Purple and black, and blue and gold....

Well.
It has come down to this.
Today is the day, and all that jazz.
Junia is currently running amok in insanity, along with mom (of course), getting ready for bacclaureate (is that how it's spelled?) which starts at 1:30.
The Graduation ceremony is at 3.
God only knows how much of my soul that will suck away.
I almost want to bring a book to the ceremony.
I might just do that....
I mean, M is in the middle of the alphabet, so we have a couple hundred other kids to sit through before and after her name is called.
I just can't wait for the party to start, so mom will chill out.
This has been one of those weeks where I freak out when I think about getting married.
I mean, if she's this bad now, I can only imagine...
I think I'll skip the sedative dart and just give her some special brownies and a tall bottle of Arbor Mist.
That may only work temporarily though, as mom tends to be a sharp cookie, and may very well recall what it felt like to be high all those eons of years ago when she was in high school.
Before she found the Jesus, of course.
;o)
But I digress.
I am excited that Junia is finally graduating as I know she HATED high school.
She's had senioritis since freshman year, so I'm trying my best to not ruin today for her.
I'm am happy that she has her gold cap and gown, and will be sitting amongst the others hundred blue and gold graduates, just as I did four years ago, just as our cousin did eight years ago, and his sister 15 years ago, and just as mom and dad did 27 years.
The baby of this generation of our family is graduating today...
Just between you and me, I'm so proud of her for all she has accomplished.
Sure, she's a pain in the arse, but she's a great kid.
And I love her.
Just don't tell her that....

Hysteria!!! part deux

I'm taking an illegal break right now.
I should be doing something hard, and laborous.
I was, but now I'm not.
heh.
The recital is officially over.
Like all things, you build up to it, and, in a flash, it's done.
I received a couple of small Thank-you gifts, several Thank-you's, and a ton of hugs.
It was fun, but I relish the idea of a musical theatre break.
Then, I rushed home to do mom's bidding with Graduation Preparation 2009.
She is in her usual state of panic, and I'm in my usual state of wanting to sedate her.
Josh was supposed to come down tonight.
Unfortunately, there was/is too much going on to do anything involving a guest in the house.
Argh.
I'm totally bummed about that.
On top of having to do all of this... stuff, being bummed doesn't help my disposition.
Greater good and all that jazz, I suppose...
Luckily, he and his darling parents are traveling down tomorrow evening for the party, so I'll get to see them then.
I'm really glad several people are coming tomorrow night, people I haven't seen for a while.
I am going to attempt to be more helpful now...
The sooner stuff gets done, the sooner mom will be satisfied with the universe, and dad, Junia and I can breath.

A rare moment of clarity, gone forever...

It's weeks like this one that make being a mother and raising children seem like such a nightmare.
Junia has this think called Graduation (perhaps you've heard of it?) this Sunday.
Apparently, after said "graduating" has taken place, it seems mandatory to have a gathering of sorts with food and people, and some sort of entertainment.
(The latter is optional, depending on personal preferences.)
This Sunday, mother has planned an outdoor event in the vast expanse of yard we have at our disposal.
We're going to utilize the newly built front porch of the new house for "entertainment," (SOMEONE will be playing music..... I guess.) and there will be two large canopies.
The food will be provided by mom, various family members, and myself.
(I have no idea what to make....)
Now, the unfortunate part of such a party is the preparation for said party, because not only must we prepare the yard and its surroundings for our little Fete, but we must also liven up the downstairs portion of our household.
Why?
Because people will need to use the facilities at some point, and mom seems OVERLY convinced that there will be a being or two of the curious/nosy persuasion who will want to meander throughout our household, in an attempt to find some bit of something to scrutinize.
*SIGH*
Because of this panic-induced insanity, Junia and I spent this past evening focused on our yard and the porch, which was slightly.... disturbing.
Aidenn and/or the cats thought it amusing at some point during the past couple of days, to sabotage our needs for neatness and rummaged through the dumpster.
As a result, several pieces of trash were strewn about the porch.
THAT was a fun project.
Because of the construction on the new house, there were also several large power tools and regular tools lying about.
That project I relinquished to Junia.
Then, as I was sweeping up trash and debris, I realized the flower beds were looking a little sad.
So, after a quick trip to Wal-mart by Junia and our delightfully helpful darling Tyler, I quickly went to work planting a few pansies and petunias.
A-dorable, but hard to do after sunset.
The next project looming in the near future is attempting to re-arrange the interior of our household, which has moving boxes nestled about, filled with whatnots of the Maynard place of residence.
Now, if this "graduation" were the only activity this weekend about which I was concerned, all would be grand.
However, such is NOT the case.
Tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday is RECITALRECITALRECITAL.
Tomorrow is class as usual.
Friday is dress rehearsal AKA madness.
Saturday, the recital is at 3 pm.
I may die before Sunday.
On top of that, Rosebriar's auditions for Midsummer are Sunday and Tuesday.
Sunday, obviously, is out.
TUESDAY, the drama club's potluck is from 6:30 to 8:30.
Auditions are on Karl Rd, in Columbus.
The potluck is at Slate Run Park, which is 5 minutes north from my house.
ARGH.
Welcome to another moment of Tahrea Can't Win.
The worse part is Junia wants to audition for the show as well, but she wanted me to drive her up, since driving in Columbus makes her more nervous than I.
DOUBLE ARGH.
Trying to work around my job, and time with Josh, and Theatre duties...
Meh, who needs sanity?

Decision, decisions....

Lately, the fates have smiled on me.
I have avoided financial meltdown, and the RTP board decided to let me direct a summer show AND the regularly scheduled childrens' show.
Hizzah.
That means I have the daunting task of figuring out TWO productions in one year's time.
Luckily, the summer show is one that won't too heavy of a workload.
Double hizzah.
I've already decided that the rehearsals will be Monday- Wednesday, 4:30 to 6:30, since it is the summertime.
That way, everyone still has some sort of evening.
After making this decision, I also realized this could open up evenings for me to do Midsummer Night's Dream, with Rosebriar...
The auditions are the 17th and 19th, so the decision must be made quickly, as to whether or not to actually go audition.
I am torn.
Junia says she may want to audition, so I'll probably take her to do so.
I may wait and see if they will need anyone once the auditions are said and done.
That'll help determine whether or not it should be so...
Hmmmm....

This weekend will consist of my working this morning, taking a break (which will be me, traveling 45 minutes to get last minute Mother's Day gifts), then Bartending tonight.
Tomorrow, at 7 am, I will be at the high school for the Drama Club's Yardsale, for which I'm not completely prepared.
ARGH.
After that, I'll breath for an hour, then whisk over to Circleville High School for Tech Rehearsal for B and B.
THEN, it's up to Josh's to celebrate Mother's Day with Josh and his darling parents.
SUNDAY, we're going to the Amish Country, apparently, which is always a blast and a half.
And it's what mom wants.
lol
Somewhere amongst all of that crazy, I need to eat, sleep, shower, and breath several times...
Ugh.

Somuchtodosolittletime....

The summer is nearing, and the school year is ending.
That means soooooooooooo many things for the Maynard household.
-Junia is graduating on the 17th, so we are attempting to get things ready for that day and all its celebratory needs.
-The drama club's yard sale fundraiser is fast approaching, which means I must attempt to sift through all of my personal crap and weed out the uselessness.
-The recital is soooooooooooooo close!!
I officially hate Beauty and the Beast and cannot wait for the 16th.
-Junia's last Cabaret is this Friday.
-The RTP banquet is coming up on the 13th.
-The May Board meeting will be next Monday, and, GOD WILLING, we will finally vote on next year's season, including the summer show, which, GOOOOOD WILLING, will be my kid's show I submitted.
In this household, Summer also means Shakespeare in the Park!!!!
Several trips up to Schiller Park for picnics and plays!!!
I already warned Josh that we would be attending soooo many shows in the next few months.
He seemed okay with that.
lol

For this week, I am focused on finalizing choreography for Be Our Guest on Thursday, going to see Little Shop of Horrors (Or, for Danielle's sake HArrors) with Josh on Friday, and PR's Cabaret on Saturday.
Somewhere in there I will attempt to continue weeding out my stuff and fit in time with Madison and Grace.
*SIGH*

P-TO THE-R-TO THE-O-M-I-N-E-N-T RENDITION, PROMINENT RENDITION....

Today was certain a day.
Thursday I found myself roped into yet another Whirlwind adventure...
Another Show Choir Competition.
Dad was planning on driving down separately since he wasn't chaperoning and asked if I would like to go.
Not having anything better to do, I agreed to go, only after asking to bring Madison along.
I started my day at 7.
A.M.
After getting Madison and getting on the road after 10, we drove for an hour and a half to Portsmouth.
Yes, Portsmouth.
Although the high school was hosting the competition, it was held in the Verne Riffe Center of Shawnee University.
Now, this competition was a strange one for a couple reasons.
1.) Only eight groups were participating.
2.) NO solo competitions.
3.) No preliminaries and Finals.
Just ONE round.
Slight gulp.
4.) Usually, there is a port where the groups can unload their trailers and put their stage/set stuff til it needs to be assembled for their show.
Then, they'd assemble, perform, tear down, and store til the end of the competition.
NOT here.
In this case, the kids would have to unload the trailer, put their set together, perform, tear down the set, and stuff it back into the trailer.
On the flip side, this meant it was a shorter competition which means the kids would get home sooner, which is part of the reason I wanted Madison to go.
We get there, and every one is packing into this building.
Slight chaos.
After 15 minutes of checking everyone in, mom and the other "moms" herd the kids up to the rooms.
Dad, Madison, and I find a nice spot in the auditorium to park and watch the other groups.
The first group we saw the second slated group for the day.
Meh.
The soundman must have been slightly retarded and was driving my soundman Dad bonkers.
The piano for the group was OVERWHELMING and swallowing the vocals.
The performers sounded terrible, though I knew they were doing a better job than the soundman was making it out to be.
I honestly don't remember the next group.
I may not have seen the next group.
I remember that after that first performance, I was wrangled by my mother to come up and help the girls with their "Show Choir" hair.
SO I think I missed the next two groups.
I entered the classroom and mom quickly announced my presence.
Immediately, I was called upon by three or four girls.
So, I quickly dove into an ocean of hair and hairspray.
Show choir hair, if you don't know, is an art.
You have to perfect it.
Some girls have hair that can be pulled out of the curlers, adjusted, sprayed, and VIOLA!
Instant Fabulousness.
Junia always exhibits the perfect head of locks that I've dubbed "Baptist Hair." (The higher the hair, the closer to God.)
THEN, there are the other girls.
Maybe they curled their hair when it was just a little too damp.
Maybe they didn't keep the curlers in long enough.
Maybe they didn't use enough product.
Whatever the reason, oft times they are presented with stringy clumps or straight locks once the curlers are removed.
THIS is when special skills are called for.
Hair spray, hairspray, HAIRSPRAY.
And a prayer.
Usually does the trick.
About 30-40 minutes later, I emerge from the room in a cloud of hairspray fumes.
Returning to Dad and Madison, I resume my show-watching post as Hurricane (Pronounced Hurr'can for some odd reason) High school starts their performance.
They did so well I looked at Dad, worried.
Dad simply said, "The kids are going to have to step it up."
GULP.
Next was our kids.
All the parents gathered together, though scattered throughout the auditorium.
Tension and excitement both began to rise.
Then, they began.
And they rocked.
I was so proud.
The mom brigade then dispersed to collect the kids.
Some of the dads went back to help tear down.
The rest of us stayed to watch the next two groups.
Poca High school was next.
COMPETITION major.
They totally brought their A-game.
DOUBLE GULP.
Still proud of our kids, I knew all the PR Parents were a bit nervous.
Then Portsmouth High did their show, as most host schools do at these things.
THEN...
The Awards.
Talk about NERVES.
OMG.
The buzz was that our kids did well but a lot of PR'ers were expecting 1st or 2nd runner up (AKA 2nd or 3rd place).
Long story short....
Prominent Rendition got Grand Champs.
OMG!
Talk about hysterics.
The kids were so excited to run up and get their medals and take pictures with the BIG trophy.
The other groups were slightly peeved, as is the norm, but no one cared.
PR kids needed this.
Junia was on cloud Nine.
I was really happy that they won so Madison could see all the happy faces.
Great night.
After the competition, everyone stuffed into the Fazoli's to celebrate and frighten the local yokels trying to have a "nice" Italian family meal.
HA!
Dad, Madison, and I said our goodbye's and headed back home.
Of course, the sweet and fabulous five year old conked out in the car.
Too much.
I, of course, just had to laugh.
I often find myself stewing in thoughts quite cynnical when the subject of Show choir is brought up, mostly because Junia comes home with a new story of aggravation DAILY.
However, all cynnicism and disgust melts away when I'm arm deep in hair, or when my throat is so hoarse from cheering and screaming the group to victory with the rest of the crowd.
And then...
They go and win 1st place.
And I can't help but smile.

It's rather sickening, actually....

Junia: a prime example of how guys totally suck

My little sister Junia is a fabulous young woman.
At 17 years old, she is amazingly mature and talented beyond her years.
She is an amazing singer, aspiring to become an opera star....
She is also a very pretty girl.
And she's a really great person, sweet, funny, and compassionate.
As far as being a younger sister, she's pretty cool.
We have our moments, of course, but overall Junia is a great person.
SO, for the life of me, I cannot understand two things when it comes to her...
1.) Why she dates these guys one can only label as F*&%tards
2.) Why do they always break up with her and break her heart
Last week her boyfriend Chris was supposed to come over a couple of times to practice with her and prepare for a little singing gig we were doing at the Table.
He canceled and, at the last minute, bailed on us, saying he had a sore throat.
WAIT.
He didn't bail.
His mom called and told us he wasn't coming.
THAT'S it.
Then, this evening, she was out with her friend Cortney, Christmas shopping, when she received a phone call from Chris.
As I wasn't there, I don't know the full details of the conversation they had.
All I know is that it resulted in a phone call to our mother, who came into the living room, phone on her ear, and told me that Chris dumped Junia.
On the phone.
THREE days before Christmas.
Oh, but he told her he still loved her, she later told me as she sobbed and shook...
....
....
....
Now, I'm that kind of sister where I'M allowed to be a punk to Junia.
I've earned that right as older sister.
BUT, when she comes home in tears for whatever reason, my phazers are set to KILL.
I already have anger issues.
I already get angry at the drop of a hat for the most absurd reasons.
This kind of stuff sets my anger into overdrive.
I offered several times over the weekend to call Chris and tell him what I really thought about him...
Junia turned me down everytime, of course....
Because she loves him.
ARGH.
I guess it's a good thing he did it before Christmas...
She and dad are in the process of MAKING an electric guitar for the gormless prat.
When I say making, I mean making.
Dad has already crafted two guitars that he wields onstage from time to time, so this wasn't a problem.
And it would've been a fantastic gift for Chris, being a musician and all.
He's NEVER gonna see that guitar now.
The whole situation really sucks bollocks.
I just don't get it.
Junia is a fantastic person.
A great girlfriend, NOT that I know from experience...
Just observation.
One flaw is that she chooses guys who are emotionally unstable and/or just retards.
She's made of stronger stuff, though...
I know she'll get through it...
Eventually.

No rest for the wicked...

So, I'm on the computer right now.
Obviously.
I'm here because I was in the living room, attempting to enjoy myself despite the fact I've been ill all day, but I had to vacate the living room.
I had to leave because Junia came home and brought her boyfriend with her.
And because I was on the couch and I knew she would bitch about me being on the couch, the one piece of furniture that would comfortably accomodate her and Chris.
And because I know they want to watch "Polar Express."
Well, mom wants to watch it, but was waiting til they came home.
And, as it is not Christmas time, I have no desire to sit through Polar Express.
And I have no desire to do anything involving Junia and Chris.

It's always awkward when someone you're close to and usually like dates someone you can't stand.
I have found myself leaving the room a lot faster.
Actually, I've been more likely to find refuge over at Tyler's pad, where I know they can't get me.
*SIGH*
It really grinds my gears anymore...
I can't stand that guy...

Rocky HorrIBLE show...

As an avid theatre go-er and ongoing thespian, I feel a certain obligation to support my fellow thespians and theatre lovers when they themselves are involved with a production.
Such was the case last night when I trekked up 23 to 775 N. High Street, commonly known as the Axis Nightclub.
Accompanying me was my loving mother, my sister, and her friend Chris.
To what show, you may ask, were we going to attend?
Center Stage Players annual production of the Rocky Horror Show.
Ju, Chris, and I have been RHPS lovers for quite some time and were dying to see it.
MOM...
Not so much.
She was going to hang out with us, which is cool.
The night started rough when we drove around for 25 minutes looking for the freaking building.
Turns out Axis isn't actually directing on High street.
You have to turn Left on Hubbard, THEN turn left into the first alley way, as I learned from my friend Ben.
Ben, by the way, was/is playing Riff Raff in this production, and was the main reason for my desire to go.
That and the fact that it's the Rocky Horror Show.
Anyways...
We walk in with 15-ish minutes to spare to find that they have standing room only available.
Ugh.
BUT, this only costs $10 and, as we were all anticipating paying $15 dollars, I pulled out a $20 and paid for mom and I.
We found ourselves a nice spot to stand in front of the bar, and settled in for the show.
I took advantage of our spot and got my first Washington Apple for the night and diets for mom and Junia.
Then the show began....
hah...
The beginning song definitely set the mood for the show.
The gal came out to sing "Science Fiction picture show" and her mic cut out most of the song.
OMG.
Terrible.
OH, and let's not forget to mention the million young gay males that felt soooooooo compelled to yell out drunken and obscene call outs throughout the show...
That was the least of the issues, though, for I expected it.
(It was rather amusing.)
Then, Brad and Janet came out.
T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E.
He was clearly gay.
(DISCLAIMER: NOT BASHING GAYS. JUST STATING FACTS)
When they kissed at the end of "Dammit Janet" I think he gagged a bit.
The transylvanians were interesting enough.
All in black outfits of various sizes and shapes... and one male.
HA.
It became painfully clear that someone, probably the director, decided put the show to a carnival like theme, as Ben popped out of this strange black box-like set piece during "Over at the Frankenstein Place" with a green clown wig, white face paint, and a strange black smile.
He sang it well, but I was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too distracted by his get-up.
Magenta came out wearing an outfit that looked like that of a gothic ragdoll of sorts.
She was walking with a cane, which means they decided to go with the gal they casted instead of their back up.
OKAY...
Columbia was wearing a strange black tu-tu, white skin tight polo shirt, and strange.. clown-ish (?) make up.
UGH.
Both the women couldn't really sing to speak of.......
Go figure.
During the Time Warp sequence, Columbia did a strange "Ballet (?)" dance/jig thing...
You know, instead of the original tapping.
OKAY....
THEN, Frank-n- Furter came out.....
OMG.
First of all, he did NOT have Frank's swagger, the essence.
NO.
He was also obviously gay....
There was none of that transexual/bisexual ego I know and expect from Frank.
His costume was that of a sparkly... gay Ringleader.
Top hat.
Small red, sparkly overcoat.
White undershirt and what I presume was supposed to a corset type deal.
OH, and black boots.
As my conservative mother (Who, back in the day, did frequent RHPS shows, but has grown out of it and became the mom I love and adore) said, "He's not even wearing the high heels!!!"
The rest of the show was just as disappointing.
NO....
it got worse actually.
Rocky was an adorable young black guy who, for whatever reason, was directed to hump EVERYTHING.
Okay....
The came the separate bedroom scenes.
I was on my second Washington Apple and feeling loopy...
Just thought I'd plug that in there...
Now, mom said that she came to the show expecting to feel uncomfortable because all of the talk about... you know, sex.
We all expected it.
It's apart of the show.
HAH.
Well, the curtain opens up and there's a small bed.
And there's "Janet."
Gyrating and moaning and in an interesting position.
OMG.
The scene with Brad was just as bad.
Mom went out to the car.
THEN, the "Creature Of the Night" scene.
Let's just say Janet ended up back in the bed with Rocky and.....
The last position was him standing with his back to the audience, and her, in front of him....
AHEM.
The last lines of the song, "Creature of the night.... Creature of the night..."
She purposely muffled them.
Yeah.
Now, I'm definitely not the most conservative person in the world, but I was very turned off and... yeah, I'll admit it, offended.
I mean, in the original show, at least it was suggested...
It wasn't so tastelessly and blatantly displayed.
I felt sick, but I stayed to watch the performance and support Ben.
I tell you what, though, we high-tailed it out of there the moment the last line of "Superheroes" was hit.
I was done.
And disappointed.
I spent the beginning of the show stating over and over that I was going to try out for the show next year and that I could've done a much better job at acting and singing than the majority of the cast.
However, if this is how they stage the show every year, I guess I'll have to let the auditions sail by once more and hope someone else will do it in a way the rings truer to the original plot...
UGH.

Yeah.
Talk about disappointment.
The highlight of the night was actually getting back to Circleville and going over to Tyler's to watch Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and Jersey Girl....
Yeah.