Being a parent means sometimes you’re happy it’s Monday and you can go back to work and catch a breather. Okay, maybe not happy - it is still work - but this Monday I am relieved that my weekend parenting projects are done.
Friday night was the seven-year old’s school talent show. This is the second year that our neighbor (who’s the mother of the seven-year old’s best friend/arch-nemesis and also works with the missus) voluntarily ran the show (she was the one who thought it up last year). It was also the second time I acted as curtain guy and backstage prop/talent coordinator.
The talent show got a good turnout its first year and even more this year. It amazes me that this many kids want to stand on stage and perform in front of a pretty big crowd. I tried that once as a kid, trying out for my eight-grade “follies.” One person in the class of 60 didn’t get a part and was stuck being the curtain guy. Want to guess who that was? Anyway, my thinking is that in the age of American Idol everyone wants to perform.
Last year’s talent show was held at the high school but they are in the process of building a new auditorium, so this year it was held at a nearby boro’s “caf-a-gym-a-torium.” The big story from the show was that the microphones kept going out. Technically this was the department of the sound guy, but since he was busy with the music, it was up to me to keep finding the one mic that would work. The great thing was, other than one budding Britney Spears crying about it and her ready-for-the-big-time stage-mom flipping out right on stage, the kids couldn’t have cared less. They were having fun backstage and on stage. The missus was out in the audience and saw a different story, one that was directed at my neighbor, the show organizer. Some people have no class. That’s why I’m glad I was on the other side of the curtain with the kids who took the show for what it was, a chance to laugh and act out and have fun.
Saturday was opening day for Little League, my first one as a coach. Man, this is a baseball town. Team pictures followed by a very long opening ceremony (with every diggleberry dignitary wanting to speak) and then the opening game. The seven-year old had a First Communion retreat so I coached even though he wasn’t there (which may have explained why I was so relaxed for once).
I’ll just say that I had a ball, I got a bright red farmer tan, and as I stood there I was amazed that after my less-than-stellar little league career I would ever be allowed back on the field. I thank the Baseball Gods for their forgiving souls.
Oh, and we won!
the talent show! we never had those in my elementary school. i don't think i would've wanted to be in it anyways. i was never one for standing in front of large crowds. i'd rather be behind the lens taking photos of the event than be the focal point.
Posted by: dragonballyee | 2005.04.12 at 02:15 AM
My nephew made the show. Wish the missus would let you post a pic of him up on stage. TOO cute. Damn missus.
Posted by: Donna | 2005.04.12 at 02:16 PM
Dragonball - You wouldn't believe this kids. Out of over 100 doing the talent show, exactly one kid got stage fright.
Donna - welcome to my world. Damn missus.
Posted by: Mark | 2005.04.12 at 09:13 PM
Nice attitude...boogerheads!
Posted by: Dee | 2005.04.13 at 01:23 PM