Let's Start at the Very Beginning...

I am currently in rehearsals for "The Sound of Music" and it marks my 10th show I have directed in my teaching career. And I am having a hard time really getting into this one. I love the story and I have a fantastic cast, I just feel overwhelmed with the stress of it all and I am lacking some of my usual creativity.
It's always about money. I don't have any outside money to bring in and all the money in my budget is based on how much money I made the previous year. And Musicals are very expensive to produce. The rights alone are around $3,000- and normally I pay that sum when the run is over, but, the finance secretary and I had a mis-communication and she has already paid that amount. Which means, going into the production, I am already $3,000 short...
This is an expensive show. So many costumes and I want it to look amazing- which all equals money. Some of my adult production team aren't living up to my expectations and I am having a hard time getting on them for it. I don't really express my stress in an outward manner, so unless you know me well- I always appear calm and collected- while underneath I am sometimes at my tipping point.
I just need to find my inspiration and fast! We are a month and a half from performances. I have consistently put on outstanding shows and I want this one to live up to mine and everyone else's expectations!!
Sigh...
"I've always longed for adventure, to do the things I've never dared, now here I'm facing adventure- then why am I so scared?"
"Oh I must stop all these doubts, all these worries. If I don't, I just know I'll turn back. I must dream of the things I am seeking- I am seeking the courage I lack."
This weekend is a 3 day weekend because of parent teacher conferences. I am hoping a little r & r will do me some good as I get into the bulk of the production.
On a personal note, I've half-heartedly decided to be more pro-active in the dating world. Although I'm not sure when I will have the time to accomplish this goal. I'm going to seek out mid-singles social activities, and I've reactivated my online dating account. But, to be honest, my heart's not really in it. But, if I don't make changes, how will my circumstance change? I also made a recent decision to move forward in my own life, even though it means leaving someone behind. And, that's a hard decision to make, even though I know it's the right one. Right decisions are often difficult.
And life goes on.

Party for one?

The whole conviction of my life now rests upon the belief that loneliness, far from being a rare and curious phenomenon, peculiar to myself and to a few other solitary men, is the central and inevitable fact of human existence.

Thomas Wolfe

 

One of my biggest fears is living alone. I've never been a solitary person (sure I like some alone time every now and then), but I thrive in the company of others. I lead an interesting life in the fact that I spend the entire day in very social situations with my students. Laughing, talking, teaching, learning and growing. And, as much as I appreciate my students and the love they give me, it just isn't the same.

Last February I bought a condo that I absolutely love. I bought it under the pretense that I would have roommates live with me. My cousin agreed to move in and Amy lived here a short time before she moved closer to the U. Well, my cousin had unexpected surgery and needed to live with her parents to recover and decided not to come back. You see, my condo is in a perfect location for me, but too far west for most people. I've talked with a few potential roommates, but nothing has panned out. But, to be honest, I have no desire to live with strangers...

So, I've decided to go it alone. The messes are mine, the food is mine, I watch what I want on TV... And I spend a lot of time with myself. It's ok. It was really hard at first, but now it's ok.

(The definition of OK is satisfactory but not exceptionally or especially good... yeah, it's ok.)

I guess I never imagined that I would find myself in this situation. Never in a million years would I think, 'you know at 33 years old I'm sure I'll be living alone'. It's hard to adequatley put into words how I feel about this.

What I do know- I DO NOT want this to be my life. I DO NOT want to lead a solitary life without my own family. It's ok (see definition above) for now, but not for the long term. So, I need something to change. I'm tired of dating and trying to figure that all out. I don't know what I'm waiting for anymore. There is a potential person for me... but the timing and geography are all wrong. Timing and proximity truly are everything. The crazy thing is that I have no desire to attend a singles ward, I'm active in my family ward and feel like that's where I should be. I never meet single guys over the age of 18... and every time I dabble in the online dating world, I get a pit in my stomach. What am I to do?

This 'potential' person I really can't count on for the future. I mean, he just needs to make some choices... some to do with me and some that do not have to do with me. I just wish I could make sense of it all. I wish I could know one way or the other...

Tonight I spent the afternoon/evening with my siblings, their spouses and children. I am so grateful to have a hand in raising these amazing children. I'm so grateful for the special bond I have with them. And maybe those with children running around all the time, having no "me" time, constantly cleaning up messes, raising kids, teaching kids, having a spouse to worry about would really envy me right now- when the only noise I hear is the clickity clack of the computer keys instead of all the demands from people who depend on me. Maybe they would envy me for a moment, but then they kiss their children goodnight and snuggle up to their spouse in bed. Content. While I I hear is the clickity clack... clickity clack... clickity clack.

Perhaps I have this time now in life to appreciate it when I do have children who are making me frazzled. Perhaps. My hope and prayer that this truly is a temporary time in life for me to be solitary. I just hope and pray that I can make the choices that will lead me where I need to go. That someday (hopefully sooner rather than later because I am rapidly approaching my mid thirties)- I will have my own family. And miss the days when the only noise I heard was the clickity clack... clickity clack...

Reflection

Everyday I look in the mirror at myself. I've begun to notice the grey hairs, the forehead wrinkles that inevitably come in my 30s. But this is all superficial- when I look in the mirror what do I truly see?
Who I am really? Sometimes I spend to much time in my head, ruminating over problems, trying to fix situations and reliving painful experiences. Why? Perhaps it is a vain attempt to save myself from future heartbreak? In reality, it is usually based in fear. I have a tendency to believe the negative about something while hoping to be proven wrong. All while I wait for the moment to say "you see, I was right- he really is ________." A self-fulfilling prophecy indeed. 

“We always see our worst selves. Our most vulnerable selves. We need someone else to get close enough to tell us we’re wrong. Someone we trust.” ― David Levithan, Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List

I am fortunate to have people in my life who have held up a mirror to me to help me see what is truly there. Sometimes it is painful and sometimes it is reassuring. Sometimes I need to adjust and change and sometimes I need to keep moving forward.

“Reflect upon your present blessings -- of which every man has many -- not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings  

Reflecting on the positive. This takes effort sometimes. And this is coming from a gal who has a pretty positive disposition. Positivity is not something to be taken for granted, it is something that must be nourished and practiced. When I look at my life, what do I see?

I see a girl who is in an amazing career, I see a girl who is excited to go to work each and every day. I see a girl who often takes on too many responsibilities, but somehow, makes it all work. I see a girl who loves to love people. I see a girl who loves to laugh and make others laugh. I see a girl who has doubts about herself, but still tries to move forward. I see a girl who knows loneliness. I see a girl who is striving each and every day to have faith. I see a girl who loves and embraces life. I see me.

Being an Auntie

I am in Florida right now helping my brother and his family get ready for their move to Utah. Yesterday I spent the entire day with my two year old nephew Elliott. We started the day with his parents and the baby, Oliver at Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort. After our yummy breakfast, Ben got Elliott & I into the Magic Kingdom where we were on our own. I was a little worried about spending the day just the two of us. What if he had a melt down? Would I be able to calm him down?
Anyway, we rode Dumbo, the train, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, Small World, the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Carribean. We then headed over to Epcot where we had a lunch of chicken nuggets and grapes. I then took Elliott on Spaceship Earth to hopefully lull him to sleep in the darkness. It worked! He then slept for the next 2 1/2 hours while I wandered around the park. He woke up right on time and we headed over to the Land where we went on the Behind the Seeds Tour where Toffer was our tour guide. Toffer then joined us as we wandered around the World Showcase, going on the Malestrom and eating School Bread and Elliott charmed Toffer's female co-workers.

He was awesome. Was so cute and well-behaved! It was such a fun day and I am so glad I was able to spend it with him. Hanging out with Elliott has been the best thing about this trip. Every morning when he sees me he exclaims, "Auntie!" and gives me a huge hug. He is adorable. Also this trip I've met my newest nephew, Oliver who is almost three months old. He is so sweet, nothing is more satisfying then having a baby fall asleep in your arms. It is so peaceful and fulfilling.

I'm glad I've had the time off to come down and help out.
I've also been thinking a lot lately about what it means to love and be loved. Elliott is one of the most loving little boys I've ever seen. Within moments of meeting people he charms them with his bright eyes and easy laugh (yes he is two years old, but he is just a natural). He has made me feel more loved and wanted in the last few days then I have felt in a long time. When do we lose the ability to love so effortlessly? I've also been thinking a lot about families as a direct result of spending so much time with my nephews. I am so grateful to be an Auntie, to be a surrogate parent to my cute nieces and nephews. But, there is still a small emptiness in my heart because I do not have MY own family. Alas, it is what it is.
So, you just live your life and try to have faith and try to be the best person you can be all while you wait upon the Lord for promised blessings. And in the meantime, you have amazing nieces and nephews who love you without reservation and you get a glimpse of what eternity will be like.

Summertime and the living is easy?

I love summers. I love the break from my crazy stressful school year. I always have a lot of projects I dream about finishing. Sometimes I accomplish them and sometimes I don't...
Well, my summer at home was just significantly shortened! Tomorrow morning I am heading to Logan for three days for the annual UACTT (Utah advisory council of theatre teachers) conference. This year I am on the board of directors, so I will be very busy. It's a wonderful opportunity to network and learn from each other! I return home Friday evening and have plans to go to Lagoon on Saturday (it's the BYU-I alumni day). Annelise bought season passes for her family this year and I decided to purchase one also. So, it's free! (Well, sorta). Then on Sunday night, I am flying to Florida to be there for 2 1/2 weeks. I return for about three days and then I am heading to So. Cal for a week trip with Amy! The following week- meetings for school start.
Needless to say, my summer just got really busy! But, I am excited to go out of state. I need a break from the familiar. I haven't quite wrapped my brain around the upcoming school year and I am still feeling stressed from everything that happened at the end of the year. I need to be mentally and physically refreshed to face the fall.
Anyway, that's just a little update for y'all! Also, I think it's pretty cool I will be in Walt Disney World and Disneyland within a week! Love me some DISNEY!!

Any Dream Will Do

Last Saturday was closing night for the Murray's Arts Production of Joseph where I played one of four narrators. It was my first musical since 2007 when I was Ruth in Pirates of Penzance at the same venue. Last year Cameron did Scarlet Pimpernel with this production team and I ended up helping with wigs. Well, part of me wanted them to know what my other talents were. So, last March I decided to audition. I was a little bit nervous, mostly because of the way I see myself. Let me digress for just a moment (now this isn't a pity party, it's just something I really struggle with). Countless times on this blog I have lamented about my size and struggles with weight. Honestly and truly it is hard for me to love my body and hard to believe that others would find me attractive. I feel like I have a beautiful face and I am grateful my body isn't oddly shaped but I am just too large. And, I know, I know I can do something about it and to be honest, I am just trying to take it one day at a time. I am trying to make good choices daily that will produce a result. But, I have some mental/self esteem block I am trying to work through. But enough digressing... so sometimes I feel I won't be cast because of the way I look.
 But, those fears turned out to be unfounded. I was cast along with three other ladies for the role of the narrator. At first I thought 4 was excessive, but it is what it is and it ended up being pretty cool to have some tight harmonies in the songs. We each had individual solo's in the song and then sang some of it together.
I had a great experience. I made many new friends and I am so glad I did the show. Also, it was crazy to me how much praise was heaped upon me on a daily basis. It was quite overwhelming. In addition, we had these beautiful dresses that had been custom made for each of us. The seamstress took special care with mine to make sure it fit my body in a flattering manner. (It's hard to be onstage next to such lovely, skinny gals, but I think I held my own pretty well.) It blew me away how many compliments I received on how I look.
And yet... when my Mom came to see the show, she commented to my sister how talented I am, but how she wishes I would just lose weight so I could get married. As if THAT is the magic formula. I know she means well, and I understand where she is coming from. (A little disclaimer about my Mom- she is incredibly supportive, loving and amazing and I do not wish to paint her in a negative light. I think it is just her inherent need to "fix" things. She sees that sometimes I am sad that I am single and she cannot understand why. So she looks at what she perceives as the only logical reason- my weight. Please don't misunderstand- my Mom is one of my heroes, and one of my biggest cheerleaders and I know she meant well, it just was hard to hear.) But, it just was a big blow to my confidence. Then instead of feeling confident and beautiful onstage- I just felt fat. When I saw the pictures, all I saw was my fat body... No one could tell and it didn't really affect my performance (It is

called "acting" after all..) But, it was hard for me. The last two nights before closing night were especially hard although I am sure no one knew what I was going through my brain. Then on closing night, I just decided to 'work it'. One of my absolute favorite shows on TV is called "Drop Dead Diva". The premise is that a model named Deb and a plain Jane lawyer named Jane die on the same day. Well Deb refuses to accept her fate and hits the 'return' button and it sent back, but ends up in Jane's body. So she goes from being a model to being a plus size girl. What I love about this show is how confident Jane is. How she is literally a model inside who knows she is beautiful. Who doesn't hide behind her insecurities but embraces who she is. I love that she doesn't act like a fat person, she is attractive and confident. Being a fat person, you always fall into the role of comedian, best friend and confidante. I am super comfortable and confident in any of the roles. But, me be attractive? How can you believe it when I don't believe it. That's why I love that show so much because SHE believes it, so everyone else does too. So, on closing night, I chose to believe that I am attractive. And it felt good, it felt great in fact. But the makeup is washed away and the dress is off and your body is still yours. I've often believed the first step in being successful with weight loss is learning to  love yourself enough to make the change. Not hating yourself which causes depression which causes the cycle of emotional eating to continue... It seems counter-productive to love yourself but want to change yourself... So I guess the key is?
I really didn't intend for this to be a post about my body issues. I just wish I had more confidence and belief in myself in this particular area. But, right now I've recommitted for the billionth time to be healthy. But, this time instead of setting huge lofty goals, I am just trying to be ok today. I don't care about tomorrow. But today, I am going to make good choices. I am going to make today count. Because, my health is important.
Anyway, here are some fun shots of the show. It truly was an awesome experience!!

The narrators with the camel (who had a tendency to try and upstage me, but failed!!)

The beginning of the show with the children's chorus.

Watching Potipher's wife seduce Joseph.

A gratuitous shot of Cameron shirtless while we look on in the jail scene.

The Narrators with Joseph in a scandalous moment!

And finally, the four narrators. It truly was a joy to work with these talented ladies. We each brought something special and unique to the table!

A Thick Skin... Whatever

Being a drama teacher has made me realize how much of a thick skin I need to have. I wish everyone could get what they want. I wish everyone could read their name on a list next to the part they've always dreamed they would play. But what would Fiddler on the Roof be with 30 Tevye's??? Not Fiddler. You need the leads, you need the supporting parts, you need the ensemble. EVERYONE is important. Unfortunately, not everyone gets the recognition. I try VERY hard to make every person who does a show with me feel valued, loved and important. I am sick of being scrutinized and second guessed. I've realized in addition to developing a thick skin I need to develop the attitude of 'whatever'. You think I made a mistake? Whatever. You think I play favorites? Whatever.
I hate casting shows. I hate knowing some people will completely disagree with my choices. I hate knowing there will be tons of gossip and second guessing. I HATE IT.
I wish all the parents (yes I said parents first because it seems that they are the ones to perpetuate the gossip more than the kids...) and students could sit in on the casting process and understand how agonizing it is for me. So here it is-
Dear People who care,
Whenever I cast a show the #1 thing I take into consideration is the students. I try to pick shows that will allow as many as possible to shine. Then I take into consideration the community, I know the overall values and feelings. But, EVERY SINGLE SHOW HAS QUESTIONABLE CONTENT!!! It is what you choose to emphasize, but reality is that you need the dark and the light. But I am aware and I try to meet the needs of the community. I am not going to RENT at Hunter High. But, I am here to teach. And there are Nazi's in the Sound of Music, but I will TEACH the kids what that means. And if you don't want your child to be in my production because of that. That is fine. I really don't care. But you can't take the Nazi's out of the Sound of Music and I will NOT change the show.
I know when I cast a show that I am dealing with kids putting themselves out there to be judged. I know it is hard, I know their feelings and ego are on the line. I try to make them feel comfortable and confident. But the fact is, some kids are more talented. When casting a musical I look at the following things as equally important- Musicality, Acting Ability, Physical Appearance, Reliability and Chemistry. Sometimes I have to sacrifice some traits but ideally all should be there. For example: this fall I am doing the Sound of Music, I have an incredibly talented kid who played Finch in "How to Succeed..." However, he looks his age and there is NO way he would be believable as a father to seven children. So, he is not the lead. Now, you may think your kid is the best singer in the universe, but as American Idol has taught us, sometimes parents put delusional ideas into their children's heads. And you may enjoy hearing them sing, but if I don't, they will not be singing a solo in my musical. Because it is MY musical, I make the choices.
Casting is a GIANT puzzle. But, I do it sensitively and prayerfully. I love these kids. I appreciate their hard work and I understand what a sacrifice it is to be in a show.
But, understand this. I have to make hard choices. I am being judged on the quality of my show. Yes, I am going to give every kid who wants to be in my musical an opportunity. But, I want to produce the best possible show that I can. I do not do anything half-hearted. So, stop judging me, stop gossiping about me and stop second guessing the moves that I make. Teach your kids it's ok to not be the center of attention and the idea that the group is often more important than the individual.
Thank You
-Ms. Parkes
P.S. I cast my nieces in the Sound of Music because I know they can do it. They are both insanely talented. I can discipline them easily and I know they will do what I need them to do. Are there other kids in the community who would be a better choice? Probably. But I DON'T CARE! Putting together a musical is hard enough, I don't want kids and parents running around that I don't know making my life more difficult. So I cast my nieces. Will they be awesome? Yes. Is it nepotism? Perhaps. DO I CARE? No!
...Whatever!
It's MY show, MY job, MY program and long after the kids leave. I will still be there...
Whatever...

I'm Sorry- But I'm Not That Strong

Today was graduation. I always get a little emotional seeing my students achieve this milestone in their lives. And then the din from the loud parents cheering, the air horns and the fluorescent lights give me a headache and I am soon over an emotional attachment I may have felt. I will miss them, but there will always be more. I am interested to see where life takes them.

I have been busy with rehearsals for "Joseph..." I play one of the Narrators (yes I said one of them, there is four- which I feel is a bit excessive- but hey, not my production.) It's been frustrating, fun and time consuming. I'm glad school is finally out so I will be able to get adequate sleep!

My Senior performed a play called, "Save the Drama for Your Mama" at the beginning of May.

 It was a compilation of student written monologues and scenes about their experiences that led them to being a senior in high school. It was very moving. I received the following email from one my Students' Mom-
I just wanted to thank you for the program the other night. I was so wowed. It made me look at all of them in a new way. Some of them I've known since they were little and some of them I meet as Todd became involved with them at high school. I love a good play, but it was fun to see them push the edges of their space and think about what they've done and learned through the whole experience. I laughed and I cried and was touched by some of the tender emotions that were expressed.
Please pass on my congratulations and excitement for a job well done. They've turned into some pretty neat adults.
It goes without saying that you have been a wonderful catalyst for all of them. Thanks for being such a good role model and taking them further than they would have gone alone. We think you're awesome!
Julie...the grateful mama

I've also been trying to cast my musical for next year. A week ago I had dance auditions for Once Upon a Mattress, then realized it wouldn't be the right fit for my students. Changed the show to Cinderella, held call-backs and cast the show. Called the publishing house this morning to change the title and discovered CINDERELLA is RESTRICTED because of the upcoming Broadway run. So, changed the show to Sound of Music, held Maria and Capt. von Trapp call backs and cast the show. HOPEFULLY no more changes will be needed! I was incredibly bummed when I found out I couldn't so Cinderella. And it took me about a day to get over it. It was hard. But after I cast the kids (including my two adorable nieces)- I began to feel so much better about the show. And now I am finally excited! I have a really cool concept for The Lonely Goatherd song... I am also SO grateful for my production staff, they are truly a joy to work with.

Memorial Day is always a little hard for me. I always go and visit my Dad. Usually by myself...

 It was a gorgeous day and as I walked toward his grave, I was overcome with emotion. Normally I am pretty composed, I usually stay and chat with him a bit. But this time, I just couldn't stop crying. It has been 9 years since he passed away and I still have a little hole in my heart. I still have questions, I still have unresolved emotions. I still wish I had a Dad. I think we would be friends. I wish he had made different choices...

So, I've been feeling a lot of stress lately. And wishing I had someone to buoy me up. I was listening to my ipod the other day and the song, Anything But Lonely played-
Anything but lonely,
Anything but empty rooms.
There's so much in life to share -
What's the sense when no one else is there?

Anything but lonely,
Anything but only me.
Quiet years in too much space -
That's the thing that's hard to face and
You have a right to go
But you should also know
That I won't be alone for long.

Long days with nothing said
Are not what lie ahead -
I'm sorry, but I'm not that strong.

Anything but lonely,
Anything but passing time.
Lonely's what I'll never be,
While there's still some life in me and
I'm still young, don't forget
It isn't over yet -
So many hearts for me to thrill.
If you're not here to say
How good I look each day,
I'll have to find someone who will.

Anything but lonely,
Anything but empty rooms.
There's so much in life to share -
What's the sense when no one else is there?
What's the sense when no one else is there?

I just kept thinking about the lyric, "I'm sorry but I'm not that strong." Well, I guess I am, but I wish I wasn't sometimes. But the summer is here, so I'll have a break, then the Sound of Music in the fall...
And life goes on...I'm sorry but I'm not that strong...

But, life is good. Just lonely and crazy and fulfilling and stressful and beautiful and fleeting.

Two months later

Trying to figure things out.
So, I met this guy recently, well I was actually set up with him. An acquaintance from high school out of the blue contacted me and asked me if she could give him my number because she thought we would be a good match. Well after a few months of missing each other, we finally went out. It was an interesting date. He was easy to talk to, but I didn't really feel strongly one way or another. When he dropped me off, he gave me a rather awkward hug and I was sure he wouldn't contact me again.
I was wrong, we have now been on four dates. I think I may like him. Ok, so I can't tell if he likes me. On our 2nd date we had a random conversation about personal space. Well apparently he has personal space issues (which explains the slightly awkward hug from the first date). He has hugged me after each date, but honestly, his hugs are pretty... well not fulfilling.
I fall in love easily.
I hate unrequited love.
So, I kinda like him.
He is 35 years old and has never been married. I'm not sure why. He is smart, charming, good looking, slightly awkward, opinionated, sweet and an exceptionally good man. (He makes sure to send birthday cards to all of his nieces and nephews, I think he has 18, which I found to be very endearing).
I'm afraid I've been too open with him. I've already told him the reader's digest version of Dad. ... too much too soon? (Sometimes I wonder if my being open about things really is a good choice...)
He's not touchy at all. You can usually tell if someone likes you because they find small opportunities to touch you. He doesn't. Is it the personal space issue? Why does he keep asking me out? Does he like me? Or is he merely wanting someone to do things with? But, why me?
I hate this... figuring it out. I am sure it is premature and he probably doesn't even know himself. However, I don't want to like him by myself. I don't want to get prematurely attached.
But, I kinda like him.
And I am going through a phase where I really don't want to be single anymore. Most of the time, I am perfectly fine with being single. I've been living by myself for almost 2 months and I don't like being alone so much. Although I am not sad about single, it's more that I want my situation to change.
I want someone to share my life with. Someone to be there...
He is so different from all the men I've ever liked. I can't figure him out. He is so hard to read.
I like him. I hope my heart can take this.
I am just used to unrequited love, unrealistic hope, and having a broken heart.
And I want something new.
And I kinda like him.
I hope he likes me.

I wrote this post almost 2 months ago, I never published it because at the time it seemed too private. But, my how things have changed.
So shortly after I wrote this, he stopped contacting me. And to be honest at first I was perplexed, but I was never really sad. Just hopeless. It was nice to have hope for a moment. Hope that something would finally work for me. I think he stopped contacting me because I was too open. At first (and as is evidenced by earlier in this post) I felt like maybe I made a mistake. But, I realized- being open is who I am, I don't like keeping things inside, I don't like secrets. So, if he didn't like me- that's ok, I am probably not the right girl for him and he is probably not the right guy for me.

It was just nice to have a little hope...

We are the champions!

So far, this month has been pretty epic.
For Spring Break, I organized a trip for 70 students and 10 chaperones to go to DISNEYLAND!! I'd been working on the trip since the musical closed last November (on top of everything else that I do.) One day, when I was working on the trip- a student asked me if all my hard work would be worth it. I told him if the kids gave me no problems, and if they were respectful then, YES, it would all be worth it! And it was! I was so impressed with their behavior. We will definitely be going again next year!
 We left on Tuesday at 7:00 am, I had asked my friend Sarah to come (because she is just so awesome!) And we set out on our 10 hour bus ride to California. On the way, the 'short bus' broke down, so we arrived later than I had anticipated.  But luckily, we didn't have any plans for the first evening.
The next day... DISNEYLAND! Oh how I love the Disney Parks!

 We went on Splash Mountain! I've never gotten more soaked on this ride, it was pretty intense.

That evening we took the kids to Medieval Times. It was crazy! Our section was definitely the loudest! If you haven't experienced Medieval Times with 70 teenagers, then, if I may say you haven't EXPERIENCED Medieval Times!

A few kids bought some light sabers and had spontaneous duels!

And I finally saw "World of Color" and loved it!

 Yep, it was AWESOME! The whole purpose of the trip was to have the kids do performing arts workshops with Disney. I went to a Puppet Lab workshop and it was one of the coolest workshops I have ever been to. (Unfortunately they didn't allow photography) The brought out these puppets from Bear in the Big Blue House and Jojo's circus. It was so neat to see the kids light up when they got to play with characters from their childhood. Heck, I even lit up to. And I learned a lot of puppetry technique. I love these kids, and it was so awesome to share this experience with them.

When we got back, we had a week until State Drama competition. So I went into preparation mode. We had a showcase on Wednesday night, which was very helpful in getting the kids ready for State.
First, our one act performed on Friday afternoon. Now, this one act was frantic. And to be honest, I thought we would do ok, but I wasn't really expecting anything.
But, about 10 minutes into their performance, I sat back and thought to myself, "Wow, this is pretty good." And then it just got better. IT WAS FANTASTIC! And much to my surprise, our One Act placed THIRD overall! What??? It was such a pleasant surprise.
The next day was the individual events. They perform their piece three times in front of three different judges. And then the top 5 or 6 go to a medal round to determine 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
My philosophy with these competitions is that I don't care how well they do (seeing as art is subjective) All I care about is the fact that they are prepared.
Well, as the result were coming in, most of my students were consistently getting the highest marks. I was so proud and humbled at the same time (if that is somewhat possible).
So, I had two kids go to the medal round- Stephen Short for pantomime and Courtney Burton for humorous monologue.
Stephen received a 4th place and Courtney took FIRST PLACE!!
And when all was said and done- We tied for THIRD place with Pleasant Grove High School. I couldn't believe it, I was flabbergasted! It was amazing! I wasn't expecting to do that well at state. Not that I thought we wouldn't do well, I just wasn't expecting to do THAT well. It was pretty cool!
Anyway, I am now in the midst of the Senior Show (we decided to do one we wrote ourselves) which performs in a week and a half. I hope it all comes together!