The Comical Misadventures of a Rambling Mind

9/04/2007

WHERE THE GIRLS ARE THE FAIREST, THE BOYS ARE THE SQUAREST

There is no place like Nebraska. Fight song aside, I do like Nebraska, Omaha in particular. I've always enjoyed the 'big' small town feel that it has to it. On a (rare) political note, my views are probably more liberal that what might be common to the state as a whole. I've been told that I don't seem like I come from a small town. Now... having said that, when I'm in a larger city, I certain feel like a small town kind of guy.

But... I'm getting off track.

When asked about Omaha and Nebraska in general, I really don't know what to say other than it's a nice "'big' small town" like I already said. I can tell you about the zoo. Or the college world series coming here every year. Warren Buffet lives here. So that's something... Omaha kind of blends in when it comes to big-time news and events.

So I guess that is why it surprises me to learn that there was a neo-Nazi rally over the weekend. They actually came from Minneapolis to protest in front of the Mexican Consulate here in Omaha. Seriously? This is how you choose to spend your time?

There were counter-protesters on hand and a separate Diversity Day celebration going on elsewhere. It's times like this that my small-townness comes through. I'm surprised that something like this even still happens. Not the existence of neo-Nazi, but just that neo-Nazi's protesting in Omaha. Would this type of thing even be noteworthy in a large city like Minneapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, or Denver? Or would it still occur, but on a larger scale.

As Mark and I were driving downtown, we were diverted because of the protesting. It's sad to note that I even uttered, "Oh it's probably protesters at the Mexican Consulate again." Because it happens so regularly now. When I first moved to Omaha it was noteworthy to see protesters outside the Planned Parenthood clinic just a few blocks away from the Consulate. Now they are old news. It's more unusual NOT to see them there. It is kind of looking that way with immigration protests now.

Labels: news, small town life

I posted this @ 9/04/2007 11:35:00 AM.............Need a link?..........

3/12/2007

YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT

After many stressful weekends in the Cute Teacher's life, the 'big' weekend finally arrived. After months of late rehearsals and snow days and trips to various thrift stores to find accessories and props, the day had arrived. The Cute Teacher was the assistant director for a high school production of Grease. I haven't watched the actual show in ages. I know the songs, and have been hearing a lot of them lately by association. To finally see it all put together was very cool.

I arrived a half hour in town a half hour before the show started. I cruised around a bit before actually heading to the show. I didn't want to be tooearly. This was the wrong thing to do. I was unprepared for how many people would actually be in attendance. The auditorium was easily seating 500 people.

That is one thing I enjoy about small towns. The community support for such local productions is amazing. Of course, it's because the majority of people know someone in the show and they are there to root them on. Because of my early (yet tardy) arrival I sat towards the back of the auditorium. I could still hear everything, but occasionally my view would be obstructed by the elderly gentleman in front of me. Fortunately he slept through most of it and I was able to see over his slumped-forward head.

I, apparently, had seated myself in the gossip section. Not only did I hear about various vacations or group trips that people were planning on taking. I also learned that apparently some times were printed incorrectly which was the cause of strife between one couple as they showed up a half hour into the show and took a seat next to me. He was apologetic enough, but she could have been related to a harpy. For the first act of the show you could hear her complain that her husband had wrote down the wrong time. She might as well go home because she couldn't see the stage. She demanded his keys several times so she could go to the car. After her second plea for the keys, following much complaining... I was willing to give her mine jsut so she would shut the hell up.

During intermission I believe she must have crept off to have a quick drink because she returned in a much better mood. Now she was singing along with the songs... Hate.

But overall the show was really good. There were several students that I was impressed with their performance. The Cute Teacher tries to play the shows down, partially out of modesty, but also I believe so that I won't get my hopes up. Considering I've not seen an actual Broadway show, I'm perfectly content with the performances that a high schooler can give. He is a much tougher critic than I.

This weekend has really brought about a small town feel. Nothing unusual. I get this every so often. I went to Nebraska City over the weekend as well. I like the fact that most things remain the same there. It is a nice way to ground myself and get going again. It's relaxing to me to see people that I've known for over a decade. It's reassuring to know that however hectic my life may seem that I can find peace in something like a small town.

Would I ever move back? Who knows... I don't foresee it anytime soon. But, I still like it.

Labels: cute teacher, music, small town life