Seussical!

March 12, 13, 14 at 7:30pm March 15 at 2:30pm

Fine Arts Center

Every Who who is any Who will be there.

Magnum

The next Zoolander.

Alas- I Am Too Busy... Even to Type

Here I sit on Sunday night. Watching the Oscars with Nikki am I... typing as if I were Yoda... or a pirate. Granted, I am not only sitting. I just finished the poster for Seussical to take to the printer tomorrow and am about to begin "the list" for tomorrow. Pretty much, Seussical is consuming every aspect of living right now. Everything revolves around Seussical. Effie, Nikki and I worked this afternoon on show stuff. It would ahve been nice to take a nap. I never take naps, but when I know I don't have time for one, I want one.

This show is huge... no, gigantic... no, titanic... bad example... Titanic sunk... don't plan to do that. Our meals are based upon what needs to be done for the show, our sleep time and our reality tv watching. God allowed some one to invent tivo so we wouldn't have to miss our tv shows while working on a production. Of this, I am sure. Yoda again.

Seussical as I said, is big. 62 people on stage at once. Some costumes three feet wide. Some costumes three feet in diameter. What was I thinking? Who houses, jungle trees, a giant egg in a nest, puppets, puppets and some puppets. Big stuff. In three months, everything gets bigger.

Speaking of three months. Lots going on- shows scheduled for July through December and a tentative list for 2010. Working on that too, in the middle of Seussical.

I've had lots of fun reading all the lists of peoples "25 Random Facts About Me" on Facebook. I haven't been on Facbook in weeks. After the show. I keep meaning to put my random facts, but can't get to it. Bless Nikki, if she didn't keep laundry going right now, I would have to buy more clothes because I would be running short. Many of you will scoff at that statement. Anyway, here is a preview:

1. I am at the age where I don't care what anyone thinks. You can give me your opinion, but I probably won't listen. Don't be offended, I can't help it I am smarter than you... but you are more than likely a better speller.

2. I believe that nine out of every ten children with "behavior or attention problems" were simply not spanked enough.

3. I love pizza. All the time.

4. I make up stupid songs about everything. The rule is they still have to rhyme.

5. People think I am unsociable at times. In reality, I am very shy. Also, I spend so much time talking all day long that sometimes I am excited to be quiet.

6. I love going to Disney World- duh. Not because of the whole "youthful forever" crap, but because the technology and unlimited supply of imagination and creativity is beyond what normal people can grasp. I am not a normal person. Take that how you wish.

7. I'm not a control freak, I just think life is better for others when I am in charge. I am not an egomanic, but I am confident in my abilities. If I don't know how to accomplish something, I will after some careful concentration.

8. I dislike history unless researching for a specific project.

9. The greatest moments of my life that do not include my family and wife are spent with a small group of people. I like a small amount of dedicated friends more than a large amount that I know only in passing. So don't be offended if I ignore you when requesting to be my friend on facebook. In other words, the people that let me be in charge are more likely to be my friend.

10. I can go only two days without taking a Nexium. Goes along with being in charge and saying I can accomplish anything.

11. My favorite color is red. No, I mean RED!

12. Eventhough I would never admit it outloud, I like Jazzy. He makes me laugh, although he still feels as if I moved in on his territory. Guess what, J-Man... I did!

13. I don't drink any alcohol. This is a huge suprise to people. A theatre person that doesn't drink or smoke. The stiffest thing that I drink is Dr. Pepper. My only addiction is Dr. Pepper. That may be why I take Nexium.

I am sleepy and have gotten side tracked. I must make my "list" still for tomorrow. There I go again, Seussical dictating my life. Seussical is March 12, 13, 14 at 7:30pm. March 15 at 2:30pm in case I don't have time to post again. March 15 is a Sunday matinee. Some one not long ago told me God didn't like it that I did matinees on Sunday, rather I think God likes to see families do things together after church on a Sunday afternoon. If He didn't, then why would we have tivo to record the shows we miss while we were rehearsing for the shows that we would be performing on a Sunday afternoon?

14. God loves me and what is important to me is important to Him. Even Sunday matinees.

Happy Valentine's Day!

What a Day!

So, we had no plans to go to Disney World anytime soon, after all we had already been there twice this year and took a Disney Cruise. But, how can you resist when they offer it free on your birthday?!?!?!? So let's put two and two together... free Disney on your birthday. Nikki and Scotty who are married have the same exact day birthday. Paul lives in Orlando and let's us visit and play. Enough said. We started our journey a few weeks ago, at least I did, Nikki didn't have a clue. When we were goign to bed the night before we were supposed to leave, we were going over all the things that would be happening the following day... meetings, a trip to WCU, dinner and then I threw in packing. Packing? Oh yea, did I forget to mention we are going to Disney World for our brithdays? And so we were off. We hung out a bit, went to a mall, had a few (drumrolls) chic-fil-a sandwiches along the way and then got up bright and early Saturday morning to head to the Animal Kingdom. Paul had school Saturday, so Nikki and I went to the parks to play. Before the end of the day when we met Paul at Planet Hollywood for dinner, we had done the Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Lines were low, crowds were small and we've been there so much we knew what we wanted to do and not what to do... we got it all in.

The next morning, January 25, a day that will forever be in history as one of the greatest days ever and will always be Nikki, Paul and I got to the Magic Kingdom as the gate opened to celebrate our big day. We got our free tickets and our special buttons that said it was our birthday. What they don't tell you when they give you those buttons is it gives ever person who works at the Magic Kingdom permission to tell you happy birthday over and over. That's ok- I'll take it.
We first headed over and flew with Peter Pan- for some reason that kiddie ride always gets backed up. The nover to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. As you may know, Splash Mountain is right next door. As cazy as we were, we decided to go ahead and take the plunge- ha! get it- plunge! We walked straight on this ride- unheard of! After we had gotten to the bottom of the big drop our log boat stopped in a line of about ten. We sat there for about fifteen to twenty minutes and then a SM worker came around and said they were going to "evacuate" the ride. We all got out of our boats and walked along the edge of the river we had been floating on past the robots of Brer Bear, Fox and Rabbit and then lead to a door. The lady leading us said "no cameras beyond this point. Turn your cameras off." Yes, we went "backstage" at Splash Mountain! What a great birthday gift... but wait it gets better. As we were being lead back to the street of the kingdom, workers were giving each person a fast pass for any ride in the park- if you don't know, a fast pass is a card that allows you to skip the line and go straight on the ride. The lady saw Nikki's brithday button and said, "Happy Birthday- here is for your party." and we got a whole stack of fast passes! Great fun! Lines were small anyway, but now they didn't exist at all! We rode Splash Mountain (after it was repaired) three times, Big Thunder Four times, Space Mountain (twice) and everything else in the kingdom at least once.

After a full day, we went for a great dinner at Tony's Italian Restaurant. Paul, Nikki and I had a great little party complete with mickey confetti and some streamer tape. Little party? The whole restaurant got into it...

...by flinging their napkins and shouting...

...and Nikki and I had a special little birthday cake.

After a wonderful day of food, happy brithdays, free cookies (because we were wearing those wonderful pins) and lots of riding, not to mention dodging the segulls swooping in to grab a snack and get rid of it... if you know what I mean, we settled into our spots to watch the fireworks. Nikki and I decided that everyone else was allowed to watch, but the whole explosive display was for us. We went back to Paul's place and had leftover cake. Cake at 11pm is the best... second to cake for breakfast. I didn't really take a lot of pictures- we've been there so much why take so more pictures. Just a special few to share with the loyal and devoted fans of the rehearsal chronicles... ok, all this for three of you.

Oh yea, one more thing. For those of you that have been to the Magic Kingdom, you know that right at the beginning of the fireworks Tinkerbell (an actress on a wire- sorry to destroy the magic) flys across the crowd from the top of Cinderella castle and beyond the edge of the park. As we were getting into place to watch the spectacle, Paul sees the wire and says "Hey guy, look! We can see the galaxy (he meant milky way) from here!" Yes, it was night and yes, there were a few stars, but the galaxy? We looked and he pointed in excitement. After a time of searching, we realized he was talking about Tinker Bell's wire. We had a good laugh. To his benefit, it was dark. Ha! I love that kid! Never dull.

Now, after a whirlwind of a weekend... back to real life, back to cold (when we left Orlando, we were wearing shorts and tshirts at a beautiful and sunny 73 degrees- when we pulled into our drive way were wearing long sleeves, pants and jackets at a painful 44 degrees) but ah, what a great fun time! I wonder what we can celebrate next? "It's the time of your life..." That's the theme song for the year at Disney- I'm singing it to you right now... Close your eyes and imagine as if you were there too... "It's the time of your life..." Ok, so that's the only line I know... just keep imagining...

Make A Wish

Not a bad way to spend your birthday!

Inspiration?

Many people ask where I get my ideas for costumes. Simple- I look a hundreds and hundreds of pictures- escpecially for the weird, over-the-top costumes. The picture below is a good example.

Did You Know?

Thirty-four years ago today Space Mountain opened at Walt Disney World. In April, the ride is going to be shut down and completely "re-imagined". I love this ride!

Mindless information for a Thursday.

Adventures in ATL

A month or so ago, Melissa L. that Nikki works announced that she would be visiting some Ukrainian orphanges during Christmas while on the way to England to visit her parents. Nikki and I love Melissa- she makes me laugh at absolutely nothing and for no reason- she just makes me laugh. She had a way to the airport, but she needed someone to pick her up. Thinking we could make a day of it in the city, Nikki volunteered us for the pick-up.

At the same time Paul G. was home for Christmas and wanted to take a trip to the mall before returning to FL. He decided to go with us on Saturday to have some mall time, dinner and a movie and he would depart from there the next day. His mom was going to play too, so realizing that Melissa's plane did not get into the ATL ariport until midnight on Saturday, Nikki and I decided to get a hotel room as well across from the mall of GA. Pauls mom was going too- she and Paul would get a room and Nikki and I would get a room that we would share with Melissa.

We left the big town of Franklin around 11:30am on Saturday- met Paul and his mom at the Whistle Stop and then began our convoy of three mall bound vehicles, but first stopped for a wonderful lunch at Chic-Fil-A in Clayton. Love Polynisian sauce... five out of four stars! Love Chic-Fil-A... a billion out of four stars!

We arrived at the mall around 1:30ish and hit the isles shopping- great sales, evne better than te day after Christmas. Nikki and I were both on a mission for jeans. I found one pair, she found three- shocker. We made returns, ate cookies and went to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button... four out of four stars. Finally, a movie with an actual story with a climax and an arch to the characters. It lasted almost three hours, but was worth the time spent sitting in the dark. Movie ended at 10:30pm, but before we ever went into the theatre, Melissa had called and said her flight from Charlotte (where she would connect and then fly to Atlanta, where we would be waiting) had been cancelled. Uh-oh. She was on stand by for a direct flight to Atlanta from New York, but wasn't sure. During the movie Nikki watched her phone and kept in contact with Melissa. Towards the end of the film, we found out that Melissa was on the flight and would be arriving at the Atlanta ariport about 12:45am. So what to do while we wait? Eat. Nikki, Paul, Brenda and I went to On the Border for a late dinner. Exactly- mexican at 11:00pm. Thank you Lord for Nexium.

We had a nice dinner with a waitress from Poland. At 11:45pm, Nikki and I left the restaurant for the big city in rain and heavy fog. Driving was slow, so we got to the airport around 12:30am. We waited. We waited some more. Then we waited a little longer. At 1am Melissa called and said she was there and getting ready to get on the subway to baggage claim. We waited. We waited some more. Then we waited a little longer. Now realize, poor Melissa had been on countless flights from the Ukraine, all of which had had delays and had now been awake without any sleep for over 24 hours. When she got on the subway she got on the wrong one and had to circle the entire airport before getting to baggage claim. Finally, the British lady had made it back to the Home of the Brave and was ready to head to her own nest. We went to bagage claim- no luggage. Melissa's bag was red and she was delirious from lack of sleep, so everytime a red bag would go by on any of the carriers, Melissa would say maybe that is it and I would run after it. No luck. We had no idea where her luggage would be on any flight from NY because of all the last minute changes that had been made in her flight schedule. 2am we go to the Delta desk and after waiting in line we discover that Melissa's bags are still in NY. They will ship them on Monday.

On to the hotel! Yea for hotels! But wait, Melissa had no clothes or anything. Luckily we knew there was a 24 hour super Wal-Mart near the mall of GA. We go there, get Melissa some sleep gear, grab some muffins, doughnut holes and apple juice and we start to go. Melissa had only eaten airline snacks and as we were walking out the Wal-Mart suddenly says, "Wait! I'm hungry!" She runs to the bakery and grabs a large turkey sub.

We get on the elevator about 3:30am to go to our room and break open the doughnut holes and apple juice. Melissa has her sub which is extremely dry. At one point she threatens to dunk her sub in a cup of apple juice. We don't know if she was serious or just suffering from fatigue.

We all get calmed down, Melissa has her bed and Nikki and I ours. Finally 4am, going to bed. Now when I get tired, I get giddy. And I was tired. For some reason, I started laughing and so did everyone else- uncontrollably. After laughing out all of our exhaustion, we go to sleep.

At 5:30am, Melissa's phone started ringing. It was an alarm. Melissa didn't hear because she was so tired, so Nikki staggers over to Melissa's purse and tries to turn it off. For the past three weeks, Melissa had spent time in a very poor region of the Ukraine. Imagine being really tired and waking up after an entire day of travel and seeing someone in the dark digging throug hyour purse at the foot of your bed. Too funny! Melissa settled from her start, Nikki still asleep stumbled back to bed and we all got quiet again for about three minutes. Phone ring- again. Turn it off. Go to bed. Sleep till 10:30am on Sunday.

Paul left for FL. Brenda went to Target and then home. Nikki, Melissa and I ate lunch/breakfast and then went to Targetto pick up some supplies for Seuss and then came home. It was a long weekend by so fun. Between hanging out with Brenda and Paul to waiting in the airport to seeing an overly fatigued Melissa crash into things at Super Wal-Mart at 3am, I haven't laughed so much in forever!

Christmas... A Review

It all began Christmas Eve at 9:30am visiting Grandmother #1. Home by 11:00am then to town to pick up a last minute gift, lunch and then Grandmother #2. Then to Nikki's parent's house where all of her siblings, niece and nephews were in- food and gifts. At about 10:30pm, off to my brother's house where my parents were. More food. More gifts. Nikki and I got back to our house a little before midnight where we had to wrap a couple of gifts. Knowing we were going to have a busy Christmas day, we thought we might have our own Christmas and exchange gifts on Christmas Eve- too tired- we would just wait until the afternoon on Christmas day. Finally in the bed around 1am. This might not sound so bad, but we had promised my family that we would be back at my brother's house at 6:30am so we could have Christmas with them and my parents early. At 5am, neither Nikki nor I could sleep- the excitement of Christmas morning and decided to get up and have our own Christmas first. Nikki is a beast when it comes to wrapping paper. After our brief time of Christmas cheer, we headed on over to my brothers. Much fun and meriment (and a really cool black velvet blazer I got) we made our way over to Nikki's parents for an 8:30am appointment of more paper ripping. We visited with friends, more grandmother time, more food, no naps as we originally thought, and lots of fun. Christmas day should be filled with lots of visits, food and fun. And speaking of fun- my lovely ,wonderful wife bought me a mega flat screen tv. Too great for movie watching, but as several of you know, the room where we have a our tv is small. When you come over for movie night, bring sun glasses. Also, I got a new phone- a blackberry storm- slavate, but don't touch. All in all we have stayed very busy, only got to see two movies out of the million that I have wanted to see over Christmas break, but still there are a few days left this week before the return to the grind on January 2. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It's Beginning to Look a Like Christmas

Our happy little tree... ok, maybe not so little. From the floor to the top of the angel is around eleven feet- it's a little chopped off, I couldn't fit the whole tree in the photo. When we were picking out decorations, we figured it was going to be the tackiest or the most beautiful tree ever with lime green, hot pink and icy blue- we lean towards the latter and love it.

You can see Nikki in the corner of the picture praying over our gifts hoping they will multiply... just joking, she is working on Christmas cards.
A closer look.

And for years, some little reindeer have set under my Christmas tree. I'm glad Nikki was open to adopting them. Maybe this is what we should do to Jazzy when... nevermind, I'll get fussed at for that comment.

The Herdmans Were the Worst Kids in the History of the World

Christmas Pageant Opening Night

I'm not used to opening a show on Friday, so I keep thinking it is Thursday. My time is done. Now I just show up and watch. That's usually why I like to be in them- the actors on stage get a whole other experience than those backstage. I'm going to miss out. But, I'm at that weird age where I don't fit the teeny-bopper parts and I don't fit the older characters (though I could manage if there weren't people to play the older characters.) I'm having my middle-age actor crisis. It, however, is going to be a great, fun show. Come see! I thinkg I need Burger King now.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

I haven't had much time to write about this show. It is going to be very fun, cute and hopefully will make you cry a bit. Here is the press photo. Hope everyone can make it to a performance on December 5 & 6 at 7:30pm and December 7 at 2:30pm at the Fine Arts Center.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Old Age

Ric has discovered the stress of the theatre can age you very fast.

7 Things I Learned From HSM 3

If you haven't seen HSM 3- swallow your pride and go. Yes, it is just a cheesy as you think it is going to be, but the dance numbers are excellent. Kenny Ortega, who directed and choreographed, does an amazing job of keeping everything moving fast and big.

The 7 Things I Learned:
1. No matter if you do win the basketball championship two years in a row, the thing everyone will remember is the Senior Musicale (no I did not spell this wrong- see the movie and you will understand.

2. Zac Efron has one emotion: I just saw my mom get hit by a bus but I can't do anything about it because I have gas... and he is concentrating more on the gas. Although, I agree he will make a great Ren in the Footloose movie musical.

3. Ashley Tisdale's new nose makes her look older.

4. The blond kid with the funky hats and argyle sweater vests (don't judge) is the only one in the cast that can actually sing. But yet, I still bought the soundtrack. I attribute it to peer presure or the fact my wife begged me for it.

5. No other couple in the world goes through as many break ups and back togethers as Troy and Gabriella. That just doesn't happen in real life... oh wait a minute... ok then, maybe that means that in the next movie they will get married.

6. In this multi diverse cast (white, black, blond, brunette, hispanic, fat, skinny) there are no Asians. Sorry, Troy P. When we do the stage version I guess you will have to pull the curtains.

7. Drama teachers are crazy, self obsessed freaks to the world, but in truth, they are the embodiement of wisdom, intelligence and grace and are essential in the personality development of growing adolesents.

Shakespeare and Rock N' Roll

Wednseday night on the spur of the moment, Nikki and I went over to WCU to see Othello (yes, the Shakesperian tragedy). While on the way, we texted Rachel and she met us there for the show. In times past when I went to see a PLAY not a MUSICAL, the tickets were around $8. I go up to the window and the lady says, "$20". I give her a $20 bill and she says, "No, $20 each." What ?!?! When did this happen?

The show was ok. The guy that played Iago was very good- nice color to his lines as opposed to most of the others that just shouted their lines and beat their chest. Shakespeare- I guess some actors, especially young ones, think that it is better shouted. Oh, well. In otherwords, $40 for three hours of neck veins.

Last night we headed back over the mountain with Effie to see Adam Pascal in concert. We sat on the front row about five feet from him. It was a nice show mostly of his current cd with a few B-Way songs thrown in. No Aida, however. Dissapointment. At the end I waited with the other fans and he autographed my Aida cast album. Fun night.

One Nation, Under God

Christians, the Bible says, are to be a peculiar people. Christians should go against the norm of society and exclude themselves from what most worldy people define as acceptable. I am happy to say I am a Christian. Almost all of the people I voted for yesterday, were not elected.

The day began at 5:45 am. Nikki and I took off and travelled over most of Jackson County several times. These were the areas we were responsible for in her mom's campaign. It was a very interesting animal of an experience I had never seen or participated in. Most people were very friendly and would happily stop to talk with you. Most people were completely uninformed.

We never outright said, "Who are you voting for?" (Unlike the Obama lady who knocked on my door Saturday.) Instead, we would say, "Would you share with me your opinons?" When speaking about the Presidential race, every three out of five people would reply they are voting for McCain or Obama, but yet have no idea why. I respect your opinon if you have facts to back it up. Several people said they were voting for Obama because they wanted change, but yet could not tell what type of change Obama was going to bring. They had no insight on his policies, what he believed in or sometimes even if he had a family. Don't get me wrong, there were some McCain supporters who did the same. Sadly, people had not done their research. Many voters went to the polls to cast their ballot blindly, only making a decision based on what their friends had said, or even worse what the news media had reported. That drives me bonkers!

In the past weeks I have been sharing some of my personal opinons. Some people have enjoyed them, some have disagreed with me. I respect some of you that have enjoyed as well of those that have disagreed- all depending on where you get your opinion- which is what most of these posts have really been about. Form an opinion, claim a conviction, but informed and support your ideas with facts. Real facts- candidate voting history, personal policies reported by that candidate personally, not your friends or the news. That is what is making America become such a land of morons. I respect your opinon- no matter what it is- but only if you support it. Tell me why! Ignorance is not bliss- like a lady the other day who disagreed with my covictions about aboriton issues. She told me she did understand why I would be so up in arms over abortion when a woman naturally "aborts" an egg each month. She wanted to know what the difference was. This lady is pushing sixty and has children of her own. Ignorance. I tried to explain sex-ed 101, but she wouldn't agree with me. Ignorant, uninformed, unsupported opinion that doesn't justify respect.

So as I was saying, Nikki and I began our day at 5:45am and ended it at 12:45am. There were lots of ups, downs, moments you wanted to shed some tears and moments when you couldn't stop laughing- especially at Burger King and the restrooms, but that's a story for another day. All in all, we saw democracy at its best and and times, its worst.

One nation under God? Yesterday, the majority of Americans chose to be just a nation.

HSM 3 Fans

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Get In the Act- Vote!

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Wait I Was Wrong

Even scarier!

Happy Halloween

The scariest costume I've seen all night!

Wickedly Good Birthday

Happy 5th birthday on Broadway Wicked! Nikki and I saw the show yesterday at the Fox. It was my second time, her first. It is a very good show- great spectacle. The first time I concentrade so hard aon watching everything that I think I missed a bit. This time I could watch for things I hadn't seen before. All good shows take at least a couple of viewings, especially with the phenominal technology in the theatre right now. Effie and I, however, can do the same with a role of duct tape, a flashlight and some aluminum foil.

Life Is Not a Choice, It's a Given

I am deeply concerned- more than I was last week when I wrote my first political rant.

Today my students were working in groups and I floated from one to another to check their progress. As I was with one group, I heard another nearby talking about the election. They were discussing certain issues that clearly they had no experience with and were just repeating what they had heard their parents saying. The collective opinion was that it would be best if Obama was elected because it would be easier for girls to get abortions. In their opinion, girls are going to get abortions anyway, so you might as well make it legal and safer. These were girls that were talking!

I don't get why a person can think it is ok to abort a baby they don't want- and that is what it boils down to, no matter the situation, she doesn't want it. It is black and white, no grey area- no matter the situation. You want it or you don't. God gave it to you and He wil take care of the situation. There will be several people that read this (and I was surprised at the number that actually do after my last Obama post) and say, "but what about...". No matter- God will take care of it. Those same people would not permit a mother to kill her three year old when she was tired it him or her- so what is the choice about? Those same people would not allow a mother to kill her two year old when he or she was diagnosed with MS- but yet it is ok while they are in the womb? No difference. Harmful to the mothers health? I dare say many a teenager whose mother is in therapy or hospitlized for mental and physical anguish due to their children's actions would not kill a kid of sixteen. Ok, ok so you want to make a point of medical reasons for abortion. Look at the statistics- out of the millions of abortions performed annually, only one percent is dealing with health realated issues.

Wake up America! You are raising a bunch of easy going, get it your way, lazy, self-satisifying welfare junkies. God have mercy- I can't say that enough. Where are the Christians with values? Where are the Fathers and Mothers who teach their children about life instead of worldly success?

I am shocked at the casual nature of the conversation of people I respect when talking about the issues in this election. People with morals making choices that seem to be absent of any morals what so ever. One of the saddest I've heard was, "We need to take care of this economy. Why do we need to worry about people killing their babies, we won't be able to feed them. They'd be better off."

Woe unto the man who a harms a little child. It would be better to tie a rock around your neck and throw yourself into the depths of the sea. God said that, not me.

Just think, we still have a week before the election. I'm just getting heated up. Needless to say, if you don't like the postings I write (and some have said they don't), exercise you right to choose which you so boldly preach about and don't click on this site.

Want to Hear Something Funny?

The candidate (who shall remain nameless... but did you see the snow this morning?) opposite of Nikki's Mom (see sign above) has claimed in public forums that I have attended, that because of his efforts in obtaining special funding for the drop out program in schools, Nantahala School has a 100% graduation rate. Funny thing is, he doesn't know there is only a dozen that graduate from there each year. Sad part is, neither do the people listening. Vote in one week!!!

Adventures on a Sunday Afternoon

So yesterday Sarah Palin was at the Civic Center in Asheville. Back in the middle of last week, Nikki and I had planed to go and yesterday after church, Nikki, my Mom, Jennifer (Nikki's Mom's election assistant and myself headed over to Asheville. The doors opened at 4:00pm so we left at 1:00pm thinking that would get us enough time. When we got there by 2:15pm, the line was already around the back of the civic center and growing. We wandered to the back of the line which kept growing and growing every minute- at least we were in the sunshine because the wind was rather brisk.

About 45 minutes into our wait, a man came around and said the were going to seat the people with special needs first and anyone that fit into that gourp should make their way to the door. Jennifer was diagnosed with MS several years ago and has to use a cane to walk. He told her to go on and my Mom to go with her to assist. They made their way closer to the door, but not quite. Nikki and I stayed on the street where we started. After about 30 minutes, Jennier called my phone and said they were at a stand still because security was so slow. So we waited, talked to the people around us, enjoyed some really fun politcal buttons and stood. And stood. And stood.

Finally, about 4pm, the line started moving at a snail's pace. We would go maybe ten feet every thirty minutes or so and at 5:30pm, Jennifer called and said she and mom were in and would be saving us a seat in section 219. Good, we have seats, we just need to get to the door.

6pm- line still slow and I have to use the restroom so bad my eyes are floating. I leave Nikki in the line with our new friends and walk down the street a few blocks where I find a bakery that is open. On my way there I had to walk through a throng of Obama supporters yelling and waving their pitiful signs in the air. Bless them- they need some serious prayer... and a shower. I get into the doors of the bakery but before they will give me the key to the restroom I have to buy a cookie. Oh, well. I make it back through the protestors (holding my breath) and find Nikki about twenty feet forward from where we were. Progress!!!

7pm- We are about 100 feet from the entrance to the civic center. Sun is gone, wind is cold and the news vans are to our right blowing fuel fumes all over. Jennifer has been calling every so often to see where we are and sadly each time I tell her about five feet from where we were. Rumor has it the arena is full and people are not going to be let in. I walk up to the enterance and explain to a security guard that we have people inside waiting for us in the handicap group. All they say is we have to wait.

7:15pm- Nikki and I say goodbye to our friends because we know now the palce is full and only a select few are going to be allowed in the Thomas-Wolfe auditorium to watch on closed ciruit TV. I find a VIP entrance and explain to them that we have people waiting. They said there is nothing they can do, but to go to the handicap entrance. We do and no on will let us in. As we are deciding where to go to wait for Mom and Jennifer, because we aren't going to see Sarah now, the man who had collected them earlier goes walking by. I go to him and explain the situation. He was an angel. He said to follow him and act cool. We did. He got us in to the lobby and through security only to come to the glass doors of the main entrance into the arena where policemen were there with a dog. He said the fire marshall had shut the place down and would let no one else in. I explained the situation and said we had seats. He said there is nothing he could do because everyone had been saying that. I called Jennifer and she came to the glass doors. She stood three feet away from us talking on her phone, pointing to security people as they shook their heads no.

At that moment Nikki and I realized we were not getting in. Someone in the lobby said we could go into the Thomas-Wolfe and watch if we liked. We both agreed if we wanted to see her on TV we would have stayed home. Then by some twist, a lady came to the door and told a specific group to make their line single file. They were going to get in!!!!! I grabed Nikki and for a brief moment, we became a part of that group. As we went through the door, Nikki was in such a hurry that she traped my right leg in the turnstile. No matter, I swung the left one up and over jumping to the ground. A security guard told me to take it easy and calm down. If only he knew.

I called Jennifer and told her we were in! She said come to section 219 which was three-fourths of the way around the building. Nikki and I ran like there was no tomorrow. Boy, does Jesus love us. We went through so much and so many people kept telling us no then another would let us a little closer when it looked as if we were at a stand still.

We got to our seats, about 100 feet away from the podium and sat down. We were cold, hungry and shaking from the excitement. We heard Sarah speak, took some pictures and went on our way.

As we left, the protesters had grown to include a group of people dressed a zombies. Not just a group, but hundreds. I prayed for them too, not just that they would come to their senses and take a bath, but if they are going to do special effects make-up, do some research and make it good. Amatures. Saddest looking zombies I had ever seen. But, a reallty fun adventure!

Here we are!

Five hours in line and we finally made it!

Waiting to See Sarah

Kiss it Obama!

My Quiet Conservative Views and the Liberals of the World That Will Dislike Me- Recap

So the other day I wrote probably the longest post of my life just to delete it a few hours later. Why? Because I felt I was being too harsh. I completely beleive in an opinion, but I also feel that in some situations, compasion outweighs finger pointing. Here it is in a nutshell... and this is the sanitized version.

I have never been one to preach for a specific candidate. I have never been into politics. I do my research, I know who stands for which issue and then I make my choice on election day. Although I am a conservative Republican, I'm not a straight ticket kind o person. Times have changed, mainly because I am no longer voting for my own interests, but rather in the interests of my family and future children. We hear every election that this is the election that will be the most important ever. Yea, yea, yea- but this time, I'm pretty sure that is true.

My rant all began with an article that I saw which was titled: "Conservative Republican, the New Gay." What?!?!?!? As I read, I found out that this writing was saying how in years past society celebrated a conservative viewpoint and taboo things like homosexuality were to be kept quiet. Now those ideas have been flip-flopped. Conservative viewpoints should be kept to yourself and be your own private lifestyle, while homosexuality, premarital sex and "open" relationships should be the norm and discussed freely so those younger people in the world will realize there is nothing wrong with making your own choices and to be who you want to be. God have mercy. Where did we go wrong?

This article really upset me mainly because I have never been one to push my conservative views on someone. I talk openly about what I beleive, I tell stories or testimonies about the way my life is affected by my moral choices, but I don't slam my opinion on someone. I know religion and faith is a personal thing and I respect anyone's right to believe what you belive- no matter how ridiculous in comparison to mine. Granted, I do have my limits of respect when it comes to some beliefs, especially those involving killing. It is that whole compassion thing. One of my favorite scriptures is Jude 1:22- "And some have compassion, making a difference." This is what kept me from tearing off heads somedays at school.

But in my "respect" and "compassion" have I become tolerant instead of respectful? I can respect what you beleive, but I don't have to tolerate it if it affects me and my children as well. I know who I will vote for in a week and a half- McCain and Palin- and they are not the popular choice because there are some issues (which the world now says keep quiet about) that I agree with them on. Granted this is not the year to celebrate a candidate, but rather see whose policies come closer to your own beleifs. And when I cast my vote, I do it for the future of my wife and future children and my nieces and nephews. It is their future, more than my own that I am voting for.

In years to come when my children are reading about this life-changing election, I cannot tell them that I voted for a man who made it so easy for people to abort their babies. I will not let that little circle beside Obama's name represent the blood of thousands of babies on my hands. I might as well take a weed wacker down to the nursery of the hospital. To me, there is no difference. Dramatic? Maybe. Harsh? No. True? Yes. I don't get how so many people have become so relaxed about abortion. Remember a few years ago when that woman put her two children in her car and then pushed it into the lake? So many people were so upset with that disgusting action, but yet those same people say abortion is a choice. Either way, you are killing a baby. The only difference is society has made it possible to commit murder without facing a jail sentence.

I will not vote for a man that will allow my children to see a man marry another man and it be honored by the government in the same manner as a woman and a man's sacred union. I want to say and I will say I did not vote for that.

We hear Obama talk about the change- the golden fields of promise and prosperity (just watch for the terrorists hiding in the grass) and the money issue. Economic growth is all anyone cares about. But I bet if we got our morals in line as a country, we would be blessed beyond belief. Great! We are rich as can be while hurdling to hell faster every day- that's where he wants to lead us. Everyone bashes George W. Yes, he has his faults as we all do- but he has morals. The idea of respecting a President is out the window. I blame that on Clinton. True, we were a prosperous country while he was in the white house, and that is all anyone cared about. No big deal he was getting it on in the oval office with an intern. No problem. As a matter of fact it became a joke. When Nikki and I were in D.C. last summer, part of the historical tour takes visitors to the hotel where Lewinsky did her interviews. Now we celebrate infidelity. Do I hear a shout out to Sodom and Gomora?

Who knows who will be our next President? I guess we will all know in little over a week. I do know that whoever it may be, I will respect them as President of this country, but I don't have to tolerate them. So all the liberals in the world who disagree with me- wondrful! That is what is so amazing about the freedom of speech. You can have you opinions, and buttons and bumper stickers (which I think are tacky no matter what) but you will no longer run me over like a greyhound bus trying to stomp out my moral beliefs and tell me how wrong I am for going against the grain of society's acceptance. I will not keep quiet. I am a conservative and I will not pack it away in a closet.

On the Cat Walk

Today I went on a walk through at the SMCFPA. I have been there several times talking with Phil, Neil (the construction guy) and Effie. When y'all get to see inside that place you are going to flip! It is amazing the progress that the construction workers are able to accomplish in just a week. There are beams and such installed now and you can see the shape of the rooms and where doors are and so on. Last week when Effie and I were there, they were welding the cat walk... let me rephrase that, they were welding the final bit on one of the THREE cat walks that cover the auditorium. Today as I was talking to Neil I noticed no one was welding, so I asked if it was completed. With a grin he said "yes", obviously knowing what my next question was. Before he could finish asking if I wanted to go up, I flew up the stairs fast than a space shuttle leaving Cape Canaveral. I have never been one to get woosie from heights, but let me tell you- that sucker is in the air! And I only went to the first level of three. It is great fun to go out there and day dream. Tee-hee!

There's No Business Like... (You Know the Rest)

The place where Effie and I will get to play full time come June... a playground like none we've ever had! See it here.

Oh-Yeah, Jesus is Cool That Way

Today I had another one of those days (even though this one is so amazingly big) where God gives you something completely unexpected and so exciting you want to pop. Sometimes things fall out of the sky and knocks on your door and you know it is from no one else. Just God saying, "Here you go- love ya."

It's a Ruff Life

Response

To my lovely wife: I typed the previous post fast, I did not spell check and I am the world's worst speller other than Camila... but you can't hold that against her, she was homeschooled. To be so perfect at so many other things, spelling can fall by the waste side.

Z Gallery (this is for Camila) is a home style store like Pottery Barn but has really fun and funky stuff liek World Market. It has strange things that Nikki and I enjoy and the normal items that the rest of the world would enjoy. The first one we ever saw was in Orlando. Here is the Z Gallery web site, but you really have to go there to get the real experience. I'm really excited there is one closer to home... do I hear another road trip peoples?

Catchin' Up

So it has been a while since I just wrote random thought about everything happening. Here it goes. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will begin rehearsals tomorrow night. Cast of 60- what was I thinking? Oh yeah, I like big cast because we sell more tickets. That's what I was thinking.Nikki and I went tot he fair with Jazzy wearing a t-shirt promoting her mom's bid for Senate. Note to self, if ever you want to be noticed put a t-shirt on a dog and go to a public place. Jazzy will now sport ever show t-shirt from now on- best advertisement in the world and much cheaper than newspaper ads. Saturday we celebrated Rachel's 18th brithday. Now she can vote and die for her country. It was great fun because we got to do all the things I like. Going to the mall, where Nikki and I both went on a shopping spree, me buying three arguile (no way do I know how to spell that) sweater vests and Nikki buying everything else. There is something about the felling of on coming fall that makes you want to buy clothes... at least that is what Nikki says. We also discovered a new mall in Alpharetta. You see, I had found this jacket in Banana Republic that was a great buy and they didn't have my size, so the salesman said they did a Nirth Point Mall in Alpharetta. I say call them and tell them to hold it. I meet back up with tha gang and surprise, surprise we are going on a nother adventure. And a great adventure it turned out to be- new mall, great stores and an entire shopping area with fun stuff all around (there is a Z gallery there- if you've never been to a Z gallery, go!). Then to top it all off, dinner at Bahama Breeze. So good! I don't know if Rachel had a good time, but I sure did. If not, oh well- it was only her birthday. Yesterday was to be a day of rest. Instead Nikki nad I finally got the house clean and the spare bedroom in order. Pictures were hung, clothes were put away and we still had time to watch the Emmys (snooze) and bake cookies. It was a very nice weekend. Oh yea, I forgot to mention that as of Friday, Nikki and I have been married five months! Where is time going? School is fine, play will be fun and some exciting stuff is just over the horizon. With the approach of fall I fell the need for a corn dog, tater tot, mac & cheese party.

Happy Birthday Rachel

Today is Rachel's 18th birthday... Although, I think she thinks it is National Act Like a Pirate Day. Tough and rowdy crew she has.

Injury Day

Yesterday was "fake an injury" day for spirit week. Yea, I'd never heard of it either, but anyway, we took advantage of it in the advanced theatre class to practice our special effects make-up. Pretty gross.

Head Shot

Why do you need a new head shot? This one works well.

Five Minute Fun

When I have a few minutes during the day (not often), I like to go to you tube and see what craziness other countries have producing American musicals. The cheese ball energy of the Japanese cannot be matched, but today I found something that came close. I'm not sure what country this is, they sound either like they're from Germany or Norway or some country like that. It makes you realize how foriegn countries view our own. Enjoy Saturday Night Fever from who knows where. Note: never put a disco dancing girl in a tube top.

Did I Not Call It?

Yes, I am the master of casting. Tina Fey did a dead on impersonation of Sarah Palin on SNL this past weekend. To funny! It is great (especially the Hillary jokes), check it out here if you missed it.

Take a Moment

Shrek the Musical

I'm not that terribly interested inthe new Shrek musical, mainly because I didn't care too much for the movie. The only positive thing I think about it is the score is written by Jeanine Tesori who also wrote music for Caroline, or Change and Thoroughly Modern Millie. I found this picutre on line and like the make-up design, but that poor actor having to go through that every day.

Not Happy

When you come to the FAB on Monday after a program was held there the previous weekend, should you be surprised the equipment doesn't work? Silly me.

Spaghetti Cat- Too Funny

For those of you who wath The Soup, you will recognize this clip. For those of you who don't- you will start to watch (on E!). Just thinking about this makes me fall to the ground laughing my head off. Watch the spaghetti cat here. Ok, maybe y'all will think I'm a freak... at least I know Rachel will get it... but what does that say about me...

We're Not Gonna Pay Rent... Anymore

After over twelve years and more than 5100 performances, Rent closed last night on Broadway. The final performance was filmed to be shown for four days at the end of September at various theatres across the country. To find out where, go to http://www.thehotticket.net/.

New Blog for FHS

I always put school related stuff on my blog as well as Overlook and personal things. I've now created a blog dedicated for only FHS Theatre, so as to not push my personal ideas onto students. That's what I have the classroom for- ha! (Just joking.) Check it out here. I especially love the title block at the top with the performing panther. Yes, you can tell me now how clever I am...

My New Hero

Sarah Palin is articulate, extremely likable and normal. I'm a fan of this lady. The heck with McCain, Palin for Pres! And to make it even better, she looks like Tina Fey!

Everett?

Saw this picture on the side of a truck in Ohio. When did Everett start truck modeling?

Happy Birthday Effie!

To Sail Away & One Song

Big news! Adam Pascal- the original Roger in Rent and the origianl Radames in Aida will be at the Fine Arts Center on the campus of WCU on Novemebr 13th at 7:30pm for a concert. He will be performing classsic broadway songs as well as a few of his favorite rock songs. Tickets go on sale October 13th.

179 to Go

Today was the first day of school. It was very hard to get up this morning with that wonderful rain sound outside the window, but I did, and cheerfully. I have good kids this year, some newbies and some for their 800th drama class. I am looking forward to the creative aspect. By the end of this week, I will be looking forward to a vaction. It is always so hard to start a fresh school year on a Monday- by the end of the week everyone is worn out and cranky. But hey, we get a holiday next week!

Re-Web

Just got finished updating my FHS Drama website. Check it out here! Overlook is next...

A Little Magic

Some final fun before the end of summer!

Last Day of Summer Vacation

Today is the last day of "freedom" before going back to the room with no windows or doors for the next ten months. Yea, I know, poor baby has to go back to getting paid to play pretend. Anyway, this summer, as all summers do, flew by quicker than I could fit everything into I wanted to accomplish and the fall will do the same and so will winter, ther goes Christmas, hello Valentine's Day and then summer again. As I look back on the last two and one half months, I think about the fun I've had. Making Shirley Temples while watching the Tony awards. Painting the FAB floor green at 2am while thinking of words I shouldn't say. Eating non-stop with Nikki. We've decided it is part of the marriage vow "For better or worse, till you explode from cake and home made whipped cream." Seeing Paul and sticking gummi bears to the ceiling fan, watching them fly at the speed of sound (don't be in their way!) and the laughing hysterically at the sight. (Did you know that if you wash a gummi bear before sticking it to the ceiling fan, it becomes much sticker?) Today is also the first day of class for Abigail, Rachel and Troy. This cannot be held against me, but I will miss them terribly. Lots of laughs, Rachel eating everything in sight including illegal Taco Bell crouched in the corner of the dressing room. Theatre majors are freaks, but boy, they haven't met Rachel yet. I wonder what color her eyelids are today and how many people will choke on their chic-fil-a at the sight? If Rachel had to get up at 5:30am just to get ready to come to FHS every morning, she'll never get to sleep having to comute 30 minutes everyday! Making Abigail cry during Cinderella- a true high point. Abigail, I imagine, would have a poster of a bride kitten and a groom kitten getting married hanging in her dorm room. Troy and his fits of rage- they have anger management in college and his desire to be the best boy band imitator ever (I say pick a goal and aim high). And Taylor leaves Friday as well. What will Sesame Street be without Elmo? That leaves only little Jennifer to fill the post of Ass. Director and Ass. Dictator. She'll just punch everyone into submission. Yes, it is important to grow up and move on, but I would rather the kids I don't like to do so. So, here we go again- my 11th year teaching (I use that term loosely, you see how Abigail, Rachel, Troy and Taylor turned out.) Who'd thought that?!?!? Life is good, even though your heart aches sometimes. Blessings on you all!

Here I am

This post is for you, Amanda. Just so I will be at the top.

Hi From Charleston

Left Florida and said goodbye to Disney and Paul. Now we are at Nikki's brother's house since yesterday. We shopped and ate- as usual.

Animal Kingdom Safari

Nikki sayas this is the first time she has ever seen a giraffe live and in person. Yea, I don't beleive it either.

Sci Fi Dine- In

Nikki and I had dinner at the Sci Fi Dine-In. Too much fun, but we eat way too fast!

A Disney Day

Nikki and I went to Animal Kingdom and the Hollywood Studios today. It was very hot, but lots of fun. Here we are at the Sci Fi Dine-In Theatre for dinner. I've got some great videos to post, but will do that later because they were taking a while to upload and I am ready to go to bed. One video is especially for you Effie- I got a waitress at a certain Animal Kingdom restaurant to say the magical phrase, "What's your favorite animal?" When I aksed if she would say that to my video camera, she thought I was a freak. Only for you to get a luagh Ef, only for a laugh. Long day (but lots of fun!!!), tired feet beddy-by calling my name. Thursday we are going to Epcot for the most of the day then over to the Magic Kingdom where we have dinner reservations. Will post some more on our adventures. By the way, Paul says "hi" to all of you!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Many of you will have no surprise that things have changed on our schedule of performances. It used to not be that way, I would pick a show and we would go for it. But lives change, people change, performers change, lots of busy schedules change so sometimes we need to accomodate. Here is the official line up for Overlook Theatre for the next year or so... but it all might change... just kidding.

December 5, 6 & 7- 2008 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (A play, not a musical.) We are doing this instead of the Disney revue show. Problems with royalties and all around fatigue brought about this change. Similar simple rehearsal schedule.

March 12, 13, 14 & 15- 2009 Seussical the Musical. No change, just a specific date available now.

July 9, 10, 11 & 12- 2009 Aida. Yeah!!! A change, but a good... no, a great one!

Fall 2009- a play, yes another non musical. Title TBA, but I have a few ideas. Something really funny or a mystery.

Looking toward the future: Spring 2010 Annie, the musical. Little Girls, everywhere I turn I can see them... Children and a Dog? What was W.C. Fields said?

Lots of fun, but we still get time to live life as well.

Wedding Pictures... Finally!

Here is the link to a website that displays our wedding photos. Some are formal shots, some silly fun shots and there are also a few wedding rehearsal/ dinner shots. Be sure to look at all 276 we posted... out of over 2000! Hope you enjoy! Here is the link:
Scotty & Nikki's Wedding Photos

Technology is Our Friend

Got a new gadget to bring a bit more publicity to the play group. Visit this new site and see what I mean.

How Can I Resist You? Easily.

With a group of friends and performance experts, I saw Mamma Mia the movie musical this weekend. Terrible. Out of a close to one hour and forty-five minutes, ther were two moments that were enjoyable (which total would last about seven minutes.) I love the stage show so much that I've seen it four times. I'm really disappointed because I was looking forward to this since last fall. Everything that Hairspray was- this wasn't.

On the upper side of things- Dolly Parton's new musical version of Nine to Five hits B-Way next year. Can't wait!

Things I learned From Charlie Brown

*Just because it worked ten years ago does not mean it works today. This is the hardest realization most people have coming to them. As I've said in the past, just because there are roles I would love to play, it does not mean I should play them. I would have fought Everett tooth and nail to be Gaston, but I would loose- not my character type when it comes to acting. I would love to do Big River some time and be Huck Finn, but now I am too old. I would love to dance like Fred and Ginger, but I'm not that graceful. Just because I've done things a certain way for some time does not make me skilled.
*Critical opinion does not bother me anymore. People have always shared their opinions about shows we have done and sometimes I take them to heart and try to fix the suggestions, other times I would get really mad and tell them what I thought. Now I just say, thank you for your ideas and I move on. You can't please everyone, so don't try. Only please the people that surround you and the others will come or stay home or raise your own money and creat your own theatre group from scratch with only $400- $200 of which was used to rent the bulding. That easy. As the song goes, I look back and say I did it my way.
*I'm old. My body does not bend as it once did. I am still in recover from being beaten and falling on the ground. Suck it up, buddy... or stay home.
*Just because it is simple, that does not make it easy. CB was the smallest set and costume plot we have ever had, but it seemed to take the most time of any. This could be due to several reasons: I am am obsessive complusive when it comes to things. When I stop being that way, don't do shows with me anymore or they will get sloppy. Laborors were few. Usually I have more people in the summer to help with tech than I do projects. This time I had more projects that people. They style of the show dictated that most of the props be made. That goes back to the OCD thing, we could have used normal pencils and notebooks but that would have been a sloppy show that had no concept.
*Kids bring an audience. The more kids you have in a show, the more audience you get. I've always know this, but thought maybe I was wrong. Looks like it is a "Hard Knock Life".
*I can maintain a home and a show at the same time. Luckily, the girl I married likes to do shows- that makes it easier. If she didn't I probably wouldn't be able to do them. Support is everything, especially when it means eating dinner at odd times of food passed by a complete stranger out a little window.
*I'm addicted to french fries.
*Happiness is good friends and a wonderful family that will do anything for me.