The Things I've Seen...

When I started at Mid-Continent Public Library in 2008, I had no idea what to expect.
By the end of my second week, I realized that I wanted to make libraries my career.
Three years later, I was given the opportunity to move forward with that career when I became an Assistant Branch Manager.

Moving up is great, and I'm sure I will move forward career-wise, but I can't tell you how fortunate I feel to work in libraries because of the "bonus" things I've done.  There are so many things that I have experienced that I never would have if I had chosen a different path.  I helped with the Wall that Heals in Blue Springs.  I was suckered into theatre because of my connections through the library.  I joined the chamber of commerce and met some really great people, too.  I have experienced three library conferences that just blew me away.  Not only did I learn and apply some really neat things, but I also met some great people that I'm sure will be in my life for years to come.  I've been in multiple parades and one time I was the book cart drill team leader!  I watched a veteran's round table at the Veteran's Salute last weekend and learned about a Vietnam veteran who actually got help for his nightmares.  Of course, I've witnessed the impact that libraries have in communities, too.  That Summer Outreach Program was incredible, and I smile every time a student comes in and says, "You were at my school!"

Sure, I've had some rough days.  It's also been tough to adjust to the whole management thing.  Through it all, though, these gems of the library see me through to the next day, and they will keep me going throughout my career.

I feel weird talking about my career.  I don't feel like I'm old enough to have an established career, but I also feel like I do have one.  I hope I'm not making anyone jealous, but, then again, I hope people are jealous.  I'm lucky and selfish about it.  :-)

I am *NOT* doing theatre for a while

Willy Wonka is over!  It's always bittersweet to be done with a show.  It will definitely be nice to have some free time again.  I'm not going to do a show until next year.  I know that that is going to be a first for me, but I've got to focus on finishing grad school.  I even signed up for Quintiles to get the money I need, $2200.  If I can get it before the semester starts this Fall, it would be great, but I'm not holding my breath.  I would love to go into detail about how I'm stuck in my program, but it's better not to have a written account of it before I'm done.  That way, there won't be anything keeping them from conferring my degree (just in case).  So, maybe things will work out?

Wonka Time

Whoa, Willy Wonka is just a week away... rehearsals are grueling, and sleep is hard to come by.  I hope it's worth it.

Cheer Up, Charlie is fantastic, though.  It will melt your heart.

Theatre 2011

What a long day.  After being at work since 8, I drove straight to the theatre for the 6th performance of Scrooge! The Musical at Blue Springs City Theatre.

image courtesy Blue Springs City Theatre

Even though I have somehow ended up in a Christmas show niche, this year's weight load was lessened by the fact that I am only a small part in the show.  I say small with reservations because one of my fellow actors told me that a part is as big as you make it.  Playing Topper, I feel like I've had a lot of room to enlarge my part.  I am biased, but I think that the scene that I am in is the most natural.  It's a party, so how can it not be?

Whilst sitting at a table in 54th Street last week, I had the pleasure of entering into a conversation about theatre, and most importantly, community theatre.  Many community theatres cast whole families in shows, and often they return for multiple shows.  For Scrooge, I got to meet some new theatre families and reacquaint myself with ones of my past.  Everyone has a different story about the theatre, just as everyone has their own reasons for doing theatre.  It is community theatre, yes, but through community theatre, I have seen friendships born, lovers meet, shy children become more outgoing, and introverts have fun by expressing themselves in their own ways.  Everyone has their reasons, and I think mine is the family that I have found in theatre.  I always seem to meet some great people, and I'm always sad when a show is over.

However, it will be nice to have a break, and maybe even a social life again for a little while.  So, until Willy Wonka, adios!