) First college show--Fiddler on the Roof--Chorus (age 18-19)
17) First state Forensics Meet--Columbine High School, Columbine, CO (age 16)
18) First solo song in a show--Church Play (age 9)
19) First tap show (age 26)
20) First graduate class (age 27)
21) First baby-sitting job (age 11)
22) Becoming an aunt (age 19)
23) Becoming a big sister (age 2)
24) Becoming a licensed driver (age 16)
25) First travel to New York City (age 17)
26) First "independent" trip--London (age 22)
27) First teaching job (age 23)
28) First true "home" after I moved away from my parents (age 23)
The title of the post comes from a song with the same title from Wicked.
Okay, so, for my birthday list. Apparently I always post it 3 days before my birthday, so I'm just following tradition. So here it is--28 accomplishments in (almost) 28 years:
1) Learning to read (age 4 or 5)
2) Learning to ride a bike (age 9--seriously!)
3) Performing in my first play--Church Nativity Play (age 4)
4) Performing in my first ballet--Cinderella--Garland Girl (age 8)
5) Performing in my first musical--You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown--Patty (age 13)
6) First award that meant something real to me--A Humanitarian Award from 8th grade graduation (age 14)
7) First read a chapter book (age 6 or 7)
8) Learned to swim (age 6)
9) First team sport joined and played--Basketball (age 8)
10) First G.A.T.E. class--Sign Language (age 6)
11) First time on television--Journalism trip to the local News Station in Fresno (age 13)
12) Graduated from high school (age 18)
13) Graduated from college (age 22)
14) First traveled out of the country--France, Germany, and Italy on a Choir Tour (age 21)
15) First Shakespearean Play read and performed in--A Midsummer Night Dream--Titania (age 13)
16) First college show--Fiddler on the Roof--Chorus (age 18-19)
17) First state Forensics Meet--Columbine High School, Columbine, CO (age 16)
18) First solo song in a show--Church Play (age 9)
19) First tap show (age 26)
20) First graduate class (age 27)
21) First baby-sitting job (age 11)
22) Becoming an aunt (age 19)
23) Becoming a big sister (age 2)
24) Becoming a licensed driver (age 16)
25) First travel to New York City (age 17)
26) First "independent" trip--London (age 22)
27) First teaching job (age 23)
28) First true "home" after I moved away from my parents (age 23)
The title of the post comes from a song with the same title from Wicked.
February 05, 2008
Snow, snow, snow, snow, SNOW!!!
Irving Berlin and I are putting our heads together, and still no go. We had snow--lots of it--every night for about 2 1/2 weeks. Serious I-can't-see-more-than-a-foot-in-front-of-me snow. It reminded me of going "light speed" on Star Tours. Church was cancelled, but school? Not even a 30 minute delay. I have been jealous of my Oregon, Idaho, etc. friends who have had the luxury of sleeping in and such. Must be nice.
Or it would be nice to live in S. Carolina like Kristen. 73 degrees. Remind me why I live in NV. It's cold, dry, tacky. Well, I do like Tahoe's proximity. I like being close to family. I like the "small town" feel of the area. Okay, so there are good points.
Forbidden Broadway was a lot of fun. The lady who did the Carol Channing impression said, "You laugh really loud sweetie!" to me. It was fantastic. Our entire two rows cracked up at that. Particularly since I'd told them all at dinner about my dad advising me to not laugh so loudly that other people had a hard time hearing the show. Hysterical!
It looks like I will be working with Nevada Shakespeare Company again this summer, with the Young Shakespeare program they do in conjunction with LTSF. Michelle Calhoun-Fitts is directing it and the show is . . . A Midsummer Night's Dream. FUN!!
So the title of the song is the same as this post. The song is used in wonderful White Christmas.
Or it would be nice to live in S. Carolina like Kristen. 73 degrees. Remind me why I live in NV. It's cold, dry, tacky. Well, I do like Tahoe's proximity. I like being close to family. I like the "small town" feel of the area. Okay, so there are good points.
Forbidden Broadway was a lot of fun. The lady who did the Carol Channing impression said, "You laugh really loud sweetie!" to me. It was fantastic. Our entire two rows cracked up at that. Particularly since I'd told them all at dinner about my dad advising me to not laugh so loudly that other people had a hard time hearing the show. Hysterical!
It looks like I will be working with Nevada Shakespeare Company again this summer, with the Young Shakespeare program they do in conjunction with LTSF. Michelle Calhoun-Fitts is directing it and the show is . . . A Midsummer Night's Dream. FUN!!
So the title of the song is the same as this post. The song is used in wonderful White Christmas.
January 20, 2008
What has happened to the theatre?
This week has been quite busy! How do I get so overcommitted so quickly? Sigh.
I'm so excited. I went to Barnes and Noble today, which requires a trip to Reno. I like it because it's the biggest bookstore in the area. I'm all about multi-levels when it comes to books. I wish it was like The Tattered Cover in Denver (a beautiful four story glorious bookstore--four stories!), but I can live with it. I bought a couple of books and a DVD. One of the books made me very happy. It was a copy of Anna Karenina(which I've never read before). It came with a copy of the movie with Vivien Leigh (whom I adore). And for the low price of $5.98. I'm all about a good deal!
I'm also slightly disappointed. I did not get a callback for the initial LTSF callback. I was okay with this, because I got an e-mail saying I was still under consideration and they'd call me if they needed to see me. However, all of my friends seemed to have gotten callbacks--Chris, Dana, Joe, Dan, Cameron, Michelle . . . :( I wish I could have even been considered for this first round. I was only able to audition for the Artistic Director, and the director of A Midsummer Night's Dream was at the callbacks. I don't know. I felt pretty good about the initial audition. I am not as disappointed as I would be if it were something around here in the community theatre realm, but it's kind of embarrassing for me. Perhaps it shouldn't be. It's just hard to know that the odds of my getting into Midsummer are now so very slim, and the chances of my getting in have decreased considerably. I heard that they loved Joe, which is no surprise. It's also weird knowing that many of my friends may not be able to do the shows, even if they make it, because of the work with the touring companies of the kids programs. I just really don't think I stand a chance.
I also went to a reading for The Tempest tonight for Nevada Shakespeare/Gold Hill tonight. They're doing it this summer. I, in no way, am not interested in playing Miranda. Ariel didn't seem that appealing. The part of Sebastian is to be changed to a female called Stefani, and that seemed somewhat interesting. I also was enjoying it when I read for the drunk Stephano in the scene where he meets Caliban. However, when Dana and I were leaving we talked all the way home. She revealed that many of the parts were pre-cast. And they said the reading was the audition--only after I asked when that stuff was going to happen. And Stephano was my favorite thing I read and that part is pretty much pre-cast. Why? Why didn't they tell us if some of the parts were pre-cast (and Dan and Michael told us what parts they're playing this summer)? I don't know. I just left disheartened.
Theatre sucks. It truly does.
The title comes from the song "Choreography" which was used in White Christmas.
I'm so excited. I went to Barnes and Noble today, which requires a trip to Reno. I like it because it's the biggest bookstore in the area. I'm all about multi-levels when it comes to books. I wish it was like The Tattered Cover in Denver (a beautiful four story glorious bookstore--four stories!), but I can live with it. I bought a couple of books and a DVD. One of the books made me very happy. It was a copy of Anna Karenina(which I've never read before). It came with a copy of the movie with Vivien Leigh (whom I adore). And for the low price of $5.98. I'm all about a good deal!
I'm also slightly disappointed. I did not get a callback for the initial LTSF callback. I was okay with this, because I got an e-mail saying I was still under consideration and they'd call me if they needed to see me. However, all of my friends seemed to have gotten callbacks--Chris, Dana, Joe, Dan, Cameron, Michelle . . . :( I wish I could have even been considered for this first round. I was only able to audition for the Artistic Director, and the director of A Midsummer Night's Dream was at the callbacks. I don't know. I felt pretty good about the initial audition. I am not as disappointed as I would be if it were something around here in the community theatre realm, but it's kind of embarrassing for me. Perhaps it shouldn't be. It's just hard to know that the odds of my getting into Midsummer are now so very slim, and the chances of my getting in have decreased considerably. I heard that they loved Joe, which is no surprise. It's also weird knowing that many of my friends may not be able to do the shows, even if they make it, because of the work with the touring companies of the kids programs. I just really don't think I stand a chance.
I also went to a reading for The Tempest tonight for Nevada Shakespeare/Gold Hill tonight. They're doing it this summer. I, in no way, am not interested in playing Miranda. Ariel didn't seem that appealing. The part of Sebastian is to be changed to a female called Stefani, and that seemed somewhat interesting. I also was enjoying it when I read for the drunk Stephano in the scene where he meets Caliban. However, when Dana and I were leaving we talked all the way home. She revealed that many of the parts were pre-cast. And they said the reading was the audition--only after I asked when that stuff was going to happen. And Stephano was my favorite thing I read and that part is pretty much pre-cast. Why? Why didn't they tell us if some of the parts were pre-cast (and Dan and Michael told us what parts they're playing this summer)? I don't know. I just left disheartened.
Theatre sucks. It truly does.
The title comes from the song "Choreography" which was used in White Christmas.
January 10, 2008
Juliet and her Romeo
Okay, I do apologize for my absence. The last month I was fearing I may die before I finished all I needed to do. It was not a pleasant thought. After school was out I was able to have fun and relax a bit. My sister Jessica, the nieces, and the brother-in-law all came out. The girls made me laugh. Leigha was jealous every moment that I was not spending sole time with her (including telling me that adults were boring and I should play with her instead of talking to everyone). Bri is a hyper runner whose favorite phrase varied between, "Nope, not today!" or "Nope, not tonight!" It made me laugh.
I saw plenty of films too. Wonderful films. I loved it--Enchanted, National Treasure 2, Across the Universe, The Great Debaters, P.S. I Love You, Charlie Wilson's War, The Water Horse. Did I mention I love movies? I don't know that it can be said enough. My aunt and uncle gave their daughter and I tickets to the new movie theater in Carson so we can see Sweeney Todd (which opens tomorrow here). HUZZAH for good movies!
My parents and I went to Anaheim to visit Janina. We had fun. Ate at The House of Blues. Spent not one, but two days at DCA (Disneyland was having blackout days so Nina couldn't get us in). We had fun though; even on Friday when the rain was pouring insanely all day in CA. We did come home at the height of crazy snowing on Saturday.
School has started again--both grad and CHS. So far so good. I'm having fun knowing that the semester ended before Christmas and that I do not have such a grading burden.
I auditioned for Romeo and Juliet with PPI on Monday night. Chris is directing. I was cast as Benvolio!--Woo! I'm so excited for this show. A) Tiny cast (12 people). B) I know and love 8 of the 14; Leoney, Sarah, Nicole, Warren, Corey, Dana, Dan, Jody, Jeff. Go talent and comaraderie! It's like all three of my theatre venues in NV are coming together (WNCC, Gold Hill, Love's Labour's Lost)--twill be a blast if I'm asked. I cannot wait for the readthrough!
The title comes from the song "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" from Kiss Me Kate.
I saw plenty of films too. Wonderful films. I loved it--Enchanted, National Treasure 2, Across the Universe, The Great Debaters, P.S. I Love You, Charlie Wilson's War, The Water Horse. Did I mention I love movies? I don't know that it can be said enough. My aunt and uncle gave their daughter and I tickets to the new movie theater in Carson so we can see Sweeney Todd (which opens tomorrow here). HUZZAH for good movies!
My parents and I went to Anaheim to visit Janina. We had fun. Ate at The House of Blues. Spent not one, but two days at DCA (Disneyland was having blackout days so Nina couldn't get us in). We had fun though; even on Friday when the rain was pouring insanely all day in CA. We did come home at the height of crazy snowing on Saturday.
School has started again--both grad and CHS. So far so good. I'm having fun knowing that the semester ended before Christmas and that I do not have such a grading burden.
I auditioned for Romeo and Juliet with PPI on Monday night. Chris is directing. I was cast as Benvolio!--Woo! I'm so excited for this show. A) Tiny cast (12 people). B) I know and love 8 of the 14; Leoney, Sarah, Nicole, Warren, Corey, Dana, Dan, Jody, Jeff. Go talent and comaraderie! It's like all three of my theatre venues in NV are coming together (WNCC, Gold Hill, Love's Labour's Lost)--twill be a blast if I'm asked. I cannot wait for the readthrough!
The title comes from the song "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" from Kiss Me Kate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)