Summer 09

Summer's almost over.
That means all the homework and drama of school is right back around the corner.
But before I go back to school, I have to go "Into the Woods".

The day before I left for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (BLFAC) way back in July, I went to Riverwalk Theater to audition for the Stephen Sondeim musical "Into the Woods".

Into the woods weaves grown up versions of well-known fairy tales into the story of the Baker and his wife who have been cursed with childlessness by a witch. As the two of them struggle to fulfill the witch’s demands and break the curse, they cross paths with a number of fairy tale characters who become involved in the quest. Along the way they each learn the impact of acting on their wishes without considering the consequences.

While I was still at Blue Lake, I got a letter from home saying I got the part of Little Red Ridinghood. I was so excited (and still am) to be a part of the show! Rehearsals for the show have been going on for a long time now, and in a week or so it will be show time! Other characters include: Cinderella, Jack, Rapunzel, a Wolf and a Giant! This show has been a wonderful experiance and a great way to end the summer. Come see the show!

How Unspeakably Dreary!

Usually when I say this Seussical quote, I laugh because its our joke.
This time, things are different.


Today, June 25th 2009 we lost three phenomenal people. People who have surely left their mark on history and their work will always be remembered.

Farrah Fawcett (1947-2009)

• Died from cancer

• Actress

• Remembered as Jill Munroe in Charlie's Angels (1976)

• Known for her role in Charlie's Angles and her big curly blonde hair, Farrah was an amazing actress with so much talent

Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

• Died from Cardiac Arrest/Coma

• Musician, Pop Star

• Known as the youngest member of the Jackson 5 and singer of the hit album "Thriller" (1980's)

• A fabulous singer and famous for doing the moonwalk, Michael Jackson was a pop star in the eyes of thousands of people all over the world. His albums, music videos and live performances always brought something unexpected. Although, he had a troubled life he will be remembered as one of America's most famous pop musicians and stars
  

Ed McMahon (1923-2009)

• Died old age

• TV Wonder

• Known as performer on the Tonight Show and the famous quote "Heeeeeeeeeeeere's Johnny!"

• Ed was one of the most famous TV stars. Working alongside Johnny Carson, McMahon made history with his wit and big heart
  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOJL0EreRu8


R.I.P

Day Two

Today was the second day of our summer adventure!

• Civil War - This morning we drove to the Gettysburg National Park to see the new Cyclarama dipicting the battle at Little Roundtop. This 42 ft. painting dipicts one of the bloodies battles in the Civil War. It was amazing to be sourounded by the painting with audio comentary and historical background. The most amazing thing about the Cyclarama was that it just wasn't a painting, in addition they built fences and other things near the bottom of the picture that came out to where you were standing. You couldn't tell where the picture started, feeling like you were in the battle yourself!

• Geocaching (for those of you who don't know what that is...) - Geocaching is something that we discovered about a year or two ago. Geocaching uses clues and hints to help people find boxes hidden all over your city. Some are large and some are small but they are all fun to retrieve! All caches have logs to record the date when you found the cache, but big caches have extra special surprises. Biger caches have a log and treasures and othher knick-knacks! Small caches just have logs. Today, we did some geocaching in Gettysburg. We did a nano cache (a log rolled up in something the size of a bullet). It ended up being in a street sign, so there was some climbing involved. I had to climb on my mother to get it down and put it back! IT WAS AMAZING!

The rest of the day was driving, and now we are staying in Elizabeth City overnight. Tomorrow we will drive to our final deestination! Cape Hatteras, North Carolina to our beach house!

Stay updated for future posts!

Les vacances d'été commencent !

Because its been a while since I've posted, here's whats been going on in my life since April 25th....

• Seussical; The Musical - Ended up being very successful! Five shows total and two sell outs! With the most amazing cast, dedicated crew and prepared pit made Seussical one of the most fun experiences in my life!

• End of Freshmen Year - Long story short, ITS OVER! Summer is here!!

Now that its summer and school's out, its time to make out yearly summer trip to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina! Its always fun to get away from Michigan and spend a week at the beach (attempting to tan) and seeing family! Our first stop on the trip (and where I'm posting from) is Gettysburg! Gettysburg is a famous city known for its involvement in the Civil War and other major battles.

Tomorrow, we are going to see a 3D Cyclarama/Video about the Civil War before continuing our driving.....for hours.....and hours.....and hours.......

It's (kinda) late!
Stay updated for future posts!

Seussical: The Musical

Each year our high school puts on a show, and this year its no surprise its started to grow!
Why am I rhyming? Well, you'll soon see. That Dr. Seuss can only mean........


OHS is putting on Seussical the Musical, combining the many book by Dr. Seuss into a show of interesting characters, catchy songs and fascinating worlds.

The story is about Horton the Elephant, who lives in the Jungle of Nool.
Until one day when he's splashing around in the pool.....
He hears a small voice, a small cry for help
From a dust speck floating.....in space!

It is here, the Horton finds the planet of Who
With small tiny people, floating through the Jungle of Nool.
But things of Who are not the best,
In fact, they are the opposite, and put the Mayor to the test

Floating through space and going to war......is not something small
It shows Horton the most important lesson of all.
A person's a person, no matter how small!

The cast includes the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie la Bird, the Wickersham Brothers and much much more!
It's Seussical the Musical!
OHS newest show!!

So here are the dates and times for it all!
In hopes that you'll answer our dust specks call.
But two shows are already gone and done,
So get tickets now, and come join the fun!!


April 24 - 7:30 pm
April 25 & 26 - 2:30 pm
May 1 & 2- 7:30
Okemos High School (OHS)

The Next Turning Point

Before I begin, I would just like to inform you that I am bringing you this post courtesy of my new trusty LAPTOP. Thanks Green Tuna!

Today was the next turning point in my life, turning 15. Even though I'm technically not 15 until 10:04 tonight, I still consider myself one year older. Like every birthday, its a big day when you turn one year older taking one step further into life.....knowing there's no turning back.

Besides my turning 15, things in my life are going great!
The family.....
The boy......
School and Outside of school stuff......

Teen Tuna artist formally known as Tiny Tuna is now 15. HAZZA!!

It's March. Go figure.

Welcome to 2009!
Sorry my post is a little.......no! A LOT late welcoming the new year.
The few months of 2009 have been pretty hectic

First things first, the Oscars!
Watching the Oscars for 2009 were especially wonderful, because everybody looked FABULOUS.
All the dresses.......
All the winners......
ALL THE EVERYTHING!

Second, the boy
Things are fine between us, no news to report
All is well!

Because its late, I'm going to have to cut this post a bit short. Lastly, some you-tube videos that I have been obsessed with for the past few days!

Merry Xmas!

The spirit of Christmas is more than presents. Christmas has been around long before any of us could remember, and still reminds people of the joyful time!


In the spirit of the holidays comes music, happiness and bring together family!

12 Days of Christmas - Straight no Chaser

OMG

The course of my teenage life has taken many turns, some for better and others for worse. It's been a month since I last posted, but being bored on a Monday afternoon is typical for a teenager like me! Many things have happened and changed my life to a point. And here, they are:

Chain of Events in Past Month (or something close to that):

• OHS Winter Choir Concert (with a song by PDQ Bach)
  
• Received Fencing Gear and sworn into long line of Fencing legends (i know.......its KEWL!)
• Have boyfriend (no names mentioned!)
• Cell Phone (lesson in responsibility and trust)
  

My life is getting easier now that things have started to slow down. Dance, church choir and MSUCC are all done for winter break which clears up lots of time to plow the house and get ready for Christmas.

Well, t-t-t-t-t-t-that's all folks!

English Class.........Shakespeare

About a month ago in English class, we began reading Shakespeares greatest love story Romeo and Juliet. We had some interesting conversations before we read it.....

A kid in our class asks: "How are we going to read it? Are you going to asign us parts and we can read it aloud. That's what we did in middle school!"

To this she replies, "OH NO! I'm not going to make you read it! That would be painful, for both me and you. Oh no! I wouldn't do that!"

Humph!

Anyway, after we listened to a recording of the play, we watched the 1962 version. It stared Lenard Whiting and Olivia Hussy as Romeo and Juliet. It was a very good movie, for being so old. (That's for you Greentuna!!).

Romeo and Juliet 1968 Trailer


Romeo and Juliet "What is a Youth?"


Romeo and Juliet "Beautiful Soul"

Unconscious Mutterings...........Again!

1. Spit it out :: It's gross
   
2. Shadow :: Land
   
3. Database :: Web
   
4. Expression :: Music
   
5. Boss :: Bully
   
6. Baby :: Doll
   
7. Mystic :: Mountain
   
8. Kate :: Kissing
   
9. Boobies :: pop pop
   
10. Raid :: Was none to be found
    

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Please stop :: NO!
   
2. Move over :: Please?
   
3. Sweet as :: Cherry Pie
   
4. Bet :: on it (not happening...........)
   
5. Mad about :: Everything
   
6. It’s over :: For us, we can't be together anymore
   
7. Intend to :: Free my soul
   
8. Blame :: You are to
   
9. Jefferson :: Davis
   
10. Heartless :: Villain
    

Engarde!

Fencing: the art, practice, or sport in which an épée, foil, or saber is used for defense and attack.

About a week ago, I joined the Okemos High School Fencing Club. I thought it would be a great idea to try it out. At the first meeting we learned basic footwork and how to lunge. After we learned the basics, we watched some of the members (who have been fencing for a long time) do a small demonstration game. I was so excited when I left, and told myself that I HAD to go back!

Today was our second meeting. They are held in the Choir Room after school from 3-5pm. Today was the best meeting ever (even though it was only the second meeting!) For the first half an hour, we watched a pair of boys and girls fence off against each other. We watched to see what a real fencing competition was like and what the penalties are if a fencer, fellow friend or coach. Unfortunately, we can't fence with real swords due to safety issues, so for right now we are learning by playing a game of HEM.

HEM is a game played with beginning or experienced fencers. The group is split into two teems to make the game even. The game is played with pool noodles since they can't really hurt anybody. Even though it isn't dangerous, we still wear masks to keep our heads safe from hard blows. Each team is given a different pool noodle (ex. Purple vs. Orange). In addition, one member of the team is given a different color noodle then the rest of the team. This person is known as the HEM, the target that the other team is trying to hit. The game is now played by advancing and retreating on the other team. The goal is for you to hit the other teams HEM before they hit yours. To get to the HEM you have to get through the other players by hitting them on the head with your noodle. It's a great game! But enough about how its played, let's get to today!!

For the rest of the time we played the game HEM. I only stayed on one side and fenced against the same people. Our coach told me to go fence against other people and try to score HEM for our team. I did what he said. As we continued, the coach watched me intently. Finally, he stopped the game to give an announcement. He said that only one person was working the hardest and was the only one doing it right, AND it was a newbee. As we continued, he had me fence against some of the more experianced fencers. I fenced against most of them and got them out more that once. When the meeting was over, people kept telling me that I was an amazing fencer. Coach noticed this to and said that I should sign up for a 15 week course class about how to fence with actuall swords. It was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO amazing and I was very happy to get outside and feel the cold air.


Well, that's it! It was a great day and one of the most rewarding experiances in my life!

.

2008 Election

I am not one of those politics junkies. In fact, the only part of the election that I watch and enjoy is when they announce the winner. This year is more exciting than the others (keep in mind the other elections I didn't understand what was going on!)

This year, there are two very different candidates running. First is Senator Barack Obama, the democratic nominee. He is the first man of color to run for president which draws a lot of extra attention to the election. Running against him is John McCain, the Republican nominee. The third running (but who lost to Obama for the nomination) was Hillary Clinton. She was the first woman who was running for president, and she also drew attention.

Over the course of this election, both candidates have told America about their plans if they win the election. In addition, both have made public appearances to visit with the people that they could future work with.

Overall, the 2008 election has proved to be a very different one. With new turns, new idea's and later tonight the announcement of our new president!