Where have 20 years gone?!

This past Wednesday, January 7, my hubby and I hit the landmark of 20 years. 20 years! I remember when it was impressive when a couple dated for 20 months! And I have been married for 20 YEARS!

First of all, I don't feel old enough to have been married for 20 years. Okay, I know I am, in all actuality, 40 which is definitely old enough for 20 years of marriage. But there is a part of me that is in complete denial about being 40. To the deluded side of me, I'm still a young 20-something who willfully ignores the achy joints, gray hairs, and the noticeable laugh lines that are an indicator of my "advancing years."

Secondly, I certainly do not feel responsible enough or confident enough to be a 40 year old who has been married 20 years! When I was a kid, I was sure that all of the adults in my life had all of the answers and were completely capable of behaving like an adult. Truth be told, I've discovered that most of us don't have a clue and we're thrilled when we actually get it right!

Finally, there are times that I wonder if I've done enough of what matters. At my age and with 20 years of marriage (not to mention 17 years of parenting) under my belt, I see all of the lessons that I keep repeating because I haven't learned them yet; I see all the ways in which I've blown it.

In case you haven't guessed, I'm feeling introspective. Probably more introspective than is completely emotional healthy. But I guess I'm trying to figure out how to do the next 20 years better. How do I get a handle on those areas in which I continually screw up and keep what little progress I've made? And when will I ever begin to feel like a grown up?!

The new school year is underway and things might finally settle into a routine. It's still difficult for me to grasp the fact that I have a Senior in high school living in my home. I guess it's because I don't want to believe that I am old enough to have a child graduating from high school this year! I guess it's impossible to stop time so I better cope and quick!

Started rehearsals last night for my next theater project - acting as musical director for The Last Five Years starring Leah Walters and Patrick Thiem (Directed by David Mitchell and produced by All An Act Productions). For performance dates and times as well as the theater location, check out www.allanact.net. If you stop by the site you'll also be able to catch the performance dates for Twelve Angry Men which is currently on stage at A3.

Maybe it's because it's a rainy Tuesday or maybe it's just cuz I'm finally fed up with how truly liberal the media is, but I just have to wax political for a moment. Does it bother anyone else that the media is slamming Sarah Palin for her lack of experience while ignoring the fact that Obama has never been elected to lead anything? True, she has "only" been a governor, but Obama has spent exactly one term at the Federal Government level. Talk about no experience! And then the media starts demanding a paternity test to prove that the infant she is raising is truly hers and not her teenaged-daughters. Since when does the media get to demand that kind of information? And why aren't they demanding to know why Obama still associates with - and gets campaign funds from - a man who participated in a plot to blow up the Pentagon and wishes he could have done more! I'm beginning to wonder why my television doesn't tilt to the left every time the news comes on. Don't get me wrong, I'm not super thrilled with either presidential candidate but I have to admit that I like the idea of a working wife and mother being so close to the presidential office. Maybe some of the good old boys in government might actually listen - then again . . . these are policiticians I'm talking about!

It's show week! And any of you involved in theater know what that means! The students are ready and it promises to be a terrific show. If you live in the Erie, PA area and are looking for something to do on May 15 & 16, drop by Erie First Christian Academy's show. Showtime is 7:00 p.m. and tickets are $5 for adults $4 for students.

I thought I would take a moment to share two of the best kept secrets in Erie and Crawford counties. Both of them, of course, are theaters!

The Station Dinner Theater in Erie provides quality entertainment along with amazing food. If you enjoy a good meal and some good laughs, you should definitely check out this season's line-up at www.canterburyfeast.com. One of the best aspects of a show at the Station is the fact that the performers serve you the food so you get to interact with the actors directly! If you simply want a great meal and just are not in the mood for a show, check out Celebrities Restaurant. On a personal note, I absolutely love their Chicken Alfredo.

In Crawford County, folks have the privilege of checking out an Empty Jug production on stage at the Meadville Academy Theater. They are finishing this, their second season, with Tommy, Singing in the Rain, and High School Musical. The directors and production staff are among some of my favorite people to work with when it comes to theater. The company may be young, but they still know how to put together quality shows. I got to see a dance rehearsal for Tommy yesterday. All I can say is wow!!!! Check out the performance schedules for the end of their season at http://www.meadvilleacademytheatre.com/.

Check out this blog by a student of mine. It's a very worthwhile cause!

www.cyclingforacure.blogspot.com

Haven't been back here in ages - obviously! But that's all going to change!

We are in the throes of rehearsals for the school show I direct. This is only the second year that the students of Erie First Christian Academy (in Erie, PA) have had the chance to participate in a Spring production. This year it's Anne of Green Gables. The students are working hard and I'm excited to see what will finally end up in front of an audience in May!