Theaterfest

I'm in Houston for Theatrefest 2009! This is 3-4 days of plays, classes and discussions all based on educational theatre. Our special guest for today was Angela Lansbury! What a great lady!

They showed a dvd of her characters over the years and she spoke about her life. Her big lesson for the students was 'observe others.'

I am staying in the Hyatt Regency (at quite a high -discount- rate.) This is where the event is being held.

Of course, I hope this is my last Theatrefest because I will be in Paris by the next school year.

It is nice to be out of TinyTown!

Can't fight the feeling if I don't feel anything.

Have you ever been to a graduation or a wedding and wondered why people were crying? Did the whole thing just leave you cold? I have. I've wondered; am I just immune to these events and their feelings? Is something wrong with me?

A few years ago I felt quite depressed at Christmas. I remember thinking "No, God does NOT care about me." So when I saw my doctor he put me on Prozac (wonder drug!)

And today... well, I just don't feel it. Eight years ago I was delighted to have a new president. Four years ago I felt secure with the continuation of the Bush presidency. And this year... I feel like a big party has been going on for the last three days and it's overkill. A new president. A black president. Is that really so hard to believe? Does that really justify all of this media coverage and celebrating? Am I missing out on the true meaning of Obama-as-president?

It reminds me of the first woman in space. A lot of hoopla. Did anyone really think a woman COULDN'T go into outter space? Did that many people really think a BLACK man couldn't get elected president? Do they really think a WOMAN couldn't get elected president? (I believe a woman could, just not the one who was running. Sorry, Mrs. C. no cookies for you.)

So, with all due respect I say- Welcome to the presidency Mr. Obama; good luck and God bless.

Don't Worry; Be Happy

I get it. The new president is the NEXT BIG THING. And I pray he does a good job. But do we expect him to live up to quite unreal expectations? He is not the electricity for the machine of government; he is another cog in the system. He cannot work alone. When he angers some people, will they start saying our black president is too white?

This election was important. While I voted for McCain, I can support Obama. His color does not bother me; nor does his age. His experience would be a problem if he had filled his cabinet with unqualified people. I believe he is more than adequate for the job.

So what IS my concern? Are we making too much of this history making election and expecting that momentum to correct all the problems we are facing? How quickly will people turn on him and the ugliness of politics surface?

I am in a position of safety; I’ve had the same job for 15 years and expect to have this job for more years if I want it (I don’t; that’s another story.) My rent is low, my car in good shape, my bills paid with money left over. The people who have lost jobs, without a home, with too little money are the ones getting all the press. I am not suffering so I cannot relate to their problems. Telling me to protect anything for future generations is also pointless. Yes, I am a teacher; but God did not allow me to procreate so I have no future generation to be concerned about (even with nieces and nephews. Sorry, not actually MY concern.)

This is my point: I am not worried. We will get through this. But do not expect the government to fix anything. Stop spending on needless things; create new jobs; do what you can.

God bless the USA, President Bush, our troops, and the new administration.