timetro
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Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in the "timetro" journal:[<< Previous 20 entries]
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07:58 pm
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I'm official
So...it's official.
I'm a true-blue, all-American
100 percent
Teacher.............
Please, hold your applause.
3 years,
And close to 4000 dollars later,
The state of Texas
Finally recognizes me and grants me permission
To do what I've been doing for 3 years without a state license anyway.
What's the moral of the story???
Guess it's time to quit and go back to school...
Or buy that hot dog stand I've always dreamed of owning.
Hmmm...that's a tough one..
How 'bout dem Spurs?
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11:13 am
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You won't read this...
Random musings ensue...
I did the whole U/RTA thing...again.
I got 5 interviews this year...
I still didn't get in...
I'm starting to like my job (the concept of teaching at least) a lot more.
I got to actually direct instead of "design" and construct this year.
I entered our school musical into the city high school musical contest (Tommy Tune Awards for those who know / care).
Nominations come out in two weeks...I think we're going to get some...first time in the school's history of doing the contest (which is only like 5 years, but still...)
Working on UIL right now...I think we're in good shape with the show...still got 2 weeks until D-Day.
UIL is one concept that I don't necessarily agree with in public education...but, I guess we need a benchmark so we can be placed on the same level as athletics.
Kammi and I are looking into a home now...which means that one of us is going to have to move. We've both applied to eachother's districts to see what is going to be out there...we like options. Either direction will be a good move for us.
I have been brought on as a tech consultant (irony) for the new high school that my district is building next year. I am in charge of designing a lot of the technical elements for the entire theater facility...kind of cool. A lot of extra work too, but I like staying busy. It's kind of refreshing to know that they trust a 25 year old with something like this...I feel respected for the first time since I started in this field.
I've learned a lot about that side of the business...I've started liking it a lot more than I initially thought I would...hey, maybe I'll get the job there with all this extra work!
I entered one of my tech students into a design contest for UIL...she made it to state. This is also a first for the school...and the district. The principal read it on the announcements...nobody listened. Oh well...a trip to Austin for her and her family...and a day off for me!
The University of Houston is starting an MA program for teachers in the summer (5 week long courses), which culminates in a "thesis project" at the teacher's home school. It will take 3 summers to complete. I'm going to do it...I think it will be a nice fit for me and where I am at in my life right now. We love Houston, and I don't think it's time to move again. We're ready to settle for right now...which is interesting to hear me say...but, truth none-the-less.
All in all...life is good. To those who care...thank you. To those who don't...thank you too.
Much love to those out there doin' their thing.
-T.
Current Mood:  accomplished
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09:43 pm
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I'm so over it...
Apparently, it is "not common practice to screw into the stage floor when installing stage scenery"...according to members of our staff and administration.
My apologies for being creative and wanting to give my students a running chance of being prepared for their future careers in technical theatre.
It has been a never-ending battle at my school these last few years...this year is more than likely the final straw.
Grad school can't come any quicker...
Current Mood:  pissed off
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08:06 pm
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I gotta learn these kids...
To anyone who may have a suggestion, I have a couple teacher related questions. I am taking on two new classes this year, one of which is an "advanced" Theatre I course. In other words, this is a theatre class that is open to Freshman who have taken theatre in middle school both their 7th and 8th grade years. So...what I would like from some of you is perhaps a list of four plays that I should introduce these students to this year. Our school year is broken up into 4 marking periods, so I would like to introduce them to a new play each marking period...preferably from classical to modern. My goal is to make them understand that if they signed up for an "advanced" Theatre I course, they are going to get more than just the state-mandated curriculum of pantomime, improv, and monologue training (rigorous, I know...). I am going to treat the course like an introductory acting and play analysis course with an emphasis in audition techniques...or something like that...
Any suggestions? Remember, these are 9th graders...and, I have to get the plays approved by parents and administration. I have some ideas, but I want to hear what others have to say / think.
Finally, I am also teaching a children's theatre course. I am going to treat it like a directing / teaching theatre FOR the youth, so my students are going to learn techniques on how to work with younger artists / audiences. Anyone have any suggestions on where I can find some lessons or any books that may be of help.
Thanks to all who read this and consider!
Tim
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07:07 pm
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It all comes full circle...
Kammi and I are about to go and chaperone prom.
I'm not sure how I feel about that...
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10:44 am
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Everybody else is contemplating, why shouldn't I?
Maybe it's the weather...weird to say the least.
It seems that many who's opinions I respect more than my own at times, have begun contemplating those questions that life throws at us from time to time. It may be something in the water, or it simply may be time for a change. I'm not one to question a lot of things. I don't like controversy, and I certainly don't like confrontation. I'm a fly on the wall, and that's the way it should be.
Lately, I have really been thinking about how my life has been shaping out. Last year was full of angst, stress, confusion, love, happiness, fulfillment and pride. I felt accomplished with what I was doing (although the stress of the field tended to overpower me at times), but I didn't feel content. I never really anticipated for me to find my current job...I like to think that it found me. I guess in a time that was filled with sadness, both Kammi and I needed something to steer us in a new direction...that ultimately led to our current positions. Someone once said to me, "where else can you work where you are constantly practicing what you went to school for?" I agree...I do...and I would say that 4 out of 5 days I sit back and thank someone for the opportunity I have been afforded. But...that's the problem...it's only 4 out of 5 days. Granted, I am a rational individual. I know that life is not all peaches and cream. I've made the proverbial lemonade out of the lemons that have been thrown at me...
I guess what I'm trying to say (in my fluffy and roundabout fashion) is that I don't know what's next for me. I'm getting ready to finish my 2nd year in this field and I'm not satisfied. I thought that maybe it had something to do with where I was at...so, I applied for a head director position at a new school...which, sounds like I will get. You would think that for a 20-something theatre teacher in the state of Texas, that is the job of all jobs. That means I get to run the show...still, no twinkle in my eye.
I will admit. There are days where I feel shit on. I've tried to go back to school, and for 3 years now I have gotten the familiar PFO letter. Again, that whole rational human thing...I understand. I'm not angry. I'm not disappointed. I know that I am trying to take on a big challenge from where I am coming from, or for what I have done. My track record is not the hottest. I have only had 9 months of "professional" experience in the theatre. I have 2 years of educational experience. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am discouraged because I am watching the world around me getting ahead (in my opinion) and I am being slowly left behind. It's not like I'm sitting around twiddling my thumbs and feeling sorry for myself. I'm busting my ass. Any teacher will tell you, this isn't an easy gig. It's not like I work in an inner-city school or something, but teaching 15 classes a week and seeing over 170 kids a week...not to mention staging at least 5 shows a year and the countless other activities, clubs, events, tests, administrative duties that you have to sponsor...jesus.
My point...even then...still no satisfaction. I'm not sure if it's me preventing me from getting the satisfaction, or if there really just isn't anything turning me on. I've lost so much interest in what I thought I loved. I've started to be turned on by other fields and hobbies. I love to cook. I get this huge high from putting together a nice meal for Kam and I. And...I will toot my own horn...I think I'm pretty damn good at it. I can pair flavors together (having no background in the field) like the rest of them. Is it a temporary turn-on, or is this really something that I should look at? I tossed around the idea before I went to URTA of looking at culinary academies. I even went as far as applying to one. But...I didn't know how to interpret my feelings. It's still an art form (a truly beautiful one in my opinion)...you still have an audience...I still get to create a product...it's rewarding...it's stressful, it's challenging...why all the worries and doubts then? Well...I think we all can understand why I would feel the way I do.
Enough already...I'm done pouting. I need to take a shower anyway. Then I need to go and buy a ham so I can put my apricot/mustard glaze on it...trust me...try it and you'll see what I'm talking about. Just be sure to use mustard powder and apricot jam...
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09:35 pm
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Random "late" night musings
It's been a while (I'm un-original, sorry).
Been doing the late night, UIL thing.
The scottish play is not so scottish, but I'm just the assistant to the assistant...
We "compete" on Tuesday...that should be interesting.
I get my wisdom teeth pulled tomorrow...that should be even more interesting.
The secrets out...
I'm still no good for grad school.
I'm actually starting to think that in actuality (yes, I really did just say that), I'm too good for grad school...
yeah, that's it...
Anyway,
Here's to another year in the fold (public education).
As I have mentioned to some already -
I'm actually finally starting to get the hang of this teaching thing.
It's not all that bad when you aren't staying up 'till all hours of the night,
writing lesson plans and modifying your activities so they are catered to each individual student.
I have been "informally" offered two separate positions at two other schools...
If I'm still feeling this lovey-dovey about the public education system next August, I may take one of them up on their offer.
In other news:
Texas A&M lost...that makes me happy.
Kansas is still going strong...I know that too makes somebody happy.
It's anybody's game this year, but ultimately they will all have to kneel down to Pitt.
Sorry...throw-back to my roots.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
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09:11 pm
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Every now-and-then...
Every now-and-then something comes along,
And you can't help but appreciate it.
I've never really been one to religiously watch something on T.V.
I think the last thing I actually enjoyed got canceled,
However I suppose I should at least consider my addiction to Project Runway...
Nevertheless, I must say that these last few seasons of Grey's Anatomy have captured
My little beating heart...and this season is certainly no exception.
The writing is great (in my "does not know much" opinion),
The actors are honest,
And the plot line is (somewhat)honest as well. I'm sure any true intern would argue with me...and I'm almost certain they have every right.
I don't cry when I watch T.V.
My range of emotions as a human is quite limited...
But, this evening's episode got me where it counts...my soft spot so to speak.
It may be pathetic.
It may be ridiculous.
It may be stupid...but,
It may be what's right for me.
I need a little delusional thinking in my life right now (I'm sure I didn't use that phrase correctly).
I like it...no, I love it.
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04:20 pm
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Not to jinx myself...
I don't talk to a whole lot of people...work doesn't really allow for it.
But, I guess I'll share what's going on in our lives right now...
I'm going to URTA next weekend.
I've gotten a few interviews for MFA directing programs.
I'm nervous, but ready to start learning some stuff again.
I'm not holding my breath...but, it would be nice to get into any of these programs.
Basically, one of these schools will bring me to one of the following places:
1. Snow-infested, fresh-aired Northern place. I may be able to shake Lebron's hand.
2. From the 4th largest city in the country to the 3rd largest. Deep Dish Pizza anyone?
3. From the 4th largest city in the country to the 2nd largest. I may try out for The Apprentice while I'm there...
I am who I am...that's all I can offer. Hopefully that will be good enough for one of these places. If not...alas...
Hark...there's a voice from the intercom saying I can go home...time to go run a light board for the senior class musical!!!
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12:05 pm
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Future of America
I don't post...but when I do, you'd better believe it's a doozy(sp.?).
I was walking from our theater on campus back to my classroom...simultaneously during a student passing period.
Here's what the youth of America has to say today:
Student: "I'd been working really hard over the break, and I was making tons of money...so, I went ahead and dropped a couple bills and bought a platinum grill."
My...how I adore the priorities of our youth. I'm thinking that in the near future, a platinum grill may be a school dress-code requirement.
I'm willing to bet my platinum grill on that one...
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07:58 pm
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Tours suck
We had a professional development inservice today at The Alley Theater.
It was just another opportunity to remind me how much I miss working in professional theatre.
[sigh}
A few more years...
That's all I can tell myself at this point.
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09:31 pm
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Time is scarce...
But man...i gots to make me some time for that Grey's Anatomy...
Sexy, sexy show.
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09:06 pm
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Maybe...
...I do have a brain.
Today was one of those days where you just think.
I'm supposed to be writing a paper for my SED 521 class about my educational philosophy...
But instead I'm working on my genogram that has been assigned by our priest for our engaged couples class.
I think I know where my priorities are right now.
Today we took a late evening walk on the Rice campus and I got envious.
Not so much for the school, but the atmosphere.
Rice really doesn't have anything to offer either one of us...
But it does make us want to go somewhere...
Problem is, we like it here now.
We've started to build our future.
Oh well...nothing like turning our world upside down one more time.
Today was the one year anniversary of my grandmother's death.
Maybe that's why there was a little dragonfly around me today.
Well...tomorrow marks 2 months 'till "The Day."
Still got a way to go financially...
We shall see.
Oh well...if nothing else, we can get a judge and a keg.
Wouldn't be the first time...and probably not the last either.
I guess for Kammi's sake, we'll keep trucking away at that savings thing and hold off on tapping the keg for now.
Justin is bringing sexy back...just in case you didn't know.
Well...tomorrow brings with it an exciting conclusion of pantomime and mime...
Coupled with a hot tech theatre safety exam.
Be sure to get your sexy on ya'll...
I'll be sure to keep looking for mine.
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12:35 pm
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Calling all techies...
What is a good source of material to use for a rear-projection screen.
I have priced several companies (i.e. Rosco, Rosebrand, etc.) and want to see if there is a cheap alternative out there somewhere.
We are making 3 screens (approx. 4' X 4') that will be suspended.
Any ideas? Please share. Thanks.
Tim
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08:38 pm
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On The Rizzle fo Shizzle
Ok...maybe not.
How about On the Razzle.
This is the show the powers that be chose for our fall play.
I'm down with it...
I actually may have a vested interest in this production.
I have convinced the two head directors to let me handle all production staffing
(i.e. I get to choose a dramaturg, AD, SM, ASM, and all crew leaders)
Finally...some power!!!!
We all agreed on a neat concept for the set, being that our shop was torn down just a few weeks ago...therefore it will be mucho simple-o.
Our new addition to the theatre faculty is going to help me out with tech...thank you jebus.
He is big into sound...that works nicely since I am in no way technologically sound in...sound.
Classes are interesting thus far. We shall see how it goes in the next few weeks.
I have a tech class of 38, which makes for a pleasant 90-minute class period...ehhhh.
I continue to be ignored by just about every faculty member on the campus,
But now I have the Principal on my side...that my friends is all I need.
Greatest thing I've heard come out of a teacher's mouth so far:
"I would never let my daughter be a music major in college...she can't teach, and that's the only way she would be able to make money."
I'm just glad I was there and not Kammi.
Ok...
I'm out.
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03:07 pm
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Yeah!!!
2 days of extended block schedule is enough to make anyone go crazy...
Especially when the school is not finished being built...
And schedules are not finished...
And room assignments are not done...
And you have 40 students in your tech THR class...
And you have two floaters in your room during your only time off during the day...
And you are me.
:)
I just have to keep reminding myself...
What was I saying?
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09:31 pm
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'sigh'
Back to the grind...
T-minus 10 days until the kiddies come back.
I spent two hours in an education store today...
I was the only male for miles.
Looking at laminated over-sized calendars with 50+ elementary ed (female) teachers surrounding you, commenting on how cute the magnetic alligator poster is...yeah. That's all I've got to say.
I have a portable this year...oh how I hope the geometry class is next door!
I get to direct this year...thank you Dionysus.
I had two students at SFA's theatre camp this year...I felt like a proud parent...only not.
One got a scholarship to attend in a year. Yes...I am planting seeds into their little minds...hahahahaha.
This post is a prime example of what happens when your fiancee leaves you for England (again), and you are forced to either work, watch re-runs of Project Runway, or surf the web.
One last thing...
Does anyone have any suggestions for some good theatre history videos, etc. I'm looking for some stuff that can fill our library...at present...we have nothing. What company tends to give better deals, and have a better selection? Any and all suggestions are welcome...especially if your name is Strophius!!!
Thanks!
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10:03 am
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If I were gay, I'd go for Buble
I like his voice...it's nice.
Anyway...
So, in this venture that we are calling our wedding,
Kammi and I made an interesting observation about ourselves last night.
To save money, we are making all of our Save the Date cards, invitations, etc.
Well...we finished all of the STD (hahahaha) 'Save the Date' cards last night...
And they don't look too bad at all.
Not bad for using a laserjet printer.
We are humbled.
This wedding is indeed our own.
And...I helped the whole time.
I told Kammi that she's lucky I like doing this kind of stuff.
I could have been drinking a beer and watching the Mavs (unfortunately) win.
Instead...I was printing, stuffing and sticking things together.
I'm a closet stationary whore.
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06:32 pm
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Kinda cool in its own way...
I'm about to go and watch the third and final Estelle son
Walk the stage at his high school commencement ceremony.
I bet my parents are excited!!!
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04:39 pm
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Woooooosh
I'm only 1 day away from finishing my first year as a teacher.
I'm still alive...that's always good.
Vegas anyone?
I've got some one's I need to get rid of...
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