Wow it's been a long time! Certainly this was not my intent. I just . . . ah, who even knows. So I'm back for now. Hopefully this time will be better.
I've been going through a lot of hard changes in my life this year, but they've been directly affecting other people and I'm a casualty of said hard changes (for the most part). I don't like it at all. I hate seeing people I love and who mean a lot to me going through so much pain. I don't like that I go through so much pain along with them. This rough wave has been hitting me pretty hard lately in terms of my perception. It's been getting pretty sour and I'm not going to lie, I'm not handling it altogether that well Prayer has been what gets me through these things.
One of the weirdest side effects is the fact that every time I go to church anymore I seem to cry. Or I feel like crying. I'm not sure what it is about church that gets my waterworks going but there it is. I've been making sure that when I go I can sit with family, Natalee, or Kristen. I don't always love going by myself, but I have in the past. Now I can't seem to do it. I wish I knew what the reason was because I'm fine everywhere else. Usually. Even at home I seem to do okay, for the most part. I can't say I'm loving this newfound sensitivity. Perhaps I'm literally crying out to God. I don't know, but I feel weird doing it. Not because I feel uncomfortable crying in church, but because it's all the time!
So here I sit, trying to make sense of my newest quirk. I can tell you that it's not endearing. It's awkward. I hoped seeing it typed out would help, but apparently it's not going to.
The title comes from the song "Confession" from Les Miserables, and it is perhaps my favorite line in the show.
October 30, 2011
April 26, 2010
The hills (mall) are alive with the sound of music
You probably cannot spot me, but I'm in the big crowd! :) It was a fun random thing to do on a Sunday in Reno . . . betcha wish you'd been there to watch or join in, huh? We also hit up the airport earlier in the afternoon.
April 06, 2010
I haven't seen a crocus or a rosebud
It's the beginning of my spring break. Wa-Hoo!!! However, I've been going over the schedule for the week. It is just as busy and filled as any other week. It's only devoid of mandatory work (though I intend to go in and gradegradegrade). I think if I ever slow down I would truly die. Like, that's the end of life as I know it, and no that's not a joke.
My show is next week. I'm enjoying it, but scared about how strong I am on my lines. Playing 14 roles. Transitions within the scenes that do not seem to be logical at all. However it is a powerful show. Despite all the controversy surrounding it I honestly think it's one that everyone who sees it will agree and disagree with various sections. I truly appreciate the cast. I laugh a lot and cause a lot of laughter as well. All in all, it's a good experience. I haven't done anything this heavy since . . . perhaps it's the heaviest play I've ever participated in. I can appreciate the love and ease of a comedy, but a drama touches the soul and is what can change lives.
I'm going prom dress shopping this week. Yes you read that correctly. I am going to be chaperoning this year's prom. At 30, I'm going to my first prom. The amusement I find myself noticing over this situation seems to know no end. Feel free to chuckle along with me.
The title of this post is lifted from the lyrics of "It Might as Well be Spring" from State Fair. I'm incredibly sick of our ridiculous weather we have here. I hate that we never have a spring. I hate that the weather teases me with a week of decent weather and then slams me with snow and freezing rain. Ugh. I miss Exeter. I really felt there was a magic in the spring there. Nevada SUCKS!!!!!!!!!
My show is next week. I'm enjoying it, but scared about how strong I am on my lines. Playing 14 roles. Transitions within the scenes that do not seem to be logical at all. However it is a powerful show. Despite all the controversy surrounding it I honestly think it's one that everyone who sees it will agree and disagree with various sections. I truly appreciate the cast. I laugh a lot and cause a lot of laughter as well. All in all, it's a good experience. I haven't done anything this heavy since . . . perhaps it's the heaviest play I've ever participated in. I can appreciate the love and ease of a comedy, but a drama touches the soul and is what can change lives.
I'm going prom dress shopping this week. Yes you read that correctly. I am going to be chaperoning this year's prom. At 30, I'm going to my first prom. The amusement I find myself noticing over this situation seems to know no end. Feel free to chuckle along with me.
The title of this post is lifted from the lyrics of "It Might as Well be Spring" from State Fair. I'm incredibly sick of our ridiculous weather we have here. I hate that we never have a spring. I hate that the weather teases me with a week of decent weather and then slams me with snow and freezing rain. Ugh. I miss Exeter. I really felt there was a magic in the spring there. Nevada SUCKS!!!!!!!!!
March 22, 2010
The sun has gone to bed and so must I
I can't promise how much better I'll be at blogging, but I think I'll already beat last year's pathetic attempt, or close to it with this one. I just kind of feel like writing.
I've decided that I am truly going to pursue my wish to teach overseas on army bases. I'm done working on a master's, still single, and (no offense) feeling a bit stagnant in Carson City. Why not? I have no idea what will happen, but I'm excited for the process. My first choice would be England which would be a two year commitment. How fantastic to live there for two years! I know God will do what He wants, and I'm certainly looking for that guidance. However He placed this thrill of travel in my spirit. I don't think it will be completely off base to attempt this adventure.
On another note, I'm still adjusting to this ridiculous time change. It seems worse this year, and I don't know why. I think my hatred of mornings grows with age. I'm finding that I am rolling out of bed later and later with each day. It seems pretty harsh.
I'm enjoying spending time with my friends in the reinstatement of Glee night. We're watching Flight of the Conchords and Firefly. I already knew I loved the former. I've never seen the latter before and the jury is still out on it. I'm told I have to give it a few episodes. One of the highlights is getting a chance to play with Eden, Warren and Nicole's daughter. She likes to pull my hair, play with my face, and talk with me. Hi-lar-ious!
I need to head off to bed to fight my battle with morning. Ugh. The title is probably one you've guessed. From "So Long, Farewell" from The Sound of Music. Good night John-Boy!
I've decided that I am truly going to pursue my wish to teach overseas on army bases. I'm done working on a master's, still single, and (no offense) feeling a bit stagnant in Carson City. Why not? I have no idea what will happen, but I'm excited for the process. My first choice would be England which would be a two year commitment. How fantastic to live there for two years! I know God will do what He wants, and I'm certainly looking for that guidance. However He placed this thrill of travel in my spirit. I don't think it will be completely off base to attempt this adventure.
On another note, I'm still adjusting to this ridiculous time change. It seems worse this year, and I don't know why. I think my hatred of mornings grows with age. I'm finding that I am rolling out of bed later and later with each day. It seems pretty harsh.
I'm enjoying spending time with my friends in the reinstatement of Glee night. We're watching Flight of the Conchords and Firefly. I already knew I loved the former. I've never seen the latter before and the jury is still out on it. I'm told I have to give it a few episodes. One of the highlights is getting a chance to play with Eden, Warren and Nicole's daughter. She likes to pull my hair, play with my face, and talk with me. Hi-lar-ious!
I need to head off to bed to fight my battle with morning. Ugh. The title is probably one you've guessed. From "So Long, Farewell" from The Sound of Music. Good night John-Boy!
February 16, 2010
Granny dear, mother mine, old and gray at 29, not for the life of me!
I turn 30 on Saturday, and the funk has begun. I hate getting older. Truly, I loathe it. I didn't like it when I was a kid either, so it's not new. I don't know why I personally have always been youth obsessed, but apparently that's my schtick. Around Valentine's day is when it gets icky, and this year proved to follow in that very pattern. I mean, I'm grateful for the show I was a part of as it served to distract me (for the most part) from my glumness. I have been sick and without a regular voice for about 10 days now, which is certainly not helping the situation. That along with the fact that I've recently had a friendship change considerably, and not for the better of which I was acutely aware throughout the show, this year isn't a great one for perky optimism. I seriously believe I suffer from seasonal depressions, but not necessarily every year. It's not fun. I don't like falling into that abyss which eats at me and makes me feel like a failure with no direction in life. It's certainly not the worst case I've suffered, nor is it a mild case.
Anyway, I have been absent from this blog for quite awhile, but I think that the completion of grad classes will help. I've missed writing for this online journal.I highly doubt I have any readers and that is more than okay. That's not why I do this.
And now . . . for the one consistent . . . the birthday list!
30 movies I would highly recommend to others:
1) Gone With the Wind
2) Much Ado About Nothing
3) A&E's Pride and Prejudice
4) Dead Poet's Society
5) All About Eve
6) Anne of Green Gables
7) Singing in the Rain
8) That Thing You Do
9) The Reluctant Debutante
10) Newsies
11) Darby O'Gill and the Little People
12) Sleeping Beauty
13) Enchanted
14) Charade
15) Sense and Sensibility (Emma Thompson's script and acting)
16) You've Got Mail
17) White Christmas
18) Stranger than Fiction
19) Laura
20) Meet Me in St. Louis
21) Ballet Shoes
22) The Parent Trap(Haley Mills)
23) Mean Girls
24) Up
25) Gentleman's Agreement
26) What's Up Doc?
27) Return to Me
28) Waiting for Guffman
29) Across the Universe
30) The Muppets Take Manhatten
All movies I have enjoyed for a variety of reasons. I may be the only person who enjoys each of them as a list, but I do enjoy them. For some reason, this list was easier to write than the others! I have more to recommend, no doubt, but these certainly came to mind (and, in some cases, sight) today. I dare someone to watch them all and not find one they enjoy. Really. I DARE you! :)
The title of today's post was lifted from lyrics from the song "Not for the Life of Me" from Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Anyway, I have been absent from this blog for quite awhile, but I think that the completion of grad classes will help. I've missed writing for this online journal.I highly doubt I have any readers and that is more than okay. That's not why I do this.
And now . . . for the one consistent . . . the birthday list!
30 movies I would highly recommend to others:
1) Gone With the Wind
2) Much Ado About Nothing
3) A&E's Pride and Prejudice
4) Dead Poet's Society
5) All About Eve
6) Anne of Green Gables
7) Singing in the Rain
8) That Thing You Do
9) The Reluctant Debutante
10) Newsies
11) Darby O'Gill and the Little People
12) Sleeping Beauty
13) Enchanted
14) Charade
15) Sense and Sensibility (Emma Thompson's script and acting)
16) You've Got Mail
17) White Christmas
18) Stranger than Fiction
19) Laura
20) Meet Me in St. Louis
21) Ballet Shoes
22) The Parent Trap(Haley Mills)
23) Mean Girls
24) Up
25) Gentleman's Agreement
26) What's Up Doc?
27) Return to Me
28) Waiting for Guffman
29) Across the Universe
30) The Muppets Take Manhatten
All movies I have enjoyed for a variety of reasons. I may be the only person who enjoys each of them as a list, but I do enjoy them. For some reason, this list was easier to write than the others! I have more to recommend, no doubt, but these certainly came to mind (and, in some cases, sight) today. I dare someone to watch them all and not find one they enjoy. Really. I DARE you! :)
The title of today's post was lifted from lyrics from the song "Not for the Life of Me" from Thoroughly Modern Millie.
May 12, 2009
Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
I've recently come into some bad news regarding school, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the economy. I've learned that two students I've had have died within the last few weeks. One I had while I taught at Opp. One I had up (literally) until last week.
Tlaloc came to Opp as a squirrely, but funny freshmen. He seemed to get along with most of the students, was not gang affiliated (at the time), and was the sort who I would laugh about after school because of the crazy things he'd say. The next year he came to school with a major chip on his shoulder. Something happened over the summer and it made him an angry, angsty kid. We eventually put him into afternoon school because of the problems he was creating. His behavior, when he came, was horrible. Finally it was decided mom or dad would come with him. It did not improve for anybody. Then the summer came and I moved onto CHS. Every now and then I'd hear about him. It sounded like he was getting better. On Friday, I learned he died. He was being chased on foot by the police in Reno and took a crazy leap (from what I understand) which took his life.
The other student died on Sunday--that's right, Mother's Day. He'd been missing a lot of school and finally withdrew so he could attend Adult Ed. and get his GED. From what I understand he had been really going off into the deep end with drugs and such. When he was coming pretty regularly he made me laugh. He had an enthusiasm and was a leader in my off-beat, close-knit Media class. He would volunteer to read the part of Steve when we read Walter Dean Myer's novel Monster. His story was odd. The detectives are still working out the bugs. He was shoved out of his car on the highway in Washoe on the way to Reno. It sounds like Rene was shot prior to being pushed out of the car. He died. A man pulled over to see if he could help since he thought the car had broken down--this man is the father of a student I had last year. The murderer shot him in the leg (which did some damage) and took off. He pulled off the highway as soon as he could and began taking off his clothes as the police pursued him. Not only that, but he was throwing money away in the field as well (quite a bit, too). They found him naked in the bushes. This is what I know, fact wise.
Emotionally-wise, I'm stunned. Truly, utterly stunned. Things like this happen in the movies. Not here. Not to people I know. Not to people whom I am so connected to. It's all anyone can talk about as new information is still coming out. I feel so, well, I don't know. I'm upset. I'm angry. I'm sympathetic. I'm scared. I'm concerned. I'm optimistic. I don't know what to do. I want to offer help in a practical way but I'm at a loss as to what to do. I want to be available to my students in every possible way. The surreal events have cast a gloom over the doors of our high school for many while others seem completely unaware of anything. I wish things like this could make sense right away. I'm sure that would help in the grieving process. Perhaps that's a part of it. The grieving process is relieved in the search for a higher purpose to such seemingly pointless violence that touches so many.
The lyrics are from the song with the same title from Les Miserables.
Tlaloc came to Opp as a squirrely, but funny freshmen. He seemed to get along with most of the students, was not gang affiliated (at the time), and was the sort who I would laugh about after school because of the crazy things he'd say. The next year he came to school with a major chip on his shoulder. Something happened over the summer and it made him an angry, angsty kid. We eventually put him into afternoon school because of the problems he was creating. His behavior, when he came, was horrible. Finally it was decided mom or dad would come with him. It did not improve for anybody. Then the summer came and I moved onto CHS. Every now and then I'd hear about him. It sounded like he was getting better. On Friday, I learned he died. He was being chased on foot by the police in Reno and took a crazy leap (from what I understand) which took his life.
The other student died on Sunday--that's right, Mother's Day. He'd been missing a lot of school and finally withdrew so he could attend Adult Ed. and get his GED. From what I understand he had been really going off into the deep end with drugs and such. When he was coming pretty regularly he made me laugh. He had an enthusiasm and was a leader in my off-beat, close-knit Media class. He would volunteer to read the part of Steve when we read Walter Dean Myer's novel Monster. His story was odd. The detectives are still working out the bugs. He was shoved out of his car on the highway in Washoe on the way to Reno. It sounds like Rene was shot prior to being pushed out of the car. He died. A man pulled over to see if he could help since he thought the car had broken down--this man is the father of a student I had last year. The murderer shot him in the leg (which did some damage) and took off. He pulled off the highway as soon as he could and began taking off his clothes as the police pursued him. Not only that, but he was throwing money away in the field as well (quite a bit, too). They found him naked in the bushes. This is what I know, fact wise.
Emotionally-wise, I'm stunned. Truly, utterly stunned. Things like this happen in the movies. Not here. Not to people I know. Not to people whom I am so connected to. It's all anyone can talk about as new information is still coming out. I feel so, well, I don't know. I'm upset. I'm angry. I'm sympathetic. I'm scared. I'm concerned. I'm optimistic. I don't know what to do. I want to offer help in a practical way but I'm at a loss as to what to do. I want to be available to my students in every possible way. The surreal events have cast a gloom over the doors of our high school for many while others seem completely unaware of anything. I wish things like this could make sense right away. I'm sure that would help in the grieving process. Perhaps that's a part of it. The grieving process is relieved in the search for a higher purpose to such seemingly pointless violence that touches so many.
The lyrics are from the song with the same title from Les Miserables.
March 15, 2009
There was a time my feet were so solidly planted
Has it really been since October? Yikes! A quick recap of the last few months:
~My bank account was hacked into and cleared out. In December. Yeah, good timing. It finally all seems to be okay now, but it's really as of this week that that is completely the case.
~I submitted my ARP proposal in December. And heard that it was accepted last week. I begin working with the kids the week after next.
~I was teacher of the month in February. Make that Rookie teacher of the month (at the high school less than 5 years).
~I was nominated for and won the Albert Award for Best Actress of the year award for my performance as Ariel in The Tempest.
~I spent my 29th birthday at DISNEYLAND with my cousin Brad (whose in the navy) and my sister Janina. Twas a fun time had by moi!
~I was in a production of A Grand Night For Singing, and had a lovely time. I somehow think I was the only one who really did, but oh well.
~I'm rehearsing for a show called Laundry and Bourban which opens on Wednesday and plays Wednesday nights until the end of April.
~I visited Southern California for Thanksgiving and saw the majority of my relatives. I figured out that in 2008, I saw all but 4 of my cousins (out of 15), and one of my aunts (out of five) from my extended family. Yes, I saw five uncles, four grandparents, four aunts, 11 cousins, two sisters, one brother-in-law, and two nieces in the course of one year. Considering how spread out the family is now, that's quite a feat!
~I performed in Sweet Sounds and did a special number--"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" for teachers. Natalee and I wrote the lyrics. Twas funny!
~I survived another round of Senior Project Teacher Drafts (only 48 this year!), and the majority of my students have passed now. HUZZAH!!!
~I've written 16 pages of my ARP paper so far.
Plus the every day, run-of-the-mill news, those are the biggies since October. I look over the list and wonder how it's possible.
And because I was so late, here's my birthday list:
29 things I'm proud of:
1) I am a hard worker.
2) I can memorize quickly.
3) Even working fulltime as an English teacher, and doing a play a semester (or so), I maintain As in my grad classes.
4) I can make my nieces laugh. Both of them.
5) I do not sit around waiting for life to happen--I MAKE it happen.
6) I have a wonderful circle of friends and family.
7) I have learned to love my own company. Perhaps too much, but I don't need others to entertain me.
8) I know a lot about areas that interest me.
9) I can surprise myself with my own abilities.
10) I a strong moral center which helps keep my life in check.
11) Many friends over the years have learned that I can be trusted with confidential feelings, news, etc. Even some acquaintances have learned this.
12) I have a healthy appreciation for classic literature.
13) I have been able to play some wonderful Shakespeare females in plays.
14) I love life! I find those who don't to be fairly bland people.
15) I can sing a variety of musical genres which I enjoy!
16) When I am in a play or show I can be counted on to be prepared and ready to go early on. In my high school theatre days, my director/teacher often would give me something new the last week of the show (lines, songs, etc.) when others would flake out on her.
17) I have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
18) While I am a picky eater, I do try to take risks when I eat new foods; I often surprise myself with how much I like.
19) I can have well-informed and insightful conversations about the show Lost.
20) I have the ability to touch the lives of adolescents 180 days of the year (at minimum!).
21) I have kept a journal since I was 12. They're pretty funny to look back on now.
22) I think the majority of people who know me have nice things to say about me.
23) I have built up a reputation for being good at theatre--to the point where people are asking me to be in shows, no audition required!
24) I try to improve upon my teaching every year.
25) I still get excited about teaching!
26) I'm a pretty good speller. A love of language strengthens this natural ability.
27) I have a fairly dependable job and tenure--that helps!
28) I have a unique name which I like.
29) I am comfortable with my life and where I am.
The title comes from the song "Back to Before" from Ragtime. Phenomenal song. Particularly when sung by Marin Mazzie. What a talented woman!
~My bank account was hacked into and cleared out. In December. Yeah, good timing. It finally all seems to be okay now, but it's really as of this week that that is completely the case.
~I submitted my ARP proposal in December. And heard that it was accepted last week. I begin working with the kids the week after next.
~I was teacher of the month in February. Make that Rookie teacher of the month (at the high school less than 5 years).
~I was nominated for and won the Albert Award for Best Actress of the year award for my performance as Ariel in The Tempest.
~I spent my 29th birthday at DISNEYLAND with my cousin Brad (whose in the navy) and my sister Janina. Twas a fun time had by moi!
~I was in a production of A Grand Night For Singing, and had a lovely time. I somehow think I was the only one who really did, but oh well.
~I'm rehearsing for a show called Laundry and Bourban which opens on Wednesday and plays Wednesday nights until the end of April.
~I visited Southern California for Thanksgiving and saw the majority of my relatives. I figured out that in 2008, I saw all but 4 of my cousins (out of 15), and one of my aunts (out of five) from my extended family. Yes, I saw five uncles, four grandparents, four aunts, 11 cousins, two sisters, one brother-in-law, and two nieces in the course of one year. Considering how spread out the family is now, that's quite a feat!
~I performed in Sweet Sounds and did a special number--"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" for teachers. Natalee and I wrote the lyrics. Twas funny!
~I survived another round of Senior Project Teacher Drafts (only 48 this year!), and the majority of my students have passed now. HUZZAH!!!
~I've written 16 pages of my ARP paper so far.
Plus the every day, run-of-the-mill news, those are the biggies since October. I look over the list and wonder how it's possible.
And because I was so late, here's my birthday list:
29 things I'm proud of:
1) I am a hard worker.
2) I can memorize quickly.
3) Even working fulltime as an English teacher, and doing a play a semester (or so), I maintain As in my grad classes.
4) I can make my nieces laugh. Both of them.
5) I do not sit around waiting for life to happen--I MAKE it happen.
6) I have a wonderful circle of friends and family.
7) I have learned to love my own company. Perhaps too much, but I don't need others to entertain me.
8) I know a lot about areas that interest me.
9) I can surprise myself with my own abilities.
10) I a strong moral center which helps keep my life in check.
11) Many friends over the years have learned that I can be trusted with confidential feelings, news, etc. Even some acquaintances have learned this.
12) I have a healthy appreciation for classic literature.
13) I have been able to play some wonderful Shakespeare females in plays.
14) I love life! I find those who don't to be fairly bland people.
15) I can sing a variety of musical genres which I enjoy!
16) When I am in a play or show I can be counted on to be prepared and ready to go early on. In my high school theatre days, my director/teacher often would give me something new the last week of the show (lines, songs, etc.) when others would flake out on her.
17) I have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
18) While I am a picky eater, I do try to take risks when I eat new foods; I often surprise myself with how much I like.
19) I can have well-informed and insightful conversations about the show Lost.
20) I have the ability to touch the lives of adolescents 180 days of the year (at minimum!).
21) I have kept a journal since I was 12. They're pretty funny to look back on now.
22) I think the majority of people who know me have nice things to say about me.
23) I have built up a reputation for being good at theatre--to the point where people are asking me to be in shows, no audition required!
24) I try to improve upon my teaching every year.
25) I still get excited about teaching!
26) I'm a pretty good speller. A love of language strengthens this natural ability.
27) I have a fairly dependable job and tenure--that helps!
28) I have a unique name which I like.
29) I am comfortable with my life and where I am.
The title comes from the song "Back to Before" from Ragtime. Phenomenal song. Particularly when sung by Marin Mazzie. What a talented woman!
October 25, 2008
Let's run away to Atlantic City
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.
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.
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.
November 26, 2007
And then I'd sit and think some more!
1.Does anyone know your password to your MySpace besides yourself?:
My mom. She gets on it now and then to see pictures of the nieces.
2. What was the last thing you ordered at McDonalds?:
A coke and fries like a year ago. I had the weirdest craving!
3. Are you an emotional person?
Some would say yes. Some would say, "Nope. She's a drama queen!"
4. Do you like your middle name?
I guess. It's very old-fashioned. I like the sound of it with my first name.
5. Do you believe in love at first sight?:
No way!
6. Does the person you like know that you like them?:
I have no real crush right now. For some reason, Josh Groban has been missing my not-so-subtle declarations . . .
7. What was the last thing you did?:
Changed clothes
8. Ever been in love?:
Yes
9. Who was the last person you ate with?:
My parents, Karl, and Karl's son Nick
10. What song are you listening to now?
Whatever's in my head at the moment. "Jingle Bell Rock," but probably because I'm singing it for Sweet Sounds next week.
11. How's the weather right now?:
Getting cold and overcast.
12. Last person who called you?:
Caitlin to see if she could bring me the soup she made for me to feel better with!
13. Last lie you told?
"I want to play Romeo! It's my dream role. I can't wait to play that whiny guy!" (Chris and I were talking about his R&J auditions in January and how I'm probably going to audition early with Dana).
14. Last song you sang?
"Silent Night"--Harmony, of course.
15. Do you love anyone?:
Many, many people!
16. Lost a friendship over something stupid?:
Probably.
17. Last thing you drank?:
Dr. Pepper
18. Last thing you ate?:
The grilled steak quesadilla from Q-Doba
19. Where do you wish you were?
London
20. Faked being sick to miss school?:
No
21. What time did you wake up today?:
5 a.m.
22. Last person you talked to?:
Chris
23. Last person that made you laugh?:
Dad
24. What are you wearing right now?
socks, underwear, slippers, and my wonderful robe.
26. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
hair
27. Where are you right now?:
couch of my apartment
28. What day and date is it?
Monday, November 26
31. What else are you doing today?
Grading!
32. Are you watching TV?:
Yeah.
33. Are you mature or immature?:
Usually mature I hope.
34. Are you closer to your mom or dad?
Mom
36. What school do you go to?:
NNU grad program, WNC for tap, CHS for teaching
37. What's the most annoying thing people say to you?:
"Ms. Brown, I need a printout of my grade today." (Of course, this always happens DURING class without warning!).
38. Do you like music?:
Oh yes indeedy!
39. Do you want to get married?:
Some days. Other days no.
41. Where did you go on vacation last summer?:
Ashland.
42. Would you bungee jump?:
Not anytime soon.
43. Do you like rollercoasters?
Oh yeah!
44. Is there anything you wish for every summer?:
fun.
45. Do you use chopsticks?:
Not well.
46. What's your favorite meal of the day?:
Depends on what I'm in the mood for. Probably dinner because it's usually the least rushed.
47. Thinking of someone right now?:
Yeah
48. Concerned about life right now?:
Never having enough time and being stuck in a rut.
49 Have you ever tripped going up the stairs?:
I've even tripped on walls!
50. What are you looking forward to this spring?
Learning if I got into LTSF!
The title is probably pretty familiar. It's from "If I Only Had a Brain" from The Wizard of Oz.
My mom. She gets on it now and then to see pictures of the nieces.
2. What was the last thing you ordered at McDonalds?:
A coke and fries like a year ago. I had the weirdest craving!
3. Are you an emotional person?
Some would say yes. Some would say, "Nope. She's a drama queen!"
4. Do you like your middle name?
I guess. It's very old-fashioned. I like the sound of it with my first name.
5. Do you believe in love at first sight?:
No way!
6. Does the person you like know that you like them?:
I have no real crush right now. For some reason, Josh Groban has been missing my not-so-subtle declarations . . .
7. What was the last thing you did?:
Changed clothes
8. Ever been in love?:
Yes
9. Who was the last person you ate with?:
My parents, Karl, and Karl's son Nick
10. What song are you listening to now?
Whatever's in my head at the moment. "Jingle Bell Rock," but probably because I'm singing it for Sweet Sounds next week.
11. How's the weather right now?:
Getting cold and overcast.
12. Last person who called you?:
Caitlin to see if she could bring me the soup she made for me to feel better with!
13. Last lie you told?
"I want to play Romeo! It's my dream role. I can't wait to play that whiny guy!" (Chris and I were talking about his R&J auditions in January and how I'm probably going to audition early with Dana).
14. Last song you sang?
"Silent Night"--Harmony, of course.
15. Do you love anyone?:
Many, many people!
16. Lost a friendship over something stupid?:
Probably.
17. Last thing you drank?:
Dr. Pepper
18. Last thing you ate?:
The grilled steak quesadilla from Q-Doba
19. Where do you wish you were?
London
20. Faked being sick to miss school?:
No
21. What time did you wake up today?:
5 a.m.
22. Last person you talked to?:
Chris
23. Last person that made you laugh?:
Dad
24. What are you wearing right now?
socks, underwear, slippers, and my wonderful robe.
26. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
hair
27. Where are you right now?:
couch of my apartment
28. What day and date is it?
Monday, November 26
31. What else are you doing today?
Grading!
32. Are you watching TV?:
Yeah.
33. Are you mature or immature?:
Usually mature I hope.
34. Are you closer to your mom or dad?
Mom
36. What school do you go to?:
NNU grad program, WNC for tap, CHS for teaching
37. What's the most annoying thing people say to you?:
"Ms. Brown, I need a printout of my grade today." (Of course, this always happens DURING class without warning!).
38. Do you like music?:
Oh yes indeedy!
39. Do you want to get married?:
Some days. Other days no.
41. Where did you go on vacation last summer?:
Ashland.
42. Would you bungee jump?:
Not anytime soon.
43. Do you like rollercoasters?
Oh yeah!
44. Is there anything you wish for every summer?:
fun.
45. Do you use chopsticks?:
Not well.
46. What's your favorite meal of the day?:
Depends on what I'm in the mood for. Probably dinner because it's usually the least rushed.
47. Thinking of someone right now?:
Yeah
48. Concerned about life right now?:
Never having enough time and being stuck in a rut.
49 Have you ever tripped going up the stairs?:
I've even tripped on walls!
50. What are you looking forward to this spring?
Learning if I got into LTSF!
The title is probably pretty familiar. It's from "If I Only Had a Brain" from The Wizard of Oz.
November 12, 2007
When the authors make me say words that make me wittier
Okay, so I've been keeping something under wraps. Something BIG for me, small in the scheme of things I am certain. However I feel like it was a good step for me and I'm glad I did it no matter the outcome. It was something that freaked me out, but the closer I got to it, the calmer I became. This made me feel good. So what did I do?
I auditioned for my first professional company. I tried out for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. I've never been overly impressed with what I've seen there. I learned this summer that this coming summer could be quite different (though I was not privy to any reason for that. I interpreted correctly--HUZZAH!). There is a new Artistic Director from Oregon.
We each had 8 minutes for the audition (which is quite generous) by appointment only. In order to audition, you had to do a Shakesperean monologue in verse, a contrasting contemporary monologue, and 16 bars of singing. So I did a monologue from Love's Labour's Lost. I did a portion of the monologue "Twirler" from the play Talking With. I used that as my Forensics piece my junior year of high school (It took me to the state competition in Colorado, so no complaints! I remembered a surprising amount of it too!). I sang the intro and first verse of "Honey Bun" from South Pacific.
How did it go? Pretty well, I felt. I did not embarrass myself (to my knowledge) which was nice. After I performed the three things, she had me do a portion of "Twirler" again, but "As a Gothic teenager". She also had me sing the song bigger. I felt pretty comfortable actually which was nice. I had fun too! What a concept!!! I am expecting absolutely nothing in this scenario. Saturday was the day of local auditions. She's flying all over the country for more auditions as well. I just figured it would be a good thing to try. I won't know anything until March. They're not even planning on having callbacks of any sort as far as I've been told. So let's hope I did well! They're doing Richard III and A Midsummer Night's Dream. They're also doing an original musical based on The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I'm guessing that this will be my best bet for getting in. I feel like I can "sell" my singing more than my acting. Another reason is because they're casting only non-union performers in that one! Crazy stuff.
The title comes from a song called "It's Me" from Me and Juliet. Good lyrics and music Mr. Richard Rogers and Mr. Oscar Hammerstein II.
I auditioned for my first professional company. I tried out for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. I've never been overly impressed with what I've seen there. I learned this summer that this coming summer could be quite different (though I was not privy to any reason for that. I interpreted correctly--HUZZAH!). There is a new Artistic Director from Oregon.
We each had 8 minutes for the audition (which is quite generous) by appointment only. In order to audition, you had to do a Shakesperean monologue in verse, a contrasting contemporary monologue, and 16 bars of singing. So I did a monologue from Love's Labour's Lost. I did a portion of the monologue "Twirler" from the play Talking With. I used that as my Forensics piece my junior year of high school (It took me to the state competition in Colorado, so no complaints! I remembered a surprising amount of it too!). I sang the intro and first verse of "Honey Bun" from South Pacific.
How did it go? Pretty well, I felt. I did not embarrass myself (to my knowledge) which was nice. After I performed the three things, she had me do a portion of "Twirler" again, but "As a Gothic teenager". She also had me sing the song bigger. I felt pretty comfortable actually which was nice. I had fun too! What a concept!!! I am expecting absolutely nothing in this scenario. Saturday was the day of local auditions. She's flying all over the country for more auditions as well. I just figured it would be a good thing to try. I won't know anything until March. They're not even planning on having callbacks of any sort as far as I've been told. So let's hope I did well! They're doing Richard III and A Midsummer Night's Dream. They're also doing an original musical based on The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I'm guessing that this will be my best bet for getting in. I feel like I can "sell" my singing more than my acting. Another reason is because they're casting only non-union performers in that one! Crazy stuff.
The title comes from a song called "It's Me" from Me and Juliet. Good lyrics and music Mr. Richard Rogers and Mr. Oscar Hammerstein II.
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