December 20th, 2003

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BIG SISTER DIA!!!! Wish I could be there to celebrate with you! Love you!

Today former President Bush and his lovely wife, Barbara, attended our matinee. He was completely charming and kind, and everyone who met him- regardless of political affiliation- agreed he is one of the most sincere and poised men he/she has ever met. Although I'm not v. knowledgeable in the world of politics, meeting him was thrilling (esp. the sense of power he radiates), and Ill never forget it. I mean, this is a man who has made HUGE decisions for our country re:war and world affairs...the biggest decision Ive ever made was regarding my health and really only affected me- not a nation!

The following is a mini "script" I wrote after meeting President Bush. It's the best way I can relay my experience.

PRE SHOW, GIRLS DRESSING ROOM
We get the 5 min. call with the announcement that the President has just arrived. I hurry to dress and rush upstairs for my wig, hoping to catch a glimpse of him before the show. (were all to meet them at intermission) President Bush walks out of Stage management's office, after all his party has begun to walk to the front of the theatre and take their seats. Hallway is empty, excluding 1 secret service man accompanying the President, the President himself and me- wearing my blonde wig with hat, tap pants and a little black top. Suddenly, he spots me watching him and changes his direction, walking straight up to me:

Mr. President: Hello! (Reaching out his hand which I take)
Me: Enjoy our show!
Mr President, good naturedly: Thank you. Ill be back later to flirt with you all (*twinkle* in his eye- obviously joking)
Me: Ill look forward to it.

We release hand, beat, then...

Mr. President: (acknowledging gentleman with him- he introduces me.) This is Mr. ????

Mr. ???? says something I didn't quite catch, as I was too much in awe.
Me: Its a pleasure...
Mr. President: Ill see you later.
Me: Yes, thank you Mr. President.

cut to: INTERMISSION

Everyone backstage with cameras and waiting expectantly. He arrives. She's with him. I waited my turn from a spot against a wall, and stared straight at him- wanting to be acknowledged- wondering if he'd remember meeting me. I thought I saw him look at me and smile a few times. Was that hope?

Finally, it was my turn to take my picture. I stood between the two and he put his arm around me saying,

Mr. President: We talked before!
cameras flashing...
Me: yes, we did!
and...CLICK! Got my picture. *grin* Then, it was over... or so I thought.

I stood, leaning against the wall, watching as he continued to greet people, full of charm and wit. Barbara is lovely- gracious and quite humorous. Poor thing was a little confused when she first came back stage though. She saw Diane Phelan and said, "you're mean!" 2 secs later, Hollis came out and she corrected herself, "Oh, you're not mean, YOURE mean!" HA HA! She thought Diane was Mrs. Meers, because Diane is Asian! As we say in Millie, "That ain't right" and we all had a good laugh about it.

As things were winding up, he thanked us all, and Barbara pulled out a camera.

Barbara: Not it's our turn. Everyone get together.
Mr. President: You get in there too, Barb. I'll take it.

We encouraged her to get in the front center of the picture, and she used me for support as she came down to join our shot. Then someone suggested the president himself also join us. He did, and what fun the picture was!

They began to make their way back down the hall, speaking kindly to people as they passed. At the wig room, he stopped.

Mr. President: What goes on in here?

Perfect! Taking advantage of the moment, I squeezed past secret service as Ruth was explaining about the wigs, and I informed him that I was just about to change my wig now. He turned to me and looked amused, then followed me into the wig room TO WATCH!!! Aahahaha!

Mr. President: Let's see how this gets done.

He watched as I went from redhead to brunette.

Mr. President: Is this the last wig you'll change into?
Me: No, I've got a few more to change. You'll see me in Act 2 as the maid again.
Mr. President: I'll be looking for you.

WOW! Well, let's just say I spent all of act 2 performing especially for him. I think we all gave 110% that show.

They are really wonderful people- regardless of political beliefs which I may or may not agree with, and I totally see why he was elected. The way he treated each one of us, the way he held Diane's hand and told her that her little brother (who is fighting in Iraq) will be ok, the way he served the people... in every way he was charming and kind and sincere. And... WOW! My 1st President! What fun! I'd like to meet others someday.

December 22nd, 2003

Glorious day off!

I've just returned from the Nutcracker, performed by the Houston ballet Co. , and it was breathtaking! It makes me want to buy the DVDs and watch it every day and immediately enroll in a ballet academy and to see every ballet I possibly can. This was my v. first Nutcracker experience (can you believe it?), and I cant help but think that I probably would have been more excited and willing to take dance classes as a child had my parents taken me to the ballet every year. I will certainly take my children. What a fascinating world ballet is- not just physically and visually on stage, but also within the company, esp. the hierarchy of dancers- principals>soloists>corps de ballet. I wish I knew more about their world.

My absolute FAV. dancer was the Snow Queen at the end of Act 1, Kristina Harper. She radiates so much joy and love while she dances, and is so beautiful and graceful. And she's not yet even a soloist! Clara was wonderful too, and just last year was ready to quit the business! Reading that reminded me, once again, that even the best feel defeated at times, but you've GOT to keep going!

I bought a set of Nutcracker ornaments at the ballet which include Clara, the mouse King, the Nutcracker Prince and the Uncle (wish they had a sugar plum fairy!) and cant wait to get them home and put them on my tree!

I spent the earlier half of my day at the zoo with Bradley and Jeremy. I love the zoo, and this was a nice one.  I've decided Cotton Top Tamarins look like rock stars which is a major reason why I love them. *laugh*

Off to watch Hook while I finish knitting my Aunt's scarf for Christmas! Then, bed!

Night!

Write to Juliana at Juliana@haineshisway.com