Let Summer Break Begin

Today marks the end of another school year. Looking back, I can see that it was a great year with many accomplishments and goals met. I had two wonderful interns that I got to watch grow and become teachers before my very eyes. We had five students make all-state choir, 2 members and 3 alternates. Looking forward to next year with many talented kids. Looking froward to next year I am in disbelief that Aidan is a senior. I cannot believe he's almost done with this part of his life!

I have lots of things I want to accomplish this summer: fix master bath, clean out garage, re-do front bed and get rid of bushes, start exercising/walking/biking, sing some great songs with Deadwood, learn some new songs for school, read a great book, or two, hang out with my boys, sleep late, re-do my bedroom, visit Interlochen, go to a baseball game, play with my jamstik, get a tan, recharge my battery.

Here's to a great summer break.

Summer 2014

To say this summer has been interesting would...

My trip to Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June was good and bad.  Nickel Creek was outstanding as were the other acts we heard.  The scenery was beautiful and I so loved being in the mountains again.  The bad - not feeling comfortable for most of the trip: feeling uncomfortable with Joye, uncomfortable as a third wheel (Karen & Joye) uncomfortable not knowing what was going to happen next, cold (the night we camped). While I am glad I went, I'm not sure it was the experience I  had hoped it would be.

I seem to have anxiety.  Anxiety that has gotten to the point of making me worry about stupid things.  My current worry is Aidan getting a job.  Why worry about that?  It's not like he's moving out and needs money... I've really done very little this summer except knit, watch netflix and read.  And this makes me anxious, like I should be DOING SOMETHING.  I just don't know what that something is.

I have had several gigs this summer and am getting back the joy of singing with Deadwood.  I'm slowly coming to grips with the new drummer... S.l.o.w.l.y.

Beautifully Flawed

My dear, sweet friend Teri died Wednesday night. I had planned on visiting her Thursday but it wasn't meant to be. Instead I spent the day with Diana, Chuck and Eric. Teri's sister Janet made it to Kirksville and we got started on Teri's obituary. I assigned myself the task of finding Teri's last lecture slides and her vita.  Lynae and I also took Diana shopping to buy a special outfit to wear for the memorial service.

I learned so many things on Thursday. The sound of children finding out their mom is gone is a sound I never want to hear again. If you choose to not have a funeral, you still need a funeral home to help get your obituary in the newspaper. If you choose to donate your body to science for research, you have to find a place willing to take your body. Having things in order including your home makes it easy for friends to come sit shiva with your family. We are never ready to lose someone we love.

Teri, like us all was beautifully flawed. She was flawed in that cancer wreaked havoc on her body but not her beautiful spirit and soul. Flawed in that she had to leave much sooner that she would have chosen and beautiful in the way she chose to live her life even before her initial diagnosis of cancer.

Godspeed Teri. You are already missed.

Smooth as Sand

I've had some rough days this fall.  Lots of people I love struggling with their health.  Cancer sucks.  My feelings of inadequacy sometimes get the best of me.  My family lost 2 dear friends within a week.  First we lost Matt up in Chicago.  It just won't be the same when we visit the Rajskis.  Today, we lost Pat Mellon.  She's one of my mom's oldest and dearest friends.  Growing up, she was my other mother. 

The good news is - I just found out I had a student make all-state choir for the second year in a row! 

So with the smooth and the rough, I'll keep getting up, trying my best and looking for the positive.

Strings and more strings

Just got home from my first violin lesson.  I decided this summer I was going to learn and try new things.  Perfect timing when a friend posted on face book offering adult violin lessons.  For my birthday, my mom gave me my great grandfather's violin.  We think that he made the violin and that it's @100 years old.  It has a beautiful, warm tone and I couldn't be more thrilled.  :-)

Today, my new ukulele was delivered.  Sean ordered me an Oscar Schmidt Koa uke for my birthday.  It's lovely!  Again, warm tone.  When Sean played it he commented on how happy it sounded... perfect!

Now, there are a few more things on my list to do this summer.  In summers past, I have played in the community band and done summer theater.  As much as I've enjoyed both of those activities, I decided not to do either this year.  I need a break from the band people and I'm not in the mood for the crazy that comes with the theater.  So instead, I'm doing the violin and starting an exercise program.  I figure instead of memorizing lines, I can put one foot in front of the other. 

And, go...

Straight Ones!

Ethan received straight ones for his tuba solo today at state contest!  I'm SO proud of his hard work and determination!

Superior

Concert Choir received straight one ratings at state contest.  I'm so proud of the one in sight reading!  Chamber Choir also received a one rating.  I picked a very difficult piece Soneto de la Noche and have worried since January about the score.  My kids never cease to amaze me though.  They rise to the occasion every time!

Almost Forgot

Some things I almost forgot from last year...

Changed churches.
Aidan got baptized.
Ethan got his license.
Had my first student make All-State Choir!
Had a wonderful Christmas minus the illness(es).

New Year

Here I am at the start of a new year.  After being sick for all of Christmas break, I'm looking forward to feeling better.

This is the year I will turn 50.  I am dreading all the over the hill jokes, age jokes, etc...

Just read a great idea about making resolutions.  Instead of a year list, make a monthly list.  So for this month, I will bring a healthy lunch and drink more water everyday. 

Alex is moving out today.  I'm excited for him to start this new chapter.  He's moving in with Bryant who he has been friends with through thick and thin. He is still dating Taran and after spending Thanksgiving with her, I'm glad they found each other.  She's got a good head on her shoulders and is someone I could see him with for a long time.  Hopefully this will be the year Alex starts school again.  Can't wait to see where this year takes him.

Ethan will be 17 in four days.  Can't stop shaking my head and wondering where the time has gone.  With him, I've spent most of it in the car driving to practices and lessons.  He's happy, healthy and makes good decisions.  Can't ask for more.

Aidan is seeming to love high school and has made many new friends.  It's a joy to see him be happy and hear him laugh.  He's still a puzzle to me and I look forward to watching him grow and see who he is.

Sean is getting ready to start his last class for his MBA.  I'm proud of how hard he's worked and all the while gotten a promotion and new position which he loves.  He's terribly worried about money and I just keep telling him it will all be ok....

Barkley was sick at the beginning of break with an ear infection but he's back to his usual tricks now.  He brings so much joy and happiness to our whole family.  He is the perfect dog for us.

Here's to a great year.

18th

Ethan auditioned for All-State band yesterday.  He is ranked 18th in the state!  I'm soooo proud of him and all his hard work preparing for his audition!

District Band

Ethan is 2nd chair All District band!  Woot!

YES!!! KHS Choir Student Selected to All-State Choir!

First student in 10 years and mine to boot!  Woot!  Congratulations to Caitlin!  She worked so hard on her audition and helping other students.  I'm SO proud!

Headed to ....

Tomorrow is district choir which means all-state auditions.  I have several students in the striking range of making state.  I would SO love to have them make state choir.  It would be a boost to our program.  We leave at 5:45am so off to bed early I will go. 

I love political ads. Said no one ever.

How Does It Feel

Great school year thus far.
Hard to believe it's been almost (3 days shy) a year since I lost my beautiful Mori.  I still cry when I think about him...
Hard to believe it's been only a year since I fell in love with my Barkley.  Ü
This political season has turned me totally off the news - which makes it hard to keep up with the weather forecast.  Ü

Summer 2012

Well one week from today I'll be sitting in our annual back to school meeting.  This summer I learned some things about myself.

1.  I don't do well AT ALL without a schedule.  I can waste hours of time doing absolutely nothing at all if I don't have something to get ready for, do, etc.
2.  By "don't do well" I also mean I don't like how I feel without a schedule.  Anxiety is the best word I can come up with at this time.
3.  I don't have a lot of people who want to spend time with me and vice versa.  This includes my family.

So now that I have one week left, how am I going to spend my time? 
1.  floating in my pool
2.  reading books
3.  finishing Ethan's second sock
4.  cleaning computer desk
5.  steaming carpets
6.  cleaning my bedroom
7.  staying up late and sleeping in!!

Being private about certain areas of my life. But want to acknowledge here that I started my journey on June 23rd. I am determined and excited to see what happens along the way. This summer I'm learning that I need a schedule or I don't get anything accomplished. Too much free time leads to anxiety. Too much screen time leads to feelings of sadness and loathing.

Long and Winding Road

What a long school year it has been...

Some VERY intense students.  Lost my dog.  Sean in school.  23 students in district choir.  1 all-state alternate.  Concert Choir and Chamber Choir receiving I superior ratings at state!!  8 solos and 2 ensembles made state contest.  Ethan going to state on tuba solo and brass quartet.  Ethan playing both soccer and tennis.  Ethan lettering in tennis!!  Alex finishing at MACC.  Alex moving back home.  Aidan graduating from 8th grade!  (what the hell!!!)  VERY intense students ready to graduate.  Lots of great kids next year!

This summer I plan to:  walk, read LOTS of great books, learn some new music, organize house and yard, train Barkley, watch Ethan and Aidan play tennis, spend time with my family, maybe see a concert or two, re-charge my battery...

Carpe diem!

Lots of Changes

2011 brought about lots of changes.
Finished my first year in my new and totally fabulous position!
Got I ratings at state with chamber & concert choir!
Alex moved into his own place
Mori got sick
After 6 months, Mori passed on.
Ethan made district band
Aidan made district band
Sean started an MBA program
Sean loves his MBA program
We met and fell in love with Barkley!

Roman

IMAG0077, a photo by murphymomx3 on Flickr.

I think he loves it!