A World of Difference

Alright, my lovely little friends!  I know, I know, another really long hiatus since my last post.  Just, between subbing almost every single day, Petco for countless hours each week, and this whole house, moving, thing (I’ll talk about that soon, but not tonight!), I don’t have a single minute to myself.  But, for those of you that saw my abridged version of what happened this week and want to read the full story, well here you go!  For those of you that have no idea what I am talking about but wish to read an amazing account of what happened to me this week, then read on.  This is the story about a young man and a young teacher and the week that changed everything.  Okay, okay, I know that was supremely cheesy, but it’s true.  Here we go!  For the purpose of identities, I am renaming the young student, Mark.

 

Before Monday: Mark is a 7th grader.  He is one of the students of my former 5th grade teacher who now teaches middle school AIS Reading classes (SO weird to see him in that environment!).  I have been subbing for this teacher a lot this year, even though I am a music teacher.  Why, do you ask?  This teacher was one of my biggest cheerleaders, motivators, and mentors I have ever had.  From 5th grade to now, I have been blessed to have him in my life; first as a teacher, then a mentor, and now, a friend.  So, of course, I would sub for him in an instant.  Now, back to the story.  In one of my teacher’s 7th grade AIS classes, there is a student named Mark.  He is one of those evil , demonic children that makes you want to give up teaching and become an accountant.  He had given me nothing but trouble.  He fights with kids in his class (verbally and physically), swears at you (the teacher), bullies the other kids, refuses to listen, throws things, throws tantrums, and screams at you because he doesn’t want to do anything, mocks you when teaching, pretty much anything possible to make you feel like the worst person, and worst teacher in the world.  I literally would drive home from days with his class, in tears, blaming myself for why I couldn’t get respect from him, and why I couldn’t control the class once he got them riled up.  At one point, I had thought of refusing jobs from my old teacher, that’s how sad I was at the end of the day.  When I was told last week that I would be subbing for this teacher all week, including Mark’s class, AND proctoring all of Mark’s Math exams, I wanted to just crawl into a hole.  So, I mentally prepared myself for Monday.

 

Monday, April 23rd: I walked into school Monday, prepared to teach 7th grade AIS classes while my former teacher proctored make-up ELA exams.  He told me that Mark had been suspended the week before for getting into a fist-fight and that he wasn’t sure he would be back in school.  I rolled my eyes, but thought, ‘okay, not surprised.  Maybe I won’t have to teach him this week’.  I helped proctor some exams in the morning, then prepared for my dreaded class.  On our way that morning to an exam, my former teacher and I ran into Mark at his locker, and my heart sank.  My teacher asked him how he thought he did on the ELA, and, surprisingly, Mark looked defeated.  I became confused, but did not ask questions as I heard him tell my teacher that he did not have enough time to answer the questions and that he thought the test was stupid.  Again, I was not surprised.  So, afternoon came, and my trouble class came in.  We had a lot of work to get through because the ELA tests put them behind.  We got through vocab words, and I decided to give them a choice on reading this short story together as one large group, or in separate groups (or individually if they so chose).  Surprisingly, everyone wanted the separate groups, EXCEPT Mark.  He raised his hand for the large group and then complained and argued that he didn’t want to do small groups.  Part of me wanted to just tell him to deal with it, that majority ruled, but, something in me told me that there was more to it.  So, when all the groups began, I went over to Mark.  I asked him why he didn’t want to read in a smaller group.  At first he replied with his fallback, “because it’s stupid”.  I told him that that answer was not allowed and that he could tell me anything.  Finally, he said, so quietly I could barely hear him, “because I don’t read well, and don’t want to read with any of them”.  It took me by complete surprise.  I asked him if he wanted me to read with him.  He said “no”, but that he would like me to check in with him to help him with words he might not know.  I was more than happy to do that, and tried to hide my surprise.  He was fairly well behaved, but still caused a few issues.  Still, that one glimpse behind that tough exterior made me realize that I didn’t know him at all.

 

Tuesday: Thought about Mark a lot and whether or not the day before had been a fluke.  I saw him in the hall and said hello, to which he looked at me and walked away, so I began thinking it had all happened in my head.  oh well.  The rest of the day passed without incident.

 

Wednesday: The first of the math exams.  I only had two students testing in my room, Mark, and a girl, umm, Sarah.  My former teacher was really absent that day, so I wasn’t going to get any guidance (though he was just as confused as I about the Mark thing).  I picked them both up from their homerooms and brought them to my room.  We couldn’t start for a while as Mark was eating his breakfast, so we just talked.  Talked about family, and brothers, and I found out that Mark had been bounced from foster home to foster home before finally being adopted with his brother.  I made a mental note as that would make so much sense!  We started the test, and I took my place in the corner and watched them (as we aren’t allowed to do anything else!).  I saw Mark try to figure out the questions and saw him giving up.  There wasn’t much for me to do but keep telling him to continue on and do his best.  The whole time, I felt awful.  The test went on for forever, and I was glad it was over.

 

Thursday: I decided to pick up Mark first that morning.  As we were walking to Sarah’s room, I was telling him that he could do this test, and to just take his time-that I knew he could do it.  He looked at me and said, “Miss Bradford?  I know I’m not smart, but I’m not blind.  I know my teachers are worried about these tests and that I’m going to mess them up.  I’m a known screw-up.  I can’t do this.”  I wanted to cry.  Another layer was being torn down.  I said, “Mark, listen to me.  You are a good kid.  You may not always make the right choices, and sometimes, you do like to drive me crazy, but you ARE smart.  I see it.  You asked for help the other day.  That’s showing intelligence.  I see you read those questions carefully.  You just need to take a deep breath and do your best.  Your teachers won’t blame you, they will be happy that you tried.”  He looked at me, shook his head, and said, “no.  I suck.”  I kept trying to talk him up, but, he just wouldn’t believe me.  We picked up Sarah and went back to the room and talked while Mark ate his breakfast.  We talked about pets today.  Turns out Mark loves animals.  Who knew?  I had written a note on the white board, wishing them luck and just warm fuzzies.  When they had finished (Mark finished much quicker and seemed more focused today), Mark went over to the whiteboard and said, “Miss Bradford, your ‘L’ is wrong (I had written in cursive).”  I asked what he meant.  He took the marker from me and said, “You have to have a tail on it, or else it looks like a d.”  I was amazed.  I complimented him and sent them on their way.  I thought that we might just be getting somewhere.

Friday: Last day of exams!  I wrote one last “good luck” note on the board, and went to pick up the kiddos.  As we were eating breakfast, we talked about teaching.  They wanted to know about how to become a teacher, college, etc.  I let slip that I wasn’t really a reading teacher, that I wanted to be a music teacher, and they looked stunned.  Soon, we were ready to start.  I began the instructions.  Finally, at the last “Are there any questions?”, Mark raised his hand.  “Yes, Mark?”

“Miss Bradford, I know this sounds weird, and please don’t take this the wrong way, but, when you watch us today (I had two kids testing in my room) take our tests, can you not sit in the corner like you usually do, but sit right here in front of me. It’s just that, well, I feel better when you’re watching me, because well, I think you are the only one who believes I can really do this, and well, I want to make you proud of me…I think I can”.  I wanted to hug him to pieces right then and there.  Fighting happy tears, I said, “Absolutely.”  I pulled up my chair and watch them take their tests.  He kept looking up at me during the test and he would shake his head.  I would smile and nod at him, and he would nod back and get back to work.  He was more focused that day than I had ever seen him.  Both the kiddos finished early and I collected their tests.  We talked a bit before we were dismissed to classes, and Mark was wearing a football jersey.  He asked me if I liked football, and I said ‘yes’.  He said, “Miss Bradford, I wish you could see me play. It’s the one thing I am actually good at.  But, you probably wouldn’t want to come.”  My heart broke.  I said, “If you don’t forget, and you tell me when the home games are, I will try to come.”  I couldn’t let him down.  Yes, he learned a lot this week and greatly improved in so many areas, and I feel that I might have actually made a difference.  But, I learned a lot from him too.  I learned to look beyond a child’s wall.  That even the most stubborn children can learn, and to not underestimate  even the worst of students.  As he walked out of my room that day, he stopped and said, “And just so you know Miss Bradford, even though you said you want to be a music teacher, we all think that you do a great job as a reading teacher”.

 

Well, all, I hope you enjoyed the story.  He also, later that day, showed me a Buffalo Sabres packet they send to some kids to encourage them to stay in school.  He was so proud he got one, and couldn’t wait to show me in class.  During class yesterday, he was almost a complete angel.  He volunteered, he did his work, and he said, “have a nice weekend” at the end of class.  Never before have I felt that I was where I needed to be: a teacher.  While I wish it had been in a music class, I know that I am on the right track to truly making a difference in the world (my greatest goal).  We learned from each other this week.  I know I am missing a few points, but, it’s late and I want to get this done, as I promised.  I hope he carries what I instilled in him this week, and I know I won’t forget all that I learned.  All because of getting to know Mark, encouraging him, and believing in him.  He showed me what I could improve on, just like I showed him.  I think I owe Mark a football game.

Life Continues On

Why, Hello there!  Remember me?  I have had so many posts started, and just haven’t finished any of them.  So, here’s to hoping that this one actually gets posted. 

Life here is going.  So many things have happened since I last wrote.  The saddest thing, by far, is that my wonderful grandmother lost her battle to cancer the week of Thanksgiving.  I miss her more than I can honestly say.  She was my life, my inspiration.  But, she would not want me to dwell in grief, she would tell me to “Cheer up.  You CAN do it!”.  So, I remember her with smiles instead.  And, I sing “Edelweiss” to her everyday, because well, I think she’d like that.

Had surgery in January on my sinuses, for the second time.  Everything is cleared up now, and I actually got a clean bill of health today at my last post-op appointment.  My ENT does want me to go to an allergist though.  Ew.

Nothing else really is going on.  Still no full-time teaching job.  But, I have been called for about 5 interviews so far, tomorrow’s will make 6, for full-time and long term sub jobs.  I even made it to the final two for the last one.  It is discouraging, but I am determined to keep plugging away.  I am subbing in 7 districts, which proves to keep me extremely busy.  And, I am still putting a lot of hours in at Petco.  We have such a great group now, and I while these extra hours lately have been killing me, I always enjoy being there with my coworkers. 

I have also applied for grad school.  I need to get my Masters eventually, so, I figured I would start this summer (if I get accepted).  I applied at, you guessed it, my beloved Naz, for Music Education.  I don’t think my family was overly thrilled with that decision, but, I need to follow my heart, or I will never be happy.  I am going to go part-time.  I am hoping that, if I get accepted, I can get a GA position, so that I can get some help, because affording grad school is going to be HARD! 

So, yes, that has been my life so far.  Working 60-65 hour weeks in order to pay off my monster loans.  No social life really, as most of my friends are away at grad school, and the few that are around don’t have the same free time as me.  But, who has the time, really?  I am sure I have more that I want to say, but, I am tired.  So, maybe, you all will get an update soon.  Jeep your fingers crossed.  Interview in the morning!

 

Life Was So Simple Back Then

Hey All!  Long time, no write, I know.  I really do suck at this blogging thing, but, hopefully, it will get better.  So, lots of things to update on, so, I believe that this will be a brief overview post.

First off, my camp job is over!  It ended the first week of September, and, as much as I loved the job, loved my co-workers, and loved my kiddos, I have never been so relieved to have a job end.  It was just such a long drive, and there were so many little issues, that it was hard to accomplish what I wanted to do, and I felt like I was constantly fighting an uphill battle in regards to many things.  That is about as in-depth as I will get into this, but, I am extremely grateful that it is over. 

Secondly, as many of you know by now, I sadly did not go to Florida for the Disney College Program.  It broke my heart to turn them down, but, so many things went into this decision.  First, I had some wonderful advice given to me from some former (that makes me sad) professors, teachers, and mentors, who pretty much agreed in telling me that taking a 6-month detour from my goal of teaching would be future career suicide.  Even more important than that, many of you know that my grandmother has been battling cancer for a few years now.  Well, she asked me not to go.  That she couldn’t handle me being so far away for so long.  So, I decided that as much as I wanted to go, I have remained here, to sub, look for a job, and help out with what I can.  It is sad and unfortunate, but I will get my chance for adventure someday.

As far as my health goes, it has been a crazy, crazy summer.  Started with a sinus infection that had been apparently been going on since last December when I was sick.  We finally got that under control, but then, one scary day, I went to sing, and nothing came out.  My whole upper register was gone, and the sound that did come out in my lower register didn’t even sound like me.  So, back to the ENT I went, and I got diagnosed with a singer’s worst nightmare: nodules.  So, for weeks I tried to limit my singing (not easy when you are teaching music all day) and talking, and talked to my former (again, sad) voice teacher for help.  Now, almost three months later, my voice is back.  Still, it’s not as strong as it was, but it is getting much better.  Then, almost two weeks ago, after battling a cold, I became so sick that I went to the emergency room.  It was diagnosed as yet another sinus infection that had caused a migraine, that had caused a constant cycle of throwing up.  So, I was put on anti-biotics again.  Now, I went back to the ENT and he wants me to have a CT scan to see if there is a reason for all of these infections.  I have had sinus surgery before and I really do not want to have to go through another one.  So, that’s it for my health news.

As far as work goes, I have been running around like crazy trying to find enough work so that paying my loans come November will be doable.  I am still at Petco, so there is nothing really new there.  I am subbing.  I am currently on 3 subbing lists, with two more pending.  I have sent in many more applications, but, I either have not heard anything yet, or I was told that I am being put on a waiting list for a later date when they need another music sub, or I will be brought in for an interview in October when they do their next set of sub interviews.  I had a couple interviews over the summer for teaching jobs, but, with so little experience, I did not get either.  I did get a phone call today from a Catholic School asking me to come in for an interview on Monday.  It’s only a part-time, one day a week job, but, still, it’s the experience that those other jobs said I needed.  So, we shall see what happens on Monday. 

I think that is currently what’s going on in my life.  As for the title of the post, it’s a song lyric I was reminded of when I was at Naz the other day.  I was wasting time in between subbing paperwork appointments, and between visiting my voice teacher for a few moments, walking through the music building, admissions, and campus, I realized how simple college was.  Yes, the work was hard, especially balancing two jobs, but it was so easy.  My commutes were minimal, food was taken care of.  I had friends to watch tv with, practice with, and study with.  Now, I am struggling with long commutes, taking care of myself and others, and I have noone left here to hang out with.  It’s become a very lonely, and, quite frankly, hard life compared with the life that was Nazareth.  Again, I know that I will have my turn someday, but, I just wish that things would just go right for once.  I had a difficult summer, with quite a few severely depressed days.  But, I am trying to stay strong and just plow through what I need to do. 

Alright, I am going to end this for now.  I am almost done catching up on the Sing Off from the other night, then it’s off to bed.  Might be going to the grape festival tomorrow.  Will try to upload again soon. 

Goodnight!

I Wish I Could Go Back to College…

Hello, My Lovelies!!!!

I bet you thought I died, or moved to China, or went into hiding from Voldemort, didn’t you?  Nope!  I am still here, just busy trying to be the grown-up that I have found myself needing to be.

As you can probably tell, I am now a graduate of Nazareth College!  I have my music education degree and have joined the thousands of other music ed grads in the search for full-time music teaching employment.  Graduation was lovely, albeit very long.  It is only just beginning to hit me that I will not be returning to Naz in August.  I haven’t even been able to bring myself to drive by the campus since the first week after graduation.  A part of me wants to.  I want to go to admissions and catch up and reminisce about my first real job.  I want to go to the bookstore and check out the new Naz-inspired merchandise to pick out things I don’t own yet.  I want to view the math and science building that is rapidly developing.  I want to walk through the music building, the building I felt at home in for four years.  I want to go down the hall and watch jeopardy with Laura in the lounge in George Hall, or walk across to Portka to knock on my friends’ apartment where so many shenanigans took place.  So, needless to say, I miss college.  No, I do not miss the academic side of college.  I definitely feel as though a break from that is completely necessary.  But, it is lonely here now in Rochester with all of my closest friends gone.

On another note, I do have summer employment.  First, I subbed for a school district for a couple weeks at the end of their school year.  I subbed for mainly orchestra and AIS Reading.  It was amazing and totally reaffirmed what I want to do with my life.  Then, I still have Petco.  I celebrated my 3-year anniversary there today, actually.  We have a good team, and it allows me to work with Mike and Chris, giving me a little piece of Naz each shift.  Then, I have a new job.  Full-time, just for the summer.  I am working at a YMCA camp.  I cannot talk much about it, as they are very strict about how they are viewed, but I will be the music/creative arts specialist teaching music, mainly for grades K-7.  It is very exciting, but very tiring.  So, that’s my employment.  I am still deciding on whether or not I want to do the Disney College Program.  Will keep you all posted as time wears on.  I will admit that I am struggling with cold feet, but, I am hoping that, somehow, I will be given a sign as to what to do.

In other news, my birthday was this past Wednesday, if you did not know.  I am now an old lady at the age of 22 (hahaha).  I celebrated my birthday on Tuesday with my family though, as mom and I both had to work late on my birthday.  We went to Mac Grill with mom, dad, my brother, and his girlfriend.  It was wonderful.  Then, on my birthday, I received a lot of mail from family and friends (too bad it wasn’t delivered by owl!) and spent one of the most enjoyable nights at Petco I have ever had.  Katelyn and Mike both brought in cupcakes, and Mike made me a birthday crown out of fish purchase slips.  John today gave me a borders gift card which I have promptly used.  It has been like the best birthday week.  So, thank you all for the birthday wishes.

So, not much left to say.  The only other thing I have going on is reconnecting with some old friends and getting ready for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2!!!  Dad and I are seeing it at midnight in 3D.  I am trying to re-read all of the books before the movie.  Don’t know if it will happen, but, I will try to keep you posted.  I am also ecstatic about my new McGonagall and Snape wands my brother gave me for graduation.  Snape is awesome because he is Snape, and I am the only one of my friends who felt he was good and proudly wore the “Snape is Good” badge when the final book came out at midnight.  McGonagall is just the COOLEST character in the books.  Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Harry (especially because Daniel Radcliffe plays him and I am going to marry him someday), but McGonagall is seriously one of those underrated secondary characters that you just connect with (many others like Neville).  I have heard that this movie is her time to shine and I could not be more thrilled!  I just have to order her hat and I will be set.  She just reminds me of several of my old teachers and how they would do anything for their students.  Plus, Maggie Smith is the most amazing actress (only second to Julie Andrews) and I just cannot believe that she was able to play McGonagall in Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows while going through radiation, chemo, and shingles during her battle with cancer.  It makes me love her and the character even better!  And, what’s even better is that during her announcement of Pottermore, Rowling stated that she has a whole McGonagall storyline that will be released.  Said it’s been written for ages, but was never able to insert it into the stories.  So, while I am very confused about Pottermore, I am excited about it.  I am not ready to say goodbye to Harry and our friends at Hogwarts yet.  My age of people are THE Potter generation.  We grew up with Harry, following him, by age, until the final book came out.  We graduated, became grown-ups at the same time.  So, if you fully understand Pottermore, please simplify for me.  Either way, I simply cannot wait for it!

Well, friends, I do believe I am going to call it a night.  Sorry for my lack of writing lately.  Between my student teaching (which was wonderful), conducting at the kiddo’s concert (which was amazing), graduating, and working like a crazy person, keeping this up has fallen by the wayside.  Will try to keep up with it now.  Thanks for reading, always, and I will be back again soon!

Farewell, Gananda

Why, Hello There Everyone!  I bet you thought I had been eaten by wolves, huh?  Well, I am very much alive, and thought, while I wait for my new episode of Brothers and Sisters, that I should write a new post.

I am not sure where I last left off in my life.  So much has happened in the last few months.  I think I left off around Thanksgiving.  Well, I had my senior recital, and aside from a couple slip-ups, it went extremely well.  I passed my comps, and made Dean’s List for the semester.  It was overall a great way to end my academic semesters.  Christmas was fine, worked a lot.  It was my last time working at admissions (for the most part), and it was really sad to have to say goodbye to everyone.  I have visited once, but will try to make a trip over sometime this week.

The last 6-7 weeks I have spent student teaching at Gananda Elementary School.  To be perfectly honest, I was very disappointed in that placement, as I really wanted a RCSD school.  But, I have loved every second of being in Gananda.  I love that it is a K-5 school, my CT is fantastic, and I was made to feel so at home that I cannot imagine not being there.  I only have tomorrow and Tuesday left there, and I am dreading having to say the rest of my goodbyes.  After that, I have 3 days of on-campus stuff.  Next week, I start student teaching at Martha Brown Middle!  I was so excited to see that I would be returning there for my second placement.  I am very upset to leave Gananda, but, if I have to leave, I am glad to be going back to a school and a CT that I loved.

It is hard to believe that the semester is half over.  So much has happened over the last few years.  The countdown has really begun.  I had my first senior forum meeting last week.  I get my senior portrait taken on Wednesday.  I registered for Teacher Recruitment Day.  It is truly winding down and while it completely and totally freaks me out, I cannot wait to be done.

My Plan A after gradation is still to get a music teaching job for the fall.  I am really hoping that I can find a job.  Plan B is, drum roll, The Disney College Program.  I applied and was accepted for merchandise.  I have officially accepted, and chosen my check-in date, though I can withdraw if I need to.  I am not really sure how I want life to go.  Part of me really wants to go to Disney and work there, but I really want the stability of a teaching job.  So, it’s all very up in the air right now.  I hate that, but I shall have to deal.

I guess there is not much else to discuss at the moment.  My life is very busy, as usual, and I do not do many things.  Went to a party last night, which was interesting I suppose.  Other than that, just preparing for graduation and saying the many goodbyes that I am going to be faced with in the next few months.  I will try to write again soon!  Night!

The traditional picture with the "magical" purple folder!

Disney-versary!

Hello all!  I am so sorry that I have been completely negligent about this little thing I call My Blog.  But, you see, Alicia has been a very busy bee and has not had the time to update.  Of course, I shouldn’t be updating right now either, but, I really don’t want to do my African Lit homework right now.  So, let us begin.

There really isn’t much to talk about here.  Mainly, I am battling an extreme case of senioritis.  I have reached the point of not wanting to be a student anymore and that I just want to teach.  I blame my current teacher I am observing with.  She is completely fantastic and has been throwing me in full-force to teaching, conducting, and the like.  I was terrified at first, but, now I really really enjoy it.  The kids are great.  I still love my elementary kids downtown more, but these guys are pretty wonderful.  Other than that, classes are going pretty well.  Work is work, and I don’t really want to talk about any of that now.  Thanks to Judy though for making me feel better today.  If I start, I won’t be able to stop.  My senior recital is coming up on December 3rd.  I am actually really excited about it, and not nervous…yet.  My dress is being altered as I speak, and I will be able to pick it up in another week.  It’s even prettier than I remembered it being, so I am very happy.  This Saturday is Semi-Formal, and as always, I will be working and won’t be able to go.  Which is okay, because I didn’t really have a date, or a dress, anyway.  So, I shall order a nice dinner, watch a movie, and curl up for the night, which is always a good alternate in my book.

On another note, tomorrow is a very important day to me.  Eight years ago tomorrow will have been the day my parents took my brother and I to Walt Disney World for the first time that we could fully remember.  Ever since that trip, I have been a Disney fanatic.  We went with friends of ours and all four parents and eight kids had a wonderful time.  Most of my best memories occurred on that trip.  While we are not as close with our Disney co-travelers, I think of them a lot when this time of year comes around.  I am still pushing for a Disney trip when I graduate so we shall see what happens.  Or, maybe I will still do the Disney College Program if I can’t get a teaching job.  You never know, I suppose.

Well, I guess I will end this post for now.  I have a sudden desire for nachos and I don’t quite know what to do about it.  Ideas?  I am too lazy to really leave this room, which puts me in a nacho-craving predicament.  Ah well, maybe I shall have something else instead.  Talk to you all soon!

Operation Finish Line Has Begun

Hello all!  I am currently writing to you from my new and wonderful single in George Hall.  I cannot believe my senior year has started.  Some of you Gilmore Girls watchers may recognize my post title.  Paris says it in Season 7 of Gilmore Girls, the final season, about their senior year of college.  I was watching it tonight, just finishing up the series for the millionth time, and I thought how weird and perfect the whole thing was.  When I first started really watching Gilmore Girls, it was the reruns on ABC Family.  The spring before I moved in to college as a freshman, it was the season where Rory was a senior in high school, and choosing colleges.  The day before I moved in that freshman year, mom and I were watching Gilmore Girls and it was the episode that she moved in to college.  That, of course, was followed by the series finale of Boy Meets World.  Mom and I both cried, and I felt that my whole life book was closing.  Now, here I am, 4 years later, starting my final year at Nazareth.  And now, on ABC Family, they have been playing the final season , where Rory is a senior in college and trying to figure out her life.  I feel as though I have come full circle.  I am incredibly scared, yet excited, and so, so happy that I have had this chapter in my life.  My world is so open, and I am thrilled that I have so many opportunities ahead of me.  I am planning on enjoying every second I have left here at this school that I adore.

So, now that I have showcased my total and complete dorkiness, on to even more boring things.  I have decided that this semester is going to be my most hectic yet, and I am slightly nervous about getting it all done. So, here is a my courses and opinions, in case you care to read:

Vocal Ped II: SCARY!  I will probably die.  Anatomy, physiology, teaching voice studios.  Just, put me out of my misery now.

Music Tech Lab: EASY!  Enough said.  When the teacher has to ask me how to use the program, then I should not have to be there

Spanish: AMAZING!  I love this class!  it is easy yet challenging at the same time!  I feel as though I have not skipped a beat since my class 4 years ago!

Chamber Choir: Has not started yet.  I am glad that Dr. Zeigler is alive, yet I still feel like an awful person for having been happy that choir is starting late this semester.

African-American Lit: Fun.  My professor looks like Mr. Halquist, and acts like him too.  I have a feeling that I will love this class, especially the fact that there’s only 8 of us in the class.

Secondary Music Ed Methods: I don’t know how I feel about it yet.  Maybe it’s because I am not quite sure how I feel about teaching middle and high school students.  It’s a small class, which is really nice, and Dr. Carlson is great.  She actually came into Petco this morning after asking me if I still worked there last week.  It’s the 30 observation hours I am not sure if I will like.

Romantic Music History: As with all music history classes, I am slightly afraid of this class.  I struggle with music history, but, I do love the romantic period as a lot of the pieces have their own personalities, and they are a bit easier to tell apart from each other.  So, hopefully, I will do okay in the class.

Functional Piano: Oh boy.  I am awful at the piano.  Not by choice, but, I just am.  I don’t have to take this class, but, I am anyway, because, I do know that I am awful at piano, and need as much practice as I can get before I go into the teaching world.  At least Professor Massicot is fantastic and I am in a great class.  We will have a lot of fun, I think, laughing and joking with and at each other.

Lessons: Will start this week, though I know I love my weekly lessons with Joan.  She is like my school mom and therapist.  This semester is going to be stressful though, because of my senior recital.  But, to that I say, Bring it On!

Studio: I love studio, I just don’t particularly like singing in it.  And, again, with my senior recital, I am going to have to sing almost every week!  YIKES!

Guitar Methods: Our professor is amazing.  I know that even though I know very little guitar, I will survive this class, so I am happy.

Well, there you go.  That is my life, with admissions and Petco.  I wish my life were more interesting, but, it is not.  I am going to unwind a little bit, get up early.  I need to practice voice and piano, and look up some Beethoven things, at least, before I go home for a family picnic.  I am excited to go home for a bit.  See my critters and get my car fixed on Monday.  Well, for now that is all I have to say.  I know that I am forgetting things, but, I will write back soon!

“It’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”

Hello all!  I know that it has been a rrrrreeeeeeaaaaalllllyyyy long time since I last wrote.  But, in my defense, nothing really exciting is going on.  I work, I come home, I sleep, I wake up, and I work.  Only 16 days til I move into my new home, Geroge Hall, and I am so excited for this last year!  I am scared, and terrified about “my future”, but, I have decided to worry about that aspect later, and enjoy my senior year.  I have various “plans” for when I graduate so that I am not completely unprepared. 

So, let’s see, anything exciting happen in the last month or so?  I had summer band, which was amazing, and I am going to miss it if the district decides to cut it.  It’s the one time of the year that I actually pull out my beloved clarinet and play it.  Because of summer band, I also got to see my girls, and I miss them like crazy.  It is amazing how separate our lives are, and how much we have all changed, yet, when we all come back together, it’s just like those days we spent eating lunch outside the band room.  I wish I could see them more, but, as I said, we have all grown, and have all moved on in a lot of little ways that eventually add up.

I did go to the Renaissance Faire last weekend.  I didnt get to go last year, so I was thrilled when Dad and I convinced mom to go.  A lot of the old acts were brought back, including The Empty Hats!  Adam had to work, so he stayed here, and the rest of us went.  I had my steak-on-a-stakem and a dill pickle, and cake to go home.  I also had my first legal drink at the Faire…Woodchuck Cider…amazing.  We saw Empty Hats twice, and were slightly disappointed in Carl Asch’s lack of enthusiasm and musicianship.  But, we are also pretty sure that he was sick, so, for this time only, I will cut him some slack.  Gary and Lynda were amazing as usual.  And the new violinist was awesome also.  I bought a glass heart necklace, and a mug.  I also got to see my best friend Steph, who I haven’t gotten to see in a really long time!!  I wish I could have talked to her longer, but mom was being clingy, and didn’t really let me leave her. 

The only other interesting thing I have done is that I have bought my dress for my senior recital.  I have been looking for a while, hoping to find the perfect dress on an after-prom clearance sale, but no such luck.  And it seemed that a couple people had already gotten their dresses for those of us who need to do our recitals this fall.  So, I started looking online and I found THE dress.  It followed all of my voice teacher’s specifications, and was beautiful.  So, mom and I went out to Alfred Angelo and tried on the dress.  And it was pretty, very pretty.  I tried on a few others, but the original dress was still my favorite.  Then, mom brought in this other dress.  I didn’t really like it, but I tried it on anyway. As soon as I came out and looked in the mirror, I knew I had to have that dress.  It was more money than we had wanted to spend, but they did take a bit off of it.  I was between the eggplant and navy, but I went with the navy.  I will post a picture of the dress at the bottom.  I am very excited.

Well, I guess that is all the news I have for now.  Cleaning and packing today.  I will try to write again soon!

My senior recital dress!

A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes

So, here it is, a Friday morning, and I have nothing to do.  It really is amazing how slow the summer goes when you only have work to look forward to.  I’m not usually a jealous person, but, I have to say, seeing all of the pictures and statuses on facebook of my friends going on many adventures makes me a little green with envy.  I mean, Italy, Austria, Germany, Poland, China, Japan, even Canada, Maine, Washington DC, Florida, all of those sound a hell of a lot better than being stuck here every single day.  I haven’t even so much as visited seabreeze or mini golf.  I have been to the movies once.  That’s about it.  So, yes, I am a bit ready for summer to be over.  At least school, I am surrounded by friends every day, and have total freedom.  As you can see, I am a little grouchy today…I blame a headache I’ve had for two days.

So, my birthday has come and gone, and it was, well nice, for the most part.  There was a bit 0f arguing and fighting, as what always happens on my birthday (even though I’m not normally the one doing it).  But, I had a lovely dinner with my family, and my best friend, so that was nice.  I also had a great cake.  A lot of friends wished me a happy birthday, though a few didn’t and it made me feel a bit surprised.  Ah well, it happens.  It is nice though, to be able to go and buy a drink…though I really haven’t yet.  Aside from going to the liquor store to buy stuff to go with my chocolate martini mix one of my team leads gave me, and having a melon ball at my birthday dinner, I haven’t really done any drinking.  It’s just the fact that I can, if I want to. 

Not much else happening.  Saving money for a Disney trip.  For my birthday, along with getting my great-grandmother’s engagement ring from my grandma, she also gave me a “Mickey Box”.  Inside this box, were an old pair of Mickey Mouse Ears that my great-grandma had, a plush Mickey and Minnie set, a Mickey puzzle, a vintage Mickey ornament, and an old candy tin filled with all of the loose change my grandma has collected over the past year.  She wants it to go towards a Disney trip.  I’m up to about $125 now.  Doesn’t sound like much, but I add a little more every single day.  If anything, I will save it until the Disney College Program.  I still really want to do the program, because, let’s face it, I have no idea if I am going to be able to get a teaching job right after I graduate.  There aren’t many listings for around here, and the college program would be something awesome to put on my resume.  And then I can maybe sub for a bit when I come back.  And, quite honestly, I wouldn’t mind moving.  I don’t really care for Rochester, so I am going to go where the wind takes me. 

Alrighty, not much else happening, so I guess I shall let you all go.  I will try to post again later, if things come up.

Almost 21? Yessss

Hello all!  I know it has been a while, but, as it often is in the summer, nothing is really going on.  Working, working, working.  When I am home, I am supposed to clean and take care of the puppy.  And, with most of my friends busy and/or far away, my life is extremely boring. 

So, next Tuesday is the big day: my 21st birthday.  I really am not super excited about it.  I can’t celebrate my birthday the typical college way because I have no friends here to spend it with.  And, as far as plans go, my family has kind of been dictating everything.  At this point, I don’t even care anymore.  I will truly celebrate throughout the week with Myranda, my birthday twin.  We have a birthday week planned a la Gilmore Girls, and, depending on our work schedules, it will be epic.  My actual birthday though, will consist of an eye doctor’s appointment, followed by the DMV to get my license renewed, and dinner. 

Last weekend, on Adam’s birthday, I took my first of three teaching exams.  The LAST wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t as easy as I had thought it was going to be.  I wasn’t prepared for all of the governmental/history/political questions.  But, at least it is over, and I got to see some Naz friends who graduated, so that was a plus. 

Now, I think that I am going to watch some tv with mom, and start some scrapbooking.  I have so much I want to do and have wanted to do since my freshman year of college and I haven’t done anything yet.  So, tonight’s project will be my freshman year scrapbook.  So, working at Naz tomorrow, and that’s about all I have planned for right now.  Bye all!