I had every intention of writing at least once a month, but alas, that particular plan has gone awry. That said, I feel like it has been slightly okay for me to not write because I have been rather ridiculously busy. I think the easiest way to catch everybody up is to just do it chornologically.
I last updated at the beginning of December. In the middle I did a wonderful week of concerts (performed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, attended one on Wednesday) amid the last week of classes of the first semester. The week after that, right before flying out to Memphis for Christmas, I got engaged. ;-) I realize for most of you who are friends with me on Facebook, this is not particularly "new" news. However, I'll give you a bit more information. His name is Ben, and he's older than I am (4.5 years). He's currently driving a fuel truck for a company in the area, but he's also a licensed commercial diver. It means that he has a normal 8-5 job, which is good cause mine definitely isn't - normal, nor is it 8-5. He comes to my concerts and deals with the craziness really well, which I am incredibly lucky to have found.
After that, I headed out to Memphis. It was absolutely amazing to get to spend that much time with that portion of my family. I got to meet my niece and nephew (well, technically the children of my cousins, but close enough) as well as just get a week to relax. Plus, Mom and Dad brought the pup to Memphis so I got to see my Cady-bug.
So I came back from Memphis and then DDF took over my life. Mostly. We had an amazing fundraiser (our Random Acts of DDF) where students do all sorts of performances and we do a silent auction. It was really cool, the kids did amazing, and we made quite a darn-bit of money.
Weekend after that was the Alaska Music Educators Association, which I ran the band portion of, since I am the president of the Band Directors Association. Another year and a half of that, and then we'll go from there. It ran really well and I had a lot of good experiences (other than the whole car dying thing, but that was fixed).
Then I had two DDF tournaments, a weekend off, and two more DDF tournaments. My students did absolutely amazingly. You can read about it...
http://www.homernews.com/stories/020112/schools_ddtes.shtml#.T1GUIKvDlus (West High)
http://www.homernews.com/stories/021512/schools_ddfdaw.shtml#.T1GUHKvDlus (Service High)
http://www.homernews.com/stories/022212/schools_tcsas.shtml#.T1GUM6vDlus (State)
We had five students place in the top 5 in the state, as well as a bunch of other students who placed in the top 11. I was also awarded the 2012 DDF Coach of the Year. Personally, I think there was some sort of mistake but I feel incredibly honored. It was awesome to watch my students grow as much as they did. The only thing that was rough was that I spent the Saturday of the State Tournament (it runs Thursday-Saturday) with the nasty flu bug that was going around Homer. It was not a pleasant morning, but the afternoon was better, at least.
So now, DDF is done - at least at the high school level. I need to sit down and plan out the middle school level, as well as the rehearsal schedule for the spring play that we're doing - Chicken Every Sunday, by Julius and Philip Epstein. It's already been cast and we've done our read-through, but there's still a lot to do before we really kick into rehearsals and get going. I'm also playing percussion for Into the Woods, which is the choir musical for this year. It's been really nice to get to play, something I haven't done anywhere near enough of since I moved up here.
Next week I get to head to Texas. I haven't been down there in forever, and I haven't seen my grandma or the rest of my family in 2.5 years... so Mom and I are going to be down there for a while. It's a good way to spend spring break, and I'm excited about getting to see everybody as well as relaxing.
The wedding is in the planning stage - Pinterest is an amazing thing when it comes to this. Mom, Jenn and I have been pinning things to a wedding board for me, though I think that some of the things that are on there might be a bit silly. ;-) It's going to be in Green Bay, sometime during the summer of 2013 (the date hasn't been set just yet). We're going to do the wedding and reception down there, as well as another party when we get back to Alaska so everyone can get a chance to hang out with us, especially without having to travel to the Midwest.
That's mostly what's been keeping me busy. School is going well, and I'm excited about the music that the students have chosen (with my help) for the spring concert. This weekend I'm house-sitting, so I guess it's time to go cuddle with puppies!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Happy December!
So I'm a few days late, but I figure it's not that big of a deal. ;-) The past 3 weeks have just flown by, and I know that time will continue to do so. I've got 9 days left with students (with 3 concerts to run, and another 1 or 2 to attend) and one day of inservice. I've also got a Winter Party for DDF this Tuesday and a few other things to get taken care of before the end of the semester. I fly out to Memphis on the 22nd and get back on the 30th. I'm actually only there from the 23-29, but that would be the joy of getting to fly in and out of Homer! Honestly, it's better than driving back and forth to Anchorage (especially with what time my flights are), just means lots of quality time in the Anchorage airport overnight.
I'm excited for the family time. I haven't seen the Memphis folk in almost 5 years, and there are babies now! Mom and Dad are driving down, which also means that they get to bring Cady (cause it just wouldn't be a holiday without her!) and Jenn, and everyone else. It's going to be a lot of fun. I'm almost all done with Christmas shopping - just a few more things to get, as well as shipping a box to Jenn so I don't have to put everything in my suitcase.
Work's going pretty darn well. I'm excited for the Winter Concerts, and I think that next semester is going to bring even better things for my bands. Teaching Physical Science has definitely been a completely and totally different experience, but I suppose that I am my father's daughter - it's fun to see the students get it, especially when they realise how it impacts their lives. I know I'll be doing it second semester (I'm already starting to plan), but I have no idea what's going to be going on next year. I'm considering taking the Social Studies Praxis, just so that I'm qualified in Psychology (the minor doesn't cut it, apparently) but I wouldn't be doing that until late spring/summer, so I have a bit of time. I'll just go around and pick up all sorts of certifications. ;-)
In other news... my Packers are 12-0, which is pretty amazing. I've gotten to watch a lot of their games so far this year, and although I understand the need to not blow EVERY team out of the water, some of them have been just a little too close. ;-) Also, I'm in third place in my fantasy football league. I'm doing much better than I did last year, but just like happened last year at this time, I'm getting slammed with injuries. Not so much fun. Jenn's first, which means that we'll likely hit somewhere in the playoffs (which start next week). She's already got a bye, so I'll have to beat up on somebody (hopefully) to get to play her at some point.
DDF has been taking a little bit of a backseat (which is good since something needed to), at least competition wise. We've won the two tournaments that we've gone to this year. We have three more up in Anchorage (Jan 20-21, Jan 27-28, and Feb 10-11) before we get to State (Feb 16-18). Of course, my birthday falls between the last tournament and State, so I have a feeling that I'll just celebrate my birthday a little bit late. We also have our big fundraiser of the year the weekend that we come back from Winter Break (Jan 7), and the one open weekend in January is the Alaska Music Educators Association Conference that I get to help run, since I'm the president of the Alaska Band Directors Association. It's been really interesting watching how it all comes together.
I can't wait for Winter Break. Getting to see the family will be awesome, and I've also got things that I want to get done here. Mary and I were talking about going skiing, and I have some things I want to do at the schools to try to cut down on the extra time that I'll need to be there during January and February (since oh right... I won't have the time). Oh yea, and I can spend time with Ben. That'll be good. :)
I'm excited for the family time. I haven't seen the Memphis folk in almost 5 years, and there are babies now! Mom and Dad are driving down, which also means that they get to bring Cady (cause it just wouldn't be a holiday without her!) and Jenn, and everyone else. It's going to be a lot of fun. I'm almost all done with Christmas shopping - just a few more things to get, as well as shipping a box to Jenn so I don't have to put everything in my suitcase.
Work's going pretty darn well. I'm excited for the Winter Concerts, and I think that next semester is going to bring even better things for my bands. Teaching Physical Science has definitely been a completely and totally different experience, but I suppose that I am my father's daughter - it's fun to see the students get it, especially when they realise how it impacts their lives. I know I'll be doing it second semester (I'm already starting to plan), but I have no idea what's going to be going on next year. I'm considering taking the Social Studies Praxis, just so that I'm qualified in Psychology (the minor doesn't cut it, apparently) but I wouldn't be doing that until late spring/summer, so I have a bit of time. I'll just go around and pick up all sorts of certifications. ;-)
In other news... my Packers are 12-0, which is pretty amazing. I've gotten to watch a lot of their games so far this year, and although I understand the need to not blow EVERY team out of the water, some of them have been just a little too close. ;-) Also, I'm in third place in my fantasy football league. I'm doing much better than I did last year, but just like happened last year at this time, I'm getting slammed with injuries. Not so much fun. Jenn's first, which means that we'll likely hit somewhere in the playoffs (which start next week). She's already got a bye, so I'll have to beat up on somebody (hopefully) to get to play her at some point.
DDF has been taking a little bit of a backseat (which is good since something needed to), at least competition wise. We've won the two tournaments that we've gone to this year. We have three more up in Anchorage (Jan 20-21, Jan 27-28, and Feb 10-11) before we get to State (Feb 16-18). Of course, my birthday falls between the last tournament and State, so I have a feeling that I'll just celebrate my birthday a little bit late. We also have our big fundraiser of the year the weekend that we come back from Winter Break (Jan 7), and the one open weekend in January is the Alaska Music Educators Association Conference that I get to help run, since I'm the president of the Alaska Band Directors Association. It's been really interesting watching how it all comes together.
I can't wait for Winter Break. Getting to see the family will be awesome, and I've also got things that I want to get done here. Mary and I were talking about going skiing, and I have some things I want to do at the schools to try to cut down on the extra time that I'll need to be there during January and February (since oh right... I won't have the time). Oh yea, and I can spend time with Ben. That'll be good. :)
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Closer and closer...
Closer to the end of the semester now - the 2nd DDF tournament of the year is out of the way. Got in super late last night (well, 1:30 in the morning), but it was so incredibly worth it. We swept the Humorous Interp and Duet Acting events, as well as winning the Overall Sweepstakes (1st in Drama/Speech and 3rd in Debate) by 1 point. It was pretty amazing. I'm so proud of how well the kids did, and how focused and intent they were on everything that they did. 
I would also like to say congratulations to the Houghton Gremlin Volleyball Team - Class C Regional Champions! My dad and the rest of his team is headed off to the quarterfinals tomorrow, with the game being Tuesday night. Go here for any of you who want to read all about their trip so far. :)
Now? Preparing for All-State. I leave on Wednesday after school and will be back again early Sunday morning. Then it's a 3 day week, four days off (hurray for Thanksgiving!), two full weeks, 4 days of classes (3 concerts), an inservice... and then it's winter break. 16 days off, 6 days in Memphis with the family. I need to call the cousins this week to talk about a few things, and overall I'm really excited to get to see everyone. I also get to look for my Christmas present (yay for a new camera!) when I'm up in Anchorage this weekend and see what I can find that will work well.
We've got snow! It's really pretty now, and it makes me happy that we have it. Otherwise, fall and winter are kind of not-as-pretty because it's just grey and brown and a bit of yellow. I like the fact that we have snow. The only troublesome thing is that it also melts during the day (because it doesn't always stay warm enough) which means that a lot of the parking lots turn into ice and aren't particularly safe. But I have ice cleats that I wear, and so it's okay. Hopefully.
11 days until Thanksgiving. 32 days until Christmas. :) Almost half-way done with my third year of teaching. Still a mind-trip, sometimes. A good one, though.
I would also like to say congratulations to the Houghton Gremlin Volleyball Team - Class C Regional Champions! My dad and the rest of his team is headed off to the quarterfinals tomorrow, with the game being Tuesday night. Go here for any of you who want to read all about their trip so far. :)
Now? Preparing for All-State. I leave on Wednesday after school and will be back again early Sunday morning. Then it's a 3 day week, four days off (hurray for Thanksgiving!), two full weeks, 4 days of classes (3 concerts), an inservice... and then it's winter break. 16 days off, 6 days in Memphis with the family. I need to call the cousins this week to talk about a few things, and overall I'm really excited to get to see everyone. I also get to look for my Christmas present (yay for a new camera!) when I'm up in Anchorage this weekend and see what I can find that will work well.
We've got snow! It's really pretty now, and it makes me happy that we have it. Otherwise, fall and winter are kind of not-as-pretty because it's just grey and brown and a bit of yellow. I like the fact that we have snow. The only troublesome thing is that it also melts during the day (because it doesn't always stay warm enough) which means that a lot of the parking lots turn into ice and aren't particularly safe. But I have ice cleats that I wear, and so it's okay. Hopefully.
11 days until Thanksgiving. 32 days until Christmas. :) Almost half-way done with my third year of teaching. Still a mind-trip, sometimes. A good one, though.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
And now... it's November
Only 7 more weeks, and I'll be in Memphis for the family Christmas. It seems, in some ways, that it's rather far away - still a DDF tournament, All-State Band, and three concerts - but then I know that it's also going to fly by. I'll be half-way done with my third year of teaching. That in and of itself seems a bit strange. There are still times when I feel like I'm just out of college and not really qualified to do this.
That said - my bands did AMAZINGLY at their fall concerts this year. It was really impressive to see how well my middle school band blended and listened to each other. The high school band did very well with some difficult music, and I was so proud of how well they all stepped up and met the goals that we've decided to work on with each other. Now, we're going to keep working and improving. Winter concert is now in 5 weeks, and I know that they're going to do well.
We have one more DDF tournament next weekend. It really doesn't get crazy until after we come back from Winter Break. Big fundraiser the weekend right after (which I need to start planning this weekend), and then 4 tournaments in 5 weeks, including State. The kids are doing SO well this year, and I'm happy that the changes that we've implemented have gone well and the kids are flourishing. Success breeds success, and all that.
Unfortunately, there's not really a whole lot *new* going on here. Mostly just work and then relaxing when I'm home from work, but not really doing anything too terribly exciting. However, I'm really okay with that, at least for right now. :)
That said - my bands did AMAZINGLY at their fall concerts this year. It was really impressive to see how well my middle school band blended and listened to each other. The high school band did very well with some difficult music, and I was so proud of how well they all stepped up and met the goals that we've decided to work on with each other. Now, we're going to keep working and improving. Winter concert is now in 5 weeks, and I know that they're going to do well.
We have one more DDF tournament next weekend. It really doesn't get crazy until after we come back from Winter Break. Big fundraiser the weekend right after (which I need to start planning this weekend), and then 4 tournaments in 5 weeks, including State. The kids are doing SO well this year, and I'm happy that the changes that we've implemented have gone well and the kids are flourishing. Success breeds success, and all that.
Unfortunately, there's not really a whole lot *new* going on here. Mostly just work and then relaxing when I'm home from work, but not really doing anything too terribly exciting. However, I'm really okay with that, at least for right now. :)
Friday, October 7, 2011
It's October!
The exclamation point really does mean surprise - I have no idea how it is already October. I would like to take this chance to say Happy Birthday to my sister, all the way in Illinois... even though she has to go to class on her birthday, and my fantasy football team will beat hers... at least it will be her birthday!
This week has been a busy busy week. I suppose most of them are, but this one just seemed to fly by. DDF is now in full swing, with the first tournament being 2 weeks from today. My fall concerts are now 17 and 18 days away. Six weeks after that are the winter concerts, as well as exams. It seems very strange. The first quarter of the school year is almost done. It always goes fast, but this seems to have flown by.
However, I realize that I write a lot about school. In theory, I have a life outside of school (that means classes AND Drama, Debate and Forensics). There must be other things that I do...
Thinking...
Thinking...
To be serious though, I'm working on making sure that I have a bit more of a social life this year. I've had awesome dinners already with my friend Kathy. I'm so happy that she's back from Kwethluk (and not just because I get to house-sit for her, and she has satellite tv). Of course, I'm also spending quite a bit of time with Ben, and he's pretty good at forcing me to relax and not be focused on school so much.
Okay, so he takes my computer and phone away sometimes, but it's the thought that counts, right? (He does it in a joking way, and it is a good idea. I think. Sometimes.)
One thing that I guess I didn't realize people did not know is that I do not actually have TV up here in Alaska. There are people who do (of course, Kathy does), but I do not. There are no cable (basic or otherwise) options up here. The only option is satellite TV, which seems rather expensive when I don't really have tons of time to watch it (or keep up on my shows, or anything like that). If there was an option to just have basic cable, I'd definitely do that. However, there's not... but I do have internet at my apartment (clearly, since that's where I update from most of the time) which means that I can watch Hulu, and Netflix, and any other shows that are put up on the internet (like Big Bang Theory). Honestly, the biggest thing is just remembering to watch the shows. That's a project for this weekend. Also, Army Wives Season 5 is now up on Netflix so I have to watch all of that.
Well, that's enough about that. ;-) Time to head off and thoroughly enjoy my Friday night and the rest of my weekend!
This week has been a busy busy week. I suppose most of them are, but this one just seemed to fly by. DDF is now in full swing, with the first tournament being 2 weeks from today. My fall concerts are now 17 and 18 days away. Six weeks after that are the winter concerts, as well as exams. It seems very strange. The first quarter of the school year is almost done. It always goes fast, but this seems to have flown by.
However, I realize that I write a lot about school. In theory, I have a life outside of school (that means classes AND Drama, Debate and Forensics). There must be other things that I do...
Thinking...
Thinking...
To be serious though, I'm working on making sure that I have a bit more of a social life this year. I've had awesome dinners already with my friend Kathy. I'm so happy that she's back from Kwethluk (and not just because I get to house-sit for her, and she has satellite tv). Of course, I'm also spending quite a bit of time with Ben, and he's pretty good at forcing me to relax and not be focused on school so much.
Okay, so he takes my computer and phone away sometimes, but it's the thought that counts, right? (He does it in a joking way, and it is a good idea. I think. Sometimes.)
One thing that I guess I didn't realize people did not know is that I do not actually have TV up here in Alaska. There are people who do (of course, Kathy does), but I do not. There are no cable (basic or otherwise) options up here. The only option is satellite TV, which seems rather expensive when I don't really have tons of time to watch it (or keep up on my shows, or anything like that). If there was an option to just have basic cable, I'd definitely do that. However, there's not... but I do have internet at my apartment (clearly, since that's where I update from most of the time) which means that I can watch Hulu, and Netflix, and any other shows that are put up on the internet (like Big Bang Theory). Honestly, the biggest thing is just remembering to watch the shows. That's a project for this weekend. Also, Army Wives Season 5 is now up on Netflix so I have to watch all of that.
Well, that's enough about that. ;-) Time to head off and thoroughly enjoy my Friday night and the rest of my weekend!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Happy Fall!
The calendar officially says that it's fall, as does the weather. Had to go out early this morning to start the car so that it could warm up, and the frost could melt. This is my favorite time of the year. There's enough of a chill in the air that bundling up is wonderful, but it's not completely and totally frigid every time you walk outside. The leaves are ablaze with color (making me miss Houghton more and less at the same time), and driving around time makes me remember why I love fall. It is truly my favorite season.
Updates on the rest of life...
This past Sunday marked 6 months for Ben and me. The momentous holiday was celebrated with my Packers winning (and his Seahawks), pizza, and watching Big Bang Theory on DVD. In general, a very relaxing day, mostly because I've been sick. I actually went to the doctor yesterday, and she did not make much sense ("I think it's viral, so here's an antibiotic"), but I am hoping that I got the right stuff that will help me kick whatever this is. Here's to hoping!
School's going pretty darn well. We're three weeks out from the first concert, and the students are sufficiently worried to practice all weekend (and really sufficiently prepared that we will be fine). My Beginning Band can now play 5 notes, though the true test will be next Thursday - we'll see how much they can accomplish on their own. It's going to become very important, because I see them on Thursday and Friday every week, which gives them plenty of time to either practice or forget. We'll see...
Physical Science has done three labs so far, and we have our first test on Tuesday. I have to make up a review worksheet this weekend, but the test is already done. Thankfully the worksheet shouldn't take too long - I'll get that done on Sunday after my Packers destroy the Broncos.
In short, other than being sick, things are going pretty darn well. It's a good year, and I'm working to try to keep up a social life on top of all the classes (oh yeah, and the biggest Drama, Debate and Forensics team in a while... with a tournament 3 weeks from today). Yay for being busy!
Updates on the rest of life...
This past Sunday marked 6 months for Ben and me. The momentous holiday was celebrated with my Packers winning (and his Seahawks), pizza, and watching Big Bang Theory on DVD. In general, a very relaxing day, mostly because I've been sick. I actually went to the doctor yesterday, and she did not make much sense ("I think it's viral, so here's an antibiotic"), but I am hoping that I got the right stuff that will help me kick whatever this is. Here's to hoping!
School's going pretty darn well. We're three weeks out from the first concert, and the students are sufficiently worried to practice all weekend (and really sufficiently prepared that we will be fine). My Beginning Band can now play 5 notes, though the true test will be next Thursday - we'll see how much they can accomplish on their own. It's going to become very important, because I see them on Thursday and Friday every week, which gives them plenty of time to either practice or forget. We'll see...
Physical Science has done three labs so far, and we have our first test on Tuesday. I have to make up a review worksheet this weekend, but the test is already done. Thankfully the worksheet shouldn't take too long - I'll get that done on Sunday after my Packers destroy the Broncos.
In short, other than being sick, things are going pretty darn well. It's a good year, and I'm working to try to keep up a social life on top of all the classes (oh yeah, and the biggest Drama, Debate and Forensics team in a while... with a tournament 3 weeks from today). Yay for being busy!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Fall is in the air!
The temperature is starting to drop and the leaves are starting to change - fall just may be my favorite season. It's nice to be able to wear sweaters and watch movies nestled under blankets. There's a chill in the air, although I have to say that the afternoons and early evenings are still warm enough that I tend to leave my jacket behind.
Things seem to be settling down into a routine as everything gets going. I started 5th and 6th grade band at one of the elementary schools this week, and it's going pretty well so far. Parents may not like me so much - all we learned this week was how to squeak/squawk/siren on our mouthpieces (depending on the instrument), however on Thursday we'll learn how to put all of our instruments together. Then they'll be making all sorts of wonderful other noises for their parents to love.
In other band news, my middle school and high school bands are amazing me. My 7th graders played through an entire song yesterday, so we're moving onto harder music this week. My 8th graders have played through (at slow tempos) two of the songs we're going to do for the concert. My high schoolers read through two songs that are grade 4 or so that we may end up doing for the concert, we'll see. I'm so proud of the work that they've put in to get to where they are.
Physical Science is going pretty well. This week is "Adopt-An-Element", which also means that I'll have more planning time with my co-teacher while the students are working on the computer. I'm excited for all of the different things that I'm going to be able to do with this class, and having more planning time will definitely be nice.
Drama, Debate and Forensics looks like it's going to be a great year. I've got to make up a few more information packets - the 25 that I copied to begin with are gone and I've had others ask questions about getting the packets, so I need to copy those. It's going to be a big team this year, which means that it's going to be a lot of fun. Crazy, and super busy, but fun.
I don't have much of a life other than that, at the moment. Spending time relaxing when I'm able, but I do like staying pretty busy. Supposedly, it keeps me out of trouble.
Things seem to be settling down into a routine as everything gets going. I started 5th and 6th grade band at one of the elementary schools this week, and it's going pretty well so far. Parents may not like me so much - all we learned this week was how to squeak/squawk/siren on our mouthpieces (depending on the instrument), however on Thursday we'll learn how to put all of our instruments together. Then they'll be making all sorts of wonderful other noises for their parents to love.
In other band news, my middle school and high school bands are amazing me. My 7th graders played through an entire song yesterday, so we're moving onto harder music this week. My 8th graders have played through (at slow tempos) two of the songs we're going to do for the concert. My high schoolers read through two songs that are grade 4 or so that we may end up doing for the concert, we'll see. I'm so proud of the work that they've put in to get to where they are.
Physical Science is going pretty well. This week is "Adopt-An-Element", which also means that I'll have more planning time with my co-teacher while the students are working on the computer. I'm excited for all of the different things that I'm going to be able to do with this class, and having more planning time will definitely be nice.
Drama, Debate and Forensics looks like it's going to be a great year. I've got to make up a few more information packets - the 25 that I copied to begin with are gone and I've had others ask questions about getting the packets, so I need to copy those. It's going to be a big team this year, which means that it's going to be a lot of fun. Crazy, and super busy, but fun.
I don't have much of a life other than that, at the moment. Spending time relaxing when I'm able, but I do like staying pretty busy. Supposedly, it keeps me out of trouble.
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