Please Understand...

Sometimes, I get frustrated. About a lot of things, but one thing in particular I will expand on a little here.

For the last four months, I've been student teaching. That means being at school from 7:30am to at least 4pm five days a week without being paid. Then, since I have bills to pay just like everyone else, I work two evenings a week and weekends. In addition, I work on lesson plans and projects for school, which we'll call homework. I usually leave my apartment around 7:15am, and don't get back to it until at least 8 or 9pm, and sometimes later. I don't say any of this to get sympathy, but as an explanation. My social life has been somewhat non-existent this semester.

Now, it's not because I don't want to hang out with my friends. Though I might not be the most outgoing person in the world, I do still like to have fun. The unfortunate part about my schedule is that I'm just so wiped out that I cannot even think about leaving my apartment once I arrive home, unless I've scheduled something a few days in advance.

People just don't understand that, I don't think.

School is just ending for me. I'll no longer be a college student after Tuesday. I may have just a little bit more free time on my hands, which I'm excited about. So, if you were offended by the fact that I've been unavailable...now you know the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

First Real Snow and Christmas Shopping

Last night and today was our first real snow of winter. Meaning, there's actually still some of it on the ground, and I think it will stay there for a while. I guess I don't really mind winter or the snow. There are so many people that just complain for three months straight, but I guess I just find it another part of the year. I've lived in the midwest all my life, so I can't imagine winter or Christmas without snow. I enjoy the changing of seasons.

I went Christmas shopping with Julie last night. Got a few people crossed off my list, so that's good. I'm trying to be pretty conservative with gifts this year, due to limited financial means. However, that doesn't mean I am not trying to buy people something that they'll like!

Only six days and a presentation away from being done with college. How crazy sick is that?

Holiday Season

Long time no talk, readers. I've been way too busy with school to update everyone on the comings and goings of my life.

It's Thanksgiving time, so I've decided to take a breather from the festivities and write a few things. Actually, my mom and I are in the middle of putting the Christmas tree up, but took a "computer break."

I've spent this semester finishing up school. I officially have two weeks and a presentation standing between me and my college diploma. That's right. Be jealous.

Next semester will be spent substitute teaching and job searching. Hoping to find a teaching job in the area somewhere, but I wouldn't mind commuting too much either. Just hoping there's something out there for me.

Right now I'm "home home" in Nebraska. I spent Thanksgiving with my family, which has been great. Lots of dutch blitz and phase ten games, movies, eating, and all that jazz. Can't believe the weekend has flown by so fast, though.

My only regret is that I couldn't spend the holiday with Jonathan. He and his brother went home for Thanksgiving, too. Plans just didn't align quite right for everyone to be together. It's been different without him around.

Lots of stuff planned for my sister's and my last day here: decorate for Christmas inside and out, watch lots of movies, and play cards. I told everyone we had to be on a tight schedule for all this to work. They just laughed at me.

Yay for family!

Five Love Languages for Singles

Here it is: the promised book review. While I had great intentions of writing this last weekend, I didn't get a chance to finish reading the book until today.

The Five Love Languages for Singles, by Gary Chapman, is the singles version of the Five Love Languages. The first book was intended for married couples, but the principles can apply to any type of relationship. Hence, the sequel for singles.

I had a friend who has been telling me to read this book and learn about the five love languages. I wish I had listened to her earlier. As a brief summary for my readers, the five love languages are:

1. Words of Affirmation: Which means speaking your appreciation verbally. Encouragement. Compliments. Etc.

2. Gifts: Giving items to someone.

3. Acts of Service: Doing things for someone else, whether they ask you for help or not.

4. Quality Time: Spending undivided time with the people you care about the most.

5. Physical Touch: Somewhat self explanatory. This is not meant in a sexual manner, unless you're married of course.

Gary Chapman advocates that everyone has a primary love language, and in order for them to feel loved, their love language must be spoken by their mate, boyfriend/girlfriend, friends, family, etc. Though all items are an important part of any relationship, each person has a specific one that means more to them than the others.

The same friend that had been telling me to read this book already had my primary love language nailed down...partly because it's her primary love language, too. I've discovered that what means the most to me is spending quality time with the people I care about. Lack of quality time often makes me feel cranky, lonely, and unloved or neglected.

Reading this book has made me think a great deal about my relationships. I think people often focus so much on their romantic relationships that they don't think they are responsible for satisfying the needs of their family members and friends. While it is true that our romantic relationships are a priority, we cannot forget the people that have stuck with us for our entire lives.

The other interesting thing is that it's so easy to think that everyone needs to be loved in the same way. Since quality time is my love language, it is easy for me to speak that language to the people around me, and expect that they want/need the same thing. The truth is, someone else might feel the most loved by being complimented or being told that their work is appreciated. Or another might feel more loved by getting a hug from a friend, or a backrub. Yet others feel the most love by receiving gifts from the people they care about. Still others need their loved ones to serve them. Though each person can feel loved through all of these things simultaneously, one of the languages is more significant than all the rest. This differs from person to person. We should be able to fluently speak all love languages, especially if we know which ones mean the most to the significant people in our lives.

I would recommend this book, or The Five Love Languages (for marrieds), to anyone. If you are willing to make a significant improvement in your own life, and in the lives of the people around you, it would be worthwhile to pick up a copy. I'm looking forward to discovering and speaking the love languages of the people I care about.

A couple things...

Just a couple of things I've been thinking about/doing:

1. For the sake of my own discretion, I'll just say a big milestone for me begins Monday. While I have no idea how it will go, I'm very excited and nervous. Hoping all my fears will just disappear.

2. I don't feel like a college student any more. I don't feel like I belong on campus. Someone described as being similar to purgatory (if you believe in the concept, that is). It's the best explanation I've heard so far. Almost graduated, yet not quite done. It stinks.

3. I've been thinking a lot about relationships lately. Not just boy/girl relationships, but all relationships in general. I got a free book in the mail a few days ago. The only stipulation was that I write something about it on my blog. The reason I'm writing now is so there will be some sort of activity before I write this said blog post. I'm really excited about the book: "The Five Love Languages for Singles." While I'm not exactly single, I'm not married either. I have a feeling this book will be helpful in all of my relationships....friends, family, and my boyfriend. My goal is to read quite a bit of it tomorrow and Friday. Hopefully, by the end of the weekend I will have finished it, and start processing for an awesome blog post.

4. Fun fact: I made coffee for the very first time today. My parents bought me a coffee pot almost two years ago. My roommate and I bought coffee when we moved in to our apartment over a month ago. And I finally made my first pot of coffee today. Somehow, it turned out great. I'm determined NOT to get addicted. So, as much as I want to make another pot tomorrow...maybe I should just make it on the really desperate "I'm not sure I can make it until lunch" kind of days.

5. Season premiere of "The Office" starts today! Also..."Big Bang Theory" starts Monday. Between my roommate and I, we have a lot of shows we want to watch. Both of us are incredibly busy though, so we'll see how it all turns out. "The Office" and "Big Bang Theory" are my musts, though.

And....that's a wrap folks. I really should try to write more on this blog.

Not sure what I think

I've started writing a few blog posts before this, but never ended up finishing them. I've found myself doing the same with FB and Twitter updates: starting a thought, but then just deleting before posting. I think part of it is, I'm not sure anyone really cares what I'm doing right this second. What's the point of updating the world if the world just reads it (or doesn't read it) and moves on?

This week I decided I needed to do some things for me. I'm tired of sitting on my butt waiting for things to happen. Yesterday, I went sunbathing by myself, which I'd been wanting to do since I moved a month ago. I also went on a bike ride both yesterday and today.

I'm not sure how this ties in, but I guess I feel like things are changing. Much more than I could have ever imagined. And, whether I like it or not, I have to deal with it. I'm not sure how I feel about it all...but it's been an emotional roller coaster of a month. I really can't explain much of it. I'm sorry I'm so vague, but I haven't really sorted it out enough in my head to convey it here.

In light of all this new stuff and confusion, I've once again realized that I like to hold on to the things I know very tightly. I don't like new situations. I often don't like meeting new people that much. But at the same time, how boring would life be if I just did the same things with the same people for the rest of my days? Especially since the people I know have a much easier time moving through their stages of life...and aren't willing to stay put in my little bubble? :)

I guess I'll just leave it at that. I pretty much just talked in circles, but this blog is for my benefit, right? It doesn't have to make sense.

Since my last post...

Lots has taken place since my last post. Not really sure why I didn't keep you updated all along, but part of it might be lack of time. Part of it might be lack of new information.

I have two jobs now. I'm nannying four days a week for three girls. Plus my office job in the evenings. I leave the dorms around 7:35am, and get home anywhere between 7 and 8:30pm at night. I'm pretty wiped out.

Found an apartment and signed a lease with my new roommate. I'll be moving in a few days before August 1st. I'm buying a queen sized bed frame, box spring, mattress, dresser, and nightstand from a coworker for $200. Can't get any better than that.

This summer has had its ups and downs...and stresses. But I'm finding that things always work out somehow.

Wedding Season

So my fellow readers, as you probably already know, it's wedding season once again. Today, Jonathan and I attended and took pictures at a beautiful outdoor wedding. As fun as it was, I'm wiped out.

Another wedding to attend next weekend. I'm excited to just be an attendee at this one. Weddings are much more fun to attend than to help/work at. Or even be in. Way too stressful.

Weddings have to be one of my favorite things. I confess I watch the WE channel on TV way too much. I'm not sure why. I'm weird I guess. I like watching all the planning stages...getting the dress, the cake, everything. So fun.

Summer

I think I built up summer way too much in my mind. I was so excited about not having any responsibility and no homework that I forgot one thing.

Not having any responsibility isn't necessarily always fun.

I've been sitting on my butt the last two weeks waiting for answers from prospective employers. One of which is out of state. The other just seems to be avoiding me.

So my new found freedom is bittersweet with a lack of money and an excess of time to do absolutely nothing. I wish I could say I was enjoying it. Part of me is. But the other part is realizing this wasn't exactly what I had in mind.

The sun finally came out today after about a week of clouds. Very jealous of my roommate and her nanny kids as they're heading to the pool this afternoon. I wish I could have gone, but I'm waiting for a friend to arrive. Shopping and a bridal shower to go to tonight. That should be fun.

Lazy Days....but I didn't ask to be sick!

The last few afternoons have been completely lazy.  Part of me is still worried about getting another job, but the other part has no desire to do anything.

Today, I came home from work sick.  Caught some sort of stomach bug.  I haven't really felt good all day.  Hope it's just a short term ordeal.  I hate the flu.

On the other hand, I'm very glad it's Friday!

Empy Once Again

Once again, my room is empty of everything except me and my belongings.  I have no idea where this year went, but I'm grateful for the changes about to take place.

This afternoon, Megan and I are apartment hunting again.  We're hoping to narrow our choices down, so that around July we can pick a place.  

This evening, Jonathan and I are going to a goodbye party for a co-worker of his.  Then a bonfire tonight where I'll get to see JULIE AND RJ!!!  I'm very excited.

Tomorrow the families will be here.  Comissioning service in the afternoon, open house in the evening with Julie.

Sunday we'll go to the early service at church, get some brunch, and head to the Pavillion.  Graduation will be in the afternoon...and then I hope just chilling after that.  Families are heading back on Monday.

And hopefully Monday, I'll be moving to my other dorm on campus.  Are you tired from reading my upcoming events list?  I sure am!

Pizza, Movies, and Studying

Today was entitled "Reading Day" on the calendar.  However, I'm not sure why, because a lot of students here just use it as a day to do fun stuff.

Lots happened today for me.  Went to work, where they had a luncheon in  honor of my graduation.  My HR co-workers bought me this beautiful necklace, and I received another willow tree angel.  It was wonderful.

After that, I came back home and watched "My Little Ponies" with my roommate.  It was great.

Looked for jobs online, though didn't have much success.  I just don't know what I'm looking for...and don't want to start a job and then just quit at the end of the summer.  Hoping something just falls into my lap.

Next, went to the library with a friend for some studying. Just got back from that a while ago.

Ordered a pizza, and I'm waiting for my roommate to get home from work.  From here on out it's pizza, movies, and studying for us.  Should be great fun.

Finally

According to the tracking, my clothes got here Friday afternoon.  After I'd checked my mailbox twice before leaving for the weekend.  Grrr.

Anyways, 2 out of 3 isn't bad.  The red shirt wasn't as cool as it looked online.  Probably going to try to send it back.

In other news, I had a great time in western NE for Isaac's high school graduation.  Definitely a little different than my own high school graduation.  His had over a hundred graduates, with about 7 valedictorian/salutatorian speeches.  I'm sure other people have experienced this, but I had not.

It was great to see Jonathan's family...even the little ones.  Overall, a great weekend.  And no crazy happenings while traveling, which is good.

I'm planning on making a sandwich, then studying for my one and only test.  Music History, you are so going down.

Update

So, I'm sure you all care a lot about the status of my new clothes. Due to my own negligence, they'll be coming later than expected. I put in the wrong billing address for my credit card, and it was declined.

Got it straightened out, but it'll be 7 to 10 more days from today rather than Sunday. Dangit.

Online Shopping

I just got a new clothing catalog today, which was bad news for my bank account. I probably wouldn't have been so tempted if I hadn't spent all afternoon trying on clothes at the mall, but finding nothing.

My purchases include:


My goal was to find a shirt that would go with my new suit coat. Not sure if the red one will work or not, but I thought it was really cute. I also wanted to find a dress to wear for graduation. I like both of these dresses, and if they end up being too short due to my unusually long torso, then I'll have to find some leggings or something. Hope they come soon!

I wanted to buy more, but added up all of my "wants" and got sticker shock. Might have to spread it out gradually. I need to stock up on some decent clothes so I'll have dressy things to wear next fall during student teaching. Professional clothing is hard to find.

Keeping up?

• Finish two page paper on how I will promote a community of learners in my classroom.
• Make a study guide for Music History chapter 33.
• Write a research paper about Shostakovich.
• Write a 16 page document about classroom management.

All due within the next 48 hours. Not sure how that's gonna work out.

Totally random

Today has been a somewhat random day.

For instance, instead of me having to drop all the work I was needing to do to work on this huge project, it was assigned to someone else. Usually I'm the assignee, not the assigner. It was different.

Next, I came back, ate lunch, and actually accomplished homework before band. That usually doesn't happen. Mostly because I usually just decide to be lazy.

Then, in band we had sectionals, so we decided to go outside. When it was time to get together with the entire ensemble, we all stayed outside and played in the wonderful sunshine. Random.

My last totally random thought for now is: Trail mix is not mixed enough for my taste. For instance, there are way too many raisins and almonds. There should be more m&m's, more peanuts and cashews, less raisins, and less almonds. Then I'd be happy.

Results of the big day...

I did it! :)

My recital was today at 2pm. A beautiful spring day. A great crowd. Some great music. I honestly couldn't have asked for anything more.

I'm very excited that the performance went well. I was telling Jonathan that up until today, I have never been happy with any of my performances in front of the public. Ever. Until today. Somehow (though I still haven't figured out how) I managed to pull off five songs and not let my nerves get in the way. It was a great feeling.

My dear friend Kaia said a prayer for me right before it started, and I know my family has been praying for me for a long time. God really showed up in a big way today to calm me down and allow me to use the gifts He's given me to the fullest. I'm so thankful.

Though I know not a lot of my recital attendees read my blog: Thank you. Thanks for coming. I really appreciate it.

Thanks to my teachers: Jennifer Hawkinson, Jonathan Neiderhiser, Nancy Wilcoxson, Dave DeHoogh-Kliewer...for believing in me all these years, and for the hard work on their part in making my recital happen.

Thanks to my accompanist: Carol Flower. Man, she is one heck of a piano player!

Thanks to my fellow classmates for playing with me on my recital: Kaia Mogen, Ronna Ringen, Lora Egan, Matt Ulmer, Sherri Jurgenson, Tom Sandhurst. You guys are awesome.

Thanks to my family: for driving hours to get here, for being dragged around Sioux Falls for two days, for helping me set up and tear down, and for their moral support and love they've always shown me. I could have never done anything without them.

Thanks to my boyfriend: Jonathan. He's been encouraging me through this whole process...even with all my whining, complaining, and busy-ness. Love you, honey. Thanks for always being there.

Thanks to my friends: for all your encouraging words and support!

And now...time for some relaxation. I asked for extensions on all projects due in the next few days, so I'm free as a bird tonight. Going to relax, watch a movie, and just hang out with Jonathan. Life is good.

PS. Pictures and maybe video coming soon?

Recital

The day has finally come! I'll give you all the juicy details about how it goes. :)

Nearly Here

The recital is only a few days away. How did this happen?

Sunday around 3 pm will be the best time in my college career so far, I believe. That would be after the recital. lol.

In the last two days alone I've been putting in hours and hours of practicing. Sometimes I wonder if it's enough. However, yesterday around 4 I was wiped out. I think that says something.

Today, I have a rehearsal with my accompanist, wind ensemble, more practicing on my own, and then hopefully I'll get to relax a bit tonight with Jonathan. Oh yeah, I need to write a paper by 5pm.

I hate these last minute assignments that say: e-mail to me by such and such a time. The thing is, the teacher won't get around to grading it for another month. So why should we have a deadline? Seems a bit hypocritical.

I'm very cynical about school and life in general. I'm very tired of the uncertainty of housing, jobs, summer plans, money, etc. I just want stability! Is that too much to ask?!?

Productive Morning

A productive morning so far. What can be better than sleeping an extra hour, not having to go to work, finishing program notes (hopefully), practicing, and picking up my cap and gown for graduation?

Ok, so I haven't done all of these things yet, but I will before the morning is over.

I'm very glad I decided to take the next three days off of work. I never realized how much time and effort I put into my job. It's nice to forget about it for a little bit. In spite of the fact that I like my job, it's nice to have a break.

What shall we do today, kids?

I know. Let's write on and rip down posters that other people have carefully placed across campus. Sound like fun?

Whether it was premeditated, or a drunken split second act...that's exactly what happened to a couple of my recital posters I put up on Friday. Frustrating? Yes. Retarded? Yes.

Jonathan says to not take it personally. And I can't, because I'm sure whoever did it had no idea who I am. But at the same time, who does that? How old are we again, people? I don't run around the place where you live tearing down your stuff!

I've never really had much confidence in people my age. I seem to relate to adults better, because I cannot stand an ounce of immaturity. Sure, I can be silly every once in a while, but most of the time I'd rather tell the screaming college girls to grow up. I do not deny that there are some pretty demented and immature adults out there as well.

Once again, another reason I'm ready to be done with this recital, school, and dorm life.

Not what I expected...

This week has not turned out like I expected. First...I came down with this crud that has me sneezing and blowing my nose like a crazy person. I can't think straight, can't focus, can't work on homework, and can't force myself to care about my pending recital.

Second: I expected my program notes to be done right now. Thank you so much, cold, for the interruption. I should work on them tonight. Hopefully.

Part of me wishes the recital was this weekend so I could get it over with. The other part of me is so glad it isn't, because there are a few things I need to wrap up.

However, high point of the day: my dress is in my possession. Hooray! My girlfriends are coming over to see it later this evening. Still debating on the shoes. I bought open toed ones, but then thought maybe my toes would be distracting. So then I borrowed a pair from a friend, but I'm not sure they work well. Ugh. I know! I should go buy another pair! lol.

I'm hopeless (see post below).

Shoes are my weakness.

Out of all the pairs of shoes I already own, I bought another pair of black heeled sandals tonight. I wanted something pretty to go with my recital dress. I think these will work just fine.

What was wrong with my other shoes, you ask? Nothing. Am I addicted to shoes, you ask? Unfortunately, yes.

Second addiction: earrings. Though my urge to buy earrings has faded since high school, I found that I couldn't resist a buy 2 pairs for $12 deal at New York and Company today. I keep stealing my sister's earrings every time I go home, so I thought I'd buy a few pairs that were a little out of the ordinary for myself. I like them.

Wish I could put pics of the shoes on here, but I can't find one that will let me copy. They're cute. We'll leave it at that.

Mother Nature is throwing a temper tantrum all over the Midwest.

That was my funny quote from yesterday. Somehow, all in the same state, we had blizzard warnings, tornadoes, and flooding all in the same evening. Weird.

I'm sort of on spring break. I've decided this week will be good for getting caught up/working ahead on school work. It somewhat doesn't really feel like break except for the lack of classes and a room to myself. Pretty nice.

I licked a monster in an elevator because I think I need serious help.

Type out the sentence you end up with in the TITLE of your note

Pick the month you were born:
January-------I kicked
February------I loved
March--------I karate chopped
April----------I licked
May----------I jumped on
June----------I smelled
July-----------I did the Macarena With
August--------I had lunch with
September----I danced with
October-------I sang to
November-----I yelled at
December-----I ran over

Pick the day (number) you were born on:
1-------a birdbath
2-------a monster
3-------a phone
4-------a fork
5-------a snowman
6-------a gangster
7-------my mobile phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friends' boyfriend
10-------my neighbour
11-------my science teacher
12-------a banana
13-------a fireman
14-------a stuffed animal
15-------a goat
16-------a pickle
17-------your mom
18-------a spoon
19------ - a smurf
20-------a baseball bat
21-------a ninja
22-------Chuck Norris
23-------a noodle
24-------a squirrel
25-------a football player
26-------my sister
27-------my brother
28-------an iPod
29-------a surfer
30-------a homeless guy
31-------a llama

What is the last number of the year you were born:
1--------- In my car
2 --------- On your car
3 ----------- In a hole
4 ----------- Under your bed
5 ----------- Riding a Motorcycle
6 --------- sliding down a hill
7 --------- in an elevator
8---------- at the dinner table
9 -------- In line at the bank
0 -------- in your bathroom

Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:
White---------because I'm cool like that
Black---------because that's how I roll.
Pink-----------because I'm NOT crazy.
Red-----------because the voices told me to.
Blue-----------because I'm sexy and I do what I want
Green---------because I think I need some serious help.
Purple---------because I'm AWESOME!
Gray----------because Big Bird said to and he's my leader.
Yellow--------because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars
Orange--------because my family thinks I'm stupid anyway.
Brown---------because I can.
Other----------because I'm a Ninja!
None----------because I can't control myself!

Now type out the sentence you made, in the TITLE line .

Feel bad

I think I just made the right choice, but I still feel bad about it.

I'm supposed to be tutoring a student for my grad Literacy education class. I was paired with a student from an after school program at one of the middle schools. I met her three weeks ago. I haven't seen her since.

Two weeks ago I drove to this middle school only to discover they had no school. Last week I drove there to find she wasn't there that day. I'm supposed to be meeting with her on a weekly basis.

This week I contacted a school counselor from a different middle school to see if she had another student I could be paired with. I just called the after school program to tell them I wouldn't be coming to tutor this girl anymore. I feel really bad about it, but I need a weekly appointment I can count on.

Am I a jerk?

The first of the lasts.

Hello faithful followers. I apologize for neglecting you.

These last few weeks I haven't even been able to sleep enough let alone keep up on my blog.

I'm finding that I've come upon the first of the lasts. Let me explain.
The University of Sioux Falls theater and music departments are putting on "The Producers" by Mel Brooks this week. I'm playing in the orchestra (which I love) and tonight will be our third out of the five performances.

I was talking to the saxophone player between acts last night, and she was saying how excited she was that we only had three performances left. It just hit me that these will be my last three musical theater performances at USF.

Yes, I have been complaining for the last two weeks about going to practices. Yes, I hate how disorganized the whole musical process has been. But once we hit the performances, everything falls together. Sure, nothing is perfect, but it is so much fun. I'm going to miss it.

I only have about ten more months left of being a college student. I'm terrified and excited at the same time. Part of me thinks: I've been a student for seventeen years! I don't know how to be anything else! The other part of me thinks: I'VE BEEN A STUDENT FOR SEVENTEEN YEARS! IT'S TIME TO BE SOMETHING ELSE!

Things are wrapping up so fast. February is waving goodbye to me as I write this blog post. I have less than two months until my senior flute recital. Only a couple more band concerts. Only a few more big projects. I'm overwhelmed.

In spite of the fact that I hate change, and the transition between college and the work force will be difficult for me, I think I'll be ready when the time comes. It's such a weird feeling. I remember the same stuff going through my head after high school. I was done, ready to move on, scared, but excited. Now I can barely remember high school, and I'm thankful I don't have to relive that experience. Will college end up being the same? A distant memory that I'm thankful I got away from?

Thanks for plowing through my ramblings. I was having a rhetorical conversation with myself. Ha ha! Producers reference!

Stop the roller coaster! I want to get off!

I have an overwhelmingly large amount of things to do, and I can't even begin to figure out how it's all going to get done.

I feel like I don't have a life, and the one I do have is consumed by these crazy projects.

Last semester, you better go by fast.

Dear Governor Rounds

Governor Rounds,

I have to say I am very disturbed by some of the proposed budget cuts for the state of South Dakota. Though there are many topics that I could write about, the one I choose to write about today is the elimination of funding and therefore the closing of the South Dakota Arts Council. This would make us the only state in the country without some sort of Arts Council.

As an upcoming educator, I'm very concerned what this means for the students of the state. The arts are something that everyone should have the opportunity to learn about and enjoy. It seems like when money gets tight, the fine art programs get the boot. I'm tired of it.

The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra receives much of their funding from the Arts Council, and their programs will be cut down drastically with this proposed budget. The South Dakota Symphony is one of the greatest things that South Dakota has to offer in terms of music. Taking this away from adults and children alike is not a smart move.

I realize this country is facing major hardships. Everyone has to cut back somewhere. I believe the biggest mistake would be to cut back on the arts programs. The next generation of musicians, artists, actors, dancers, etc. cannot have these opportunities taken away from them.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Shannon Smith

Memories

Just recently I went through some old blog posts. It was pretty interesting, because I'd forgotten I'd been involved in some things. It seems like parts of my life are a blur.

Tonight I looked at some mission trip pictures from high school. I really can't believe that was four years ago. Seems like a lifetime.

Tech Support

I spent at least half the day at work on the phone with two different tech support guys. Why? Because my computer was not functioning properly.

I decided I would hate to be a tech support person. You talk to people on the phone and sit for an uncomfortable amount of silence while waiting for the person's computer to do what it needs to do. It's crazy.

Though both guys I talked to today were very helpful, I didn't get started actually working on stuff until about noon. So...I stayed late to finish some stuff.

Hope I can get home early tomorrow.

Inspiring Words

Last Interim, I took a Black American History class. One of the required books was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s collection of sermons: "Strength to Love." If you haven't read this book,please put it on your "I'm going to read it before I die" list. I kept it after my class was over.

I've got one of my quotes in my info section, but I leave this passage with you to think about.

"At times we may feel that we do not need God, but on the day when the storms of disappointment rage, the winds of disaster blow, and the tidal waves of grief beat against our lives, if we do not have a deep and patient faith our emotional lives will be ripped to shreds. There is so much frustration in the wold because we have relied on gods rather than God. We have genuflected before the god of science only to find that it has given us the atomic bomb, producing fears and anxieties that science can never mitigate. We have worshiped the god of pleasure only to discover that thrills play out and sensations are short-lived. We have bowed before the god of money only to learn that there are such things as love and friendship that money cannot buy and that in a world of possible depressions, stock market crashes, and bad business investments, money is a rather uncertain deity. These transitory gods are not able to save us or bring happiness to the human heart.

Only God is able. It is faith in him that we must rediscover. With this faith we can transform bleak and desolate valleys into sunlit paths of joy and bring new light into the dark caverns of pessimism. Is someone here moving toward the twilight of life and fearful of that which we call death? Why be afraid? God is able. Is someone here on the brink of despair because of the death of a loved one, the breaking of a marriage, or the waywardness of a child? Why despair? God is able to give you the power to endure that which cannot be changed. Is someone her anxious because of band health? Why be anxious? Come what may, God is able" (p. 112-113).

Come what may, God is able.

Scholarships

I've been scouting the scholarship field again since most of my current aid is ending after this semester. I've found a few to apply for, but I've found myself just burnt out on the whole idea.

I don't really feel like I have any unique circumstances or outstanding qualities to wow the scholarship panels with. Most of the awards are only given to a few people each year. I know I need the money, but I feel like it's a waste of time.

If only I could have made it out of here in four years, but I honestly cannot imagine student teaching this spring, either.

Oh well. It will all turn out the way it's supposed to. Even if I'm up to my ears in debt for the rest of my life. Whoever decided college should be so expensive must have been nuts.

New Haircut!

I got a new haircut Thursday, and it didn't cost me a penny. :)

Jonathan gave me a gift card for Christmas to a salon I'd been wanting to try. I got a wonderful scalp massage, a reconditioning treatment, haircut, and style. Below are the results.
The top two pics are the style I came out of the salon with. Pretty cute, something I've done by myself before. The bottom two are the straightened version from Friday.

Pretty snow

The winter weather has put me in a sleepy state. It snowed most of the day today, which really didn't matter to me. I was inside most of the time.

Work was...work. I spent most of the day on one project. I've decided that the thing I have the least amount of patience with is machines that don't work properly. I spent a good chunk of time trying to fax a bunch of stuff...and the fax was busy, or wouldn't go through. I ended up just shoving them in envelopes and mailing them.

Also, my computer seems to play a game with me. Whenever it gets to about half an hour before I'm supposed to go home...everything starts stalling out. When I finally get everything to work and finish the tasks I need to, it's already a half an hour to an hour after I meant to leave. Very frustrating.

I don't mind the hours, or the extra money. However, I do mind that I needed to spend that time on other things--like my portfolio that I keep procrastinating.

Planning on going to bed in about an hour and 15 minutes. Looking forward to the sleep.

Picky picky

I'm trying to pick out my last song for my recital, and I'm having trouble.

My last piece is a Latin jazz piece. I have a book of transcriptions from some of Nestor Torres work. I've got two songs tagged. I just keep listening to them over and over trying to figure it out.

The one that I really want to do is a little more difficult. It would take a little bit of work. On one hand, I do have some time.

The second choice is a little easier, but still really fun.

Decisions decisions.

Poll

Quick poll to everyone:

If someone else sets something of theirs onto your desk...does it become yours?

Circle:

Yes or No.


Wait, you can't. Anyway, first day with everyone back and I'm already fighting for parking spots, finding random people's crap on my desk, and wanting to go to bed but knowing as soon as I do that at least 3 people will come into my room.

Love college. Tired of the dorms.

A little slick

The Sioux Empire was an ice skating rink today. Jonathan and I went to worship practice today, and did a little skating in the church parking lot.

Yes, worship practice. I'm singing on the worship team this Sunday. Somewhat nervous about it, but not too bad. It's just been years since I've done this sort of thing. Although, if I just keep singing and not be a "baby rattler" as Gabrielle calls me, I think I'll be ok. Gabrielle is the worship leader's 5 year old daughter. Apparently Zoe (his other daughter) and I were not singing at all, and we were baby rattlers. Hee hee.

After worship practice, we went to Jonathan's apartment, and I started a mound of laundry. We also vacuumed, and cleaned the kitchen a bit. It looks nice.

Needing some ZZZZZ's

How ironic. Last night, I could barely stay awake for the new year to roll around.

And tonight...I can't fall asleep.

I just finished reading the book "Fireproof," based on the movie that came out recently. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope to see the movie soon. The book has made me think an awful lot lately. I've had many people tell me that marriage is hard, very hard in fact. Yet, young couples rush off as soon as possible to say their vows and start their new lives.

The divorce rate is 50%. That alone should make someone think seriously about the fact that marriage isn't a walk in the park.

I don't really know what to think about all the Christmas engagements I've learned of in the last week. I'd like to be truly happy for these couples. But part of me wonders if half of them really know what they're getting into.

I cannot be an expert. I'm not married. But I do know that love is not just a mushy feeling. It's a daily decision, and an action. I don't think a lot of people realize this.

Just recently, I was talking to someone. The conversation turned to a gentleman and his wife who went to our church, but recently passed away. He said this couple had been together for something like 80 years. Both were in their 90's, and were married probably in the 18 to 20 year old range.

It's couples like this that give me a little hope. I'm sure they had their moments, maybe even years where things weren't so great. But 80 years! God used them as wonderful tools on this earth, both for each other as husband and wife, but also as servants for His world.

I'm not sure what else to say, other than I'll cut this short so I can get some sleep before work tomorrow. Happy New Year to all of my readers, as I know there are millions of you (ha ha). If you haven't seen the Fireproof movie, you should. Goodnight!