Hello there, readers! I am so sorry that I have not made an update in a long time; I was on vacation, I had a lot of summer work, I just finished my show, the list literally goes on and on....BUT I am back and so happy to BE back!
So, where I live in my town is about twenty-five to thirty minutes away from what is considered the "downtown" area; there are lots of places to eat, nice parks and a river walk, and some shopping. For me, I use it as a general meeting place for me and my friends, but sometimes it can be a bit of a hike to get up there (and lots of gas is used, too). However, this week I made the trip four times, four days IN A ROW. Crazy! But, I got to eat a lot of good food and see some awesome people.
Thursday
That day, I went to the local pool called Centennial Beach with my friends, Ashley and Ashly. We only went for a little while, but it was still fun and a good break from the heat wave we have had!
Friday
On Friday, my sister and I met up with our friends Julia, Jordan, and Maggy from our show we just ended at the local college, Jesus Christ Superstar. We had lunch at Noodles (and ran into our director and her family!), got ice cream, and went shopping. It was nice to see them and catch up because we all go to different schools and have different, hectic schedules. I love my friends from my show because they can see a different side of me that I'm not really around my friends. I can't wait to keep in touch with them and see them during the school year!
Saturday
Yesterday evening, my sister and I met up for an early dinner at Chipotle with some other friends from JCS, Alexa, Katie, and Maggy. We laughed a lot and ate delicious Mexican food, so I would say it was a really great way to catch up!
Sunday
Today, I did something that I have not done since I was a little girl; I went on a picnic! I was with my friends Ashley, Ashly, Bethany, Vishnu, and Sam. We went to the river walk in our downtown and sat in a very cool, shady park with lots of trees, and just had a picnic! We played frisbee, rolled down hills, then went out for frozen yogurt. It was a lot of fun and something different to do! Ashley even said to me "This was such a good idea, why don't people do this anymore?" It was a lot of fun and we are planning to do it again!
So this was a very social week for me, as you can tell! I am so happy I got to see many people and catch up with great friends. I hope this summer you guys are catching up with the people you love and hang out with!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Music and Identity
For my online Music Theory course, I was asked a series of questions about my "personal soundtrack". One of the questions was something along the lines of, "please pick one song to identify with and explain why."
For some, they love music a lot. But for me, music is, quite literally, my life. I play flute, piccolo, piano, and a little guitar. I sing in choir, I'm in marching band. I'm going to give private flute lessons this summer. I enjoy listening to my own choice of music. Honestly, I do nothing inside or outside of school that I enjoy more.
Scratch that, I enjoy theatre probably a little more, but music ties for the top spot.
Anyway, while I think that this is a great question, it was also very hard for me to answer.
How can I pick one song out of, say, one hundred, that have shaped me to be who I am?
If placed in the perfect situation, I would have answered with one hundred of my favorite and most meaningful songs to my life and explained why ALL of those identified me. These songs come from all different artists, genres, years. They feature different instrumentation and ideas. But, they have all influenced me to be the person who I am and want to be: more creative, fun, happy-go-lucky, loving. Less serious, not as worried for a sixteen year old.
And, I really hope I made the right choice, out of one hundred, to pick the one.
I hope if you were presented with this question, you would make the right choice, too.
Because we are what we listen to.
For some, they love music a lot. But for me, music is, quite literally, my life. I play flute, piccolo, piano, and a little guitar. I sing in choir, I'm in marching band. I'm going to give private flute lessons this summer. I enjoy listening to my own choice of music. Honestly, I do nothing inside or outside of school that I enjoy more.
Scratch that, I enjoy theatre probably a little more, but music ties for the top spot.
Anyway, while I think that this is a great question, it was also very hard for me to answer.
How can I pick one song out of, say, one hundred, that have shaped me to be who I am?
If placed in the perfect situation, I would have answered with one hundred of my favorite and most meaningful songs to my life and explained why ALL of those identified me. These songs come from all different artists, genres, years. They feature different instrumentation and ideas. But, they have all influenced me to be the person who I am and want to be: more creative, fun, happy-go-lucky, loving. Less serious, not as worried for a sixteen year old.
And, I really hope I made the right choice, out of one hundred, to pick the one.
I hope if you were presented with this question, you would make the right choice, too.
Because we are what we listen to.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Finals 2013 & Looking Ahead
So, here at Neuqua Valley High School, finals week is coming to a close. My last two finals are tomorrow, Band and French 3. Woo hoo!
So, I already have my final grades in four classes. In Honors English II, I got a B+, in Chemistry, I got a B, in Gym, I got an A (but who doesn't? It's Gym, for crying out loud), and in Geometry, I got a C+
Yeah, that's right. This is my FIRST ever C in a class for the end of the year up to this point in my life. But you know what? I don't care.
While I understand and am fully aware that a Geometry course and at least three years of math classes are required to graduate at my school, the profession that I am going into (musical theatre performance) will never, ever, ever require me to find the slope of something. I hope.
But, odds are, it won't. Next year for junior year, I will try my hardest to do better in my math class, but I will give the most I can give. I won't worry about my math grade too much. I will just try to get it to a point where it contributes positively to my GPA. I will just focus on my two AP classes I will be taking next year in two subjects that I LOVE (English and History).
I will just look forward to next year and try my best, but also focus on what I love. That is it in a nutshell. I will also only focus what will move me towards my college/subject major & minor goals.
I hope you all can take something away from this, too.
So, I already have my final grades in four classes. In Honors English II, I got a B+, in Chemistry, I got a B, in Gym, I got an A (but who doesn't? It's Gym, for crying out loud), and in Geometry, I got a C+
Yeah, that's right. This is my FIRST ever C in a class for the end of the year up to this point in my life. But you know what? I don't care.
While I understand and am fully aware that a Geometry course and at least three years of math classes are required to graduate at my school, the profession that I am going into (musical theatre performance) will never, ever, ever require me to find the slope of something. I hope.
But, odds are, it won't. Next year for junior year, I will try my hardest to do better in my math class, but I will give the most I can give. I won't worry about my math grade too much. I will just try to get it to a point where it contributes positively to my GPA. I will just focus on my two AP classes I will be taking next year in two subjects that I LOVE (English and History).
I will just look forward to next year and try my best, but also focus on what I love. That is it in a nutshell. I will also only focus what will move me towards my college/subject major & minor goals.
I hope you all can take something away from this, too.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
More Auditions?!?
So this week, after a crazy and hectic two weeks of production of The Music Man at my high school, I traveled up to North Central College in downtown Naperville to do two auditions for their summer production of Jesus Christ Superstar. On Thursday night, there was a vocal audition and last night was the dance auditions.
While the song I picked for my vocal audition is not totally suited to my vocal range and it was a little uncomfortable for me to sing ("Tell Me On A Sunday" from Song And Dance), I acted to the best of my abilities during it and I think that the directors' enjoyed it from the smiles on their faces!
However, last night's dance audition was a little more difficult. I had to do the two auditions for the children's production of Peter Pan and Superstar. And, since I have to wear glasses most of the time, it was a little difficult to pick up on the steps and dance with my glasses slipping off my nose. But, I danced to the best of my abilities and tried my hardest at the audition. The directors even said not to get upset with yourself!
The cast list will be posted either Wednesday or Thursday and rehearsals will commence from there. Wish me luck!
While the song I picked for my vocal audition is not totally suited to my vocal range and it was a little uncomfortable for me to sing ("Tell Me On A Sunday" from Song And Dance), I acted to the best of my abilities during it and I think that the directors' enjoyed it from the smiles on their faces!
However, last night's dance audition was a little more difficult. I had to do the two auditions for the children's production of Peter Pan and Superstar. And, since I have to wear glasses most of the time, it was a little difficult to pick up on the steps and dance with my glasses slipping off my nose. But, I danced to the best of my abilities and tried my hardest at the audition. The directors even said not to get upset with yourself!
The cast list will be posted either Wednesday or Thursday and rehearsals will commence from there. Wish me luck!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Pinning, Pinning, Everywhere
So, something new that has come into my life to ruin it for good is a little thing called Pinterest. Although it is categorized under the cult of moms and artsy-fartsys, I find it to be a very fun and cathartic experience. You can express your creativity, hobbies, and likes in an organized manner and repin what you like, too!
For instance, I have been on Pinterest for close to a month now, and I have about ten boards under food, geek culture, weddings, hair and beauty, cities, and cool photography. I enjoy it thoroughly and I am able to teach myself how to do DIY projects, cool beauty ideas and I can try out different recipes that look delicious!
I strongly suggest joining--it's a ton of fun, and there's so much out there on the site!
Happy pinning!
For instance, I have been on Pinterest for close to a month now, and I have about ten boards under food, geek culture, weddings, hair and beauty, cities, and cool photography. I enjoy it thoroughly and I am able to teach myself how to do DIY projects, cool beauty ideas and I can try out different recipes that look delicious!
I strongly suggest joining--it's a ton of fun, and there's so much out there on the site!
Happy pinning!
Leading Up To Neuqua Valley's Spring Musical.....
So, the spring musical at Neuqua Valley this year is the time-honored, slice of Americana Pie show, The Music Man. This little production, directed by the head of the Drama Department and freshman English teacher, has been in the works since the middle of February. Currently, it is the week before the show, and while there is still some to be done, we have made plenty of headway!
This is my third show at Neuqua Valley and my second musical. Last year, as a freshman, in Jekyll And Hyde, I was a member of the ensemble. But this year, as a sophomore, I got the part of Marian Paroo's Irish mother, Mrs. Paroo! It is an honor and thrill for me to be playing this part and I am so excited for show week to make the audience laugh and smile!
However, rehearsals weren't always butterflies and giggles. We have a very close-knit cast, so we like to talk to each other. And seventy people talking all at once makes for a lot of noise. In addition to being Chatty Kathys', we were very unfocused and didn't put much energy into our respective characters. None of us were off-script. A week ago today, there still would have been much work to be done.
But today, something magical happened. We all just clicked, I guess you could say. There was energy and memorization and cues were right and we had the pit there and some people were in costume! There was magic on the stage and laughter out in the house. After the run-through of the show, our director sat us down to give us notes and all he could say were great things and compliments. Today's rehearsal definitely restored my faith in the cast as a whole.
Next week is show week! Cross your fingers for me and if you read this and you know someone in the cast, tell them to break a leg! I will be posting pictures from show week sometime soon.
Shipoopi!
This is my third show at Neuqua Valley and my second musical. Last year, as a freshman, in Jekyll And Hyde, I was a member of the ensemble. But this year, as a sophomore, I got the part of Marian Paroo's Irish mother, Mrs. Paroo! It is an honor and thrill for me to be playing this part and I am so excited for show week to make the audience laugh and smile!
However, rehearsals weren't always butterflies and giggles. We have a very close-knit cast, so we like to talk to each other. And seventy people talking all at once makes for a lot of noise. In addition to being Chatty Kathys', we were very unfocused and didn't put much energy into our respective characters. None of us were off-script. A week ago today, there still would have been much work to be done.
But today, something magical happened. We all just clicked, I guess you could say. There was energy and memorization and cues were right and we had the pit there and some people were in costume! There was magic on the stage and laughter out in the house. After the run-through of the show, our director sat us down to give us notes and all he could say were great things and compliments. Today's rehearsal definitely restored my faith in the cast as a whole.
Next week is show week! Cross your fingers for me and if you read this and you know someone in the cast, tell them to break a leg! I will be posting pictures from show week sometime soon.
Shipoopi!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Spring Break 2013
So, this spring break, like the ones I have had for the past six years, I have spent it here, at home, in freezing Naperville. But no matter; it's been pretty fun!
My family celebrated my dad's birthday on Sunday; it was a quiet affair, but it was exactly what he wanted and that's what's most important!
BREAKING NEWS: My family also renewed Netflix on Sunday night after a year long wait. So happy!!! I can watch all the Sherlock, Doctor Who, and Supernatural I WANT.
On Tuesday, I went with a group of friends into Chicago to complete a project for AP Euro at the Art Institute and went shopping afterwards. We took the train in and went alone so we felt very grown up! I can't wait for more trips into the city like that with my friends this summer.
Yesterday, I went with a group of friends to our downtown area to go to lunch at a local pizza place and it was nice to catch up. It's the same group of girls that I eat lunch with, so it was fun to eat outside of school for a change! Plus, I just got my license, so it's really easy to drive myself around everywhere!
And today, I went with my mom, sister, and some family friends of ours to a new "classy bowling alley" called Pinstripes. I haven't been bowling in a few years, so it was a ton of fun and I came in the high-scoring rank of fourth place! But, I had fun and I plan on going back there in the future.
I plan on catching up on some homework for the rest of break and spending Easter with family friends. Then it's back to school with private lessons, homework, an argumentative speech for English, Sophomore Swim class, musical rehearsals (I'm Mrs. Paroo in our school's production of The Music Man!), and hopefully, sleep.
Enjoy your spring breaks and have a fun Easter!
My family celebrated my dad's birthday on Sunday; it was a quiet affair, but it was exactly what he wanted and that's what's most important!
BREAKING NEWS: My family also renewed Netflix on Sunday night after a year long wait. So happy!!! I can watch all the Sherlock, Doctor Who, and Supernatural I WANT.
On Tuesday, I went with a group of friends into Chicago to complete a project for AP Euro at the Art Institute and went shopping afterwards. We took the train in and went alone so we felt very grown up! I can't wait for more trips into the city like that with my friends this summer.
Yesterday, I went with a group of friends to our downtown area to go to lunch at a local pizza place and it was nice to catch up. It's the same group of girls that I eat lunch with, so it was fun to eat outside of school for a change! Plus, I just got my license, so it's really easy to drive myself around everywhere!
And today, I went with my mom, sister, and some family friends of ours to a new "classy bowling alley" called Pinstripes. I haven't been bowling in a few years, so it was a ton of fun and I came in the high-scoring rank of fourth place! But, I had fun and I plan on going back there in the future.
I plan on catching up on some homework for the rest of break and spending Easter with family friends. Then it's back to school with private lessons, homework, an argumentative speech for English, Sophomore Swim class, musical rehearsals (I'm Mrs. Paroo in our school's production of The Music Man!), and hopefully, sleep.
Enjoy your spring breaks and have a fun Easter!
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