Summer Plans

What with the end of the semester comes excitement surrounding SUMMER. Now, that's something I've been consistent about; I've been excited about this upcoming summer since last summer ended. Last summer was possibly the best summer of my life.

I joined the most amazing group of people known as CENTERSTAGE.

They deserve their own line in this post, because they were that much of a gift from God. They changed my life, each of them in their own unique way, and they changed it collectively. I've never felt so much a part of something since before I was too old to be a part of my old summer theatre group, Summer Stock at the JCC. Centerstage doesn't have an age limit; I found my way there through a friend of my GRANDMOTHER.

I now spend a good quarter of my life talking or reminiscing about Seussical, the show that we put on last summer. I didn't even have a speaking part, but I couldn't help but constantly want, to quote "Wicked," to sing and dance my way through life. I am so happy whenever I am with my friends from Centerstage...and that made going back to school so, so difficult at the beginning of the year. We kept in touch all year, though, through a massive Facebook message thread that we still write on almost every day. When someone doesn't write on it for a few days, one of us freaks out, and we change that. We tell each other about our separate lives and count down to when we'll be together next. They see each other more than I do, seeing as how I'm away at school and all. But I got to surprise them two weekends ago when my weekend obligations up here in RI fell through and I drove home for an event. Alix, my "little me," who is thirteen and reminds me so much of myself (hence Little Me) when I was her age, practically threw me to the ground in a hug when I walked through the door; she produced a charity concert for her confirmation service project. I couldn't have been any prouder of her, as I always wanted to produce a charity concert myself (great minds DO think alike). I can't wait to attend her confirmation later on this month.

We are preparing to perform "Babes in Arms" this summer, and my friend Nicole and I have been up late multiple nights over IM discussing the probable cast list! We are all avidly listening to the music, full of excitement and anticipation. I'm not the only one who's excited. I can't wait to see everyone every day, to talk about our lives NOT over Facebook, to stay out late after rehearsals and shows, to have random adventures, to make me feel the happiest I am in my life.

So...Jim, Alix, Nicole, Amanda, Chris, Chris Black, Louie, Gabby, George, Guen, Mama Noodle, Morgan Faye, Rob, Allie, Mary, Taylor, Zach, Bridget...(as Amanda once put it)THANKS for changing my life <3
Because you all totally and fantastically rock my world. And this summer is going to be, for lack of a less cliche word, AMAZING :D

Out of knowing great people comes meeting MORE great people...Allie and Mary's mom was able to help me find a possibility of an internship this summer. I need one to fulfill a requirement for my English communications major, and I want to do one in the field of Catholic writers. I really hope this possibility works out...I'm VERY excited about it.

On top of that and the show, I'm going to be taking one class this summer, in public relations. I'm going to be glad to get it over with, but I'm kind of bummed that I have to start it immediately after I get back to NY. I have very little time to collect myself, breathe, and see friends. My friends (other than the ones I made at Centerstage)are all longtime friends and I rarely get to see them during the school year. We make up for it during the summer. I've been writing on their Facebook walls with countdowns until we see each other. Summer is the most amazing time for REUNIONS.

What with that, I'll be on vacation a lot too! I'm going to North Carolina AGAIN; I've been to North Carolina every year since I was 7 years old as I have lots of relatives there. We're going to help my aunt and uncle move into their vacation home permanently, and I'll get to spend time with my little cousins. In June I'm going to California, to see my friend Michelle before she graduates from Stanford. And, of course, in August I'm going to Disney World for the 17th time. No, I'm not exaggerating. Not to mention on July 9th I'm seeing LADY GAGA in concert. LADY GAGA!!!!!!!

So while I never like the end of the school year, the summer is shaping up to be a show-stopper. I just have to get through...2 papers, 2 finals, 1 vocal jury, and 1 portfolio. And of course moving out of my room.