Keeping Up with Kate

Etsy

2011-07-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

Well thanks to my sister Stacy's suggestion, it's happening. I've had an Etsy account for awhile, mostly to purchase unique and fun gifts for my friends and family. They're always a hit! However when Stacy started getting multiple inquiries regarding a beaded bracelet I made, she passed on the idea to sell the things! Well, since I need some more money for France next summer, I'm taking her up on the idea! You can go to my shop, Laughing Soprano, at www.laughingsoprano.etsy.com to view and purchase my crafty creations. Don't worry. There may be 3 items now, but after another trip to the bead store I'm sure the number will grow. Though hopefully not by too much since I'd really like the things to sell rather than sit online the entire time.

Happy Etsy Shopping!

The Perfect Blade

2011-07-08T19:59:00.001-07:00

I've decided to start a new blog. No worries. I'm keeping this one. It's mine. This other one is for my doggie tales. I love telling stories about Coda and our expeditions into the city or trips or just our day-to-day comings and goings. But I have found people want to hear more about me than my dog. But I can't stop talking about my dog. My sisters have their children. Friends have their spouses. I have... Coda. And I love her! So I'm going to write our stories down. Read them if you wish. Ignore them if you're not a dog person.

The Perfect Blade

Enjoy.

Memorial Day

2011-05-29T14:42:00.001-07:00

On Friday, East students and staff wore red, white, and blue in honor of Memorial Day. My friend Alicia helped me out by picking up a great tee for me!

We have several ties to military at that school, including staff and student's immediate family members who currently serve overseas. We are so thankful they have been safe thus far, and pray for their continued safety. To those who have served and those who are currently serving, thank you.

My family ties to the military...

Pa Dr. Arthur M. Lindsay - US Army
Grandpa John Gabriel - US Army
Grandpa Bob Gehrman - US Army
Cousin Stefan Mueller - US Marine Corps

Katy Trail 5K

2011-05-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

So I almost ran a mile. Almost. Had I realized they had signs posted w/times at the mile markers I think I would have kept running. Can you tell I don't participate in these things very often? It was fun though! Great activity with great friends! Gay, Jenny and I enjoyed ourselves! Now I just have to get out there and do some more... 'cause it's high time I started feeling better about myself and exercising! Concert is Thursday, so official workout regime begins next Monday. It's happening, folks. Bring it.

Mother's Weekend

2011-05-08T14:10:00.001-07:00

Well thanks to a last minute idea and generous and sharing family, my mom, Bob, Alyse, Jeff, June and I all got to meet up this weekend at the Possum Kingdom Lake Home to celebrate Mother's Day.

I miss my family! My parents are absolutely wonderful people who are so insightful, caring, and loving. It's nice to feel like the kid again rather than the adult in the room. And watching Alyse and Jeff 4 months into their parenthood is so fascinating! What amazing parents they are, and how beautiful a child they have! June is a delight to watch grow! Makes me wish we all lived closer so I could see Finley and the soon-to-be-new nephew as often as I see June (which is not nearly enough as it is!).

We played frisbee golf, ate, rode the four-wheelers, swam, ate, drank, ate, played dominoes, ate, read, and ate wonderful food. I think we all needed the time away from our hectic lives to enjoy one another for a bit and have some fun. Thanks to Bill and Carol for their hospitality in letting us stay out in PK! I leave you with some pictures (even though they're not as clear as one would like - phone camera) of our brief stay...

Orender Lake Home

Scary, crazy, big-a$$ centipede!!! WHERE was The Verminator???

Ahhhh... goats. Much better than the nasty centipede.

Jeff and Baby June. That's right. No other pics of the family. Just June-bug sleeping. I was too busy playing with and holding her.

2011-04-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it stink when you want to post something but putting your thoughts out on the web is not the smartest thing to do?

Format

2011-04-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

I want my blog to look cute. To look organized. To look like I know what I'm doing! I know, I know... start with Cutest Blog on the Block. But how do you work out the formalities of the format? Mine doesn't seem like it fits "just right". Help!

PS: Yes, I know this means I might actually have to post more than once every 2 months.

Clean Desk

2011-03-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I have a cozy home. If you arrive, you will most likely find it picked up, and if I knew you were coming, the floors would be cleaned and the rugs would be vacuumed. I'm not the most diligent or concerned when it comes to things being "clean". Not that I don't like things that way, but that I'm rather apathetic about the process it takes to get there.

2 weeks ago I vowed to clean my floors. And boy did I! I not only swept and mopped; I got down on my hands and knees and SCRUBBED the tiles. There is no exaggeration, and if you're still reading this, I'll allow you a moment or two to come out of your shock and breathe normally again.

Ready to move on? Good! My task this break? My desk. Some of you are probably surprised to find out I even own a desk! That pile of papers and items in my "office" area? It's not just a pile. It's piled ON TOP of my desk! It's a beautiful desk, too! Cherry colored wood, rounded edges and just enough storage for all the mailing supplies I'll ever require. But you couldn't see it! So, ta-da! I cleaned my desk! At first, it looked like it has for MONTHS...

And then I had to document my progress, because this is BIG STUFF for me!

Now, it's workable! I am sitting at it this very moment, blogging to the world about my clean desk! And no, I did not just take everything and shove it in a closet or under the bed. It's actually PUT AWAY.

I know for most of you this is menial. You keep everything so clean and organized. I'm jealous of you. I know I CAN, I just have so little drive! I know where everything is how to find it. I don't eat germy things (though Mom did tell me once that "dirt is just God's way of seasoning things"). I make sure that when I have guests everything is in order and neatly arranged (mostly - if you're a REALLY good friend, you lose). And I try to keep my chaotic clutter confined to the "office" area of my home. If it had a door, it would be better. Because then I could ignore it all the time.

Ice Day!

2011-02-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

So really I'm just blogging to inform you all that I'm safe and sound indoors, warm, and that I didn't fall when I took Coda on a walk/slide earlier this morning. Thankfully watching her attempt to avoid any flat surface kept me entertained and distracted me from the 1 degree wind chill I was out in. Her cute 'little' paws spread as wide as they could go, and it took her awhile to find a 'spot'. I'm guessing because 1) she couldn't smell the grass and 2) she was so focused on finding a place she could securely stand whilst going about her business.

So now that I've updated you on her 'business' and my warmth, I'm going to debate being productive at home. Like I should be. I'm sure I will be... right? Right.

Christmas

2010-12-29T17:19:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas 2010 is over. Are presents put away? The tree down? Clothes washed and folded from the trip? No. 'No' is the answer to every question. I have slept in this morning, run errands, and started The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson. And Coda has slept all day. It's been beautiful. Christmas was small numbers this year. Just me, Mom and Bobbert. I headed out to Albuquerque and had a great time talking, shopping, and skiing Sandia! Mom and I had a blast. And Bob? Well he got sick. So he was out. Then he went to Minnesota. So he was still out. Boooo! Thankfully everyone has returned home safely and healthily! A couple of pics for you... I took very few, so sorry. ;)

From Coda

En route to ABQ, Coda did well!

From Drop Box

And I remembered I need to steal this from my mother one day.

From Family

But then I felt better because the animals only ate 3 of the 1000 pieces of our annual Christmas puzzle! Huzzah!

Merry Christmas!

Minimize

2010-08-17T20:32:00.001-07:00

I finally ousted the begonia vine, empty boxes, and roman column that have been taking up precious space in my home. And I discovered something after putting up only a few things back on top of the bookshelf. It looks great in here without so much STUFF. How do you accumulate so many things throughout a lifetime? And mine's not even 30 years old! There are boxes I have that I haven't opened in YEARS. And I can't bring myself to just toss them. Some have horses I played with as a child. I want them for my future children. Some have books I have read - or haven't yet. Will I ever read them again, or for that matter, at all if I haven't yet? WHY do I feel the need to keep so many things that are not needed? A reminder of my past? REALLY??? I feel like things are so much better now than they have ever been - why hold onto so much? So I'm going to simplify. If something tugs at my heart, I'll keep it. But if I don't even remember it to begin with? It's gone. This is my goal. To simplify. To minimize. To reduce my stress and calm my soul in a home I can relax in and love to be in. To reduce my material possessions in an effort to accomplish this goal.

And then I won't have so much stuff to pack the next time I move. =)

It's All Good

2010-08-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

From my last post, and from those of you who have been in contact with me the past week and a half, you might think, 'Ummm... that's not what you've been saying'. And you're right. I've had a tough time looking on the bright side lately. But today was a wake-up call to all the good and positive things I have going in my life. So let's review THOSE and not the other things. :)

*I have wonderful parents. They check in on me, offer support, love me, know what to say and when, and all in all, are there for me. WhenEVER I need them. They provide a loving atmosphere in which I get to learn, explore, and be ME. And that's tough for me. Being ME hasn't always been easy. And while I've been able to do a much better job of it the past few years, it's still a struggle. But not around them.

*I have fabulous sisters. Growing up, living with a family of girls was difficult. Because we weren't the same. In almost every way we were different from one another, and that was tough. I think I basically lived my secondary years at school partially to avoid conflict with them. I'm not good with it. And they are. Not in a bad way, they have always been much more comfortable and confident in their opinions and beliefs, and I envy that. But now that we're grown, I try to NOT avoid it. Their opinions are so valuable to me, and I LOVE that we are different. I enjoy telling people how my "blended" family doesn't feel "blended" and how the 4 of us are so very different, and yet still try to remain close. While we may not be as close to one another as we would like, I know they've got my back. And I've got theirs. They expand my knowledge and open my eyes to things I would otherwise have missed.

*My friends are... there for me. I'm sure some of you have known what it's like to feel like you are the outsider in a group. I know I have. A lot. But I don't now. I know my group(s) of friends are there when I need them and I can count on them. This was my wake-up call today. I listened to a voice message today telling me that if I needed anything I could call on her and that I was loved. And I could tell her the same thing. And others. In multiple areas of my life. How awesome is it to know that no matter where I turn, I have friends who will be there for me and tell it to me like it is - difficult or not.

*My school is the BEAST. Friendships from the previous paragraph were formed here. And where most schools divide into cliques like the students we teach, ours is a family. Sure, we have out groups, but there isn't one person in that building I would go talk to or just stop in to say hello. Oh yeah, and they've totally helped me build my program. Almost 170 kiddos at last count for this upcoming year!!!

*St. B's is a great church home. And I know they'll probably rope me into it again for saying this, but VBS did wonders for getting to know people OUTSIDE of the church choir and their families. It was awesome to make so many new connections.

*I have a great home. Really thankful for the location and place itself.

*My dog rocks. I know this goes without saying, but I really do think I have a great dog in Coda. She's just a GOOD DOG. I couldn't ask for a better doggy companion. Especially after she's put up with me being sick on the couch for over a week. We were finally able to play a little in the empty lot nearby tonight. And then we had to stop when she took off after a little chihuahua mix. :/

So life is good. There are stumbling blocks and there are rough times. But you can always find something that is a positive. And more often than not, I can find more than one. So I leave you with a video my mother sent her girls. It pretty much sums it up.

Warning: Vent Session

2010-07-13T21:01:00.001-07:00

This is my venting. The urge just sort of hit me, and it's actually kind of nice to put it out in the open. Don't read it if you don't want to. It's more for me to get out than anything else.

-------------------------------

I feel like I've been taken advantage of. From all aspects of this stupid car wreck (the other car? UNINSURED.) including the rental company, body shop, the OTHER insurance company (which isn't going to matter here)... the only good thing? MY insurance company is doing its job. Thank goodness. But really?? Everyone else?? I JUST WANT IT FIXED.

My old apartment complex. You want me to pay for new carpet? I lived there 6 months, and gave you a deposit as well as a pet deposit. I don't think I owe you anything. So you're next on my list to take down.

My ex. Without going into all the embarrassingly agonizing details, I wish the lightbulb would have gone on sooner in my brain. So now I'll be that much MORE skeptical of someone I might possibly have a relation with. Because he's still messing with my - we'll keep this family friendly - stuff.

And me? I'm compliant. Too much so. I know this, have known it, and probably will struggle with it my entire life. I have a feeling this next year I'm really going to have to stand up for myself and what I need. It's going to be a rude awakening. Professionally and personally.

So I'm going to PK tomorrow afternoon to enjoy my aunts and my mother. Thank goodness for amazing women in my life who I can look to and find support in. That includes my sisters and my friends. Because Lord knows where I'd be without them! Probably not in as good a place as I am.

Nature in the Big City

2010-07-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

I am constantly amazed at the number of natural elements I find living in the city rather than the suburbs. Sure, you have your normal squirrels, chipmunks (or ground squirrels), grackles, pigeons, etc. But now that I live IN Dallas, I have seen more wildlife and a vast array of trees and plantlife. From the opposums to the snails (big as I've ever seen!) to the variety of mushrooms - ones that look like parasols, neon green, even one that I thought was a white rock until I realized Coda was sniffing it and it was a fungus. I am constantly amazed. There are more birds here than the suburbs. More cardinals, more blue jays, more robins... And more trees! No one is plowing up vast acres of land to plant the same tree 50 times and say it's a "wooded" lot! There are vines everywhere. Flowers along the roadside and the residents take great pride in their landscaping. Mostly. I am more drawn to walk around and take in everything here than I was living in Grapevine, Irving, Frisco... all the suburbs just don't seem to offer the same unique, and yet familiar, landscape I enjoy. Kudos to the people here for bringing and maintaining the natural landscape you wouldn't think to find in Big D.

Sunday

2010-06-25T08:50:00.001-07:00

I am ready to be in Colorado with my family. I'm on break, right? I STILL feel like I have ALL THIS STUFF to do! Colorado means I can relax and enjoy my siblings, my niece, my parents, and all the activities or non-activities I wish!

So Sunday... GET HERE.

God Bless

2010-06-17T06:10:00.001-07:00

FINALLY

2010-06-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

An update! I've moved to Oak Lawn! It's a community in Dallas, just north of Uptown. LOVE IT. The people are friendly, the area is green, and I have easy access to highways, food, and friends. The latter two are extremely important. :)

So I will post pics of the new place soon. Right now I just can't find my camera from the move. But if I put off posting any longer, you'll all have thought I'd disappeared off the planet!

Other exciting things? My choir program is growing like crazy next year! I have 79 students currently. Or did before school let out. Next year? 180!!! How crazy is that?!?!? I am really looking forward to finally teaching Choir, and only Choir! I will miss the time with the administrators at lunch duty, and the hecticness that is Yearbook, but CHOIR! This is what I'm SUPPOSED to teach! So I'm happy!

ANOTHER exciting thing? I get to go on vacation with my family in a few weeks! Time to enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and the mountains of Colorado. I am REALLY looking forward to seeing my sisters, my parents, and my NIECE. Love that cutie pie!

So as soon as I get pictures uploaded, you can see the new place for yourselves. It's very, "Kate". :)

Before & After

2010-03-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

So many of you have asked about our "new" place. We've been moved in since the end of December, but FINALLY have it mostly organized! Takes us awhile, but we get 'r done! Here are is a before and after of the living room.

BEFORE

AFTER

If you want to see the place in its (almost) entirety, click here to see the Picasa album.

Negative Pressure

2010-03-04T20:58:00.001-08:00

So you know how I can never quite hear you the first time you say something to me? How I ask you to repeat things? How it seems like I turn the radio or tv up or I talk to loudly? It's because I have hearing loss. It's proven now, folks! I went in for the appointment. Apparently though, it's correctable! It's either one of two things. 1: I have a buildup of negative pressure in my middle ear cause by an inflamed or blocked eustation tube or 2: the bones in my middle ear are stiff. How do we figure out which it is? By cutting a hole in my ear drum and placing a tube in there to equalize the pressure in my ear and allowing the eustation tube to go back to normal. If that works, then we know it's not the bones. If it doesn't work, then it's time for surgery to loosen the bones in my ear so they vibrate correctly.

See?

Good times, eh? Prayers would be appreciated. I'm a little nervous, being that music is such an integral part of my life, that there will soon be a hole in my ear drum. But I'd rather fix this now than wait for it to get worse. Right? Right? I can't hear you.

Chuckin' Butter

2009-12-21T17:34:00.001-08:00

Me: The next move is a small squat up and down to the oom-pa of the beat. Your hands are in the middle, like you're a proper English-woman. Like this, 1 + 2 + 3 + so on and so forth!

6th Grade Girl: Oh! So it looks like we're chuckin' butter!

Me and the rest of the class: What??

Girl: You know, how they used to make butter!

Me: Do you mean CHURNING butter?

Girl: Oops.

*insert the entire class falling over laughing*

Excitement, Disappointment, and Excitement!

2009-12-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be moving in 2 weeks! Getting a place in Grapevine that's between school and UTA. Finally! I really am excited about this next step in life. Where then is the disappointment?? Christmas decorations! Why would I put them up now only to take them down in a week and a half, unpack them RIGHT before Christmas, then drive to ABQ for New Year's?? I want to have that festive feeling, but I think it's going to have to wait 'til next year. Thankfully I'll be at some other places that will be decorated. Marc's parents for Christmas, then my parents for the new year.

So enough of the lack of decorations. And besides moving... I am THRILLED to be going to ABQ for New Years! Every time I've seen my parents in the past year has been for an event where we were uber busy the entire time. I am looking forward to some well-deserved hanging out with my parents and just relaxing and catching up. Yes, we do that on the phone quite a bit, but some things are just better in person.

WARNING: Complaining

2009-12-02T18:31:00.000-08:00

So don't read if you don't want to listen to me whine.

I am so tired of being sick. It started with laryngitis that manifested into a sinus infection or bronchitis. Now it's some other virus that is knocking me off my feet. 5 DAYS BEFORE MY WINTER CONCERT. My head hurts, my body aches, and I can't sleep well. I'm hot, I'm cold, and I've been tested for flu and pneumonia. Those both came back negative. That's the good news. I'm still contagious with some virus I don't have a name for, I'm not teaching tomorrow, and I haven't been well in almost 3 weeks!

Whining done.

Mark Your Calendars Now

2009-11-27T09:47:00.000-08:00

April 30th, my Swing Choir and other featured Choir members will perform their 2nd Annual Dessert Show. Below is a taste of what you will see.

Coda Pics!

2009-11-23T17:04:00.000-08:00

I was able to download (and now upload!) the pics and video of Coda disemboweling her toy she received from my students! So here she is, for your viewing pleasure. I knew you'd appreciate it.

Stuffing Removal

Squeaker Removal - sorry for the low light

Break!

2009-11-20T18:03:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving. A time to be thankful. While I'm sure to have more deep and meaningful thanks as the week progresses, right now it is Friday night and I am thankful for a week off! It has been a crazy school year, folks. And today was the climax. I lost my voice. The choir teacher was teaching kiddos how to sing, without even SPEAKING. It was amazing. I mean, let's consider the superb teaching skills that have to be mastered to even be able to teach middle school in the first place. Then to do it MUTED? It seems there is little I can't do.

Now that I've sufficiently lied all over my page, I'll tell you how it REALLY went down. My 6th graders didn't understand that if I can't speak, then I can't answer 'why' questions very well. The boys thought it was great and 2 of them decided to become 'my voice' and 'instruct the class' as they thought I/they saw fit. My 7th and 8th grade girls were louder than I can even begin to imagine, and I had to resort to elementary echo clapping, WHICH THEY DIDN'T FOLLOW WELL. It was a day. But what made it worth every second of hacking and muteness for this bubbly, energetic, and usually loud woman? My Select kiddos threw me a birthday party! Several brought desserts, one made me a really cute "Peace, Love & Music" sign to hang in my room, and others got me pencils (since I break them tapping them on the music stands), Sharpie pens (my favorites!), and a stuffed toy for Coda!!!!! Do they know me or what??

I took pictures of Coda tearing into her toy. Mostly to prove to the girls she would get the squeaker (and most of the stuffing) out in under 60 minutes. She broke her own personal record and had it demolished in 32 minutes. I have attempted to load them onto my computer to share with you, but alas, it's not wanting to read my camera right now. So you will have to wait. I promise to post them though. I got some cute video too!

However, I can post from Halloween finally! My camera has been MIA lately. Well, not the camera, but the cable that charges the camera's battery. So I've had few pictures. And while there are several from others I would love to show you, here is Marc and myself at East. He brought me lunch the Friday before Halloween in his suit of armor! The kids loved it! They were all very intrigued by the chain maille and wanted to touch it. He was so patient! Mostly. ;) So here is the Knight and his semi-fair Maiden during the school day!

Silent Monks Singing

2009-11-13T15:36:00.001-08:00

(Minnesota North) STARS!

2009-10-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

I'm cheating on my home state. Or at least the state I refer to as home. I'm rooting for the Dallas Stars. I KNOW. Sacrilege. However, I have my reasons. First, I love hockey. Second, they're my (now) home team. Third, C'mon. It was over a decade ago they left the state, and it's time to move on. But I still can't get the little voice out of my head that says, "TRAITOR! They left YOU! You should stick to your state! Booooo!" So I compromised. I recently went to a Stars game and noticed an uncanny amount of North Stars gear. Hmmm... So I am the proud owner or a North Stars hat now! It's like I can support my team, and still pay homage to the state they, and I, came from! Hooray! I feel better. Anybody else? Didn't think so.

Keeping Up...

2009-10-05T17:13:00.000-07:00

...with life! Things have been getting busy. School is great! And busy. Life is great! And busy. Friends are great! And busy. Family's great! And... you guessed it! Wedding date has been set, calendars aligned, apartments found, and Coda walked. And Marc and I have found a place to live! I am extremely excited about everything, and even though I've slowed down on planning, Marc and I have started up our pre-marital sessions with our pastor. It's pretty neat! Next assignment? Finding out the relationship history of my family through my great-grandparents. It should be interesting. I know Marc's got his done, now it's my turn! If I find out anything beyond ordinary, I'll let you know.

Supply Blog

2009-09-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

I have to keep up with my friends! While they blog about all their new school supplies, there was only one I was interested in. The Sharpie Pen. Imagine! The quality, feel, and color of a Sharpie that won't bleed through paper! Impressive. I indulged today. I bought the 4-pack. Black, Green, Blue, and Red. I have to admit, that while I am still ecstatic about the overall Sharpie pen, the brilliancy in the color has been lost. Still a product I am sure to enjoy! Just not to the extent of it's predecessor regarding color. :) Happy girl!

Bob the Viking

2009-08-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

For Bob's birthday, I commissioned Marc to make Bob his very own Viking Helmet! Is that not AWESOME?? Gooooo Vikings!

Little Puppy

2009-08-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

So this morning when I finally woke up, I did my usual and invited Coda to jump up on the bed with me. She barely got up off the floor from a laying down position, and took quite awhile to work out the muscle coordination to jump up on the bed. She was shaking the whole time. I called the vet. After a visit with the good Doctor, she is now on meds to hopefully curb a possible infection of Lyme Disease, as well as an anti-inflamitory. The latter has definitely helped. I'll keep you updated if anything else comes up. Until then, my baby is being spoiled rotten!

I know, nothing new.

Proud Mama

2009-08-07T08:59:00.001-07:00

Coda caught a toy in her mouth when I threw it to her! She always used to let things hit her in the head or land before going and picking them up, but yesterday she CAUGHT it! I was so impressed by my baby. Of course, it was Marc's sock. So not really threatening. Or a toy. But then we tried it with treats! She succeeded!!! Then I really pushed her... a tennis ball. *BONK* right on the head! Didn't even flinch. Baby steps, right?

Lindsay Family Reunion, 2009

2009-07-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

Branson, MO provided the location for this year's Lindsay Family Reunion. It was wonderful to see everyone! There are so many pictures and stories... I'm not sure how to go about it all. I'll post what I can, and add a link to the album so you can view at your own pace. :)

My golf team! We had such a great time until the downpour on 14. Still made Closest to the Pin!

From Family Reunion 2009

Heidi and I hoping the storm lets up so we can keep playing. It only got worse.

From Family Reunion 2009

Did you know that if you burn the end of a wine cork you have instant face paint?

From Family Reunion 2009

Shark Baby! Mwahahaha!

From Family Reunion 2009

Our Family at the Lindsay Family Picnic.

From Family Reunion 2009

Heidi with Aunt Pat's original wedding veil from 40 years ago.

From Family Reunion 2009

At Heidi's High Tea

From Family Reunion 2009

On Table Rock Lake in the Ozarks

From Family Reunion 2009

To see the rest of the album, just click on one of the "Family Reunion 2009" links at the bottom of any of the above pictures. Lots of fun times and great stories. So "bowl up" with your "dancin' shoes" and enjoy!

Would You Rather...

2009-07-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Marc's brother drew a Challenge Card, and we all voted he do the interpretive dance portraying a cat stalking and pouncing on his prey. Poor prey. Poor, poor prey.

June, aka "On The Road Again"

2009-07-03T02:33:00.000-07:00

The month of June certainly has been exciting! First weekend I got engaged! Second weekend we were off to Illinois to celebrate my cousin's wedding. It was great to see the family - immediate and extended! Lindsay weddings are always like mini-family reunions. And Jay and Jess are such a lovely couple!

The third weekend Marc and I were off in the car for a round-a-bout trip to the deep south. First was Destin, Florida to celebrate another marriage - Amanda and Rush! Another beautiful wedding full of fun and play on the beach.

After Destin, we wound our way on some state highways (gorgeous!) to Augusta, GA to visit Jennifer, Pankaj, and Asha! I haven't seen the couple since their own wedding about 2 years ago. It was such a good visit, and I can't wait to see them all again!

Then the trek home... Too brief of a visit in Atlanta with Caroline, and 18 hours for the trip to be completed. We were afflicted with "Mini" fever by the time we arrived back in Dallas. OK, more like by the time we hit Shreveport for the last gas fill up. All in all, it was great! Loved seeing everyone, and am looking forward to the upcoming events! Family reunion, TCDA, and the last event of the summer... HEIDI's WEDDING! Thanks to all for their hospitality, and we're looking forward to spending some more time together. Love to you all!

Caption Creation

2009-06-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

Taking a cue from my cousin Katy, I'd love to hear your creative creations in captioning this picture...

Marc Proposed!

2009-06-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

And I said yes!

The story...

About a month ago, Marc set up an 'End of the School Year/Start of Summer' celebration dinner with our close friends and family. We all dressed up and met at Marc's for appetizers and cocktails. Too fun! Later, we all trooped over to My Martini. It's a contemporary martini bar that serves French bistro styled entrees as well as amazing sushi! So after wonderful drinks, food, and conversation, Marc stood up to make a toast. He toasted to friends, to the start of summer, and the 'love of [his] life'. Awww, I know! Then he got down on one knee in the restaurant and asked me to marry him! I couldn't even look at the ring I was hugging him so much and smiling to big (my eyes close when I smile). When I finally was able to let go, on my finger was (and still is) a beautiful princess cut diamond, accented by sapphires (to match my eyes) and small diamonds down the band.

I am so excited I still haven't come down from my high yet! And all my friends KNEW! They kept this huge secret for a month! What amazing friends and family we have. Love you all!!! And yes, we've already begun to plan. We're thinking next spring/summer for the wedding. We will be married at our church, and the reception? No clue. One step at a time, right?

A couple pics are below!

Marc and Kate plus 8!

The Ring

Coppell Update

2009-05-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

As a few of you have asked, here is an update regarding my previous post about Kathy. Just click here.

Baptism

2009-04-28T19:33:00.001-07:00

Marc got baptised! Pre and post pictures. Because you can see the change in the photos. Totally.

Pre-Baptism
Lemon Tart is tasty!

After the baptism on the altar.

Please...

2009-04-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

... say a prayer for Kathy Garza and her family. She was one of my coworkers last year, and still active in the district. She has been missing since Thursday morning.

Her story is here.

DOT

2009-03-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

Coda and a laser pointer. I love her.

Auditions

2009-02-20T20:03:00.000-08:00

While it's always a challenge to create a choir, I enjoy it. I love finding and hearing my kids one on one and seeing what they've got. And then the ones come in that don't have what I'm looking for or can place. And then I hate auditions.

I don't like cutting kids. I know, I know. It's a fact of life and I'm doing them a disservice in the long run if I DON'T cut them, which is one reason I make cuts. Another reason is because it isn't fair to the students who are capable of handling more difficult material to have to work with those who will slow them down. And let's face it. If you're in a performing group, you have to perform. That means skills and talent. If you don't possess those, the performance will not be a success.

So I had to post the results of an audition today. It's the worst time for me with auditions. I usually post and then run like a madwoman out of the building to avoid the screeches of delight and the sobs of disappointment. Best advice I ever received was from Mrs. Robinson at EHS; "If you don't see your name on the list, take a couple of days to calm down before you approach the director. Then you can speak with them rationally about your audition." It's worked for me in the past! And I preach it to my kids now. Unfortunately some have been raised to believe they are entitled to receive whatever they want, whenever they want it.

That's another blog.

I'm Allergic!

2009-02-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

Due to lots of things going on in my life the past few years, controlling my allergies had been put on a back burner. I thought the surgery in 2007 would help, and it would have, if my allergies were under control. The past 4 months I've had 2 bouts of sinusitis and 1 of bronchitis (which I haven't had in YEARS). It was time.

So I went in and had the testing done today... twice. 60 shots in my arms. My poor, poor arms. However once the testing was done, the results brought hope! I'm allergic to a LOT of stuff. Dust mites, house dust, cats, ALL the trees in TX, ALL the weeds... so why is this good? Because allergy shots should help. A lot. I should be able to live a normal life without being on antibiotics every other month! I am so excited.

Just so you know.

Tweedle-de-deet!

2009-02-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

My cousin, Chris McCroskey, was quoted in this article. I had no idea he had helped found this political tweeting, movement?

Babes in Arms

2009-02-03T20:48:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely in love with my new niece, Finley Valentine. I got to meet her for the first time last weekend when I traveled to the snowy land of Minnesota. She is so precious (thanks for the adjective, Mom), and Stacy and Taylor seem to be naturals in their parenting. It makes me so excited for them, and so very happy for their new family. Here are some pics for you to marvel at.

The curls go away after the hair dries.

What a beautiful baby!

I think I'm about to spoil this kid rotten!

Booties for Coda?

2009-01-28T19:14:00.000-08:00

This morning I did not go to school. I was awakened at 5:39am by my phone ringing and being informed by an administrator we had an 'inclement weather day'. Basically we had an ice storm hit and I am glad I did not drive anywhere today. The sidewalks - even the flat areas by trees and their roots - were deathtraps. But I had to take Coda out, so we stuck to the frozen grass and crunched along until she had her fill of the cold. Upon entering my home, it came to my attention that Coda's paws were red. After closer inspection, I realized my puppy's feet had been cut up from all the sharp blades of grass we were walking in! She didn't complain (whine, whatever), and after wiping off her paws, things have healed back up! So does this mean I have to go out and buy the little doggy booties for her in case of another ice storm? Because seriously, she'd eat them off her feet and probably fall just trying to walk in them. She's a big wuss.

Random example of her wussiness: Took her to the dog park a couple days ago and she challenged 2 of the most aggressive breeds around. First was a 100lbs. German Shepard, and the second was a doberman. No cuts, scratches, etc. on either side, and the owners were very understanding of the show of dominance. Nonetheless we left and went walking on the paths around the park. She'll attack the meanest of dogs, but won't cross a bridge. Marc had to almost pick her up to get her across the darn thing as all she would do was hunker down in fear. I'm so confused.

Finley

2009-01-12T13:44:00.000-08:00

I'm an auntie! I am so excited about my new neice, Stacy and Taylor's daughter, Finley Valentine Ritchie! After a long and drawn out birth, she came into the world at 12:50 am on Jan. 11th. Heidi's kept me updated with pictures and stats, so here they are thanks to her!

Finley Valentine
6 lbs, 8 oz
19 in. long

I am checking flights frequently, trying to figure out a time to get up to MN to meet my beautiful neice. She definitely has Stacy's eyes, and I'll take Heidi's word that she's got Taylor's hair and big toe.

Congratulations to Stacy and Taylor, and welcome Finley!

2009-01-08T17:03:00.000-08:00

Probably the most beautiful arrangement I've ever received.

Marc

2008-12-22T20:41:00.000-08:00

So I've been neglectful in my duties to update you all on my life. It's been rather busy the past month and a half, and amongst all the concerts and performances and schoolwork I began dating a boy. His name is Marc. I have had to been reminded that while I think the world revolves around me and all my friends and family know what is going on in my life because they should without me telling them (I'm a soprano, remember?), that's not quite how it works. LOL So here it is until I can call several of you on my drive down to Austin in a few days...

Marc and I met online. I know. Great opener that widens eyes and makes those who have been there go 'Good for you' and those who have not go 'Are you sure he's not a stalker'. He and I are both in similar places in our lives having both gone through a divorce and wanted to date around for awhile. Hence the online site. We had both come to the conclusion that to best get an idea for what we liked and didn't like we would have to actually go on multiple dates. And we were really tired of being alone doing nothing on Saturday nights. HAHA Neither of us thought we would be finding someone on a website who would be an amazing match for us.

So our first date lasted 8 hours. Blue Mesa for cocktails and dinner, then Dave & Busters for billiards. I think we tied, Marc says I won the most games. Seeing as how he can be pretty competitive, I'll believe him. So after winning at billiards, we decided we were both pretty tired and it was time to go home. We'd started the date rather early to avoid traffic, and in case it was horrible we wouldn't have to waste the entire night with one another. So we left D&B and checked a clock. 9:50pm. We looked at each other in disgust and disappointment, figuring that we're now old people if we can't even stay out past 10!

Since then, it's been getting better and better. Basically, he's the male version of me. I didn't realize how much fun I am to be around! LOL We are both goofballs and have loud laughs. He's a twin, and although identical, I can spot the differences. Thank goodness! We consider ourselves to be nerds/dorks in our own ways, and love to be silly. And he's willing to get out on a dance floor with me! So we'll keep having fun, and I'll try to be a much better communicator with my friends and family about this aspect of my life. I think Heidi said it best when she wrote me, "But I just want you to know that all you can do is be yourself, do what makes you truly happy and screw what anyone else thinks." So for all of you out there, I am happy. I'm having a great time, lots of fun, and I'm not getting married anytime soon. HAHAHA!

Belly Monster

2008-12-09T17:49:00.001-08:00

The Belly Monster is almost here! I was so excited to be in Minnesota this past weekend to celebrate my sister Stacy and her soon-to-be baby! The shower was wonderful, and seeing my sisters and parents was so much fun! I miss being around them, so seeing them and being able to visit is so special. And that there is a new baby on the way, it makes it even more exciting! Below are a few pictures...

The Gehrman/Gabriel Girls

Stacy's Belly Monster

Taylor's Belly Monster

Christmas Questionnaire

2008-12-03T20:25:00.001-08:00

So here you go. Feel free to comment back with your own Christmas faves!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Ooo... tough one. I love picking out gift bags but I love to tear off wrapping paper!!!

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real has a wonderful smell. Artificial is easy to clean up after. I have a real 2.5 foot tree on my patio that will be kept year-round until I get a yard, then it will be planted.

3. When do you put up the tree? Mine's already on the patio with a few ornaments (it's small!). Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime after the 1st.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yep!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I really don't know. OK. I don't remember. I'm turning into my mother.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My mom. There are so many things she loves, it's hard to choose!

8. Easiest person to buy for? My mom. There are so many things she loves, all I have to do is choose!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Not yet.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. I'm having a friend of mine who is a budding photographer take pics of Coda and me for this year's cards. Keep an eye out in a few weeks for our awesome mugs in your mailbox! I've never done picture cards before!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't know. We always laugh at our stocking stuffers because they're always 'everyday' items, but that's why they're great at the same time!

12. (Not sure what happened to #12 - maybe writer of #12 too busy Christmas shopping to write silly question.)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? When I remember I have to shop for Christmas. I've already started this year, so I'm doing good.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Maybe. If I did it was one of those gift-exchange things from work or school that would have ended up lost or in the trash otherwise.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? 7 layer bars and buckeyes.

16. Lights on the tree? Yep! I prefer multi-colored.

17. Favorite Christmas song? The Christmas Song, Sleigh Bells, Carol of the Bells

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both. Family is everywhere... Minnesota, New Mexico, and Texas. Working out the rotation can be confusing.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Hello?! Can I sing that song that tells you their names? Yes.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Currently neither. Though it had been a star for awhile, and an angel while I was growing up.

21. Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Morning? Traditionally in the morning unless we're "sharing" Christmas with multiple family members.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Besides everything I have to get done for the season on a personal level, it's also one of the busiest times at school with all our performances and upcoming events. So I feel like I have very little time to enjoy the season.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love them all. Though lately the brightest and jolliest have been standing out to me.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? I love my mom's chili this time of year. LOVE IT.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? An armband for my iPod to exercise with, a cordless drill, unique jewelry, pj's, a new robe, a massage, tickets, Minnesota Wild gear, picture frames, books... anything people give is wonderful.

26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Heidi was right that I'd respond to hers... hmmm... JENNY!

27. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story, The Grinch

Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving, 2008

2008-11-29T17:49:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was so much fun! I spent it with Alyse at her husband's brother's girlfriend's parent's house in Austin and the Paull's. I really appreciated the warm welcome from everyone, as I seemed to be the odd-ball out. Below are some pics from the dinner... Mmmmm... the dinner. SO GOOD.

At the Stephens' home.

Agh! No, Molly! Stop licking my nostril!

That's right. Get Alyse and Jeff instead!

Halloween is the New Thanksgiving

2008-11-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

Remember how we were never allowed to put up Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving? And we all made a big to-do is you saw someone else had put up their lights on their house BEFORE that last week in November? Last year I 'tsked' every time I'd enter a store and see their Christmas items on the shelves even before November had begun.

I didn't notice it this year. Not until I walked into Pier 1 and thought, 'Oh good! Christmas items! I can't wait to decorate!' And then I went home, looked up at my holiday storage bin on my closet shelf, and just before I decided to pull it down and unload the holiday spirit my brain did a double-take.

Wait. We haven't had Thanksgiving yet!

People, there is still an entire MONTH before December hits. There are even another 26 days until Thanksgiving! My BIRTHDAY hasn't hit yet, so WHAT am I thinking about Christmas for???

Because retail has drawn the conclusion that you go from Hallow's Eve to Christ's birth. And I bought into it this year without thinking about it. What about turkey? Ham? MASHED POTATOES?? Stacy, that was for you. What about my 28th birthday????? I want an arm band for my classic iPod so I can run with it.

Seriously. WHAT was I thinking? I wasn't. I apologize, Fall. I am sorry. I will no longer ignore your worthy season. Seeing as how I claim you to be my favorite. I will leave my cornucopia of squash and such items out until they rot, solely because I have slighted your existence. And because it's pretty. Like Fall.

More to come...

2008-10-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

I will definitely post more pics when I receive them, but just to give you a taste of my AWESOME team at East, here is myself, the drama teacher, and the asst. band director in our Star Wars themed costumes. I'm an Ewok.

Gotta Keep Up!

2008-10-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, there has been a lot going on lately!

Fall Concert was great. I mean, REALLY great. I can't tell you how good my choirs are this year. I expected a good concert (better than normal for fall), and got an amazing one. I keep wanting to explain how each choir sounded amazing, but I don't want to bore my readers (because there are so many) with the same adjectives of wonderful, blended, mature, strong, etc. The choirs really have hit the ground running this year. I just have to keep them going!

I'm getting a student teacher this year. Crazy, eh? But I'm the veteran (and one of the senior) choir director in CISD. So I get the student teacher! The stipend is terrible, and I hope and pray he's good, because we have a LOT to do. If he's good (PLEEEEEEASE be good), he's going to help out a bunch. It'll be worth whatever little pay I get for the extra hours of work if he can handle the classes.

Coda is wonderful. I have a friend who just got a puppy (adorable labradoodle!) and emailed me asking for suggestions, etc. Unfortunately I can't help much as I got Coda when she was 6 mos. old and didn't have to house train her or anything. But I could guarantee her that whatever she goes through with her pup will be worth is for all the love, affection, and loyalty that will be given to her. Dogs are absolutely wonderful companions, and Coda has improved my standard of living ten-fold. I don't want to think about life without her. She cracked me up again today, being all dominant and confident at the dog park, then shying away from the cart AND the puppies up for adoption in PetSmart. She's a keeper!

Here she's attempting to sit with 4 of us on the couch trying to watch The Office. She did get up on the back of the couch as if she were a cat. LOVE HER.

I ran a 5K! Wait. Let me rephrase that. I TRIED to run a 5K. I know that's nothing compared to my cousin Jessie who just ran a marathon, however, for me, this is big. I hate to run. That's right, I used the word 'hate'. I registered for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K in Dallas, and after an eventful hour and a half getting there (being witnesses to a crash behind us and watching the drunk drivers flee the scene bleeding from the head), I could only run 100 feet at a time. Why? Because there were approx. 30,000 people there. Many of whom were blocking my way. It was insane! So I'm going to do another one. Who-hoo! First weekend in November I'm going to be running to dig wells in Sudan. How cool is that?

30,000 people. CRAZY.

Well this is getting to be a long post. I'm going to finish up my glass of wine, watch the new "Stormchasers" on Discovery because I'm a geek, and get my sleep on.

Sweet dreams.

Update on the Sickie

2008-09-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

So I find myself home on a Saturday night rather than celebrating a coworker's bday in Grapevine because I'm sick. Again. UGH. But we apparently caught this one early, and the antibiotics are starting to kick in. Yay!

So what's been going on with me? School has been great so far this year! Lots going on, and we've got gigs lined up for the fall semester left and right! Fall concert is Oct. 14th, so if you're in the area, stop in for a "Short & Sweet" concert! 30 mins. of music, and then desserts! Yummy.

Coda's cracking me up. My friends comment on the scratches on my arms (which is hilarious because she really doesn't jump on many people anymore, just me), and I tell them that she hits me because she loves me. Which is true. LOL

And you're not going to believe me, but too bad! I'm running in a 5K in about 3 weeks. I know. I said "running". Crazy, no? But some friends talked me into it, so I'm in! The exercise wouldn't hurt, either.

So there's my latest update. Hope those of you reading this at work were able to waste at least a good minute or two reading.

Not-so-ordinary Sunday

2008-09-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day. I mean really. While DFW missed the hurricane winds and storms, it was dreary and gray all day yesterday. Today? Sunny, cool breeze, windows open, I can sit on the porch and read... Ahhhh... I love days like today. AND it motivated me to get some things done around the apartment! And there was a good sermon today on forgiveness. Seems like a lot of those sermons (because there ARE a lot of them) can just drag on and not relate. Today's hit home. It was good.

I feel good about the day. :)

Heidi Made Me Do It

2008-08-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

I got this from Heidi's blog. Though I am curious... why 58 questions? Why not make it 55 or an even 60? Just a thought to ponder. :)

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:15, then 9:00. The bunkhouse is freaking dark all hours of the day/night.

2. Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds

3. What two things do you always have with you? Some sort of lip balm and my sunglasses.

4. What is your favorite TV show? The Office

5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Granola bar or cereal.

6. What is your middle name? Elizabeth

7. What food do you dislike? Octopus

8. What is your favorite CD? Anything Michael Buble. Or Vampire Weekend. I like their sound. Ooo! And Inga Swearingen. I was introduced to her on Prairie Home Companion.

9 . What type of car do you drive? My 2008 Scion tC. I LOVE IT.

10. Favorite sandwich? Salami and swiss

11. What characteristic do you despise? People who believe they are entitled to everything and anything. And close-mindedness.

12. Favorite item of clothing? My zebra heels.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Spain

14. What color is your bathroom? Umm... apt. white paint, and I've got bright dots in there.

15. Favorite brand of clothing? Basically anything that fits right and is affordable.

16. Where would you retire to? I honestly have no idea.

17. What was your most recent memorable birthday? 26 years old. I can't believe I remember it.

18. Furthest place you are sending this? I don't know who reads my blog.

19. Who do you least expect to send this back to you? n/a

20. Person you expect to send it back first? n/a

21. Favorite saying? "Git money, foo!" Andrew Orender

22. When is your birthday? November 26, 1980

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Late morning.

24. What is your shoe size? 7.5 or 8

25. Pets? CODA! My amazingly sweet and lovable 70 lbs. lap dog! PS: I think she has a breed - Catahoula Cur

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A Care Bear. Then an architect. Never a teacher.

27. How are you today? I am doing wonderfully. Just got back from Possum Kingdom, still have 1 day before heading back to school, and I realize that I am in a really great place in my life.

28. What is your favorite candy? M&Ms or Milky Way Midnight

29. What is your favorite flower? Pretty ones.

30. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Sept. 25th. Next payday.

31. What is the last thing you ate? Leftover Chipotle for dinner.

32. What are you listening to right now? The a/c pumping out cool air.

33. If you were a crayon what color would you be? Purple

34. How is the weather right now? Nice. Warm, but nice breeze.

35. Last person you spoke to on the phone? That was a couple of days ago... um, my aunt Carol.

36. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yep! Heidi's awesome!

37. Favorite soft drink? Coke with grenadine.

38. Favorite restaurant? iFratelli or Joe T. Garcias

39. Hair color? Auburn

40. Siblings? 1 brother, 3 sisters, 2 brothers-in-law

41. Favorite day of the year? I agree with Heids about the days surrounding Christmas. I also really enjoy the last Spring Concert, as it's the last hurrah for my 8th graders. I feel a huge sense of pride in them and get so excited for them to take on high school.

42. What was your favorite toy as a child? Ice skates? My Little Pony? A sled?

43. Summer or winter? Fall

44. Hug or kisses? Hugs

45. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate

46. Do you want your friends to email you back? Yes

47. When was the last time you cried? Mom made me do it.

48. What is under your bed? Wrapping supplies, horse pictures, and Coda-hair.

49. Who is the friend you have had the longest? Oh goodness. Renee. But we haven't talked in a loooooong time. So then Matt.

50. Favorite smell? Pine forests.

51. What are you afraid of? Stupid things my students will do. And loss of family.

52. Plain, butter or salted popcorn? Salt and sugar. Kettle corn, baby!

53. How many keys on your key ring? Umm... 3 on my home set, and somewhere around 7 or 8 on my school set.

54. How many years at your current job? Just started my 3rd year!

55. Favorite day of the week? Thursday or Saturday

56. How many towns have you lived in? Springfield and Glen Ellyn, IL; Eagan, MN; Indianapolis, IN; Arlington, Euless, Fort Worth, Frisco, and Irving, TX. So 9. Ouch.

57. Do you make friends easily? Yes

58. How many people will you be sending this to? Whoever reads my blog.

Dancing Queen

2008-08-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I went to a friends wedding as a)her friend and b)1 of 3 people representing our school at her event. To make a not-so-long story short, we got ourselves invited to one of her hubby's friends weddings in December (whom we had never met before, by the way) because we were so much fun on the dance floor.

You heard me right. As a student once quoted to me "You rock the socks off my pet llama, Margo. Don't judge her." Apparently the 3 of us brought down the house. Which wasn't too hard to do! I'm used to the wedding receptions/dances where you get out there and only leave to get a drink of water, then you get your butt back out on the dance floor! Their family's were more, 'let's talk and sit here and leave by 9:00.'

So I'll leave you with a couple of photos from the evening, and spare you the one's that show me drenched with sweat after dancing all night on a floor with very little A/C.

We are no longer welcome at the Wal Mart in Tahlequah, OK.

Me, Danae, and Alicia

Danae, Me, and Alicia - a little less formal. ;)

2008-08-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

The only thing I've ever really liked her in. I love it!

Paris Hilton Responds to McCain Adfunny videosFunnyOrDie.com

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Leaves... Temps... Nudity

2008-08-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Random note for you all from D/FW. I took Coda out behind my building yesterday and couldn't figure out where I was hearing a scratching noise from. It sounded like a squirrel running around in the tree nearby, but I couldn't see him! These trees are not grand old trees. They're newbies. It's not difficult to see ANY movement from animals in them. I finally realized it wasn't an animal making the noise. Dried leaves from the Living Oaks were falling to the ground, falling past other dried leaves, making the scratching sounds. People, it's August 4th. While I understand that the northern states may be seeing some beautiful foliage or be preparing for that, you can't tell the leaves have turned here. Because most haven't. So the trees I see from my living room window have become a little premature in their quest to get naked. I think this is because it's so freaking hot here.

This past week, and this upcoming week, temperatures are supposed to be 100+. And then you see the little note below the highs listed for the day that says "feels like..." And some of them are over 110 degrees.

I guess the trees are just following my general rule for summers in Texas: Only wear enough so as not to get arrested.

Red Ribbon Ride

2008-07-26T08:40:00.001-07:00

My sister Heidi just completed the Red Ribbon Ride in MN. It's a bike ride supporting the cause to fight HIV/Aids. Take a moment to check out her blog. I'm so proud of my sister!

Update?

2008-07-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

So it's been awhile since I last posted. I don't really know what to tell you though! Not much is going on here. Coda's crazy. I'm sleeping in when she lets me, and I'm thinking about getting ready for school that starts up in a few weeks. I'm heading out to Albuquerque one more time (next weekend!) to visit the 'rents and am thankful I know people who work for Southwest Airlines. If you're single and work for an airline, please contact me. That alone guarantees you at least 3 dates with me. Yes, I'm single again. And really, that's good! I'm raring to go now for school! Who-hoo! I plan to paint my office a purple-ish grey. Why? Because I can. And because it's time to make it mine. This will be my 3rd year there and I don't plan on leaving anytime in the near future. MY OFFICE SHOULD BE MY OWN! Questions? Didn't think so. =) Alrighty! Until something exciting comes up, or until I feel guilty for not blogging... ciao.

Out and About!

2008-07-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

Two nights ago I was out with the girls, celebrating my friend's last few weeks as an unmarried woman. We had a GREAT time pre-dinner opening gifts at Hotel ZaZa in Uptown, and then went out to Cuba Libre for some amazing Cuban fare. Unfortunately for me, I had to depart after dinner as I'd made the mistake of booking a bachelorette party that night, and singing a solo for the 2 services at church the next day. 1st service was at 8:30 AM. But I hear they had a great time dancing, and those of us from East can hardly wait for the wedding! Below is a pic of the East girls, and then a link to my solo. Can you tell I had alcohol the night before???

And the solo, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"... just not another margarita!
It's a little hard to hear. No mike in front of me.

*Had to delete the link as it was going to the newest anthem - some guy singing.*

Proud Mother

2008-07-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

I had a 'proud mother' moment for Coda today. We went out behind my building and I let her run around in the electrical field (normal activity for her). The risk here is that a)she feels the need to explore and ignores my commands or b)she spots another dog in the field and runs to them, again, ignoring my commands. Usually we don't have these problems. Today, however, there was a beautiful black lab mix up on the other end of the field and they saw one another. Not wanting to chase her down or go into the overgrown field myself (in flip flops), I called to Coda to come back out of the field. She hesitated... then came running back through the fence to me!!! I didn't even have to pull the 'treat' card! Needless to say we ran back to the apartment where she promptly received 2 treats and LOTS of tug-o-war time! After being rather annoyed with her this morning for not allowing me to sleep, my sour mood has been turned around as my dog LISTENED TO ME and OBEYED! I am so proud of her!!!

Wow. What sort of mother will I be if I have, you know, HUMAN KIDS? Holy cow.

By the way, this picture cracks me up. It's from Albuquerque. The altitude had gotten to her, and her tail's wrapped. LOL.

Happy Tail Syndrome

2008-07-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, it exists. Even the vet said it did. I'd noticed Coda had been losing hair on the tip of her tail, and was worried it was mange... again. But she hadn't been scratching or chewing on it, so all was well! Until New Mexico. We got there, and Coda got so into the local art scene she decided to join in the fun! We were finding blood spatter as high up as some of the picture frames. When we finally identified the problem, Bob was a great sport and (multiple times) bandaged Coda's tail. She looked hilarious, as you can see below. Apparently, Happy Tail Syndrome is when a dog wags their tail SO MUCH and hits it on things SO OFTEN that it damages the hair follicles. This in turns creates very dry skin in that location. So dry, it ends up cracking and bleeding! And because Coda can't stop wagging her tail (she is a VERY happy dog!), she contributed to Mom and Bob's home with her own modern artwork. Don't worry, we cleaned it all up. But still. HAPPY TAIL SYNDROME?!?!?! Thankfully she's no longer a "mangy mutt".

Albuquerque, New Mexico

2008-06-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

The trip to Albuquerque was filled with awesome views, food, and conversation! Thanks to Mom and Bob for hosting and joining us on adventures galore! I had a great time, and the pics below to prove it!

Red Rock in New Mexico!

Me and Chad at the Soda Dam.

Mom and Bob at the Soda Dam.

Jemez Falls. Gorgeous!

Almost to the top of the climb at Tent Rocks! Do you see why they're called Tent Rocks?

Bob, Me, Chad, and Mom at the top of the tram on Sandia Peak.

Sunset from Sandia Peak, on La Luz Trail.

Parent's Blog

2008-06-24T21:11:00.001-07:00

Mom and Bob have their own blog! Check it out and welcome them to the world of blogging!

Guitar Hero

2008-06-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

What a game. Alyse, Jeff and I had some fun the other night when I drove through Austin and played Guitar Hero. It's freaking hilarious. I consider myself a musically inclined person, but unfortunately that doesn't mean I'm a knowledgeable or anywhere-near-talented person about rock. So yeah. Take the classical musician, the former musician, and Jeff-THE-Guitar-Hero and you get a rather interesting game. It reminds me of when I was in Breckenridge with the Orenders and Andrew and I played the generic version of "Dance Dance Revolution". Again, I totally sucked that up. Another one? The same sort of dancing game, but with a "Dancing with the Stars" theme. Katy, you would have died. Bruno actually critiques you! I did have better luck with that one. Could have been the coca cola with the help of my good friend Jack. Together, they make everyone more talented.

So Much Going On!

2008-06-15T13:23:00.001-07:00

It's a roller coaster ride.

Downer? The biological father called. He's thinking of moving. Looks like he's heading South. Pray for me. Moving on...

Upper? AWESOME weekend with the friends on the river in New Braunfels! Enjoyed the river, the drinks, and the company. Fantastic music in church today. We had an amazing soloist who made the All-State Choir this past year and has an incredibly mature, rich alto sound. She was fantastic today! Our Choir did a great job backing her up. You should listen to it.

Upper again??? Father's Day! Bob is the best dad a girl could have. Can I get a witness, or 3, Heidi, Stacy and Alyse?! How he manages to keep up with 4 daughters I'll never know. And our pets! What a guy! Happy Father's Day, Bob!

My Scion tC

2008-06-10T13:26:00.001-07:00

I got a car. And not just any car, a car that met and surpassed everything I wanted in a car. And it's NEW. I've never had a new car! It has that new car smell, look, and feel! Name suggestions? "Camry" has been offered up as a tribute to my first car (MY first car, not the one my parents said, hey! drive this!). She's purple-ish, and I love her. And she's a 5-Speed!!!!! Do you know how much fun I'm having??? OK, I'm done with the unnecessary punctuation. Maybe not just yet... I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT MY CAR!!!!!

Done. With Several Things.

2008-06-07T18:36:00.001-07:00

What a week. School is out, and I am ready for summer! But the last couple of days have been a rollercoaster. Thursday morning was the last day with kids, and my AP approached me asking about 3 bins and a set of golf clubs outside the front entrance of East. I was not aware of their existence there, but sure enough, there was my name on one of the bins in handwriting I am quite familiar with. My belongings from elementary school and my clubs are in the entrance of my place of work, for all to see. And for almost 24 hours, seeing as someone wasn't considerate enough to alert ANYone to their being there. Then there's the issue of another box I was contacted about 2 weeks ago. I met up with a mutual friend, delivering a box filled with anything to do with the two of us. But how does it look when I'm receiving emails regarding one box, then 3 and some golf clubs show up at my school??? I can tell you I was wary of picking up the one. But it's done. I have what I think is all of my possessions back IN my possession. Hopefully there are no more surprises.

There's A Light...

2008-05-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

8 days of school left! My concert went just fine, and I'm looking forward to next year! My administration is fantastic, my friends are great, and it's time to kick back and enjoy the summer mornings with Coda. So who's ready to play???

Summer's Comin'

2008-05-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

Summer is on it's way. My final concert of the year is this Friday, and then it's time to put the room in order for next year. And next year, the 8th graders will be all mine. Meaning I will have had them for the full 3 years they've been at East. The first time I can say I've been the only Choir teacher the graduating kids have had. I am VERY excited about that! Hopefully they can pull themselves together to improve on this year! I'm so proud of my students this year. They have worked so hard to come so far from where their program used to be.

So I am excited to take a break from school, work on Mary Kay, and just enjoy the time away from teaching... until the fall, that is. =) One of my counterparts pointed out that they handed out the registration cards to the kids early this year, making them choose their electives when the performing arts programs were in their worst time of the year - U.I.L. Then they pointed out to the kids that they handed us our contracts at the same time. Let me tell you how many times the thought runs through your head about whether you are really going to sign that document or not. LOL. Of course, after this year, with the team I've got and the family at East that's been formed, I'm not going anywhere.

So I just had to share my enjoyment of the end of the year, and that I actually am looking forward to next fall.

San Antonio!

2008-05-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

My choirs took a trip to San Antonio last weekend to compete and then go to Sea World! We did really well in our performance, earning a Superior ranking from all 3 judges, and we came in runner-up in class! West came in first, which was fantastic for them - they sounded so great!

Sea World was a blast - all my kiddos had fun, and I even got to ride the Steel Eel and the Great White. Shamu was awesome, and if you get to see their acrobatic show, Viva, with the Beluga whales and porpoises (porpi?), do it. Shamu's "Believe" is still the number 1 show to see, but Viva was amazing.

So I'm back after a chaotic time getting home (migraine landed me in the ER the morning we were leaving), but all is over and well. Can't wait to start planning next year's trip. I must be crazy. =)

Saturday Night...

2008-04-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

... and I'm finally feeling motivated! At 10:40 PM. Bad timing. But laundry's getting done, and I've paid my bills and taken Coda out on a brief walk. How 'bout them apples?!?! Tomorrow I get to sing in church (I love my director - he makes singing in a church choir so much fun again!!!), take Coda to a new dog park with another choir director, his wife, and their two dogs (yay for doggie playdates!), and hopefully play some tennis! If not, I'll still have some time to relax or go work out or even go up to school (DREAD) to get some things done. Really, it's not a bad thing.

Speaking of school... yesterday was a sad day for the CISD family. Two of our '07 graduates died Thursday night/early Friday morning. The incidents were not related. Please pray for the families of those kids (they were 18) and for the CISD family. One was the daughter of one of our teachers, so we are all taking it hard. Thanks.
The news article is here.

My How We've Grown

2008-04-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

I just finished looking at the wedding pictures that Heidi posted, and I can not get over the fact that my little sisters are so grown up. I feel as though you go through life and you have these ideas of how "old" you are or other people are based on their age. At age 25 you should be one way. Age 30, slightly more mature and adult-esque. And so on and so forth. But going through the ages, I still feel like I'm 25. Not that I am that far from it, but I don't see how turning 30 in a couple of years will change that. So my sisters seem trapped to me in their respective ages of 22 and 20. Looking at the wedding pictures though (and Heidi and Eric do an amazing job taking these photographs) I see my baby sisters all grown up. Aunt Carol saw it when Alyse was standing up at the altar. "She's grown in the last half hour - become a woman right before our eyes". And while I know what she means, Alyse has been that woman for longer than her wedding day. She's been more of a "grown woman" for longer than I think I'd like to admit. She's still "Peasers" to me.

And Stacy? I saw a picture of her and Taylor and couldn't move past it. She's so gorgeous, and happily married to a man I'm thrilled to have as a brother. All I could think was, "Wow, she's beautiful - and so happy!". She's always been the more independent and self-sufficient in my mind. And she is so good at going after what she wants and getting it! I know that I'm proud of her; I can't imagine how Mom and Bob must feel.

I feel inclined to comment on Heidi here, because she's more of a sister than blood could ever determine. But she's not a "baby" sister to me. She's my partner in "older sister-hood". I feel like she's a teammate to keep watch over the youngsters, ever though they haven't needed that in years, if ever. Must be part of an older sibling syndrome though, as I come across a lot of eldest children who feel the same way. It's a curse, knowing my younger sisters don't need (or even want, for that matter) me to watch out over them, but still feeing the urge to do so. Heidi's been good for that. She keeps me in line, reminding me of how independent and capable Stacy and Alyse are.

So here I sit wondering that if they are so much more grown, then where am I? I look back on the past couple of years and know that I am becoming the woman I want to be. Even though it took a few "bumps" in the road to help get me there. I am happy, love my job, have amazing friends, and truly enjoy my family. How blessed can one girl be? Oh and I can't leave out Coda. What would a blog posting of mine be without my puppy being mentioned? But we won't go into her "growth". 35 lbs. when I adopted her and 75 lbs. now, I think we all can attest to her maturity.

So I will go now, knowing my sisters are amazing and life is good. Hope you enjoyed the pondering today.

Beautiful Bride

2008-04-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

Peasers got married this past weekend! She was an absolutely beautiful bride, as well as organized! Lucky Jeff is all I have to say! And I only cried once - Bob sang during the ceremony. It even helped me forget about the 4 inch heels I was wearing. Let's face it. I'd wear them all over again to see my sister so happy again to be marrying the man she loves! I'm sure Heidi will have some pics posted soon. I'll steal from her.

Talent? Skill? Luck?

2008-04-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

Too cool for school.

ABC's of Kate

2008-03-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

How did Katy know I would blog this if I were tagged???

A - Attached or single? Single. Right? Yeah, single.
B - Best friend? Jennifer, Amanda, Melissa... depends on the topic. =)
C - Cake or pie? Pie.
D - Day of choice? Tough one. Either Thursday or Saturday.
E - Essential item? Lip balm.
F - Favorite color? Purple!!!
G - Gummy bears or worms? Bears. Worms bring back memories of wanting to puke.
H - Hometown? Eagan, Minnesooooota!
I - Favorite indulgence? Katy, you're not alone. SHOES.
J - January or July? January. July is too freaking hot in this state!!!
K - Kids? Do my 90 students count?
L - Life isn't complete without? Family!! They are ALWAYS there for me!
M - Marriage date? Ummm... defunct.
N - Number of brothers and sisters? 3 sisters, 1 step-brother, and almost 2 awesome brother-in-laws.
O - Oranges or apples? Oranges unless they have a lot of skin on them, apples unless they're squishy.
P - Phobia and fears? I fear people don't like me. Then I realize, who COULDN'T like me? And if they don't, they're stupid.
Q - Quote? "I don't have an ego, I just love how awesome I am!"
R - Reason to smile? There are so many! Texas skies, Coda, family, hugs, friends...
S - Season of choice? Fall
T - Tag three people: Dagnabit, Katy already got Heidi. Umm... Alyse, Matt (yes YOU, Matt), and Jenny.
U - Unknown fact about me? Strange, but I'm going to go with Katy on this one... I like to sleep in my panties. Shorts and pj pants are not as comfortable as I would hope.
V - Vegetable? Bell Peppers
W - Worst habit? I talk VERY FAST.
X - X-ray or ultrasound? I don't care, just make me feel better!
Y - Your favorite food? Chips and salsa.
Z - Zodiac sign? Sagittarius. What that tells you, I don't know.

Lock Out

2008-03-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

My dog locked me out of my apartment. You know that "security deadbolt" a lot of apartments have that only lock/unlock from the inside? She hit it while I was trying to get the other lock opened at 1:30 AM after a cast party. Poor Carol and Bill got to house me for the night, and they had to saw into my door today to get me back in! Crazy Coda hadn't made a mess though! And I missed the CISD Job Fair. My principal says I have the best excuse she's ever heard. =)

The Gondoliers

2008-03-28T04:45:00.001-07:00

Tonight and Sunday afternoon, I'll be seen as 'Giulia' in Gilbert & Sullivan's operetta, "The Gondoliers"! Feel free to come on out to Colleyville to be entertained! http://www.regalopera.org/

Zebra

2008-03-16T16:01:00.001-07:00

Heidi inspired me to post a photograph of my new shoes that I have been looking for FOR MONTHS! I am pleased to announce that Alyse and Mom were present at that location of, and purchase of my Zebra print heels. I'm in love.

Liam's Turn!

2008-03-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

Liam turned 1 year old the day after Connor turned 2! Couple of entertaining photos for you...

By the end of the night the cake was all in his hair, too!

Watch out, Connor! It's the Kissy Monster!

We know. We're hott.

Go Dawgs!

2008-03-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the Butler Bulldogs on winning the Horizon Championship! Onto the NCAA! And I totally made my students listen to the Butler Warsong today, while looking at a slide with the picture below gracing my screen. LOVE IT.

Connor's 2nd BDay!

2008-03-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple pics from the party yesterday! I thought I'd better post them now rather than later considering Katy was chastising me via iChat yesterday about not updating. You'll see some more pics from Liam's party (tonight!) in the next day or two as well!
Enjoy!

Gran & Connor, loving those party favors!

Connor was all about his cupcake.

Connor tore into those gifts! I think he finally got it this year. These were HIS!

HP Printers

2008-03-02T12:58:00.000-08:00

How excited am I that HP Inks come with a prepaid envelope for you to send them the old cartridge for recycling? PREPAID!!! Kudos to them for making me not cringe at my ink usage anymore. At least for the next 30 seconds.

Soulja Boy Teacher Style

2008-02-25T19:49:00.000-08:00

You asked for it. The music's a little off, but not by too much.

Motherhood...

2008-02-08T14:15:00.001-08:00

What does it mean when someone tells you you'll be a great mother... based on the way I "mother" my dog?

Tomorrow, I dance.

2008-02-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

That's right. I will take on Soulja Boy with 15 other East teachers, and we will ROCK THE GYM! In yo face! LOL! Seriously though, the kids are going to die, it's so funny. I'm trying so hard to get it videotaped for you all. Don't worry, there will be evidence of this crazy routine.

The 8's

2008-02-03T19:36:00.000-08:00

Katy tagged me. Dagnabit. Now I have to be insightful...

8 Things I’m Passionate About...

1. My Family
2. My Dog
3. Singing
4. My Students
5. Shoes
6. Laughing
7. Pasta
8. Learning New Things

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die...

1. Travel to Spain
2. Marry Someone who... there's a list. How about someone I won't divorce?
3. Become passionately involved with a charity
4. Have a lasting (hopefully positive) impact on my students
5. Own a HOME
6. Be a mom
7. Be a grandmother
8. Be satisfied with me.

8 Things I Say Often...

1. Totally
2. 'Sup
3. Is it naptime?
4. Good question! Why don't you answer that for the class?
5. Don't even...
6. Coda... NO!
7. Coda... OW!
8. Huh?

8 TV Shows I’ve Recently Watched...

1. Mythbusters
2. Dirty Jobs
3. CSI
4. The news
5. House Hunters
6. Designed to Sell
7. ColorSplash
8. Anything educational, really.

8 Songs I Could Listen to and sing (my own insert there) Over and Over...

1. Defy Gravity from Wicked
2. There's a Fine Line from Avenue Q
3. Waitin' for My Dearie from Brigadoon
4. That Sunday, That Summer
5. Online by Brad Paisley
6. Stay by Sugarland
7. A song by Sheryl Crow that I can't remember the title of...
8. You May be Right, I May be Crazy by Billy Joel

8 Things That Attract Me To My Best Friends...

1. Their humor.
2. Their willingness to laugh at themselves and incite that laughter.
3. Their ability to listen
4. I trust them!
5. They put me in situations and expose me to new things that I may not have tried by myself.
6. They aren't afraid to question me
7. They make me smile!
8. Their love for others.

8 Things I’ve Learned (or been reminded of) This Past Year...

1. It CAN be all about me.
2. I've learned that LIFE can be summed up in 3 words: It Goes On.
3. Music is how I feel most connected to God.
4. "God" is only one title or name
5. I love my family.
6. I love to sing in front of people.
7. I love to laugh - belly laughs
8. I've learned (and been reminded of how) to prioritize.

8 People I Think Should Do “8”...

1. Mom
2. Bob
3. Alyse
4. Stacy
5. Heidi (already did it)
6. Kyle
7. Matt
8. Amanda

Coda + Boxer = 110 Pounds

2008-01-28T18:47:00.000-08:00

110 pounds. Think about it. Think about it coming straight at you, below the knee line, and as you try to move out of the way while bending your knees for hope of some stability, they hit. A witness said, "I looked and you were midair". That's right. Upper butt/lower back hit first, then my head. Two days later I have no bruises to sport (grrrr), my neck is killing me, and I can't walk around or sit without wincing. Good news? I met some nice people. And this one guys dog is named (get this) PAVLOV. How cool is THAT?!?!

I love my puppy. And she loves to run into me.

Soulja Boy

2008-01-28T18:01:00.000-08:00

O. M. G. At our next pep rally, a group of teachers will be performing the Soulja Boy dance. That's right. Yours truly, the pastiest and dorkiest of them all will dance in front of her students, faculty, and parents in a dance that is sure to haunt her the rest of her life. I am PUMPED UP! And I'll try to get the video on YouTube, so the rest of you can enjoy it as much as my kiddos.

Check it out...

Coda Pics

2008-01-27T14:12:00.001-08:00

I found these pics of Coda and they made me laugh. Check out her tongue!

Auditions are Funny

2008-01-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

No, I do not know why my Albuquerque pictures suddenly decided to disappear. I tried fixing it once, and will try again, but I don't know what's up.

Otherwise...

School is back and going full-blast. 9 out of 14 of my kiddos that auditioned made the Region and Honor Choirs! I am excited for them - they will sound awesome! Coda gets to try a new dog park today (after it warms up a little bit), and I get to read a lot of a book by Ruby Payne about the socioeconomic influences on the lives of my students and in education. It should prove interesting. Now if I can just find my copy of the book in my apartment... I really hope it's not at school.

Fun side notes? Made some new friends at Region auditions yesterday! Found out I am not the only one who says stupid things to their classes unintentionally (like starting at rehearsal letter F and saying "One, two, F-'n Go!"). At least I didn't call a girl a ho. =) Or make my AP leave the room crying they were laughing so hard during an evaluation because my class said (and they were supposed to) "ti-ti". Most of our auditioners were great yesterday. In fact, they all knew the music (the kids I was judging), they just didn't all sing on the right pitches. One girl made my day when she sang the entire second half of the audition up about a fourth from where she should have been. I know, I know. Poor girl. That's what I said. Then I looked at another judge and they were crying they were laughing so hard. You think we're mean, but you sit on your ass all day and listen to 55 girls sing the same 2 minute cut of 2 pieces ALL DAY and try to rank them accurately.

Alright. I'll keep trying to repost my ABQ pics!

Smash In

2007-12-13T19:45:00.000-08:00

I can't call it a break in. To me that implies something broke. And when something breaks, you can either fix it, or it's easily replaced. Nothing about someone smashing my car window and ripping out my stereo (yes Heidi, the one from 4-5 years ago that our parents got us for Xmas for our "new" cars) was easy. That was 2 nights ago and I STILL don't have the glass vacuumed up yet. New window? Great. An auto glass company came out to my school to replace it for me, but we couldn't find an accessible outlet on the outside of the bldg. for him to plug in his portable vacuum to clean my car. And since it was pouring rain yesterday, extension cords were out of the question. That's right. I come out to go to school and think 'What is all over my passenger seat?... SHIT'. That's pretty much the thought process I had Wednesday morning. Then I called the police, the apt. complex, and school to get a sub for the morning while I spent the AM attempting to get someone to replace my window in the rain so I could drive without the hazard lights and go more than 20 MPH trying to hold a tarp in the car while keeping the rain out.

Aside: Anyone notice that I'm pissed? And depressed. Seriously. I do not understand. I don't get it and while I know there are stupid bastards out there that go and do these things (especially at the holidays according to my SRO), I DO NOT GET IT. I don't want to, honestly. What mostly bothers me is why I feel so sad about it. I'm Okay. Coda's Okay. No one is hurt. They didn't steal the valuable items, even though they defaced my car. My apartment in intact and nothing lost there. I do not like this feeling though.

Friends have told me they got upset because of a sense of loss and violation. I don't know if that's it with me. It doesn't help that my students have had performances out their wazoos this week. Field-trip Tuesday with 3 performance stops. Pep Rally performance today (that I ended up in as one of my kiddos is out sick), and 2 more gigs tomorrow, including our Winter Concert. And our fundraiser products showed up yesterday. And I had to find someone for my car. And I can't stop crying about it! Dammit!

I do count the blessings. I do look at the bright things. I do appreciate the things that ARE Okay... and better than Okay.

I do not like idiots who feel the need to gain from causing others loss.

2007-12-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

My calendar seems to get more and more filled up as December is continuing. Scary, but true. Holiday season = performances. The more the merrier! Right? Riiiiight. At least I'm enjoying it as are my students.

What am I really looking forward to though? Albuquerque with the family. About a week just hanging out and enjoying the company of my sisters and parents! It feels like it's been forever! The fam is going to be a welcome relief and time of enjoyment!

So what's been going on with me? Kyle's in Colorado now, I'm with Coda (yay for my puppy!), and I'm making friends! Who-hoo! Come by any time. Coda needs help getting a start on a big bone I got her. AWESOME.

This was random, and I hope you enjoyed.

Solo & Ensemble

2007-11-11T21:09:00.000-08:00

While teachers have to spend lots of time working for their students outside of the "regular" workday, it does have it's rewards.

23 out of 24 of my students who competed in Solo & Ensemble Saturday received the highest rating of a 1. Aka Superior. Who-hoo!

Celebration aside, how difficult is it to tell the one student who got a 2 that they're the only one??? Not that you say that, but it's rather obvious. Granted, she skipped a line in her song (I was accompanying - freaky on more than one level) and I understand the judges scores. I have no argument, I just feel bad that she's IT.

Otherwise, I'm still thrilled about my other students! They excelled in every way that day, and I'm proud of them! So here's to my Broncos!

Tiger in the Complex

2007-11-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

I pet a tiger. A real, live, 6 week old tiger in my apartment complex. This guy's son and daughter-in-law rehabilitate exotic baby animals, and he was watching their 6-week old siberian tiger. I got pictures and will post them as soon as I get them off the camera. She made a chucking noise, which was her "purring", and she was roaring! I can't wait to show you from the pictures!

OK. That's all. =)

Halloween

2007-11-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

Encore! Team ladies dressed up as villains from Disney.

The Wicked Queen from Snow White, Cruella DeVil, and Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty.

Scary, aren't we???