So I did it, I dropped my first born off at college. I am beyond excited for her. College is a great place to mature and learn and make some of the best friends that you will ever have. In my preparation for this moment, I have encountered a couple different kinds of responses when people find out you have to drop a child off at college. None of their words are spoken out of malice, but I found the responses intriguing and probably based on their own experiences.
#1.... "It's not like she's dying, she's just going away" I found this said mostly with people who had no kids or who had not sent a child off to college. And I couldn't agree more... she is certainly not dead. I can still communicate with her, and social media has made it really easy to still be a part of her life. What did die was my family as I know it. I think one of my super powers is being a mom. I think that I am pretty darn good at it. I feel it is my purpose. So when the cohesive unit I have so lovingly put together is split up..... a part of that dies with it. Everything has to change.... it's buying one package of meat at the grocery store and not two..... It's having one less driver to run places.... It's not staying up waiting for her to get home because I am no longer in charge of that. My life will change. It is not a bad thing. It is just different.
#2 People asking if I am "ok" Quit asking me if I am ok. Because I am.... and I am not. This is everything we have worked for in the past 18 years. Every year in school, every extra curricular, every life lesson was leading up to this. Gabby was ready to go to college when she was 8. I have taught her to be fiercely independent. She is more than ready. And despite the diverse community we live in, it is really a microcosm of what the rest of the world has to offer. She is ready for this.
So why do you ask me am I not ok at times? I have spent the last 18.5 years preparing her for this. I have spent years making sure she is ready. I have invested A LOT of time in making sure she is a great human being. I have done such a good job that I will miss everything about her. She is not perfect, but she is one of the best. I see that she is anxious about making new friends, and that makes me anxious for her. I know once people get to know her that they will see what I see, and she will be more than ok. But as much as I tell her that, she will have to experience it for herself.
#3 People who expect me to be heartbroken. I am a little, but my excitement for her certainly outweighs my missing her. I think social media sets us up to ask for sympathy and get responses from people. The expectation is that I will be a hot mess of tears. And if you aren't then somehow you aren't a good parent. If your emotional there is no shame in that. If you are stoic, there is no shame in that either. I will be honest...for the whole week leading up to her departure, I would lock myself in my bathroom and bawl my eyes out. But now that the deed is done, the anticipation was ten times worse than the actual act of leaving. I cried for like 30 seconds... and let her go on to start her adult life. Because let's face it, as much as you miss them you don't want them living at home forever. College is the perfect transition to full blown adulthood. Actually Gabby asked that I try not to cry too much because then she would cry, and she didn't want to look like a "bitch baby." Well we were very proud of ourselves for not being bitch babies. (not that there is anything wrong with that)
#4 Mom friends... I have a strong support network of moms who are going through the exact same thing. I am the first one to make the trek, but they were with me every step of the way offering words of encouragement and support. I can't wait to return that favor for them in the coming weeks then go out to dinner and drinks and talk about how great our girls are doing. It is definitely a life changing time for all of us and having a support group is so important. I cannot thank them enough for the support.
Well I am home, and it is time to create a new normal. It is time to start to count down the days til I get to see her again. And it's time to start assembling her very first care package. Good luck to all you parents who still have to make this journey. Make it yours and do what you have to do to make it ok for you!!!
50 is just the beginning.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Thirteen Reasons Why to watch this show with your kids
Unless you have been living under a rock, you would know that Thirteen Reasons Why has become a phenomenon to rival Pretty Little Liars and Grey's Anatomy. While the premise of the show might have parents a little on edge, watching this show with your kids is important.
1. It will make you uncomfortable As a society, we tend to sweep hard issues under the rug. Watching this show with your kids will be uncomfortable. Themes of rape, underage drinking, drugs and suicide are at the forefront of this show. Uncomfortable is good because sometimes we need to go outside of our safe zone in order to understand.
2. Bullying Teenagers often treat each other like shit whether they are aware of it or not. One of the themes of this show is bullying and how the things we do to and say about each other make a difference. All teens have been affected by gossip and bullying in some form or another. If we can teach our kids to simply consider others and their hardships, we might just make this world a better place. The basis of this show is bullying. And while what one person said might not be that damaging.... stock pile it with what everyone says. Sometimes it is a lot to take in. If we teach our kids to build each other up instead of tearing each other down, we are doing society a service.
3. Underage Drinking and Drugs This story line clearly outlines the dangers of underage drinking. Teenagers are not yet responsible enough to handle the consequences of drinking or to monitor themselves to determine when enough is enough. That is why there is a drinking age. Two very specific incidents will speak directly to this issue. If your child goes to high school, they know kids who do drugs and they probably know someone who sells drugs. A conversation about making smart choices when it comes to drugs is always important. Kids think they are invincible. It's ok to remind them that they are not.
4. Peer Pressure and Mob Mentality The group of kids involved in the plot line clearly pressure each other to take action in ways they would not if they were working alone. And there is a large group of them working together which creates a mob mentality. I tell my own daughters that I trust their judgment, but sometimes I don't trust what others will try to lead them into doing. I worry about what will happen when they are put into a situation where they will be required to make a "good choice" Sometimes even if you do make the good choice, if you surround yourself with those that make bad choices then you are guilty by association. As the size of the group grows, the pressure to make the popular and sometimes bad choice increases.
5. No Means No Going back to #1.. there are several very uncomfortable scenes in this show. Two such scenes involve rape.. one of an unconscious girl and one of a girl who doesn't speak up. We must teach our daughters and sons not only that this is never acceptable, but also that it is necessary to report it. Because if the first of those girls would have reported it, the second may never have happened. Several people witnessed the first rape and no one said anything.
6. Time spent with your kids is valuable. Kids grow fast, and time spent with them is valuable. Why not spend time doing something they enjoy. Kids everywhere are talking about this show. Spending time watching this show with them is time well spent. You do everything for them when they are young, but they probably need you even more when they are teens. Soon they grow up and go away..... so why not.
7. Healthy Relationships This show definitely opens the avenue for discussion on what makes a healthy relationship. I have two teenage daughters, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't concerned about who they were choosing to involve themselves with. I don't care what nationality, religion, gender, etc they choose to date. But I expect whoever they choose to treat them with the same respect I expect from my children. I want them to be kind, respectful people who behave in school and society and who work hard. I emphasize often that part of a healthy relationship is communication... and I am not talking text and Snapchat. Had Clay and Hannah actually talked, would the outcome have been the same?
8. Just because your kid is smiling, doesn't mean they are ok. We all want the best for our children. We want them to be ok. On the outside, this girl looked happy and well adjusted. Her parents were involved. They never suspected a thing. While living in paranoia is not good either, let your kids know it ok not to be happy. But it is always good to talk. It goes back to #7.... healthy relationship and communication.
9. Know your kids friends and if possible their parents. So far my girls have been on the right track. I think they are making great choices. And honestly, for the most part I trust them. I do get concerned with who they choose to surround themselves with. My eldest is in a gifted academy, and most her friends are like her. They are responsible, kind, respectful with a lot of common sense. My next oldest..... not so much. I worry about her more because her peer group aren't always the kids that have been raised in the same type of environment as she has. She will definitely be exposed to more opportunities to make bad choices. So in a way, I have to trust her more. I have to communicate with her more and make sure she stays the great kid I believe her to be. Did Hannah's parents really know her friends?
10. Its ok to snoop on your kids So as much as you want to trust your kids and their friends, sometimes it is ok to check up on them. I require my kids to give me passwords to all of their electronic devices. Some kids will not be ok with this. And I ask..."why, not" What are they hiding? That would make me even more concerned. I've heard other kids say they need their privacy. And they can have it when they are grown and living on their own and paying all of their bills. I pay a gross amount for my kids to have cell phones. These phones are mine, and I can do whatever I want with them. I have not found cause to snoop on them often but if I was suspicious about something, I would make it my business. If my kids want to hang out with a new friend, I try to learn something about them. Social media makes this really easy. I also track their phones... especially when they don't reply in a timely manner. Never let life get too busy to check in on your kids. This might seem over the top and that I don't trust my kids. But they are still developing into adults, and they still need guidance. This show might just show you another side to teens that you didn't know existed. Get to really know kids these days... it might be an eye opener.
11.Not my kid Going back to #10. If you think you know your kid, check up on how they talk with their friends. The kids in this show seem to be the kids that have so much going for them. They were the athletes and the go-getters. This was my scariest take away from this movie. I mean I think my kids are "good kids" They seem to make good choices. But what if I am lying to myself. I think all kids have the capacity to make bad choices. At the end of the day, you just have to pray they don't. You have to give them the tools they need and hope they use them.
12. Let your kids know its ok to snitch What's the saying.... snitches get stitches....... What if just one of those kids would have told an adult. The domino effect of the events in this movie is unreal. What if someone would have stopped the dominos from toppling over. Just one ripple in this chain of events would have changed the entire outcome. You don't want your kid to throw everyone under the bus for the smallest infraction... that would be annoying. But some of the occurrences in this show were life altering. It is always ok to alert an adult if someone could potentially get hurt.
13. Suicide ruins families and other people and is never the solution. This girl thought her only course of action was to end her life. She destroyed her parents and her friends. If she had opened up to them, she would have found support. I was really afraid that this show would glamourize suicide and make it a viable option for teens who are depressed, being bullied, etc. I hope instead that it showed the devastating effects. I am curious to see the statistics on teen suicide after this show has gained so much popularity. Hopefully this show has opened the door for more people to talk to their kids.
I am not a perfect parent. I do not have perfect kids. But I am fighting like hell to make sure they are healthy, happy people who are good human beings. I am working to give them the tools they need to accomplish that. And I love them like crazy. They would probably tell you that I am too strict or expect too much. I thought the same of my mom. But I think I turned out ok so she must have been doing something right.
So while I gave you thirteen reasons to watch this show..... there is only one.... and that is communication.
1. It will make you uncomfortable As a society, we tend to sweep hard issues under the rug. Watching this show with your kids will be uncomfortable. Themes of rape, underage drinking, drugs and suicide are at the forefront of this show. Uncomfortable is good because sometimes we need to go outside of our safe zone in order to understand.
2. Bullying Teenagers often treat each other like shit whether they are aware of it or not. One of the themes of this show is bullying and how the things we do to and say about each other make a difference. All teens have been affected by gossip and bullying in some form or another. If we can teach our kids to simply consider others and their hardships, we might just make this world a better place. The basis of this show is bullying. And while what one person said might not be that damaging.... stock pile it with what everyone says. Sometimes it is a lot to take in. If we teach our kids to build each other up instead of tearing each other down, we are doing society a service.
3. Underage Drinking and Drugs This story line clearly outlines the dangers of underage drinking. Teenagers are not yet responsible enough to handle the consequences of drinking or to monitor themselves to determine when enough is enough. That is why there is a drinking age. Two very specific incidents will speak directly to this issue. If your child goes to high school, they know kids who do drugs and they probably know someone who sells drugs. A conversation about making smart choices when it comes to drugs is always important. Kids think they are invincible. It's ok to remind them that they are not.
4. Peer Pressure and Mob Mentality The group of kids involved in the plot line clearly pressure each other to take action in ways they would not if they were working alone. And there is a large group of them working together which creates a mob mentality. I tell my own daughters that I trust their judgment, but sometimes I don't trust what others will try to lead them into doing. I worry about what will happen when they are put into a situation where they will be required to make a "good choice" Sometimes even if you do make the good choice, if you surround yourself with those that make bad choices then you are guilty by association. As the size of the group grows, the pressure to make the popular and sometimes bad choice increases.
5. No Means No Going back to #1.. there are several very uncomfortable scenes in this show. Two such scenes involve rape.. one of an unconscious girl and one of a girl who doesn't speak up. We must teach our daughters and sons not only that this is never acceptable, but also that it is necessary to report it. Because if the first of those girls would have reported it, the second may never have happened. Several people witnessed the first rape and no one said anything.
6. Time spent with your kids is valuable. Kids grow fast, and time spent with them is valuable. Why not spend time doing something they enjoy. Kids everywhere are talking about this show. Spending time watching this show with them is time well spent. You do everything for them when they are young, but they probably need you even more when they are teens. Soon they grow up and go away..... so why not.
7. Healthy Relationships This show definitely opens the avenue for discussion on what makes a healthy relationship. I have two teenage daughters, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't concerned about who they were choosing to involve themselves with. I don't care what nationality, religion, gender, etc they choose to date. But I expect whoever they choose to treat them with the same respect I expect from my children. I want them to be kind, respectful people who behave in school and society and who work hard. I emphasize often that part of a healthy relationship is communication... and I am not talking text and Snapchat. Had Clay and Hannah actually talked, would the outcome have been the same?
8. Just because your kid is smiling, doesn't mean they are ok. We all want the best for our children. We want them to be ok. On the outside, this girl looked happy and well adjusted. Her parents were involved. They never suspected a thing. While living in paranoia is not good either, let your kids know it ok not to be happy. But it is always good to talk. It goes back to #7.... healthy relationship and communication.
9. Know your kids friends and if possible their parents. So far my girls have been on the right track. I think they are making great choices. And honestly, for the most part I trust them. I do get concerned with who they choose to surround themselves with. My eldest is in a gifted academy, and most her friends are like her. They are responsible, kind, respectful with a lot of common sense. My next oldest..... not so much. I worry about her more because her peer group aren't always the kids that have been raised in the same type of environment as she has. She will definitely be exposed to more opportunities to make bad choices. So in a way, I have to trust her more. I have to communicate with her more and make sure she stays the great kid I believe her to be. Did Hannah's parents really know her friends?
10. Its ok to snoop on your kids So as much as you want to trust your kids and their friends, sometimes it is ok to check up on them. I require my kids to give me passwords to all of their electronic devices. Some kids will not be ok with this. And I ask..."why, not" What are they hiding? That would make me even more concerned. I've heard other kids say they need their privacy. And they can have it when they are grown and living on their own and paying all of their bills. I pay a gross amount for my kids to have cell phones. These phones are mine, and I can do whatever I want with them. I have not found cause to snoop on them often but if I was suspicious about something, I would make it my business. If my kids want to hang out with a new friend, I try to learn something about them. Social media makes this really easy. I also track their phones... especially when they don't reply in a timely manner. Never let life get too busy to check in on your kids. This might seem over the top and that I don't trust my kids. But they are still developing into adults, and they still need guidance. This show might just show you another side to teens that you didn't know existed. Get to really know kids these days... it might be an eye opener.
11.Not my kid Going back to #10. If you think you know your kid, check up on how they talk with their friends. The kids in this show seem to be the kids that have so much going for them. They were the athletes and the go-getters. This was my scariest take away from this movie. I mean I think my kids are "good kids" They seem to make good choices. But what if I am lying to myself. I think all kids have the capacity to make bad choices. At the end of the day, you just have to pray they don't. You have to give them the tools they need and hope they use them.
12. Let your kids know its ok to snitch What's the saying.... snitches get stitches....... What if just one of those kids would have told an adult. The domino effect of the events in this movie is unreal. What if someone would have stopped the dominos from toppling over. Just one ripple in this chain of events would have changed the entire outcome. You don't want your kid to throw everyone under the bus for the smallest infraction... that would be annoying. But some of the occurrences in this show were life altering. It is always ok to alert an adult if someone could potentially get hurt.
13. Suicide ruins families and other people and is never the solution. This girl thought her only course of action was to end her life. She destroyed her parents and her friends. If she had opened up to them, she would have found support. I was really afraid that this show would glamourize suicide and make it a viable option for teens who are depressed, being bullied, etc. I hope instead that it showed the devastating effects. I am curious to see the statistics on teen suicide after this show has gained so much popularity. Hopefully this show has opened the door for more people to talk to their kids.
I am not a perfect parent. I do not have perfect kids. But I am fighting like hell to make sure they are healthy, happy people who are good human beings. I am working to give them the tools they need to accomplish that. And I love them like crazy. They would probably tell you that I am too strict or expect too much. I thought the same of my mom. But I think I turned out ok so she must have been doing something right.
So while I gave you thirteen reasons to watch this show..... there is only one.... and that is communication.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Musical Epiphany
Ok so here's the deal. I have never really been a fan of musicals. OK Roz, Jen, Gabby, Abby, and the rest of the EHS cast.... you can quit cursing my name. Over the past two years, I have come to appreciate them so much more. My oldest daughter, Gabby, has developed a passion for them. While I myself have ZERO musical talent, I have come to appreciate those that do.
Many of you know from my Facebook post, that Gabby's senior musical, Pippin, was this past weekend. This blog is dedicated to things I learned about the theater, my daughter, and her friends over the last week. I was fortunate enough to be allowed to photograph the shows both in the audience and backstage. Here are my findings.
1. Pippin is a very 70's musical. The story line is confusing. But there is so much meaning to be found in this lesser known musical.... and I will get into that later. So instead of dropping acid before you see it, I suggest that you view it multiple times. I saw it a grand total of 6 times. And I might finally get it.
2. While sports at schools are given great accolades, the arts are not as heavily advertised or attended. This is a shame because the students in these performances put in as much practice and work as any athlete. Nightly rehearsals, get-togethers to practice lines, and private lessons to exercise their most important instrument..their voices. They even vary diet to keep their voices in tip top condition: No dairy, special teas, honey... add to that Airborne and vitamin C drops to keep from getting sick. They are in training, and they take it VERY SERIOUSLY. I implore more schools to give the arts as much recognition as the sports. My other daughter is lucky enough to attend the Fine Arts Academy at Larkin High School. Their attention to the arts is what all schools should emulate. I did see some Elgin High teachers and the principal at performances. The proof in this lack of dedication to the arts is the student run twitter account. They tweeted about a basketball game twice in all enthusiastic caps. For the four performances of the musical, they tweeted once with an enthusiasm that couldn't even get them to capitalize the days of the week. There were 50 students involved in the musical. Surely we can muster some enthusiasm for that.
3. The theme of this play strongly emulates a common theme in the real life of a Gifted Academy student. Pippin is looking for something fulfilling in his life. He takes a lot of advice from the "actors" who build him up to be extraordinary, and they tell him what he needs to be fulfilled. In the end, the masses try to get him to complete "the finale" to his life. But Pippin finds his own way, and eventually does not succumb to the suggestions of others. This parallels what a lot of senior academy kids have gone through this year.... what my own kid has gone through. These kids are extraordinary in many aspects of their lives. And they feel there are certain expectations to fulfill. They stress about doing the right thing. For them it is choosing the right college, the right major. Parents, teachers and peers alike all expect them to choose a good school and have a major/occupation that is worthy of their intellect. My own kid struggled with wanting to do what others wanted from her and what she wanted for herself. Like Pippin, sometimes you have to look past other's expectations and discover what you are passionate about. She doesn't want to be a lawyer or a neurosurgeon. Her passions lie in less academic pursuits. She is passionate about horses and music. And she is exceptional at those things. While not "academic," these interests certainly require work and cultivation. To be great at anything requires a deep seated knowledge. Careers in these pursuits are often harder to achieve.
4. While EHS does not host the fine arts academy, the members of this cast are wildly talented. They are also humble, polite, smart and just great kids. I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to talk about each one of them
Abby L Leading player. If this girl does not end up on Broadway or making music somewhere, I will be astonished. I can't wait to say, "I knew her when." Not only a talented vocalists.... she plays the guitar and ukulele maybe even the piano. She also writes and composes her own music. And her acting skills are spot on. Some of her songs gave me goosebumps. I could listen to her sing all day. She plans on majoring in music in college. She is a natural leader with the ability to discuss and analyze the music and roles she play. She is AMAZING!
Walker D Pippin. He has the voice of an angel. At one point he has to sing without any music, and his voice is sweet and pure. He is also proficient at the piano and the ukulele. I have never met a nicer kid. And while I do love to give him a hard time, I also find him to be an "extra ordinary" human being. He has a strong sense of what is "just" and isn't afraid to stand up for those beliefs. He also plans to pursue music.
Nathanial B Charlemagne. Strong voice and a strong musician. He really can project his voice. Also plans on majoring in music. His acting skills could also take him far. He has a dry sense of humor that translates really well to stage. Once he is cast, he really embodies a character. He is polite and kind, quiet and introspective.
Matthew Q Lewis... I consider him the "Robin Williams" of the group. Always funny and always a little extra. His "dad voice" however is frightening. You never know what he is going to say, but he always says it with panache. He plays the viola with such passion that you can tell the joy with which he plays. He has been known to play other string instruments as well such as the violin and bass. I am not sure there anything he can't do musically. I have known him since the 7th grade, and when he isn't giving my young son gaming advice, he really is a nice young man.
Sonia K Bertha.... "Still attractive" I mean always attractive.... She is beyond stunning. And maybe the nicest person on the planet. I had so much fun getting to know her better this weekend and laughing with her. Always laughing with Sonia around. Her interpretation of Bertha was spot on and never failed to make me smile. She never missed a beat and her voice was perfection. I don't think she is planning on majoring in music; but what ever she does, she will go far.
Gabby L Catherine.....she's not your "average ordinary kind of woman" She's amazing.. and she is mine. We honestly had no idea that she could sing until last year. She has been playing the violin since 4th grade and can often pick up songs and play them by ear. But singing is new to her, and she nailed the role of Catherine. From being in this musical and last years, I have seen her confidence grow. The kind of confidence that I have only seen when she is riding her horse. So to have another aspect of her life that gives her that much joy and confidence... how could I not embrace it. She's planning a major in Equine Business Management, but I would be shocked if music didn't play some role in her life past high school. In true Gabby fashion, she has submersed herself in all things musical. Her cast mates have been supportive and like a second family to her... So for that I am truly grateful.
Sarah T Fastrada.. the only Junior who is a lead... she is gorgeous, talented and dedicated. I am curious to see how far she will go. I don't know her as well as the others, but she lights up a stage. I may have to come back next year just to see her on the EHS stage once again.
5. The teacher, directors, choreographers who support these kids don't just care about the musical. They care about these kids as human beings. They work long hours and sacrifice sleep, nutrition (no Frito's aren't technically dinner) and sanity to support these students. Parents who support these kids also sacrifice time with their kids. I was fortunate enough to get to know some of the parents a little better this weekend, and it is easy to see why these kids are so fantastic. They have been raised by some equally amazing parents. I would like to give a special shout out to Jen and Ms Zahora for believing in my kid enough to give her a part in this musical. Also to Roz who not only keeps me laughing but has given my kid the confidence to "go for it"
Now go out and support the arts. Attend a concert, a play, a musical, a dance show in your community. I think that you will be surprised how well put together and talented the kids are. Support them like you would a football, basketball or soccer team.
Many of you know from my Facebook post, that Gabby's senior musical, Pippin, was this past weekend. This blog is dedicated to things I learned about the theater, my daughter, and her friends over the last week. I was fortunate enough to be allowed to photograph the shows both in the audience and backstage. Here are my findings.
1. Pippin is a very 70's musical. The story line is confusing. But there is so much meaning to be found in this lesser known musical.... and I will get into that later. So instead of dropping acid before you see it, I suggest that you view it multiple times. I saw it a grand total of 6 times. And I might finally get it.
2. While sports at schools are given great accolades, the arts are not as heavily advertised or attended. This is a shame because the students in these performances put in as much practice and work as any athlete. Nightly rehearsals, get-togethers to practice lines, and private lessons to exercise their most important instrument..their voices. They even vary diet to keep their voices in tip top condition: No dairy, special teas, honey... add to that Airborne and vitamin C drops to keep from getting sick. They are in training, and they take it VERY SERIOUSLY. I implore more schools to give the arts as much recognition as the sports. My other daughter is lucky enough to attend the Fine Arts Academy at Larkin High School. Their attention to the arts is what all schools should emulate. I did see some Elgin High teachers and the principal at performances. The proof in this lack of dedication to the arts is the student run twitter account. They tweeted about a basketball game twice in all enthusiastic caps. For the four performances of the musical, they tweeted once with an enthusiasm that couldn't even get them to capitalize the days of the week. There were 50 students involved in the musical. Surely we can muster some enthusiasm for that.
3. The theme of this play strongly emulates a common theme in the real life of a Gifted Academy student. Pippin is looking for something fulfilling in his life. He takes a lot of advice from the "actors" who build him up to be extraordinary, and they tell him what he needs to be fulfilled. In the end, the masses try to get him to complete "the finale" to his life. But Pippin finds his own way, and eventually does not succumb to the suggestions of others. This parallels what a lot of senior academy kids have gone through this year.... what my own kid has gone through. These kids are extraordinary in many aspects of their lives. And they feel there are certain expectations to fulfill. They stress about doing the right thing. For them it is choosing the right college, the right major. Parents, teachers and peers alike all expect them to choose a good school and have a major/occupation that is worthy of their intellect. My own kid struggled with wanting to do what others wanted from her and what she wanted for herself. Like Pippin, sometimes you have to look past other's expectations and discover what you are passionate about. She doesn't want to be a lawyer or a neurosurgeon. Her passions lie in less academic pursuits. She is passionate about horses and music. And she is exceptional at those things. While not "academic," these interests certainly require work and cultivation. To be great at anything requires a deep seated knowledge. Careers in these pursuits are often harder to achieve.
4. While EHS does not host the fine arts academy, the members of this cast are wildly talented. They are also humble, polite, smart and just great kids. I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to talk about each one of them
Abby L Leading player. If this girl does not end up on Broadway or making music somewhere, I will be astonished. I can't wait to say, "I knew her when." Not only a talented vocalists.... she plays the guitar and ukulele maybe even the piano. She also writes and composes her own music. And her acting skills are spot on. Some of her songs gave me goosebumps. I could listen to her sing all day. She plans on majoring in music in college. She is a natural leader with the ability to discuss and analyze the music and roles she play. She is AMAZING!
Walker D Pippin. He has the voice of an angel. At one point he has to sing without any music, and his voice is sweet and pure. He is also proficient at the piano and the ukulele. I have never met a nicer kid. And while I do love to give him a hard time, I also find him to be an "extra ordinary" human being. He has a strong sense of what is "just" and isn't afraid to stand up for those beliefs. He also plans to pursue music.
Nathanial B Charlemagne. Strong voice and a strong musician. He really can project his voice. Also plans on majoring in music. His acting skills could also take him far. He has a dry sense of humor that translates really well to stage. Once he is cast, he really embodies a character. He is polite and kind, quiet and introspective.
Matthew Q Lewis... I consider him the "Robin Williams" of the group. Always funny and always a little extra. His "dad voice" however is frightening. You never know what he is going to say, but he always says it with panache. He plays the viola with such passion that you can tell the joy with which he plays. He has been known to play other string instruments as well such as the violin and bass. I am not sure there anything he can't do musically. I have known him since the 7th grade, and when he isn't giving my young son gaming advice, he really is a nice young man.
Sonia K Bertha.... "Still attractive" I mean always attractive.... She is beyond stunning. And maybe the nicest person on the planet. I had so much fun getting to know her better this weekend and laughing with her. Always laughing with Sonia around. Her interpretation of Bertha was spot on and never failed to make me smile. She never missed a beat and her voice was perfection. I don't think she is planning on majoring in music; but what ever she does, she will go far.
Gabby L Catherine.....she's not your "average ordinary kind of woman" She's amazing.. and she is mine. We honestly had no idea that she could sing until last year. She has been playing the violin since 4th grade and can often pick up songs and play them by ear. But singing is new to her, and she nailed the role of Catherine. From being in this musical and last years, I have seen her confidence grow. The kind of confidence that I have only seen when she is riding her horse. So to have another aspect of her life that gives her that much joy and confidence... how could I not embrace it. She's planning a major in Equine Business Management, but I would be shocked if music didn't play some role in her life past high school. In true Gabby fashion, she has submersed herself in all things musical. Her cast mates have been supportive and like a second family to her... So for that I am truly grateful.
Sarah T Fastrada.. the only Junior who is a lead... she is gorgeous, talented and dedicated. I am curious to see how far she will go. I don't know her as well as the others, but she lights up a stage. I may have to come back next year just to see her on the EHS stage once again.
5. The teacher, directors, choreographers who support these kids don't just care about the musical. They care about these kids as human beings. They work long hours and sacrifice sleep, nutrition (no Frito's aren't technically dinner) and sanity to support these students. Parents who support these kids also sacrifice time with their kids. I was fortunate enough to get to know some of the parents a little better this weekend, and it is easy to see why these kids are so fantastic. They have been raised by some equally amazing parents. I would like to give a special shout out to Jen and Ms Zahora for believing in my kid enough to give her a part in this musical. Also to Roz who not only keeps me laughing but has given my kid the confidence to "go for it"
Now go out and support the arts. Attend a concert, a play, a musical, a dance show in your community. I think that you will be surprised how well put together and talented the kids are. Support them like you would a football, basketball or soccer team.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
What I learned from hosting a Harry Potter Marathon
Nineteen hours of geek fueled viewing bliss....... Harry Potter 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 7.2 back to back. Add twelve teenagers and one crazy mom. Recipe for success. I learned a lot in those 19 hours.
1. Gabby has the most amazing group of friends. They are polite, intelligent, artistic overachievers who also know how to have fun. I enjoyed their company immensely. Made me realize how much I will miss all of them when they leave for college next year. They didn't seem to care how geeky a HP marathon was. They logged into their HP accounts and talked about what houses they were in and what their patronus was. We had lots of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws and couple Gryffindors. No Slytherins were in attendance. These are kids with great manners who are ready to take on the world. I cannot say enough about how awesome they are.
2. Teenagers don't really watch movies. They spend a lot of time on their phones....sometimes fact checking the screenplay..sometimes playing each other in games. They watch enough of it to comment from time to time, but they spend just as much time harassing each other about their scores and who is on the leader board. They also text in a group chat although they are all in the same room.
3, Teenage kids eat a lot.
4. There are a fair amount of people who dislike Ron Weasley. One in particular was very vocal about her dislike of both Ron and Ginny Weasley. I think that in her ideal world, Harry and Hermione belong together and Ron and Ginny just got in the way.
5. Matthew Q and Jackson are the same mental age. They shared their favorite YouTube videos and giggled like 11 year old boys.
6. Even18 year olds get excited about trying butter beer. It was a little sweet for my taste, but the kids seemed to like it.
7. Gabby Lee would do just about anything to keep me from showing her friends the video of her 3rd grade talent show!
7.2 I am not designed to pull an all-nighter. I wasn't in college, and I am not now. I adore my sleep, but I wouldn't have changed a thing. I got to spend valuable time with my girl and her friends. I would lose sleep again to have that opportunity.
I guess the moral of the story is that if your child asks for something crazy like this, do it. The time spent together is something you will value forever. I guess I am getting greedy with the time I have left with her before she goes off to college. And Harry Potter is awesome.... skip the credits and you can watch them all in 19 hours.
1. Gabby has the most amazing group of friends. They are polite, intelligent, artistic overachievers who also know how to have fun. I enjoyed their company immensely. Made me realize how much I will miss all of them when they leave for college next year. They didn't seem to care how geeky a HP marathon was. They logged into their HP accounts and talked about what houses they were in and what their patronus was. We had lots of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws and couple Gryffindors. No Slytherins were in attendance. These are kids with great manners who are ready to take on the world. I cannot say enough about how awesome they are.
2. Teenagers don't really watch movies. They spend a lot of time on their phones....sometimes fact checking the screenplay..sometimes playing each other in games. They watch enough of it to comment from time to time, but they spend just as much time harassing each other about their scores and who is on the leader board. They also text in a group chat although they are all in the same room.
3, Teenage kids eat a lot.
4. There are a fair amount of people who dislike Ron Weasley. One in particular was very vocal about her dislike of both Ron and Ginny Weasley. I think that in her ideal world, Harry and Hermione belong together and Ron and Ginny just got in the way.
5. Matthew Q and Jackson are the same mental age. They shared their favorite YouTube videos and giggled like 11 year old boys.
6. Even18 year olds get excited about trying butter beer. It was a little sweet for my taste, but the kids seemed to like it.
7. Gabby Lee would do just about anything to keep me from showing her friends the video of her 3rd grade talent show!
7.2 I am not designed to pull an all-nighter. I wasn't in college, and I am not now. I adore my sleep, but I wouldn't have changed a thing. I got to spend valuable time with my girl and her friends. I would lose sleep again to have that opportunity.
I guess the moral of the story is that if your child asks for something crazy like this, do it. The time spent together is something you will value forever. I guess I am getting greedy with the time I have left with her before she goes off to college. And Harry Potter is awesome.... skip the credits and you can watch them all in 19 hours.
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