Done!

Friday was spent out with the Black Friday crowds and I can say I am offically done with my Christmas shopping! No more crowds for me. YIPPY!

Now if I could just get someone else to do the wrapping I'd be in heaven.

whatever will I do?

I have five days off! Let me tell you I need it (there are several sophomores who are in danger of losing their lives if I didn't get this time off).

What shall I do?

1. CLEAN MY HOUSE: Show season, which happens right before holiday season, always leaves my house a huge mess. I don't spend more than 6 hours at a time at home during this time, and I usually try to spend that time sleeping, not cleaning. So, when holiday season shows up, I have to clean like a maniac to get ready.

2. SCRAP: I am dieing to get my China scrapbooks done. I am spending the day multitasking. Scrap a couple pages, clean a room, scrap some more, clean some more. So far so good. I am getting through the scrapping pretty quickly actually. It helps when you opt for uniform as opposed to very creative. Each page has the same look, the pictures and journal blocks are just in different places. Of course I have to go back and change a bunch of stuff (oh, goodness), I changed my mind on something, and it will drive me nuts to not go back and make the whole thing match.

3. DECORATE: This is my favorite part. I can't wait to pull out all the Christmas stuff and set it up. I want to be ready to do that by the time I get home from my mom's tomorrow. I need that holiday spirit to get me through the rest of the year.

4. SHOPPING: Yes, I am a Black Friday shopper. I actually finish my Christmas shopping each year on Friday. I like it that way. If I have to hit the mall again, it can be a liesurely trip, not stress, no rush. And it let's me enjoy the holiday. And actually Black Friday shopping isn't as bad as people think. Check the Black Friday website (more on this later), plan your trip and most of all start early!

5. GLASS CLASS: Some of you may know that I do glass work (in that non-existent spare time). I love to copper foiled suncatchers and stuff like that. I have even toyed with starting a website or blog just for sale of the stuff. There are only so many of them you can hang in your house. If you need a cool gift and want to see what I do let me know. I can post some pictures. Anyway, back to glass class...I am taking a fused bowl class on Saturday. I am probably most excited about this. I am a born learner. I don't like not learning something new. If all goes well I will come out of this class with a gift from my Grandmother. I'll post pictures of the finished project.

6. FAMILY: Thursday I will spend the day with family. It has been a tough year for our family and we really need this time to reconnect. While we have had some good stuff happen; one of my sisters is pregnant, my cousin had a baby. It has been a really really rough one. One I am glad is coming to a close soon. In the past 12 months, my mom was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer, my mom's fiance', who supported her through her treatment, passed away (he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor), Grandma G had open heart surgery (she's doing great). It's been hard. I am still having a hard time with much of this. I am having a hard time moving out of the angry stage of grief, probably because I was out of the country when the stuff with R really got bad and wasn't there to say goodbye. This will be the first big family gathering since R passed. It's going to be so strange not having him there. Okay, so this didn't go where I thought it was going to so I will change the subject...

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy family, friends and good food. Life is short enjoy it all you can. Tell those you love that you do, before they are gone.

look what i get to do...

GRADE PAPERS!

want to help?

looking for a quick fix

Why does this have to happen during a super busy week for me?

I have the beginnings of a very serious UTI. I hurt, much. I should take the day off to go to the doctor, but we have a performance at 3:30 today. I'm going to try for an after hours appointment, but that will have to wait until 6:00 pm. I will have to make it through a minimum of 12 hours before I can see someone.

I am currently taking Uristat, an OTC drug that is supposed to ease the urgency and burning. I am also taking a holistic tonic that is supposed to help. But I can't remember if it only helps before the infection comes or if it will help now. On the way to school I will load up on cranberry juice.

I figure if I can keep enough fluids in my body that I have to use the rest room after every period, I shouldn't be in much pain. (the more fluid that comes out the less it burns).

Is this TMI?

Does anyone have any other suggestions to get me through the day? Am I just screwed?

If I hadn't changed insurance all I would have to do is call my doctor and she would call in the perscription (yes, I get them that often). But now I have to start all over.

I LOVE Rock-n-Roll

Motley Crue and Aerosmith rocked! We had so much fun, despite the fact it was 49 degrees and an outdoor concert (hey, I'm from Southern California, that's cold!), and the 1 1/2 hours it took us to get out of the parking lot.

I don't get it, there are people all over the place to tell you where to park, but they don't make them hang around to help you get out. Literally we slept in the car for an hour before we even moved! I am so thankful that M decided to get us a hotel near the Pavillion

Anyway, I can't believe how hard these guys can still rock. It was freakin' awesome! I have to say I thought the Crue was WAY better than Aerosmith. I had heard different and have to totally disagree. And that's not to say that Aerosmith didn't bring it, the Crue just out played them.

Here is something else I just don't understand. M works in the event staging industry, therefore he knows people EVERY WHERE. He has a friend who had been on tour with the Crue up until about 2 months ago, but is still friends with the band and the crew (stage crew that is). So, this friend got us guest passes from the band. But low and behold anytime we tried to get anywhere other than our own seats we were told we needed to have tickets and that the ushers didn't care that we had guest passes. It just didn't make any sense.

Here are some pictures of the night. Although we had pretty good seats, the pictures didn't turn out very well, really super bright lights will do that.



You can't tell, but this is Motley Crue. Their set used a ton of fire and was very tribal looking to me. There were a couple of hanging cages, during the show a couple of girls got into them and were writhing around, it was pretty cool.








I can't tell who's playing, and I was there, so please don't ask.










This is probably the best picture. It was taken right after "Kickstart my Heart".





Okay here is a picture of Aerosmith. I didn't take as many of them. Their bright lights were on all the time, as well as the big screen. Not good for the photo taking. In fact, this one is pretty bad. My camera just doesn't take good pictures without the flash at night.









And last but not least, a piture of my Motley Crue guest pass...

tonight is going to ROCK!

Tonight is the night I have been waiting for for MONTHS!!!! I am going to go and see

Aerosmith and Motley Crue

(note I would love to know why my "large" pictures are so small)

I love, love, LOVE both these bands. And I especially love this man...

Ahh, Tommy Lee. He's just yummy.

Tomorrow, full concert update! (and hopefully some pictures)

The Crucible has left the building...

Officially, it is all over (except of course for the mess that is left in my class). The show was a huge success. One fellow teacher even told me that another teacher told him that this was the best production of The Crucible she had ever seen. Now, I'm a bit biased, I love my kids, but the show FREAKING ROCKED!!!!!.

I have several kids who are talented beyond belief. I have a feeling I might see some of them on an awards show at some point. And I never go as far as to venture that type of compliment.

During Friday's show I had several people come up to me after the show, 2 teachers, the wife of a teacher and a student who I bumped heads with constantly when I had her in class, come up to me and tell me that the final scene made them cry. You know the one where Proctor tears his confession because it is his name and he can't have another. That his good name is more important than anything, that by signing the lie he has disgraced all those who remained silent and refused to give up the names of others just to safe their own lives. This actually happened to be my favorite scene in the whole show.

I know this scene was good when during a rehearsal all of a sudden the ensemble came quietly running into the house and sat in the front row to watch. They could feel the electricity of the scene from back stage and needed to see it. When that happens you know you have something good.

I would post pictures, but because my students are minors I really can't. You will just have to trust me...THEY ARE AMAZING!

here's a question for you...

Why doesn't the "Do Not Call" list effect the political pre-recorded messages?

and the curtain rises

It's finally opening night.

The show is still 30 minutes too long.

Two kids don't know all their lines. Granted one of them only got the part on Monday. But that's another story.

The programs are still at the pinters.

I have no concessions.

But the show will go on.

5:00 pm call, 7:00 pm curtain. I'm excited! You?

WHY?

Why is it that I can't ever find the CD I am looking for?

Why is it that I finally pick out music for my show and every CD that will work is out of print?

Why is it that the crappiest movies have their CDs available (and I do mean crap) while I can't find the really good stuff?

It looks like The Crucible won't have any preshow or intermission music because I can't find anything that sounds remotely like what I want. I want the movie soundtrack by George Fenton, which is amazing. But it's out of print! I can buy it used if I can wait 6 days...oh wait the show opens in 2!

Any suggestions? I'm on the hunt!

When?

When did cell phones become the most complicated invention on the planet?

I finally upgraded and got a new phone, Samsung, I love it...but it took me two days to figure out how to change the ringtone. That was with using the book.

While I'm at it, when did the basic ringtones start to completely suck! Suck to the point where you will spend $2.50 to have a ringtone you can stand to listen to when you get a phone call.

Okay, enough complaining...Crucible opens on Thursday. Once again, you in the area, you want to see the show, let me know, I have connections...I can hook you up.

I watched the movie this day, twice! I discovered that the commentary for this is actually worth listening to. But I will talk more about that in a later entry. All I will say is...Why didn't I think about from that angle!

why are people dumb?

I don't understand why people are so dumb...

1. I asked students to fix our bench for Crucible. One of the side braces had come loose. I said, take a couple of screws and screw them in to the sides to hold it together.

These students decided that the entire bench needed to come apart and be fixed because the kids who had put it together before had used carpenter's glue only. I know that because I am the one who told them to do it. In theatre we use glue for everything.

Keep in mind only one brace needed to be fixed. They took the bench apart without talking to me first. They did not finish putting the bench back together by the end of the 5 hour rehearsal so they just moved all the pieces back stage (not I said back stage, implying the fact the pieces were in MY theatre).

2. During rehearsal last night I noticed the bench wasn't on stage and the kids who were working on it were sitting in the audience. I asked where the bench was which prompted an schoolwide hunt for the bench.

Apparently they had placed the bench near these huge boxes, boxes I had been asking the custodians for a month to get out of my space.

They boxes are now gone, and so is my bench. Our only assumption can be that THE CUSTODIANS THREW MY BENCH AWAY!!!!!!

I can't replace this bench. It was donated and I don't know where it was purchased. It was the perfect bench for this show. I don't have time to even look for another bench.

I am on the verg of killing someone!

what a day!

I continue to work through tech week as well as continue to wonder where in the world my tech crew went. I get a ton of kids who sign up and then they all disappear on me. I need to find an incentive, some motivation, some form of threat to keep them on the crew.

Yesterday was a freakin' long day. I jumped in my car at 6:00 am to hit the store before I got to school. Although for themost part I have given up caffine, I needed some yesterday - Pumpkin Latte was calling my name. I was at school by 6:30 and ready to copy the world, except BOTH copiers went down, again! I was so mad I almost shed some tears.

I explained to my drama kids that I just might have a melt down if they don't start to help with things. They want everything, great shows, competitions, festivals, talent shows, drama club, Thespian Society, but I just can't do it all. They think I am magic and can pull all the stuff we need for everything out of my butt. I hate to break it to them, I don't have magic butt, I don't pull props and scenery out of my ass!

They say they understand and are willing to help. We'll see when the next show comes up (two weeks after Crucible closes by the way).

Anyway, back to the long day. After a 4 hour rehearsal I hung around to make my copies, plus some for later. I worked a 14 hour day and am hoping to ge to school by 6:30 again today. It's department meetings today, so I won't have my morning planning time, which really sucks.

Did you notice there isn't a comlete through line in this entire entry? My brain does not have room in it for a through line! My dixie plate runneth over and bends in the middle!

hell week is here...

It has arrived the last 8 days before a show opens and we are working like maniacs to get it ready. I am still missing a few set pieces, most of the props and the kids don't know all their lines, but hell or high water opening night will come November 2.

The kids are really excited, but I had to explain to them that I couldn't do EVERYTHING for the show and that they needed to help a bit more. I can't do all the shopping for props and such anymore, I just don't have the energy. (the English classes are killing me)

The posters go to the print shop on Monday, a week late, which is what happens when you ask a student to do the artwork. Which is wonderful, but man did it take her a long time to draw a dead tree. I'll post the picture later, she did a great job.

Costumes arrive on Monday, so that will be chaos, fun, but chaos. Then hopefully the kids will be super motivated for the final rush, at least that is the way it usually works.

On a fun note, if you live in the Fullerton area and can catch Seussical, it's great! Although I actually think it might close today.

The new Tennessee Williams opens next Friday, I think it's called Spring Storm. It's supposed to be really good. Apparently they found the play in Williams' papers in the 1990s and it's only been produced a handful of times. I know the girl playing the lead, she's great (we actually did a show together years ago). I am planning on going, I'll post an update after I see the show. But I can tell you CSUF does great work!

Have a fantabulous weekend (what's left of it), I'm off to great ready to see Sweet Charity tonight at the Pantages.

sub-what?!?

Clothing designer Nicole Miller is launching a size of clothes tentatively called "subzero". Yep, you read that right, subzero. It's designed for those teeny, tiny, waif things. I couldn't believe it when I read the article. Don't we have enough problems with body image and eating disorders in this world (especially this country).

I had a cousin who is a recovered anorexic, and know for a fact this is the LAST thing those girls need to see.

The waiste size on these plants...23 1/2 inches.

Miller stays the clothes are for naturally small women, not those way tall, way tiny, underweight model types. But you know that these clothes are going to be the status symbol of the anorexic.

It just makes me very sad that as a society we have created a sense that if you aren't a mini-sized person you are fat. I had a guy tell me once that at 5'7" 150 was too fat. I was wearing a size 8 at the time. I was devestated by that comment. I had NEVER been told I was fat.

Here is a link to the article if you want to read it. And nobody needs to be a subzero, we are all wonderful just the way we are!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15319430/site/newsweek/from/ET/

this, that and the other...

It's been awhile. Here's a random update.

1. I feel better. The cough still lingers a bit. I'd go to the doctor, but Kaiser STILL hasn't entered me in it's system. You'd think with insurance that took effect on October 1 I would be able to see a doctor sometime around, say, OCTOBER 12!!!! But, nope, not me.

2. Herb is doing well. Although she seems a bit lathargic to me.

3. The Crucible opens in 2 1/2 weeks. Any one want to come? Should be good. Saturday is the big tech day...build, paint, build, paint...it's loads of fun. Ever try to keep 50 helium baloons off the ceiling at one time? That is what my Saturday will be like.

4. I am so overwhelmed with work and such that I feel like my head will explode! Worse than that... no one gets it! I am so overwhelmed I yelled profanities at my cast because they didn't bring my keys back to me in my classroom and I had to track them down. Now that is pretty stressed. I don't think I could appologize enough. I just snapped, and I don't like being that person. They were cute...they said everyone snaps and understood my frustration. I promised to never swear at them again (keep in mind I used to swear like a sailor).

5. On a happy note...my sweetie showed up with this bag on Wednesday...



This is what I found inside...



Yes, I ate one before I took the picture. For those of you not cupcake savey, I guess Sprinkles is like gourmet cupcakes. And let me tell you , they are pretty darn good.

What did I do to deserve these wonderful little delights....I had a birthday! I had a birthday without a cake. I mentioned I didn't get a cake to him on Saturday after we did the family birthday thing. Then on Monday I made my own cupcakes, only the box labeled "Yellow Cake" had white cake mix instead. You must understand, my FAVORITE cake is yellow cake with chocolate icing. Even making my own I didn't get what I wanted.

So, to make me feel better M went out of his way to buy me fancy cupcakes. I think he's a keeper. What do you think?

all I want...

is to sleep through the night. I can not continue waking up every hour coughing. Nothing is working. It is 2:00 am and I am getting dressed and heading to the pharmacy to find something that will ease my cough. I need to get some sleep. Not even the perscription cough syrup is working. I don't know how much longer I can take this.

Herb update

First, for those of you who don't know Herb is my gecko and he is sick. He has something hanging out of his butt that belongs on his inside.

Now, on with the story.

I took Herb to Dr. G (different Dr. G, the cat and dog Dr. G doesn't do reptiles).

Apparently Herb is not a "he," Herb is a "she." She will continue to be called Herb, Herb-a-licous, Lic(ous). Yes, I have always called HER those things.

Herb has been eating the sand substraight that is in the cage. This has caused a "blockage". Or at least that is what we think the problem is as of right now.

Dr. G offered to keep Herb over the weekend to monitor, adminsiter meds and to see what he could get out of her and put back in. The Dr. thinks because of the sand Herb has some hard stools and is pushing too hard to get them out, thus causing the innards to come outwards.

So, for the next 3 days I am Herb-less. It's kind of strange.

The Dr. is giving me a great deal. He had me tell him that it was a class pet, he gives teachers a deal on class pets. When I said "no" at first he told me I was supposed to lie. So, he is charging about $20 to keep her, then the med and stuff will be on top of that. Pretty cool huh?

Although I did feel really weird taking a lizard to the vet.

Keep happy thoughts coming Herb's way. I am sure she isn't going to be happy with me when she comes home on Monday.

sick...

I hate being sick. I've been sick since Monday. Came home with a raging fever. Now it is sore throat and an ear ache. Figures it would get worse just as the insurance is changing over.

I feel like I have swallowed a can of nails.

In addition to my being sick, Herb (the gecko) needs to go to the vet. I would post a picture, but it's actually pretty gross. It looks like his insides are trying to escape through his butt. We're making an appointment tomorrow when the offices are open. Hopefully his innerds can be put back inside without too much trauma or expense.

Wish me luck.

too hot...

Will it ever cool down in Southern California? Is it going to stay hot forever?

I'm soooooo ready for some rain.

For sweaters.

For hot chocolate.

For cozy blankets.

For something other than HOT!