Life, Love, and Other Ministries

Day 3 & 4

2010-01-07T19:45:00.002-05:00

Some students are energy suckers.

Basically, the freshmen girls on Wednesday made me give them all my energy and gave me nothing back. It drained me. I was exhausted for the rest of the day.

Thursday, despite the fact that snow was falling EVERYWHERE, we didn't have any sort of delay or early dismissal. I was able to teach quite a bit and LOVED IT! I got three compliments from Porter (which is a big deal from him) which I will keep for those days when it sucks and I feel like I can do nothing right. I really enjoyed the day. Their musical auditions are Monday, so I've been helping kids all week early in the morning with their audition songs. It's so weird to be on this side of the audition.

Tomorrow's a 2-hour delay. I'm so excited - I get to sleep in!

Day 2

2010-01-05T21:00:00.003-05:00

First day with students and not only was I late because of traffic, I had one of those moments from the checklist "Things they don't teach you in college about teaching" today during third period.

During warm-ups with the freshmen girls choir, Porter and Mullen were in their offices (which is down the hall from the choir room). I'm in the middle of an exercise with the girls, I see a girl in the second row start yawning. Being the smart ass that I am, I ask "Are we keeping you up?" Mind you it's 9:30 in the morning and the first day back from break; I say these things in jest, of course. Then we modulate the exercise two more times and then I see it.

She threw up in her hands and it spilled to the floor.

Once we locked eyes, I pointed to the door and she ran out. I had the other girls sit down and ran to get Porter and Mullen. After moving the girls to another room, they called the custodians to clean up the mess and left me with the girls. Since the lesson plan was then thrown out the window, I did some Takademi sight reading and when that was done we kept going.

Porter actually paid me a compliment and said I handled it well. Then he told the next class to watch out because I was just as agressive of a teacher as he is. I'll take it!

Day 1

2010-01-04T20:44:00.002-05:00

7:30 a.m. arrival - check.
11:30 a.m. staff lunch - check.
3:00 p.m. depart after a day full of picking literature, laughing and lesson planning - check.
Hour of cardio at the gym - check.
Grocery shopping - check.
Two hour meeting at church - check.
A great first day of teaching - CHECK!

Since the students weren't there today, we spent the day getting music ready for tomorrow and lesson planning. It's gonna be a fun semester.

READY. SET. GO!

Tomorrow is the day...

2010-01-03T20:11:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow starts student teaching. It's slowly sinking in that this is starting the rest of my "work" life. Wow. No more sleeping in and forever getting up early. Oh joy. This should be fun. Here's the start of the journey!

5 days to go...

2009-12-29T19:54:00.003-05:00

My student teaching starts in 5 days and I'm starting to freak out. I hope to update this blog as frequently as I can with stories and trials from student teaching. This is it - the end of the road. Soon enough I'll start having to look for jobs and figure out where I want to start looking. My life's about to go through a crazy few months ahead and I hope to document it here!!

Keep checking back for updates!

UPDATE!

2009-10-28T21:39:00.002-04:00

Wow, it's been a while (thanks for reminding me Debbie) since I've last posted. I've been going to physical therapy for my knee and it seems to be helping out a lot. I passed my recital hearing the other day, so I will be able to give my Senior recital in November. I've also been going to practicum two days a week at HSE and love it! I actually enjoy my time there and have been getting some good hours. Voice lessons are going well, however piano lessons are another story. I keep finding ways to get around practicing... I just don't want to do it... Dang it.

Kalyn's wedding is this weekend, so I'll be driving out to Wadsworth, OH tomorrow after church choir practice and spend the weekend out there. Friday morning we'll be decorating the church and heading over to the reception hall to make sure everything is up to my standards. I am the coordinator afterall. Then we'll have the reception and practice all the music considering her ceremony is a shortened GSR... Ha Ha! That's what she told me. After the dinner we're apparently going out and doing something... Saturday is the wedding and reception and then driving home so that I can be at church on Sunday morning.

I'm actually really excited for Sunday because of the music we're singing. We're doing Benedictus by Brian Lewis and then the Alleluia from The Sound of Music. That's right, the Nun's chorus! The ladies are doing it in the narthex at the end of every service. I'm so excited about it!!!

Women's Chorus had their concert last Sunday. It was beautiful. The conductor was sick the entire week before, so Wednesday and Friday rehearsals were mine. I was so greatful that she trusted me that much to put the girls in my hands during concert week. They just sing so well and I love working with them. That's what makes me want to be a teacher.

I'm getting to know my roomates better and better each day, Matt specifically. They're all very special to me and I love them all dearly - including Debbie. It had amazed me the depth of our friendship and how it feels to truly have a best friend and I couldn't ask for a better one. I know she's having to work through some things and I'm happy to be here to support her.

AND - HOLD THE FREAKIN PHONE - She's taking me to see Kristin Chenowith with the Cincinnati Symphony on November 15th for my birthday!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!

Wow, long update. God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.

And then my knee blew out.

2009-10-11T21:58:00.005-04:00

I'm reading A Little Bit Wicked by Kristin Chenoweth and her writing style reminds me so much of a conversation with a good friend and I'm sorry that it starts infuse in my personal writing.

And now for the story. Gather round and listen to the tale of the knee that just won't stay in place.

Cue fanfare, birds chirping, and a rocking chair.

Into the Woods is the brain child of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine and I play Jack and I loved it. We've done 7 performances over the past two weekends and my final performance on the Byrum stage of my college career my knee gave out. The same one that gave out during my first performance on the Byrum stage. I think it was karma. First and last show, my knee blows out. THANK GOD, I had already sung "Giants in the Sky" and was on my second to last scene of Act 1. I was having my little conversation with Little Red and while she pointed her knife at me and I leaned back, my right knee gave out making me fall off the clock, which at that point is at least 18" off stage, on to my back. I quickly pop my knee back into place and finish the scene like nothing happened and hobble off.

I was mostly upset about the fact that I had so many people there to see me and I felt like I let them all down in that one moment. My character wasn't the same after that - he suffered and I kept beating myself up over it. I wasn't thinking in the mindset of Jack, I was thinking what would be better for my knee and what would work. I know that was the right thing to do, but I kept beating myself up for letting them all down. Figures I'd be stuck in my head at a time like that...

I stayed for strike. I was in so much pain. I came back to the apartment and Matt's dad looked at it and said I should get it checked out tomorrow. So I'm still drugged up, but I'm still down about my last show sucking so much. Oh well, let it go Matthew, let it go.

Carissa was able to come up this weekend and see the show. It was so good to spend some time with her - even though it wasn't very long. It was also great to see Anna, Nick, Megan and all those who graduated recently. It was nice to see familiar faces in a new light.

While I worked the Homecoming Street fair for the Boze Lyric Theatre, I was stung by a bee under my left eye. Literally 1/8 inch below my actual eye. That was great. Way to have a great beginning of a two show Saturday. Eye swollen and red. Then the knee thing... To have nothing go wrong for such a long time to getting stung and then the knee blowing out.

Oy vey.

And then my knee blew out...

Corners Turned.

2009-10-08T21:16:00.002-04:00

I am so pleased to say that I am, for once, really proud of myself. I don't mean this in a boastful way, but I have really opened up in a strange way and allow myself to be changed "for the better", no pun intended.

I've noticed it in several places, but mainly in my voice lessons, accompanying/piano lessons, and in the musical. Fritz (my voice teacher) said for the first time he's seen me actually make a character and take him on a journey through the show. I'm so proud of the work I've done and the progress I've made this semester - farther than the last 3 years I've been here.

The show's been going great and there are three more performances left! All during Homecoming and there will be A TON of people there. I'm so excited to do this for people who love me and know where I've come from.

I've been able to get really close to my roommates this year so far as well. I love them all dearly and they are my brothers. Tonight I made apple crisp and so we're having coffee and apple crisp with vainlla ice cream with Debbie and Meaghan. Should be a fun night!

There's so much more to post, but people are coming over and I need to go be a good host!

Come see the show!

Taking Chances

2009-09-28T16:29:00.004-04:00

Into the Woods opens this week. Friday to be exact. I'm scared, well excited, and scared. I've waited so long for this show to come into my life (it sounds like a relationship and we're about to walk down the aisle...) and it's finally here. I'm nervous. I can't wait to sing the snot out of the role, but I gotta stay on my toes.

If you want to get tickets:
Friday, October 2 - 7:30 pm
Saturday, October 3 - 2:30 & 7:30 pm
Sunday, October 4 - 2:30 pm
Saturday, October 10 - 2:30 (Family Matinee - Children 12 & under free with an Adult) & 7:30 pm
Sunday, October 11 - 2:30 pm

Ticket Pricing/Information:
Adults - $12
Senior/Military - $10
Children/Students (with valid ID) - $5

To Purchase:
765-641-4351

In other news, I made a decision - a bonified choice where I don't regret any consequences that may come from it. It's the best decision I've made in my life and I'm so happy. The wall is gone and I can finally breathe. For the first time 23 years, I'm me. Matthew R. Hougland has finally entered the world and I'm so glad to be here.

I leave you with these words that have helped me this week:

"What do you say to taking chances?
What do you say to jumping off the edge?
Never knowing if there's solid ground below, or hand to hold, or hell to pay.
What do you say?"

I say take the chance. It might suprise you.

Quick Update

2009-09-22T17:56:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been a while since I've updated... That's what I get for being in a musical and it taking away all my time....

Bullet list (because I love them that much):

Into The Woods opens in 10 days. CRAP.
Voice lessons are going so well - Senior Recital - November 21, 5pm
RUSH week was awesome! We got a great group of new guys to join our brotherhood and I'm so glad I can be a part of that this year!
I'm trying really hard not to get bogged down in the small stuff, but it's proving harder than I thought.
Had an "eye opening" conversation with one of my friends this past weekend. It was one of those conversations that makes you think about yourself and where you stand on certain issues. I've been doing a lot of soul searching the past few days and I'm scared of what I'm finding...

That's all I have time for... Now back to rehearsal, but first a few lines from Gershwin:

"I do not care if that day arrives

That dream need never be

If the ship I sing

Doesn't also bring

My own true love to me"

-Lady in the Dark, "My Ship

Uh, oops, in one of those moods again...

2009-09-12T21:37:00.002-04:00

Darn. I hate it when I get like this. I'm going along fine and then WHAM; BOOM; POW it hits me. I'm alone. Yes, I know "truly no one is alone", but cut the crap, sometimes we just have to face the facts and say we're alone. I spent part of my day today at a car wash to support the university band I play piano in and for a long while, I remembered what it felt like to be alone while I was holding a sign and talking to God while trying not to look like a fool, with a sign, on the side of the road. After spending much of the day alone, I came back and watched a couple movies with friends. Both "romantic comedies" BARF. And that is what put me in this mood. One right after the other with the typical story line. Girl pines for some guy, he ignores her, she finally shows herself, he backtracks, then says he's sorry, and they live happily ever after. I'm sorry, but this just isn't the case. As much as I wish/hope that this could somehow, someday happen to me, I get struck with what Mrs. G tells me she would cast me as - always the funny friend, never the leading romantic type. Thank you very much (as I type each letter with a gentle frustration...)

Eugh. And then I get in my car and a sad, sappy romantic song comes over the radio. HELLO GOD, got the point. Thanks! Coming in LOUD and CRYSTAL CLEAR. And I think, what next? I'm going to go back to my apartment and find my friends together, I'll see a couple walking somewhere together, I find anyone TOGETHER... Nope. Came back to an empty apartment except for one of my roomates who is sleeping his sickness away.

I've spent most of my 22 years of existance alone. No brothers or sisters. I'm not complaining, but I'm also not rejoicing... Forgive my rants and raves, but for once, I would just like to "play the romantic lead type" and sing the song.

And you know things now...

2009-09-06T11:19:00.003-04:00

Recently I've really been dealing with what's going to happen to me once I graduate. Thankfully, my major dictates part of that - education. I can go straight into a school and start teaching. BUT I've been bit. Bit with the performance bug.

For the first time EVER, I feel like I could pursue performance. Maybe my dad was right... Don't tell him that though - not at least until he's 70. I feel like something's finally broken this year and I'm finally thinking about performance and not just going through the routines of rehearsals. I'm activally trying to find new things about my character, working on different ways to approach music, actually PRACTICING. I know, weird, right?

Mrs. G has given me compliments, personally, over the past few days and those are usually few and far between. I'm starting to think there may be a future for me in this world. After going to Beef & Boards last night to see "7 Brides for 7 Brothers" (a show I've never seen or heard the music from) it was nice to see people I knew in the show; four of them to be exact. Doug, Kenny, Kate and Kristen came out and talked with us after the show. We joked about getting us in there, but I'm not sure it was actually a joke. I think there's real potential to work there in my future. At least Debbie and I are hoping there's that chance... Just gotta lose a few more pounds and then I think I'll be ready.

I may try this - really try. We'll see. I'm excited, well excited and scared.

Quick update

2009-09-01T15:57:00.002-04:00

And again with the bullets...........

I taught choreography for one of the classes at HSE today. It went really well and I'm kind of proud of it.
My dad's cat died. My mom said she came home to see him sitting on the front porch with him in his hands sobbing. I lost it. To know my parents are in pain has to be the hardest thing to deal with emotionally from a distance.
AU Women's Chorus is using 2 of my arrangements!
Into The Woods is going really well - it's going through my head daily. It won't leave.
I have never been so excited to see a season premiere than of Glee on Fox a week from tomorrow.
Sometimes the things you most wish for are not to be touched.
I had my last first day of classes as an undergrad yesterday. It was weird, exciting but scary.
Performance career??? More to come.
I can't wait for Kalyn's wedding! It's going to be so much fun!
The former dean of the school of music bought my dinner the other night.
I LOVE rock candy.
Megahan has a kitten and I love to go over and play with it.
I miss my LA Fitness friends/cycle class.
If you know what you want, then you go and you find it and you get it and you give and you take and you bid and you bargin, or you live to regret it.

My "Ah, ha" moment.

2009-08-26T18:53:00.002-04:00

Yes, you may call me weird for having a Oprah "Ah, ha" moment, but it's true. I've been struggling with money recently - ever since my car accident back in June - it's been a constant struggle. For those of you who know me, it hasn't been something I've ever struggled with. I've always had money and I've always made do with whatever I've had and even had money in savings. It's gone. I've exhausted every resource I had. It's strange and very uncomfortable.

Yesterday after an emotional breakdown over church things, and the money stress of not having any, not owning a credit card, and the bills starting to pile up with the beginning of school, and 12-hour rehearsals of the most challenging thing I have done since Britten's Albert Herring, I had an emotional phone call to my mother. This was the first time of my "young adult" life that I have ever asked for money from my parents. Wow. And then came time to get groceries...

I went to Aldi's. I had never been to Aldi's before but I knew that it was fairly inexpensive and I could get a lot for my money and for the first time in my life I shopped with a clear budget of spend less and get more and it was then I had my "Ah, ha" moment. I can get the same stuff for a small fraction of the price without the label. And then I started thinking - this is how normal people live, or at least I'm thinking that is how "normal" people live. Please understand I'm not trying to offend anyone at this point, I'm just merely making an observation. Who knows what will come from it, but I could at least come to some conclusions that I haven't thought about before.

"And I know things now that I never knew before, not till the sky."

Early Arrival Day 5 and then some...

2009-08-15T19:03:00.002-04:00

Friday. Spirit Day. It was my last day. Kind of sad.

The kids had their perspective class meetings (Freshman, Sophomore, etc.) during the school day and it ended up working out that we lost the first three periods because the majority of the students were in that perspective class meeting.

During those times, Porter worked with the students to figure out shoe stuff and Mullen and I got to know each other better. I know I'm going to love teaching with them and can't wait to learn new things. Thursday night at choir practice, I used a new breathing exercise that we did that day at HSE, and the choir loved it!

The rest of the day was normal. I heard "Sing and Rejoice" - their song that they do voice matching with - about 50,000 times and I'm not lying. At the end of the day, Porter told me that they wanted to buy one of my choral arrangements! I was really excited, because they are very picky about who they have arrange and where they get their music from. I can't wait to hear it performed.

Later on that evening, I went to a party with my cycle class friends from LA Fitness! I love them so much - we had a blast and I actually won a prize. Random, I know. Saturday morning I spent 3 hours with Jeff and Linda going over Christmas music and we STILL didn't get it all together. That's frustrating. I've planned this music for a long time now and I would have liked for us all to be that prepared, but that's okay - I digress.

My mom and I went to Sam's today and I found a new coverlet for my bed. It's grey and I have aqua blue/teal pillows and bedskirt to match. I'm going to sound like I'm on HGTV but, I got the whole look for under $100. I'll post a pic soon.

Tomorrow at church is the first after church rehearsal for the Praise Team/Band. Just pray that it goes smoothly. I think it will, but you never can be too sure...

Early Arrival Day 4

2009-08-13T18:02:00.002-04:00

Seriously, I'm tired.

I haven't even been teaching, and for those of you who know my teaching style, I will be exhausted everyday of my student teaching. Looking forward to that one...

Yet again, had another day of observing and listening to 5-note patterns while Porter and Mullen do voice placement tests. It's nice because he asks my opinion for some of them to see if we're thinking the same part and 9 out of 10 times we were. I love his discipline style - it's actually a lot mine. Just call it out immediately and take no prisioners. LOVE IT.

Mullen uses the "Ta-ka-di-me" system for rhythm reading. Instead of the normal 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &, it's a series of syllables using the name of the system. Four sixteenth notes are "ta-ka-di-me", two eighth notes are "ta-di", quarter note "ta", etc. It transfers well to the voice since there is some vowel for the student to hold during the duration of the note. It's a lot better than clapping which can't be held for several beats. It has it's good points and bad points, but at the moment, I see more good points.

I left school and headed over to church to take my PE final and practice the organ. I'm literally exhausted. I have no energy and I didn't even teach. And that makes me scared. It was another great day talking with Porter and Mullen. I'm really lucky to be where I am for student teaching and I'm very greatful for that.

Tomorrow is a party with my friends from cycle class at LA Fitness and I'm so excited to see them and hang out one last time before I head back to school. Let's hope tomorrow, I'm not so tired.

Early Arrival Day 3

2009-08-12T18:54:00.003-04:00

THE STUDENTS CAME TODAY!!!!

So today was the first official day of school with the students. I actually had a good time. My day started with hall duty and I had to laugh because students were asking me where things were and I had no idea - I was just thankful that I knew where the offices and copy room are. Porter stood outside with me for a while and we welcomed the kids to the classroom.

The rest of the day was spent observing the first day of classes. I liked that he didn't spend time, like almost every other teacher I've ever had, reading through a syllabus or going down a laundry list of rules. He got in, introduced himself, Mrs. Mullen, myself and then started breathing/warm-up exercises. His expectations came out during the duration of the period - not on some laundry list. It was trial by doing - which is how most of us learn anyway. The kids then grasp the concept and as the teacher, you haven't wasted breath reading the list of rules once then hounding the kids the second they break the rules.

During lunch time, I got to know Mrs. Mullen since she wasn't there when I did my practicum during last year. She is the one who brought the "Ta-ka-di-me" system to HSE. It's a theory on reading music rhythms that immediately transfers to the voice better than clapping or counting. I like it, not sold on it, but it's a new thing I'm learning.

At the end of the day, Porter let me ask questions that I had about the day and the things that had happened that I questioned. Another good time to talk with him and understand his principals of teaching. Then we had student parking lot duty - we stand and watch the kids leaving the building and go into their cars and make sure they don't hurt themselves or anyone else. Then came back and he wanted me to listen in on a phone conversation with a show choir dress company. There was some sort of dispute and he wanted me to listen in on it. Another "perk" of the teaching experience!

As I was leaving the building, I got this overwhelming feeling of peace and happiness that I had chosen the correct career. I was just so excited for the things that the day had brought and was excited that I get to teach with Porter and Mullen and eventually get to have my own classroom. I just got excited and slightly "geeky" about education. Carissa said it perfect, "You had such a happiness in your voice when you talked about your chosen career, I had to save the voicemail." Thanks.

After that, I had my physical final for my physical education class. We did a treadmill/bodyfat test at the beginning of the summer and we needed to improve by the end for a portion of our grade. I am happy to report that I lost 12 pounds, 2 % body fat and my heart rate is a lot less than it was during the treadmill test. All in all, a really good thing!

I spent the rest of the day talking on the phone with Adam, Sanders, and Carissa. I love catching up with friends... I just wish they were around and we could hang out more, but alas, that's the way things go. That's it for today - tomorrow is a lot more of the same!

Early Arrival Day 2

2009-08-11T12:27:00.002-04:00

Day two began with meetings from 8 - 11:45. It was informative and I actually didn't die of bordem. I was introduced to the entire school by Porter as his student teacher, got my school ID where I look like a tanned marshmellow, and left by 12 noon. All in all, a good day.

In one of the meetings, one of the Assistant Principals talked about the seven habits of highly effective people... I know it's a book that was put out a while ago, but I had never heard the seven steps. I liked them, of course I can't remember them currently, but they were good.

On the home front side of things, our house is listed with a relator offically this afternoon. This is the longest process and I just wish it would be over and done with. I move into AU on the 23rd and it couldn't come sooner. I'm dying to get out of my house.

This whole student teaching/early arrival process is really strange. I remember all the student teachers I ever had and I remember the vague, "deer in the headlights" look that each one of them had. I now understand why. We're not told anything as student teachers - it's kind of a drop and go method where we just get dropped into the school and start running as soon as we hit the ground. It's scary and completely unpredictable - two things I don't like to have in my life.

Tomorrow the students come for the first day and I'll be doing nothing but observing and running to the copy center about 20 times a day... Should be interesting.

Early Arrival Day 1

2009-08-10T20:40:00.002-04:00

At AU, we are required for our student teaching experience to participate in "Early Arrival". This is the first 5 days of the school year including teacher work days. I'm student teaching second semester (Jan-May) at Hamilton Southeastern High School and for their school corp, they have two days of work days and the students don't come until Wednesday.

Today was teacher work day 1 and let's just say, I love the walls in the corner where my desk is...............

I arrived at 7:20 and did paperwork for my background check and started walking down to the music office where I was going to meet Mr. Porter (my supervising teacher) and find out what the day will involve. As soon as I get there, I hear "Matthew Hougland, please report to the front office" come over the loud speaker. Two things, first, I immediately thought I was in trouble. Second, I felt like I was back in high school. No sooner did I realize what was going on, Porter ran around the corner and said "We gotta go. RUN!" Yet again, no sooner than I realized what he had said, he was running half way down the hall. Apparently, we were late (his fault) for a meeting at Fishers High School.

We arrived at Fishers and started down the hall to the gym. I had no idea what to expect. Down this hall, there were several banks, financial groups, textbook companies and reps from each school to have the teachers sign back up for the union, Indiana State Teachers Association. Then we went into the gym after meeting several people including Mrs. Mullen who team-teaches with Porter and I had never met. The Superintendent, School Board President, ISTA President all spoke and we watched a motivational video about the school district.

We drove back and Porter gave me a tour of the school and that's where everything came to a screaching hault. He said he didn't quite understand why AU had us come to the teacher work days because there isn't a lot for us to do. So I stared at the wall, doodled, and read through the EA packet from AU at least 3 times. He told me to take a long lunch, which I did - went to church and played through new organ music!!!!!

I came back and sat in on 3 voice auditions and loved talking shop with the two of them! Tomorrow are meetings all day that start at 8am. Can't wait!

And thus begins the rest of my life.

2009-08-08T21:11:00.002-04:00

This is it. Monday is going to be here before I know it. I start the early arrival for my student teaching on Monday and I'm scared. Granted the first two days are only teacher work days, but this begins the long path that I've been going on to get my life started as an educator. It's really here.

And because I can't seem to think about anything else, I will now go into bullet point mode of random thoughts/occurances throughout the past week:

I love my new friends from cycle class. Awesome people.
My summer is over.
Musical will start soon. AH.
Student teaching starts Monday
I love that Mary-Margaret has a blog that I can now follow and why I'm just finding it, I'm not sure.
I need to move out of my parents house ASAP. I'm gonna die or kill them - whichever one comes first.
I want to be back at AU now.
I'm growing up and it's weird.
There's a new flea market by my house. I got some dishes there the other day. They're pottery barn and only cost $8 for service for 4. HOLLER!
This week is going to be crazy.

I'll be back on Monday with updates from student teaching!

A MUST READ

2009-08-03T15:29:00.003-04:00

Seriously, this book is amazing. I'm not one to be involved with "fad diets and authors" but Suze really knows what she is talking about. This book is great for anyone who is finishing college or is already graduated. She has great tips for getting your debt taken care of - both student and credit card. I've started doing some of the things she talks about and feel like I already have a good idea what's going to happen when student loan repayments start and how to handle it all.

That being said, it's been a while since I've updated. I've gotten so busy with the most random things that I always get too tired to update. I started this to really blog about my student teaching stories, trials and tribulations. I start on Aug. 10. I have two days of teacher training then I stay for the first three student days. I'm nervous. Let's be honest about that. I don't want to mess up, but I will and the sooner I understand and accept that, the better.

Since I've been on here last, I've been gifted an organ. I had to move it myself, so Jon and Adam helped and we got it done; moved it from New Pal to Beech Grove. It's a Wurltzer Tunetone organ circa 1981. It's crazy.

Church has been going so well. I am so pleased with the way things are currently. With the musical coming up at school, I have to change rehearsal times and that of course causes friction, but it's a good one. I'm loosing two girls to college and one to a job, but I gained another! Also loosing a guitarist, but am getting another one starting tomorrow. We'll see how this goes. On Tuesday we're going over Christmas music so that those leaving for school can learn on their own. That being said, I know those girls won't have it completely learned, but at least I know that they will have listened to it at least once and will know the music.

Summer school is almost over. Two of my classes end this week and the last one doesn't until the 19th, but that's okay. It's been a long summer. I'm ready to get back, get this year over with and start my teaching life.

Can't wait to go to the state fair! Love the cotton candy and honey sticks. Yeah, about that diet and workout plan........................

Feeling like home.

2009-07-24T22:26:00.003-04:00

I have had what has to be one of the most interesting weeks I have ever experienced. It has been a week of highs and lows. I keep trying to figure out what's happening at church and finally it's dawned on me - it's out of my control, it's in God's hands. I really have to understand that and it's hard for me being a control freak. I just feel so defeated everytime I walk out of that building, and that's not the way it should be. I just can't try and fix everything, regardless if that's my job or not. I'm reminded of a Golden Girls episode where Blanche says "I'm so mad I could scream. AHHHHH" and Rose remarks how she actually screamed. That was me on Thursday night. I got in my car and actually screamed from all the pressure I feel. I have to take it away and give it to the Lord.

That being said, the high point of the week was dealing with a job possibility at my old high school. Long story short, they are looking for someone to take the position and hopefully for the year and then be able to hire me on the next year depending on what happens in this next year. I would LOVE to teach there. My mentor, who was my choir teacher, advised me about the job and I was in conversation with the principal this week. I was greatly encouraged by both of them and feel honored that they would want to hire me. This made me think about what would happen in the future and if I were to get an apartment and where and how and how I would decorate it and would I want a roomate.... The list goes on. I love that it got me thinking and makes me realize that I am REALLY close to leaving AU and getting on with my life.

I spent the past 24 hours in Anderson with close friends. Anna & Debbie, I know you're reading this! It was great to see Anna and Nick and hear about all the new things in their lives. I miss their friendship/conversation so much. It was great to see Leah as well and spend time together like the old days! After a few hours there, I went to Adam's to spend the night. We stayed up talking way too late, but it's nice to know that I can share anything and everything with him and he the same. It's nice to have friends like that, and he's one of the few. Today, Friday, I spent the day up at AU in the School of Music talking with Joani about music for Women's Chorus. She's gonna use my arrangement of "Down to the River to Pray" for the Fall concert! YAY! Then lunch with Debbie and a concert by the graduates of the Orff levels. Those people were extremely creative and made me wish I had a reason to take those courses. I don't since they're geared towards elementary students. Not much translates into a high school setting. Then after that and some packing/moving at Debbie's house, went to dinner with Anna, Nick, Leah and Debbie at Real Ha (THE BEST!) and then came home to do homework. I hate summer school, but it's almost done.

In other news, I completed my graduation application for AU and I have spent 108 credit hours on my major alone. THAT IS CRAZY - and doesn't even count my liberal arts credits.

I titled this post "Feeling like home" because as Debbie and I were driving through Anderson today, I felt like home. I have loved my time up there and with this weeks events, realizing that it is coming to an end, made me remember the good times I've had and all the good people I have met. Thanks be to God for those people and may they be with me forever.

Well, that was a fun week.

2009-07-18T22:33:00.002-04:00

Highlights of this week (apparently my life happens in bullet points):

Not only did I have to call to see if I had to report for jury duty or not every night after 5pm - I never had to go. Thank you for making my life revolve around that for no reason. I paid my civic duty and I'm done with it.
I couldn't get up to see Theo for his birthday
My parents told me I looked "poured into my clothing"
I didn't have my car until 5 pm on Friday night
I spent over 5 hours on Saturday searching/trying on dress pants, finally finding a pair that fit and my mother agreed on. Just one pair and their black.
I loved spending over 5 hours with my mom shopping for clothes for her
I got to see Katie's house - IT'S WONDERFUL!
Praise Team has dwendeled down to whoever shows up on Tuesday night - Blaire & Brittany - the two newest people on the team
Praise Band is AWESOME! - We're doing "How He Loves Us" with Debbie next Sunday
I want to teach at my old high school and wish my former teacher would the next year so that I could come and take it over in August.
ANNA'S COMING INTO TOWN!!!
I wish there was a pill that would rid me of the fat in my body. Until then, it's cycle class which I haven't been to in a few days.

Favorite tv show I'm currently watching: Storm Chasers on Discovery - IT'S AWESOME they drive backwards all the time - Carissa knows how much I love to do that

Favorite CD I'm currently listening to: 9 to 5 the broadway musical

Song I just finished arranging: 9 to 5 for mixed show choir

I've been thinking a lot about growing up in the past couple of days. It's scary, but I'm so excited. I want to leave the nest and get my own place. I want my parents to live in a maintenance free neighborhood.

So it's been a long day and I'm tired. Peace out.

[insert title here]

2009-07-12T10:01:00.002-04:00

Well, this has truly been an interesting week. After coming back from an AMAZING trip to KY with the Jenkins clan, I came back home to weirdness. There's a strange tension in our home and I'm not sure where it's coming from. Tuesday's praise team practice was challenging. I had to re-set-up the sound equipment for the 9:30 and 10:45 services. I never realized how much time it took to set those things up.

Random things about this weekend:

I miss cycle class - I couldn't go a couple times and the other times I didn't want to wake up that early.
I miss my AU friends. This is the first time I haven't seen them in weeks and I truly miss them.
My request to be defered from Jury Duty was denied because "Full-Time Student in Summer School" is not a good enough reason not to do my civic duty. AND THIS IS WHY PEOPLE DON'T REGISTER TO VOTE.
Lindsey's wedding was beautiful. The part that was not beautiful was seeing all the people from my old life that I haven't talked to in what seems like forever because of school and distance. I left the reception early, not because I wanted to, but because it was too painful to stay.
My parents ask me a million questions about my friends from high school - most of whom I don't know the various details about their lives anymore. I wish they would stop asking because I don't have the answers.
I've arranged 4 songs over the past 4 days for Women's choir. I'm bored and it's showing.
I'm slowly realizing that my next semester will be my last of college before student teaching. It's the beginning of the end. I've waited for this for so long and now I'm getting scared.
I wish pianos would stay in tune, the one at church has been flat since the day after Easter and it's not getting any better. The humidifer isn't helping - it's annoying.

There's my rant for now. I'm sure there's more.

A weekend of freedom

2009-07-06T21:21:00.002-04:00

So after getting the choral arranging bug and working for hours on a project on Saturday, I went to the party at Cindy's house from church. It was so much fun! After staying up WAY too late, I drove to church for the 1 service, yes 1 service, that went really well despite the rush to get things together. I was so proud of the praise team and they sounded AWESOME! I couldn't wait to share the news with my parents who weren't up and out of bed when I called at 11am when the service was over... Guess I'll keep the excitement to myself.

After playing the last chord on the organ postlude, I got in my car to head down to KY for the Jenkins' family 4th of July celebration. This was year 2 for me and I had a wonderful time even if it was only about 30 hours in KY - it was totally worth it. It was really nice to be down there and just spend time with people. I love Aunt Brook and was so thankful for her opening up her house to us, plus she's great to talk to. It was also nice to spend time with my sisters, Carissa, Leia and Leisha and my newly adopted brother, Brandon. I enjoy talking with them and playing Loaded Questions - Johnny Depp will never be the same. I haven't laughed that hard in a really long time and I needed that.

I came back home and found a "For Sale by Owner" sign in my front yard. I knew this was coming, but it was just weird and hit home, if you'll pardon the pun. After dealing with some other crap, I was pleased to get a call from Megan and chatted with her about life and other things for a while. What a way to end my extended weekend.

My car goes into the shop on Wednesday which means my father and I will now be sharing a car. Please pray for that. Something will go wrong at some point and something will hit the fan at some point. Just pray.

Happy 4th

2009-07-04T11:27:00.002-04:00

Well, it's rainy. Oh joy. So much for the outdoor party I was planning on going to. Guess it will be moved indoors. After cycle class this morning, I'm going to Noblesville for a 4th party with people from church, then one service Sunday morning (YAY!) and then heading down to KY for the Jenkins' family 4th of July Fun Fest! I went last year and had a blast! I can't wait to go again, except they've already been down there for a few days and I'll be joining in right in the middle of the festivities. Should be a good time.

Happy 4th everyone!

Accident update

2009-06-30T16:54:00.001-04:00

$3,000 in damages.

Insurance will cover it, but I have to pay $500 for my deductable.

Makes for a great story.

Thoughts...

2009-06-29T21:02:00.002-04:00

I've been watching/reading about Jon & Kate Plus 8. Yeah, I'll leave my "Man Card" at the door, but it's really interesting to me to see how the media and they have exploited themselves. I'm watching the recap currently which it was a montage of past 10 years in their lives. Jon was 22 and Kate 24 when they were married. HELLO - that's my age. They had their first set of twins withing the first year of marriage. That's so young. My heart just really goes out to those kids. They will always be taken care of I'm sure, but it's the thought that they won't have a "normal" family life from this point on that saddens my heart.

And of course that makes me think, is divorce really the final option? Personally, I feel that divorce is the FINAL place in a marriage. Of course, I'm 22 and have never been married let alone in a marriage-driven relationship, but I feel that I would never give up on that regardless of the amount of kids I have until I had exhausted every option. Again, that's just me.

In other news, I spent last night and today at "The Pond". Long story short, it's a pond that we visited a lot last summer with the gang from Summer '08. It was such a great time. It was nice to be back with "family". It's funny, but those girls - Carissa, Leisha, and Leia - really are my sisters. And Mama JoAnn! Gotta love her! It's nice to know that regardless of where we all are in our lives, we can always find a time that we get back together and pick up right where we left off. KY 4th of July - here we come! Of course, I'll be leaving on the 5th after church with Brandon, but it will still be 2 days with the extended Jenkins clan. Oh those summer nights...

The Accident.

2009-06-28T13:14:00.003-04:00

It's 6:30am and I'm driving through the McDonald's drive thru and I apparently didn't turn out enough, becuase I hit a stationary cement post that was bright yellow. I didn't see it and didn't make a wide enough turn because before I knew it, my mirror was broken and I was driving over a curb. The guy in the drive thru lane next to me ask me if I was okay and then told me to get out and look at the damage. Thank God everything still works - it's all cosmetic. Thank the Lord. We're gonna take it go get an appraisal and see how much it will be. If it's much more than $500, we'll have to report it to insurance since that's my deductable.

Oh life, of course this happens the day I get back from vacation on my way to church... Church was good today, gotta love a good old fashioned hymn sing. I hate being gone from there for any period of time because when I come back, I feel completely out of the loop and feel that there's always tension. Call me paranoid, but that's what I feel.

So between trying to get back in the swing of things at church, wrecking my car, and summer school, life never stops and flexiability is key.

An end to a good week.

2009-06-26T11:02:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been a while.

On Wednesday, our car's compressor was going out so that needed to be fixed. What that meant was Dad took the car to Charleston while Mom and I stayed at the house for the day. No internet and no way to get out. At least I had visited the beach that morning after I took my Psych test.

Thursday was our last day at Linchfield. Mom and I went to the beach then came back and packed the car. Isn't it funny how you seem to come back from vacation with a whole lot more than you came with?!?! Then we drove across the state to Greenville where I was born to see some family friends. It's been nice, but I'm exhausted.

Today we're going to see another family friend then start the drive home. We're driving through the night again and then we'll be home. I really want to sleep in my own bed.

The car ride yesterday was quite productive actually. I transcribed "I Will Follow Him" from Sister Act to use it at church! Ha ha. At least I'm doing something!

Not much else to report. I'm ready to go home and get back into the swing of things.

Just another Tuesday...

2009-06-23T19:53:00.003-04:00

Finally, I have time to write a little!

Monday we woke up early and went parasailing! I can't believe my parents went. It was amazing to be that high up over the ocean and how quiet it was. Just me and God time. It was awesome! Then we came back and I of course went to the beach. I spent the rest of the afternoon there while Mom and Dad did their own thing (napped and did the crosswords) at the house. We then went to Georgetown (a waste of time) and saw nothing and then headed back to Linchfield beach to see it at high tide (or low... can't remember. It was about 10pm when we went). I instantly remembered asking Mindy McAllister to prom our senior year spring break while walking along the beach one night at St. Pete Beach in Fl. Good times.

I went to bed so I could get up and get ready to head back to the beach. I decided not to go fishing. I didn't want to, but my dad did, so he went. I went to the beach, caught some rays, picked him up and took him to the dock. I came back and spent the rest of the day at the beach. I'm burnt. PRAISE THE LORD! Love that feeling! Now I'm sitting in the resort lobby with Mom waiting to go pick up dad from the dock. Should be an evening of interesting stories to hear about... Not much else is going on. Tomorrow is our last full day at the beach. I'm kind of bummed out about it, but I'll deal.

One of my favorite things about being tan by the sun: the way your fingernails and toenails look pink against the tan skin. Anyone else know what I'm talking about? Can I get an amen for that?

and Amen.

Pics

2009-06-23T14:41:00.004-04:00

The Beach at Sunrise!

Mom and Dad just after liftoff from the boat for parasailing. I love this picture

Okay, don't have much time to blog today. Didn't get a chance to get over to the clubhouse to get the internet last night and only have a few secs today. Here's some pics I've taken and edited. It's beautiful down here!

What does vacation mean to you?

2009-06-21T19:38:00.003-04:00

So after waiting around the lobby of the resort for 6 hours, we finally got into our cottage. It's amazing and really nice. Each room has its own bathroom - a suite. There are four suites with a kitchen and living room in the middle. It's really nice except there is no internet. So if I need to check my e-mails, I have to go elsewhere.

We checked in and took naps after our long, exhausting drive down. Here's the thing: when I'm on vacation at the beach, I want to spend as much time possible at the beach. My parents would rather stay in the cottage and watch tv due to the heat. That's not vacation to me - that's what they do at home, which makes me not want to get old.

After napping, my mom and I went out to grab dinner and by that time it was about 9. The closest fast food place is about 15 min away, so we went to that area of town and grabbed dinner, brought it back and went to bed.

This morning, I woke up and headed off to the beach by my self. I'm an early riser regardless if I'm on vacation or not. I went and spent 3 wonderful hours by my self at the beach. The water is beautiful and so is the weather. Then I went to pick up my parents (since we only have 1 car) and we drove to Merrells Inlet for lunch and went to a couple places around there.

Now, when I remember beach vacations, that day is spent at the beach. You stay there all day, bring drinks, lunch, whatever, but you don't leave until it's time to go out for dinner. Anyone else agree? Can I get an AMEN?

Amen. That's what I would have liked to do, but my parents don't opperate that way either. They wanted to head to the beach only later that afternoon. We headed down about 4 and stayed for a few hours. It was actually a good time. I got some reading done and some serious work on my tan - afterall, that's how you measure a vacation: the amount of tan received while there. HA!

After all this, we're going out for a late dinner, then who knows... Not a fan of that. We also planned out the rest of our time here:

Monday: Parasailing (yes, my parents wanted to parasail... this should be interesting)

Tuesday: Deep Sea Fishing excursion with Dad. 12 noon - 8:30 pm. SHOOT ME PLEASE. I don't want to go, but don't have the heart to tell him. I'd rather lay at the beach during that time. Whatever.

Wednesday: doesn't matter

Thursday: leave for my home town of Greenville, SC to see friends for the remainder of the trip.

*Side note: I now know what I would like for another tattoo. I have the "Jesus fish" on my ankle, but now I want the Palmetto Tree somewhere - I'm thinking shoulder or upper arm. It's the same image they have on their state flag:

Just the tree and moon. I love it. It completely represents how I feel about SC and is an important symbol in my life. Thoughts? Holler.

Well, it's off to the Piggly Wiggly to get some snaks/groceries. Holler out.

Slowing down... sort of.

2009-06-20T10:24:00.005-04:00

So, it's 10:24 and I'm at Litchfield By The Sea on Pawleys Island in my home state of South Carolina. That's right folks, I was born in Greenville, SC and moved to the cold state of Indiana when I was 7. I still call SC home even though I was only here a short while.

My parents and I left Indianpolis at 4:30 yesterday afternoon and drove through the night. Yep, Me + Mom + Dad + Mid-sized SUV full of luggage and necessities that my father just HAD to have + little to no sleep = aa very tired and cranky set of people. Our cottage isn't ready until 12 noon and we arrived at 6am. Not only are we all cranky, but we still have a while before we're allowed into our cottage.

The story behind where we're staying:
This is the actual cottage we're staying in. It's BEAUTIFUL, well at least on the outside. It sits on the 9th hole of the golf course. The private beach is just 2 min. away. My mother works for L. Rob Lowe, an attorney with Bose, McKinney & Evans, LLP. He owns this cottage and lets the Litchfield property management rent the cottage out to different people when he's not using it.

This place is amazing - multiple pools, beach access, fitness center about the size of LA Fitness (no cycle classes, but they do have water aerobics - my Mom is really excited about that), restaurants as well as a STARBUCKS. That's right. Starbucks just down the street from our vacation house. HOLLER!!!!

As we were talking over breakfast about what we all wanted to do this week, I realized this may be one of the first times that I'll be slowing down. I'm actually considering becoming a beach bum this week doing nothing but tanning, collecting shells, and enjoying the sound of the ocean just feet away. It's good to slow down, except for Wednesday, when I have to take a Psych test. BOO.

There's a lot more I feel like I'm forgetting to say like my Dad yelling at me for turing the wrong direction (it was the right direction, but he didn't admit that until much later) or me realizing that I may have to take care of my parents when they get older... It's just me, no siblings, just me.

On a lighter note: I'm sitting with my laptop in the lobby of the resort, my dad is falling asleep on the chair across from me and my mother is working on crosswords. Yep, that's our family vacation - a thrill a minute.

Please note: I will move back here. This is home. This feels right. There's something about being down here that makes me feel "complete" (please don't laugh - I'm serious!) Maybe it's the waves or maybe it's the ocean. Who knows!

Where to begin...

2009-06-17T16:46:00.002-04:00

Let's see, yesterday afternoon I met Brittany and Adam for lunch. I really enjoy the time I spend with them and we have wonderful, spirited conversation. Then things went for a turn in, how shall I say this, a different direction.

Adam and Brittany helped me at church get the sound system working to it's upmost. I've struggled everysince I've been there with that system and the micing. It was nice to finally get that together and for me to understand what that system does. After several hours of mixing and EQing, I think we finally got things under control.

Here's the deal. I did all of this without talking to the right people first. So needless to say, I screwed up and am now having to go back and fix some things so I don't burn any bridges.

Praise Band practice went really well despite the fact that we were moved from the sanctuary again, 2 weeks in a row. I hope from now on we can spend the entire two hours practicing. I miss that.

After a long day, I needed to relax. I went to Brittany & Pat's apartment and Adam met us and we all stayed up way too late talking, laughing, and playing board games. Then I got a call about 8 and had to put out some fires... All part of the job.

After seeing the ladies in the music office at AU and watching "Say Yes to the Dress" with Brittany, I met Debbie for lunch and shopping - SO NEEDED TODAY. Now it's off to cycle class and then celebrating my dad's 63rd birthday.

Things I've learned in the past 24 hours:

I love my friends
I don't know what I did before I met these people
ALWAYS ASK PERMISION REGARDLESS OF YOUR POSITION AT ANY JOB, ANYWHERE.
Building bridges is way easier than burning them. It may hurt, but it's better in the long run.
At some point, this will get easier - I just have to tell myself that.

Just pray for Sunday... I won't be there and I feel like something may hit the fan. It's in God's hands now.

Off to cycle the stress away.......................

Some random info...

2009-06-15T13:25:00.003-04:00

I hate summer school... 8 hours is enough to kill me/get me into trouble.
I'm procrastinating right now from one of my classes by posting this.
I bought a pair of Ed Hardy jeans last night for $20. Pretty pumped about that...
Waist size differs from brand to brand... or at least I keep telling myself that.
I HATE laundry.
I can't wait to finally understand how the sound board at church works.
I leave for SC in 4 days...
Spending 8 days alone with my parents = CHAOS
I wish there was a LA Fitness in SC so I could keep going to cycle class.

And there you have it, 5 min. of my life in bullet form. Gotta go do something else...

First Post!

2009-06-14T19:53:00.000-04:00

Well, welcome to my life. I felt I needed to start blogging about the daily activities that make me laugh and cry. We'll see how this goes.