Stoli Dog Update

This is the infamous Stoli Dog. He appears to be feeling a bit better. It's nice to see his personality (as annoying as it can be) coming back. But...there's always a but.

I went to pick up the second antibiotic today and insisted on seeing the Dr. not just one of his techs. The techs don't really know anything, except how to read the Dr.'s writing. I know this because they could tell me what the Dr. had written in the file, but not what any of it ment. My favorite comment today was this exchange...

Tech: His levels are elevated.

Me: What does that mean?

Tech: That all of the levels they tests are high.

At this point I wanted to scream that I knew what the word elevated ment, I don't know what that means for the dog.

Anyway, I was a bit on edge this morning I guess. So, I wait to see the vet. He was in an emergency surgery. A dog had been attacked by a coyote. Which in and of itself is strange to me...I live in Anaheim, the vet is in Fullerton, but that situation is fodder fro another blog entry. So, I waited.

When I finally saw the Dr. it wasn't Dr. G from Monday, it was the other Dr. G (to be known as Dr. G2). He was a little short with me, but it was a busy day for him. He actually showed my numbers and explained things a bit. And all in all he thinks it is Liver Disease. The results from the added blood test will make the final determination regarding the pancreatitis.

He at least had a bit more solid information. He said wait for those results to come back and see what they say. He said based on that his most likely recommendation is an ultrasound and biopsy to the liver, which is non-evasive. I told him one of my big concerns is getting this stuff taken care of before I leave in two weeks...for CHINA!!!! Can't take care of a dog from another country and I don't want M to have to deal with too much of it (although this morning as I tried to explain to him what was going on, through my tears, he told me he would do what he needed to do. He's a great guy, again stuff for another entry). Dr. G2 seemed to think the two weeks was plenty of time for us to get everything figured out.

The only thing that really bothered me was that he wouldn't tell me a prognosis or course of treatment for either case. It has me really worried about how bad it might be.

Which brings up a really big question....How much money am I willing to invest in this. Where do I draw the line? Do I refinance my house and take out equity to finance treatment (I know someone who did this)? Do I take the cheap route? Do I put the dog down (not top on my list, I kinda like the maniac)?

Where do you draw the line with a pet? Even if you consider the pet a part of the family.

My poor puppy

Sunday I had my dad, his wife (C), my sister (K), her husband (M2), my niece (J), my boyfriend (M1), and his daughters (L & B) over for a BBQ. Every thing was great, we grilled the biggest piece of meat I have ever seen (and O-bone roast), and it was yummy! We all had a great time, except Stoli, who just lied on the patio right next to the grill. Now, who has EVER seen a dog lie next to a grill and not seem the least big interested in what was on it. He didn't even what a treat!

Because of this behavior from a normally frantic, crazy, maniac dog I called the vet, who said bring him in. So I did. J, M1 and I went to see Dr. G about a very sad dog. Although by this time he was acting a bit more like himself. Almost $200 later I had some antibiotics and no real information other than he wasn't running a fever and he has slight ear infection. Not to mention this incident helped bring to my attention that I hadn't had to scoop the backyard in several days, not a bad problem to have, except it means I have a sick dog (and who wants that).

Today I found out that poor Stoli has either pancreatitis (spelling here?) or liver disease. Oh, and that they want to run more blood tests, do x-rays and give him another antibiotic. I okayed the antibiotic and the next blood test. I figured that was enough money until I have a chance to actually talk to the vet and not the cute girl who answer the phone and can't answer a question without asking someone.

Tomorrow I will pick up the antibiotic and do so question asking in person tomorrow. From what I could learn online both of these conditions can be treated with drugs and bland diet if caught early enough. I figure the longest he could have been sick is a few days before Sunday. And actually on Saturday L & B were playing with him and he seemed perfectly fine. The obvious symptoms seemed to have shown up on Sunday. Except maybe the "pile" thing, that could be a couple of days longer.

And do you know how hard to it is to tell how much a dog who doesn't eat much to begin with is actually eating? They asked when the last time he eat was, and I can only remember filling the bowl on either Thursday or Friday. He has this thing where he just eats a few bites at a time, so it doesn't matter if I fill the bowl or just put a cup or two in, I might not have to put food in the next day, because the dog just doesn't eat much. It freaks people out when they dog sit for me. He will go 3 - 4 days without appearing to have eaten a bite and then the minute I walk in the door, he eats. He has done this since the day I got him.

Okay, I'm rambling now. I am going to go and check on my buddy, give him his meds and then watch "Must Love Dogs". Ironic timing for that to be on the Netflix list.

I DID IT!!!!!

I reached my Avon walk goal, and have infact exceeded what I wanted to do. I am so excited to have raised so much money to help such a wonderful cause. Perhaps 0ne day no one will have to hear the words "You have breast cancer."

If you are interested in donating to my walk fund, please go to www.avonwalk.org. My participant number is 661411, if you click on donate you should be able to find my participant page with the number. If you want to donate, but don't like to do things like that on line, let me know and I can send you the paperwork to write a check.

If you chose to donate, THANK YOU!!!! You will be helping so many people. The money doesn't just go to research, it also helps those who are underserved and don't have insurance to cover the costs.

Once again, let's thank the efforts of all who make this their charity and cause of choice. It really does make a difference.

The close of a year

Last night was the first ever Drama Banquet for my school. This is a big deal because the drama department had started to become an after thought for most of the kids at the school before last year when I started there. The fact that I have been able to get kids fired about about theatre in two years is just way cool.

Anyway, we had our banquet, it was small, under 40 people, but boy did we have a good time. I MCed the entire thing, because it was a first and I didn't want to try to train kids how to MC a banquet before the event. Now, keep in mind, I am a silly person not necessarily a funny person, so this must have been torture for some people, but they were kind and laughed with me (maybe they were laughing at me later, but at least not in front of me). We gave 7 awards, best actor and actress in each show, best cameo performances in the musical, tech awards and of course a Spirit of Drama award (more on that one), and of course everyone got an achievement award. We didn't want anyone to go home empty handed, we even gave one to the little blonde girl who until she asked if she could come I didn't know even though she eats lunch in my class everyday with the drama kids. Everyone had a great time.

Most of the awards are pretty self explanatory, but the Spirit of Drama, this is an award I created at my last school. Sometimes you have a kid who just completely embodies what being a part of the drama program is about. They are positive, always have something great to say to people, may not be involved with a show, but wants everyone to know what a good job they are doing and supports every one and every thing. They strive to build up people, not break people's spirit. They can find the good in every performance. That is what being a part of my drama department should be. I actually wish I could have given every kid in that room a Spirit of Drama award. This is one of the sweetest groups of teenagers I have ever worked with (and I have had some great kids over the years). They applauded everytime someone got their award, no one felt bad they didn't win, or at least they didn't act like it, these kids even clapped when people arrived and ran to give people hugs and make them feel excited to be at their banquet.

I even received a couple end of the year gifts, one student made me poster with pictures from the musical and said everyone needed to sign it. Another student and his mom made me a scrapbook page of the musical and mounted it on black art board and had a gold pen for every to sign the board. I don't exactly know what to do with these things (probably put them up in my class, maybe it will become a tradition) but I love them just the same. These kids have really treated me well.

I love these kids so much. Last night I was truly reminded of why I love to teach drama and why it would it be so different if I only taught English. In two years I have watched some of these kids go from painfully shy to really coming into their own. Some of those shy kids have become my biggest talents. Their personalities have really begun to shine and I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of them. I like to think that I have had a hand in helping these kids find the strength in themselves to be who they are and to know that they are great.

I'M DONE!

Not literally, I still have 9 days to go...but mentally I am done, I am on the brink of drop kicking a student out the door. It's a very sad state of things. I love my job, I love my school, I am fed up with the kids. I think it's the question "What can I do to bring up my grade?" How about the novel concept of YOUR WORK!!!!!!

I was just thinking...

in today's overly politically correct society why is it still okay to make fun of blondes? I was watching TV this morning and saw the new Philly Cream Cheese commercial, the one with the angels and they accidently mix their Philly and Jam together (like the old "You got peanut butter on my chocolate...You got chocolate in my peanut butter"). Apparently this is a good idea, to have jam in the cream cheese, and the blonde angel wonders where they came up with the idea at the end of the commercial. This gets a "look" from the brunette angel.

If this used any other race of people as the stupid one everyone would be up in arms and going all crazy...but put a blonde in the idiot role and you have a good thing. I just don't get it.

As a blonde I am not offended, I just don't get it.

And Counting...

13 days of school

36 days until I leave for China

And the curtain closes...

It is finally over...Charlie Brown closed last night. Even with the difficulties I had with the VD the show came off beautifully. I am so proud of my babies (not a senior in the bunch). They did a great job.

We were adjudicated last night for what is the equivalent of the Tony Awards for high school musicals. And the judges seemed to really like the show. That makes me really happy. Although my school is over 100 years old and used to have a huge, thriving theatre program they have never been involved with this awards program. So I was very happy to hear such good things from the judges, especially with such a young cast.

My Snoopy, who is just amazing, her mom doesn't like her doing theatre. Well, much to our surprise, mom was very proud of Snoopy, and even shed a few tears. That's one of the things I love about my job. When family finds out something about their kid that only I knew up until the show opened. Hopefully this experience will allow this girl to audition again next year (mom had previously said no more shows).

So, now I say farewell to Charlie Brown and move on to the next adventure...The Crucible maybe?

Ten Things

10 Things I love About Opening Night...

10. The kids are all amped and excited.
9. Everything is ready...no more sets to build, props to buy or costumes to make.
8. I finally get reimbursed for all monies spent.
7. The air in my classroom is electric.
6. Baby socks...a tradition I started with the first play I ever directed, everyone gets a baby sock on opening night because nothing bad can happen when you have something so cute with you.
5. Telling parents how wonderful I think their kids are.
4. The look on some parents faces when I tell them how wonderful their kids are.
3. Tech kids getting as excited as the actors.
2. The Hugs...I get lots of great kid hugs on opening night.
and the number 1 thing I love about opening night...

The look on the kids faces during curtain call. They have never looked prouder of themselves than they do at that moment. That is the moment I live for.

The saga continues...

Show opens on Thursday, VD left rehearsal today at 6:30ish. This is the same man who wants me to put "Performing Arts Department" on all the stuff associated with the show. So, right now he and I are both playing the passive aggressive card (it's really not working for either of us). He wants "PAD" on stuff, I figure when he starts to take on more responsibility for the show, then I will change what I do. But I guess I should tell him that.

Most of the kids are on my side. I have talked to the principal, I went seeking advice and somehow it has turned in to him talking to the VD....which has me a little scared. I need to learn to deal with this stuff myself. Maybe I will tell the principal to not do it.

ARGH....someone give me some moxie! Please!!!!!

This and that...

Why is it that after you pay upwards of $50.00 to attend an event you still have to pay to park your car? I wondered this as I forked out $8.00 to let my car sit for two hours in a parking structure. It just makes the mind reel...the structure has been there for years, there are performances at the theatre almost every day for the entire year, it has to be paid for by now. The attendants don't really need to be in there, they don't direct traffic anyway. WHY AM I PAYING TO LET MY CAR SIT SOMEPLACE. Could someone please explain this concept to me.

I went to my first ballet last night. Sylvia performed by American Ballet Theatre. It was really good. I enjoy watching the amazing talents. If you have never been to the ballet and like stuff like that I recommend it. The strength these performers have is amazing.

On the opposite end of the spectrum I am going to a hockey game today. It's playoff season and a really good friend of mine, L, is a huge Ducks fan (I prefer the Kings myself), so I have found myself attending Ducks games during the playoffs. It's great fun and you get to see some great hockey.

The play opens in less than two weeks. I don't have all my costumes because I am waiting for them to come in from another school. I will call that teacher today to make sure I can get them on Monday, I don't want that last minute scramble. The rest of this weekend has been spend painting baseball hats to look like they are hand drawn, buying props and layin out the program. Ah, the joys of being a high school theatre teacher.

They finally get it...

My freshmen are understanding Romeo and Juliet! I am so excited. I didn't have to explain everything in the beginning of Act 2. You don't know what an accomplishment for these kids this is. Many of them are ELD or ELD transitional, they have a hard time with the literature sometimes. This made my "feel like jumping" day just a little bit better.

Ever feel like jumping?

Boy am I sounding like a whine baby right now. But then again a month's worth of insomnia will do that to a girl.

Today I found out that M can't do my lighting like planned. Now, why would you tell someone you could do something and then not tell your employer you need the day off. (This is not the first time he has done this by the way).

Now, I could do the lighting myself, I'm not very good at it, but I know what I'm doing. I just really don't like the 30-foot, broken ladder. I have sent out the battle cry of drama teachers everywhere - HELP! Hopefully someone will be able to come in and lend a hand.

I am not really mad at M about this. It is really more of a frustration...don't tell me you can do something and just hope your schedule doesn't change (this fiasco almost cost me $200 because I was supposed to rent a scissor lift-good thing I had waited until today). He did this with both of my cousin's weddings. He didn't bother to take the days off work, he just hoped he would be off after my RSVP that we were both coming. He had to come 1 1/2 hours late to one and left the other early. Now, that just makes me look bad, mainly because I put up with it.

So at this point in my day (and it's early) I feel like jumping off the theatre building. The kids told me to wait two weeks, until the show is over. The don't trust that the VD will show up to get them through it if I die. Gotta love the support.

And the saga continues

So things got worse yesterday...the VD walked out of rehearsal because of a comment made by an actor.

See, I have staged the ENTIRE play without considering the scene change music becuase it never gets played during rehearsal anyway. Adding it is easy, you just adjust the staging. Well, the kids were going from one scene to another and did it just the way I have had them doing it for 2 months, and the VD says there is scene change music that he has to get in. So, the kids exit and get ready to make the entrance again, they wait for the music to stop, and then enter. The VD said something I missed because I was making a note, the kid replied with what I had told them, the VD said something to the pianist, picked up his stuff and walked out without a word to me.

Now, I am not sure exactly what happened other than that. But it kept me up all night. Mainly because if the VD is going to act this way how am I to know what is going to happen in the next two weeks.

Before all the drama happened I was asked if there was going to be video of arial footage for the Red Baron monologue and if I had it in the budget to hire more musicans. Now, we are two weeks out...if asked about this stuff 2 or 3 weeks ago I could have done something. I had to tell the VD that I hadn't rented the extra music because I did last year and we didn't use it, HE DIDN'T REMEMBER THAT IT WAS HIM AND THE PIANIST LAST YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!! He seemed a bit angry about this. I also said there wouldn't be any arial footage. He doesn't seem to understand I don't pull this stuff out of my butt!

I am such a wuss...

As you all know I have been having some issues with my Vocal Director (VD). He isn't as commited to this year's musical as I would like him to be. And now on top of that I have the issue of him wanting to do a show that I am not at all interested in doing, he has already talked to kids about doing it, as precasted several roles in his head, and doesn't seem at all willing to look at other shows with me to pick something we will both like.

So, being the wuss that I am I went to my principal. Not to tattle, but to ask for advice in how to talk to the VD about this without causing stress. Because let me tell you, every time I have mentioned to him that the kids don't know the music or that I feel stress from the show because of the music, things get very tense (to the point where one kid came up to me and asked if I had said something to the VD about the music because he seemed mad).

It feels like there is always something else going on that takes priority over the musical, I don't expect it to be his life, but could he at least be aware of the rehearsal schedule and try to work around that. That's what I do, but then again I make the schedule so that's a different story.

Anyway, back to my point (did I have one?)...I talked to the principal (who loves me) and asked if he had any suggestions on how to deal with this. I like the VD, he is a great guy. But, the musical is not another venue for his chamber singers (he told them that they are they only reason he does the musical and if they weren't going to audition then why was he doing it). The principal said he would talk to him if I wanted him to, I said I don't know. I don't want to make things worse or seem like a baby. I love my job, I want to do a good job at it. I don't want to make my job miserable by the VD feeling like I had to go over his head to get my way. It's not my way I want...I want us to work together so we can both enjoy working on the musical.

ARGH!!!!! Any suggestions on how to approach someone you respect about something you drastically disagree on and is really important to you? Help please!

What car am I?

"You are a Mercedes SLK!You appreciate the finer things in life. You have a split personality - wild or conservative, depending on your mood. Wherever you go, you like to travel first class. Luxury, style, and fun - who could ask for more?"

Boy, am I glad I turned out to be something cute! Maybe this should be my next car, even though I was looking into buying something biodesiel (one small contribution to saving our planet).

What are you? http://www.tomorrowland.us

This weekend was good, although way too short. Went to J's soccer game, the spanked the other team. Saw Mom, she is doing great...she had an extra week off of chemo because of the whole low blood count thing. Had some success prop shoping and planted some new stuff in the yards. All, in all not bad.

Zombie flesh and other things...

All my stitches are out, the dehissing (big doctor word for coming apart) has stopped and the white looking zombie flesh has turned black (yuck). The doctor told me he could remove the black dead skin but it is very painful, I'm in enough pain, I'll wait it out - that's what giant bandaides are for. Doctor thinks I should be able to minimize scaring, but it looks pretty bad right now, and that doesn't include the sharp shooting pain I get periodically. The price I pay for the theatre.

I have been discovered...my blog is a private thing for me. I don't tell anyone where it is or how to find it. Well, I have a very nosey student who has managed to track it down (yes, I'm talking about you, E). Now, my only hope is that he keeps it to himself, like I asked. He told me he hasn't been to it since the day he found it...which I hope is true. He is the only person now who I know face-to-face who has seen this!

The play opens in 3 weeks! YIKES!!!! The kids don't know most of the music and although the vocal director has been given copies of the schedule he still tells me he doesn't know what time rehearsals go to. I finally told the kids to just learn the music off the CD and I didn't care what the V.D. said. He can fix it later. At least they will know the music for opening night.

I have completely paid for my trip to China. I am so excited. I have never been out of the country for real (I don't count Mexico or Canada, although I know they are in reality out of the country), not to mention to a comunist country. It should make for some interesting stories.

To buy organic or not to buy...

Why is it that anything that is organic costs twice as much as the non-organic stuff? I like to buy organic. I like feeling like it is just a bit better for me than the stuff with all the pesticides and junk. But I have a hard time spending $4.00 for a half gallon of milk when I can pay $3.50 for a full gallon. I just don't get it.

I'm a mess...

my arms are bruised, I have HUGE bandage on my leg and a small cut on my finger. I look like I have suffered some sort of abuse. The students are loving looking at my bruises...my falling off a ladder is the talk of the campus. It's really funny...everyone is all worried about me (which they should, but not for falling with the ladder).

The stiches are scheduled to come out on Monday. Although when I look at them it doesn't look like they will be ready to come out by then, it all looks pretty bad. I should post pictures of my arms...it's pretty scarey. And to top it off new bruises keep popping up. But all in all I'm healing nicely and have a really good story to tell.

On another note: why do drama students think that just because something doesn't offend them it won't offend anybody? My class is working on a playwriting project, which is really fun and the kids get to write about what they want for the most part. Today I actually had a group try to convince me to let them write a play about a girl who comes home from college a lesbian and gets disowned by her family. Now, I personally don't have an issue with the subject matter, as a public school program I can not let them use this script idea. It was really hard to get them to understand that just because it doesn't bother me and it doesn't bother them, it might bother someone.

Question: why do drama students feel they have to push every social boundry they can find?

Contrary to popular belief...

drama teachers do not defy gravity. And the curse of the "Scottish Play" is alive and well (if you know the name don't say it, if you don't too bad because I won't tell ya. My English students said it today with doing the counter-curse!).

...see the tree...see the ladder...that is where the disaster begins.



I was painting said tree for over an hour with no problems. Nice students standing at the base of said ladder to dip the paint brush for me, so I didn't have to climb to the bottom each time.

The tree was just about done, most of the kids had left, just a couple working on Snoopy's house and I decided that I would finish the tree without them.

While standing on the ladder, with paint can in one hand and brush in the other, the ladder decides it no longer wants to stand at the wall, but rather lie down at the bottom. Hence my 2 second ride to the floor. Now, if you have ever seen people go down an extention ladder in the movies it looks like a lot of fun... let me tell you IT'S NOT! It's pretty damn scarey.

So in a manner of seconds I am falling to the ground, the drumline coach, a drummer and two drama students are standing over me asking if I'm okay. I thought I was, I got up slowly, kind of took a few tentative steps, checked for blood from the nose that hit something (turns out it was probably my own hand), bended the elbows because they hit as the ladder hit the ground. All seemed to be okay, I didn't even shed a tear.

The problems started when I started to help clean up the 1/2 can of spilled green paint...my shin felt a little funny, I pulled up my pant leg and there it was in all it's glory, a cut. I retreated to my classroom to bandage myself, when I discovered this wasn't an ordinary cut, this was a gash, this had that (if you're squeemish skip to the next paragraph) fatty stuff that lives under your skin poking out. I checked with the drumline coach and it was deamed that I should go to Urgent Care.

Three stiches and a tetnis shot later I am finally home. Showered and ready to crash. By the way showering with a plastic trash bag rubber banded to your let, not fun either. I am just really glad that it wasn't a student, I am also really glad it wasn't worse. I could have broken more then the skin. The guys in urgent care said they have never had a teacher come in having fallen off a ladder...I told them they needed to spend more time with drama teachers.

So, what have we learned...
1. "Scottish Play" curse - real!
2. Drama teachers do not fly!

Education

I will keep this short and sweet...why is that people who homeschool can say whatever they want about public education, but heaven forbid public educators say anything about homeschoolers?

Prayer Request...

For those of you who are the praying type...my Mom is in ICU-Isolation. Her white blood count is way down and she has a high fever. Her spirits are up...but it sounds scarey to me.

If your not the praying type, but you believe in karma, good thoughts, well wishes, whatever, please send some my mom's way. We can use all the support we can get.

Let me just say cancer sucks!

Just one thing...

I am loving my new living room! I love the color, I love that it is clean (by default...you have to clean to move furniture to paint). I just love it! Of course the already dark room...is now really dark.

Time to go shopping for lighting.

Redecorating...part 2 The Living Room

There really wasn't anything wrong with my living room...On Sunday I just got a hair that said PAINT! So I did...

Before

After

All of the paint is by Waverly Home Classics. Wall color is Sandy Shell, trim is Latte, and the doors are Spanish Green.

What do you think?

And then there were 4

I have a new friend! For years I have complained that I really don't have any friends. It has been Michael, Cheryl and Gina, with various others who fade in and out. More recently it has just been Michael and Cheryl. But at my new job, I have made a fantastic new friend, Laurie. We get along great. We have so much fun together...and we laugh a lot (mainly at other people).

I really like Laurie and I am thankful that she is my friend. Now for the unexpected part...my "best work friend" from the last school I worked at was a really good friend of Laurie's when they were kids. Go figure!

Redecorating...part 1 The Dinning Room

This all started when I decided it was time to really start getting ready to have contractors come out to bid on remodeling my kitchen/dinning room. What started out as a simple project - move the computer into the craft/crap/guest room - turned into a major overhaul of my house. For the 4 years I have lived in my house my dinner room has functioned as an office, with a huge desk.

The desk is commonly refered to as "Big Mambo." This picture was taken after I moved the computer. But you get the general sense of chaos that I lived with.

This is the other side of the room. Where the actual table used to live. Notice the yellow back fence...my neighbors made fun of me when I did it, but they all love it now. Beats the weathered gray color I used to have to look at.

Here is what this area of my house looks like now...

This desk came out of the craft room - it didn't have anyplace to live once the new computer desk went in, but more on that in another post.

Of course Herb needed a new place to be once "Big Mambo" left the building, so I put up this shelf...it also keeps him out of Prada's reach. Okay, for some reason, blogger won't upload the last picture - but the shelf is right above the little desk.

Now, I can actually have dinner at a dinner table, I can't wait.

BOYS....ARGH!

Why in the world does the boy think I would want him to come over when he gets off work at 10:00pm? I teach...all day. I'm tired at 10:00, in fact I am usually asleep on the coach by 8:30. I don't want to have to entertain someone at 10:00 pm. Especially when I know what type of entertainment he is looking for. I'm sorry, but having him come over just for "that" is not my idea of romance. And can I mention how offensive it is when he gets all mopey about the fact I don't want him to come over that late. Does he not get it? Apparently not. And heaven forbit you try to explain this to the boy...then everything that is wrong with the world is my fault. Feeling like "that" is the only reason he comes to see me is all in my head. Well, if it's in my head it got there somehow, I know I didn't put it there myself. And while I am bitching about this, why does he think that telling me that "this will be the last time we can "be" together" before he goes out of town is going to be a turn on? What about just hanging out before he goes out of town?

Okay, now don't get me wrong...I am not saying I do not enjoy "that" aspect of our relationship. I just don't like feeling like that is the only aspect of our relationship he is interested in. And that is exactly how I feel right now. Now, if I were to tell him that, he will say "how can that be all I'm interested in, it's been so long since we've been together." That is supposed to somehow make me feel better. All it does is piss me off. He doesn't see the lack of what he wants is a by-product of my feeling like that is all he wants. It's a big catch 22 I suppose. But the question is, how do you turn those feelings around, how do you get back to the good times when you both felt satisfied with all (or at least most) aspects of the relationship. Or have I hit a hopeless deadend?

Boys.....ARGH!

Gotta Dance....

I FOUND A CHOREOGRAPHER!!!!!! Did I even mention I needed a choreographer? Well, I did now I have one, in fact I have two who are interested. For a month I try to find one, now I have to tell one of them I don't need them for the show. Yuck! I hate doing that.

But the good news...I have a choreographer, and it is going to piss off the vocal director. HEHEHE. He looks at the musical as a choir show, not a musical (that I think I have mentioned before).

I am looking forward to getting the kids dancing...not to mention they can't wait to be dancing.

On the set construction front...we are almost done. Although I have created some set dressing that will probably get me killed if not seriously maimed. (I'll post pictures when we're done).

The kids are having a blast, I'm trying not to stress, and almost all my leads are on a choir tour...shows goin' great.

My favorite mug

Tonight I thought I would share my favorite mug with you...There really isn't any special about this mug, except where it came from.

I had just changed teaching jobs, and had only been at the new school for about 8 months. I was enjoying the job and had a great raport with the kids. One of the kids, Lamar Thorpe, went on a study trip to Washington DC and when he returned he presented me with the mug.

It was purchased at the Arena Theatre. The pictures on the mug are from the advertisements for the two productions running at the time - two African-American Plays.

The mug may not seem like much, but I had only known the student for a short time, and he came from a family that did not have a lot of money. The fact that he thought enough of me and our relationship in the theatre to spend some of his money on this mug because he thought I would enjoy it really touched me.

I had the pleasure of working with Lamar for one more year afte that, then he graduated and moved on to the Army (which if you knew Lamar you would understand my shock). I left that school before the next school year started, so when he got back from training he discovered I had left. Several years later I heard from Lamar, he had tracked me down. He had one question regarding theatre and didn't want an answer from anyone but me. We had a nice chat and that was the last time I heard from Lamar Thorpe.

I fondly remember those two years at San Gabriel High School. I had so many wonderful students there. The talent was raw, but fierce. So much potential, those kids truely acted from the heart in everything they did.

oh whatever...

You ever just want to get drunk? For no reason, just feel like being drunk? I'm on my fourth glass of white wine, actually a pretty nice chard from Temecula - if you are ever there and you see this out of place sign that says Santa Margarita is open ...go there as fast as you can - this little old man retired and opened a winery. He only makes about 100 cases and when they are gone they are gone and he closes until next year. He is the last winery that has free tasting.

Speaking of free tasting - one of my favorite wineries Maurice Carrie has started charging for tasting and has taken one of my favorite wines off the tasting menu. The guys at the sister winery (Van Rokelle) said the wines where better now. Better than sewer water maybe, but not better than the wine they used to pour.

Two visits ago I discovered two new wineries, the first time I went we were the only ones in the places. Last time they were packed. Good wine travels fast. They are a bit expensive (we paid $50 for a bottle of Port - but DAMN it is good port), but they have amazing wines. One of them only pours reds, and you gotta love that. Reds are my favorite, so why am I drinking a white....oh yeah, I had to use some in cooking last week and in a another day or so I would have to dump the bottle and that would just be a waste of good wine.

If you are even in Temecula please do me a favor...DO NOT GO TO THE BIG RESORT WINERIES - THEY SUCK! You must avoid the biggies at all cost - I am not kidding, most of their wine is terrible and they are way over priced. In fact, stop at the Longs that you will see on the left side of Rancho California and make note of the wineries they carry. Go do your tasting with those in mind - and hold off on buying anything that is pretty standard until you can go back to Longs - on average about $5 less than the winery (go figure, I would think it would be cheaper at the source).

Okay here are my top picks for Temecula

1. Miremonte - my personal favorite (I belong to their wine club). Make sure you try the Opullente and the Old Vine Zin. Both are wonderful
2. Bella Vista - The Sonata is good, but not aging well, in fact I should drink my bottle soon. Try the Petite Sirah with their Campagne mixed, it is sooo good.
3. Santa Margarita - see above.
4. Filsigner - known primarily for their Gewurztraminer, but everything is pretty good.
5. Bare Foot - tastings are expensive, but well worth it. The bottles are a little pricey, but once again, an excellent wine. Not to mention the owner will be pouring for you (but probably not for much longer). This winery has only been open to the public since October 2005. Watch out for one of the horses, starts out real nice and then will head for the boobs (but that's another story).
6. Dofo - anther expensive but excellent choice. They are the last ones out on Ranch California, located in the owners garage, so becareful you might miss it.
7. Mount Palomar - The Meritage is great every year.
8. Long Shadow - especially during the summer, they have live music and BBQ. During the party they aren't doing tastings, but you can buy wine by the bottle or the glass (and those are some full glasses). They have a nice, big lawn and are very family friendly during these events.
9. Alex's Red Barn - if you are going to do Long Shadow you might as well do the Barn, they are across the road from each other. Very limited in variety, but if you like Cream Sherry, this is the place to be.

Now, don't get me wrong, there are some othe wineries that offer some good wine, these are just my favorites. They are not to be missed when I do a trip down South.

And for those of you who think the only good California Wine comes from Napa...get off your high horse and head to Temecula. Heck if you give me adavanced notice I might even join you and show you the ropes.

If you do make this trip, head to the Sizzlin' Steer for dinner (unless you are a veggie, it's a steak house). They have good steak at a great price. While you are at it, spend the weekend, hit the attique stores on Sunday, always a good time.

Wow, somehow this entry became all about my favorite place in the world, Temecula...funny how that works.

*Note I would have linked the wineries to their websites if I could figure out how to do that. Help...anyone....

why do they lie?

Do they not think the sub will tell me what they say and do? I had to miss my period 4 class yesterday to go to a community service performance with other students...and my lovely period 4 class told the sub they didn't have to do an assignment I left because they do it while they are reading! The dorks already read the chapter I wanted the work done on! I told them the day before that they had to do it. Do they think they won't have to do the work now? What in the world were they thinking!

To make things worse I had to write 3 referals upon my return for behavior. One for a student who the last three times I have been out of class has been a pain in the sub's tooshie. I emailed him mom, he quickly denied any wrong doing...who would have guessed! Now I have to have a parent meeting to discuss his behavior (this won't be the first time). I know this kids parents are looking to send him to a private boarding school because of his behavior. I have a feeling this might just be the thing to send them over the edge.

Collaboration

As a drama teacher collaboration is my middle name. I know how to work with others, I know how to get the job done. What I don't know how to do is tell someone they are not working well as part as a collaborative team.

Here is the deal, the vocal director I am working with has scheduled last minute rehearsals for his choir tour on days I have drama activities planned (activities that have been on the schedule for a long time). He expects me to just let the kids go, he gives them guilt because they aren't making choir their lives. I had a student tell me he was told that they leave for tour in two weeks when he told the choir director he couldn't make a rehearsal because he was at the drama competition.

How do you deal with someone like that? I like the man, I don't want to be rude, but he is scheduling things last minute with things I have had on the calendar for weeks, in some cases months.

This Saturday I am building my set. If I let all the kids go to choir practice I will have a very limited number of kids helping build (which now that I think about it might not be a bad thing). I am just tired of everyone saying..."Ms. P will let us go," "Rachael will work it out, go ahead and use the theatre," "It's just drama."

I want my program to be priority for a change!

Competition Season is OVER!!!!

I don't know why I call it a season it really is only two days, but it is over non the less. And we survived, rain and all.

The kids had a great time. We didn't make it to finals, but the kids are really up to the competition for next year (at least so they say). It is really hard to convince these kids that they will be competing against 68 schools, which makes about 2000 other acting students.

We saw great acting (as well as some not so great). We were pleased with who made it to finals for the most part (and absolutely stuned by some others).

In the 7 years I have attended this festival this is the first year it has rained on us. It was miserable. The school camp sites are on a grassy area, so it just yucky. My DBF went and bought me an easyup to we could try to get out of the rain at least a little bit.

There really aren't any exciting or interesting stories about festival. I am just glad it is over.

My dixie plate has not just spilled over...

it has bent in the middle and all the contents have landed hapazardly on the floor!

In the past two weeks I have forgotten appointments, missed meetings, and have yelled at little freshmen until they are all but destroyed.

I am a naturally organized person, so the fact things are falling between the cracks has me a little disturbed. And I don't like making little freshmen cry.

Things that used to be on my plate and are now on the floor...

1. My TB test is over due.
2. Missed a Site Counsel meeting.
3. Forgot to call my grandma on her birthday.
4. Lesson plans aren't done for my theatre festival tomorrow.
5. Laundry
6. Taxes aren't done.
7. Set design isn't finished (we're building next weekend).
8. Haven't ordered lumber (see #7).
9. I don't have a choreographer (we open in about 8 weeks).

I could go on and on, but I guess I really should be trying to get things done.

She said what?

The other day I decided to wear my retainer to school, having not worn it in several years, I got it in my head that I can correct the damage of not wearing it by starting to wear it again. So, there I am trying to hold class discussions regarding Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, the general stuff - it was written a long time ago, they talked differently, ect.

This discussion brought up the use of the infamous "N" word. Trying to explain to high school students that in the 1930's it was common to use the word and it isn't necessarily being used in a negative sense, it was just a statement of fact - that is what the character is, just like I, their teacher, am white. The dicussion that followed was interesting, insightful and very respectful - even if the students were passionate (which in and of itself is an accomplishment). The problem came when we got into acronyms, I said "I hate acronyms" at which point the students looked shocked and started whispering, "What did she say?" "Did she say I what I think she said?"

I was very confused, so I asked them what they thought I said...This is where this gets funny, one of my favorite students, a young black man, looks at me and with great honesty says "Did you say you hate Africans?" I immediately got a look of terror and then start to laugh explaining that I said, very clearly "I hate acronyms." The entire class began to laugh, and then it was decided that I don't wear my retainer during class anymore, who knows what might accidently come out of my mouth.

And the Oscar goes to...

Did anyone watch the Academy Awards? There were some very disappointing things...like the best song...WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!?!?!?!???? The was probably one of the worst things I have ever heard. Take away the fact that I already don't like rap, that has nothing to do with my shock...the song just wasn't very good.

And what is it with these pale and proud women who wear equally pale dresses? Don't they realize they are pale, maybe the need to wear a little bit of color, and gold is not the color!! I keep hearing about how awful Charlize Theron look and who wonderful Jessica Alba looked...and I just look at the people like the are nuts. Jessica Alba's dress was hideous! I would take that big green bow anyday over the fiasco Alba wore.

I thought Jennifer Gardner was gracefull when she almost fell. Very cute and a great comeback.

I didn't see but a couple of the movies nominated for anything of note, but from the previews I saw I'm not sure I agree with the best picture nomination. Crash just doesn't look that good to me. I think people like it because it is a slap-you-in-the-fact type of movie. I did see Brokeback Mountain, I really enjoyed it. Excellent acting all around, beautiful cinematography, and very skilled directing, but also not sure if it should have won best picture. That's really all I can say because I did see any thing else other than Geisha, which was beautiful, but didn't do the book justice.

Next year I really am going to have to see all the movies. I hate being so uninformed.

Theft in the Drama Department....

For months I have been fundraising for my Theatre program with no problems. In the last week money and supplies have been stolen out of my room two different times.

On Thursday when I came in to drop off lesson plans for Friday I needed to get change out of the cash box to get some water and discovered all of the paper money was gone (about $40).

Today, the bag of lollipops on my desk is almost empty, yesterday it was almost full. And the money is gone from the cash box again (about $5). I am really frustrated. I have had candy and money sitting on my desk for months without a problem, now all of a sudden....I can't believe it. It is either the kids from the program who eat lunch in the room or it is the night custodians. I don't want to believe it is the guy who cleans my room, but he does often have kids helping, I think it might be them.

So, now it is time to lock down in the Theatre Department!

What a day

I was finally freed by the garage people at about 4:00 pm. I spent the day kinda-cleaning the house, meaning I cleaned the really bad areas, and made some not so bad ones worse.

You see, I am a compulsive stacker. Somewhere in my mind I feel that if things are stacked neatly it really isn't a mess (a habit I really must work on breaking). Picture if you will, stacks of magazines waiting to be read (I don't feel like I have time because of all the stuff that needs to be done (I am one of those people who just can't sit still, drives Michael crazy)), stacks of books that need to be read, craft stuff that I can't bear to put away because I want to get the project done, ads that I haven't looked at yet, papers that need to be filed. Wow, when I write it down and look around it actually doesn't look as bad as it sounds, but it is still a mess.

I don't understand how I can move and move and move, and the house never seems to get any cleaner. Why is that? Are the cats going along behind me and putting the stuff back in the middle of the room? Is Herb sneaking out of his habitat at night and throwing gecko raves while I sleep? Why isn't this house company ready? I cleaned for hours today! ARGH!!!!!!

The Perils of Home Ownership...

I love my house, everybody I know loves my house. It is just a really cute house. Now, I hate my garage door opener. Since I moved in almost 4 years ago I have had minor issues with it, sometimes the sensors don't work and it won't close, so I have to get out of the car and futz with them . But for the most part that was the worst of it...that is until about a year and a half ago. The first time I had to call people out the big spring thing broke, the second time the cable broke on one side and the door jumped the tracks with it half way open. Today, the cable has jumped the pully and has left the door partway open.

I normally would have been frustrated by this, but not too upset. But this happened as I was getting ready to leave to get my hair cut! And every woman knows how important that appointment is.

Like the adult I am I called the home warranty people to have the door company sent out, and the woman tells me that the company will get back to me in 24 hours....WHOA!!! I say, I can't be traped at my house for 24 hours, I don't want to be traped at my house at all. And I am only really traped because the garage door won't close all the way (I have a thing about leaving access to my home open - even if it is just the garage). So, in my most controlled voice, because I want pull this woman through the phone line, I ask if I can call the garage people myself, she seems put out by this and tells me I have to wait an hour to make sure they get the work order. Now, how is my not wanting to be traped in my home an inconvience to her? She doesn't have to call them, she isn't stuck in her house waiting for the garage people.

So, in another 40 minutes I will make the call to the garage people and ask them to please come save me. I was planning on spending the day at home, other than the hair cut, but I want it to be my plan, not the garage door's plan. I may just buy a new opener today, just what I wanted to do...buy a new garage door opener...I would much rather buy shoes. I will explain to them, they at least have to come and get the door open so I can get my car out and then get it shut so I can leave, even if they can't completely fix the problem today.

I really wanted to get my hair done!!!!

Scrapbook Expo

Today was a big scrapbooking day...I spent several hours at the OC Scrapbook Expo, which is like being in one giant scrapbook store. I am glad I went, but I don't think I would do it again. It was so crowded and for the most part I didn't find any exceptional deals. There were a few great steals, but for the most part, the lines for those booths were way too long.

Attending the expo did motivate me to get organized and get scrapping. I discovered that while I have been getting very sloppy with my organization of the scrap supplies, I have misplaced several packets of photos. Fortunately it will be a while before I get to those pages. I am YEARS behind (divorce will do that to you). I am so far behind that I can't even journal on most of the pages because I don't remember details of the events.

New goal for 2006 - catch up and stay up with the scrapbook.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Three weeks into rehearsal, almost the entire show is rough blocked, I don't have a choreographer, the vocal director has been gone more than he has been there, and there are some major attendance problems.

For the most part the kids seem to be enjoying themselves. Which is good, but many just seem to be there for the social aspects, instead of really wanting to put on a good show.

I have one student who I have been told might make Varsity Swim and if he does he plans on quiting the play. He is one of the principals...if he quits I will never cast him in another show. He says he knows this (other kids in the show have talked to him), and he says he will just do community theatre instead.

This is what I don't understand about this culture of students...they want to have a good show, but they don't want to rehearse or do the fundraising needed to make the show quality. Last year I actually had a student tell me "It's Orange High School" when I commented on not wanting things to look bad. Implying that we can't have a quality show because of where we are. I don't care how disadvanged a school is, there is not reason why we shouldn't have a quality program, doing quality productions.

But other than this kid and one or two others, I am really happy with the cast and am enjoying working with them. I just need to get the ensemble more involved. That is one of my plans for this weekend...figure out their staging for alot of the ensemble scenes and numbers, and figuring out how to make them feel more important in the dialogue scenes.

I think one thing I might do is check out a bunch of Peanuts comics from the library so they can read them and get to know their characters.

So we are now at 13 weeks and counting. Which may seem excessive, but with only working 2 hours a day 3 days a week, I feel it is not enough time. Especially with these kids. When I have trained the kids to work harder then we can work on shortening the time period.

Anyway, wish us "break-a-leg"!

..............

today I learned that I am self-centered and make people miserable when I don't get my way. This is apprently the way many people view me. This is not the person I thought I was or the person I want to be.

Things theatre students learn

After spending an entire day trying to convince people that students do more than "play" in a theatre class, that we do have rigor and relavance (the new educational buzz words), here are ten non-theatre things that theatre students in my class learn...

1. time management
2. to work together as a team
3. how to present in front of an audience
4. communication skills
5. how to offer ciriticism in a productive and kind manner
6. how to take criticism and use it for self improvment
7. the importance of deadlines
8. how to access creativity
9. thinking creatively
10. how to think "outside the box"

Now, how many employers would love to hire someone with skills like those!

Suncatchers for a Cause

I made leaded glass suncatchers, and for the next several months I will be selling them to raise money for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

For those of you who don't know, my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2005. She is currently undergoing treatment after a masectomy. She is doing well, but the treatment makes her really sick. Seeing her go throuhg this experience has really made this an important cause for me. I want to be a part of finding a cure for breast cancer.

If you would be interested in purchasing a suncatcher please leave a comment for me with an email address and I will send you all the information. The suncatchers will be sold for $25 each and will be in various shades of pink, white and clear class. If you would like colors other than that please let me know and I will be happy to make a custome suncatcher for you.

Thanks again for your support. If you would like to make a direct donation to my Avon walk fund please see the post below for the information.

Did you know...

that nobody in my face to face life knows where to find my blog? Most of them know I keep one, but I won't tell them where it is or even how to start looking for it. I am just not ready to share with them. Yet, I am always pleased when I find that strangers have found something I have written interesting. Go figure!

Avon walk for Breast Cancer

Dear Friends and Family,

Did you know that every three minutes another woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer? I didn’t, and I was shocked to learn how prevalent this horrible disease has become in this country. In November 2005 my mom become one of those women. As I watch her go through her treatments I feel helpless, wanting to help, to make things better and to stop the suffering. With that I have committed myself to doing something about it, and I’m writing to ask for your help.

On September 16 – 17, 2006, I’ll spend the weekend walking, along with thousands of other people, in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I will walk approximately 39 miles, or a marathon and a half.

I will spend the next eight months training, fundraising and preparing for the event. It’s the biggest challenge I’ve ever taken on, but I’m very excited about doing it because I know it will make a real difference to the millions of people affected by breast cancer.

The money raised goes to the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, a 501(C)(3) public charity whose mission is to provide access to care and to work toward finding a cure. They provide funding for organizations all over the country in five areas: medical research, clinical care, support services, educational and advocacy seminars; and community-based, non-profit early detection breast health programs.

On a bit of a side note, I was pleased to discover that the Avon Foundation has an official policy that no funds raised through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade program will be used to support breast cancer research projects involving the use of animals. You’ve got to like that.

I’m required to raise at least $1800 to participate in the walk, I have set a personal goal of $2500. Please help to support me and the breast cancer cause by making a contribution to my efforts. You can make your donation online by logging on to www.avonwalk.org and then click on “donate.” My participant number is 661411. You can check my personal webpage on the Avon site to check my progress and for other ways you can help raise funds for the walk.

And remember when making your donation, that in less than the time it took to read this letter, another woman in the U.S. was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Thank you for your support.


Rachael Paschal

The Oscar Nod

People think I'm crazy but I love Oscar season. It started a long time ag0, in a past life, although I am not as rabid about the whole thing as I used to be. I remember spending all day both Saturday and Sunday for weeks trying to get in all the Oscar noms that we hadn't seen. When I think about my life before the big "D;" those weekends are one of the things I miss the most.

I was really excited to hear the nominations this morning and then immediately got sad...I haven't seen a single picture in the Best Actor, Actress, Director or Film categories. I have wanted to see some of the films, but just haven't had the chance. Michael isn't the movie fan that the "ex" is or was. But that's okay. I will spend the next month going to the movies alone (which I actually like) and seeing everything I can. And when Michael wants to come along, well, he is more than welcome to join me. But he better be prepared...I have an angenda, and I don't care what he wants or doesn't want to see. I WANT TO SEE THEM ALL! In fact I think I might even start tonight.

Up, up and away...

This morning I got up bright and early (okay, it was dark and early) and went hot air ballooning with Michael and a group of guys he knows. I couldn't believe how cool it was.

I went with the full intention of NOT going up. Being scared of heights and all. But wasn't given much of a choice. After the first hop we were on the chase crew. As we pulled into the Paris (CA) Airport parking lot we heard that Michael and I were going up next. I have a feeling they would have picked me up and carried me to the basket if I would have said no. I am really glad I faced the fear and just did it. It is probably one of the coolest and most unusual things I have ever done. I am really looking forward to the next time I get to go.

One thing that I was really surprised about was how fast the whole process of getting the balloon and basket ready. I think they had it set up and ready to go in a matter of 20 minutes and then we had to wait for the wind to cooperate. That is done by sending up little helium filled balloons and watching where they go. That tells you which way you will go when up and flying.


In fact we had a little trouble with getting down. The case crew accidentally got on the freeway and had to go down and come back. By the time they got back to us we had missed the landing area. We had to continue over a freeway and powerlines and come down on the other side. It was a pretty long ride, and by the time we landed I was ready to be on solid ground.

I recommend going if you get the opportunity. Like I said, I am afraid of heights and I had a really go time.

Finals Week...

or should I say hell week. And I don't just mean for the students, for teachers as well. For those of you who were always asking the teacher to makeup work at the last minute, or asking for extra credit and then proceeded to complain about the difficulty level of said makeup or extra credit work...SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!

I offered students a month to make up 9 weeks worth of work, in the last three days I have been told, it's too much to expect from them, the work is too hard and I don' t offer enough extra credit. How about you just do the original work on the original due date!

Now, because I was kind enough to offer the extra work to the students (on January 3 mind you), I now have a 2 foot high stack of papers to grade (I kid you not, if I had my camera with me I would take a picture, but I am not lugging this stuff home). I guess my weekend is now completely planned...

Friday night - grade papers
Saturday - grade papers, go to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer meeting, grade papers
Sunday - grade papers, go to build-a-bear, visit Mom, grade papers

Do you see a pattern of extreme un-fun!?! I hate finals week!

Confirmed and everything

It's official my master's has been confirmed and I am now the proud owner of a master's hood! The graduation was fabulous, long but fabulous. I am still trying to figure out what the keynote speaker was talking about. The only thing I took away from is 3o minute speach was that nothing is made in one place. So, however that fits into people receiving degrees, I just don't know.

I enjoyed Texas, although was not too thrilled with Dallas. I am not a fan of cities that roll up the streets on Sunday. After enjoying Saturday wandering around Dealy Plaza and the 6th Floor Museum we went to the graduation and then a great dinner. If you are in the Dallas area check out Al Beirnat's. Very pricey but oh-my-god good prime rib. Sunday was spent driving around trying to find something to do (in the rain). We ended up at a really cool little catfish kitchen, where I discovered I don't like catfish. While driving in circles for hours trying to find someplace open to do something we looked at the huge homes in Univeristy Park. By the time we gave up and went back t the hotel it was almost time for dinner.

Saturday dinner was very casual at the Uptown Bar and Grill, and then music at Adair's in Deep Ellum. I really liked this dive bar. Apparently their theme is graffiti. It was everywhere, they even provide the markers to write on whatever you want. I was a bit offened by the fact they even let people write on the American Flag. Sorry, it that offends anyone's freedom of speach, but some things should just be treated with a little more respect than having Joe Blow write about the size of his member on it.

On Monday we drove to Fort Worth. I love this town. I really enjoyed seeing the long horns and all wandering around the historic district. Not to mention how can you not like a town that sells wine and beer to go. You can actually walk around the historic district and enjoy a nice glass of wine.

Now, to fully understand the impact of what I am now going to tell you, you must first understand my disdain for anything country. I don't like the clothes (I just don't see it as fashion), I don't like the music (although I really want to hear the song about tequilla making her clothes fall off), I am afraid of cows, and I think rodeos are mean. I don't mind the people who like this stuff. I just don't like it or find any use for it in my way of life. While in Fort Worth I fell victim to my shoe fetish and purchased a pair of cowboy boots. This is huge! I would much rather own a pair of Jimmy Choos than cowboy boots. But they were nice looking, I don't own light brown boots and they were a good price (so I was told by my mom). So I bought them, now the big question...what in the world am I going to wear then with?

All in all I like Texas, I might even consider going back for a wine tasting tour. I was pleased to find that there are many wineries in Texas, and that the wine is actually pretty good. I can stand to visit anyplace with good wine.

It's Travel Time

Here I sit updating by blog when I should be grading papers, lesson planning and writing finals in preparation for being gone on Monday. This weekend is the big graduation. It is kind of weird, I finished my Masters in September/October, the degree came in the mail in December, and now in January I am finally going to Dallas to the commencement ceremony.

I am really excited. I have never been to Dallas, with the exception of being stuck on the runway at DFW for 2 hours on my way to New York. I am really looking forward to seeing the city and hopefully visiting with friends in the area. Believe it or not I actually know two people who are in that area, and they may even stop by the hotel for a visit. How cool is that!

If you are in the Dallas area and have suggestions of things to do, please pass them on. I leave Friday right after work, graduate on Saturday and have two days to fully enjoy the city. I can't wait!

It's a no go

After all the stress and strife I didn't get the Activities Director job. I am a little disappointed, although not destroyed. I have a job I absolutely love (with the exception of teaching English). I am very surprised by who they are giving the job to, it's not someone I can picture really being able to control the kids and keep them focused. But then again I don't know this person very well, and wish nothing but the best of luck with tht position.

My principal was very complimentary when he talked to me about not getting the job and told me how happy he is with what I am doing with the theatre department, and that that didn't have any reflection on my not getting this job. He said he would never hold me back for the sake of what he wanted. Which I thought was very nice.

Later I went to harrass a friend of mine who was on the interview committee and she told me a big discussion was had on what a good job I am doing with the theatre department. It felt really good to know that my hard work is being recognized. I almost prefer to know people are talking about it when I am not around, than I would if they were talking directly too me.

I think this is the first time I have interviewed for something and not been really disappointed when I didn't get it. I really wanted it, but like I said I LOVE what I do. I was just looking for something that would give me the same satisfaction that I get working so closely with the theatre kids. The best thing about not getting the AD job is that I can really focus on building a TOTALLY KICK ASS THEATRE DEPARTMENT.

Big Interview

I have decided that just teaching drama isn't enough for me. I want to be the Activities Director. Our current AD has taken a position as an AP (assistant principal in educator speak) at the middle school. I have an interview on Wednesday for the job and I am a total wreck already. I really want this, but have no idea how to prepare, no idea what they are going to ask and no idea what they are looking for.

My only saving grace is that I know who is on the interview panel and that at least 3 of them really like me. Although I know that one of them is afraid I will leave the Theatre Program all together and they like the direction I am taking it.

Other teachers have asked me why I would want the job. It's a lot of work, it involves working really closely with the kids and being able to plan and organize. Working closely with the kids is what I love about my job. I am happiest when I am in a heavy rehearsal or tech day and am working with kids on a level that is very differnt from working with the kids in class. I live the raport I can develop with them in these situations and how I can affect their lives in a different way, not just as a teacher but as a mentor and a friend. I don't get that same kind of satisfaction from teaching English (although I really do enjoy doing it, everything except reading essays, which is what I should be doing right now).

I know I may know get the job, there are three other teachers at the school interviewing, one I know won't get it, the other two may have a better shot because they are in athletics, but I don't know for sure. I know I will still love my job even if I don't get the position, I just know I would be really got at it.

A Disney Weekend

What a fun weekend. I got to spend the weekend, or at least most of it, with Michael and his family at Disneyland. Grandma gave the grandkids all 2-day park-hopper passes to the Parks. Since I have an annual pass I was able to join them for a couple of hours on Saturday and all day on Sunday. It has been years since I have spent that much time in the Parks, even though I have had a pass for years.

I love Disneyland. The joy and magic it brings to so many. My only problem is the attitude that they can charge anything they want to get in. A one-day pass is almost $60. Like I said I have had an annual pass for years and this is the first year I have had to drop to a lower level because I couldn't afford the one I usually get. If the prices continue to rise I will be priced out of the Park completely, that makes me sad.
Don't even get me started on the cost of the sub-standard quality of the food they are serving. I had a $9.00 bowl of corn chowder for dinner and needless to say last not was not a happy night for me.

But all that asside I love being at the Park. If you go, I recommend eating the the Downtown Disney district, the food will cost about the same and be much better (Disney doesn't run those restaurants). Although, I don't like Disney food, I do recommend eating at Goofy's Kitchen if you have small children and can afford the buffet. It is really cute, the food isn't that bad, and the kids will love having breakfast with the characters stopping by the table to say hello. We were visited by Alice (who I used to want to be until I got tall), Dale, and Goofy himself. It was great fun. We got some great pictures of Baby Ty giving Alice a high 5. Very cute.

All in all it was a great weekend with friends and family. I can't wait until my trip to the Park, it just makes me happy (even if I do complain about the cost).

Avon Walk for a Cure

I have made the decision to walk in the Avon Walk for a Cure this year. With everything that Mom is going through I feel that this is something I have to do. I will attend my first meeting at the end of the month and find out all the details on how to go about fundraising and training.

I am a little scared because I have to raise $1800.00 for the walk. I hate asking people for money, but then again I can't think of a more worthy cause then helping find a way to prevent any woman or man from having to go through the same thing Mom is going through right now.

S0, here's to looking for a cure!

It's a Miracle

I am always amazed when things work the way they are supposed to. Today my Advanced Theatre class was supposed to be working on a Shakespeare project. Now, keep in mind that theatre students are crazy, they like to be loud and out of control. But today some kind of magic was working in the room, as I sat at my desk entering attendance into the computer the students were actually working. It was amazing, one group was watching a dvd of their play, another group was listening to another student explain the plot of the play they are working with. I just couldn't believe my eyes. I stayed at my desk, I didn't want to break the spell.

I'm Done

I have been back to work for a whole 3 days and I am ready for a vacation. Sometimes I forget how tiring high school students can be. They have wonderful energy, but man, to keep up with them...WOW!

Not to mention the question of the week is..."When are Charlie Brown auditions?" I know I have to schedule them, I know I need to get the posters out, the problem seems to be more of a musical director problem than my problem...he won't give me dates that work for him. I love our musical director, he is fab, but GIVE ME A DATE!!!!!

Next year I am just going to put it on the calendar and have at it. When I talked to him yesterday he said we should have them next week, he forgets I like to have students prepared for the auditions not have them come in and just sing. This isn't a choir performance, it is a musical play, one that I am paying to have entered into a competition. I want actors who can sing, not just singers.

With that said, there are papers to grade and a desk that is screaming "CLEAN ME! CLEAN ME NOW!!!!!"

Back to the grind

After enjoying a two week break from school, which was too packed full of fun, we return to the classroom. The students don't really seem all that rejuvinated...although, I feel full of energy and am ready to go. I was very surprised at the number of absences during these past two days. You would think that after two weeks off the kids could make it to school, but I guess not.

Progress reports went out over the break and the emails regarding student grades have been pouring in. I planned to spend my conference cleaning my desk and in box, but will instead respond to parents and give them the skinny on their respective student's progress.

I am constantly amazed at the fact that students don't seem to understand that they have to turn in their work to get a good grade. When I asked the class how many of them wanted to pass all hands went up, but when asked how many felt they were passing, almost all the hands went back down. I know what the problem is, RESPONSIBILITY - the kids don't take responsibility for anything. They seem to think that they can sit and be nice to me and get a good grade. We had a long chat about that yesterday. Hopefully it does the trick and I can pick up these grades in the next four weeks.

So, now it is off to teach some English!