In previous tax years, I have paid H&R Block to complete my taxes in person. Last year I tried their online tax return program (which I wasn't too thrilled with). This year, since I had so many forms I knew I'd be charged and arm and a leg to have my taxes done. I went to Office Depot and purchased Turbo Tax Premier (since my taxes are complex), It's Deductible, and Turbo Tax State. It was expensive upfront, but I have about $80 in rebates coming back to me someday (which I entered online in order to track them.)
I learned a lot about what I should be keeping better track of on my tax return for deductions. Many times I didn't really pay attention to what I donated to church or to non-profit organizations (clothes etc). Did you know you can even count costs for job searching even if you already still have a job? (I didn't use that, but apparently on Turbo Tax it's a new law.) It also taught me about IRA's and RothIRA's which I will definitely consider once I get my debt reduced. Anyway, Turbo Tax was really simple to follow. It even covered my small business, my student loans, home mortgage, and tuition/book fees from classes I took last year. I was very impressed.
Last week I e-filed my return, and I've already received my State Refund! I can't wait to get my Federal back! I'm so excited! My State refund came back just in time too, since I was really low from paying for my car. Thank you God, for keeping me going. I might be barely hanging on some days, but you never cease to surprise me with your assistance and blessings. I can't believe I might actually be totally out of credit card debt much sooner than I ever thought possible.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Best Friends Forever
Wow! Friggin hilarious! I love South Park! I couldn't find anything interesting on t.v. and happened to fall upon "South Park's" new episode "Best Friends Forever." I think I liked it so much because I got all the references, Lord of the Rings: Two Towers, PSP, Terry Shaivo, Keanu Reeves (in Constantine and or Matrix), The Quest for the Holy Grail, and Rupublican jokes, just to name a few. Awesome! What a great way to end the night! If you haven't seen this episode, you really should. If you are up on current events, and past and present entertainment, this show was just hilarious! Maybe it was funny for the wrong reasons according to some, but I couldn't help but lmao!!!
Blessings from Above
Lately I have found my thoughts wandering toward self-doubt, lonliness, depressions, solitude. I almost wanted to be completely left alone for a while, and this is just not who I am. These are all thoughts that are usually out of mind as I go through my day to day busyness in life. Last night I asked God to help me overcome whatever is bogging me down. I know what is bothering me, but there isn't much I can do about it, other than let time heal itself.
So today I awoke with just enough time to be ready for work, and along with the weather it was like I was a changed person. I was ecstatic about life, almost hyper. I wanted to be outside playing with the kiddos at recess. :) My students noticed too. You can just tell how they reacted differently. Monday I was working with the 1st graders, and I thought so this is what a glimpse of heaven is like? Something about the song and the dance we were doing, the cool rainbow carpet I received to help with seating. I don't know, it was just a great feeling to be working together and seeing the students enjoy themselves. Little kids can be so great, they have taught me more than I think I have taught them, if nothing else. I have definitely learned how to be a more patient person, and to not get so frustrated when a lesson doesn't go quite right. Sometimes it just takes a little more work, or a little more repetition until they do the 'ah ha' moment.
At that moment, I realized that God wanted me to be a teacher. Not only because of my knowledge or expertise in music, but because I needed the students to also teach me. It's amazing how much I really feel that I have changed over this school year. I don't feel so pressured or like I'm walking on broken glass, that every move is a wrong one. I am given the freedom to work with the students, to improve on my lessons and teaching style, and give them experiences that will create lasting memories of fun and learning in class.
Thank you God, for making me the reflective, analytical person that I am. I once thought it be an annoying trait of mine, to analyze everything, but now I see why I have this trait. It is so that I may know you better, and to better understand the meanings of the experiences/events occuring to me and to others.
So today I awoke with just enough time to be ready for work, and along with the weather it was like I was a changed person. I was ecstatic about life, almost hyper. I wanted to be outside playing with the kiddos at recess. :) My students noticed too. You can just tell how they reacted differently. Monday I was working with the 1st graders, and I thought so this is what a glimpse of heaven is like? Something about the song and the dance we were doing, the cool rainbow carpet I received to help with seating. I don't know, it was just a great feeling to be working together and seeing the students enjoy themselves. Little kids can be so great, they have taught me more than I think I have taught them, if nothing else. I have definitely learned how to be a more patient person, and to not get so frustrated when a lesson doesn't go quite right. Sometimes it just takes a little more work, or a little more repetition until they do the 'ah ha' moment.
At that moment, I realized that God wanted me to be a teacher. Not only because of my knowledge or expertise in music, but because I needed the students to also teach me. It's amazing how much I really feel that I have changed over this school year. I don't feel so pressured or like I'm walking on broken glass, that every move is a wrong one. I am given the freedom to work with the students, to improve on my lessons and teaching style, and give them experiences that will create lasting memories of fun and learning in class.
Thank you God, for making me the reflective, analytical person that I am. I once thought it be an annoying trait of mine, to analyze everything, but now I see why I have this trait. It is so that I may know you better, and to better understand the meanings of the experiences/events occuring to me and to others.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Easter Weekend
This weekend definitely made up for my not-so-fun Spring Break. Friday I watched movies, Bridget Jones the 2nd among them. It made me feel like maybe there is hope for relationships after all. I guess I was just in a funk of "want to be by myself" mode. After the car fiasco, I just needed time to recap and reflect on the happenings of life. I feel as if to some extent, my grandfather's death affected me more after the funeral than it did the week of. Perhaps this was due to the fact that I didn't even have time for me that week. It was just crazy.
Saturday I helped Jamin move, and it was good to see the gang. I enjoy helping people out, and when you are with friends it is even better. Later we had an impromptu game-night party at Lori's. She is such the good hostess. Her sushi was great, and she had all the fixings for the famous "Scooby Snack" that a certain someone would always make fun of me for ordering when we were out.
Sunday I went to church, and heard a very uplifting sermon. The music was awesome too. I love being able to sing out and not be intimidated by doing so because the music is of a good volume and everyone else is singing too. I wanted to see my family, and since we usually don't arrange an "Easter gathering," I invited them over to dinner. It was really nice. At first my mom was cautious about my culinary skills, but they really liked my dinner :) I had the fire going, and we watched some movies, very cozy. Later Allison came over and we played "Scene It" which is a fun movie trivia game.
All in all it was a very good weekend, and it made me really grateful for the wonderful people I have in my life.
Saturday I helped Jamin move, and it was good to see the gang. I enjoy helping people out, and when you are with friends it is even better. Later we had an impromptu game-night party at Lori's. She is such the good hostess. Her sushi was great, and she had all the fixings for the famous "Scooby Snack" that a certain someone would always make fun of me for ordering when we were out.
Sunday I went to church, and heard a very uplifting sermon. The music was awesome too. I love being able to sing out and not be intimidated by doing so because the music is of a good volume and everyone else is singing too. I wanted to see my family, and since we usually don't arrange an "Easter gathering," I invited them over to dinner. It was really nice. At first my mom was cautious about my culinary skills, but they really liked my dinner :) I had the fire going, and we watched some movies, very cozy. Later Allison came over and we played "Scene It" which is a fun movie trivia game.
All in all it was a very good weekend, and it made me really grateful for the wonderful people I have in my life.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Surfing
While randomly browsing the internet because I had nothing better to do once again, I found this site. Too bad the person moved out, because we will have no more stories. But this is so much fun! Any person who has ever had roommate troubles will appreciate this! Once in college I had 2 roomies in my first appartment who made my life a living hell. Hence, I totally appreciate this site.
Today's Thoughts
Hmmm, wouldn't it be cool to write a blog entry on how I have come to appreciate my freedom in light of these last few days?
Wouldn't it be awesome if the taxes I spent hours doing are 'approved' and I can really get kick out one of my credit cards? (Let me know if you need some software assistance.)
I don't deserve parents like mine. I'd be lost without them.
Why isn't anyone taking me up on the free vacations? I double checked and they are good until 9/16/05. Maybe if I find a friend to come with, and some cash, I'll go then.
Meineke on Manchester in Ballwin is awesome. They fixed my car troubles in 2 hours, what took me 3 days to get taken car of by a professional.
Why doesn't the Mazda dealership have Mazda parts in stock, when places like Meineke do? Why do they insist on charging an arm and a leg for the same parts?
Is it ethical for a company to make rotors so thin so that when you need your breaks changed the first time, you also need new rotors?
I'm glad the one mechanic that the manager at Meineke discussed, quit a dealership for ethical purposes!
It's good to be home, but now I'm broke, and super tired because it's way too late for me to be writing to make any sense.
Wouldn't it be awesome if the taxes I spent hours doing are 'approved' and I can really get kick out one of my credit cards? (Let me know if you need some software assistance.)
I don't deserve parents like mine. I'd be lost without them.
Why isn't anyone taking me up on the free vacations? I double checked and they are good until 9/16/05. Maybe if I find a friend to come with, and some cash, I'll go then.
Meineke on Manchester in Ballwin is awesome. They fixed my car troubles in 2 hours, what took me 3 days to get taken car of by a professional.
Why doesn't the Mazda dealership have Mazda parts in stock, when places like Meineke do? Why do they insist on charging an arm and a leg for the same parts?
Is it ethical for a company to make rotors so thin so that when you need your breaks changed the first time, you also need new rotors?
I'm glad the one mechanic that the manager at Meineke discussed, quit a dealership for ethical purposes!
It's good to be home, but now I'm broke, and super tired because it's way too late for me to be writing to make any sense.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Tickle Tests
I was bored tonight, being that I'm stuck at my parents' again. Here's what some of my Tickle tests said:
Dreams: Amy, the recurrent theme of your dream life is Divine Inspiration. You're dreaming about feeling deeply connected to the universe and to those around you. This means that you're likely tapping into a sense of uplifting freedom and awe of the greater things in life. Dreams are the stories your unconscious narrates each night as you sleep.
What's your best quality?: Amy, your best quality shines through in how Intelligent you are. The fact that you're a smart person who is more able to understand complex concepts than many other people are really draws people to you! But that's not the only thing. Your answers on the test indicate you're a reliable and dependable person whom others can usually count on. You are psychologically and emotionally stable and better able than most people to tolerate even the roughest situations, too.
In all, there are 15 qualities that help define you when you're at your best. Those are the traits potential employers, friends, and partners look for in you. What makes you unique is your particular distribution of those 15 qualities.
We've found that your particular combination of qualities is rare — only 6 in 10,000 people share the same general mix of traits. Those are great odds if you're trying to show a potential employer, colleague, friend, or date why you're exactly the right person for them.
What's your career path?: Amy, based on your responses, your top career area is Fine Arts. Careers in this field often demand that you be a naturally creative person who possesses a unique perspective on the world, and ultimately you want to share that vision with others. Most likely, you have a deep and rich inner world that needs an outlet. Whether you're into music, drama, painting or another artistic field, you probably possess a heightened appreciation for experiencing the world on a sensory level.
What's your best quality?: Amy, your best quality shines through in how Intelligent you are. The fact that you're a smart person who is more able to understand complex concepts than many other people are really draws people to you! But that's not the only thing. Your answers on the test indicate you're a reliable and dependable person whom others can usually count on. You are psychologically and emotionally stable and better able than most people to tolerate even the roughest situations, too.
In all, there are 15 qualities that help define you when you're at your best. Those are the traits potential employers, friends, and partners look for in you. What makes you unique is your particular distribution of those 15 qualities.
We've found that your particular combination of qualities is rare — only 6 in 10,000 people share the same general mix of traits. Those are great odds if you're trying to show a potential employer, colleague, friend, or date why you're exactly the right person for them.
Madness
Apparently I am due for random acts of craziness. Thus far my break has been productive, but far from stress-free and relaxing. Minus doing absolutely nothing of consequence this last weekend, I have traveled up and down the craziness rollar coaster of life. I was hoping to finally get some things taken care of that I really haven't had the time (or the right weather) to accomplish.
Monday my brother and I spend HOURS attempting to get the deck ready for staining. It was getting due, but the previous owners left gobs of paint that we had to remove first. Let me tell you that scrubbing the deck with a brush for 3-5 hours was NOT fun. On top of that I raked my leaves while waiting for the deck to reach the 'scrubbing' point. I have a feeling I will also have to attempt to sand the rest off or strip it again once the weather permits. That night Chris came by to check the plumbing leakage, and had to recaulk the faucet. (If I'm there long enough the bathroom will need some remodeling, similar to Ben and Lori's. Problem is I don't have another bathroom to use in the meantime so that will be interesting. I hope I can avoid this at all costs.) I then went to choir practice, at which point I noticed that both Kate and I's car tags were stolen (mine for the second time) even after I sliced mine into the plate. This time they left me with one sticker at least.
Tuesday I got my oil changed, tires rotated, bought new stickers (again), and attemtped to find appropriate license covers to avoid a repeat (to no avail). After my brake light has been consistently flashing on and off since the accident, I figured I probably needed new brake pads. My brother and I then attempted to replace them to no avail. Turns out the calipers are frozen (to our knowledge) and the one boot is torn. I think this is something they missed in the accident and wished I would have checked into it sooner (I originally thought the warning light a fluke or that I just need more fluid since it was slightly low afterwards), but I just didn't have the time. So I was stuck at my parent's house, but still went with Kate to attempt to enjoy a ""FOXy's Women's Club" meeting. Hence forth, I have been stuck in So Co. for two days.
Today I had the car towed (as it is not safe to drive) to Mazda. They are looking into the problem. The car is only 3 years old, and the service tech at Mazda said this problem is quite rare to happen on it's own. If I'm a lucky it will be accident related and then the charges will be minimal. Wish me luck!
Meanwhile I'm at my parents' writing now, just because I need to vent. Other than really doing NOTHING and having time to myself this weekend, I would say I've had quite the eventful but not-so-much-fun break.
Speaking of breaks, I have a free trip to the Bahamas for 4 days 3 nights and (separetely) a weekend get-a-way that can be combined for a nice vacation. My mom decided not to use hers, and I've already gone. If you are interested, please call me right away. You will need to make reservations BEFORE 4/16/05 at which point you will need to call and have them updated for one more year (so they don't expire). Let me know!!! I'd love to treat a friend to a cheaper vacation. You have to fly yourself but the hotel and cruise is covered (also if you do the Bahamas there are port taxes and fees.) All in all my guess is that for about (including air faire and port fees) $400 you could go down to FL for 3 days, and then cruise to the Bahamas for another 4. To me, that's El Cheapo. I've already enjoyed the same trip last year, and it's really nice to get away for 1/3-1/4 of what you would normally pay. First come first serve, I have 2 small vacations or you can have one longer one!
Monday my brother and I spend HOURS attempting to get the deck ready for staining. It was getting due, but the previous owners left gobs of paint that we had to remove first. Let me tell you that scrubbing the deck with a brush for 3-5 hours was NOT fun. On top of that I raked my leaves while waiting for the deck to reach the 'scrubbing' point. I have a feeling I will also have to attempt to sand the rest off or strip it again once the weather permits. That night Chris came by to check the plumbing leakage, and had to recaulk the faucet. (If I'm there long enough the bathroom will need some remodeling, similar to Ben and Lori's. Problem is I don't have another bathroom to use in the meantime so that will be interesting. I hope I can avoid this at all costs.) I then went to choir practice, at which point I noticed that both Kate and I's car tags were stolen (mine for the second time) even after I sliced mine into the plate. This time they left me with one sticker at least.
Tuesday I got my oil changed, tires rotated, bought new stickers (again), and attemtped to find appropriate license covers to avoid a repeat (to no avail). After my brake light has been consistently flashing on and off since the accident, I figured I probably needed new brake pads. My brother and I then attempted to replace them to no avail. Turns out the calipers are frozen (to our knowledge) and the one boot is torn. I think this is something they missed in the accident and wished I would have checked into it sooner (I originally thought the warning light a fluke or that I just need more fluid since it was slightly low afterwards), but I just didn't have the time. So I was stuck at my parent's house, but still went with Kate to attempt to enjoy a ""FOXy's Women's Club" meeting. Hence forth, I have been stuck in So Co. for two days.
Today I had the car towed (as it is not safe to drive) to Mazda. They are looking into the problem. The car is only 3 years old, and the service tech at Mazda said this problem is quite rare to happen on it's own. If I'm a lucky it will be accident related and then the charges will be minimal. Wish me luck!
Meanwhile I'm at my parents' writing now, just because I need to vent. Other than really doing NOTHING and having time to myself this weekend, I would say I've had quite the eventful but not-so-much-fun break.
Speaking of breaks, I have a free trip to the Bahamas for 4 days 3 nights and (separetely) a weekend get-a-way that can be combined for a nice vacation. My mom decided not to use hers, and I've already gone. If you are interested, please call me right away. You will need to make reservations BEFORE 4/16/05 at which point you will need to call and have them updated for one more year (so they don't expire). Let me know!!! I'd love to treat a friend to a cheaper vacation. You have to fly yourself but the hotel and cruise is covered (also if you do the Bahamas there are port taxes and fees.) All in all my guess is that for about (including air faire and port fees) $400 you could go down to FL for 3 days, and then cruise to the Bahamas for another 4. To me, that's El Cheapo. I've already enjoyed the same trip last year, and it's really nice to get away for 1/3-1/4 of what you would normally pay. First come first serve, I have 2 small vacations or you can have one longer one!
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Spring Break is Here!!!!
Spring Break could not have come sooner! The concert this last week was a success and now I can relax for a change! Life has been sooo crazy these last couple weeks, it will be nice to chill for a bit. I don't have any huge plans or exciting things happening, but at least I'll finally get a well-earned break!
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Fun News for once!
Today I received my summative evaluation and I passed 'with flying colors.' What a relief! Also, my students' concert is coming up on Thursday for those interested (email me).
On a random side note, today in the mail I received a pamphlet for Kodaly and Orff Schulwerk classes through Webster U this summer. I took the class last year, and it turns out I was quoted in the pamphlet and you can see the back of me doing an activity on the front cover. AHAHAH Just funny! Finally something (other than my students at school) to make me laugh in life! It also made me feel 'cool.'
-Later gators.
On a random side note, today in the mail I received a pamphlet for Kodaly and Orff Schulwerk classes through Webster U this summer. I took the class last year, and it turns out I was quoted in the pamphlet and you can see the back of me doing an activity on the front cover. AHAHAH Just funny! Finally something (other than my students at school) to make me laugh in life! It also made me feel 'cool.'
-Later gators.
Beware of Computer Scams
On Yahoo, they listed the top 5 computer scams. Here is my short version:
1. Auction Fraud: Selling something on Ebay (for example) and then either not sending you the item or sending you a 'knock off.'
2. Phising Scams: Beware of email from Ebay or Pay Pal (not really from them), or something similar saying your account will be deleted unless you go to their link and reactivate. Make sure you go to the website yourself, NOT through the link included if you are concerned. These scams get your personal info. and then sell it to other scammers. BEWARE.
3. The Nigerian 419 Letter: Usually in capitals screaming about an money transfer. The only thing you're gaining is NOTHING, and thousands taken from you accounts. Apparently people have fallen for this, have flown to different countries and were 'held' until they 'payed up' and/or their money was stolen from their accounts.
4. Postal Fowarding/ Reshipping Scam: Off shore accounts asking for wire transfers. They are really a set up to get your credit card info.
5. Congrats, you have won....: They set these up to get your personal information to pay for shipping charges, and then your account ends up getting scammed. You usually will not get the item won, or will get a worthless piece of junk.
Tips:
On another note, make sure you have your wireless connections firewalled. My roomie's computer connection was hacked the day I installed it, because I didn't know how to put in the right settings yet. Her uncle came by and on his lap top could show how many people near my house had an open wireless router!! He said people can get into your computers this way, and even connect to the internet through you!
1. Auction Fraud: Selling something on Ebay (for example) and then either not sending you the item or sending you a 'knock off.'
2. Phising Scams: Beware of email from Ebay or Pay Pal (not really from them), or something similar saying your account will be deleted unless you go to their link and reactivate. Make sure you go to the website yourself, NOT through the link included if you are concerned. These scams get your personal info. and then sell it to other scammers. BEWARE.
3. The Nigerian 419 Letter: Usually in capitals screaming about an money transfer. The only thing you're gaining is NOTHING, and thousands taken from you accounts. Apparently people have fallen for this, have flown to different countries and were 'held' until they 'payed up' and/or their money was stolen from their accounts.
4. Postal Fowarding/ Reshipping Scam: Off shore accounts asking for wire transfers. They are really a set up to get your credit card info.
5. Congrats, you have won....: They set these up to get your personal information to pay for shipping charges, and then your account ends up getting scammed. You usually will not get the item won, or will get a worthless piece of junk.
Tips:
- Always go to the website yourself to check the problem you supposedly have, rarely they are real. Do not take the links included in the emails.
- Try www.snopes.com
- If the web address in which you are typing personal info is secure, it should have a lock icon on the bottom screen and https:// in the title.
- Always check the address to see if they are legit, ie. citibank.com is NOT the same as citibank-misc.com. (Not everyone checks, but that one seems obvious).
- When in doubt, delete the email, call your account representatives, dispute any problems that mysteriously occur.
- People can fake the 'From address,' so don't trust it as proof it's really from such and such company.
On another note, make sure you have your wireless connections firewalled. My roomie's computer connection was hacked the day I installed it, because I didn't know how to put in the right settings yet. Her uncle came by and on his lap top could show how many people near my house had an open wireless router!! He said people can get into your computers this way, and even connect to the internet through you!
Friday, March 11, 2005
Completely Exhausted
I have totally exhausted myself this week!!! My voice is now officially gone, and my hands are throbbing from playing so much piano. I've been getting ready for the kiddos music concert next week, practicing for St. Louis Women's Chorale's concert this weekend, (of which I will most likely not be present due to the circumstances), and preparing the music for my Grandfather's funeral tommorow. In a way it's good that my keyboard needs repair, because I really like the keyboard I'm borrowing from school. It allows me to do more with the sound to make the songs slightly closer to authentic. It was also cool practicing with my cousin on his guitar. Yeah, another music person in the family!
Anyway, I'm hangin in there, but there won't be much left of me by the end of next week.... there's not much now. One more week until Spring Break, and let me tell you it's just in the nick of time!
Please continue to pray for the health of myself and my family, along with prayer for my family in relation to recent events.
Anyway, I'm hangin in there, but there won't be much left of me by the end of next week.... there's not much now. One more week until Spring Break, and let me tell you it's just in the nick of time!
Please continue to pray for the health of myself and my family, along with prayer for my family in relation to recent events.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
In memory of my Grandpa
Numbers 6:24-26 (mp3)
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord lift His countenance upon you,
And give you peace, and give you peace;
The Lord make His face to shine upon you,
And be gracious, and be gracious;
The Lord be gracious, gracious unto you.
We will miss you!
Monday, March 07, 2005
Dr. Update
Today I went to see my ENT, my voice hero. He told me to come back in a month after my last visit, and since I've been sick as usual, I just wanted to be safe. Amazingly this go round I didn't even need the throat numbing spray for him to view my voice. I was nervous because he had me do the stroboscope on video. I did a few warm-ups, sang Happy Birthday, and then he recorded my voice on tape. I was very much elated to discover that my voice is totally fine. Post nasal drip was pretty heavy, and I apparently had burst blood vessel (in a non-contact area) that was on it's way to healing. Other than that I'm a o.k. What a relief!
Singing at school was awesome today. I taught 8 classes straight (so I could leave early), minus lunch and my voice was doing what it was supposed to. It was a great feeling. I even did well in choir for 3 hours. We have a concert coming up this Saturday and Sunday if anyone is interested to see St. Stanisklaus church, and hear some cool music. Thank you for praying for me, and keep praying that I stay healthy. I'm on another round of a z-pack among other things, so hopefully I'll be able to go strong until Spring Break. Two more weeks! Whoo hoo!
On another note, a bunch of us are getting together to see The Urge live at Mizzou April 30th. This is an awesome group that disbanded, but they are getting back together for this one FREE concert. Let me know if you are interested :) Have a good night :)
Singing at school was awesome today. I taught 8 classes straight (so I could leave early), minus lunch and my voice was doing what it was supposed to. It was a great feeling. I even did well in choir for 3 hours. We have a concert coming up this Saturday and Sunday if anyone is interested to see St. Stanisklaus church, and hear some cool music. Thank you for praying for me, and keep praying that I stay healthy. I'm on another round of a z-pack among other things, so hopefully I'll be able to go strong until Spring Break. Two more weeks! Whoo hoo!
On another note, a bunch of us are getting together to see The Urge live at Mizzou April 30th. This is an awesome group that disbanded, but they are getting back together for this one FREE concert. Let me know if you are interested :) Have a good night :)
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Weekend of Music
This weekend was very low key for me, but cool. Friday I visisted my grandpa, and then visited home and watched Chronicles of Riddick with them. It was good to see my grandma and family. I rarely go down south just because they are 'so far away.' It's weird that I was one 1 person living there during hs, now I have two friends that chose to make that area their home, while I went the opposite direction.
Saturday Kate and I went to see Phantom of the Opera before it left theaters. It was really good, I was impressed. It's sad that I haven't ever seen the musical live, being that I am a teacher of music. It was very sad to watch. In the back of my head I thought, man this girl has 2 guys chasing after her (well one of them was kinda psycho), and I can't even get one. AHAHA JK I then went back to Kate's and we watched Ray. I was definitely impressed with the acting, the movie was very well done.
Today I went to church, took a nap, and enjoyed the absolutely beautiful 70 degree weather. Is it Spring yet? Of all the seasons, I dislike Winter the most (I love the snow, but where has real snow been this year?). It's too long for me. My favorite is Fall, but I love Spring because it feels like 'new beginnings,' and I love Summer because I get a break from the students and a chance to recoup and hang out with friends. Kate and Dennis have me considering the Blockbuster rental thing, it's pretty cheap, and you can have unlimited rentals. I also might be getting satellite tv back, yeah!
Speaking of music, St. Louis Women's Chorale's concert is this weekend. Email me if you want tickets. Also is anyone a fan of The Urge? Anyone want to go see them in concert FOR FREE with me?
Saturday Kate and I went to see Phantom of the Opera before it left theaters. It was really good, I was impressed. It's sad that I haven't ever seen the musical live, being that I am a teacher of music. It was very sad to watch. In the back of my head I thought, man this girl has 2 guys chasing after her (well one of them was kinda psycho), and I can't even get one. AHAHA JK I then went back to Kate's and we watched Ray. I was definitely impressed with the acting, the movie was very well done.
Today I went to church, took a nap, and enjoyed the absolutely beautiful 70 degree weather. Is it Spring yet? Of all the seasons, I dislike Winter the most (I love the snow, but where has real snow been this year?). It's too long for me. My favorite is Fall, but I love Spring because it feels like 'new beginnings,' and I love Summer because I get a break from the students and a chance to recoup and hang out with friends. Kate and Dennis have me considering the Blockbuster rental thing, it's pretty cheap, and you can have unlimited rentals. I also might be getting satellite tv back, yeah!
Speaking of music, St. Louis Women's Chorale's concert is this weekend. Email me if you want tickets. Also is anyone a fan of The Urge? Anyone want to go see them in concert FOR FREE with me?
Friday, March 04, 2005
Bad News
I just got home from school today, in a super mood because my voice seems to be coming back and I might actually be able to breath without help from medicine. All that seems pale in comparison to what I heard my mom say over the phone. I don't even know how to react, what to say, I just know I need to get my butt to the hospital. My grandpa's infection is septic, basically meaning fatal and nothing can be done to help him. They gave him about a week and a half. Please pray for my family .
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Markers of Excellence
(L2R) Me, Kate, Jamie, Mary Ellen 1995?
Tonight I meandered my way through various web sites. Eventually I ended up at at Nerinx Hall's site. A friend once made fun of me for attempting to explain that in St. Louis, for some reason, when we ask what school you went to, we are referring to high school. I think we ask because in my view, St. Louis is 'the biggest small town.' Every now and again, I run into someone who knew someone from my high school who knew someone who went to TSU with me or something. Even at TSU, it was like being in mini-St. Louis because so many of my friends were from or near this area.
I found myself going down memory lane. Looking through all the activities currently happening. It is a good feeling knowing that my hs alma mater is still totally 'happening' in the fine arts department. I didn't realize that 40% of the now 600+ students were involved in the drama/theater/music department. I practically lived in that area, so much so they created a new award for me when I graduated. Anyway, just for fun I'm including a couple pics I happened to scan 'back in the day'. Note that these whole two pics are not a complete representation of my friends and experiences, because NHS was SO much more than that! (P.S. You can find other pics under this post and this post.)
"To Nerinx Hall goes the song that we sing..... the green and white forever will be a pledge of hope and purity..... proudly we ever thank thee fair Nerinx Hall."
I'm surprised I remember even that much! LOL Anyone out there remember it? I can't find it online :(
Sarah and I 1994
("The Black Dress")
Thank you Bernie!
Magically my cell phone screen starting working again, and I noticed I missed a bunch of messages last night. Oops! Anyhoo so I'm returning Bernie's call wondering what his call was regarding. I leave a message, and then proceed to return my next call. Mid call I see a number on the screen, but have no clue who it is. I call the number on a whim, and figure if there's a businesses answer then I know who called, if not, 'sorry my bad.'
So my hunch was right and I end up talking to Bernie at work. He and Lori are 'goofing' around as usual (going to see her for my dental needs is like watching a t.v. show because they are just hilarious) talking about how I tripped on the escalator almost two weeks ago now. Anyway, he says "Hey, you didn't thank me for saving your life on the escaltor!" My response, "Really, I'm sorry. I appreciate you grabbing my arm in time so that I didn't end up landing on my face. You should check my blog, I just mentioned you yesterday." They then proceed to read my blog at work. These two crack me up! I would go to the dentist once a month, just to watch Lori and Bernie crack jokes back and forth. Turns out they have AIM at work too, I'm jealous, as I just got a 'buzz' from them in between patients I guess.
So Nardo here it is really big:
THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME FROM MY PERILOUS ADVENTURES ON THE ESCALATOR 2 WEEKS AGO! :)
So my hunch was right and I end up talking to Bernie at work. He and Lori are 'goofing' around as usual (going to see her for my dental needs is like watching a t.v. show because they are just hilarious) talking about how I tripped on the escalator almost two weeks ago now. Anyway, he says "Hey, you didn't thank me for saving your life on the escaltor!" My response, "Really, I'm sorry. I appreciate you grabbing my arm in time so that I didn't end up landing on my face. You should check my blog, I just mentioned you yesterday." They then proceed to read my blog at work. These two crack me up! I would go to the dentist once a month, just to watch Lori and Bernie crack jokes back and forth. Turns out they have AIM at work too, I'm jealous, as I just got a 'buzz' from them in between patients I guess.
So Nardo here it is really big:
THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME FROM MY PERILOUS ADVENTURES ON THE ESCALATOR 2 WEEKS AGO! :)
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Shattered Aspirations
Like I was saying yesterday Kate and I were wandering around the mall for a 'blissful' (not really!) 3 hours trying to find a specific type of skirt for the St. Louis Women's Choir costume/uniform. I noticed that my left leg was bothering me again, and began to become really worried. As you know, 11+ days ago or so I ran 7 miles for the first time without problem. However, I also managed to step wierd on the heel of my shoe, and barely missed a major injury falling on the escalator. Thanks to Bernie and Jess I didn't land on my face! The next day I noticed pain in my left knee and near my left ankle. I just figured it was from falling or running or both and if I took a few days off I would be fine.
Wrong! Apparently I managed to damage a tendon (maybe around the soleus muscle if I remember correctly) and it refuses to heal. I have been out of running since last Monday and was going to try going at it again today. I 'jogged' a few feet from my classroom to the art room today for our activity during PDC, and noticed my left leg bothering me again. I called my chiropractor and asked her what I should do. She had me come in, and made sure it wasn't a fractured or broken bone. She then put me on electrotherapy, followed by a hot pack, follwed by ultrasound with china gel. It feels way better at the moment, and I'm going to see her tommorow.
Bad news is, there is no way I'll be ready for the half marathon in April. I was only half way there, and being out for 3-4 weeks before the marathon isn't going to cut it. Small tears dribbled out of my eyes as I realized this on the way home. I didn't realize how much doing this meant to me until I realized it was being taken away. I've never had an athletic injury before (even if this was from falling on the escalator, could have been the running with the wrong shoes I found out about later, who knows?).
I discovered I'm one of those types of people that always has to have a goal in life. I felt like I was working toward something that couldn't be anything but good for me physically and emotionally. I don't know if I'm being 'punished' or I'm missing some lesson here, but I just keep feeling like certain things close to me are being ripped out from under me. It's like giving someone a present, and then breaking it in some small way so it's useless. Wow, I'm really depressed about this, and I'm not quite sure why. Somehow training to run the half marathon was like a committment for me to 'start over' in life. Getting my healthy work out habits back again, over coming the 'pit falls' to failure and reaching a very cool goal.
On top of the fact I keep getting some cold, flu, or virus to keep me from being healthy for more than 2 days a week, now running is being taken away from me. This really sucks, and I'm ticked! I'm hurt and I hate it! Sorry, I'm just really really upset, especially the more I 'talk' about it. Please, pray for my healing. I apologize for being 'down' today, but hey not every day can be a good day I guess.
Wrong! Apparently I managed to damage a tendon (maybe around the soleus muscle if I remember correctly) and it refuses to heal. I have been out of running since last Monday and was going to try going at it again today. I 'jogged' a few feet from my classroom to the art room today for our activity during PDC, and noticed my left leg bothering me again. I called my chiropractor and asked her what I should do. She had me come in, and made sure it wasn't a fractured or broken bone. She then put me on electrotherapy, followed by a hot pack, follwed by ultrasound with china gel. It feels way better at the moment, and I'm going to see her tommorow.
Bad news is, there is no way I'll be ready for the half marathon in April. I was only half way there, and being out for 3-4 weeks before the marathon isn't going to cut it. Small tears dribbled out of my eyes as I realized this on the way home. I didn't realize how much doing this meant to me until I realized it was being taken away. I've never had an athletic injury before (even if this was from falling on the escalator, could have been the running with the wrong shoes I found out about later, who knows?).
I discovered I'm one of those types of people that always has to have a goal in life. I felt like I was working toward something that couldn't be anything but good for me physically and emotionally. I don't know if I'm being 'punished' or I'm missing some lesson here, but I just keep feeling like certain things close to me are being ripped out from under me. It's like giving someone a present, and then breaking it in some small way so it's useless. Wow, I'm really depressed about this, and I'm not quite sure why. Somehow training to run the half marathon was like a committment for me to 'start over' in life. Getting my healthy work out habits back again, over coming the 'pit falls' to failure and reaching a very cool goal.
On top of the fact I keep getting some cold, flu, or virus to keep me from being healthy for more than 2 days a week, now running is being taken away from me. This really sucks, and I'm ticked! I'm hurt and I hate it! Sorry, I'm just really really upset, especially the more I 'talk' about it. Please, pray for my healing. I apologize for being 'down' today, but hey not every day can be a good day I guess.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Dreams of a Distant Past
Lately my dreams have felt like flashbacks of a distant past. They keep bringing up feelings and memories that are, I guess, best left in the past. For one thing I'm dreaming of when I worked at the Gap, so I found myself going there today and running into the store manager and other friends. (Katie and I spent 3 hours (ACK!!) trying to find skirts for choir, which is why I was at the mall in the first place.)
Anyway, the reason for the "Bereft" poem is the same reason I'm saying goodnight with this one tonight. I live for today and for the future, but I can't help but remember how I got here and who helped me along the way. Don't know why, I'm just in "I miss things" mode lately.
Anyway, the reason for the "Bereft" poem is the same reason I'm saying goodnight with this one tonight. I live for today and for the future, but I can't help but remember how I got here and who helped me along the way. Don't know why, I'm just in "I miss things" mode lately.
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday (Boyz II Men)
How do I say goodbye to what we had?
The good times that made us laugh
Outweigh the bad.
I thought we'd get to see forever
But forever's gone away
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
I don't know where this road
Is going to lead.
All I know is where we've been
And what we've been through.
If we get to see tomorrow
I hope it's worth all the wait
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
The good times that made us laugh
Outweigh the bad.
I thought we'd get to see forever
But forever's gone away
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
I don't know where this road
Is going to lead.
All I know is where we've been
And what we've been through.
If we get to see tomorrow
I hope it's worth all the wait
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
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