Here is the story you have been waiting for! It is not what you might think.....
My fiance, Mike Chinnici, and I have been together for about 3 and a half years. We met in college- he a Film major, I a Theatre major. I was in an "Acting for the Camera" class and he was taking a "Directing for the Camera" class and we were paired together for a project. That's how we met. : )
Because of the nature of our career paths, we knew that a time would come when Dallas would not suit us anymore. We thought that time would be right after college, but we both found really good jobs here that we loved- me at CMS and Mike at FUNimation Entertainment. Eventually the idea of moving came up again. We decided that we wanted to get married here in Texas first, then we would be moving to Los Angeles.
I just had to wait for the proposal. As you, my students, probably know I am not a patient person. (Except when saying, "I'll wait" for the class to get quiet!) The time came when we teachers were given contracts for next year to sign. I held onto this contract, wondering if I should sign it and commit us to Texas for another year. The Friday before it was due, I finally brought it up. It was during lunchtime on a school day, and I had ran to get some lunch. I was talking to Mike (Mr. Chinnici) on the phone in my car. We discussed our plans and our options. Mike hinted that he had something elaborate planned, but it would not be for a little while. In my head, I basically had to choose between immediately feeling secure in our future plans, or waiting for the ceremony and grandeur of a fancy proposal.
...I went with Option A.
I said, "Well, this is how my parents got engaged- my mom and dad were talking on the phone and my dad wanted my mom to move in with him. She said, 'No, not until we're married!' and he said, "Well, let's get married!'" (My parents have been together for 30 years and have a fantastic relationship.)
Mike paused. Then he said, "Well, let's get married!"
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." I could tell he was smiling on the other end.
"Okay!" Of course, I cried. "You don't have to get me a fancy ring or anything! I can totally wait for all of that."
Mike paused again. "I just paid it off this morning."
(More crying.)
And that's how it happened! No, it's not the big elaborate story that some girls come up with in their heads, but for me it was just perfect. I love that our engagement came out of a discussion about us and our future. I wouldn't have had it any other way!
Now to the other part- no, I did not sign my contact. It is extremely hard for me to tell you all this, but I will not be back at CMS next year. After Mike and I get married in October or November, we will be moving to L.A. to pursue our careers in acting and film. While I am extremely excited about what lies ahead of us, I am also so sad to be leaving this amazing school and community. You, my students, bring me so much joy. You have taught me so much and I hope that I've taught you some as well!
We have not started interviewing for a new teacher, but I promise we'll get a good one! Because I will still be living here when the school year starts next year, you can bet I'll be back to say hi and hopefully see your fall show. : )
Every single one of you are individually amazing. Thank you for reminding me every day of the joy of theatre and I hope that you each continue to pursue your passions. I have absolutely loved my time at CMS and am proud to say that at least for a few years, I was a Carroll Dragon.
