Word Sneeze

I Blew It... But I Have a Good Excuse

2009-07-21T17:04:00.001-07:00

Ever since I started this blog, I have blogged at least once a month. Well, I blew it. I missed June darn it all. I did go to New York City and then to Tampa in June, and then Nashville over the 4th of July, and then Nashville again! The last time was for a new grandbaby!!! Kate Rebecca, born July 15th, 8 lbs. See Becca's blog for photos.

Why all this travel? Because I love it! I went to New York City on a trip sponsored by the UAH Music Department. We went mainly to see the New York Philharmonic perform, attend a master class with their principal trumpet and to tour the Lincoln Center and the Philharmonic archives. It was all simply amazing. My best friend from high school joined me on this trip, and we took in a lot of shopping, museums and shows. Into this 5 day trip we jammed in (on top of above mentioned NY Phil activities) Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, a jazz group at Birdland, the MoMA, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Little Italy, Chinatown, Staten Island Ferry, a walk through Central Park, Times Square, Hell's Kitchen, shopping on Park Avenue, shopping in SoHo... gosh I don't even remember it all. But it sure was a blast!!! Oh yeah, we went to Brooklyn for pizza at Grimaldi's and then walked backed to Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge.

I got back on a Sunday and then turned around on Tuesday to head to Florida with my best buddy Machiel. Road Trip! We stayed with my half brother John, who is the best little brother a girl could ever have (even though he pinches). He has a darling little girl and a beautiful home. He took us all around Tampa and it was fantastic. We went canoeing on a river and saw two alligators (yes, I was scared!), we went on a eco-tour of the bay and saw sting rays and dolphins. We spent a little time on the beach, went swimming and picked up living sand dollars off the floor of the gulf. We ate some very good food, at Bern's, at a crab shack on the beach, and at an awesome Cuban restaurant. John drove us all around and showed us some beautiful Florida scenery. Florida isn't all about the beach.

On the way back we stopped in Gainesville where I was born and grew up. We found my old house... which was one of only two homes left on the street I grew up on. The rest have all been torn down, and now they're putting up condos. We drove around Gainesville and I showed Machiel some buildings my architect daddy designed.
We also walked around my old school, PK Yonge. Nothing like a walk down memory lane.

In other news... the Beatles is coming to Rock Band!!!

Design Inspiration

2009-05-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year... school's done and I can focus on my other hobbies, one of which is scrapbooking and page design.

I just came across a web page that really inspired me, and it was about how they were inspired for their designs. It's a scrapbook page waiting to happen. Really cool layout... check out the J. Crew web page. Clicking on the various pages takes you even more cool pages about design inspiration.

The quote on the page says:
"Creativity comes from everyday life in New York-- from being surrounded by its culture, people, architecture and history." M.W.

Wish of the day: I wish I was a better photographer, with a better camera.

I Am Going to BLOG Today

2009-05-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

Blogging? What's that? Has Facebook replaced my blogging habits? Why do I never blog anymore? Do I still read blogs? These questions, and any more that may come up, will be answered...

What's blogging? Blogging is a web based journal of sorts that people have to actually go to to read. Unlike Facebook where your status is broadcast to all your *friends*, with blogging your friends have to actually seek you out. And I think Facebook status updates have become the lazy man's blog. Or maybe I feel with my blog I have to be creative. No, that's not it. Facebook status updates demand a sort of creativity, only packed into a tiny one liner. Maybe it's the shortness of FB that makes it easier. Or maybe I never blog anymore because of time constraints placed upon me by desire to totally immerse myself into this full-time college student trying to keep her 4.0 thing. Hmmm... I think I'm on to something.

I do still read blogs. My daughtered clued me into RSS feeds and that makes it easy to read the blogs I like to follow. So I think blogging has not died for me. It's still important, but I just haven't had the time. So now that I have a breather... let's blog.

Today's subject: Inspiration.

Here are some random things that have inspired me lately...

The Shack, by William Paul Young. I was curious about this book after my therapist recommended it to me. Yes, I go to a therapist, but that is another story for another time. She wasn't sure if it was something that would offend me with it's strange slant on some Christian beliefs, mainly the concept of God, but she had been inspired by this book. So I borrowed it from a friend (Thanks Jennie) and have tried to read it off and on for the past three months. The author included an anonymous quote I could really identify with:
Growth means change, and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown.

Ali Edwards. This woman just inspires me. One of my favorite parts of her blog is the "Inspired by" sections. (Thus, this blog). Ali Edwards is creativity... her whole life emits a creative force. I am inspired by her blog, by her photography, by her stewardship to the planet, by her mini-books, by her home decor, by her love for cardigan sweaters and by her love for her family.

Quotes. A quote I read today hit home with me... "Once in a while you have to take a break and visit yourself." (Audrey Giorgi) Find yourself a source of inspirational quotes and check them out every now and again. Some of my favs: Inspirational Sparks and The Quotation Page.

Lindsay. My little granddaughter is an inspiration to me as she reminds me that this is what life is all about: Love, relationships, family, giggles, hugs and hide and go seek. And as we get close to Mother's Day I just want to say that my daughter Rebecca inspires me with her mothering skills. She is a great mom. I am so proud of her.

The store World Market. So much fun! I could spend hours there. I bought some Digestives. They are yummy British cookies with the funniest name!

I could keep going but I'll stop at five. I'm glad I can look around me and find inspiration in my life.

25 Okay Already

2009-02-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

I keep getting tagged in the 25 things notes. It first started with a 16 random things note and I should have taken advantage of that before someone upped the ante to 25. Then someone came up with a clever 25 one word answers for those strapped for time I guess. I'll get to that one later.

So here are my 25 random things about me.

1. I love to travel, especially to Europe. I can't decide which place I love more, Italy, Great Britain or Austria/Switzerland/Southern Germany.

2. I don't like mushrooms, mustard or pickles.

3. I need a haircut. I don't know what style to go with though. I'm hating the amount of time it takes to blowdry my long hair now.

4. I love my girlfriends. You know who you are!

5. I really like being in college. I love the atmosphere, the discussions, the learning and even the homework (most of the time, but then I get cool homework assignments like listening to all the Beethoven symphonies).

6. I really like my young college friends who just treat me like one of the guys.

7. I like facebook. I don't think I'm addicted to it in the bad sense. I don't do any of the extra apps. I just like to keep up with people that way. I do check it almost everyday.

8. I like humor. I love a good belly laugh and I don't get enough of those in my life.

9. I have an iPhone and I love it!

10. My children are the best kids in the world!

11. I HATE doing the dishes. And so, obviously, do all of my children. Is that something that can be inherited?

12. I have performance anxiety and am nervous about my recital.

13. I wish I had more time to read. I have so many books on my to read list.

14. Ditto with movies. I love to watch movies and have a lot I want to see.

15. I love to cook but I have to be in the right mood.

16. When I was little my favorite colors were hot pink and purple and I wanted to be an Art Teacher when I grew up.

17. I was born in Gainesville, Florida to an architect father and a freelance artist/stay at home Mom.

18. I think cheese and chocolate are the two best foods on the planet, in their many varieties.

19. I like to make invitations to parties, baby showers and bridal showers. I had fun designing my poster for the recital. Maybe I should go into graphic design?

20. I love how music permeates my home. From the Planets blaring from Josh's speakers this morning to West Side Story from Kristen's computer, to Josh's first notes on his newly taken up instrument the trumpet, to whatever the heck it is that comes out of Bryan's computer. I love hearing music in my home.

21. I like making music too. I'm finally learning to find the music, and to be the music. That's what it takes and sometimes I have it and sometimes I don't.

22. I love teaching. I loved teaching at my church, I love teaching my flute students, I love teaching sectionals and band camps.

23. I think texting is a great way to communicate. I realize some may not agree, but in some ways it's the perfect communication tool, especially if you don't want to interrupt someone with a phone call if you know they'll be busy.

24. I like wearing cute shoes, and I love wearing comfortable heels. Yes, they do exist. But ever since I hurt my lower back/SI joint I'm not supposed to wear heels. It really stinks to have to wear sensible shoes.

25. The best thing about winter is scarves. I love scarves.

Now here's the deal. I'm supposed to tag 25 people on facebook to do the same, but I'm going to let you guys off the hook. Do it if you want. Meanwhile, time to go back to cooking a fantastic pork roast dinner while being serenaded by Joshua's awesome Polly Wolly Doodle skills on the trumpet.

Words

2008-12-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

I haven't been feeling the inspiration to blog until I read someone else's blog today. One of my favorite scrapbook artists is Ali Edwards. I love her life outlook, her creative ideas, her simplicity, and her talent. For the past couple of years she has inspired others to do some really cool things that frankly are way beyond just *scrapbooking*. One thing she does is come up with a word for the upcoming year. I've been thinking of doing this and have had trouble coming up with just one word. She even has a whole list of words to pick from that others have used in case you get stuck.

And then it struck me.

Brave.

That's my word of the year. And then I thought "Be Brave" and a whole list of some of the *B* words struck a chord with me.

Baby- Got a new grandbaby on the way!
Back- Get my back fixed and be able to live pain free once again.
Balance- got to work on that physically and mentally.
Be- yeah. Trying to accept me.
Bear- all things, hope all things...
Beautify- my home needs attention
Become- What? I'm not sure. Better, I guess. (ha- another B word!)
Begin- new beginnings are always good
Behold- sometimes I just need to stop and take a look
Believe- I definitely need to believe in myself a little more, and strengthen my beliefs
Blaze- new trails?
Blessed- count my blessings
Blog- anyone think I should blog more?
Bloom- where you are planted
Breathe- Oh yeah. I need this one. I find myself taking deep breaths just to get through the day.
Brighten- Too much darkness
Build- relationships

It's a little ironic that someone whose is possessed with the letter A, or at least in making straight A's, would lower herself to choosing the letter B. Perhaps someday, in honor of my children who tell me "it's okay to make a B, Mom", I will make that B.

So this year, instead of a list of New Years Resolutions, how about just picking a "word of the year"?

What's your word?

Here's to being Brave.

Middle of the Road

2008-11-13T19:51:00.000-08:00

No this isn't a post about my political views, although that's what I like to think I am.

This is literally about the middle of the road, or rather things I've seen in the middle of the road recently. I don't why I've all of a sudden seen such odd things lately just lying in the road.

Today I saw a pillow in the road. And a stalled car right in the middle of the interstate, center lane. Stopped.

In the past month I've seen black shirts (no I didn't pick them up, I have enough already), I've seen a couch in the road, yes, really, and I've seen a several dead squirrels. (Squirrels are not killed by cars, but by indecision.)

But I have to say the weirdest thing I've seen in the middle of the road was a port-a-potty. Right there on the top of the overpass on Memorial Parkway. It was hilarious.

I'll keep my eye out for more crazy stuff in the road. At least I'm not the type to stop and pick these things up! Besides, what would I do with a port-a-potty?

Perfect

2008-10-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

I love it when the weather channel gives me this:

Today

81° | 61°

Sat

83° | 61°

Sun

81° | 61°

Mon

81° | 59°

Perfect forecast. PERFECT weather. I need to get outside.

Clouds, Johnny Cash and French Fries

2008-10-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

Today was a deep day, one of those days when you think about meaningful things and make significant memories:
A day of good discussions with friends when you do more than just scrape the surface of daily "how was your day: chatter.
A day of making someone feel good by giving them a hand made thank you card.
A day of belly laughs with a class full of conducting students laughing at our goofy teachers.
A day of finishing the book Wild at Heart and starting its companion book Captivating, learning so much about myself and who I am and what I need.
A day of french fries and chocolate shakes shared with someone you love dearly. A day of lying on a blanket looking up at the clouds and seeing squirrels, gremlins and fish.
A day with listening to music and lyrics and finding words that speak to your soul (Waiting for the World to Fall).
A day of playing music, being in the music and the music being in me.
A day ending with a movie you never thought you'd want to watch, but when you do it really touches your heart.

Good things. Good feelings.

I AM

2008-10-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

I saw this on my niece's blog a few weeks ago and thought it would make an easy blog post.

*I am.... a student, a teacher, a mom, a daughter of God.
*I think....waaaaay too much.
*I know....that God is real.
*I want....to be happy.
*I have....a LOT of stuff. And it's all stuff. Except for the music. It's more than "stuff".
*I miss....all my children being at home.
*I fear....the unknown.
*I feel....uncertain.
*I hear....the fan.
*I smell....clean clothes.
*I crave....Cheesecake Factory Godiva Chocolate cheesecake.
*I cry....when someone asks me how I am and I'm not having a good day.
*I search...the internet. You can find anything on the internet, you know.
*I wonder....what lies ahead.
*I regret....many things, but am thankful to be able to move on.
*I wish....I had more energy and more time to sleep!
*I love....my family!
*I care....about the people in my life.
*I always....have my phone with me.
*I worry....about being good enough.
*I am not....a very good housekeeper right now.
*I remember....the way life was before I was a full time student.
*I believe....in my Heavenly Father and in his son, Jesus Christ.
*I don't always....stop talking when I should.
*I argue....with my son Josh about stupid things. It's fun.
*I write....because there are words inside me that need to come out.
*I lose....my keys all the time, and they are always in the bottom of my purse. So I guess technically they aren't lost.
*I listen....to various types of music: flute music- modern and classical, symphonic music, broadway music, classic rock, top 40, alternative pop, the list goes on.
*I don't understand...why I can't change the way I feel.
*I can usually be found....online, yeah.
*I need....to clean the house and organize my scrap stuff.
*I forget....everything, all the time. I forget what I'm saying midsentence...
*I am happy....when I get a good grade! or have a good lesson! or someone makes me feel good about myself!

Holes

2008-09-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Somebody recently shared this poem with me. It is very thought provoking. It's
Portia Nelson’s “There’s A Hole In My Sidewalk“

Chapter 1

I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost… I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2

I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend that I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in this same place.
But, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in … it’s a habit … but, my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter 4

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter 5

I walk down another street.

I also liked another quote by the author: “I don’t know what I want sometimes, but I know that I want to know what I want.”

Just me trying to figure my life out.

But you know, life is good. I can see God's hand in my life and I know that everything is going to be okay.

I've had some good personal things happen in my world of music. I think I'm going to be okay there. I can do this. I can get on stage and be a musician. Nobody is forcing me to do this. I like playing music. I like losing myself in the music; it's the only way I can do it now.

Feelings, Whoa, Whoa, Whoa Feelings...

2008-09-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

I really hated that song. But anyway, I read a good quote from another blog recently about feelings that really hit home.

Here is perhaps the best advice my mother ever gave me: "Never tell yourself 'I shouldn't be feeling this way.'" Feelings are feelings. That's what they're there for. (It's actions that get us in trouble.) We can't help feelings, and we shouldn't try to. They may not always be positive, or pleasant, but they can give us lots of useful information, and they are, no matter what, part of who we are. L Harris

I Want

2008-09-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

I've done without for many, many years. Just how long have iPods been around anyway?

But now, now I want one. I want the new 4th generation iPod Nano, in blue. It's a better design, it has more gig for the money, and it's environmentally more friendly.

I can wish, can't I?

Everydayness

2008-08-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

"Everydayness" or in other words: a normal day. I remember when my life was full of them. Of course, with four children there was always something going on, but it was always normal goings on. Now my life is nothing like normal. I guess there is good and bad in this, but I'm choosing to focus on the good.

Some random non-normal things:

I saw a lady walking her dog... but the dog was sitting in a doggy stroller!!! I thought dogs needed exercise. I was driving by so I didn't get a close enough look to see if the dog was wearing an outfit that matched its owner.

Yesterday we had a freak rainstorm that I promise only hit the high school and nowhere else. It just happened to hit while the band kids were out on the parking lot running through the show. I was nearby in my car and didn't get one drop of rain on me.

Speaking of rain, the night before I hydroplaned on the parkway. It was freaky scary. I didn't do anything to cause it like braking or speeding. I was just driving along the wet road and all of a sudden my car went slightly, so very slightly out of control. For just a split second I thought I would lose control.

It's cookie dough time for the theatre department. I love the convenience of the frozen cookie dough and being able to pop in some cookies for a quick snackage emergency.

Grissom actually won a football game last night.

I've picked out the topic for my Music History research paper: The Transition from the Recorder to the Transverse Flute in the Baroque Orchestra.

My oldest son's car, our old family minivan which he loves so dearly, is standing on its last, uh, wheel/tire. It has a mind of its own on whether or not it would care to start on any particular day. Needless to say, this has caused some major how to get to work issues.

I have to give a half-recital next semester and I've already started planning it. I think it will be in March. I get to play part of the Boling Jazz Suite with a jazz combo backing me up. I'm so excited!

I want to clean my house. I guess maybe this is the most non-normal of all this randomness.
Better get busy!

In closing, let me share a poem that touched me, because I yearn for the return of normalcy in my life. Maybe. I enjoy the excitement of life, but not the down parts. I don't know who wrote this poem, but I like it.

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.

Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.

Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

Let me hold you while I may, for it will not always be so.

One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky, and want, more than all the world, your return.

she graduated

2008-08-17T15:05:00.001-07:00

So far now two of my children have graduated before me. I'm so proud of Kristen for hanging in there, for working so hard to help provide for her education, and for her intelligence and wisdom and sense of humor that made it easier for her. I know it wasn't easy, and there were moments of discouragement. But the good news is she loves her major, she loves what her future holds and can't wait to get back into a Master's program to help fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a librarian. I love you Kristen and was glad to be able to be with you to celebrate this important accomplishment in your life. I'm next!

08.08.08

2008-08-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

Today's cool date will never happen again in my lifetime.

Where am I on today's cool date? I'm in Kansas City which, by the way, is not in Kansas. I'm staying downtown at the Westin. It's a very nice hotel.

I'm attending the National Flute Convention. It is flute heaven. I've tried different flutes (not for me, but for my students so I can recommend flutes)... (okay I confess, I did try the $13,000 and $15,000 Haynes flutes), anyway, I've bought music, listened to some very good flute playing, some amazing virtuostic flute playing, some mediocre flute playing, and some interesting piccolo playing. I've been to several classes from performance anxiety, to flying fingers, to problems of "maturing" flutists. I've walked alot, eaten at a couple of really nice places, stayed up too late, and have actually found a few minutes to practice.

I'm on my way to a concert. This sure is fun!

I Already Own TOO MANY Tee-shirts

2008-07-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

My youngest was helping fold the laundry a few weeks ago and was amazed at the number of shirts I own. He commented that I could go for months without having to wash clothes, and also noticed how many of my shirts are solid black. So I like black?!! I'm a musician. It's allowed. And expected. (Besides, black is slimming!)

Anyway, I ran across a cool place to buy fun tee-shirts, but since I've been reminded I don't need ANY more shirts, I just thought I'd share a few of my favorites here. They're called "Snorg Tees." Maybe someday I'll break down and buy one. Be forewarned... they are nerdy and corny. Here are a few I thought we awfully clever, the first one being particularly appropriate:

The epidermis one is dedicated to Peter and Josh.

I know. I have a warped sense of humor. My favorite one is the chocolate bunny one. What's your favorite?

Unconditionally

2008-06-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

I just want to say that I love my kids. Truly, deeply, unconditionally. I've had a particularly bad day today, and it helps to know that my kids care about me.

why say that when you can this

2008-06-05T14:31:00.001-07:00

It has been well established on the blog that I like to read, that I like certain quotes that speak to me and that I like words. I am alone for a couple of days while the boys are on a church trip, and guess what I chosen to do? Clean my house? NOOoooo. READ. Guiltless, don't have to be anywhere, can stay at home in my pj's if I darn well want to, and read.

In reading, I've decided to make a list of the words I come across that I just like. Maybe to the readers here they won't be as satisfying because they are just words taken completely out of context, but nonetheless, here they are:

engulfed- why use overwhelm when you can use engulfed?
linger- why use stay when you can use linger?
elusive- why use slippery when you can use elusive?
smoldering- why say sexy eyes when you can say smoldering eyes? **
drift- instead of falling away
incite- instead of provoke
ambivalence- instead of doesn't care
entrenched- instead of ingrained
fluctuating- instead of wavering
endeavor- instead of want
disuade- change

Okay, I admit it. I'm reading Shakespeare and then some other non-fiction books. And I'll stop now, because if I read as much as I'm wanting to for the next 48 hours, this list will be way to long to keep any of my readers attention. Well, maybe not Kristen's. ;-)

Just Checking

2008-06-04T06:20:00.000-07:00

It's June, right? June 4th? Not too far into the month, and even though it's hot (95 the expected high today) it's still officially Spring. Right? Well, yesterday I stopped dead in my tracks and had to mentally check the date, because right there in the Hobby Lobby I was browsing (yes, browsing, something I'm allowed to do without children or grandchildren or son-in-laws in tow) they had CHRISTMAS Decorations up. What's up with that? It's JUNE for goodness sake. We haven't even hit Christmas in July. Sheesh.

1993

2008-05-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

I ran across this article with a very cool graphic about how the year 1993 influenced technology that we take for granted today. It's titled

How the Ideas and Events of 1993 Created the World We Live in Today

It reminded me of my son who was also born in 1993, and how this person, my son, creates the world I live in today. He is a remarkable person with so much compassion. Who knew in 1993 that he would grow up to create so much love in our home.

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade and Other Delights

2008-05-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of yummy food. Marinated grilled chicken tenderloins with herbs from my garden, fresh squeezed homemade lemonade, corn on the cob and homemade strawberry ice cream. Oh, and watermelon! Seedless watermelon, what a wonderful invention.

Three out of four children were home for the long Memorial Day Weekend and it was marvelous. My cute little granddaughter is a joy to be around. I love how she is learning new words every day. (My goal of the week was to have her learn to say "Grammie". We got close, so I'm giving her another chance!) I love the way she laughs and covers her mouth with her hand. I love that she reaches up for me to pick her up. I love her curls. I love her uninhibited joy at the simplest of things. I love how fine tuned her ears are... she can hear a baby cry and a dog bark from a mile away. I love the way her parents love her.

I'm reading several books right now... birthday books and bargain books and found again books that had been sitting on my shelf and never read. I love books that make me think about life. I like how a quote can reach out and grab my heart and soul. Like today in a book my niece gave me by Neal A. Maxwell I read this quote:

"Our genes, circumstances, and environments matter very much, and they shape us significantly; yet, there remains an inner zone in which we are sovereign. In this zone lies the very essence of our individuality and our personal accountability."

I like the idea of an *inner zone* over which only we have command. I'm into these type of self-help books right now. I just finished Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, and have started on Something More by Sarah Ban Breathnach. How on earth do you pronounce her name? She's a veritable treasure trove of quotes. Her words are great, but she also uses a lot of inspirational quotes from other sources. Like this one by Franz Kafka, the second one in her book:

"A book must be the axe for the frozen sea inside us."

I really feel that way, and certain books do break up the ice inside me. Words do that to me. I am an official lover of words. This book Something More has got me started on a project. My kids are probably wondering why I'm cutting words and pictures out of magazines. I'm making an illustrated discovery journey. I'm on a journey of self-discovery... and boy, does she have a lot of good quotes about finding yourself. I'll have to write a post on her quotes and ideas. Oh goody, something to blog about!

Three Years Ago

2008-05-25T05:51:00.000-07:00

Three years ago I created this blog... I've been surprised at how well I've kept up on it, even though half that time I was in school. Being a full time student cut into my leisure time, but I liked to keep my family at least barely informed of what was happening in my life and inside my brain. So I don't blog everyday, or every week, but I've done okay with the once a month thing.

When I started it, it was the day after my birthday and I had wondered where I was so far in my life. I made a list of things I had done or accomplished in my life. Yesterday I received a letter of happy birthday wishes from my brother in-law. He wasn't sure about my feelings on birthdays, but they are quite similar. We both feel like... how did we get here so fast! I still have so many things I wanted to do in my life and it's almost over! Okay, it's not almost over. I have plenty more years left in me. But I'm one of those *list makers*. Yes, I own the book 1000 Places to See Before You Die, and The Wish List. Both of these books have plenty of check marks in them of places I been, and things I've done. But there is SO MUCH MORE that I want to do.

And one of them is get a college degree. That's a long term one for me. You can't just plan a trip to college, buy your plane ticket, rent your car and buy a Lonely Planet book, and be back to regular life in two weeks. You do have to plan your classes, pay for tuition, spend lots of money on gasoline to get you to classes and buy lots of books. But I tell you what, it's been a great ride so far, even though it's encompassed most of my life. What I started in 1980 won't be finished until 2010, at least.

So yesterday was my birthday, and today is my blog's birthday. Happy Birthday to us! The theme for my birthday this year was *books*. Josh gave me a book, Becca and Peter "gave" me a book, Machiel gave me a book, my niece gave me a book and earlier last week I bought myself several books at a really cool used book store. I think my favorite present was having my car cleared out, vacuumed, and cleaned, thanks to my husband. And going out to eat at Macaroni Grill with the fam and having some friends show up to join us was a great surprise.

Speaking of last week and books, I took a fun escape to Nashville to visit my granddaughter and, in a turn of events, got taken care of by my daughter. She had a whole list (we must be related!) of things to do while we were there. We went shopping, had a picnic and fed the ducks, went out to eat steak, had pedicures (Holy Red Toenails!), and went to the bead store. Oh, and the aforementioned book store. I told her I was like, to use the overused phrase, a kid in a candy store. I could have stayed in there all day (I didn't even GET to the fiction section) and promised that I would leave as soon as baby started fussing and crying. I came home with two overstuffed bags of books. Great deals, great fun, great inspiration, and something to look forward to this summer. Oh wait, I was looking forward to doing nothing this summer! But that isn't on my list, so I better start reading.

Thanks to everybody for all the birthday wishes. Facebook is great for stuff like that.

May

2008-05-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

May is my favorite month.

I was recently visiting some band director friends of mine, and one of them was in a sour mood.

Me: "School's almost out! How can you be so down?"

Him: "Don't you know I hate this time of year?"

Me: "I love the month of May. It has Mother's Day and my birthday, so I get showered with gifts. There are flowers blooming, everything's green, the weather is perfect, well, except for today. Today is a gloomy, drizzling rainy day."

Him: "School ISN'T out yet, I'm sick of it. There are middle school auditions at three different schools. Leadership and colorguard stuff after school everyday, District meetings, budget meetings, calendaring meetings, I'm sick of it."

Me: "I still love this month, but then I'm DONE with school, I have no meetings to attend and can go and do as I please."

Him: --gives me an evil look--

I do love the month of May. I found a cool quote about May:

It was one of those beautiful, lengthening days,
when May was pressing back with both hands the
shades of the morning and the evening.
--Amelia E. Barr (1886)

I love how the days get longer, the temperature gets warmer during the day, but you still need a sweater for the cooler evenings. I just love this month. Right now the sky is blue and the temp is perfect. I should be outside somewhere in a comfy chair and a good book.

But alas, I can't always do as I please in the month of May. I have to teach lessons today. But tomorrow... tomorrow I will go visit my granddaughter and have fun for three days. Nothing but fun. Unless I have to change a poopy diaper... that's not too fun.

NYC Skyline on my mind

2008-05-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

A long time ago we took our kids to Maryland to see family and decided to make a side trip to visit a longtime friend and college roommate of mine in NJ. While there we decided to go see the Statue of Liberty. We came from the NJ side and took the ferry. It was magnificent. I remember seeing the New York City skyline for the very first time in my life. I took lots of photos of the skyline as seen from NJ and of Lady Liberty. I remember looking through my camera lens at the amazing giant city that seemed eerily quiet and still as seen from afar. I knew that it was a bustling, busy, noisy city with lots of people, but from behind my lens miles away it was peaceful and magical. I still can see skyline in my mind, the photograph I took. It was one of those *moments*.

My husband's grandmother was known to say that in life we need to take mental pictures of moments and freeze special times in our lives. This was one of those personal moments, seeing NYC for the first time. What's ironic about it is what happened when we got back to Baltimore. We had a family renunion of sorts and it was the first time all my brothers and sisters had been together in years (and unfortunatety the last time we were all together). I gave the camera to my husband and told him there were only a few shots left (this was still the pre-digital film era) so make them count. He shot a few and kept advancing the film. It kept going. It was then, after the camera said we had taken 38 pictures on what we thought was 36 shot film, that we realized there was no film in the camera.

Luckily we were able to catch that rare moment of having all five siblings together on film when we actually put film in the camera. (I thought YOU put film in the camera! No, I thought YOU did!) Anyway, the moments I had of NYC behind the lens of my camera actually turned into frozen moments captured in my head. I'm glad I can still see it.

The point is, and I do have a point, like Dave Barry likes to say, is that there are times when we don't have a camera with us and we want to capture the moment. Stop, and think clearly about what you are seeing. Really think about it. And I promise you will be able to pull up that "picture" maybe even 20 years later like I can.

Guys

2008-05-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

Mom: What are you doing?

Son: There's chocolate or something all over my wii remotes, so I'm wiping them off.

Mom: Why are you wiping them on the couch?

Dad: Yeah, you don't wipe things on the couch. If you need to wipe something off, use your shirt.

Mom: Why do I even bother. Sigh. Boys.

Thanks

2008-05-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the inspiration.

I am thankful for many things.

I'm thankful for my clever children. I'm proud of them, the redheads and non-redheads alike.

I'm thankful for the opportunity I have to go back to college, and for a husband who totally supports that. I'm thankful that this old brain can still remember a thing or too.

I'm thankful for poetry. No, really. I am. I like it! Words are so cool.

I'm thankful for beautiful things, for art, nature and lampshades.

I'm thankful for the music in my life, for pop music and jazz, for classical and baroque. I'm thankful for French augmented chords and for mm7 chords and for the Tristan chord, even though I'm not really into Wagner. Did you know TS Eliot was?

I'm thankful for the cutest granddaughter ever. I'm thankful that she will climb up into my lap and let me read to her.

I'm thankful that my son-in-law is days away from graduating after diligently working through three grueling years of law school.

I'm thankful that PF Changs has come to my town.

I'm thankful for chocolate fudge pudding.

And I'm thankful for my life, warped as it is.

Last Day of the Month

2008-04-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

I have been blogging for quite a while now, but it seems to have slowed way down. I've been reminded, once again, that I need to update. So I thought I'd do it before April was over and then I can keep up my *I've blogged at least once a month* record.

School is out for summer! Yippee! And today I went to the gym. I finally had time. I study too much, practice too much and stress too much. But now that things have slowed I should have time to do the things I like.... like visiting my granddaughter, shopping, shopping for granddaughter, reading something just for fun, making some necklaces and maybe even scrapbooking! Yes, and even going to the gym.

Somebody give me something to blog about and I'll try to even blog more!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

Today is the day to wear green.

Conversation had in my family today:

J: Hey, Bryan you aren't wearing green. I get to pinch you.

B: You do and I'll punch you!

Ah, brotherly love.

missed opportunity

2008-03-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

I finally found something cool to blog about last week. It was about National Grammar Day, but when I blogged about it, it was several days before. So I saved it and was going to post it on March 4th, the official National Grammar Day. Of course, I forgot. Then my daughter beat to me the punch by posting a link to the site that I had linked to. But I'm going to post it anyway, because grammar is important any day of the week. Especially when you have an essay test and a history paper due in the same week!

Here you go.

Dedicated to my grammar queen daughter, Kristen.
Happy Belated National Grammar Day!

Today, March 4th, is National Grammar Day!

So speak clearly, correctly and with good grammar. Spell check and proofread your written work so that you don't accidentally type grammer instead of grammar like I almost did!

Last semester in my English 102 class I received the best proofreading advice I've ever gotten. So here's to Ms. Sharp and requirements for each essay:
1. Essay has been proofread for typographical errors.
2. Essay has been proofread for grammatical errors.
3. Essay has been proofread for mechanical errors.
4. Essay has been read through, sentence by sentence from back to front, to catch other sentence level errors missed in first three proofreading sessions.
5. Essay has been read through, aloud, from front to back, to check transitions, syntax, and general flow

Having followed those guidelines I was surprised at how many typos and awkward sentences I found. But I fixed them and got comments like "Love it! This was an absolute joy to read!" on my papers.

For those interested, there's a fun website called Grammar Girl. She lists the top 10 grammar myths in honor of National Grammar Day.

Have fun. And hopefully you won't have to backspace and correct grammer I mean grammar as many times as I have today!

Lazy

2008-02-02T21:57:00.000-08:00

To quote my daughter, "I haven't posted in awhile because I'm lazy, not because I've been so incredibly busy."

Sure, I'm busy with school and all, but not incredibly busy. Not too busy to surf the net and watch a movie now and then and even, gasp, go shopping. But I've just been a lazy blogger. I even have thought of some cool things I wanted to blog about. But, I was too lazy to follow through. And I have to act on those thoughts immediately because they don't seem to stay in my head for long.

Like at school, in my Brit Lit class, we were talking about some things I had studied last semester in Western Civ, but for the life of me my mind was drawing a blank! I am no longer the queen of trivia. There is too much information being stuffed into this little brain.

In other news, I have the cutest granddaughter ever.

Happy New Year RandomnessI

2008-01-03T06:33:00.000-08:00

Today I woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep. So I decided to poke around some of my favorite blogs, just like old times. Back in the day, when I wasn't a full-time college student, I had so much more free time. I loved reading blogs of people I knew and/or wanted to know. Some of my favorites (besides, of course, my various family member's blogs!) were, and are, scrapbooking blogs. I have gotten so many cool ideas from these sites. Like the above "wordsneeze" made from flickr photos. See spell with flickr.

Christmas is over. Came and went in a whirlwind. I came into it feeling so guilty about not getting everything done like my usual Martha Stewart Christmas. Okay, not Martha Stewart really. But way more organized, more baking, more decorating, more creative wrapping, more creative gifts. This year I cut back, not because I wanted to, but because I just didn't have time. Exams were the first week of December, so it wasn't a complete loss. I had some time. So at least Christmas showed up at our house. We had some decorations up, some cookies baked, and gifts under the tree, albeit they didn't show up until Christmas Eve. You know what? It was still a great Christmas, we were together as a family, and it didn't matter that I didn't make almond spritz cookies or put up my Christmas Village. I still feel guilty about not sending Christmas cards. That one did matter.

I did get to do a little after Christmas shopping. Peter said it technically wasn't shopping, it was just wandering around a store for six hours pushing a cart. It wasn't six hours, Peter. It was only three. And I did buy stuff. Next time go play videos. And don't complain if you want any more Five Guys.

Speaking of Five Guys, has anybody checked out this delicious hamburger joint? That's exactly what it is, a non-descript hamburger joint. Actually the atmosphere could be described as a badly decorated red and white tile bathroom. They only sell hamburgers, cheeseburgers and fries (made from scratch from fresh potatoes). I think it's the best hamburger I have ever had! Order the little hamburger, unless you want two patties. And get the grilled onions. Yum! Oh, and the large order of fries really does feed four.

Some of you who have visited my house know that I have a hole in my couch. Like a sink down when you sit in that spot couch. Like if you lay sideways you have a natural recliner. But not anymore! I got a new couch! And two new recliners. But they are on order and won't show up until February. I'm excited. Of course, now this means I have to paint the walls to match. And that is a whole 'nuther story that I won't get into. Who knows when I'll have time to paint. It took two years to find a couch. It could take two more years to find just the right color paint and get it on the walls!

I totally enjoyed being a Grammie over the holidays. Lindsay is such a cutie. I'm glad we got to bond. I'm glad I got to babysit her. I'm glad she will sit on my lap. I'm glad that she likes me now.

I'm glad we got to go to Rosie's with the family. I love their fajita's!

My oldest sister, Pam, came to visit. She and her daughter, Asheley, stopped by on a trip to Florida. She's actually thinking of moving back east. It was fun catching up with her and realizing how funny it is when you realize you do some of the same things, have some of the mannerisms. We must be related!

I miss my creative outlets. Scrapbooking, blogging, desktop publishing, jewelry making. Those have all been put on the back shelf. I did drag out some beads and made a necklace for me and one for my niece. And hopefully I will get one scrapbook page done before I head back to school. And I am blogging, right this very second!

I need to buy my textbooks. My theory class and Western Civ use the same books as last semester, so I'll save some money there. But I do need books for British Lit. I'm excited, and a little nervous, for that class. Writing is so stressful for me. But fulfilling. I read a quote recently that said "Writing is easy. All you do is stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead."~Gene Fowler

Speaking of stress, hopefully this semester will be less stressful for me, notwithstanding said English class. I don't know why after 40+ years of being a laid back fairly stress free type of person I have turned into a type A personality stressed filled perfectionist. Maybe it was because I was in a low key stay at home mom type of environment, and all along I really was a stressful natured person. I'm learning ways to calm myself and relax, but most of all I realize that I can do this. My mantra. I can do this.

Over 15,000 Served

2007-12-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

I just noticed that I broke the 15,000 mark. Not bad for a run-down, out of date blog. I know somebody from one of my classes who is just amazed that I have a blog, and that anybody in the whole world can come and read my blog. "It is such an invasion of privacy." I don't think of it that way. Nobody really reads my blog except people I know. I only have one regular who I don't have a clue who it is, but other than that who cares. It's not like I put personal secrets on here.

Blogging serves its purpose in this family of mine. I like it. I like to read blogs, and I like to write blogs. But since I've been in school full time, writing on my blog has taken a backseat to writing essays and research papers. I have discovered that I really like to write, and that I'm not half bad at it. My English teacher said I have a gift for writing. That made my day, made my semester!

The upcoming semester is basically the same type of classes as last semester. Brit Lit, Western Civ 1, Theory III, lessons, Wind Ensemble. One hour less than last semester. Think that will help any? I'm trying hard not to stress too much about it. But stress pays off. I'm now officially an honor scholar. 4.0. I worked too hard for that, but I'm still very proud of it. Not to brag or anything. ;-)

The trouble with being so *into* school is now that I'm free from the stresses of classes, I don't want to do anything. I want to chill, to vegetate. I want to watch movies. I want to read for fun. I want to blog and scrapbook. But Christmas is calling. I haven't sent cards, haven't really decorated. Haven't baked, haven't finished shopping. I really hope everybody understands... Maybe I can pull it together. After all, I have four days left!

You'd Think

2007-12-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

You'd think I would have more free time to blog now that I'm free from school commitments. Well, I AM Blogging right this very second!

I finished my papers, my juries, and my finals. It feels so good. And I got my grades. That felt great!

Then I jumped into *Best Christmas Pageant Ever* mode. Joshua was in this play and I was doing the make-up for it. Then I had to do the Sym Camp for Challenger Middle School. And now Christmas parties to go to, UAH Graduation to play for, the Living Christmas Tree to go see... oh the list never ends.

And here it is December 15, 10 days until Christmas, and I haven't sent out Christmas cards, written the Christmas letter, or even decorated my house for Christmas. My husband finally put up the trees, but they sit there naked and undecorated. My village is in the box, and I can't park in the garage because of all the Christmas boxes we pulled down from the attic.

I found out my sister is coming to visit. Now that is motivation to get the house ready! Later... Got to go put up decorations!

Finals Week

2007-12-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast this semester has gone by. Full-time studenthood makes the time fly. Not that I was having fun. Actually it was fun. I guess it was fun mixed with stress.

I was telling my youngest today how I got a 97 on my Western Civ research paper. His comment: "Well, I guess stress pays off!"

Yeah.

Two more finals and I will be free for a month.

And Christmas is calling.

One Hundred Things

2007-11-12T13:41:00.000-08:00

It's been a while. Yeah.

I'm taking a break from studying and thought I'd update my blog. I recently read someone else's blog where they had listed 100 things that made them happy. I've done it before, but I thought, what the heck, let's do it again. It's easy and I don't have to think about Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, or common chord modulations or what the terms Nationalist and Socialist mean in context of the Nazi Party.

Here we go. This may take awhile. 100 Things! That's a lot!

1. Sleeping
2. Smiling at and saying "good morning" to a stranger
3. Getting a smile from a stranger
4. Losing weight
5. Listening to a song that brings back good memories
6. Getting an A+ on a paper
7. A Chocolate Frosty from Wendy's (remember the good ol' days when you didn't have to specify chocolate? what's up with these VANILLA frosties?)
8. Dove Dark Chocolate
9. Water
10. Waterfalls
11. Hot Showers
12. Random compliments
13. New purses
14. Cash in my purse when I need it
15. When my children call me just to talk
16. Hugs from my kids
17. Lindsay liking me
18. Understanding fully diminished and half diminished vii of V chords.
19. A good chick flick.
20. A good debate
21. Flipping through magazines
22. A good tone day
23. A good hair day
24. A compliment from Dr. Ragsdale
25. Painting my toenails
26. Comfortable, yet stylish shoes
27. Blue jeans
28. Staying in a nice hotel
29. Going on an airplane
30. Getting a window seat on a clear day and recognizing the landscape
31. A clean sink (a clean sink is a happy sink!)
32. The beach
33. Scoring a cute outfit for a great price that actually looks good on me
34. Going out to eat
35. A great quote
36. Text messages from anybody
37. People writing on my wall in Facebook
39. Making lists and crossing things off
40. Learning new things
41. Having an A HA! moment
42. Getting to know new people
43. Photography
44. My phone
45. Chocolate Chips cookies, homemade
46. Brownies
47. Getting lost in a good novel
48. Finishing a sodoku puzzle
49. Hot Chocolate on a cold day
50. Getting halfway through this list!
51. Snuggling under the warm covers
52. People who make me laugh
53. People who make me feel good about myself
54. The sunset
55. Who's Line is it Anyway?
56. Shooting stars
57. Picnics
58. Lying on a blanket on the grass by a lake or a river
59. Bike rides
60. Swiss Cake Roll-ups, even better frozen
61. The Full Moon with wispy clouds blowing across it
62. Inside jokes
63. Singing to the radio in the car with a friend
64. Being just about anywhere in Europe
65. Someone surprising me with a nice surprise.
66. Chocolate Pudding
67. British Accents
68. Scottish Accents
69. Ewan McGregor
70. Turning the volume way up in the car
71. Finally playing a lick that I couldn't play before
72. Christmas music
73. Good dreams
74. Not having to wake up with an alarm clock
75. Chocolate covered doughnuts
76. Knowing the answer
77. The smell of clean sheets
78. Having an awe inspiring moment
79. Goosebumps
80. Sharing a strong dislike or like with someone who feels the same way (who'da thunk someone else on this planet loves to eat aspargus straight out of the can!)
81. My kids sharing something personal with me
82. The smell of fresh baked bread
83. Eating Freshly baked bread!
84. The sound of thunderstorms
85. One of my students *getting it*
86. One of my students telling me how much they've learned from me
87. Kitty cats
88. Cheese
89. Fireworks
90. Campfires
91. Massages
92. Gelato
93. Catching up with old friends
94. Rootbeer
95. My family all-together happily conversing with one another
96. Warm fluffy towels
97. Riding in a train
98. Surfing the internet
99. Posting a blog
100. Happy people

There! I wonder how many duplicates I have from the last time I did this. Now it's your turn! It's great therapy.

Because My Daughter Said So

2007-10-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

I've been informed that it is time to update my blog. Because my daughter said so, and sometimes that is enough.

I've been trying to cut down on superfluous activities in my life and just focus on what is the most important. Or what is the least stressful. Sometimes it is hard to not have the most important be the most stressful, but I'm working on balance.

Take today for instance. In Western Civ, we have eight homework assignments, out of which we have to do six. I have completed four already, and was working on number five this past week. Okay, today. I waited until today, the day before it is due. Then I decided, heck, I don't HAVE to do this one. It's the hard assignment with six two-paragraph essay answers. So I will let it go willingly, and do the next one. Ah. See, that was easy. I don't have to do everything!

I can go get my jammies on, get out my music theory homework that I DO have to do, and maybe get to bed early tonight!

In other news...
-Bryan is still alive somewhere down in T-Town. Haven't heard from him in awhile. He did call once to determine exactly what is a Chimichanga.
-Joshua made the school musical, "Kiss Me Kate". The question on everybody's mind now is "will he have to wear tights?"
-Lindsay is so close to walking, last we heard.

Stress

2007-10-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

All work and no play make Jacqui a dull, and stressed out girl.

Case in point. SCHOOL=STRESS=ANXIETY=FAST HEARTBEAT=worried doctor=go to the emergency room for an EKG.

But I'm fine. EKG was normal. Well, semi-normal. Have I ever been completely normal???

wow, time flies

2007-10-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

I just realized it's been ten days since I last blogged. I feel guilty for blogging when I have homework looming over my head. But, by golly, I'm sick and tired of the French Revolution right now I'm ready to start my own Reign of Terror. I have a midterm on Friday that will consist mainly of identifications and essays. I'm so not looking forward to it.

I also have an essay due on Monday. I'm glad it was extended (it was due on Friday) but I'm not going to enjoy having to work on it over the weekend. Especially since Becca et al will be here.

Thursday night is the Grissom Huntsville game. I love going to that game, but this year I have to go to a scholarship recipient reception. I'm required to go. Like the dean says he will personally pick us up and take us if we don't have a ride. I guess I better be there. I don't want to appear ungrateful for my scholarships. But darn it all, I want to go to the game. And then there's the midterm the next morning that I should be studying for. What to do!?!

In other news, it's nice to live in a house with elves. I wake up in the morning and the laundry's magically been done. I come home from school and groceries are in the fridge. Nice. Sometimes my car automatically gets filled up with gas. It's great!

What a Wonderful World

2007-09-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

A friend from school found out his dad is dying and probably won't last the week. Life is sad isn't it? But still, we need to look for humor and beauty in the world. Another friend shared this video with me. Maybe it will cheer you up.

glumbert - A Wonderful World

Life = School, still

2007-09-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

So welcome to my what seems to be my weekly blog update. I feel like there isn't much to update unless you want to hear what my grades are, how depressed I got this week in my flute lessons, or how I don't have time for anything but homework and practicing.

Being a music major has its perks. I get to hear awesome performances and meet up-and-coming composers and musicians. I did get to go to the fabulous Huntsville Symphony Orchestra concert this weekend. A flute concerto was premiered, (I got to personally meet and chat with the composer) and they also played Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Everybody should hear a live performance of that piece sometime in their life... it's the Ode to Joy song... you'd recognize it. There was a huge choir and four soloists. I had goosebumps on my arms and tears in my eyes. I love how music can do that to you. My teacher says that is my goal as a flutist... to move people with my music. Maybe some day.

I'm starting to tire of being a student. I want to be a Grammie, a better mom and shoot, I'd like to play with my scrapbooking stuff...

Sometimes I wonder why I am doing this to myself. On Friday I was so down about it (not about school, but about being a flute performance major when I can't play the flute worth a crap, and yes, I said crap) that I went to my Wind Ensemble director and told him I needed five minutes of his time to tell me why I should stay in college. It turns out he had a great speech prepared because his dad just graduated from college, doing the same thing I'm doing. Sometimes his dad would call him and ask the same thing... "why am I doing this?"

Why? Because of that little piece of paper that says I earned a college degree. But it's got to be bigger than that. Maybe someday I'll find the answer.

What I am Doing

2007-09-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

So many people ask me how things are going with me being back in school. My response most often is "I'm overwhelmed, but not stressed". I'm really just busy, busy, busy. And it's kind of fun. Only the night before a test or an essay is due do I start to feel a little stressed.

So, what am I doing that keeps me so busy? Of course during the week, school is pretty much 24-7. But there is life outside of school and the weekend is my catch up time.

This weekend I'm:

*finishing up copying the extra dvd's for Lauren's wedding presentation
*finishing the flute/oboe transcription for "Lead, Kindly Light" (I'm so close to done)
*cleaning my dining room including cleaning the carpet!
*going to a faculty recital
*watching a movie with my husband
*doing a load of laundry
*practicing
*going to choir rehearsal
*catching up on my blog

and yes, doing school work, too
*making study cards for my Monday morning theory test ( six-fours, cadences, non-harmonic tones, suspensions, etc, if you were interested)
*making study cards for my Monday morning music tech class (MIDI, digital audio, sound system hook-up...)
*working on my Western Civ research paper (my husband says "when is that due?" ...well, in November, yes, but there's nothing like doing a little every week because I KNOW that on November 14th I'll be freaking out.)
*40-50 pages of reading for Western Civ... man, I just remembered about that!

Time to go read I guess!

Send Chocolate...

2007-09-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm lost in another world, another time dimension, another something. My mind is somewhere else almost all the time, and the real world, the world of my family is way in the background. My mind is in inverted imperfect half cadences, and in Henry VIII's court (and Anne Bolelyn... did you know she had 6 fingers and three, ahem, breasts?!?!), and in Hawthorne's world of Young Goodman Brown, and correct spelling and no run-on sentences... well I screwed up there didn't I? My mind is in the world of Telemann's f minor flute sonata, and Kujala and de la Sonorite, and Debussy and Blue Shades and random run's in Kennan's Night Soliloquy. I'm having trouble thinking about anything else... let alone doing laundry, washing dishes (not that I ever did that job), fixing meals, vacuuming, cleaning toilets. Please, nobody come to my house right now.

I do have two "forced" meeting times with my son, though. I pick him up from school twice a week. (I know, only twice?) We were driving home from school one afternoon and had a *discussion* about how he needed to be outside waiting for me as I had to get home for flute lessons, and he said "why don't you just let someone else take me home? Then I wouldn't have to rush." My response? "Ah, then we wouldn't have these special bonding moments!" Josh has gotten the teenage rolling eyes response down pat.

Beginning the Second Week

2007-08-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

Beginning the second week of school is much less stressful than beginning that first week. The first day was, wow... overwhelming. At the end of the day I was ready to quit this whole mom goes back to college thing.

But now, after the calming influence of a weekend, I can see that I can do it.

Two research papers? No sweat. Both teachers have them torn into bite size pieces. MLA? I have the book. Topics? Interesting enough. "The Effects of the Reformation on Religious Music" for Western Civ (I got to choose) and something on Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde for English Lit Comp. I can live with those.

Music Theory Part 2? Not as big a deal as I thought it would be. Sure it's been twenty*cough-cough* years since I had part one. I'm pretty much understanding it all, although I don't have all the voicing and cadence rules memorized. Yet. But hey, I get 6/4 cadences and can identify passing, cadential and pedal easily.

Wind Ensemble and lessons? Already acclimated to those from last semester.

Music Tech? Harder than I thought it would be, but only with time concerns. The projects are very interesting to me so I probably will (and have) end up spending more time on them than the teacher expects.

Time Management for pulling school, family life and my flute teaching altogether? That has yet to be determined. I will have no time for a social life, not that it ever took up much time in my life anyway. I do have to attend at least 8 concerts, so there we go. There's my social life! It's not like I'm stuck inside the house all day. In fact, my life has been more social since I started this college gig!

Last Day

2007-08-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

Today is my last day of summer vacation.

Today is the last day I don't have to worry about did I get my reading assignments done, or did I write that paper, or do my theory homework.

Today is the last day of sleeping in past 6:30 am. (okay, not counting weekends...)

Today is the last day of not having to worry about Josh being picked up.

Today is the last day I can read a book (not assigned) without feeling guilty.

Today is the last day of fixing a good meal.

Today is the last day I can enjoy my freedom.

Today is the last day of no worries.

Tomorrow school starts. I'm excited about learning new things, yet worried about time management.

Also, I got that weird feeling about being old amongst the young. But I'll get over it. I just keep telling myself *this is what I want to do* *I can do this* *I'm capable*.

New Lappie

2007-08-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here's my new baby. It's little and cute. Weighs in at 4.6 lbs. Easy to pack.

* Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core mobile processor T2080 with 533MHz frontside bus, 1MB L2 cache and 1.73GHz processor speed
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM for multitasking power, expandable to 4GB
* Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media; also supports DVD-RAM
*13.3" WXGA TFT-LCD widescreen display with TruBrite technology and 1280 x 800 resolution
*160GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
*Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with up to 8MB-251MB dynamically allocated shared video memory

Walking Pneumonia

2007-08-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

If you wonder, and I'm sure all three of my readers do, why I haven't written in over a week, it's because I've been out of it. I was diagnosed with *walking* pneumonia. That's a misnomer if I've ever heard one!

Supposedly it's called that because, unlike the more serious pneumonia that is life threatening and usually lands you in the hospital, walking pneumnia is something you can have and still lead a regular life. Some people don't even realize they have it. Unfortunately for me, I had a more serious walking pneumonia. I certainly knew I had it... I ran a fever everyday for two and a half weeks, had trouble breathing deeply, and had a bothersome cough. My breathing was shallow and I was worn out.

After the first week of this, I went to the doctor. He gave me a Zpack prescription, told me to lay low for a while and sent me to get a chest x-ray.

I'd like to say I'm back to normal... I'm not. I still cough. But I can play my flute again. Finally. That was the worst part. School starts in four days. I'm a flute performance major who hasn't been able to practice and I'm a little behind now. Okay, a lot behind now. With all the traveling I did this summer I didn't get much practicing in. And then I got sick. I know. Excuses. Do I need a note from my doctor? Yeah, right. "Patient had walking pneumonia." If you can walk, you can play a flute! Maybe I should rename it *walking but not able to take in a deep enough breath to play longer than an eighth note* pneumonia.

word of the week

2007-08-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

You ever find yourself using the same word over and over? I did this week. And you probably noticed, too. The word is *geek*.

I always liked the word geek better than nerd. Geek denotes more intelligence, whereas nerd implies low social skills. After all, one will call himself a band geek, but not call himself a band nerd.

So I decided to do a little research on this word, *geek*, so see if I'm even using it in the right context.

I head to dictionary.com. Here are the results:

geek –noun Slang.

1.	a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, esp. one who is perceived to be overly intellectual.

2.	a computer expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often considered offensive when used by outsiders.)

3.	a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken.

Hmmm, not looking too good here. A dislikable person? Overly intellectual? A term of pride as self-reference, yes... but offensive? AND disgusting acts?

I think I no longer want to be a geek. Let's see if nerd is any better....

nerd –noun Slang.

1.	a stupid, irritating, ineffectual, or unattractive person.n

2.	an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit: a computer nerd.

Okay, I'd much rather be overly intellectual or peculiar than stupid, irritating, ineffectual or unattractive.

Just don't count on me biting off any chicken heads anytime soon.

That would be just plain foolish. Which by the way, Kristen, is the origin of the word:

GEEK-- Origin: 1915- 20; prob. var. of geck (mainly Scots) fool

Techno-Geekiness Confirmed

2007-08-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's official. I am geeky.

Evidence:
-New laptop
-New geeky phone.
-Ability to play around with new laptop
-Firefox
-Inability to walk by laptops, cell phones, etc in a electronics store without at least looking to see what's new
-facebook messages are forwarded to my phone
-Helping friends pick out new computers
-knowing more about the computers than some of the CR's
-I actually enjoy it when someone wants to show me a slide show, or a powerpoint presentation, or a new phone or whatever.

-blogging...

I think I've passed this geekiness on to my children. Sorry guys!

band geeks

2007-08-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

This past week I've spent some time being a band geek. And learning that my last kid is truly a band geek, too. I say *geek* in the sincerest and nicest sense of the word. ;-)

I had a lot of fun teaching and playing with and directing the flute sectionals. They are a great bunch of teens. We had a flute party at my house last night. What goes on in flute sectionals stays in flute sectionals.

Josh surprised me by saying he was going to be in the contest band. He said he decided to do it because it was so much fun marching. BAND GEEK! Then last night he came home from band camp wiped out, but saying "That was SO much fun!" BAND GEEK! It's been great for him. So far, high school has been a wonderful experience for him. He's made tons of new friends.

So all my kids are/were band geeks. Even Kristen, who dropped out of band, was still a band geek at heart. She just hated marching band. I've done my job as a mother!

randomness

2007-07-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 100% of bananas are imported?

But all peanut butter and cranberry juice come from America?

Just in case you were wondering.

Slide Shows of our Grand Adventure

2007-07-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

THE GRAND CANYON

ZIONS NATIONAL PARK

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

FAMILY PICS

THE GREAT SALT LAKE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Grand Adventure, Part Three

2007-07-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know I'm a bad blogger. It was so hard to blog while on this trip. But the good thing is, is why it was hard. It was hard because I was living, not blogging. Having fun, enjoying my family. Of course, I kept making mental notes on things I wanted to blog about, but I didn't really have time to blog. And that was a good thing.

So, I took some short notes and will just give a condensed version of what we did on the rest of our trip.

Day Six:
We just hung out with family and friends. My sister Gael and her two youngest boys came over to the camp site, and the girls headed to some scrapbook stores. Later that day we went boating and tubing with the Bryant's and finished off the evening with them at our favorite Utah mexican restaurant, Los Hermanos. Yummy fajitas!

Day Seven:

We went to church with Kristen, reminicsing about how fun it was to attend church in a college classroom. We then headed over to Lehi for dinner at my niece Anna’s house. She has a beautiful new home with a really cool home theater and gourmet kitchen. All of Gael's kids were there, and all her grandbabies. It was fun to hang out with them. My brother Giles came, too! Bonus! He is still a cool brother. I wish I could spend more time with my sibs.

Day Eight:

This day was spent first working, then playing. We spent the morning moving Kristen in to her apartment. We got her stuff out of storage (took two trips!) and dropped it at her apartment. She had to be at work at noon, so we went up to campus and ate lunch at the Cougareat. More reminicsing! Then we played. We went to the water park Seven Peaks. We had a blast with water slides, tubes, the wave pool and the lazy river. That evening we picked up Kristen and went to visit our old friends from H'ville, the Nordins. It was great to see them!

Day Nine:

We started the day off doing some shopping for Kristen. We went to the Walmart in Springville because we've found that the Orem Walmart is Always Crowded. I told Josh he could go look in electronics and see if they had any Wii's. That's become our little custom everytime we went in a store that carried them. And guess what was announced as we walked in the door. "Shoppers we have just put 7 Nintendo Wii's on the shelf. Please line up in the electronics department." He was first in line. Joshua finally has a wii!!! Later we met at Gael’s, picked up her and the boys and drove up to Salt Lake City. We grabbed a bite to eat, went to see the Joseph Smith movie at Temple Square (very well done!) and then we did something I have never done before. We went to the Great Salt Lake. All those years I lived there, and visited Utah, I had never seen the Great Salt Lake up close and personal. It was not too stinky, but the bugs! Thousands and millions of brine flies, everywhere. Yuck. I took off my sandals and stuck my toes in the water, just so I can say I did. I don't think I could ever go swimming in that water! Later we met my brother Giles at another favorite place,P F Changs. More Yumminess! We said goodbye to Kristen. So sad! We probably won't see her again until Christmas.

Day Ten
Time to pack up the camper and head back east. We got up early and headed to Vernal, Utah and Dinosaur Nat’l monument. Unfortunately, the museum was closed. So on to Rocky Mountain National Park. We arrived early evening to some absolutely beautiful mountains! We drove across the park to our campsite in Morraine campground. So beautiful, so tall, wow. I love snow capped mountains! We set up camp in our no electricity site, and froze again. It was much colder than at the Grand Canyon. We were at 8000 ft. I was dressed in layers and layers and was still cold!

Day Eleven
We spent the day in the park. We drove back to Alpine visitor center, and hiked up to top of a mountain. It was so cool to be so Rocky Mountain High. Such beautiful vistas! One of my favorites was at Bear lake, the perfect reflection of the mountain in the water. Of course, it wasn't a perfect lake because there were leeches and huge skeeters! We decided to hike to Alberta Falls, a really cool water fall less than two miles from the parking lot. And that's where I had my adventure… a true, lost and stranded in the mountains, bait for mountain lions type adventure. Okay, I was never truly lost. I was abandoned my my hiking party. They hiked on ahead of me. I slowly tredged along, and not realizing i had reached the main falls, and not seeing the guys because they had left the path...I kept going. And going. And going. Then I realized something was wrong. There were no people around and I started to think I must have passed the guys. It was scary all by myself in the middle of a mountain wilderness! I got to a place where, believe it or not, I had cell phone reception! I tried to call the boys but couldn't get through. Finally, I just sat. Stayed put. I was able to get through to them, and Marc came and found me. At least I was able to see a cooler view of the falls from above! I don't think he'll ever leave me alone on a hike again. I think he was more scared than I was! We went back to the campsite and had stew for dinner. And then we froze again. If you ever camp in the Rockies... bring your -10 degree sleeping bags. Trust me on that one.

Day Twelve:

We got up at the crack of dawn so we could get an early start on our trip home. We packed up the camper, got in car and prepared to drive and drive and drive. After you leave Denver it's flat. Barren. Nothing. Drove through a funny named town...Kanarado, a town on border of Kansas and Colorado. Kansas takes forever to get through. Where are we? In Kansas. Where are we? We are still in Kansas. And we’re still in Kansas. And now we are in… Kansas. Still Kansas. While trying to figure out just where we wanted to spend the night we may the decision to drive all night. Heck, we have three drivers so we take shift. I tried to take a nap so I can take the graveyard shift. Nothing exciting happened for the rest of the trip… just driving, driving driving on flat straight interstate.

Day Thirteen:

I drove from 1:45 am until we arrived in Huntsville at 7:30 am. Hurray! We are home!!! I crash for several hours. In a zombie like state I go grocery shopping that evening. What a fun trip, but I'm glad to be home!

Grand Adventure, part two (revised)

2007-06-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

Day Four

It's getting harder to blog... harder to remember everything that happens. It's funny, sometime during the day somebody will say something hilarious, and I'll say "I need to blog about that." And then when I finally find some time (I am on vacation after all) to sit down and makes some notes, I forget everything. And for those who already read this post, I realized I left off a day. See what I mean.

So... the real day four...

Day Four:

We left the Grand Canyon with a couple of the eastern end peeks at the views. When we stopped by the last area with a bookstore/giftshop, Kristen showed me a funny book called: Who Pooped in the Park? I picked it up and flipped through it… basically it was a children’s book showing kids how to recognize animals from the poop they leave behind. We were discussing this later at dinner, and Josh asked what we were talking about, so not really wanting to get into the whole poop thing at the dinner table, I just said “a Pooh book, you know, like Winnie the Pooh.” And then Bryan piped up with “you mean, Winnie’s Pooh and and Tigger’s too.” Geez. Where did these kids come from? Bryan then went on to say how he couldn’t wait to introduce his niece Lindsay to “Winnie’s Pooh.” Just a head’s up to Becca on that one!

We drove up along the eastern side through the Navajo Nation. We drove through Page, stopped at Burger King for lunch, then crossed the Glen Canyon Dam. Lake Powell is beautiful. There are many houseboats around there. Lake Powell to Utahn’s is like the Beach to Alabamian’s. They spend a week on a house boat, some buying partnerships into a 120,000 dollar houseboat like we’d buy into a timeshare at the beach. I’d love to go there sometime, on a big houseboat.

It was funny to see the boats as we drove into desert. There was a big boat marina storage, with no lake in sight. A funny place we saw was the Luxury Homes for sale, at a trailer park.

We decided to take a side trip to Zion’s Canyon National Park. We had bought the season pass to the national parks, so we could get into it basically for free. We drove into the East entrance, by the checkerboard mountain and through the tunnel to the natural arch. We turned around, and stopped at some cool rock formations that looked like red orange cake mix when you pour it into a pan. I guess you have to see it to understand. Then onto Bryce. We we got to Bryce Canyon National Park, we set up just outside the park at a private campground, so we had electricity! We needed it because we wanted to use the heater. It sure is colder at higher elevations. We ate dinner and then headed to the canyon of hoodoos. A hoodoo is a rock formation caused by the wind as opposed to water. It was so cool looking.

Day Five:

We woke up in our not so nice campground spot just 6 miles outside of Bryce Canyon. We had seen some of it the night before so we sort of knew what we were doing. We wanted to do a little hiking so soon after breakfast we headed to the Wall Street Section of Bryce Canyon. The boys took a hike down 27 switchbacks. I stayed behind because I wasn't thinking ahead and wore flip flops.

Then we drove to the end of the canyon to Rainbow Point and then back to Fairyland Point. The formations were awesome. Beautiful. Unique.

We had a picnic lunch.

We were done with red rock formations and canyons. So on to Provo. Kristen was anxious to get *home*.

4 hours or so later we arrived in Provo, set up camp and went to Brick Oven, an old college haunt of ours, to eat pizza with the Bryants. It's great having friends here in Utah.

Well, my internet access is over. I have to go. I'll try mobile blogging next.

Our Grand Adventure, part one

2007-06-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

Day One

Today we traveled through six states, and we' not talking sissy states like Vermont or Rhode Island that take less than an hour to cross. Unfortunately, it took us seventeen hours... seventeen long, grueling, in a car with four other grumpy people and my butt hurts hours. But we have been learning as we go. We have learned the motto for each state we've been in. Let's see how you do. See if you can fill in the blanks. I'll put the answers at the end of my blog if I remember. And I'll give you the first one.

Alabama is "the Heart of Dixie."
Mississippi is __________
Tennessee is __________
Arkansas is _________
Oklahoma is ________
Texas is _________

Thought and Observations

Being stuck in a car provides forces us to communicate with each. Sometimes it's not happy communicating like "stop making that noise!", "stop kicking me", and the famous whiney "I'm hungry!". But we've some funny conversations, too.

J: I brought two water bottles.
K: If you drink all that water you'll have to go to the bathroom a lot.
J: No I won't. I can hold it for 8 hours at school.
K: You shouldn't do that.
J: Why not?
K: It makes your bladder wrinkle.
Everybody: huh?????
K: It's true. My roommate works at a Urology clinic and she says if you hold it too long it will make your bladder wrinkle.

Maybe you had to be there.

and then...
J: My eyes aren't working very well. I can't read that sign.
M: Which sign?
J: The one that says "Raceway."

Okay...

The lowpoint of the day was finding a hotel room at midnight. I won't go into details but suffice it to say things did not go according to plan. But we found a place and slept like logs. Wake-up call 6:30 a.m. Yuck!

Here are the answers I promised:
the Magnolia State
the Volunteer State
the Natural State
the Sooner State
the Lone Star State

Day Two

Getting up was no fun this morning. But at least we could sleep in the car. Bryan and Kristen are prone to car sicknesses, so they always take Dramamine and then sleep away the trip. Today we drove from Amarillo to the Grand Canyon. We went from flat to fairly big mountains to flat with big canyons. We stopped in Albuquerque to get some food supplies. On my cool phone with Google maps we found a Burger King, but we traveled up and down the road and it wasn't there! So sometimes it doesn't help to have technology. We settled for Wendy's and then hit the road.

The campground was very nice, set in the tall pines. There were ravens everywhere, and woodpeckers, too. The campsite was easy to get to and soon we were all set up. We wanted to hurry and go see what we came for. The GRAND Canyon. We drove over to Mather Point. Wow. It's Grand all right.
After going to another view point to watch the sunset over the Grand Canyon, lots of oohing and ahhing (by the way, out that direction somewhere in the above photo is a place actually called Ohh Ahh Point!), and lots of camera clickings we headed back to camp. For dinner we had spaghetti. And then sleep. Glorious sleep.

Day Three

Glorious sleep, ha! What an awful night. That first night camping always seems to be the hardest. We were "serenaded" (and I use that term loosely) to sleep by some guitar players and singers. Not very good singers I might add. Add to that three different car alarms going off during the night, Kristen saying "Josh, you're snoring" and "I can't sleep" repeated several times, Marc really snoring and banging his head at least twice on the camper shelf above our heads, makes for a really LONG night. Plus, it was freezing! We were about 6600 ft above sea level. Good thing I brought my hoodie!

The day was well planned. First we ate breakfast and got ready for a hike, filling up water bladders and packs. Then we headed for the bus stop. Grand Canyon National Park actually has a great free bus shuttle service. So we just left our car at the campground and saved on gas. Our first stop was the Information center where unfortunately Josh left his sunglasses. From there we headed to the Bright Angel Trailhead. a trail where you can take a mule ride down and back

Hiking down the canyon is like the opposite of hiking up a mountain... they save the worst for last. You go down first and then when you are all hot and tired you have to hike back UP. We decided to hike down for about a half hour and then come back up. It takes twice as long on the way back up so we figured we had an hour and a half hike. We went down the beautiful, buy slighty precarious (and smelly from the mule droppings) trail and were ready to turn around when a park ranger came by and asked us how we were doing. We said we were fine and he said about fifteen minutes farther down the trail was another cool hole in the rock. The boys decided to continue down, but Kristen and I headed back up. This trail was rated "difficult" and was fairly steep, so we didn't want to overdo it. Turns out it wasn't so hard on the way back up. I got a little dizzy a few times, but we stopped and rested at all the shady spots. That's the trouble in Arizona, the sun is so very hot. It's easy to get dehydrated.

At the top of the trail along the rim were some shops, so being the girls that we are we decided to do some shopping. I got a retro looking GC t-shirt, and a gift for my dad. Then we saw someone eating an ice cream cone. Boy did it look good. So we found the ice cream shop, got two single scoops and headed for the bus stop. When we got back to the campsite the boys were already back. We had lunch and then siesta time. The temps here are so extreme... Freezing at night (okay not technically *freezing* but upper 40's) and burning hot during the day. It was hard to take a siesta in such warm conditions, and then Kristen kept saying "Josh, you're breathing to loud!" I think maybe I got in a 15 minute snooze.

After lunch/naptime we headed to the Hermits Rest loop. This part of the canyon is only accessible by shuttle. We could get on and off at the 8 different overlooks. It's amazing how different the canyon looks from the different viewpoints. I think my favorites were the Pima and the Hopi. Or may the Trailhead overlook where I took this picture of the trail we had hiked down the day before. Because it was the highest point in the park, I could for a brief moment get cell phone coverage. Yeah, I know, I'm nerdy. I quickly downloaded my email while I could.

By the time we were done with the loop we were all very tired. We saw some elk on the way back (I still think they were mule deer). We had beef stew for dinner and then showered. Boy those five minutes that cost us seven quarters was worth it! I slept like a rock that night!

day one

2007-06-19T06:03:00.001-07:00

The world is flat in Texas.

I'm Going on a Trip and I'm going to take an...

2007-06-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

...Apple.

One of those games we've played in the car on long car trips is the "I'm going on a trip and I'm going to take a..." and you say something that starts with the letter "A". The next person does the letter "B" and then says the letter "A", and so on until the last turn the person say something that starts with the letter "Z" and has to remember everything mentioned back to "A".

We're going on a trip and we're going to take "apples to apples", barbecue potato chips, candy, dramimine, earbuds (my new Sony pink ones, pink so the boys won't steal them), flipflops, gameboy ds, honda pilot, ice, jam, Kristen, luggage, maps, nylon rope, orange juice, pop tarts, quarters for pay showers, ravioli (thank goodness for chef- boy-r-dee), sheets, toothbrush and toothpaste, umbrella, veggies to munch on, water, xylophone (okay, just kidding... you find something you take camping that starts with an "X"!), yogurt, ziploc baggies.

Packing for a two week long camping trip takes way more time than you think. I decided when we are near civilization, we'll eat out. That will save on the food packing. The kids are old enough to pack for themselves, so that helps there. I've got most of the food ready to go, supplies like paper towels and water bottles, and various games, reading material, etc. I need to get my suitcase packed! So much to do, so little time.

I did notice that there are a lot of techno items on our packing lists. DVD's, gameboy, cell phones, laptops, ipods, digital camera's, batteries, power inverters, dvd player, etc. You can tell we aren't primitive camping! Our camper even has air conditioning, providing our campsite has electricity. I know the national parks don't.

Here's where we are going:
Grand Canyon
Bryce Canyon
Provo, Utah
SLC, Utah
maybe: Vernal, Utah (Dinosaur National Park)
Rocky Mountain National Park

Lot's of fun, lots of driving, lots of time in a car in the middle of nowhere. Lots of time for sibling bonding. I can only hope!

One of my friends said: "have fun on your trip. Maybe something exciting will happen and will all turn into a great adventure!" Here's hoping for fun adventures, not the car breaks down and we end up spending a week in Amarillo, TX adventures.

Bad Blogger

2007-06-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't been a very good blogger lately. I haven't really been into it. My life is not very exciting right now. Well, that's not true. I have been to the beach. I have been to Nashville. I have played a flute gig. But I haven't done much around the house. I haven't read any books. I haven't practiced very much. I haven't watched much tv, but I have seen a few movies on TV. I haven't seen Spiderman 3, Pirates 3 or anything 3. My whole family went to see the Pirates 3 movie without me, when I was in Nashville. So sad. When I came home and found out, I said "now who will go with me to see it?" and Bryan replied: "you have friends now. Go with your friends." Nice. Anybody want to go see Pirates 3 with me?

I have been planning out trip to the Grand Canyon and beyond. We'll be heading to Bryce Canyon, and also to Rocky Mountain National Park after we drop Kristen off at school in Provo. We'll take our camper and camp along the way. I love to see new places. I love to check them off my list. One of the books I got for my birthday was "1000 Places to see before you die". I'll get to check "the Grand Canyon" off that list. Hey, that would make a good blog. Which of the 1000 Places I have to see before I die have I actually been too? I'll make a mental note. ;-)

Boring

2007-06-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

Quote of the day:

"An author is a fool who, not content with boring those he lives with, insists on boring future generations."

Charles de Montequieu

And thus the purpose of this blog... to bore my children. ;-)

Happy Birthday to me and my blog

2007-05-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Two years ago tomorrow I started this blog. I started it after being prodded by my daughter, and also because I needed to do some self evaulating, some introspection on my life. Now, I don't put my innermost thoughts on here, because it is, after, viewable to the public. But I think it has helped me think about my life. And I like sharing the good things with the people I love.

I think people will understand me better if they know me better. Steven Covey said, "seek first to understand, then to be understood." I love that advice.

Today is my birthday. I used to love my birthdays, love celebrating, love the attention, yes, even love the presents. Now I don't care about presents (except for the new sod in the front yard, I would still like that!) and I don't care about celebrating. I still like the attention, don't we all, but I'm finding birthdays to be a little depressing. It seemed like I just started this blog, but it's been TWO years. Wow. Time going by so fast is what is depressing. I have so much to do and nevermind... I will try not to dwell on the depressing parts of life. I will try think happy thoughts.

Happy thoughts:
I have lost more weight and am now in my target zone. I am officially not "overweight" anymore (for my body frame at least.)
I have made lots of new friends this year.
I have traveled to Europe.
I have earned more money than I ever have before with my flute stuff.
I have finished a semester of college. With straight A's to boot.
I have become a grandmother. (Now the label that goes with that is *old age* but the fun that goes with it can't be beat!)
I have a social life, with aforementioned friends. (If I go out to lunch with a friend my kids are like- "aww, you have a fwiend")
I have a great relationship with my kids, even if they do tease me. I tease them more. ha.
I have a new car!!!
and a cool new phone!!!
and a very supportive husband...

So I guess having a birthday is a good time to count blessings, and not count time.

CRaZy

2007-05-22T14:32:00.001-07:00

Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.
- Charles Bukowski

Okay, so going crazy is a suddenly a good thing. I think I like that.

Songs and other thoughts

2007-05-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

I was thinking the other day how much I like songs. I like lots of music from classical to the blues. But a song with words that touch me, well, I like that. I guess it's the communicating of a message, a connection with a certain emotion that gets me. Or maybe it's just that I'm a sappy sentimental gal.

My new favorite song is "Chasing Cars". My favorite line is "and just forget the world". Sometimes I just want to lie somewhere and forget everything. Lie on a beach and forget the world, lie under the stars and forget the world. Going to school and filling your brains and then emptying them on exams takes a lot out of you and you just want to do nothing when it's all done. I had forgotten how much exams did that to you.

Speaking of the beach, I'll be going there soon. The beach is calling me... the waves are beckoning me to come and listen and play and do nothing and hopefully not get a sunburn!

Man of La Mancha is over and what a fun gig it was! Next on my list is Twickenham Winds. We have several rehearsals this week, and then the concert on Memorial Day at Huntsville High. My life certainly hasn't been boring in 2007! There's always something going on.

2007-05-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

My nephew, in a round a bout way, directed me to this funny, off beat, and sometimes irreverant cartoon. I guess my humor is twisted enough to appreciate it. Here's a couple of my faves:

I guess I'm in a weird humor today!

Some Favorite Quotes

2007-05-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

I like words, words put together nicely that it. Words with a message that speak to me. So I like good books, good poetry, witty quotes and clever people.

Here are some funny quotes I found recently.

The real trouble with reality is that there's no background music.

If you think things can't get worse it's probably only because you lack sufficient imagination.

The problem with America is stupidity. I'm not saying there should be a capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?

Why do they call it PMS? Because Mad Cow Disease was already taken!

If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still #2?

If We All Quit Voting Will They All Go Away?

Gene Police: You!! Out Of The Pool!

Warning: Reading between my lines results in blank verse.

More on witty quotes and witty people in another post...

To Dream the Impossible Dream...

2007-05-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go

This, and other songs, keep going through my mind, and often coming out as a whistle. That's what happens when you play the same music over and over again.

You see, I am in "La Mancha" mode. I'm playing in the "orchestra" for this musical which opens on Friday. (I say "orchestra" with quotes because it is very small: just one each of flute, clarinet, trumpet, horn, trombone, drums, piano.) And I'll be doing it 10 more times, so it will only get worse-- the music on the brain thing, not the orchestra! Hopefully we will get better each time!

It's a great musical, very clever with its play within a play plot. The theatre we are playing in is called the Renaissance Theatre. It's an old historical building that has been redone into an arts building. There are all sorts of nooks and crannies and interesting rooms. It's a small theatre, with an open stage on one end of a large room. The bathroom is right next to the stage. When I first showed up and someone was showing me around, she pointed out the bathroom, and said "it is right next to the stage, so no flushing during a performance!"

The orchestra is hidden right behind the stage. In most productions the orchestra is hidden, because it's all supposed to be in Don Quixote's/Cervantes mind anyway. It makes for hard communications between the cast and the conductor, but Dave is doing a great job. You really have to pay attention to be able to conduct a musical, so you don't miss any cues. We have a monitor, but the camera contrast is not very good, so it looks like there are white ghosts on the stage. The orchestra members are a hoot, so I'm sure this will be a fun experience for me. Not boring at all!!! I will probably be tired of the play by the end, but not the people I'm working with.

La la la la la

2007-05-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I have to point my readers in the direction of someone else's blog. This is one of those instances. My granddaughter is SO cute in this musical video becca posted on her blog. Check it out.

New Toys

2007-05-03T21:43:00.000-07:00

Let's hear it for new toys. First the big one.

I don't have a real picture of it, so here's a "fake" one, meaning it's not a photo of my new pilot.
It's a 2005 steel blue Honda Pilot. It's one sweet vehicle. And it's pretty. That's so important in a car! I have officially moved past the minivan stage of life!

Toy number 2:
A really cool new cell phone. Remember months ago when I was having cell phone envy?
Well I think I'm over it. I think I like this phone better. The coolest thing about it is it has wifi access. And a keyboard. And a mp3 player, and a camera. And does things like powerpoint, word and excel. And a voice recorder. Oh, yeah, it's phone too. But, sorry Kristen, it really doesn't julienne fries.

Finished!

2007-04-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

I'm finished with my first semester back in college! YAY for me.

It went by faster than I thought it would. It got easier as the semester went along, yet at the same time harder because I wasn't quite as motivated toward the end. Typical college student, yeah, I know.

The kid next to me asked how long I study for the tests, and I told him 6 hours for the first one, 3 hours for the second one, and 2 hours for the final. I just wasn't into as much, and besides, I knew I'd do okay.

Here's to straight A's.

Finals Week

2007-04-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

'nuff said.

The Pursuit of Happy ness

2007-04-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

I am happy.

School has been an up and down roller coaster for me.

But right now, today...

I'm Happy.

I can't quite put my finger on it, but I think it has to do with acceptance, confidence and friendliness.

And maybe free lunches. I got a free lunch today on campus. They were just giving away yummy barbeque.

Okay, I Remember Now

2007-04-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

See last post... now I remember.

I saw this really cool photo of a square, symetrical nebula. It's so amazing what's out there in space!

Go to msnbc.com for more info on this amazing red square nebula. Or NationalGeographic.com.

Ya know...

2007-04-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

You know you're getting old when you open up your blog, think of something to post, click on all the stuff to get you to new post...

...and then you totally forget what you were going to blog about.

Friday the 13th

2007-04-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Today is the unlucky day of Friday the 13th.

It is unlucky for me because I am stuck at home doing my taxes. Yuck. But it was my fault for putting them off so long.

At least we'll get some money back. Maybe. It's gonna be close.

Not to Brag or anything...

2007-04-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

But that brain drain I had last week led to another top grade in the class on the test! This time I had to share the honors with two others.

In other good news, I don't have to do an acting scene for the class. You just don't know how happy that makes me! There is a reason I do make-up... I prefer backstage, not onstage.

Drained

2007-04-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

What is it about the ability of an exam to suck the brains out of you?

I had a test today. I'm sure I won't get as good a grade as last time, because it was way more difficult. I thought. Or maybe it was because I didn't study for it as much. Or maybe it was that I didn't have any chocolate while I was studying... yeah, that's got to be it.

But boy, I feel drained. Don't ask me to think any more today. My brain cells are in hibernation.

The Face of the MDB

2007-04-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

My son is the face of the Million Dollar Band!

He's on a poster, and on the cd cover. Sweet!

Jackie Blue = Jacqui Blue?

2007-04-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

When I was a teenager the Ozark Mountain Daredevils came out with a song call "Jackie Blue." I was slightly offended by it. Everybody will think I'm a down, depressed person if they associate that song with me. Although my favorite color IS blue...

Now, I've had a chance to revisit the song. I looked at the lyrics and thought.... you know, this IS me. To a degree. I do live inside a bubble, and I like my life in a free form style. I take an inch but would love a mile. Making wishes that never come true, going places I've never been. It's not too depressing.

ooh-hoo, jackie blue
lives her life from inside of a room
hides that smile when she's wearin' a frown
ooh jackie, you're not so down

you like your life in a free-form style
you'll take an inch but you'd love a mile
there never seems to be quite enough
floating around to fill your lovin' cup

ooh-hoo, jackie blue
what's a game, girl, if you never lose
ask a winner and you'll prob'bly find
ooh jackie, they've lost at sometime

don't try to tell me that you're not aware
of what you're doing and that you don't care
you say it's easy, just a nat'ral thing
like playing music but you never sing

ooh-hoo, jackie blue
making wishes that never come true
going places where you've never been
ooh jackie, you're going again

ooh-hoo, jackie blue
likes a dream that can never come true
making love is like siftin' through sand
ooh jackie, it slips through your hand

ev'ry day, in your indigo eyes
I watch the sun set but I don't see it rise
moonlight and stars in your strawberry wine
you'd take the world but you won't take the time

ooh-hoo, jackie blue
lives her life from inside of a room
makes you think that her life is a drag
ooh jackie, what fun you have had

ooh jackie, ooh jackie
ooh jackie, ooh jackie
hey, hey, hey, hey

But, I have to say, most of time, my life IS NOT a DRAG. However, this week is a drag... exam, practicing, concert, teaching, need to clean my house, do the taxes... No down time.

It was a good happy day today. Not a Jacqui Blue day.

Make Me Laugh

2007-03-27T19:18:00.001-07:00

“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person.”
-Audrey Hepburn

Another Random Catch Up post

2007-03-27T18:04:00.000-07:00

I'm still here, still alive.

Random things time (or, let's see how my mind wanders):

Spring break was fun! Spent some time with grandbaby Lindsay. She's so cute! It's also cute to see her and my daughter together. They love each other so much!

Just for the record, I want my kids to know that I have no favorites. Except for Josh, I mean Becca, no Kristen, wait Bryan's my favorite....

I don't buy things for others to prove my love. But loving you helps me want to spend money on you...

I need a new car. Anyone want to spend money on me?

The air conditioning is out on my van. My sweet hubbie is using it and letting me drive the car with air.

It's warm out now, so we need air conditioning.

I love warm weather.

I got an A+ on my first paper. I got an A+ on my second paper. I think I get this college thing.

I met a famous flute player, Jim Walker, and had my picture taken with him. He's the flutist you hear on most movies nowadays. Right now he's recording on the Pirates of the Carribean 3 and Spiderman 3 soundtracks. He was on Titanic. Not really on the Titanic 'cause then he would have probably drowned because as we all know the band played on while it sunk....

I went to a flute convention with a bunch of high school kids. I love chaperoning teenagers. They are so cool. I directed a flute choir in a competition there and they scored a Superior rating. I bought a bunch of music AND.... drumroll please... after years of wanting to do this, I finally bought a new piccolo. It's lovely. And in tune.

There is a yellow dusting of pollen on our cars, on everything... Ahhhh chooo! Yes, I have allergies.

I've been going back to the gym. Yay me.

I still love Chick-fil-a diet lemonade. Hobbs bought some for me today. Thank you Hobbs.

I heard a fun duet called "maya". I bought it. It was expensive. But it has this cool note bending effect in it. And lots of double tonguing. I need to work on that.

I read some good quotes (out of a flute book I bought) that I needed to hear:

"Life without music is unthinkable. Music without life is academic." (Leonard Bernstein)

"Mistakes are the portals of discovery." (James Joyce) (I need to put this one up for my flute students to see!)

"It is never too late to be what you might have been." (George Eliot)

"Beginning is easy-- continuing is hard." (Japanese Proverb)

I still have reservations about going back to school. I don't know if I really have it in me to spend the time necessary. I know I can do it, it's just do I want to sacrifice the time? Continuing IS hard.

A lot of people will be at my house for Easter. I guess I need to clean it. The problem is when???

Kristen won't be here for Easter. But she will be in one month!

Bryan is taking lifeguarding lessons. Which will hopefully lead to a job.

My yard desparately needs attention. It's so sad looking.

Should I plant a garden this year?

I made bruschetta last night. Yum-0.

I didn't cook dinner tonight. Oh wait, yes I did. I popped a frozen pizza in the oven.

I miss scrapbooking.

That's all for now.

Comics my kids and friends will appreciate...

2007-03-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some funny band nerd comics I ran across on the internet. My kids, all former or present band nerds, should be able to relate. (and most of my band nerd friends!)

Here's one for Josh:

And a couple for Bryan:

One for Kristen:

And for Becca:

And for all my fellow flutists and piccs:

It's a band thing.

Talk

2007-03-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

Do I talk to much? I think I do.

I think sometimes I get on peoples nerves. They start looking off into the distance, or start inching their way towards the door during our conversation.

I read this quote today. Maybe I need to take it to heart.

The time to stop talking is when the other person nods his head affirmatively but says nothing.: Henry S. Haskins

98 Percent

2007-02-27T17:47:00.000-08:00

My first college exam in 25 years...

Hours spent studying: 6
Vocab flash cards made: 60
Dove dark chocolate candies eaten while studying: 8 (okay, maybe more than that.)
Practice essays written: 2

Time spent taking test: 80 minutes

Getting the top grade in the class....
Priceless!

Quote of the day: "Thank you for your exam." Dr. James, told to me before he handed the graded test back to us. On my test it said "BRAVO!"

OOOoooooooo.... klahoma!

2007-02-25T17:50:00.000-08:00

Where the winds come sweeping down the plain!

That's where I've been for the past week. In fact when I was leaving church early somebody asked where I was going, and I answered "to Oklahoma!" Meaning of course, "Oklahoma!" the musical, but they thought Oklahoma, the state.

I love working with these high school kids on their plays and musicals. They are so talented and have so much energy and love to share. I feel appreciated for what I do. What do I do, you ask? I do make-up. This time I did makeup on Curly, Aunt Eller, Andrew Carnes, and sometimes Will Parker. I also helped apply mustaches. They hate the spirit gum, and the remover even worse. Thankfully they don't hate me, even though I torture them.

Now it's back to normal life... or as normal as life can be while I'm taking classes and teaching and all that.

It's a good feeling to be busy, to be appreciated and to feel useful.

Cutest Granddaughter EVAH

2007-02-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

I saw this on my daughter's blog and had to steal it and
crop it to show off my granddaughter's cute face. Like her shirt says... she is a *cutie*!!!

Surf and Turf

2007-02-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

I think finally, after all these years, I am turning into a pretty good cook.

Tonight, I finally perfected the art of cooking a steak. Perfection. My hubbie said it was even better than Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, and that is saying alot! They key is buying a good steak to begin with. I spent 21 dollars on 4 steaks, but boy, yum-o.

We also had a delicious salad that I made up. I took roma tomatos, chunky sliced and quartered, poured balsamic vinegar (that I bought in Modena, Italy) and EVOO (that I bought at Walmart!) over it, sprinkled some herbes de provence (that I bought in Provence) and then added Feta cheese and cooked peeled and deveined shrimp. Mixed it all together added some freshly ground pepper and served over a bed of mixed greens. I have learned that quality ingredients make for quality food.

This was a great meal and did not involve waiting for 1 1/2 hours to get a seat at a good restaurant on this busy Valentine's evening.

For dessert, a giant heart shaped homemade chocolate chip cookie.

And the Dove Dark Chocolate candies I found on my computer this morning. What a nice Valentine's Day!

Comments

2007-02-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

I was excited to find so many comments posted to my blog, only to be dissappointed that they are ALL spam. I've never had trouble before. So now, I'll have to change my comment posting to add that irritating, yet effective, word verification thing.

And by the way, today I took my first examination in 25 years. I think I did okay! There's something to be said for studying!

I Know...

2007-02-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I need to update. I'm just a little overwhelmed right now.

Happy Words

2007-01-30T17:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Words. I have a request for happy words about college. Enough with the depressing stuff.

How about "excellent!"

That was the word the wind ensemble conductor said to me after my piccolo solo.

Or how about "impressive", the word by spoken by faculty members after my scholarship audition.

Or how about "twenty-five".

That's the guess that one of my classmates said when asked how old he thought I was. (He was 18.)

Or "beautiful", a comment from my flute teacher.

Things are looking up in the college department.

Empathy

2007-01-21T12:36:00.000-08:00

The word of the day: Empathy

em·pa·thy (ěm'pə-thē) n. Identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives.

It's been a while since I've been a college student, or any kind of student. But now because I am a student again I can empathize with those of you (my kids!) who are in school. It's hard! I will say that my life is probably a little more complicated being a wife and mother and (supposed) homemaker. I know it's hard to get homework done, to read those chapters, to attend everything you are supposed to attend, etc.

In my theatre appreciation class when I was talking with my instructor, he said he liked the older, non-traditional students because we are more focused on learning. We want to be there. I don't think it makes it any easier though. My flute teacher said to all the music majors in a masterclass that now, this time in your life as a young college student, you will have more time to practice than you ever will again. I remember when I was a freshman music major, I didn't think I had time to practice. I had a social life! Now I realize that I really could have made the time to practice. But I think in music at least, you have to have the passion, the huge desire to be a music major.

I'm not sure I'm there. I hope I can do this.

At least I understand my kids better! If not a better musician, college is making me a better mom.

Starting from the Bottom

2007-01-15T10:04:00.000-08:00

Okay, so when you are feeling depressed may not be the best time to blog. Just thought I'd throw that out as a warning.

There's a saying in the world of band: "being last chair means you can only move up."

Right now I'm feeling very last chair-ish.

I had my first flute lesson in years. I had one about ten years ago, and then before that was when I was in college. It's funny how you can feel exactly the same way so many years later. And the way I feel is like I am the worst flute player on the planet. Maybe it's like boot camp... they have to tear you down before they can build you up. There's nothing like having all your weaknesses brought to the forefront.

I know I'm not a really good flute player. But I thought I was better than how I feel now. I have lots to work on, that's for sure! It's the little things, ripping apart a piece, note by note, interval by interval. And Tone. It's all about tone and breathing.

I'm in need of a confidence booster. I think I'll go eat chocolate.

And practice. Yes. Practice. Okay, I'll skip the chocolate. It'll just make my keys sticky.

Back to School!

2007-01-09T16:41:00.000-08:00

Usually you see that phrase around in August and September, but for me it applies in January. I'm back in school after a 25 year break.

My first day was a little nervewracking. I had feelings of nervous excitement and apprehension.

I left the house 40 minutes before class started, and got there about 20 minutes later. But there was no where to park. I mean no where. People where parking on the curbs. I was warned not to do that. After driving around a bit waiting in vain for someone to leave I decided to go to a diferent parking lot. I drove all the way to the back and found a spot. Hurray! But then I had to book it in to class.

I had been encouraged by the fact that UAH has quite a few "non-traditional" (read: older) students. But as I walked into class I realized that none of them were in this class: A bunch of Freshmen. I felt very out of place. It is a 100 level general ed class called "Theatre Appreciation", so I expected a lot of young kids. I didn't expect to be the only one over the age of 20 though.

I did sit in the front row, the only one at first. I greeted the teacher. I'm such a suck-up. When he asked if anyone had any theatre experience, I was the first to raise my hand. I think I made a good impression. The teacher asked later if I might be interested in helping with one of their plays. For extra credit, to boot.

It should be a fairly easy class, except for the part on the last two days of class when I will have to ACT in a two minute excert from a play we'll be studying. I don't ACT. That's why I do make-up. Behind the stage. That's my place.

School Part 2.

Later that day I drove back out to school. I had to come home to teach a flute lesson. I'm working on changing that one. Parking was easier at 3:45 in the afternoon. I went in to the Wind Ensemble Class. The flutes were all sitting in their chairs from the last semester I presume, so I just sat in the last chair. I've never in my life sat last chair. Luckily, some student came in late and had to sit below me. There were two more flutes there than expected. I don't really care about chair order, as long as I'm not LAST! He said he would have chair placement auditions, but then he said he wasn't sure what he was going to do, but would I play picc on the trombone concerto? Sure. Whatever. I'm easy.

The music wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. So I think I'll be okay.

And there were old people, I mean "non traditional" students in Wind Ensemble!

Dynamic Dialogue and Wasting Time

2007-01-02T14:46:00.000-08:00

I'm not normally a television viewer... meaning I'm not a prime time TV watcher. I don't like TV shows. There are a few that are okay because you can watch one show and get the whole story like the various Law and Order series. I like to use the television to watch movies though. I love a good movie: a complete story in one nice little package. (Excepting the *to be continued trend*... like have you seen Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest? Totally set up for a sequel.) Anyhoo, as I was saying, I don't usually get into television series. I tried my darndest to get into Grey's Anatomy (McDreamy and McSteamy, no explanation needed) this past Fall, but I'm not a schedule follower. I am a spontaneous tv watcher. (or maybe I'm just impulsive... sorry, I digress.) But when you just tune in at random, you don't understand what is going on.

I have found a solution, albeit a semi-detrimental to your life for a couple of days solution if you get caught up in these things like I do. I have a point really. I'm getting there.

My daughter received, compliments of her mother, two complete seasons of the Gilmore Girls. That is around 21 or 22 Forty Minute Shows (yes, one hour shows have 20 minutes worth of commercials). When she was a freshman in college she'd watch it with some of her roomies. I've tuned in a few times... but, as referred to above, I cannot always remember to watch a show at a certain time. Problem solved! You buy the complete season on DVD (make sure you don't spend full price though... I got a great deal!) and be prepared to block out say-- 15-16 hours of your life. No dinners fixed, no Christmas trees taken down, no pleasant family conversation, and alas, no blogging. But the drama and dialogue of Gilmore Girls makes up for your social abandonment.

This show is witty, fast paced and laced with fun references to pop culture. On the special features dvd that comes with season one, the writer said most one hour shows have 45 to 50 pages of script and their scripts run around 65 to 70 pages. That's a lot more dialogue crammed into one show. But I really enjoy the verbal sparring, the made up words.

Examples from imdb.com for your blogging entertainment:

Lorelai:You lost me at carrots, which was the first draft of 'you had me at hello'.

Luke: Are you okay with the guy thing?
Lorelai: Yes.
Luke: Really?
Lorelai: Okay-ish.
Luke: That's not okay.
Lorelai: That's okay with an "ish."
Luke: Whatever you say.

Richard: Focus, please.
Lorelai: I am a camera.

Lorelai: Can I use the fun cutter thingy?
Luke: Not if you call it the fun cutter thingy.
Lorelai: Please?
Luke: Cut the boxes, not your hands.
Lorelai: Good tip, you should teach!

Lorelai: My shoe broke! I need you to fix it!
Luke: Do I look like a cobbler to you?
Lorelai: If I say yes, will you fix it?

Rory: So, is this party Grandma's having going to be a big deal?
Lorelai: Not really. The government will close that day. Flags will fly at half-mast. Barbra Streisand will give her final concert... again.
Rory: Uh-huh.
Lorelai: Now, the Pope has previous plans, but he's trying to get out of them. However, Elvis and Jim Morrison are coming and they're bringing chips.

Lorelai: Hey, I'm studying in there...
Rory: I know.
Lorelai: Yeah. I have, like, 6,000 pages of case studies to memorize and this whole big test on the Wal-Mart phenomena coming up on Friday and because I have a life and a job and business school's not the only thing I have to concentrate on I'm behind, and I'll probably fail and then that little 18-year-old annoying gnat who sits behind me will get another 'A' and make that 'I'm smart you're dumb' fact to me for the rest of the week and I'll be very upset and will possibly cry.
Rory: The music's too loud.
Lorelai: Yes.

Luke: Very romantic.
Lorelai: Says the man who yelled "Finally." at the end of Love Story.

Rory: Please, don't walk away like that.
Dean: Sorry, I'd do a silly walk, but I'm not feeling very John Cleese right now.

Andrew: I'd rather have bird crap fall on my head.
Lorelai: There it is - our new town slogan.
Rory: I like it.
Lorelai: I see coffee mugs, T-shirts.
Rory: Don't forget stuffed shish-kabobbed birds.
Lorelai: That moan when you squeeze 'em.

Rory: When's soon?
Lorelai: When the big hand hits the "S" and the little hand hits the "OON."

Lorelai: Ugh, Rory, my brain is full. It has reached capacity. It's Shea Stadium when the Beatles played. It's cramped and girls are screaming and I think George is fighting with Ringo.

Rory: Why me?
Paris: Because people like you. You're quiet. You say "excuse me". You look like little birds help you get dressed in the morning.

Lorelai: [on Michel] He's snarky.
Sookie: And sarcastic.
Lorelai: He's snarkastic.

Lorelai: Hey, you didn't wake me up.
Rory: I set the clock.
Lorelai: Yes, but see, the clock stops ringing once I throw it against the wall giving me ample time to fall back to sleep. You, however, never stop yapping no matter how hard I throw you, thus insuring the wake up process.

It's a fast paced rhythm that the actors have aced in this show. In order to *get* Gilmore Girls, you have to pay attention. It also helps if you're over the age of 35 to get some of the jokes. Or a pop culture junkie. I wish I was that witty. Maybe some of this time spent watching the ENTIRE first season in two, no three sittings won't be a complete waste of time. Hey, I actually used a quote from the movie the other day.

Me: You bought two pepperoni pizzas! We always get one cheese, one pepperoni. You know I don't like pepperoni.
Bryan: So take the pepperoni off! Then you'll have cheese pizza.
Me: But it's "fraternizing with the enemy!"

I'll keep working on that *witty* thing.

The new problem is that they are on the SEVENTH season of this show. That's alot of dvd's. And when you get to the end of the season... there's a cliffhanger! Maybe I'll go back to movies.

5000!

2007-01-01T22:56:00.000-08:00

On January 1st, 2006 at approximately 7:45 pm I had my 5000th page view. So I guess Becca wins the prize! She was the closest in guessing when I'd hit that.

The person who viewed it lives in Huntsville, Alabama, has a Comcast ISP and uses a Mac computer. I have no idea who it is. It's fun to see where all the viewers come from! Looking over the stats, that person is the most common visitor, and ties with my daughter in Nashville for most hits. I've had hits from all over though... Utah, Arizona, Tennessee and Alabama being the most common. But I've had several from foreign countries including Great Britain, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Bulgaria and Romania in the past week or so.

I'm not feeling very bloggerly right now, it's the holidays I'm guessing. More later.

Random Catch-up

2006-12-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

I'm not usually away from the real world for this long, unless I'm in Europe and even then I think I checked in more than I have for the past week. To play catch up I'm just going to bullet point random things that have crossed my mind lately.

Christmas is such a big build up and then you blink and it's over.
I like giving presents better than getting them.
I did get some good gifts though... a piccolo swab, a music stand shelf thingy, two Rachel Ray cookbooks and some other goodies (including a Bama shirt and a BYU shirt from my two college students.)
Today is my daughter's 3rd wedding anniversary. Happy anniversary p&b!
Rachel Ray's term "EVOO" has made it into the Oxford American College dictionary
I never did find an easy way to get the Nintendo wii, so my son missed out on that one.
Gerald Ford died, and I know the guy who (I think) will play taps on the bugle at his funeral.
Shreveport is a LONG way from home, but didn't take as long as I thought it would because it's interstate the whole way. (Right now we are in a hotel just outside of Shreveport)
Bryan liked getting a present that wasn't even for him. (I gave him the tickets to the Independence Bowl and told him it really wasn't for him even though it was for him. Made complete sense to me!) He's playing the the Million Dollar Band from Alabama so he didn't need a ticket, but he did want us to come and watch him. Seeing the football game is a bonus, maybe. Or maybe not. :-)
I like Godiva's Double Chocolate Cheesecake, but half a piece is plenty.
I'm sick of sugar.
I took a lady who has cancer to get a bone scan yesterday and I felt like I was the one who was being served. She has such a positive attitude and lifted my spirits.
I like Christmas lights, done right.
My youngest is growing into a real teenager. AHHHHH!
What IS the difference between sweet midget pickles and sweet gherkin pickles?
I like roasted turkey breast. I fixed a real home cooked Christmas Day dinner for the first time in years this year. Yumminess.
I actually made 6 gifts this year. Homemade crafty gifts. Painted gingerbread men boxes, two scrapbooks (one big 50th anniversary scrapbook for the in-laws, and a smaller mini book that I actually haven't given away yet!) and one scarf for Kristen.
The scrapbook wasn't finished until Christmas Eve eve.
When I was a kid I loved Christmas Eve eve. It was fun to have a holiday sounding name for a day that isn't really a holiday.
I think we got 16 dvds for Christmas. That's a lot of hours in front of the tv.
I like romantic comedies.
I'm still 70 hits away from 5000 hits on my blog. I still want to know who reads my blog. Everyone. Even clarinet players.
I want to learn to play the clarinet.
If I go back to school I need to decide NOW.
It will take me three years to graduate with a degree in music.
I will have to take a math class. YUCK.
And chemistry or physics. Double YUCK.
But I also get to take an art or theatre class. Yay!
I'll be mostly taking music classes.
I think I'm over using this bullet thing.
Sorry.
I was very happy to have all of my kids home for Christmas. It's great being together as a family, if not always a happy family.
All my kids hooked up together on a network playing Starcraft is NOT what Christmas is all about.
At least they were together though.
I like being a mom to such great kids.
I still like Tetris.
I'm going to stop now.

Short days

2006-12-21T06:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year.

How come the days are so short when we have SO MUCH TO DO!!!

Not fair.

Blogging Milestone

2006-12-19T15:53:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys, guess what?? I'm almost at 5000 hits.

Let's play a little game. See the comments button? Click on that and leave me a guess as to what hour and day I'll hit the 5000 mark. Even if you never ever leave me a comment, you can do it. Just click the anonymous one. I may even have a prize!

You don't have to be a blogger to leave a comment. You can tell me who you are if you want. I'm curious as to who these 5000 hits came from. My kids are the most frequent visitors.I know Becca's friends visit sometimes, and my nieces from time to time. How did you come to find my blog? I'm just curious I guess. Enquiring minds want to know... especially--- you know who you are! Satisfy my curiousity.

We'll see who's the winner...

Longest Concert Evah

2006-12-18T20:04:00.000-08:00

Okay not *evah*. Some of those Grissom concerts were extremely long.

But I did just get back from the longest concert I've been to in a long time, preceded by a PTA meeting (no comment necessary. There were eleven different ensembles of various band and choir combinations on the program. It was actually not that bad though. Sitting next to Bryan provided me with a humorous running commentary on various band and choir flubs and trivia. (She was NOT wearing brown socks after all! Way to figure out why "We Five Kings" was called that! It's in 5/4 time.)

Josh's band was wonderful. They get a great tone for a middle school band. They performed a pared down version of the Nutcracker Suite. Josh fell in love with the piece and made me find our cd of it. He listens to it every night. He wishes his band could play the real one so he'd get that cool bass clarinet solo in the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

I'm glad my kids like a variety of music. I've trained them well!

Ever wonder?

2006-12-13T18:06:00.000-08:00

You know that there are the seven wonders of the world. But did you know that each state has a seven wonders? Ever wonder what the Seven Wonders of your state are? Check out this website. My hometown has a *wonder*.

7 Wonders of the USA

'tis the season

2006-12-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

...for secret deliveries and packages and UPS and FedEx knocking on your door. Yesterday was a good mail day. We got several cards in the mail and TWO packages!

But alas, I got this message when tracking another package:
12/12/2006 2:48 A.M. ARRIVAL SCAN

12/12/2006 6:53 A.M. OUT FOR DELIVERY

12/12/2006 5:32 P.M. THE PACKAGE WAS DAMAGED IN TRANSIT. UPS WILL NOTIFY THE SENDER WITH THE DETAILS

12/12/2006 9:38 P.M. THE PACKAGE WAS DAMAGED IN TRANSIT. UPS WILL NOTIFY THE SENDER WITH THE DETAILS; ALL MERCHANDISE DISCARDED. UPS WILL NOTIFY THE SENDER WITH DETAILS OF THE DAMAGE

What the heck is that about? Has anyone ever heard of UPS discarding merchandise? How do I know that someone who works at UPS didn't just pick it up? What do I do now?

Unfortunately, I can't give you more information about the package's contents in case somebody reads my blog who I wanted to surprise with said contents. But if you knew what was in the package, you'd be scratching your head, too, at how it could be destroyed, and how easily someone else could take advantage of "discarded" merchandise.

So do I wait to hear from UPS? or from the sender? or ????

Magazine Mania

2006-12-11T03:40:00.000-08:00

I was going through my magazines, purging old issues, and I realized I love magazines. I love reading information, seeing pleasing design on pages, yes, even advertising pages. There are design ideas everywhere. But can a person have too many magazine subscriptions? Here's our list:

Muse
Smithsonian
The Ensign
New Era
Flute Talk
Reader's Digest
Simple Scrapbooks
Creating Keepsakes
Papercraft
Memory Makers
Beads
Scouting
Boy's Life
National Geographic Kids
Nickelodeon

(Simple and Backpacker recently ran out.)

And those are just the subscriptions. Sometimes I grab a magazine at the store, like Woman's Day, Family Circle, Instyle, Country Home, Scrapbooks, Etc. and Southern Living.

As I was going through and throwing out, I realized we get quite a few catalogs, like:

Campmor
Oriental Trading
Music123
Woodwind/Brasswind
Musician's Friend
ProVantage
Deseret Book
Seagull Books
Emergency Essentials
Eastbay
Dell
Office Depot
Scrapbook.com

And then there are the Boeing, BYU and UAH things we get in the mail. I know I'm leaving some out. No wonder they can take over my family room and kitchen in the blink of an eye!

It's said that a mailman can tell alot about a family by what type of catalogs and magazines they receive. I wonder what our list says to him?

Probably "cut back on your subscriptions, lady!" No, then he'd be out of a job!

I'm So Dizzy...

2006-12-08T05:35:00.000-08:00

My head is spinning...

Yesterday morning at 6:30 am I had one of the worst vertigo attacks I've had in years. I actually woke up grabbing the side of my mattress because everything was spinning. It's weird that you can have vertigo in your sleep... yes, even with your eyes closed. I felt nauseous. Even when I just moved my head to look at the clock. I stayed in bed until 11 am. I couldn't move.

When I did finally have the courage to try to walk, I felt so sick. I hate having Meniere's Disease. I'm thankful that I don't have these attacks all the time. I only get them once a year or so. But I don't know when they will strike or what causes them.

Maybe it was the two soft tacos from Taco Bell.

Unfortunately, I had places to go, things to do. I had a flute gig that night with the AAA middle school choir. But I could hardly walk straight, let alone hold a flute and play while standing in an upright position!

And let's not forget about the Christmas shopping that I need to be doing. I feel better today. So I think I will hit the stores.... after I bundle up. It's 18 degrees outside! Yuck. The things we go through for our children.

Word Sneeze

I Blew It... But I Have a Good Excuse

Design Inspiration

I Am Going to BLOG Today

*25* Okay Already

Words

Middle of the Road

Perfect

Clouds, Johnny Cash and French Fries

I AM

Holes

Feelings, Whoa, Whoa, Whoa Feelings...

I Want

Everydayness

she graduated

08.08.08

I Already Own TOO MANY Tee-shirts

Unconditionally

why say that when you can this

Just Checking

1993

How the Ideas and Events of 1993 Created the World We Live in Today

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade and Other Delights

Three Years Ago

May

NYC Skyline on my mind

Guys

Thanks

Last Day of the Month

Happy St. Patrick's Day

missed opportunity

Lazy

Happy New Year RandomnessI

Over 15,000 Served

You'd Think

Finals Week

One Hundred Things

Because My Daughter Said So

Stress

wow, time flies

What a Wonderful World

Life = School, still

What I am Doing

Send Chocolate...

Beginning the Second Week

Last Day

New Lappie

*Walking* Pneumonia

word of the week

Techno-Geekiness Confirmed

band geeks

randomness

Slide Shows of our Grand Adventure

Grand Adventure, Part Three

Grand Adventure, part two (revised)

Our Grand Adventure, part one

day one

I'm Going on a Trip and I'm going to take an...

Bad Blogger

Boring

Happy Birthday to me and my blog

CRaZy

Songs and other thoughts

Some Favorite Quotes

To Dream the Impossible Dream...

La la la la la

New Toys

Finished!

Finals Week

The Pursuit of Happy ness

Okay, I Remember Now

Ya know...

Friday the 13th

Not to Brag or anything...

Drained

The Face of the MDB

Jackie Blue = Jacqui Blue?

Make Me Laugh

Another Random Catch Up post

Comics my kids and friends will appreciate...

25 Okay Already

Walking Pneumonia