Sooooooooo Christmas was wonderful. I mean it! It was probably the best one I've had in years. It was better than feeling lousy and playing games at my parents' house with just Janina. It beat driving over ten hours both ways to get to San Diego, sitting in the back seat and feeling like a seven year old again. Yes, it was wonderful! I spent Christmas Eve at my parents' home. We went to church on Christmas Eve as opposed to getting up early on Christmas morning. We drove around looking at lights after dinner at El Charro's (unfortunately the waitress who seems to enjoy not charging me for my food wasn't our server). We opened our gifts.
On Christmas, we opened our stockings. We lounged around, and then we had dinner in Carson at Uncle Jacque and Aunt Laurie's. MMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!! Good food; I'm glad I'm blessed enough to be surrounded by family members who can cook!
All in all, Christmas was relaxing. That's my favorite type. Especially since school got out on the 21st (but we don't go back until the 9th!), and it was relatively hectic! I have no grading though--HUZZAH! I have an eye appointment tomorrow. I'm signed up for the three computer Praxis exams next Wednesday. I have the English pedagogy Praxis on the 7th. I'm visiting Seattle from tomorrow until Jan. 2nd. Yay! I've never been there! I'll be visiting another NNUite, Esther! The one who told me once, "Lynette, you have the best table dancing hair I've ever seen!" Uh, thanks? It's on my list of weird compliments, which I seem prone to getting.
Oh! Last night I saw The Producers! I laughed harder than I think I ever have in the movie theater before. Oh my goodness--anyone at all interested in theatre should see it! Uma Thurman's singing left much to be desired, but other than that everyone was wonderful! So funny, so very, very funny . . .
I hope everyone else had a good Christmas, and will have a great New Year's. The title comes from the song, "Merry Almost-Christmas," from A Year With Frog and Toad. Janina did that this month, and it's adorable, at TMCC. She's going to be Little Becky Two-Shoes in Urinetown with them in March. I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!
December 28, 2005
December 20, 2005
Oh what a show!
So . . . . our play was a smash hit!!!!!!! HUZZAH!!!!!!!!! It’s been 2 years since I’ve directed something, and I was nervous. And to direct kids is an incredible feat; I challenge anyone to try it without tearing hair out. No, in actuality, we had a great cast who got along fairly well. We had our backstage drama (like the kid who was Ralph putting safety pins through his lip, tongue, etc. and making our Gladys feel queasy the rest of the night), but it was relatively minor.
And we had mostly full audiences. Friday we had about five seats left, Sat. afternoon, I took one, Sat. evening, about three, and Sunday matinee none! Sunday was the true miracle because we had a snowstorm and honestly considered canceling the show. I’m so glad we didn’t.
We had a great response from every audience, too. I mean GREAT!!!!!!!! Jessica and her family came from Kansas, and we were able to put Leigha (my 5 year old niece) into the show on Sat. night—she was so excited. She kept meeting people in the cast and saying, “I’m the new baby angel!” Anyway, back on track, I’ve done this show A LOT!!!!!! Our church in California did it every five years. When I was 13 our church did it AND my school did it; within a week of each other. Many of us were in both productions. So I’ve been in the show three times, and I’ve directed a scene from it before, too. You’d think I’d be sick of a play that I memorized 12 years ago and haven’t forgotten, but nope!
My dad was so funny. He told me that when he heard I was directing this, he thought, “Man, I have to see it again?” He told me when it was over that it was very funny and he enjoyed it. The thing is my dad will encourage me and support me all the time. But if he came up and said, “Good job kiddo!” that’s all I would have expected from him. The fact that he said it was funny and he enjoyed it was a true compliment.
And so now, since I’m feeling nostalgic about it, here are some highlights that I loved:
~Lissa Baker. Period. We threw her in as a nurse, and then asked her to play an angel during the “pageant” so she could help the kids we had sign “Silent Night” during the “pageant”. She stepped in as a fireperson, too. Every time she was onstage, I was cracking up. As the nurse, begging Mrs. Armstrong to take the pill and finally popping it herself, to being the fireperson saying, “Don’t worry; we’re professionals,” to her singing off-key and loud for the pageant! Thank you Lissa.
~Mikayla running up and hugging us with such enthusiasm all the time, and always remembering her lines—not everyone can do that at 6!
~Tessa and Emily for watching Mikayla and Charlie backstage, and for being so funny with their “twinness” and “crushes on Charlie (the character, not the 5 year old)”.
~My niece for being so dang cute and singing “Silent Night” with “Round young merciful and child,” instead of the actual lyrics. She was also very good backstage I heard.
~All the kids and adults for having fun with their characters and doing a good job at them.
~Dave Anderson for playing for the “pageant”.
~Ashlee never missing a line or cue, nor complaining about walking even though she had knee surgery in October—that girl was determined to do a good job, and she did! I also loved her line, “And arriving from the East, like my uncle from New Jersey, the wisemen . . .”
~Warren for being the “Hip Christian Father” and going all out for it. Leoney and Liz laughed when he walked onstage in his Christmas sweaters and khakis—It’s the first time I’ve seen him genuinely wear things like that. He’s the king of black pants, a Batman t-shirt, and a black vest. Yay Warren!
~Stephanie for doing the show even though it wasn’t up her alley.
Thank you cast, I love you!
The title comes from Evita from the song, "Oh What a Circus!"
December 08, 2005
You'll fall asleep, counting your blessings!
Sorry, I guess I haven't felt much like writing. Plus I lacked the time. Plus my internet connection sucks!!!! Plus I didn't want to whine; which is probably what I would've been doing.
So, for a quick update (the icky stuff):
~I couldn't take the Nevada Constitution test on the day offered for $15, because I was on Vicodin. I didn't trust myself to drive it or to take it under the influence. Dumb absessed tooth!!!
~So now I have to take it for $65 instead (blech).
~My Praxis test started at 2:15 on Nov. 19. Our only Saturday Matinee was at 2:00 on the same day, and I found out a week and a half in advance. So,
~Our director asked her daughter to do it. Maria agreed, IF she could have another performance, too.
~I had to give up Friday the 18! :( I've never had to do this before, so I was more than a little upset by it, but I couldn't do anything else.
~The financial backers for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever decided they didn't like some things (easily fixable and minor in my eyes), so they backed out and we weren't sure we could put it on! Luckily, Chris and I were able to talk John (the Executive Director of the BAC) into it. Phew! It would have been awful, but having to tell 20 or so kids that all their work was in vain was my personal idea of Hell on earth. Can you imagine the looks? How crushed they'd be? I get shivers thinking of it. Forget about the work I've done, it would be murder on them, and some of them may never want to try it again!
~The kids at school have had a real turnaround for the worse at school. I am so exhausted/drained/etc. every day. I'm so glad I have other things to keep me going!
That's it in a short blip. These things all happened in less than a month. It felt like getting slammed from every direction. I'm recovering. Thank God for prayer, tears for stress relief, good friends, family, movies, music, and books! These pulled me through!
And now it's all about the Spice Chai, Christmas music, and warming devices! Speaking of which, I'm cold! I hope all of you are doing very well with a wonderfully relaxing break just around the corner!
The title is from Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings" song. I love it when Bing Crosby sings it to Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas. It's a happy thing!
So, for a quick update (the icky stuff):
~I couldn't take the Nevada Constitution test on the day offered for $15, because I was on Vicodin. I didn't trust myself to drive it or to take it under the influence. Dumb absessed tooth!!!
~So now I have to take it for $65 instead (blech).
~My Praxis test started at 2:15 on Nov. 19. Our only Saturday Matinee was at 2:00 on the same day, and I found out a week and a half in advance. So,
~Our director asked her daughter to do it. Maria agreed, IF she could have another performance, too.
~I had to give up Friday the 18! :( I've never had to do this before, so I was more than a little upset by it, but I couldn't do anything else.
~The financial backers for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever decided they didn't like some things (easily fixable and minor in my eyes), so they backed out and we weren't sure we could put it on! Luckily, Chris and I were able to talk John (the Executive Director of the BAC) into it. Phew! It would have been awful, but having to tell 20 or so kids that all their work was in vain was my personal idea of Hell on earth. Can you imagine the looks? How crushed they'd be? I get shivers thinking of it. Forget about the work I've done, it would be murder on them, and some of them may never want to try it again!
~The kids at school have had a real turnaround for the worse at school. I am so exhausted/drained/etc. every day. I'm so glad I have other things to keep me going!
That's it in a short blip. These things all happened in less than a month. It felt like getting slammed from every direction. I'm recovering. Thank God for prayer, tears for stress relief, good friends, family, movies, music, and books! These pulled me through!
And now it's all about the Spice Chai, Christmas music, and warming devices! Speaking of which, I'm cold! I hope all of you are doing very well with a wonderfully relaxing break just around the corner!
The title is from Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings" song. I love it when Bing Crosby sings it to Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas. It's a happy thing!
November 17, 2005
The future wasn't bright.
Sorry, once again, I'm sorry!!! It's not that I don't want to update, I promise. No, I just can't at work, and my internet at home is doing this ridiculously slow and never quite right thing. Gah!
Have you ever had a bad day? Have you ever had a bad day that turned into a week? Have you ever had a bad week turn into three? This isn't my first time, but it has been awhile. I've just had a lot of stressfull little things to deal with a lot lately, as well as some pretty big things coming my way since THE TOOTH!!!! Oi vey. Job stuff, friend stuff, financial stuff, theatre stuff, church stuff; you name it, I think I'm going through it.
But, there are positive things as well. Like my five year old niece Leigha, who's in her first play! The Missoula Children's Theatre is out in Kansas this week, and Leigha's one of the 40 some who made the show out of the 100+ kids there. That's my 5 year old niece for you! She got on the phone to tell me, "Aunt Lynette, I'm in a play and I'm a SKUNK!!!!!!!!" Those people have no idea what they're in for! She'll be great!
And then there's one of the 400 Kaitlyns in Fiddler with me. She asked me to answer some questions about Feminism for her (my opinion) for an English paper she's writing. It was fun! I wrote it out today. I think there were 10 questions, not necessarily long answers, but I took 5 pages to tell her what my thoughts were. I miss that intellectual stimulation I had in college. I should take classes just to keep my brain in gear for when I finally make it to grad school. Plus, I imagine the stress would be off if I could only do one class at a time.
And I saw Noises Off at UNR last night. I love that play! Hana was Brooke, the ditz, and Kirk was Freddy. They were both great! My advice to all readers: WATCH THE MOVIE OR THE PLAY ASAP!!!!!!!!! Even if you're not in theatre, it's about the funniest thing written. It's by Michael Frayn.
I chose the lyrics from the song "Good Morning," which is most famously used in Singing in the Rain. I keep hoping it is. The future I mean; I hope it's bright. Right now I could really use it.
Have you ever had a bad day? Have you ever had a bad day that turned into a week? Have you ever had a bad week turn into three? This isn't my first time, but it has been awhile. I've just had a lot of stressfull little things to deal with a lot lately, as well as some pretty big things coming my way since THE TOOTH!!!! Oi vey. Job stuff, friend stuff, financial stuff, theatre stuff, church stuff; you name it, I think I'm going through it.
But, there are positive things as well. Like my five year old niece Leigha, who's in her first play! The Missoula Children's Theatre is out in Kansas this week, and Leigha's one of the 40 some who made the show out of the 100+ kids there. That's my 5 year old niece for you! She got on the phone to tell me, "Aunt Lynette, I'm in a play and I'm a SKUNK!!!!!!!!" Those people have no idea what they're in for! She'll be great!
And then there's one of the 400 Kaitlyns in Fiddler with me. She asked me to answer some questions about Feminism for her (my opinion) for an English paper she's writing. It was fun! I wrote it out today. I think there were 10 questions, not necessarily long answers, but I took 5 pages to tell her what my thoughts were. I miss that intellectual stimulation I had in college. I should take classes just to keep my brain in gear for when I finally make it to grad school. Plus, I imagine the stress would be off if I could only do one class at a time.
And I saw Noises Off at UNR last night. I love that play! Hana was Brooke, the ditz, and Kirk was Freddy. They were both great! My advice to all readers: WATCH THE MOVIE OR THE PLAY ASAP!!!!!!!!! Even if you're not in theatre, it's about the funniest thing written. It's by Michael Frayn.
I chose the lyrics from the song "Good Morning," which is most famously used in Singing in the Rain. I keep hoping it is. The future I mean; I hope it's bright. Right now I could really use it.
November 03, 2005
You'll be a dentist!
Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. I've incredibly busy and in considerable pain. Ugh. It's not my favorite feeling in the world, to be sure. Well, here it goes:
Disneyland was a blast. I would suggest to everyone that if you can get there this year, GO!!!!!!!! As always, DCA and Disneyland were fun. However, since it's the 50th year, it's really fun. They are selling golden Mickey ears. The castle is cool (I'll try to post my picture of it later). The Parade of Dreams was fun--Julie Andrews was the narrator for it. The fireworks were AMAZING!!!!!!!!! I've never been a big one for fireworks, but I'm glad I didn't miss these!
So we open on Saturday for Fiddler. And the pain I referred to earlier can actually pose a problem for then. Last weekend my face grew--on the same side and much the same way as it did when Weston punched my chin during BATB in May. Since Friday was the day Nevada Day was observed, I spent it with my family. My face was growing, and we thought it may be an absess (sp?) tooth.
I called my parents' dentist over the weekend and left a message. I've not been to a dentist in at least 5 years! My teeth are in horrendous condition. I was so nervous, for some reason dentists freak me out more than just about anything! I hadn't gone before because I had no good dental insurance through CCS (the beauty of a Christian school--no insurance). Now that I work in the Carson City School District, lucky me! I have benefits, so now I feel a little more at ease about going . . . but not much.
I couldn't get in until Tuesday. So I took off half a day on Tuesday to go. Yes, it was an absess tooth. No, the dentist could not do anything about it then, because it was so far gone. So she tried to get me into the oral surgeon on Tuesday as well. But he was busy. So, Dr. McElhany prescribed some penicillin for the infection, and I got an appointment for Wednesday.
I took yesterday off. When I learned that I wasn't getting in until the afternoon, I took Thursday and Friday off. I didn't know what painkillers I'd be on or anything.
The procedure yesterday took about 15 minutes . . . and they didn't have to do it through surgery!!! HUZZAH!!!!!!!!!!! It hurt like crazy, but hey, I've been through worse. I'm on vicodin. I hurt and feel a little icky. I can't drive because of the drowsy side effect.
People have been wonderful, and I was able to do okay at rehearsal last night. I was even able to adlib for people who weren't onstage! Go me.
So, that's what life is like at the moment. I'm exhausted and just got sick. I don't think I had anything substantial enough with my last vicodin. I wouldn't recommend it.
The title is from a song by the same title from Little Shop of Horrors.
Disneyland was a blast. I would suggest to everyone that if you can get there this year, GO!!!!!!!! As always, DCA and Disneyland were fun. However, since it's the 50th year, it's really fun. They are selling golden Mickey ears. The castle is cool (I'll try to post my picture of it later). The Parade of Dreams was fun--Julie Andrews was the narrator for it. The fireworks were AMAZING!!!!!!!!! I've never been a big one for fireworks, but I'm glad I didn't miss these!
So we open on Saturday for Fiddler. And the pain I referred to earlier can actually pose a problem for then. Last weekend my face grew--on the same side and much the same way as it did when Weston punched my chin during BATB in May. Since Friday was the day Nevada Day was observed, I spent it with my family. My face was growing, and we thought it may be an absess (sp?) tooth.
I called my parents' dentist over the weekend and left a message. I've not been to a dentist in at least 5 years! My teeth are in horrendous condition. I was so nervous, for some reason dentists freak me out more than just about anything! I hadn't gone before because I had no good dental insurance through CCS (the beauty of a Christian school--no insurance). Now that I work in the Carson City School District, lucky me! I have benefits, so now I feel a little more at ease about going . . . but not much.
I couldn't get in until Tuesday. So I took off half a day on Tuesday to go. Yes, it was an absess tooth. No, the dentist could not do anything about it then, because it was so far gone. So she tried to get me into the oral surgeon on Tuesday as well. But he was busy. So, Dr. McElhany prescribed some penicillin for the infection, and I got an appointment for Wednesday.
I took yesterday off. When I learned that I wasn't getting in until the afternoon, I took Thursday and Friday off. I didn't know what painkillers I'd be on or anything.
The procedure yesterday took about 15 minutes . . . and they didn't have to do it through surgery!!! HUZZAH!!!!!!!!!!! It hurt like crazy, but hey, I've been through worse. I'm on vicodin. I hurt and feel a little icky. I can't drive because of the drowsy side effect.
People have been wonderful, and I was able to do okay at rehearsal last night. I was even able to adlib for people who weren't onstage! Go me.
So, that's what life is like at the moment. I'm exhausted and just got sick. I don't think I had anything substantial enough with my last vicodin. I wouldn't recommend it.
The title is from a song by the same title from Little Shop of Horrors.
October 17, 2005
Happiness is singing together when day is through, and happiness is those who sing with you!
Life is good. School is good. Family is good. Friends are good. What more is there?
I'm getting to be at the end of the quarter/semester this week. My grades have to be in by Thursday. Why? 'Cause I'm going to Disneyland, and I'm staying with Kelsey and Halley. I love those two more than avacados. I'm sure they'd be flattered to know this, but it's true!!!!
I've also discovered a wonderful place to break my fast in the morning. I love the City Cafe' Bakery in Carson. Mmmm . . . good food and a relatively pleasant atmosphere. But, I've discovered that breakfast consisting of an apple croissant and their chai tea is about as close to heaven as one can get. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had it this morning--it was well worth it! Come visit and I promise you a trip to this delicious place.
Caitlyn Papp and I are directing The Best Christmas Pageant Ever this December and we had auditions on Saturday morning. I am excited, for it shall be fun. We had a good group of people show up, too. Good times.
I am a happy camper. Yes indeedy, I am!
The lyrics come from "Happiness" from You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
I'm getting to be at the end of the quarter/semester this week. My grades have to be in by Thursday. Why? 'Cause I'm going to Disneyland, and I'm staying with Kelsey and Halley. I love those two more than avacados. I'm sure they'd be flattered to know this, but it's true!!!!
I've also discovered a wonderful place to break my fast in the morning. I love the City Cafe' Bakery in Carson. Mmmm . . . good food and a relatively pleasant atmosphere. But, I've discovered that breakfast consisting of an apple croissant and their chai tea is about as close to heaven as one can get. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had it this morning--it was well worth it! Come visit and I promise you a trip to this delicious place.
Caitlyn Papp and I are directing The Best Christmas Pageant Ever this December and we had auditions on Saturday morning. I am excited, for it shall be fun. We had a good group of people show up, too. Good times.
I am a happy camper. Yes indeedy, I am!
The lyrics come from "Happiness" from You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
October 08, 2005
I couldn't be happier
I just wanted to post and declare to the world that Chris is about the nicest person in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!! He "owed" me a surprise (sometimes when we play games, we'll say, "Okay, if I win, you'll pay for a movie," or something. I owe him a ticket to see a show). I said it didn't have to be big, just something I'd like. It could have been anything; have a picnic, plan a fun day, a card he made, etc. I wasn't going to be picky. Just wanting a surprise.
I got it. Today. I'm still thrilled!!!!!!!
He got me something I've been drooling over for several months anytime I went to Borders in Carson (because why go to Borders in Reno? There's a Barnes and Noble, which I infinitely prefer!). Are you ready for this? Okay, here was my surprise: A complete set of an unabriged reading of The Chronicles of Narnia books--all 7 of them! Plus, they're read by amazing performers! Check this out: The Magician's Nephew performed by Kenneth Branaugh, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe performed by Michael York, The Horse and His Boy performed by Alex Jennings (who I saw as Professor Higgens in My Fair Lady in London and was AMAZING!!!!!!!!), Prince Caspian performed by Lynn Redgrave, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader performed by Derek Jacobi, The Silver Chair performed by Jeremy Northam, and The Last Battle performed by Patrick Stewart. I'M SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I began listening to The Magician's Nephew on my way to Dayton this morning, and am at the point about where Digory is about to follow Polly with the rings.
See why Chris is my favorite right now? I hope he got a good deal on them. I know that the cost is much cheaper than what it could be (it says so on the box), but I still hope he got a good deal on them.
Talk about a surprise! I like his surprises.
Oh, and if you're in the area, go see his production of The Last Five Years at the BAC. The music of this show is phenomenal (Even if you don't live around here, pick up a CD. Jason Robert Brown is such an incredible composer!). Yes this is a shameless plug, but I know the show's incredible, Andie and Josh are gifted, and Chris directed and produced it. Plus, it's helping to raise money for the BAC, so they can put on more great theatre, concerts, art exhibits, etc.
The title comes from the song "Thank Goodness" from Wicked.
I got it. Today. I'm still thrilled!!!!!!!
He got me something I've been drooling over for several months anytime I went to Borders in Carson (because why go to Borders in Reno? There's a Barnes and Noble, which I infinitely prefer!). Are you ready for this? Okay, here was my surprise: A complete set of an unabriged reading of The Chronicles of Narnia books--all 7 of them! Plus, they're read by amazing performers! Check this out: The Magician's Nephew performed by Kenneth Branaugh, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe performed by Michael York, The Horse and His Boy performed by Alex Jennings (who I saw as Professor Higgens in My Fair Lady in London and was AMAZING!!!!!!!!), Prince Caspian performed by Lynn Redgrave, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader performed by Derek Jacobi, The Silver Chair performed by Jeremy Northam, and The Last Battle performed by Patrick Stewart. I'M SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I began listening to The Magician's Nephew on my way to Dayton this morning, and am at the point about where Digory is about to follow Polly with the rings.
See why Chris is my favorite right now? I hope he got a good deal on them. I know that the cost is much cheaper than what it could be (it says so on the box), but I still hope he got a good deal on them.
Talk about a surprise! I like his surprises.
Oh, and if you're in the area, go see his production of The Last Five Years at the BAC. The music of this show is phenomenal (Even if you don't live around here, pick up a CD. Jason Robert Brown is such an incredible composer!). Yes this is a shameless plug, but I know the show's incredible, Andie and Josh are gifted, and Chris directed and produced it. Plus, it's helping to raise money for the BAC, so they can put on more great theatre, concerts, art exhibits, etc.
The title comes from the song "Thank Goodness" from Wicked.
October 04, 2005
The party's over . . .
Well, CFY is over, and a heck of a lot of fun! I finally have a digital camera, folks! So, I've taken some pictures--not a ton, and certainly not all of my friends are in these pictures. I love you, cast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At some point, I hope to put them all in one post, but for now this will have to suffice! There are 13 pictures in all, and none of them come out as well on blogger as they do on the camera and my photo program on the computer. :( Enjoy them!
BTW, the title comes from the song "The Party's Over" from Bells are Ringing.
Josh is exhausted from tapping for 2 1/2 hours. We all deserved a break after the show!
BTW, the title comes from the song "The Party's Over" from Bells are Ringing.
Josh is exhausted from tapping for 2 1/2 hours. We all deserved a break after the show!
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