Hi everyone, it's Reese! Sorry for long time no see, but this post should explain why I left on a mini hiatus. This post is exciting to write, and hopefully just as exciting to read!
Yesterday afternoon, I was working on some last minute Algebra II homework in my bedroom. (Yes, we are home from Ridgeway for Thanksgiving!) As my brain was focused on perfect squares and quadratic equations, I saw something out of the corner of my eye. Quietly pacing in the hallway was my mom. She looked extremely stressed out and worried. This is what I heard:
"Yes, but if Becca is able to come here, we will not be able to afford Ridgeway anymore. It's just too much with six girls."
One thing from these two sentences stuck out at me. There were only five girls in our family, not six. I don't know who Becca is either. I could easily be wrong, but it sounds as if we are getting a new sister whose name is Becca.
Upon realizing this, I immediately went to talk to my mom in her office. I wanted to tell my sisters the news desperately, but I wanted to check my facts first.
"Hey mom... Can I talk to you?" I asked, peeking my head into the door.
"Sure dear. Have a seat." My mom smiled, pointing at one of the large leather chairs in the office.
"Mom..." I began reluctantly. "Who is Becca and why are we leaving Ridgeway?"
"Well my little Reese's," She began, using my nickname. "you are always the first to find out new information. I don't want this information given to your sisters yet. Do you understand?"
"Yes, of course."
"Okay Reese. You know well how I work for an adoption agency." I nodded. "I recently found a girl who appears to have a connection to Emma."
"Emma? So Becca is Emma's sister?"
"Yes, Becca is Emma's fraternal twin sister." My mom said.
I was stunned. Emma never told me that she had a sister!
"What? I didn't know that Emma had- is a twin!"
"Neither did Emma." My mom said slowly. "Becca has been abused and in foster homes her entire life."
"How were they separated?" I asked.
"At birth, I presume, although there is no way to be certain. Emma and Becca were both born in New Orleans, but Emma lived in Washington State and Becca is from New York."
"Does Emma know about this?"
"Yes, she does. Now about Ridgeway..."
"Mom, you don't have to-"
"It's okay Reese. We can not afford to send you six girls to Ridgeway anymore. And even if we had the money, Ridgeway is closing due to limited enrollment in the past year."
"What?" I exclaimed, jumping out of the chair. "Ridgeway is closing?"
"Yes."
Before my mom had time to say anything else, I ran back into my bedroom and shut the door. I loved Ridgeway and I loved all of my friends there. I'll miss the dorm system, the independence, seeing national monuments everyday, and most of all, the staff and my friends.
As an attempt to stop my rambling, I will end this post. According to my mom, Becca will be here in a few weeks.
I'm not sure how to take all of this in. What should I do? While I feel excited about Becca, I am heartbroken about Ridgeway.
Love,
Reese <3
Showing posts with label school break. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school break. Show all posts
Monday, November 19, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Summertime and Shows Part 4
Hi everyone, it's Reese and Emma! Today we will be discussing tech week and our show, Beauty and the Beast. I (Reese) will be typing in purple and I (Emma) will be typing in pink. The black represents both of us talking.
Where should we begin Emma?
Um, let's start with the last few days of tech week.
Okay! You might remember tech week from Summertime and Shows Part 3. I talked about it a little in that post, but not much. We'll tell you more about it now.
Tech week was so crazy! It was so difficult to run back and forth to the theater downtown. We had to be in full costume everyday. Most days, we didn't even eat dinner!
When you are living tech week, you just want it to end. However, now I kinda miss it...
On Friday, August 10, we had to be at the theater at 5 pm for a 7 pm performance. You might be wondering, what takes 2 hours? Well, we have to get into costumes, do hair and makeup, and do mic checks.
People began arriving at the theater around 6:30 pm. By 7 pm, the theater was packed! It was nervewracking to have so many people there, but at the same time, it was so exciting!
Backstage that night, I had no idea where my costume was, as it was not where I had left it backstage the day before. The "Belle" number was about to begin and I would have missed my cue if it wasn't my my understudy Courtney. She had found my costume with Mr. R. and quickly helped me change. I rushed backstage, right in time for my cue! :)
The performance was absolutely wonderful! :) Being my first show, I made so many new friends and I am so excited for the large fall show.
Before we went on, everyone was so nervous. I was especially worried about my "Beauty and the Beast" scene at the end. Luckily Reese would be in that scene as well and she and Courtney reassured me.
The other two shows on Saturday were just as wonderful! To be perfectly honest though, I think out best performance was on opening night!
One of the problems that always strikes is the microphones. We have to make sure the mics are on and working. It was a pain to put a mic on with my yellow Belle dress!
We were prepared for a few of the mics to go out. Unfortunately, some did. It was the closing scene of Beauty and the Beast when it happened. The curtain was about to open when a buzzing noise came from my mic and it died. I did not have enough time to go get another mic from the sound table and by that time, the curtain was rising. We were in our places and I had to sing at the top of our lungs to be heard.
At the end of each performance, we all took bows. When Chris (Beast/Adam) was bowing with me, Courtney joined us as well. She definitely deserved it as much as the rest of us. Courtney and I are now great friends!
The show was such an amazing experience that I will never forget.
Belle is actually my favorite Disney princess!
After the final show, it is always a tradition to go out to eat. The cast decided on Friendly's. It was so much fun to be there at 9 p.m.! :)
Yeah, that was so much fun Reese!
I am so glad that we participated in the production!
Me too! I made a few new friends and had so many amazing times!
Thank you to all of the cast and crew, and of course, Mr. R.!
Love,
Reese <3 and Emma :)
P.S. Anna's 14th birthday is tomorrow! Our cousins are visiting us tomorrow through Sunday! :) Happy early birthday Anna!
Where should we begin Emma?
Um, let's start with the last few days of tech week.
Okay! You might remember tech week from Summertime and Shows Part 3. I talked about it a little in that post, but not much. We'll tell you more about it now.
Tech week was so crazy! It was so difficult to run back and forth to the theater downtown. We had to be in full costume everyday. Most days, we didn't even eat dinner!
When you are living tech week, you just want it to end. However, now I kinda miss it...
On Friday, August 10, we had to be at the theater at 5 pm for a 7 pm performance. You might be wondering, what takes 2 hours? Well, we have to get into costumes, do hair and makeup, and do mic checks.
People began arriving at the theater around 6:30 pm. By 7 pm, the theater was packed! It was nervewracking to have so many people there, but at the same time, it was so exciting!
Backstage that night, I had no idea where my costume was, as it was not where I had left it backstage the day before. The "Belle" number was about to begin and I would have missed my cue if it wasn't my my understudy Courtney. She had found my costume with Mr. R. and quickly helped me change. I rushed backstage, right in time for my cue! :)
The performance was absolutely wonderful! :) Being my first show, I made so many new friends and I am so excited for the large fall show.
Before we went on, everyone was so nervous. I was especially worried about my "Beauty and the Beast" scene at the end. Luckily Reese would be in that scene as well and she and Courtney reassured me.
The other two shows on Saturday were just as wonderful! To be perfectly honest though, I think out best performance was on opening night!
One of the problems that always strikes is the microphones. We have to make sure the mics are on and working. It was a pain to put a mic on with my yellow Belle dress!
We were prepared for a few of the mics to go out. Unfortunately, some did. It was the closing scene of Beauty and the Beast when it happened. The curtain was about to open when a buzzing noise came from my mic and it died. I did not have enough time to go get another mic from the sound table and by that time, the curtain was rising. We were in our places and I had to sing at the top of our lungs to be heard.
At the end of each performance, we all took bows. When Chris (Beast/Adam) was bowing with me, Courtney joined us as well. She definitely deserved it as much as the rest of us. Courtney and I are now great friends!
The show was such an amazing experience that I will never forget.
Belle is actually my favorite Disney princess!
After the final show, it is always a tradition to go out to eat. The cast decided on Friendly's. It was so much fun to be there at 9 p.m.! :)
Yeah, that was so much fun Reese!
I am so glad that we participated in the production!
Me too! I made a few new friends and had so many amazing times!
Thank you to all of the cast and crew, and of course, Mr. R.!
Love,
Reese <3 and Emma :)
P.S. Anna's 14th birthday is tomorrow! Our cousins are visiting us tomorrow through Sunday! :) Happy early birthday Anna!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Massachusetts Vacation Day 5: Yarmouth!
Hi everyone, it's Reese! :) Sorry for the lag, I've been trying to catch up! Here's what we did yesterday:
Around 11:30, we decided to go to a place called Skull Island in south Yarmouth. It has go-karts, adventure mini golf, an arcade, and batting cages. Yarmouth is only about 30 minutes away, so we decided to go.
First, the boys in my mom's family decided to go on the go-karts, I however, did not, because I am a doll. None the less, it seems like something Anna would love. xD There was an hour-long wait just to ride the go-karts! According to the boys, it was very fun.
Next, we ate lunch in the car since it was so windy outside. It was fun to hang out and chat. I had a turkey and cheese sandwich with chips. Yummy! :)
After lunch, we decided to play the adventure mini golf. It was very fun! However, around hole 5 we began to feel rain drops. Around hole 6, it began to drizzle. Then at hole 7, it was pouring. Chaos ensued as most of the mini-golfers ran inside and received wooden coins for another free play of mini golf.
Back at home, we all got into our pajamas, as the rest of our clothes were soaking wet. We watched television and I played on my laptop. For dinner, we wanted to cook chicken on a stick (that's what we call skewered marinated barbecue chicken. It's one of my favorite dishes!), but tit was still pouring outside. None the less, we resorted to Plan B. In the end, we cooked the marinated chicken pieces in a frying pan and served them over pasta. They were still delicious though! :) Afterwards, we ate ice cream and relaxed until bed.
Today we went to Wellfleet, Chatham, and Dennis! Look for that post tonight as well! :)
Love,
Reese <3
Around 11:30, we decided to go to a place called Skull Island in south Yarmouth. It has go-karts, adventure mini golf, an arcade, and batting cages. Yarmouth is only about 30 minutes away, so we decided to go.
First, the boys in my mom's family decided to go on the go-karts, I however, did not, because I am a doll. None the less, it seems like something Anna would love. xD There was an hour-long wait just to ride the go-karts! According to the boys, it was very fun.
Next, we ate lunch in the car since it was so windy outside. It was fun to hang out and chat. I had a turkey and cheese sandwich with chips. Yummy! :)
After lunch, we decided to play the adventure mini golf. It was very fun! However, around hole 5 we began to feel rain drops. Around hole 6, it began to drizzle. Then at hole 7, it was pouring. Chaos ensued as most of the mini-golfers ran inside and received wooden coins for another free play of mini golf.
Back at home, we all got into our pajamas, as the rest of our clothes were soaking wet. We watched television and I played on my laptop. For dinner, we wanted to cook chicken on a stick (that's what we call skewered marinated barbecue chicken. It's one of my favorite dishes!), but tit was still pouring outside. None the less, we resorted to Plan B. In the end, we cooked the marinated chicken pieces in a frying pan and served them over pasta. They were still delicious though! :) Afterwards, we ate ice cream and relaxed until bed.
Today we went to Wellfleet, Chatham, and Dennis! Look for that post tonight as well! :)
Love,
Reese <3
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Massachusetts Vacation Day 4: Provincetown!
Hi everyone, it's Reese! Here's what we did yesterday:
Around 11 a.m., we decided to visit the very end of Cape Cod- Provincetown! It was an hour drive from Brewster and we got there around noon.
In Provincetown, we walked around and went to different little shops. We went to a stores that sold shells, sweatshirts, and even shoes! After walking around for a bit, we got pizza for lunch. We then went to an ice cream place and visited the beach. After spending our afternoon in Provincetown, we drove to the end of Cape Cod and then headed home.
After dinner, we went to Mayflower Beach in Dennis, my mom's favorite beach. We played in the sand and walked in the cool ocean. We even played on the lifeguard chair!
Today we are going to the beach again! :)
Love,
Reese <3
Around 11 a.m., we decided to visit the very end of Cape Cod- Provincetown! It was an hour drive from Brewster and we got there around noon.
In Provincetown, we walked around and went to different little shops. We went to a stores that sold shells, sweatshirts, and even shoes! After walking around for a bit, we got pizza for lunch. We then went to an ice cream place and visited the beach. After spending our afternoon in Provincetown, we drove to the end of Cape Cod and then headed home.
After dinner, we went to Mayflower Beach in Dennis, my mom's favorite beach. We played in the sand and walked in the cool ocean. We even played on the lifeguard chair!
Today we are going to the beach again! :)
Love,
Reese <3
Monday, July 30, 2012
Massachusetts Vacation Day 3: Exploring Brewster
Hi everyone, it's Reese! Sorry for no update yesterday, but I wanted Emma to have her blog post at the top. This is what we did yesterday.
Around noon, we headed out with no destination in mind, just to see a bit of Brewster, the town we're staying in. We went to a pond near our house, drove around in our car, and went to a small craft show. Afterwards, we headed home for lunch.
Yesterday we just relaxed a lot, because we were all tired from driving for 2 days. My mom and I filmed part of a video that will hopefully be up next week sometime. We also played the game "Sorry!" and ate snacks.
Around dinnertime, we decided to go to a seafood place called JT's near where we're staying. The food was excellent and I enjoyed my chicken strips. ;) We then headed to Dennis to visit a souvenir shop called Cuffy's. Mom was looking for a hoodie, but none of them were the right size.
After some shopping around, we drove home. I am loving Cape Cod! Today we are going to Provincetown, and I'll tell you all about it tonight (or maybe tomorrow)!
Love,
Reese <3
Around noon, we headed out with no destination in mind, just to see a bit of Brewster, the town we're staying in. We went to a pond near our house, drove around in our car, and went to a small craft show. Afterwards, we headed home for lunch.
Yesterday we just relaxed a lot, because we were all tired from driving for 2 days. My mom and I filmed part of a video that will hopefully be up next week sometime. We also played the game "Sorry!" and ate snacks.
Around dinnertime, we decided to go to a seafood place called JT's near where we're staying. The food was excellent and I enjoyed my chicken strips. ;) We then headed to Dennis to visit a souvenir shop called Cuffy's. Mom was looking for a hoodie, but none of them were the right size.
After some shopping around, we drove home. I am loving Cape Cod! Today we are going to Provincetown, and I'll tell you all about it tonight (or maybe tomorrow)!
Love,
Reese <3
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Summertime and Shows: Part 2
Hi, it's Emma! You may be wondering why I am typing right now instead of Reese. Ree e-mailed me and told me that she would like me to write Part 2, because I am playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast. I was surprised, but also excited. This is my first blog post!
Last Friday was my first play practice with only Mr. R. and myself. I was a bit nervous because I usually have others with me at play practices. When I got to the theater downtown, Mr. R. probably knew I was nervous because he reassured me that everything would be fine.
We went over some music and I began to practice my lines. Despite reassurance, I was still scared. About an hour after we began, I set down my music and stopped singing. Surprised, Mr. R. said:
"Emma, are you okay?"
"Yes," I said. "I'm fine."
"Are you sure? It's not like you to stop in the middle of something Emma. Would you like to talk about something on your mind?"
"Well, I suppose. You see, my sister Reese left on vacation today. I miss her a lot."
Afterwards, we chatted for a few minutes and he gave me some extra reassurance that I would be a great Belle. We practiced for another hour, and then my Aunt Alexis came to pick me up.
On Friday, I also met my cousins Maggie, Anna, Katie, and Grace for the first time. You see, Isabella, Samantha, Nellie, and I are staying at their home until Reese and my mom return home.
Anyways, Anna wants us all to play a game of soccer now. I'll talk to you soon! :)
Lots of Love,
Emma :)
Last Friday was my first play practice with only Mr. R. and myself. I was a bit nervous because I usually have others with me at play practices. When I got to the theater downtown, Mr. R. probably knew I was nervous because he reassured me that everything would be fine.
We went over some music and I began to practice my lines. Despite reassurance, I was still scared. About an hour after we began, I set down my music and stopped singing. Surprised, Mr. R. said:
"Emma, are you okay?"
"Yes," I said. "I'm fine."
"Are you sure? It's not like you to stop in the middle of something Emma. Would you like to talk about something on your mind?"
"Well, I suppose. You see, my sister Reese left on vacation today. I miss her a lot."
Afterwards, we chatted for a few minutes and he gave me some extra reassurance that I would be a great Belle. We practiced for another hour, and then my Aunt Alexis came to pick me up.
On Friday, I also met my cousins Maggie, Anna, Katie, and Grace for the first time. You see, Isabella, Samantha, Nellie, and I are staying at their home until Reese and my mom return home.
Anyways, Anna wants us all to play a game of soccer now. I'll talk to you soon! :)
Lots of Love,
Emma :)
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Summertime and Shows: Part 1
Hi everyone, it's Reese! Welcome to my summer blog series! Do you remember when I told you that I was going to be in my school's summer show? Well, Emma and I are gaining show experience in our first show. Our school Ridgeway is located a good distance from where we live. And because kids from all over the world attend Ridgeway in Washington D.C., Ridgeway is putting on separate shows across the country.
Our show is (insert drum roll here) Beauty and the Beast! Auditions took place in late June ad rehearsal has been everyday since at the local theater. Tech week (The week before a performance with lots of dress rehearsals and testing) begins right when we return from Cape Cod. We have three performances following tech week.
Now I suppose you are wondering about the auditions and roles we received.
When I attended my audition, I was so nervous. I met my Theater teacher on the stage of our local theater. I was the first to audition. I sang A Place in This World by Taylor Swift. At first, I was so nervous. However, by the second verse, I got really into the music and my nervous feelings faded away. Meanwhile, Mr. R. (I'm not allowed to say his full name) wrote in a notebook and nodded. Afterwards, I read some lines. I read the scene in the library as Belle and the scene where Beast turns back into a man. Mr. R. wrote down a few more things and then dismissed me. I was not allowed to watch Emma's audition after mine. However, I could hear Emma sing Untouchable by Taylor Swift and read about five sets of lines as Belle. When her audition was over, we walked the short distance home.
We did not find out our roles until three days later, but Emma and I both got callbacks! This was so surprising and wonderful, since we are only in tenth grade. However, only five juniors and two seniors are in the production. (It's usually more, but the summer show usually has less people due to people traveling.)
The next day at rehearsal, we found our our roles.
The lead of Belle was cast as Emma! I am so happy for my sister. :) Emma repeatedly read lines as Belle and Mr. R. always smiles when Emma reads lines and sings. She has a wonderful voice and is a very talented actress! Most of the juniors and seniors are so happy for Emma because it is so rare for a sophomore to be cast as the lead. Emma has been working so hard as Belle and practicing lines nonstop.
I was cast as Mrs. Potts! I didn't want a super large role, as this is my first show. Coincidentally, Emma and I have a bunch of roles together, which is wonderful! I am so excited for the finale number when I sing Beauty and the Beast. I am so happy with my role! :)
That's all for part one of Summertime and Shows. Part 2 will talk about our beginning rehearsals and getting to know our characters.
Love,
Reese <3
Sunday, February 19, 2012
February Break!
Hi everyone, Reese here! Just wanted to let you know that we're on winter break! Yay!
We finally got snow here! We were all so excited! Today, we went on a hike at a nature place near my house. It was really fun even though it was cold outside! We even saw deer in the woods! They were only about 5 or so yards away! I freaked out when I saw them. It was my first time seeing deer!
Maggie took this picture! See the deer behind the trees? It was so exciting to see them!
Also, I'm not sick anymore either! Yay!
This morning, before we went hiking, mom made us breakfast- pancakes and bacon! It was delicious!
My winter break has been super fun so far, and it's just beginning! What do you like to to on a school break?
Love,
Reese <3
We finally got snow here! We were all so excited! Today, we went on a hike at a nature place near my house. It was really fun even though it was cold outside! We even saw deer in the woods! They were only about 5 or so yards away! I freaked out when I saw them. It was my first time seeing deer!
Also, I'm not sick anymore either! Yay!
This morning, before we went hiking, mom made us breakfast- pancakes and bacon! It was delicious!
My winter break has been super fun so far, and it's just beginning! What do you like to to on a school break?
Love,
Reese <3
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)