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).