Josh and I were going to enjoy a night on the town to Gershwin's Concerto in F.
October 04, 2005
September 26, 2005
It's curtain time, and away we go!
I'm tired. Exhausted. Long, long, loooooooooooooong weekend! Three performances. A lot of trying to relax. A lot of expending of energy. A lot of being cold.
I hate my body temperature, I just want this known. It can literally be 80 degrees, and I'll be freezing. I cannot get warm in any indoor venue at the moment, even though it's been mid-seventies. No, I am actually freezing. Wearing my sweaters, pants, shoes, socks, jackets; everything I can think of. Sadly I'm shivering 90% of the time.
The show this weekend was . . . an experience. Opening Night was the performance where I knew people. My parents came. Janina came. Uncle Jacque and Aunt Laurie came. Kirsten and Shonna came. And I sucked. I'm not kidding. Every dance had to be screwed up by me in some way. Literally, every single person's hands would be down, and I would put them up. For "Stiff Upper Lip" there was a section where everyone onstage was moving, and I was looking around like a moron. I looked over my shoulder at one point in that song, and saw Andie and Marcus staring at me like "Lynette, what's wrong with you?" I realized it was the last "Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight!" We punch our fists out in a very definitive fighting manner. Andie and Marcus told me that they always watched me at that point because I knew what I was doing. Obviously, not on Opening!!!! I thought it was funny when Dave was pretending to vacuum, and Lynne and Mandy had to tell him to turn it off. The vacuum didn't come on at all, so their yelling, "Everett, turn that thing off!!!!" didn't make sense. I asked Bob if the vacuum's noise was one of those high pitched noises that only dogs and people in a musical theatre show could hear.
Our second performance went really well. Well, at the end of the show that all went kaput! The dancers were dancing and a curtain came down too early. It hit some of the dancers in the head!!!! The fly rail techies, whom we all assumed must have been drunk, were bringing curtains up and down like crazy. We did well with the rest of the finale. Then, at the end, the curtain was coming down and stopped. It went back up and wouldn't shut! The audience kept applauding and we had no idea what to do (it's not so easy to do an encore bow in this show). Some of our cast members started to stand and kneeled back down. The audience rose to their feet. We all kept the grins plastered to our faces and muttered, "Bring the stupid curtain down!" The audience began to stand, still applauding. One of the dancers began to wave at the audience. The entire cast heaved a sigh of relief--someone was being smart! We waved and the curtain down. We were determined to get a standing ovation, even if the audience wouldn't get to leave so we could get one!
So, that was this week's adventure. Time will tell what next week will bring. EEK!
The song lyrics come from "Another Openin', Another Show," from Kiss Me Kate.
I hate my body temperature, I just want this known. It can literally be 80 degrees, and I'll be freezing. I cannot get warm in any indoor venue at the moment, even though it's been mid-seventies. No, I am actually freezing. Wearing my sweaters, pants, shoes, socks, jackets; everything I can think of. Sadly I'm shivering 90% of the time.
The show this weekend was . . . an experience. Opening Night was the performance where I knew people. My parents came. Janina came. Uncle Jacque and Aunt Laurie came. Kirsten and Shonna came. And I sucked. I'm not kidding. Every dance had to be screwed up by me in some way. Literally, every single person's hands would be down, and I would put them up. For "Stiff Upper Lip" there was a section where everyone onstage was moving, and I was looking around like a moron. I looked over my shoulder at one point in that song, and saw Andie and Marcus staring at me like "Lynette, what's wrong with you?" I realized it was the last "Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight!" We punch our fists out in a very definitive fighting manner. Andie and Marcus told me that they always watched me at that point because I knew what I was doing. Obviously, not on Opening!!!! I thought it was funny when Dave was pretending to vacuum, and Lynne and Mandy had to tell him to turn it off. The vacuum didn't come on at all, so their yelling, "Everett, turn that thing off!!!!" didn't make sense. I asked Bob if the vacuum's noise was one of those high pitched noises that only dogs and people in a musical theatre show could hear.
Our second performance went really well. Well, at the end of the show that all went kaput! The dancers were dancing and a curtain came down too early. It hit some of the dancers in the head!!!! The fly rail techies, whom we all assumed must have been drunk, were bringing curtains up and down like crazy. We did well with the rest of the finale. Then, at the end, the curtain was coming down and stopped. It went back up and wouldn't shut! The audience kept applauding and we had no idea what to do (it's not so easy to do an encore bow in this show). Some of our cast members started to stand and kneeled back down. The audience rose to their feet. We all kept the grins plastered to our faces and muttered, "Bring the stupid curtain down!" The audience began to stand, still applauding. One of the dancers began to wave at the audience. The entire cast heaved a sigh of relief--someone was being smart! We waved and the curtain down. We were determined to get a standing ovation, even if the audience wouldn't get to leave so we could get one!
So, that was this week's adventure. Time will tell what next week will bring. EEK!
The song lyrics come from "Another Openin', Another Show," from Kiss Me Kate.
September 23, 2005
Tonight's the Night!
Opening night is here. Wow. I'm thrilled. Beyond belief. Actually the show is looking really good now. And the other night, Gina was walking by me and said, "Lynette, you looked good tonight in 'I've Got Rhythm.' I think you're really getting it." HUZZAH!!!!!!!!!!! I am a semi-strong weak link!
Tonight everyone is coming, too. My mom, dad, Janina, Aunt Laurie, Chris, Kirsten, Shonna, Dave, and his wife (I teach with the unfamiliar names). I'm expecting some serious cheering for THIS random showgirl (that's how I'm listed in the program!). Let's hope I fake it enough to impress them! :)
I ran to Reno after school for a last costume addition. I wanted long evening gloves and clips for my hair for the NYC scene. I've decided that there must be an International Motorcyclist Convention there, because that 90% of the traffic I saw on my way up. Tres bizarre and tres obnoxious! I hit every red light possible and was truly annoyed at the fact that I didn't get back sooner. Sigh.
The title of the post comes from the song of the same title, and it's used in Crazy For You. It's sung in the "dressing room scene" before the quintessential Mickey and Judy movie ploy, when we "put on a show!" I gave myself a prop and am eating Cracker Jacks during that whole song; which is heck of fun! Break a leg, cast!
Tonight everyone is coming, too. My mom, dad, Janina, Aunt Laurie, Chris, Kirsten, Shonna, Dave, and his wife (I teach with the unfamiliar names). I'm expecting some serious cheering for THIS random showgirl (that's how I'm listed in the program!). Let's hope I fake it enough to impress them! :)
I ran to Reno after school for a last costume addition. I wanted long evening gloves and clips for my hair for the NYC scene. I've decided that there must be an International Motorcyclist Convention there, because that 90% of the traffic I saw on my way up. Tres bizarre and tres obnoxious! I hit every red light possible and was truly annoyed at the fact that I didn't get back sooner. Sigh.
The title of the post comes from the song of the same title, and it's used in Crazy For You. It's sung in the "dressing room scene" before the quintessential Mickey and Judy movie ploy, when we "put on a show!" I gave myself a prop and am eating Cracker Jacks during that whole song; which is heck of fun! Break a leg, cast!
September 17, 2005
I'm dancing and I can't be bothered now!
Well, the honeymoon period at OHS is over. I kind of relieved, though. I knew I was going to have to start seeing true colors very soon, and I figured they'd all come at once. Well, it wasn't quite that bad, but there were tons this week. I was told to "F--- off!" several times (Yeah, prove to me you can say that while you're on the way to the principal. That just adds more writing for me on your referral and more punishment for you. Brilliant!). I had a kid throw papers at me. I had a kid get upset with all three of us, because he doesn't feel like he'll be prepared to go back to the high school. Well, the thing is, you actually have to pass your classes before you can! Good luck at going back there, buddy. We had kids quit a lot during the middle of assignments or activities. Sigh. It's been a long week.
Next week will be longer, though. We're having tech and dress rehearsals for Crazy for You all week long. And the best part about that is the fact that we'll be having the orchestra there on Wednesday night, Thursday night, and all of our performances. We've only practiced with them once, and of course it was sloppy. The live orchestra actually does sound different from the CDs we practice with normally. This time, it had more of a ragtime feel than the CD. Just ducky.
And I'm still the very remedial dancer in most numbers. I've tried working with Jen Haddix at various CFY and Fiddler rehearsals. We can never spare enough time, though. I hate being so unprepared. Seriously. I told Gina a couple of weeks ago that I was sorry that I am the weak link in the show, but I intended to work hard to be the strongest weak link possible. She and Lynn laughed at me. How silly to not take me seriously. So, next week I will not allow myself to breathe between breaks. I will be "dancing" my tail off so I'm not the one who is the obvious bad part of the number.
The title comes from the song, "I Can't be Bothered Now." It is used in Crazy for You. I actually have a recording with Fred Astaire singing it, which is fun.
Next week will be longer, though. We're having tech and dress rehearsals for Crazy for You all week long. And the best part about that is the fact that we'll be having the orchestra there on Wednesday night, Thursday night, and all of our performances. We've only practiced with them once, and of course it was sloppy. The live orchestra actually does sound different from the CDs we practice with normally. This time, it had more of a ragtime feel than the CD. Just ducky.
And I'm still the very remedial dancer in most numbers. I've tried working with Jen Haddix at various CFY and Fiddler rehearsals. We can never spare enough time, though. I hate being so unprepared. Seriously. I told Gina a couple of weeks ago that I was sorry that I am the weak link in the show, but I intended to work hard to be the strongest weak link possible. She and Lynn laughed at me. How silly to not take me seriously. So, next week I will not allow myself to breathe between breaks. I will be "dancing" my tail off so I'm not the one who is the obvious bad part of the number.
The title comes from the song, "I Can't be Bothered Now." It is used in Crazy for You. I actually have a recording with Fred Astaire singing it, which is fun.
September 11, 2005
I'm still hurting
It was four years ago. Four years ago.
I was in college. It was my senior year. I remember that I'd got to my Literature in Secondary Schools class at 7:30 that morning. Vicki Scaggs walked in and said, "Some planes hit the Twin Towers. I just heard it on the radio."
I thought, "Huh. That doesn't sound too good. That's too bad."
Class went on as usual. None of us suspected that while we were discussing the lesson plans we'd written for To Kill a Mockingbird, lifestyles were being changed for good. Forever. That we'd feel the waves of sadness and anger all the way in Nampa, Idaho.
At 9:00 I left my class from up by the rotunda in Wiley. I headed downstairs. I was passing Felter Lecture Hall, and there was a strange silence I wasn't used to. I glanced in the classroom through a door that was always closed during that class. The televisions were on and the class was filled. I saw. I SAW.
I stood in shock for a long time. I couldn't speak. I just watched, horrified. I remembered my first and second trips to NYC, and having not only seen them in real life, but having been inside one of the towers.
I e-mailed everybody I knew in New York, which thanks to my counselor stint at Camp Timber Tops, was not a small number. I got response after response back from my former campers. All of them were in 7th grade. It had been Amanda's first day of school, and she'd had to walk home in a chaotic city. Lindsey's best friend's dad had been a caterer who was in the building and died. Ari's neurosurgeon father and psychologist mother were volunteering all their time to help the efforts. I got so many questions back from them. Mostly from Amanda, the one who I would have expected the least reaction from. Maybe I was one of the few people who she could dump on, I don't know. I saw a lot of maturity in her from her previous e-mails to me.
It was four years ago. It's still hard for me to believe it happened. I've even been to Ground Zero since. I've read the messages on the fence surrounding it. I've seen the cross left from the building structure. I've shed my tears.
I know a lot of tragedy came from the event. I witnessed it. I also know a lot of good came from the event. I witnessed it. In a way I'm glad I lived with life I can recall before and after this date. It changed my thinking. It gave me new things to reflect upon. It changed my perspective about many things. It gave me a hope and made me stronger.
God bless America.
The title comes from the song "I'm Still Hurting" from The Last Five Years.
I was in college. It was my senior year. I remember that I'd got to my Literature in Secondary Schools class at 7:30 that morning. Vicki Scaggs walked in and said, "Some planes hit the Twin Towers. I just heard it on the radio."
I thought, "Huh. That doesn't sound too good. That's too bad."
Class went on as usual. None of us suspected that while we were discussing the lesson plans we'd written for To Kill a Mockingbird, lifestyles were being changed for good. Forever. That we'd feel the waves of sadness and anger all the way in Nampa, Idaho.
At 9:00 I left my class from up by the rotunda in Wiley. I headed downstairs. I was passing Felter Lecture Hall, and there was a strange silence I wasn't used to. I glanced in the classroom through a door that was always closed during that class. The televisions were on and the class was filled. I saw. I SAW.
I stood in shock for a long time. I couldn't speak. I just watched, horrified. I remembered my first and second trips to NYC, and having not only seen them in real life, but having been inside one of the towers.
I e-mailed everybody I knew in New York, which thanks to my counselor stint at Camp Timber Tops, was not a small number. I got response after response back from my former campers. All of them were in 7th grade. It had been Amanda's first day of school, and she'd had to walk home in a chaotic city. Lindsey's best friend's dad had been a caterer who was in the building and died. Ari's neurosurgeon father and psychologist mother were volunteering all their time to help the efforts. I got so many questions back from them. Mostly from Amanda, the one who I would have expected the least reaction from. Maybe I was one of the few people who she could dump on, I don't know. I saw a lot of maturity in her from her previous e-mails to me.
It was four years ago. It's still hard for me to believe it happened. I've even been to Ground Zero since. I've read the messages on the fence surrounding it. I've seen the cross left from the building structure. I've shed my tears.
I know a lot of tragedy came from the event. I witnessed it. I also know a lot of good came from the event. I witnessed it. In a way I'm glad I lived with life I can recall before and after this date. It changed my thinking. It gave me new things to reflect upon. It changed my perspective about many things. It gave me a hope and made me stronger.
God bless America.
The title comes from the song "I'm Still Hurting" from The Last Five Years.
September 08, 2005
And you'll knock 'em dead at dinner if your gown just drips with fringe!
More trauma with CFY costumes. I have tried on my "Faux Follies Filly" costume (I was calling it "Faux Follies Female" which Bob laughed at, and then changed to this name, which I like a lot more!), and I cringe at the fringe! Actually, I suppose it's not THAT bad, and I should be grateful that I don't have to wear my cropped sailor outfit anymore. Try this for an alternative: A crushed velvet white leotard, with silver sequins all over it, and a double layer of fringe for my skirt. Oh, and lest we forget, I also have silver wristbands, a silver collar, a hat with feathers taller than my 5"5" self, and silver stillettos. And the best part? As I wear that at the end, I get to stand with my arms extended and I get to bevel. For approximately 7 minutes. That's right; seven. Without much (if any) movement. Lordy, I'm excited!!!!!!
Here's the fun part; Gina said, "Lynette, do you have a padded bra? Because you'll need one in that outfit." No! No! I do NOT own a padded bra! I realize I look like a 12 year old kid in that costume! I don't want a padded bra! However, I have to get one. Hmph.
This rivals the time in high school when I came out for our first performance of Phantom having not buttoned my waitress dress at all, and was gaping in all my white and bra-ish glory. I realized it and remedied the situation quickly before many people noticed, but my choir teacher who did said, "Lynette! I couldn't believe it! Of all the people to come out unbuttoned! At least you're not very well endowed!" Thank you Mrs. Johnson. The experience wasn't humiliating enough without that added dig. Sigh. That was 8 years ago. You'd think I'd be able to move on with life, but people have to bring you back, huh?
School is still going well. Only one kid seems to be even remotely what I was expecting behavior-wise. Huzzah! I can feel them relaxing a bit, so I've got to stay firm. But it's nice to know that these kids will accept it.
The title comes from the song "Beautiful Girls" used in my favorite of classic movie musicals, Singin' in the Rain. Good times.
Here's the fun part; Gina said, "Lynette, do you have a padded bra? Because you'll need one in that outfit." No! No! I do NOT own a padded bra! I realize I look like a 12 year old kid in that costume! I don't want a padded bra! However, I have to get one. Hmph.
This rivals the time in high school when I came out for our first performance of Phantom having not buttoned my waitress dress at all, and was gaping in all my white and bra-ish glory. I realized it and remedied the situation quickly before many people noticed, but my choir teacher who did said, "Lynette! I couldn't believe it! Of all the people to come out unbuttoned! At least you're not very well endowed!" Thank you Mrs. Johnson. The experience wasn't humiliating enough without that added dig. Sigh. That was 8 years ago. You'd think I'd be able to move on with life, but people have to bring you back, huh?
School is still going well. Only one kid seems to be even remotely what I was expecting behavior-wise. Huzzah! I can feel them relaxing a bit, so I've got to stay firm. But it's nice to know that these kids will accept it.
The title comes from the song "Beautiful Girls" used in my favorite of classic movie musicals, Singin' in the Rain. Good times.
September 01, 2005
This irresistable, Paris original!
A quick jotting of a blog. Simply because I can, and I thought it was funny.
When I went to Europe for the first time, four summers ago (YIKES!!!!!!), I bought a scarf in Montpelier, France. I loved it. I still do. It kind of got me to fall in love with scarves of all sorts. I have since purchased a couple of them for the sole purpose of accessorizing.
Today I woke up at 6:25--needing to be at school at 7 a.m.! It's the latest I've slept in, and I was rushing this morning. I plotted what would be an easy outfit for today whilst showering. I settled on my khaki pants, a pink camisole, a blouse with purple and pink stripes (tres chic!), and my brown loafers. At the last minute, I caught sight of my purple scarf with stripes that compliments the blouse fairly well. Professional, yet simple. I put my scarf on as a tie, grabbed my purple rubber bracelet (the profits went to asthma research), and called it good.
The kids and some of the other staff could not seem to get a handle on the fact that I was wearing "a tie". I got so many quizzical looks and a plethora of questions regarding this "fashion statement". It wasn't that big of a deal in my mind, but apparently I'm in the minority.
So I'll put the question out in the open. Is a female wearing a tie (real or not) that strange? Worthy of a day of incessent mentionings? It's professional, right? It matched my attire, right? Why would this raise so many eyebrows? Hmm . . .
The title comes from the song "Paris Original" from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Rosemary is trying to impress J. Pierpont Finch so she spends a heck-of-a-lot of money on a sexy dress from Paris to catch his eye. I wasn't trying to catch any eyes, but I certainly did make an impression--just like Rosemary.
When I went to Europe for the first time, four summers ago (YIKES!!!!!!), I bought a scarf in Montpelier, France. I loved it. I still do. It kind of got me to fall in love with scarves of all sorts. I have since purchased a couple of them for the sole purpose of accessorizing.
Today I woke up at 6:25--needing to be at school at 7 a.m.! It's the latest I've slept in, and I was rushing this morning. I plotted what would be an easy outfit for today whilst showering. I settled on my khaki pants, a pink camisole, a blouse with purple and pink stripes (tres chic!), and my brown loafers. At the last minute, I caught sight of my purple scarf with stripes that compliments the blouse fairly well. Professional, yet simple. I put my scarf on as a tie, grabbed my purple rubber bracelet (the profits went to asthma research), and called it good.
The kids and some of the other staff could not seem to get a handle on the fact that I was wearing "a tie". I got so many quizzical looks and a plethora of questions regarding this "fashion statement". It wasn't that big of a deal in my mind, but apparently I'm in the minority.
So I'll put the question out in the open. Is a female wearing a tie (real or not) that strange? Worthy of a day of incessent mentionings? It's professional, right? It matched my attire, right? Why would this raise so many eyebrows? Hmm . . .
The title comes from the song "Paris Original" from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Rosemary is trying to impress J. Pierpont Finch so she spends a heck-of-a-lot of money on a sexy dress from Paris to catch his eye. I wasn't trying to catch any eyes, but I certainly did make an impression--just like Rosemary.
August 29, 2005
Am I drunk? Or maybe I'm dreaming . . .
Well, I meant to post sooner, believe me I did. Bri helped remind me of that with her comment, so thanks, Bri! Sorry I haven't been able to talk to you much at CFY rehearsals yet. We're Phase 10ing it backstage again, and you can feel free to join us if you want (Unless we bring Uno, or Skip-Bo, or something else. Then you can play that with us!).
So, my first day of school entailed a 4 hour meeting. Woo-hoo. We herded all 17 of the 27 enrolled who were present into Dave's room and bombarded them with the Carson High handbook as well as our rules and regulations. Since I teach at the alternative high school, we teach three classes a day, and are done at 12:15. So, that was it for that day. The next day I went over rules and procedures for my class. Day three launched my classes into the material: Nouns for English III/IV, and reading assesments for my Reading class. The three of us teachers at Opp HS teach the third period together. This quarter, it's Life Skills. We've begun an Orienteering Unit, which has proved fun thus far. Today, I furthered delving into the noun unit, did a newspaper project with my Reading class. Orienteering has been popular thus far.
I'm stunned at how well behaved the kids are so far. I'm not so naiive as to think it'll last much longer, but for now I'm enjoying it. The kids actually behave better than the kids did at CCS on the first days of school. Maybe it's my past experiences I've learned from, or maybe it's something else. Whatever it is, I'm not complaining!
The International Independent Film Festival was, in a word, awesome!!!!!!!!! At the kick-off party (that Chris insisted we dress up for, only to find that ironed jeans were the next nicest clothes!), I got to meet a few of the directors of the films. I rubbed elbows with Andy Dick (eh), AND (drum roll inserted here) Dave Barry!!!!!!! I actually didn't feel comfortable talking to either of them without a real purpose, but they were at the same small party with me, and I KNOW they both saw me. It was a lot of fun. Also, because I was "with" Chris at this party, I got a Celebrity badge (For free! It normally cost a few hundred dollars), which got me into any of the events and films for free! I took advantage of it!
I left rehearsal early on Friday night (9 pm) to see a movie in Incline (part of Tahoe). It started late, so they let us ride to a party across the street for the director . . . in a limousine! I've never ridden in one before, so that was cool. The funny thing was, there were 8 of us squished in this thing, and I only knew Chris. And for the knee slapper? I had to sit on the floor! Oh well, it makes for a good story! Well, this time, we were both kind of underdressed. And even though they were serving free drinks, neither of us are really drinkers--occasionally a glass of wine or something, but even that's pushing it for me. So we walked back to the theater.
We caught a short film that I would suggest everyone see if they get a chance. It's called Final Sale and it's about the funniest thing ever! It's about two best friends in a boutique somewhere who get into a fight over a dress (which there's only one of), and they break into some serious martial arts! I laughed so hard! Then, we saw another short called Dear Sweet Emma. It was funny, but in a VERY black humor sort of way. Then they began to play the feature for the evening, which was why we were there, My Big, Fat, Independent Film. The premise? They were combining several Independent blockbusters into one film and making fun of them. Sounds entertaining, no? Yeah, well, we left less than an hour into it because it was so lousy, cliche', and I was personally getting a little disturbed at some of the material. There were some funny things, but not enough to make it worth my time. I'm also glad we left early, because at the end was a Q and A with the director . . . something I would have not really cared to listen to.
On Saturday I saw the short films Little Red Jiving Hood (absurd, but hilarious), AdCorps (about the group of people that would have named a store Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Hysterical!), and Cold War (a little dissatisfying, but remeniscent of Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner). But, the really cool thing I did that night? I got to see Mickey Rooney perform LIVE!!!!!!!!!! He was in a film at the festival (which I still want to see even though I couldn't that night). He sang. He danced. He played piano. He told jokes. He imitated rap singers!!!!!!!!! His wife was performing with him, and the two were absolutely adorable. He spent a lot of time giving some of his history. I didn't know Ava Gardner was his first wife! He did a beautiful segment to Judy Garland, too. Oh, and did I mention that I was in the front row? Yeah, 10 feet away from the legend! By far, one of the coolest experiences of my life!
On Sunday I saw a documentary called Shakespeare Behind Bars which was very moving! It's an educational program for prisoners in Kentucky (and maybe other places, too). These men work almost a whole year on a Shakespeare production to perform for their fellow inmates, family and friends, and sometimes they tour other prisons. It was absolutely fascinating. I'm going to see about getting the DVD of it, so I can possibly show it to classes when I teach Shakespeare. These men were not light criminals, either. One of them even had a double life sentence! The group they focused on was putting on The Tempest that season. I really enjoyed this documentary!
So, I guess that's about it. This last week has felt quite surreal because of all of these experiences. I've really enjoyed myself! The title comes from the song "Jimmy" from Thoroughly Modern Millie. I must admit, I can fully understand how Millie Dillmount is feeling at that moment!
So, my first day of school entailed a 4 hour meeting. Woo-hoo. We herded all 17 of the 27 enrolled who were present into Dave's room and bombarded them with the Carson High handbook as well as our rules and regulations. Since I teach at the alternative high school, we teach three classes a day, and are done at 12:15. So, that was it for that day. The next day I went over rules and procedures for my class. Day three launched my classes into the material: Nouns for English III/IV, and reading assesments for my Reading class. The three of us teachers at Opp HS teach the third period together. This quarter, it's Life Skills. We've begun an Orienteering Unit, which has proved fun thus far. Today, I furthered delving into the noun unit, did a newspaper project with my Reading class. Orienteering has been popular thus far.
I'm stunned at how well behaved the kids are so far. I'm not so naiive as to think it'll last much longer, but for now I'm enjoying it. The kids actually behave better than the kids did at CCS on the first days of school. Maybe it's my past experiences I've learned from, or maybe it's something else. Whatever it is, I'm not complaining!
The International Independent Film Festival was, in a word, awesome!!!!!!!!! At the kick-off party (that Chris insisted we dress up for, only to find that ironed jeans were the next nicest clothes!), I got to meet a few of the directors of the films. I rubbed elbows with Andy Dick (eh), AND (drum roll inserted here) Dave Barry!!!!!!! I actually didn't feel comfortable talking to either of them without a real purpose, but they were at the same small party with me, and I KNOW they both saw me. It was a lot of fun. Also, because I was "with" Chris at this party, I got a Celebrity badge (For free! It normally cost a few hundred dollars), which got me into any of the events and films for free! I took advantage of it!
I left rehearsal early on Friday night (9 pm) to see a movie in Incline (part of Tahoe). It started late, so they let us ride to a party across the street for the director . . . in a limousine! I've never ridden in one before, so that was cool. The funny thing was, there were 8 of us squished in this thing, and I only knew Chris. And for the knee slapper? I had to sit on the floor! Oh well, it makes for a good story! Well, this time, we were both kind of underdressed. And even though they were serving free drinks, neither of us are really drinkers--occasionally a glass of wine or something, but even that's pushing it for me. So we walked back to the theater.
We caught a short film that I would suggest everyone see if they get a chance. It's called Final Sale and it's about the funniest thing ever! It's about two best friends in a boutique somewhere who get into a fight over a dress (which there's only one of), and they break into some serious martial arts! I laughed so hard! Then, we saw another short called Dear Sweet Emma. It was funny, but in a VERY black humor sort of way. Then they began to play the feature for the evening, which was why we were there, My Big, Fat, Independent Film. The premise? They were combining several Independent blockbusters into one film and making fun of them. Sounds entertaining, no? Yeah, well, we left less than an hour into it because it was so lousy, cliche', and I was personally getting a little disturbed at some of the material. There were some funny things, but not enough to make it worth my time. I'm also glad we left early, because at the end was a Q and A with the director . . . something I would have not really cared to listen to.
On Saturday I saw the short films Little Red Jiving Hood (absurd, but hilarious), AdCorps (about the group of people that would have named a store Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Hysterical!), and Cold War (a little dissatisfying, but remeniscent of Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner). But, the really cool thing I did that night? I got to see Mickey Rooney perform LIVE!!!!!!!!!! He was in a film at the festival (which I still want to see even though I couldn't that night). He sang. He danced. He played piano. He told jokes. He imitated rap singers!!!!!!!!! His wife was performing with him, and the two were absolutely adorable. He spent a lot of time giving some of his history. I didn't know Ava Gardner was his first wife! He did a beautiful segment to Judy Garland, too. Oh, and did I mention that I was in the front row? Yeah, 10 feet away from the legend! By far, one of the coolest experiences of my life!
On Sunday I saw a documentary called Shakespeare Behind Bars which was very moving! It's an educational program for prisoners in Kentucky (and maybe other places, too). These men work almost a whole year on a Shakespeare production to perform for their fellow inmates, family and friends, and sometimes they tour other prisons. It was absolutely fascinating. I'm going to see about getting the DVD of it, so I can possibly show it to classes when I teach Shakespeare. These men were not light criminals, either. One of them even had a double life sentence! The group they focused on was putting on The Tempest that season. I really enjoyed this documentary!
So, I guess that's about it. This last week has felt quite surreal because of all of these experiences. I've really enjoyed myself! The title comes from the song "Jimmy" from Thoroughly Modern Millie. I must admit, I can fully understand how Millie Dillmount is feeling at that moment!
August 23, 2005
To go to a fancy nightclub and stay out after ten!
Tomorrow is the first day of school. EEEK!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so very nervous. Excited. Ready for the challenge. Wishing I were an ostrich who could bury my head in the sand. Sigh.
I also get to go to a VIP party-thing for the Tahoe Independent Film Festival! For free! The BAC is showing some of the films, so Chris got tickets. Ooh . . . I get to rub elbows with the independent elite. All I know is that if John Heder (sp?) is there, I'll be thrilled and probably follow him around quoting Napoleon Dynamite all night. Well, for the two hours the event lasts, but I'll brag about it during Fiddler rehearsal tomorrow evening.
Umm . . . I joined a gym today. My first time ever. I decided that I need to tone up a bit, particularly with my sliver of a piece of fabric for a costume(s) in Crazy for You. What is Bob thinking?????????? So I may get . . . something? Ah, I'll be in better shape. My clothes will fit better (not that there's much of a problem or anything). Taking care of God's temple and all that jazz.
The song lyrics are from "How Lovely to be a Woman" from Bye Bye Birdie. Kim MacAfee has just been "pinned" by her first boyfriend, and is dreaming of all the new experiences it will bring with it. I suppose since everything in this post is a first for me somehow, I feel it works.
I also get to go to a VIP party-thing for the Tahoe Independent Film Festival! For free! The BAC is showing some of the films, so Chris got tickets. Ooh . . . I get to rub elbows with the independent elite. All I know is that if John Heder (sp?) is there, I'll be thrilled and probably follow him around quoting Napoleon Dynamite all night. Well, for the two hours the event lasts, but I'll brag about it during Fiddler rehearsal tomorrow evening.
Umm . . . I joined a gym today. My first time ever. I decided that I need to tone up a bit, particularly with my sliver of a piece of fabric for a costume(s) in Crazy for You. What is Bob thinking?????????? So I may get . . . something? Ah, I'll be in better shape. My clothes will fit better (not that there's much of a problem or anything). Taking care of God's temple and all that jazz.
The song lyrics are from "How Lovely to be a Woman" from Bye Bye Birdie. Kim MacAfee has just been "pinned" by her first boyfriend, and is dreaming of all the new experiences it will bring with it. I suppose since everything in this post is a first for me somehow, I feel it works.
August 17, 2005
There are times I am not sure of what I absolutely know
Phew! It's amazing how one's life can change in the course of a week. I was hopping around in circles and singing for joy last week at this time, because I'd just learned that day that I had a job. Today, I'm up to my ears in insurance papers, binders with papers about The Framework for Teaching (which, thanks to NNU, I feel very familiar with), Carson City School District's policies, handbooks, Opportunity High School's policies, 3x5 notecards with various information, etc., etc., etc. (to quote Yul Brynner in The King and I).
I've been getting nervous about this position ever since the reality of it hit me. I just hope and pray that I have the strength and wisdom to do this job well. I've been praying about it a lot. I do think that it's what God wants me to do, but I can't help but realize how tough this will be. I think it'll be good, too, though. I will only be teaching about 4 1/2 hours a day, and the rest of time will be lunch and prep. I'm getting a signing bonus for the district and the state! I'll also be getting paid extra for doing detentions once every three weeks. I try not to be money obsessed, but considering that this is quite a leap up for me, I cannot seem to help it. The Lord is truly good!
We have finally begun real rehearsals for Fiddler. I'm excited for it. Jen and Rachel are such fun girls, and I do feel an older sister inclination towards the two of them (practice, perhaps?). Peter-Pedro (as I and several others call him) makes me laugh, and I think it'll be fun to play opposite of him. Lots of fun people are in the show with me. Yeah for fun shows!!!!!!!!
The title of this post comes from the song "A Puzzlement" from The King and I. It mirrors how I feel about this upcoming teaching position. Stand firm and strong, Lynette!
I've been getting nervous about this position ever since the reality of it hit me. I just hope and pray that I have the strength and wisdom to do this job well. I've been praying about it a lot. I do think that it's what God wants me to do, but I can't help but realize how tough this will be. I think it'll be good, too, though. I will only be teaching about 4 1/2 hours a day, and the rest of time will be lunch and prep. I'm getting a signing bonus for the district and the state! I'll also be getting paid extra for doing detentions once every three weeks. I try not to be money obsessed, but considering that this is quite a leap up for me, I cannot seem to help it. The Lord is truly good!
We have finally begun real rehearsals for Fiddler. I'm excited for it. Jen and Rachel are such fun girls, and I do feel an older sister inclination towards the two of them (practice, perhaps?). Peter-Pedro (as I and several others call him) makes me laugh, and I think it'll be fun to play opposite of him. Lots of fun people are in the show with me. Yeah for fun shows!!!!!!!!
The title of this post comes from the song "A Puzzlement" from The King and I. It mirrors how I feel about this upcoming teaching position. Stand firm and strong, Lynette!
August 10, 2005
Then the job is yours and Hudson's Floor Wax really doesn't matter!
Aaaahhhhhhhhhhh sweet mystery of life at last I found thee! I got a job! I'm teaching English this year! At the alternative high school in Carson. I'll be "in" the district! I'll have much better pay! I'll have benefits! I must admit that I'm overly ecstatic about this. Delirious with relief. Huzzah!!!!!!!!!!!!! Blogger won't let me enter to skip lines, so I'll end it here. The title is also from "The Speed Test" from Thoroughly Modern Millie.
August 07, 2005
One week, will it ever be right? Then out of the hat, it's that big first night!
The Taming of the Shrew opened on Friday. We've had two performances. We have one tonight. Then, there are only 6 more to go, with at least one pick-up rehearsal. Huzzah!
Actually, I think the show's been going about as well as it could be. Most people have memorized all of their lines and have been delivering them quite well. There are just three people whom it's hard to trust to know cues, and even some of their lines. I've been told of some changes to scenes right before I go on stage for that scene--thank you director. Oh well.
I still haven't heard anything from the school, so I suppose I'll hear tomorrow. I really hope so. Denise, the costumer for all of the WNMTC shows I've done so far, has called me and told me that there are still openings in the Carson City District. She's very nice, even though I know people who try to say otherwise. I've never had any trouble with her; just the opposite, in fact.
The title of this post comes from "Another Openin', Another Show" from Cole Porter's Kiss Me Kate. Supposedly, the writer got the idea for the show while working with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne in a show together! A great couple in the theatre who worked well together on stage. On stage, during the rehearsal process, was an entirely different story.
Actually, I think the show's been going about as well as it could be. Most people have memorized all of their lines and have been delivering them quite well. There are just three people whom it's hard to trust to know cues, and even some of their lines. I've been told of some changes to scenes right before I go on stage for that scene--thank you director. Oh well.
I still haven't heard anything from the school, so I suppose I'll hear tomorrow. I really hope so. Denise, the costumer for all of the WNMTC shows I've done so far, has called me and told me that there are still openings in the Carson City District. She's very nice, even though I know people who try to say otherwise. I've never had any trouble with her; just the opposite, in fact.
The title of this post comes from "Another Openin', Another Show" from Cole Porter's Kiss Me Kate. Supposedly, the writer got the idea for the show while working with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne in a show together! A great couple in the theatre who worked well together on stage. On stage, during the rehearsal process, was an entirely different story.
August 03, 2005
Tell me where my desk is, when we eat lunch, how much I'll be paid . . .
I just got back from my interview at PHS/Opportunity High School. This is the first teaching interview of the summer where I have felt good about how I did. I don't think I did poorly at the other two, but this one felt different. I am hoping that that is a sign of some sort. I was able to tell them of some of my proud teaching moments--6th graders "doing" verbs, The Odyssey and The Iliad plays, the Anne Frank "grounding"--all of which they seemed impressed with. They asked me if I had to teach Health and English at the same time, how I might tie the two together. Literature! Literature is the answer! I said I could possibly pull in a Dickens novel, and study the two together, and have them do a project with both of the subjects. I hope they were impressed with me. I really need a job.
Dev, that dream sounds DREADFUL!!!! I'm sure your English Comp class will be nothing but top-notch teaching and preparation. :) I've had two weird dreams this week. On Saturday, I dreamt that I died. I died in bed. I was able to see initial responses from people, which was kind of cool. I also saw a bit of my funeral. Talk about creepy, huh? The other dream involved me posing as a teacher, but really being a spy. I was in Washington D.C. with two college friends whom I deduced were actually enemy spies. I was able to outswaggle them and escape their evil plot to kill me. Jennifer Garner has nothing on me!!!!!! :)
I fell last night during Shrew rehearsal. Let me rephrase that. I BIFFED IT at rehearsal last night!!!!!! I always wipe my face off after one scene where Michelle (Katherina) pours water on my head and powdered sugar in my face. I was running towards a house we use, and there was some rolled up carpet on the ground. I, of course, did not see it. I tripped and would have fallen face first if the stairs hadn't broken my fall. I landed on my left thumb, stubbed both of my big toes, hurt my left leg, skinned my right knee, skinned and bruised my right hip, skinned my right elbow, and seriously bruised my upper right arm (which now hurts if I lift something or move it upwards). I'm such a klutz!!!!!!
The title of this post is in my earnest hope that it will happen. The lyrics are taken from the song "The Speed Test" from Thoroughly Modern Millie
Dev, that dream sounds DREADFUL!!!! I'm sure your English Comp class will be nothing but top-notch teaching and preparation. :) I've had two weird dreams this week. On Saturday, I dreamt that I died. I died in bed. I was able to see initial responses from people, which was kind of cool. I also saw a bit of my funeral. Talk about creepy, huh? The other dream involved me posing as a teacher, but really being a spy. I was in Washington D.C. with two college friends whom I deduced were actually enemy spies. I was able to outswaggle them and escape their evil plot to kill me. Jennifer Garner has nothing on me!!!!!! :)
I fell last night during Shrew rehearsal. Let me rephrase that. I BIFFED IT at rehearsal last night!!!!!! I always wipe my face off after one scene where Michelle (Katherina) pours water on my head and powdered sugar in my face. I was running towards a house we use, and there was some rolled up carpet on the ground. I, of course, did not see it. I tripped and would have fallen face first if the stairs hadn't broken my fall. I landed on my left thumb, stubbed both of my big toes, hurt my left leg, skinned my right knee, skinned and bruised my right hip, skinned my right elbow, and seriously bruised my upper right arm (which now hurts if I lift something or move it upwards). I'm such a klutz!!!!!!
The title of this post is in my earnest hope that it will happen. The lyrics are taken from the song "The Speed Test" from Thoroughly Modern Millie
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