The Week That Was

This has been a crazy week, and I think I'm feeling the strain. I am in great need of a 5 hour energy drink today. We opened our play "Smoke On The Mountain" last night to rave reviews. It couldn't have gone any better. The play was so funny that we broke up on stage. It reminded me of the old Carol Burnett shows with Harvey Corman breaking up because of Tim Conway. I had to struggle to get my laughter under control, which made my eyes water. Everyone that knows me knows that I cry when I laugh, and I was just hoping my makeup didn't run down my face.

We were able to score 10 cases of Nehi soda for concessions, which we put in a big tub of ice. We also got the cellophane crackers - a real southern treat, I guess. I think the audience enjoyed it.

I really appreciate the help of the core four (sans Harrison). Austin house managed with Meredith, and he also ran the lights, and Emma was in the box office. I'm going to miss you guys. But at least I will still have Austin around for another year.

I also attended my orientation for new students at Clemson this last Thursday. I felt so old sitting in that room with all those new students. I kept thinking "what am I doing here!!!" I start classes this coming Wednesday. I only have one general ed class, BIO 103, and all the rest are theatre and music classes. I'm taking acting I, which I'm sure will be....well, let's just say it will be something. I'm also taking private voice lessons and a portfolio class (whatever that is). I tried to get a Spanish class so I don't forget what I learned this last semester, but all of the classes were full.

I'm missing Harrison, but I just know he is having a great time. I'm so grateful to my family for hosting him and making him feel at home. He probably won't want to come home after this, but I'll deal with that when and if it happens.

The First Push

Harrison is on his way to Utah in a day.

My hopes for his trip are:

• that he gets a taste of my family's optimism and good humor,


• he sees that the world is bigger than this podunk town,


• he begins to understand that college isn't only Clemson, USC, or Winthrop,


• he explores as much of Utah as he is able,


• he develops some independence,


• he gets to know his extended family a bit,


• he sees what Utah might have to offer him,


• he learns to get out of bed before 1:00 in the afternoon,


• he understands his background and heritage a bit better,


• he laughs a lot,


• he misses me (at least a little).

The latest news is that I have been accepted to Clemson University's Theatre Department as a student. I feel like I'm finally finishing a project I started 20 something years ago, which I guess is exactly what I'm doing. I should be able to complete my degree in 2 years with a BA in Performing Arts/Theatre and a music minor. The best part is that they are accepting my credits from my time at SUSC - now SUU, and the second best part is that they told me I'm not the oldest student in the program. The next two years are going to be a challenge, but I'm looking forward to it. Wish me luck.

I'm Baaack

It's been a long time since I put anything on this blog, but seeing Ian's blog got me motivated to update.
Once Upon a Mattress was a big success. The play turned out better than I imagined, and the kids had a great time. Harrison basically stole the show as the mute king. He was so funny. The school wants me to continue doing plays with them, so I am trying to figure out what the next play will be. I have gone back to school yet once again to get a degree so I can actually get paid to do drama in the high school. Our high school is now the "High School of the Performing Arts" for Pickens County, which is a strange turn of events since they don't really have a drama teacher. The principal is anxious to get me in there, but I need to finish my degree. I feel like my life has taken a full turn back to the beginning.

Not This Year

Sadly our band didn't make it to state this year. I have to say it was a hard loss since we had won Grand Champions the week before. However, the picture shows what a few of the boys in the band did before the competition to show spirit (Clint had better sense). Maybe the loss of hair reduced their strength and that's why they lost. hmmm.

Grand Champions

Our marching band took 1st place in their division and Grand Champions overall. It was a good day. Next week we go to upper state to see if we qualify for state. We haven't been to state since Harrison was a freshman, so we are hoping this is the year. It would be good for the Chelak clan since all four are marching.

High School Musical

I have been tapped to direct our local high school's musical this year. They haven't done a musical in about 9 or 10 years. In fact, the last few year's plays have been written and directed by the school's biology teacher. He's gone from the high school now because of some internet indescretions, and the drama teacher doesn't like doing school plays, so I spoke up and got the job. I suggested that we do Once Upon a Mattress and it looks like its a go. I'm excited.