Happy Christmas!!!

So, I know it's the day after Christmas, but I didn't get online yesterday so today I wish everyone Happy Christmas!!! I feel that if happy goes with every other holiday, it can go with Christmas too. I hope everyone got what they wanted and got some good food also. Personally, I'm glad that my Grandpa is not in the hospital and I'm so grateful for what my parents got me (as I type this, I'm sitting in my very own directors chair). I can't wait to see the rest of my family later, because they are all driving down from the East Coast. Lastly, I can't wait to see my fabulous B.A. girls next week. Yep, life is good.

We Are Young

  So, ever since I can remember, people have always told me that I was old for my age. The other day I was told I was the worst teenager ever for the following reasons: I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't have sex, I don't party, and I respect everyone. That sounds like a pretty good teenager to me, right? Is my whole generation so confused as to think that I'm the one who makes a bad teenager? As I say that, I would like to say that I also don't judge people who do those things, I promise I don't. What I do is my decision, and mine only. What you do is also your decision, and I respect that. I would like to say however, that just because I myself don't drink, please quit treating me like a social parriah. I do like to have fun, and I don't mind being around people who do drink. 

  I have lived on college campuses since I was born, because my dad is an administrator at a University. I always wanted to be like the college kids, so I was. I have always been mature, and I think about the consequences before I do anything (which would explain the not partying, I'm kind of afraid I'm gonna die or something, I am a worst case scenario kind of person).

   Looking at all this, is it a small wonder that I'm scared that I am missing out on being young. I try to take on the problems of everyone else, because I think I am more emotionally equipped to handle things. I do enjoy being the grownup. But I have to remind myself that I am 18! My brain isn't done developing, I still have at least three and a half years left in school, and I am allowed to be a teenager. The episode of Glee that they sang this song on is definitely one of my favorites, mostly because it is a reminder that I don't have to be an adult, not just yet. This song is my reminder that I only have a little bit of time left to be a teenager and I should hold on to it, and put off being an adult for a little bit longer.

Ahhh Family.......

So, as I sit in my room wrapping Christmas presents (because I am the resident gift-wrapper of my household, I know what sits in all of those boxes under the tree) I hear my Dad and Grandpa yelling at each other in the room under me, whispers float through my ears of my sister calling me a freak (like she does ten times a day), and my mother as usual abstains from the conflict. Now, to you this may not seem like an ideal family, but to me, they are perfect. Want to know why? Unconditional love. It's what I've been surrounded by since I was born. My parents love my sister and I more than I can fathom. I can tell from the way my dad takes me out for lunch, even when my mom says to forage for leftovers (I hate leftovers), or from the way my dad and I can have a full out screaming match and then an hour later I'm sitting on his lap (even though I'm in college) and he hugs me and says he will always love me. I can tell from when my dad and grandpa argue because they are too alike to let on to their true feelings of how scared they are of not having one another, and when I come home from college my mom looks like she is going to cry, but doesn't because she abstains from all conflict. And yes, even with my sister I can tell when she is having a bad day, or needs to talk, she comes to me, or when she falls asleep on the couch next to me and looks so docile, like the baby I remember holding as a new big sister. So I sit here, continuing wrapping everyone's presents, content with the knowledge that maybe my family isn't perfect all the time, but we sure as hell do love each other.

Why I Love Christmas... And Hate Dusting

So, Christmas is in exactly six days and I seriously could not be more thrilled!!! Because that means in seven days, almost my entire extended family will be in my house... that's a lot of people, and it also means cleaning things that rarely get cleaned. Such as my fan. After cleaning it, I nearly had an asthma attack. But it's okay, because Cristmas is the one time of year when I get to see family that lives 12 or 14 hours away. We get to catch up and find out what had been going on in each other's lives. So I think that a bit of dust is a little price to pay for getting to see people I love.

The Halls are Currently Being Decked

So, it is Christmas Break! I can't believe I am officially a second semester college Freshman. Lemme tell you: it's weird. What will I be spending my break doing? Probably nothing... Although that hasn't worked well so far... So far I have been playing chauffer to Caitlin (what else is new), spending time with my parents (we flew to London today!), and trying to sleep but people keeping waking me up (not cool). So tomorrow I will go visit LC and have a super grand old time not being in school while they are, and pulling costumes for Fools, which I totally can not wait for! Friday is the yearbook signing, so I get to see my class.... that one is going to be weird. But for now, I am just going to enjoy not having to tax my brain, getting to sleep past eight, eating, trying to sleep, and just being with people I love. Happy 3rd Sunday of Advent!

The End Is In Sight!!!

So, my final final is today (that made me laugh because I'm sleep deprived; don't judge me), and it is for New Testament and Christianity. You would think it would be an easy one because, you know, I'm Catholic and have been taking religion classes since I could remember. And I'm a freaking religion minor! But, no it is actually really difficult. Have you memorized the content of every single book in the New Testament? All 27 of them? Unless you are Tre', I doubt it. People need to stop telling me it's going to be easy, it's kinda pissing me off... However I would seriously like to thank Tre' the Bible teaching major, who came and taught me everything I should have learned this semester. I'm pretty sure I would fail this test without him. Now I think I may be able to manage a C.... hopefully. Well, I'm thinking I should go study a little more...

Lions and Tigers and Finals, Oh my!!

So, it's officially finals week. A week of regret. I wish I had paid more attention in class, I wish I hadn't waited until the last minute to study, I wish that I hadn't taken so many hours, I wish that Government would go die in a hole, the usual. This could explain why I am currently blogging, instead of studying like I should be. As each test draws closer, I want to study less and less. I have one final down, History of Theatre. Aka, the only final I wasn't freaking about! Now... well let's just pray that I can withstand the torrential lack of knowledge pouring in one ear and out the other and focus long enough to seperate my kleshas from the doshas. If you need me.... please distract me!

The Worst Thing About College... And the Best

So, I am sitting here waiting for 12:01 so that I can log on to register for classes. This is one of the most stressful things I have ever done. I had to put together my own schedule, and now I have to log on and try to get in to classes that have 3 seats left. Three! For the whole Freshman class. I'm screwed. I'm hoping tonight is going to be one of my lucky nights... That would be nice. This is the worst thing about college, and the best thing about college: being in charge of my own schedule. For example, if I get my way I don't have a class before 11:30. However, it could also turn out that I have missed something major in my major and come Senior year I am going to realize that I don't have everything I need to graduate. Yea, I'm just minorly stressing out. Or majorly stressing out, you choose.

Sad Titus Calls...

So, Titus Andronicus is officially over and I'm sad. I love Shakespeare and it was such a great experience. Everytime I'm on stage I remember why I'm a Theatre Major. Thanks to everyone who came out and watched it, especially my Back Andrews girls. Now, I have two weeks until Gypsy auditions, a ton of homework that needs to get done, and more projects than I care to remember... Any I couldn't happier :)

Save Alarbus!!

So, opening night of Titus Andronicus went so very well! Everyone was nervous and slightly freaking out, but the play went so smoothly, everyone's blood worked well, and no one missed entrances. Plus the crowd adored us, so I you could say it was a smashing success. I can't wait for the next four nights! Plus my family is coming to see it Saturday so I can not wait! And everyone else should come and see it too!!!

Opening Night Anticipation

So, I have a problem that I like to call "off-stage fright". It's exactly like it sounds. For the entire day right up until the moment the light hits my face on stage I am petrified. As in, so nervous that all I have eaten today is toast. It's like gigantic metal winged butterflies are trying to get out of my stomach, and I play with string trying to calm them down. This morning in Poelvoorde's class I didn't have my string but my hands were acting like they had string and I was staring off in to space, until Becca called my name and I realized that the entire class was staring at me. This is my case of opening night jitters. And I can't stop moving. But on the bright side, opening night is a mere four hours away. I have two hours until fight call that will be spent looking over lines and deep breathing so that I don't pass out. And yes, I am aware that I am currently rambling. So, if anyone sees me acting weird this is why. On with the show!

Finally Fall.... Break!

So, I realize that I haven't posted in almost... forever. Although it doesn't seem like it. Probably because I've been too busy to even breathe!!! With Dollhouse wrapped up my life has gotten slightly less busy. It was a rousing success with about 40 showings, more screams than I can count, and even somone peeing themselves. All in all it was a wonderful introduction to the world of college theatre. Now, I am focusing my sights full speed on Titus, which opens in a week and a half. If you are in the area, definitely come and see it. There is stabbing, killing, blood, and just a whole wonderful mess of stage combat. We get to start using blades this week. Heck yes. Besides all that, I just finished my first ever set of midterms. All I have to say is, What on earth is the final going to be like?! Just kidding... sort of. But they did go well. I am spending my last night at home (Fall Break went by so fast!). I successfully read the entirety of Film Wizardry, which is a book on the making of the Harry Potter films, and I cannot wait for the sequel, From Page to Screen, to come out. It was so fascinating, and I really want to meet Rupert Grint... On a different note, I went to my high school today and received the best hug ever from my favorite ginger. I kind of actually miss it. However I am so ready to return to school tomorrow and to the lovely ladies of Back Andrews! Ta-ta for now!!

BIG SIS!!!

So, this past week has been completely insane! With rehearsal, Big Sis/ Lil Sis fun, and classes of course one wonders how I sleep (I don't. It's currently almost 2:00 am). But, I finally found out who my Big is and I adore her quite a lot (and I know she is reading this). Also, we start tech for Dollhouse on Sunday (yay!!!!!). But, for now I must study for History of Theatre. "Alright idiotas, say something nice. Or I will kill you." Sorry, it's late.

College Kids Love Food

So, I didn't blog last night because I was so insanely busy, but in a good way. First of all, I got up really really early, like ten o'clock early and went to Anna Cathryn's Memaw's house with her and Mary Fran for lunch. I love Southern food, especially when it's homemade. We had chicken, okra, creamed corn, bread and it was all so wonderful. Then we went to the mall. And I'm so tired that I don't even remember what happened after that. My conclusion is that I didn't realize how much I miss homemade food until yesterday. Now I'm being hit with a kind of onslaught of homesickness, plus actual sickness. My throat is sore and I am so exhausted. I love doing two shows, but I spent five hours at rehearsal today, and I am pooped. But, Big Sis/ Little Sis started today and I am ecstatic beyond belief!!!! My Big blogs, which thrills me to bits and I do kind of hope she is reading this. I know one of my triplets and have yet to find the other. I love my Big already and I can't wait to find out who she is. As for now, she has me trapped in my room while she decorates my door, but that's okay (I need to finish homework anyway ;)).

Anything Goes!

So, apparently the weather thinks this to be true. I went outside this morning, a lovely Friday mind you, and it is 60 outside!!! That's freezing!!! Jack Frost is here wayyyyy too early this year. However, besides that, my Friday has been absolutely wonderful. First class: American Government. Here is how it went:
Dr.P: Anyone know who Cole Porter is?
Me: Yea, he wrote Anything Goes.
Dr.P: You know the title song?
Me: Yea
Dr.P: I bet you don't know the introduction!
Me: *speaking* Times have changed, and we've often...
Dr.P: *singing loudly* Often rewound the clock! Sing with me!

In conclusion, I sang Anything Goes with Dr. Poelvoorde and it totally made my morning. Then for lunch, Mary Fran and I went to Chick-fil-a, then to Wal-Mart to get candy. After that, I had rehearsal for Dolhouse and got to be sexy and creepy and all that fun stuff. When I get back from rehearsal we had a surprise 21st birthday party for Anushka. To top it all off: I GOT A PHONE CALL FROM MY BIG SIS!!!! I can't wait to find out who she is :) I love Fridays!!!

Titus Andronicus: WTF?!

So, we just got through the blocking of the 1st Act of Titus, and let me tell you. It is one scene that is the longest part of the play, and so many people die! It was painful and long and I'm in almost the entire time, but it's fun and that is what matters. As for Dollhouse, tomorrow I get to spend all of my evening with that show!!!! Yay!!!!! We meditated today in Fitness... I need to do that more often... But now, I have lots of homework, and really need to do it.

Shakespeare and Glow Paint

So, I started this evening with rehearsal for Titus Andronicus. Let me tell you: everyone dies. I think more than everyone dies in Hamlet. Plus, there is a lot more gore than in Hamlet. It's wonderful!!! Albeit exhausting. But I decided that even though I'm doing two shows I am going to have a ghost of a social life. So what do I do after rehearsal? GLOW PAINT PARTY!!!! It was tons of fun! I made Anna Cathryn go... she did not want to. Then, when we got there she didn't want to leave!! It was funny. But now I do believe I'm going to bed... Having a social life is hard.

I Want to Live In a World Where Mary Fran is Dictator

So, I hate studying for American Government, I really do. I think it's really messed up. And I know there are plenty of you who think we are the greatest thing since sliced bread, but think about it: the rest of the world kicks our butts in everything. Education, skinny people, health, teen pregnancy. Yea, we aren't the greatest. That's not to say I hate our country: I enjoy living here! What I dislike is some people's mentality about it. From this day forward, I want to live under Mary Fran's dictatorship. Also, we started legit rehearsal today for Dollhouse, and let me say: 1. Michelle Fleming is a genius. 2. I love getting to be sarcastic and sexy at the same time. and 3. I feel bad for hurting Dolly. But I love this show. And Titus is going to be wonderful also. Blood, guts, hanging people and slitting their throats, plus sword fighting is like the trifecta plus one! On that note, I really need to study for my gov test tomorrow... and read for New Testament... and do my time management sheet for SSS... Yea...

The Monster That Lives in My Building

So, since we moved in, there has been construction going on next door. As in, they tore down the buidling and are now clearing the rubble kind of construction. It has not been terribly noisy except for every so often when the building shakes and makes it sound like there is a monster outside. The first time I heard it, I was in the shower and it scared me so incredibly bad. On another note, my stupid printer is not working. I have been trying to print out my Titus Andronicus script (in which I was cast as Lucius) and my computer won't connect to the printer!!! It's enough to drive anyone crazy!!!! And we had to do inverted yoga poses today so I'm feeling really lightheaded. Lastly, I'm just in a really bad mood, which is making me want to hunt down that dang monster. Rant over.

All Things Remembered

So, today is the tenth anniversary of 9/11. This day in the history of our country brings out an entire myriad of emotions. It's is really something to see our country come together like we have; my only regret is that it came at such a price. Tragedy has a way of doing that to people, bringing them together. When the world is falling apart around us we reach out to the people closest to us, who in turn reach out to others. In doing this we form a net of people supporting each other. This leads my reflections to New Years 2011. One of my high school classmates committed suicide. He was popular, a football player, and always had a smile. This struck my class hard. We were Seniors entering our final semester of high school, and we thought we had it all. Who knows, maybe we did, but that day we lost part of us. Even those of us who weren't close to him were struck by this tragedy. We all went to the funeral, and filled up an entire sections of the church. The eulogies moved us all to tears. For the rest of our Senior year, we weren't the same. This tragedy made us look around and realize that the people in our class were important to us. Our class had never been close. In fact we were the most clique-ish class that I had ever seen. But after Timmy's funeral, we became ONE. This brings me back to 9/11. Our country has stood together these past 10 years, helping each other heal and rebuild and remember. We should always remember, never dwell. If we dwell on the tragedy we will drive ourselves to madness. However, we must remember the amazing acts of heroism, both large and small. We must remember that our country is ONE.

Glitter and Be Glib

So, today I was awoken at 12:30 by Anna Cathryn wanting to go to the park. I hate nature. Instead we went to the mall. I love shopping. However, I really didn't need to go shopping, and I probably shouldn't go for another two months. I really have no self-control. Especially at Wal-Mart. But at the mall I discovered a store called Glitter and I think it might be my new favorite place for accessories because it has earrings and necklace for a dollar!!! I mean they aren't great quality, but for a dollar? It's like heaven. Also, we start Dollhouse rehearsals tomorrow and I am SO SO SO SO EXCITED!!!!!! I have missed theatre greatly. On the downside, I have a lot of homework that I should probably attempt to do... and I'm tired, so maybe I'll just go to sleep instead.

People Say Good Things Take Time

So, the cast list for Dollhouse was e-mailed out today, and guess what? I got Baby!!! One of the larger roles! This gives me cause for unbounded amounts of excitement!! Why? Because I went to school with a very very talented group of people, so auditions were always cause for nerves and low expectations. Which at the time made me very upset. I knew people from other schools who were basically handed parts, and I always wanted to be like them, so that I could show everyone I could handle a role. Now, I'm really glad that I had to work for my roles. It taught me to not expect a lead, and how to handle disappointment. I also value roles so much more when I get them, because I know that I worked really hard, and I know that I actually deserve them. Also, I miss theatre, and can't wait to start rehearsals!

On a different note: IT'S FRIDAY!!!!! And although Becca has gone home for the weekend (and we will miss her quite a lot), I am so excited for this weekend. Mostly just because I get a break from class, and I need time to study. Also, I want to go shopping. Like soon! And this is my third weekend at college. It's weird to think that I've already been here for almost three weeks. However, I am having a fantastic time. I love college :)

Auditions, and How Badly They Freak Me Out

First of all, my disclaimer is that yes I know that I better I get used to them, considering the fact that I'm a theatre major. However, that doesn't mean that I am not allowed to get nervous about them, and dwell on them every waking moment. Yesterday were auditions for Dollhouse, and I think I did alright. But my problem is that usually whenever I think I've done well, I apparently didn't. Tonight are auditions for Titus Andronicus, and I think I am now slightly less nervous, however I can't eat without fear of my stomach totally freaking out on me. I'm glad that I have been through a Converse audition process, and I'm very glad that tonight is a Shakespeare audition. That makes me comfortable. But, it is still an audition. And auditions make me nervous. I don't know why. They just do. I need to get out of my head to act, but for some reason I can't do that at auditions. I think too much and then I just do terribly!! Then I can't stop dwelling on how terribly I've done. And then I get nervous for the next audition!!!! It's a very vicious cycle, and I really wish I knew how to stop it. And I also wish that I could be hungry. Because I haven't been for two days. Although I did eat Cookout last night, but then I felt a little sick. In conclusion, I hate auditions. And I wish I was better at them. And I wish I was hungry.

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition

So, I realized today that high school was actually useful. Especially going to a Catholic high school. Let me give you an example: Today in New Testament we were talking about the synoptic gospels and I did the reading last night, and already knew pretty much everything that we read. Not from the reading, mind you, but from New Testament class with Mr. Piechowski in my Junior Year of high school. I mean, exactly everything. And this isn't the first time this has happened. I used Latin in three of my classes yesterday. And I am actually answering questions in American Government because I know them from Gov. last year. To all my dear people still in high school who are reading this: please actually learn and pay attention. I swear it will come in handy in college... On a different note, I talk too much. I found this out when my explanation of my "Me" collage today was at least twice as long as anyone else's.... Lastly, I want to wish a very Happy Birthday to my darling Elliott!! He is (finally) eighteen and I miss him dearly, so I hope his birthday is wonderful!!

Pink Elephants on Parade

So, this morning at about 11:30 I walk out into the Quad on my merry way to the Involvement Fair. And what do I see? A massive pink elephant named Myrtle on the grass! On this point you are probably wondering if I didn't get enough sleep and am hallucinating, but I got ten hours of sleep and there is still a pink elephant in the Quad. Needless to say, it totally made my day. I took a couple of pictures with Myrtle and Jessica and Mary Frances then went on my way. However, at this point, my mind is now overrun with elephant expressions, "There is an elephant in the room", "Pink elephants on parade", and the ever popular "An elephant's faithful 100%". For some reason, Myrtle made me smile, think, and just plain be happy all at once. I kind of hope there are many more pink elephants in my future. You know, those totally unexpected things that make the scenery unordinary, and give you a little something to ponder for the rest of the day. And I hope there are many pink elephants in your future :)

The Waiting Game

So, it's 7:28p.m. on a Monday and I'm sitting in my friend's room next door to mine. Three of us. On our computers. I am writing a blog. Anna is doing homework. Becca is done with homework. I was working on homework and got distracted. Honestly, I expected college life to be a lot more stressful. It currently is not. Right now, it's kind of a waiting game: Waiting to find out who my big sister is (we have a mixer later), waiting for classes to suddenly get so hard that I have a mental breakdown, waiting for auditions for Titus Andronicus on Thursday (and slightly freaking out about it), waiting to go back to Richmond and see my friends, but mostly waiting for the fact that I'm in college to sink it. People keep telling me that I'm in college. But it doesn't feel like it. I don't miss anyone from home yet. I don't feel like I've been away all that long. I suppose I could say that right now I'm just waiting for college to begin.