What do you think of that very cute, large Curious George? Matthew won him at Universal Studios throwing a baseball and knocking down a stack of blocks off the table. George has been a secret since our Florida vacation until last night when Matthew gave him to Sarah for her birthday. Sarah found George when we all got in the car to go for dinner at Logan's Roadhouse. Sarah's friend Kara came along for the fun! She is very nice. The dinner was very good, except Mary's steak came overdone and she had a wait for a second, which was better, but not exceptional. Sarah even got a Yeehaw for her 20th birthday. We went back to Sarah's dorm and watched the Tigers and Project Runway. We weren't happy with either show outcome, Tigers lost and the designer we thought should go home, stayed. Oh well, we had a lot of fun watching TV together. Sarah was going to show us how to play Dutch Blitz, but all of us were distracted and we forgot. I hope I can figure the game out, I bought one for us too! Seems a little complicated with all the piles of cards. Before dinner and before George was discovered, Sarah opened her gifts, Tiger photos, Tiger shirt and the Dutch Blitz card game. I took cupcakes for her to share with her friends. We took some home to eat, since we were all full from a big dinner. We got home late, after midnight. It was a great celebration!
Now you probably want to know the results of the play auditions this week. It was a horrible ending :( This plays director has never really liked Mary and unfortunately removed her from any chance for a lead role. We are all very sad and disappointed with her decision. I for one cannot understand how a student like Mary, with 10 plays under her belt and superior ratings from state theater judges, gets cut from the play. When Mary spoke with the director yesterday, she was told that her reading was too severe, formal and stiff. What planet does this lady live on? Evidently she wanted someone with more fire and "spit". Hmmm....I would think severe and fire sounds compatible to me. I truly believe that she just has her favorites. Mary wasn't allowed to read for the lead roles on Thursday and only read for the flighty mother. That in itself is crazy. So, Mary made the decision to remove herself from the play all together, cast or crew. She doesn't think she was going to be cast at all Monday morning, but we won't know. It is probably best that she doesn't work with the director at all. (FYI-she almost had a mutiny during the last play she directed). Infact Matthew isn't sure he wants to work crew for this lady who shafted his sister. Even many many students at school are just flabergasted that Mary wasn't in the running for the lead. Finally as a parent, it is very difficult to watch your daughter get shafted by a department that she poured 3.5 years of commitment and dedication into. For the past 3 years, everyone said "you are great" or "you might deserve a lead, but you are not a senior" or "wait for your senior year". So she did with grace and integrity. Then her senior year, they decided to change things up, no musical, got a new director and away with all those words of wisdom through the years. Shafted big time! But as my wise mother reminds me, That's show biz! Guess it is good she will pursue education next year in college. Thanks for letting me vent...I needed it!
On a happier note, Mary is going to tutor English to some adults that need to pass a test to get into a program at the community college. She hasn't heard about the job at the library. I will encourage her to apply at some other places too. Because she won't be in the play this fall, she will be able to go down to University of Michigan to hear Brandon sing with the Uof M Glee Club. I don't think I posted that great news before now. That is quite an accomplishment! I am planning to go listen as well. It should be fantastic, especially since it is in the Auditorium on the Hill. It has perfect acoustics! Mary has begun a group of girls at the high school for Sweet Adelines. Brandon is coming home next weekend. I am sure that he and Mary will have a good time watching TV and more than likely, singing barbershop.
Mary and Matthew had to get up early this morning to go to Show Choir camp. They left at 0610 and won't be home until tomorrow late afternoon. During the retreat, they will learn the choreography for their songs and do some group strengthening activities. Mary had fun last year as Sarah did the year before, and Matthew was looking forward to a good time this year with his sister.
I have become a college football maniac. I am watching the Michigan/Indiana game on ESPN360 while I blog. Michigan is down by 3 at the half...The Gators play later tonight against Kentucky. I will be rooting for Florida to win. I have a Big Gator decal proudly on a window at our house now! Go Gators! GO Blue! Oklahoma isn't playing today. Boomer Sooner! Hope College football isn't on TV much. Sarah is working a cross country match today. She loves athletic training!That is all...have a great weekend!
Gracie
