Thoughts on the first week -

I've been thinking about this class using theatre as a comparison.  I love theatre.  I have worked in the theatre/performing arts world for 13 years.  One of the reasons I love theatre is that there exists an infinite number of ways to solve problems. If you're producing a published script, you are contractually obligated to say every word in that script.  But the actors can change the tone with a glance, the lighting designer can manipulate the emotional atmosphere by dimming a spotlight, and the scenic designer can place the action in an opulent apartment or on a deserted island.  And then there are always constraints - from the budget to the amount of rehearsal time to the end date when the show must open.  You are working as a part of a team, and clear communication is key to a successful production.

I'm interested in the idea of participating and completing this class as solving an open-ended problem; however, I also like to know my constraints. This first week has been a bit frustrating, because assignments (as it were) seemed open-ended, but only later did the constraints become evident.  I'm also a big fan of deadlines - I like a general idea of when I should be done with a project.  I know that obviously that can be something that I can set for myself (as I know we all do with the juggling between work and school and family and finding 20 spare minutes to eat a sandwich).  

I have found navigating AsULearn to be not entirely intuitive - is there an easier way to see the participants other than clicking on your own name? - and in fact, I didn't know it was Moodle-based until Curtis mentioned it in the body of his email (thanks, Curtis!).  I'm a little afraid that I'm going to miss something - an assignment, a reply to a discussion, etc.  New things seem to just appear on the site - or maybe I'm not paying close enough attention - hard to tell.

All in all, though, I'm looking forward to the class, imaginary parquet floors and all - 

Trying this again -

So, a no go on the "balladeer from Dukes of Hazzard as anonymous source to the tabloids" blog. Maybe I'll pull it out again for our CI590000 course: Unlikely Greek Choruses in New Media.

Here's a bit about me:

I am from Spartanburg, SC but have lived all over since then.  I've been in Asheville for the past ten years with my husband, Scott.  We have two children (Stella - 4.5 and Levi - 14 months) and a dog named Gary.  I am the Marketing Director at Asheville Community Theatre.  Other jobs that I've had have been children's touring theatre manager, casting assistant, waitress, janitor, and assorted others.  One of my most favorite things that I've done is write and perform with three sketch comedy troupes, including an all-female troupe in Asheville called LYLAS.  I'm going on permanent hiatus from that while I figure out how to juggle/balance work/family/grad school while still appearing mildly sane.

I went to Wake Forest as an undergrad, and majored in theatre and minored in psychology, and though I wouldn't trade my undergrad experience for anything, in retrospect perhaps I should have taken a few more practical courses.  

What else?  I love using parentheses and dashes.  I love eating and cooking and thinking about eating and cooking.  I like swimming and reading, though not at the same time.  I'm very excited to be on this journey!