NOW is right on time....

These are my Post Origami Owl Convention thoughts....I figured I need to blog about them since I can't quit thinking about them.

This convention was a life changing experience for me.  Being surrounded by women from all over the country who all have the same goals in mind.  Women who have come from completely different walks of life.  Women struggling financially, women struggling with their sick children, women struggling with divorce...and some women who were not struggling at all.  We were all there together like sisters--one big family. 

I was surrounded by women that know life happens, and that everyone makes mistakes and that living in the past is just not the way to happiness.  Maybe you didn't make a mistake, maybe BAD THINGS just keep happening to you.  It can kill your inner spirit.  I know, I can relate. I am more of the bad decision girl.  I went through a time in my life that when I look back, I don't even see how that could be ME! It makes no sense to me!! I would cry, ask God for forgiveness, but I was not forgiving myself. 

I let it all go at convention.  I know that I am forever changed.  I know can be happy regardless of my past.  I just had to let it go.    The past is OVER.  You cannot go back and change it. 

"Your journey has molded you for your greater good.  And it was exactly what it needed to be.  Don't think that you have lost time.  It took each and every situation that you have encountered to bring you to the now.  And now is right on time."  ~Asha Tyson

Isn't that an AMAZING quote??  Don't you feel all warm and fuzzy inside when you read that?  I do!  Let me tell you---I don't like the situations I have been in, but has it molded me?? ABSOLUTELY.  I am a stronger person, and because of these situations, I can never be a person that judges someone. 

Am I PERFECT?  Absolutely not.  Do things get on my nerves?  Do people do things that make me scratch my head?? YES.  LOL  I wouldn't be human if they didn't I guess. 

Am I more understanding and compassionate? YES.

Why do people judge others??  I still can't figure it out.  Especially the ones that claim to be the biggest believers in God, yet they don't forgive and they are always passing judgement.  I will just assume that something they faced in their own life has made them that way.  I won't judge them. (I am however, CONFUSED)

Moral of the story...You can use your experiences to live with love and gratitude.  (AHHHH, I LOVE THE SOUND OF THAT)


Do you believe that someone who makes mistakes or bad decisions don't deserve love?    Everyone reacts differently to things going on in their life.  Some people are an open book, some will bottle their emotions and fight the demons within---until they have transformed into something they are not. 

Everyone deserves a second chance.  Think about your children.  If they make a mistake, are you going to disown them?  Quit loving them?  I am thinking NOT.  You might not agree with their choices, but I have a feeling you won't stop loving them.  :)

Treat your friends and strangers the same way.  Show a little compassion and understanding. 

Words and actions change people.  For the better----and the worse.  Don't let your words and actions change someone for the worse. 


Thank you Origami Owl....There is no doubt in my mind that this convention in Arizona was part of MY journey...I was MEANT to be there.  It was definitely RIGHT ON TIME!!! 

Real life.

I thought I would let you in on a little secret.  I am a SLOB.  I have no organization skills whatsoever when it comes to my home.  It may look cute when you come in, but don't open any closets, cabinets, or drawers! :)

I should be ashamed, but I am not.  It's real.  I am not even going to pretend that I am trying to organize on Pinterest or anything.  When I see those organization pins..I laugh a little on the inside and wonder how many of those people pinning those things live just like this.  I bet more than some are willing to admit. hehe

I always think that if I had a bigger house that it would be differnt.  I am sure it would. AGAIN, laughing on the inside.

My junior high band director once told me, as I got into her very, very messy car, that all musicians are messy.  So, there you go.  I blame it on my musicianship. Sounds good, right??

I am however impressed with my organization of my notebook for school.  If I could organize all aspects of my life like I did that thing, my husband would be AMAZED!!!

By the way, I hate all these different crappy tupperware containers.

Do I wish my laundry room was clean? YES, YES I do.  There are items of laundry in here that haven't been touched since the first time they were worn because I don't want to wash crap one at a time.  I try to stay away from special items like this.  So annoying.

 

You can see my yellow pants on the floor, they are clean now---I am wearing them right now. hahahaha

 

 

My goal over break was to clean out all my closets.  Yeah, that didn't happen. 

 

 



Oh..this is a problem

8:15-9:15 Form and Analysis

10:30-11:45 Marching Band Tech

12:15-1:20 Classroom Management

1:40-2:15ish Recital hour/X period

2:30 LESSON

4:10 Band

This is Tuesday.
Ummm, my lessons are gonna suck.

What's your story???

I can barely contain all the excitement at this point. In 9 days I will be invited to start selling a product that I find to be the most amazing line of jewelry EVER.

It makes a wonderful gift for your daughter, mother, grandmother, best friend, aunt, cousin, YOURSELF.... :)  It is awesome!!! MORE TO COME!!!!  Online launch party, my website, parties at home...You are going to LOVE this. 

Love, hobbies, GREEK LETTERS, birthstones, and just plain ol PRETTINESS can be all yours CUSTOM designed!  I cannot wait for you to let me design one for you (and of course you can design your own)... I have several people in mind that I cannot wait to show them a locket that fits them perfectly!

I cannot explain the feeling that I got when I opened mine on Christmas Eve from my mom.  It was just perfect and I almost cried.  I have a locket that screams MARY. 

It's silver---which is my choice of jewelry.
Inside my locket you will find a little girl with K's birthstone, a flute, treble clef, peace sign, and my initial.  IT IS BEAUTFIL. How PERFECT is that?? Especially for those who know me!??

Good Thing

I just had an idea...stolen from someone else of course. LOL  But whatever it's a good idea.

Tell me your GOOD THING this week!!! I think this will help me and YOU stay positive when things seem to be getting you down.

Like for instance, I am starting to let flute bring me down a little.  SOOOOO, I need to think about the things that ARE going right and so do you.  SOOOOO, if you don't share on my blog at least comment on FB. 

Top 10

Well, my first full week of school isn't quite over YET, but it's very close.  After 2pm, I will be starting the 3 day weekend!!!

I really don't have much to say except...and in random order....

1~School is keeping me really busy.

2~My family is great about it. I love them so much!!!

3~Jon is SNO of the YEAR!

4~I need to get off here and get ready so I am not late for class! lol

5~I am really excited for January 29th time frame.

6~I sold my flute!! Happy DANCE!

7~Don't worry I didn't sell my new flute. lol

8~My senior recital is happening next semester! WOW!

9~Did I mention it's a 3 day weekend??

10~HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

These are the days...

It started out so peaceful.

 

 

Then I came back from the store with this

.

 



 

Then it got crazy. The girls LOOK sweet and innocent right here, but they went CRA-CRA or however you spell that. LOL :)

 

CRA-CRA I tell ya...lol

 

 

This is Kaitlyn and Lucy Lou Who...She was the little girl on the Grinch, remember her??

 

 

Because inquiring minds want to know....

So, I have been sitting here doing some reading for class.  The chapter I am reading is titled Who Are We Teaching.

Basically it's about the developmetal differences between students and overall development of middle school students.

At the end it has some questions that I would connect to field experience--but one question stuck out that I can ask anyone that played or plays an instrument.

Why did you chose that instrument?  I would love to know, because honestly I cannot really remember why I chose the flute.  I think it's because I was little and a girly girl, and because the flute is just pretty. haha!

So good to be back..

Today was the first day of the Spring semester.  One year from now, I will be entering my LAST semester of this LONG JOURNEY.  I have kept my eye on the prize the entire time.  I have made it through without failing any classes...I have only made a C a couple of times. I am SO proud. :)  Music Education is NOT an easy degree, so don't be fooled. I pat myself on the back for being able to hang with these students!  Seriously!  I quit playing my flute from 1998-2009.  That it CRAZY to even THINK I could do this! There is only a handful of people my age that would do it. haha  Guess we are CRAZZZYYY.

Today started out with Form and Analysis.  It was actually nice to be back in Dr. A's class and listen to classical music again.  Fantastic and calming way to start the morning.

Next, a little bit of practice time.  I totally forgot my etudes so I just worked on double tongue articulation, scales, and my Poulenc piece.

Then, it was time for Marching Band Techniques.  I am the only one in the class and I love it! I am going to get so much out of this class.  It really should be mandatory!!!  It is mandatory for me--because the school administration let me out of the actual marching band due to personal/family reasons.  Thank goodness.  I think I learned that I might not want to be a high school band director though. HAHA! There is SO MUCH behind the scenes work that goes into a Marching band that I don't know if I am ready for.  90 hours of preparation goes into every minute of a show! Can you believe that???  From the planning all the way to the rehearsals. OMG.  Makes elementary school look AWESOME. Just kidding....

Next, Classroom Management. BLAH.  I think it will be ok, but I am just not a fan of the classes I have to take in the College of Education.  I really despise them actually.

Snack time and practice time....

4:10pm---WIND ENSEMBLE!  This is my first semester to play with this ensemble and the vibe is so much different.  I can't tell if it's a good or bad thing yet. lol  I do know I love the choice of music, so that is a good thing.  

I enjoyed today so much after 2 weeks of doing absolutely nothing. I need this craziness in my life.  REALLY I DO.

Control

Many gun sales take place without background checks, and "that's bad policy," he argues. Conducting such checks "doesn't stop a law-abiding citizen from getting a gun. But somebody with a history of illness, felony record, they need to get checked."  ~~Copied from a CNN article


I would like to know WHAT is wrong with this?? Why are so many people all crazy over keeping weapons of the hands of those with mental illness and felony records??  I don't understand!!!! :((  I am NOT an Obama lover or anything, but I do NOT believe for one second he is trying to take away your 2nd amendment rights! 

I can tell you right now, I am a law abiding citizen that you DO NOT want carrying a gun.  I don't trust myself with that kind of power no matter how much training I have had.  AND I know I could be wrestled to the ground in a heart beat and someone could TAKE MY GUN....

What a sad world we live in.

Favorites

These are some fav things that are on my phone right now....


First, this OUTFIT...I have GOT to find a similar scarf and make this happen.  I LOVE the boots too, but I have a grey pair that I would just have to make work.

                          I saw this next picture on someone's FB and I thought it was so cute.
                                                                    Gotta take a stand, for real....

This is one of my favorite pictures over break of Kaitlyn and her good friend.  They LOVE these Monster High dolls and this pic shows how happy they are.

 

This next picture speaks for itself and I need to really remember this when I get back to school.

 

Ahhhh, Jon's BEARD.  I miss it already. It was just getting soft when he had to shave it off for work.

 

These crazy dolls.  Well, I am not a HUGE fan but I like these the best.  They have style. haha

 

And my two little sweets, chillin.... :)  Love both of these babies.

One SCARED MAMA...

Ok.  I KNOW things happen.

BUT, in this day and age when your DAUGHTER does not show up at her normal time and you give it a couple of minutes just in case and then you walk down to the stop to see if you see any kids around and there is NOBODY around----YOUR HEART SINKS AND THE PANIC SETS IN. 

Is this bus late?  Did they get into an accident?? Did everyone make it home EXCEPT YOUR daughter because of the unthinkable??

This is our FIRST year with the bus and it has taken me a long time to get used to it.  If you know me, you KNOW this already. 

A man driving down the street saw me---and apparently the PANIC on my face---and rolled down his window to inform me that our kids were safe and sound---still at school.  The bus broke down.

THANK YOU JESUS!!!

 BECAUSE THIS MAMA WAS ABOUT TO LOSE IT.

And all while I was in a panic, Kaitlyn was in a panic at school explaining to her friends that her mom was at home freaking out thinking she had been abducted. 

Does she know me or what??

Poulenc Sonata

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRBIfH8yCtc

You should take a listen to this beautiful piece!!! I am playing it this semester!!!

LEAVE COMMENTS

If you read my blog, leave me some love!!! Start your own blog so I can do the same!!! :)

 

I'm dreaming of a......

Well, the big talk on Christmas Eve was SNOW.  But everytime I checked the weather, we were on the very edge of this BIG snowstorm, so I didn't get my hopes up.  I mean a WHITE CHRISTMAS in Arkansas?? REALLY?  It had not happpened since 1926. 

Wellllllllll, it did start snowing on Christmas Night!  And THIS is what we woke up to!

 

Your foot didn't touch the ground because the snow was so deep.

 

 

 

Pretty amazing, huh?  I think AR is prettier covered in snow. I wish it would just stay.

 

Looks like a pretty comfy chair, right? :-)

 

Making sure they mess up every inch of my pretty snow covered yard.

 

Nobody loved the snow more than our sweet Lacey.  When we first adopted her 2 years ago it snowed like three times and she acts just like a kid everytime.  It is so precious.

 

This is the "igloo" that K's daddy made her.  Pretty sure we won't see another igloo making season for a long time.  This really made her year--as it would any child.  And ME!! I love WINTER!!!

 

Legoland!

 

 

This is how we started our Christmas Break! Kaitlyn and I drove 16 hours to Winter Haven, Florida to see the doubly awesome Nicole and Daisy!  Might sound crazy to most, but when you see your family once a year, you tend to do crazy things in order to see them. :)

 

 

And we would totally do it again.  The drive was not bad at all.  It was actually pretty relaxing.

 

 

 

I have so many pictures I need to upload from the trip.  I probably should have done that before I decided to blog about it.

 

 

We miss these gals so much.  It's lonely here in Arkansas most of the time.

 

That's why I need to get back to school!  I start Thursday, thank goodness!!!  I need structure in my life.  When I have so much time on my hands, I tend to do nothing.  I think, OHHHHH, well I can do that tomorrow.

 

I need help.

 

Fast Forward to 2013

Now, it is 2013.  I went back into music in 2009.  This time next year I will be student teaching.

Student teaching as a future Music Educator.

I stopped playing and had nothing to do with music except the radio from 1998 to 2009. 

How does one quit playing their instrument for that many years and decide that they are going to be a music major??

PASSION. DETERMINATION. DEDICATION.

I told myself that I will have a degree in something before my daughter finishes sixth grade.

Well, why not go back to what I LOVED SO MUCH? MUSIC!

And I will indeed graduate at the same time K finishes her sixth grade year. :)

I have come so far as a musician.  ESPECIALLY one who NEVER had private lessons and QUIT playing for nearly 10 years. 

And I had to learn PIANO.  THAT WAS ONE HECK OF A STRUGGLE. But, I made it. :))

I actually understand music theory and everything else I have had to learn along the way---even when it was GREEK to me when I was 18.

Your 18 year old brain is SO different than your REAL adult brain.  WHY do we make things SO HARD when we are young?

I mean really.  I am doing a degree that requires TONS of my time and I have been doing it all with a family. 

And it was too much when I was 18.  Cracks me up. 

My days are longer than most people's work day.  No joke.  Sometimes I leave my house at 6:45am and I don't get home until 9-10PM. Yep, that's right, PM!!

I am taking 18 credit hours this semester.  That would be 6 classes for most students---I think it's 10 for me. One hour credit classes when you are a music major are NORMAL.  Don't forget PRACTICE time and recital attendance and observations, and LIFE.

But I love it.  I love being busy.  I love becoming a better musician.  I have learned sooooooo much.  Counting the upcoming Spring semester, I have 3 semesters left.  So excited.  I will be student teaching this time next year, I may have already mentioned that, but I am really excited.

I also made Wind Ensemble for the Spring semester.  It's the top band, and I am 3rd chair.  I am reallllly stoked about that. I never thought I would care to be competitive again, but I am. Haha. 

Anyways, that's an update on me. 

Music is My Passion

If you have followed me on Facebook you know that I am chasing my dream.

I have ALWAYS loved music.  I remember being like five or maybe younger and knowing every song that came on the radio.

In fourth grade the orchestra--I cannot remember if it was the junior high or high school orchestra came to my school and played for us.  I sat right beside my mom listening to the orchestra and watching the conductor and I whispered to her..."I am going to do that one day."  She smiled and really had this look in her eyes like she knew I totally WAS.  There was no "yeah right" look.  It was a look of ultimate approval.

Well, the next year I signed up for violin. What. A. Joke.  I could do it now, but it was seriously a joke at the time.  Not because I didn't understand, I believe it was the teacher. That's terrible to say, but true.

So, I stopped "playing" the violin and when I entered junior high, I signed up for the flute.

I don't even remember why the heck I picked the flute---I imagine it had something to do with my size, and I was a girl, and I most likely wanted to be as cool as my flute playing band director. Haha.

I never became the greatest flute player, but I loved it.  I tried out for the All County band one year like she encouraged us to do and I made 1st alternate.  That really shocked me. I started believing in myself and because of her I started taking it more and more seriously.  And I never looked back.  I played in the band until high school and then decided I was never going to stop, so I applied to University of NC at Greensboro and became a Music Education major.

My world was flipped upside down.  I had NO IDEA what it took to be a music major. I didn't understand it at all. SO OVER MY HEAD when I was 18 years old. They wanted me to practice more than an hour?? Every single day?? WHAT?  I remember hearing that I needed to practice for 8 hours a day!  Ummm, how?? AND go to class??  I did not understand anything I was doing in my class and the college atmosphere and BOYS were just much cooler at the time. LOL

Anyways, after a little more than a year, I was a college drop out. 

Leaving my passion for music behind.  And at that time, I thought it was forever.

That was 1998.

The New Year

I am so excited to restart my blog.  I have some really exciting news to share with everyone in February..HOPEFULLY. :)) NO, I am not pregnant or anything close to that. 

I hope that everyone will be as excited as I am. 

Stayed tuned!!!!