Eighth Grade...

So, I'm graduating this year, and thinking back, eighth grade was a long time ago. About 5 years ago, actually. So, to celebrate the almost end of high school, I'm going to take you back to eighth grade: when I was  am a dork.

1. Who was your best friend?
Audrey Harmon. That one still remains today. Met on a bus, you know? Listening to music. Never saying a word for a while. We just became friends.

2. Who did you go out with?
Nobody. Ever. 

3. What sports did you play?
I chose the flute over sports. Good move, I'd say.

4. Did you buy your lunch?
Yes. It was not good. At all. Mostly, I ate chips.

5. Skip School?
Sometimes. I didn't do it a whole lot in eighth grade.

6. Did you get suspended/expelled?
All day er' day. (No.)

7. What was your favorite class?
English, fo sho. I loved my teacher and the things we read, except The Giver. I didn't really like that book, much.

8. What was your school's name?
Thomas L. Sims Middle School if I remember correctly.

9. Did you go to the dances?
The winter one, yes. I found a picture of me then, and I wanted to punch myself for not wearing a dress.

10. If you could go back would you?
With the things I know now and the lifestyle I abide by, yes. Sure.

11. Where did you sit at lunch?
My science class. They didn't really get along with me all that well. So, yeah...

12. Who was your science teacher?
Oh my gosh, I had 2. I don't remember their actual names. I think it was Mrs. L-something and the other teacher, all I can remember, is that she was a member of NASA.

13. Who was your English teacher?
Mrs. Hess. Oh, how I do not like that woman. She forced me to reorganize her closet for extra credit AND yelled at me without cause.. yay...

14. Who was your history teacher?
Ms. Ebanks. Loved her.

15. Who was your math teacher?
Mrs. Short? Gosh, this was forever ago.

16. Did you think you were cool?
Have I ever been cool?

17. Describe your outfits in 8th grade?
Um...exactly the same thing I wear now except that I wore those skater shoes that were all padded and stuff.

18. Did you even have a cellphone?
Yes. Yes I did.

19. Who was your favorite teacher?
Mr. Atchinson. Oh, please tell me I said the name right.

20. What's your most memorable moment?
First time Audrey spent the night and we had a blast.

21. What's your least favorite memories?
Starting my first day of school weeks after they had...on September 11.

22. What was your best accomplishments?
Meeting my best friend and having the highest score of those reading points- the ones you get from taking those tests-in the entire school.

23. What action do you regret the most?
Not becoming vegetarian sooner.

24. What did you spend the most time doing on weekends?
Hanging out with Audrey.

25. Did you make any lifelong friendships?
Definitely. Most definitely.

Into the Woods

I wish...
The first and last words of a musical that has changed my life. It's hard to come by a show with a cast as great as the one that I have just finished working with. Most people don't have such an impact on my like this show and cast did. Something about this amazing show with these people just opened me up to a whole new level of amazing. How am I supposed to go back to regular life without seeing these people every day like I've gotten used to? It's hard knowing that now I'm not spending hours working on choreography or running the same scene over and over. It's hard knowing how much I miss doing people's makeup or hair and that I won't be doing it anymore. I will miss singing with you backstage. I will even miss butt tag because let's face it: that game is ridiculous.
The songs and words of Sondheim just gave everyone such a chance to shine. Whether it was a character part like I had or a main role, you took the words on the page and made them your own. I cannot help but laugh at scenes with Jack and the way it was interpreted or feel so sad for the Baker at his loss from the interpretation.You all reached down inside of yourselves and achieved something amazing in the acting aspect. Songs like No More and Hello Little Girl, Moments in the Woods and Agony all have something amazing to them and each was interpreted with such enthusiasm that I cannot wait to go back and watch the musical all over again. 
I've made some absolutely awesome friends because of Into the Woods. I've gotten to know people I honestly cannot imagine not meeting. Some people, I never knew going into the show. Some people I knew for a year or got to know that year prior to the show. Some people changed my life in this show and made me feel better when I was as far down as I could go. Some of your smiles and encouragement got me through the hard times, and some of you just knew how to make me laugh. The friends I've made will not be easily lost.
The show has been my favorite that I've ever done in high school and it will stay that way forever. The costumes, makeup, hair, set, everything,it was amazing. I'm going to miss it ridiculously. So, to my cast, I have a few things that I want you to know and it's all from the heart. I love you all and I am very very pleased to have worked with you and to have been on this incredible Senior year show with you. You all amaze me with your talent. I know that we all had some struggling times, but we got through them, and that's all that matters in the end. The music went so incredibly (pit band, I love you guys). The tech aspect was really really well done (techies, I love you). And mostly, actors: actors and actresses, you all inspire me so much. I can see some of you going to Broadway, and I cannot wait for the day when that becomes a reality. Directors, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me a chance to play such a character. Honestly, cast, I fed off of you all when I was playing Stepmother. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. I've probably said it before, but I will say it again: I cannot thank you enough for the dedication. It just warms my heart to know that people care about me that much and that I was accepted so well into this theatre department and the show.
When I'm off at college, I will miss you all dearly. I'm going to miss some of my Juniors and Sophomores and Freshmen, and I know that you will make it somehow without us Seniors. Soon, it's your chance to shine. I wish nothing but the best for everyone, and I hope to work with a few of you again before that day of graduation arrives. I love you all.

Note: Literally, I cried while writing this. It may have also been due to the song I was listening to, but I'm going to link it/show it so you can listen. What he's singing about in the song is exactly how I feel about you all. Just, whenever he says Michael Buckley, replace it with your name.
You Should Know--Michael Lombardo