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.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
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'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.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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 .
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 .
Thursday, February 26, 2009
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?
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?
Friday, February 20, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, February 06, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, January 30, 2009
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
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
Friday, January 23, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, January 02, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
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