I Wonder... Background
Friday, May 15, 2009
Coppell Update
As a few of you have asked, here is an update regarding my previous post about Kathy. Just click here.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Baptism
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Auditions
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 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.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I'm Allergic!
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.
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.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Tweedle-de-deet!
My cousin, Chris McCroskey, was quoted in this article. I had no idea he had helped found this political tweeting, movement?
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Babes in Arms
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!
The curls go away after the hair dries.
What a beautiful baby!
I think I'm about to spoil this kid rotten!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Booties for Coda?
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.
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.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Finley

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!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Marc
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!

Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Belly Monster
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
The Gehrman/Gabriel Girls
Stacy's Belly Monster
Taylor's Belly Monster
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Christmas Questionnaire
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!
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!

Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving, 2008
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!
At the Stephens' home.
Agh! No, Molly! Stop licking my nostril!
That's right. Get Alyse and Jeff instead!
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Halloween is the New Thanksgiving
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.
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.
Friday, October 31, 2008
More to come...
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Gotta Keep Up!
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.
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.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Update on the Sickie
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.
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.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Not-so-ordinary Sunday
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. :)
I feel good about the day. :)
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