So six months... a lot can happen in six months. (SIX MONTHS! <- for Ally)

June - when we came back from California I'm not sure what happened after that. I probably just hung out with friends and stuff. Oh wait, I took Orff Level II, which is basically a bunch of musicians getting together and acting like elementary kids and getting graduate credit for it. I'd check my journal for other stuff, but it s only slightly more up to date than my blog. lol!

July - Let's see, Independence Day. Oh, I played with the Salt Lake Symphonic Winds in their concert at Sugar House. It was hot, but the saving factor was being able to travel with Dan and T-Roar to Salt Lake every Tuesday. It's like a new argument every week. And, then eating dinner at Winger's afterwards... that was always entertaining. Poor Winger's waitress, at least she was tipped well.

August - I think this was sucked up by school preparations. Always well-intentioned, but never carried out quite like the plans detailed. We did decide then not to have a Christmas concert and to put our concert in January instead, we hoped this would save stress later. I think it worked. I also started graduate classes full-time at the end of August. I was kinda worried I'd not be able to hack it then. I'm not worried now, I got a 4.0 this semester.

September - went to a few marching band competitions. Cheered for my orange and blue buddies and, dare I say it, even louder for my red and black ones. Their show was just way cool. Oh, I think this was also the month I started a renegade Facebook page for a friend...

October - This was the month from hell in a lot of ways. It is, certainly, the most pivotal of the last six and it proved to be the most educational. On the 10th Kady and I went to a Ryan Shupe concert in Smithfield. Just as the concert was starting Michele called me and told me on the of the band buses had been in a wreck. (you can google this event and read all about it.) Our friend, Heather Christensen died while trying to save the students on her bus when the bus driver lost consciousness. She was successful, though, her students all lived. That night I think I kinda went into shock while my brain processed stuff. The next day, Sunday, I remember rehearsing the ward choir and just feeling the comfort in the song they were singing - "Be Still My Soul". That song would carry me through the next weeks. Throughout the next weeks I discovered three things that gave me comfort - music, teaching, and prayer. I learned more about love, friendship, Gethsemane, Christ's healing, Heather, and the power of the Spirit than I ever thought could be crammed into one month. Mom came to visit me, even. I also spent most of that month in a dehydrated state. I am so blessed, but it still hurt like mad.

November - there was still lots of pain going in to this month, but I was able to do some things that helped a lot. The biggest thing was going to the Red Rocks Band Invitational and the BOA Regionals in St. George. On the way down I was able to stop in Delta and see the spot where Heather is buried. That was a good place to go. It was refreshing to sit and cry there. Then, spending time in St. George has never hurt, either. Seeing the AF band play there was simply astounding, it goes to show that music is just notes on a page until emotion is conveyed. You can find videos of these on YouTube, if you want to check it out. This was also the month that my parents came to Sterling for Thanksgiving. I loved being with my family again.

December - this month is when things started to return to normal after Heather's death. Some things, like teaching, had always kinda been normal, some returned to normal fairly quickly, but all the little things didn't come around until recently. I finally got caught up on my laundry, cleaning my room, and buying groceries. It's odd that things would take so long to return, but I just didn't realize what kind of impact things would have on the little things in life. Now we're on Christmas break, and I'm getting ready to fly home to be with family. Little brother Jeff comes home from his mission on the 1st. It'll be a good break.

This is the last six months, with some of details and plot removed. I think that a full telling would take for-ev-er, though.

California trip

So the last few weeks went by quickly. Things got so busy and hectic I forgot about posting anything! Well, here are the events of the last week...

Last Thursday school was released for the summer, the very next day Ally and I set out for California. We stopped in Highland for the night (I know, real far, huh?). Saturday morning we were up early and on the road, headin' for Templeton, CA. We reached our target place in just thirteen hours. Holy cow, that was a long drive. We did get to meet some friends for lunch in St. George, and we had a few fuel stops, but other than that we drove until we got there.

On Sunday we were able to attend church with our friend, Tammy. Then we drove out to Morro Bay. That was an interesting place, there we learned that the rock in Morro Bay is a monolith, meaning that the whole thing is one huge piece. We also got to see a seal there. At first we thought it was dead, but it moved. Poor thing, it was probably on it's way out.

Tuesday we started the four hour road trip to San Diego. Tammy drove us down the Pacific Coast Highway. We stopped at Malibu State Beach and the Point Vincente Lighthouse, which helped us turn a four hour drive into something closer to six hours. We met some friends at our hotel that night and ate dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Wednesday we ate breakfast with the same group. After a wonderful breakfast we set out to see San Diego. We checked out the downtown historic post office (I had to mail a package), and walked to the Gaslight District. Since that wasn't all that exciting we took a cab out to Harbor Drive and spent the afternoon touring the USS Midway, and aircraft carrier recently retired from the US Navy. It has been turned in a museum, with planes, helicopters, and tours and lectures given by vets, some of whom served on the Midway, and many who served in the Navy. It was fantastic! That night we saw Glenn Beck's stage show at Symphony Hall.

Thursday we slept in, and ate another great breakfast at the hotel. We went to the Cabrillo National Monument, which has the Old Point Loma Lighthouse in it (pic above). Ally was pretty happy. It was a beautiful place, and we were able to see lots of ocean, and a great view of San Diego. From there we went to the San Diego Temple. I got to do a session and Ally and Tammy wandered the temple grounds and talked to the missionaries. I love that temple! It has beautiful staircases, and I loved seeing the atrium in the middle of the building. Amazing. On the way home we stopped at a great Mexican restaurant somewhere in the LA area.

Friday we went to Avila beach, after sleeping in. We milled about there awhile, waded in the water, and checked out some tide pools. We also walked the pier, watched the pelicans, and bought some amazing strawberries at the farmer's market there. That night we ate Santa Maria barbecue, a smoke cooked tri-tip topped with salsa. Mmm!

Saturday we drove to Michele's house. Another really long drive. I am so glad that we chose to rent a car. We got a 2010 Toyota Camry. That made the drive much more comfortable and it was nice knowing that we didn't have to worry as much about car trouble. Some of the other drivers we saw were enough stress for us.

Well, we are home safe now, even though we both kinda wish we were still in California...

Springtime/Nearing the End

Well, it's springtime here in Cache Valley, which is essentially the same as winter and fall. Beautiful sunny days alternating with days of storminess and snow. The days this week have been sunny and up into the 70s, just fabulous weather! Rained last night a little, and this morning it snowed. Yuck. Really, just yuck. And now, because the day has warmed some, it has made everything slushy. I hope my flowers survive.

Speaking of flowers, my friend Sara gave me bulbs to plant. I've only got pots, so I stuck them in there. It wasn't until someone asked me that I realized that I didn't know what they were. Sara says she thinks they are probably tulips, although there might be some daffodils in the mix. She says the colors are mixed, too, so I guess the color will be a surprise when the flower comes. I've only had two (of about 10) that have come up, I wonder if the rest will just wait for a while. I dunno if they'll come up this year or not.

We are in the last term of the school year. We have about three weeks of class left. I have 12 days until the final concert and only 5 days of band after that. Wow, seems funny to think that I've been teaching 5 years. I still feel like a rookie in lots of ways. I'm excited for summer to come, though, I love that time of year. I hope that I have time to relax and play. Last summer seemed over-scheduled in a way. I think this one will be alright, but I do have some things that ought to be done (like planning for next year...).

*Sigh*

Well, the bad news first, I guess. I haven't posted in almost a month. Now for the good news: not much has happened. March is this long, tedious month. There are no school breaks in March, and in Cache Valley the month of March is still winter. Lame. My band kids did a great job at festival on April 1, many thought they could have done better, which is true, but I'm glad they feel alright about their performance. This week marks the beginning of Spring Break, maybe something exciting will happen. By the way, I think Elder Holland's talk was my favorite.

The Wild, Wild North

You know that myth that the north is just a scene of perpetual winter? It's not a myth - totally true. Last Monday Logan got a foot of snow, some of my students who live closer to the mountains reported more than two feet! This week the starting temperatures have been in the single digits, but at least the highs are creeping into the 40, so the snow will melt. It's like living in a freakin' refrigerator! Mom, I thinkin' about moving home.

This weekend was Bridgerland Honor Music Clinic (I think that's the official title). I ended up with just one student playing because the trombone kid was whisked away to Disneyland. Too bad, really. ;) I mean, what kid wants Disneyland over honor band? The kids did a fantastic job, and it was very neat to watch my college band director deal with middle school kids. They had a great time, and all the parents I talked to said their kids loved it and that the really like the director. I'm excited to listen to the recording when it comes. I think last year I may have received mine in May (two months after the event). I'm really hoping for March this year. We'll see.

Every morning when I drive to work I see these two wild turkeys. I have never seen wild turkeys in Logan before. I've seen them in Sanpete, but not here. They're on 600 West, down just south of the golf course. Sometimes they're out in the afternoon, too. I wonder if they've always been there, and what has been bringing them into the open. It's only been since February that I noticed them, where were they before? Are there really more than two?

A Warm Horizon

It's March now, that means two things: 1- that my parent's birthdays have arrived. This week I was on top of things enough to realize that Mom's birthday is tomorrow and gathered the things I needed for her present, but got sick Thursday and Friday and ended up mailing her gift late. I do think Dad's will be on time, though. 2 - that the spring season really is coming. Why I ever chose to live in Logan where the snow never melts is beyond me sometimes. February is one of those times. I feel myself growing increasingly jealous of those that live in warmer climates, even my friends who live along the Wasatch Front have it warmer than I. I would desperately love to be warm and outside right now.

Two of my studnets made honor band - the two low brass players. One got 2nd chair euphonium (he's been playing since mid-December, a switch from trumpet), and the other last trombone. I think that maybe he has no real concept of what it means to be fully prepared, despite my trying to teach him just that. Third student that auditioned said he froze up in part of the audition. Too bad, he really is a good player, but he's young. He has two more years to make it.

This weekend was Stake Conference. Last night when we sang in the chapel the choir stood in front of the pulpit. They are too big to stand in the practically non-existent choir loft. In order for the pianist to see me I had to stand on a chair in the back of the chapel. I felt a little odd about that - especially with two members of the Seventies there - but I could see no other way to deal with the problem. The choir sang wonderfully, and the meeting was really amazing. On Sunday we met in the Tabernacle, and got to rehearse a little with the organ before the meeting started. The choir really sang well today, also, and I think they sang loud enough to balance the organ. I hope they did. We got a new stake presidency today; we'll miss the outgoing presidency, but new ones are always interesting.

Weekend Frolics

So, this weekend was lucky enough to being early. Friday was a half day of school because it was the end of the term. On Saturday morning I helped judge trumpet auditions for the Northern Utah Honor Band. I only had three students scheduled to audition. I hope they did well. It'll be interesting to see how it turns out. Dan, Ally and I went and got some hot chocolate afterward and talked awhile.

After that I met Melissa and Michele at the temple, and we did a session there. It's always a cool thing to go, I did learn a few things and had a good experience. We went and picked up Ally after that and did some shopping. We bought cheese, books, desserts, and even looked at shoes, though we didn't buy those. I am the pround owner of some 9-year-old aged cheddar, but I forgot to buy crackers.

That night we went to Hamilton's for dinner. I had some excellent prime rib there. We were seated in the lounge area, the place was quite busy and there were about 20 or 30 high school kids in the waiting area all dressed in formal wear. We were grateful to be in the lounge, it was much quieter there, but a little cold. I can hardly wait to get back and try something else for Ally's birthday. Today was Fast Sunday, and I have choir practice this afternoon.

Lately, I've been watching old films in preparation for Old Movie Night this Friday. I've watched "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir", "Gigi", "All About Eve", and will be watching "Casablanca" and "An American in Paris". The purpose is to choose one for Friday. I'm thinking we need something uplifting and cheery for the winter blues, but I'd also like something that's thoughtful. So far "Gigi" is the winner. I'm currently watching "Mrs. Miniver", which I am told is uplifting, we'll see what happens later, I guess. Right now a German has invaded Mrs. Miniver's kitchen and passed out due to injury.

What a world! What a world!

Feelin' green, anyone? Maybe like you're melting?

So last weekend I went to sunny St. George with my buddy Mecqae. We drove the little CRX there and back for just over $50. I love that car. We got to stay in this fabulous 'condo' - love that shower, and the bed, and the TV, and the leather furniture, and the decor, and .... well, all of it. Not to mention that it's in sunny St. George!

The conference was great, it always fun to go there and reconnect, and when you realize you miss the students you teach and think about them all day you know that you're in the right field. I was able to pick up some good music, and hang out with old friends, as well as new ones. Speaking of new friends... we drove to Vegas to eat dinner at the Wynn on Saturday night with some of Mq's friends. Talk about some serious rain. My poor, pathetic wipers couldn't keep up with the water and we had to pull over and wait a bit. When we got there the experience was totally worth it. We parked at the Belaggio and got to see the fountains (see pic insert) and walk the strip. It was stormy, but well worth the walk. I do have to say, though, that the walk to the Wynn at 6 was much more pleasant people-wise than the walk back to the Belaggio at 10.

This weekend was pretty much ho-hum. The best part actually happened before it started - our Parent Organization held a dance for the middle school kids. Two weeks ago they were referring to it as the Day of Doom, but due to the excitement of a few key players they worked up a positive attitude for it, and by the day of the dance they couldn't think of anything else. Really, this was more like a dance class. One of the parents taught the kids a basic waltz, cha-cha, the electric slide and macarena, and a few other dances. The kids had dance cards and were totally stoked to learn. It helped that the parent teaching was energetic and fun. I think the teachers had as much fun watching as the kids did dancing. Hooray for tween awkwardness!

Sick of Winter and the Tax Rant

The only redeeming thing about the end of January is the fact that the UMEA conference is held the first weekend in February. Really, what sane music teacher would pass up a professionally made excuse to spend a weekend in sunny St. George in winter? Seems like every year someone wants to move the conference somewhere more central (which always translates to Salt Lake because those Wasatch Fronters can be quite whiny about travel - really, peeps, it's just as far for me to drive there as it is for you to drive here), and every year it's voted down because the sane ones want an excuse to go to sunny St. George in winter. We don't care if we have to drive way far (8 hrs from Logan) because it's another day off work AND I get to go to SUNNY ST. GEORGE IN WINTER! Really folks, let's think this through. I'd bet that a good chunk of the attendees go because they get to go to sunny St. George in winter. That other stuff is side fluff.


So, taxes suck. Well, maybe not the taxes themselves, but the way the government uses them sucks. They think that they can spend and that they deserve so much - blah blah blah (we ain't listenin' because we know you lyin' anyhow). Now they're talkin' 'bout raisin' taxes so we can pay to for this and that and more verbal vomit whatever whatever. Really? More taxes? YOU ALREADY GET MORE OF MY INCOME THAN GOD! WHAT MAKES YOU MORE IMPORTANT THAT HIM!?!? Sheesh. Fire 'em all. Let's start over. Maybe with some people who've actually worked for a living and don't think the common American eats arugula on a regular basis. Did I mention that I'm excited because I get to go to sunny St. George in winter?

Datability

I haven't yet figured out this dating thing. I've had several roomies in my life that seem to have a high datability rating. The boys call and call and the girl seems to have a date every weekend, if not two as long as she's in town. Now, it's important to note that this datability factor doesn't seem to be related to the marriagability factor at all, since the the current circumstances of said girls vary from broke-it-off-to-serve-a-mission girl to happily-and-eternally-married girl. But what is it that makes a girl datable? Why is it that there are amazing girls crying in their pillows at night? I have brilliant friends, funny friends, beautiful friends, skinny friends, and "wifey" friends who hardly seem to date at all. The traditional answer seems to be, "Well, boys are dumb." And, really, I'd have to agree, but there has to be something else. What is a brilliant, funny, and pretty girl lacking that causes boys to overlook her?

When it comes to this topic there is this seed in my soul. A deeply sour and venomous seed. I guess that comes from too many years of sitting and waiting. Really, I can count the number of boys who have asked me out on one hand, and the total number of dates on two. Of the five or so that asked me, three are married and the other two were, um, shall we say not playing with a full deck? Maybe I'm too much of a traditionalist, and I want boys to ask me. If I like guy enough I'll ask him out first, but I've never had a second date with any of those, and I wonder sometimes if it's because I wait for them to do something in response. I'm really ok with not getting married any time soon, but a date every now and then wouldn't be so bad. Maybe some of the bitterness comes from not understanding. I had a boy tell me once, "Trust me, I'm not your type." What's that supposed to mean!? And, how does he know what my type is? Is this arrogance? A rejection? Insecurity?

I know that we've been told to make ourselves attractive, that's a frustrating thing. I'm fighting the same weight battle I've always had, but that can't really be the only thing, can it? If it is the only thing all I can I say is that I'm happy not to have married such a shallow person. The only guy who seems to notice any changes in anything I try is seriously dating someone else. *Sigh* I'll miss him when/if they marry; they're really a well-made match. What can I do? It doens't seem logical to go anywhere to meet people that I wouldn't normally want to go, like to a club, simply because if I met a guy there we'd have one thing not in common already. Presumably he'd be there because he wanted to be, but I wouldn't. Too bad concerts, rehearsals, basketball and football games don't seem to be great places to meet guys.

Three Day Weekend

I love these days. I feel like I have so much to do, and no drive to do them. This last week I've been so busy, and just needed to sleep. So, that's what I've done. I took a nap after work yesterday, slept for 9 hours last night, and took a little snooze after breakfast. I feel pretty good right now. I think I'll go walk a bit on the treadmill, then maybe enter some notes in Finale, or do some lesson planning. I do need to some shopping and retrieve a pizza pan from school today, but it's only noon, I still have lots of time. Such is the illusion of a break from school.

Lately Fluke has been giving me audiobook files. She's the audiobook queen, I think, but if I had her job I'd be like that, too. I've been listening to The Hunchback of Notre Dame and reveling in the language and story-telling prowess of Victor Hugo. I think this must be why I enjoyed Les Miserables so much. I'll have to read that one again. Ususally I just listen in the car when I drive long distances (usually to Fluke's house, now that I think of it), but I have taken to listening to this one while cooking, exercising, and roaming the internet.

Back in the Groove

Well, I think I have almost successfully re-admitted myself into school mode. I am still sleepy in the morning, but that's not really that unusual. I think I need to teach at a school for the nocturnal. Or at least, the semi-nocturnal. Instead of 8 to 3 we could meet from 10 to 5 or something.

Mom helped me pay for a treadmill for Christmas. This thing has been fun and has created some convenient exercise in the house. The first time I got on it and set a workout mode it kicked my butt. I haven't done that since, just been doing a freestyle exercise mode.

I think the week has been good. My students are doing alright, I'm ok, and all currently seems well. It makes me wonder what's coming... I guess I'll worry about that when it comes and until then try and prepare myself for what may come. Have a great week!

Woah, time flies!

It's been more than a month since I posted?! I really got sucked into work and play. My two band concerts went well, I think. The kids played pretty well, but not devoid of mistakes by any means. I performed in two concerts on french horn, too. I played with the Wasatch Winds and with the Cache Community Orchestra. Both went well, especially considering I'm a trumpet player. I'm kinda excited to get back into the normal swing of things, though. I have some good ideas that I think my students will like.

I went to Arizona for Christmas. Michele was kind enough to drive me to her house, let me stay, and then take me to the airport. Well, we actually went there in Steve's truck because it was snowing so bad the day I flew out. My flight was delayed a half hour and after the drive from Tucson to Pima it was almost 2:30 AM before we got home. We had a good holiday, I like my parents, but their town is kinda boring. Wal-Mart and Basha's are the two most entertaining things in the area. Right now I'm at Michele's again. We played games for New Year's and ate food.

Hey Melissa, I'm gonna need another reminder to get bck in the habit...