Sha-ZAM!

Today my 7th grade boys sight read during sectionals.  Like...all by themselves.  Like, I sang DO for them, and they took it from there - including hand signs.  Can I get a WOOT WOOT?!  

I've been using solfege in warm ups since I began teaching, but this past summer I took a class on how to teach music literacy using solfege.  I started with baby steps - using the signs "in the air" and then having them read on the white board.  Two weeks ago I started easing them into reading actual music.  We've been working on the same freakin' example (about 10 measures) using Do - Sol.  Well today in sectionals the guys just went to town!  I guess they were a bit board with that example and asked to go on to the next two...so we did.  They did both examples at about 90%.  THEN...nope it doesn't stop there...THEN!!!  one boy asks if he can lead the other guys instead of me.  WHAT?  Of course, you can, buddy!!  

How freakin' great is this???  I'm not sure if I'm more excited that they're actually learning how to read music, or that they're really excited and having fun with it.  Oh happy day!!

One more vent...

I really do try not to complain.  I think it's a waste of energy.  On the other hand, I think sometimes, just getting out that one good vent (or in this case, two vents) allows me to move on.  Like...if I just allow myself to vocalize my frustration to someone, I can release it.  I'm sure I'm not the only one.  What I hate is when people vent and vent and vent.  Otherwise known as complain and complain and complain. What I hate even more is when people complain and don't do anything to try to remedy their situation.  They're just "satisfied" with being miserable.   I think everyone gets a grace period, to vent and honestly feel a little sorry for ourselves for a bit.  But then it's honestly time to buck up and make something happen.  And if you don't get immediate results, try plan B.  And if that doesn't work, consult with friends and family and look into resources and see what other options there are.  Because there are always options, my friends. 

I know that people laugh at me and shake their head at me frequently.  Why?  Well, I do give ample opportunities for people to laugh at me.  But to stay on topic, I'm an optimist.  Most of the time this is just a natural characteristic.  But not always.  I, too, get discouraged and frustrated.  I, too, want to stomp my foot and whine and say it's just not fair.  I, too, get really bummed out sometimes because it just seems that sometimes things are just handed to some people and I work my butt off at a job that gets little respect and pays less.  But after my grace period, I make a conscious effort to be optimistic again.  Why?  Because honestly, it's easier.  It takes less energy.  I feel better.  I'm happier.  I have better people around me.  I make people happy.  I can do anything when I feel good.  And when I am complaining and feeling sorry for myself, I do not feel good.  People mistake this characteristic for being naive and immature or flighty (ok...I can be flighty, especially w/this new migraine med).  Sorry to disappoint, my friends (and foes).

I wish more people could be like this. I feel like we would be a more productive society if we would stop dwelling on what is wrong. If we could turn that negative energy into positive energy, we could be proactive and creative.  AND KIND!  It seems so simple, doesn't it?  I guess now I AM being naive....sigh.

Brrr.

Have I mentioned I work in a brand new state of the art Middle School?  We moved in 1 year ago to be exact.  And one year ago, I realized it was very, very cold...despite the thermal heat floors....which apparently where not given to the music wing for some reason.  But I thought - hey, it's a new building, I'm not going to complain because the custodians are learning a new, ridiculous system and there are bound to be some quirks.  So every once in a while I'd put a bug in their ear just so it didn't fall off their radar.  Well, then spring came and all was forgotten, when it became really, REALLY hot.
Guess what?  Now that Maine is having the coldest temps in...oh...FOREVER....my heat still isn't fixed. Friends, it's so cold I can see my breath.  It's so cold I can't play the piano because my hands are so cold.  It's so freakin' cold I have to wear 7 layers - not only to keep warm, but because my nipples are hard from the cold.
I love winter - for realz, I do.  But I like winter better with, like 20-30 degree weather when you can enjoy the outdoors. This is redonks...

Decisions, decisions...

I'm not sure what is going on with me, but it seems I'm making major life decisions left and right.  To buy a house or not buy a house? When to move out into my own apt (April 1st, as I've decided the least I can do for my parents is stay through the winter to help shovel since mom cannot, and they've been so good to me)? Should I go to Grad School or not?  And if so, should I hold off and take some refresher courses first?  Well....I am currently pulling everything together to apply for fall classes.  No refresher classes.  Just diving in.  I've written the required essay on professional goals, and have requested the three letters of recommendations - one is already completed.  Now I just have to video myself teaching and add that to some video of me conducting in a concert and throw it in the mail.  EEKS!  Why did I decide to not take the refresher courses?  Well...because I'm a moron.  No...I jest.  I guess I just figure I can continue to delay this and doubt myself, or I can dive in and see what happens.  The worse thing that can happen is that I take a step back if I find it's too hard, right? So honestly, I'll probably just take one class next fall.  This is going to be a very long process...years.  YEARS!  Oye.  Eeks!  Cripes. I have heart palpitations and I haven't even been accepted yet. Can I just be done with big decisions for a while, please?  I don't like them!!  I'm not good at them...

Winter Wonderland

Winter in Maine sucked last year.  I think we had one big snowstorm.  And it was on a long weekend, so I didn't even get a snow day out of it from school!  Boo!!!  This year, however, ROCKS!  Actually, this week rocks! Last Wednesday we had a snow day, and today we had early release - which is actually better because we go home early - but we're at school long enough that it counts as a full day of school, so we don't have to make it up in June.  Woot!  I don't even mind shoveling...well, mostly.  
This past Sunday I went snowshoeing for the first time.  It was so fantastic!  It was a gorgeous day and the snow was still fresh from the previous storm. We ended up on a snowmobile trail by accident, so it was all packed down, which we didn't really want.  But I guess it was actually ok considering it was my first time snowshoeing.  It was so beautiful outside in the woods...I heart winters in Maine.  The rec dept in Windham actually lets its residents borrow LL Bean snowshoes for the weekend for free, which is pretty cool.  I can't wait to do it again.  I'm so happy to be back here....The Way Life Should Be.  True story.

(I would like a little help shoveling, though...)

Catching a Clue

Umm...my  mother has been looking online for apartments for me for a good 2 hours.  Is she trying to tell me something?  Is it possible that she wants me out of here as much as I want to leave? Well,, I doubt that...but it might be close.  OK, Ma.  I get it.  Now that the buying decision is made, I'll start looking, too....

Decision Made...

After  months of thought...and deciding...and rethinking...and so on...I have decided to put the house purchase on hold for a year.  I had thought that when Dad moved down here at the end of the school year, I would buy a condo or small house.  And while I could do it...I can barely do it.  And I'm just not comfortable with that.  I feel like for the first time in my life, I'm in a really good spot financially, and in the next few months my car will be paid off, so things will only get better.  If I jump the gun and buy a house too soon, I run the risk of setting myself back financially.  And I'm just not willing to do that.  So I'm going to rent for a year and reevaluate.  I know that renting is "throwing away money".  But there are times when buying is not the right option either, and I believe this is the case for me right now.  A year can make a huge difference for me.  I feel really good about this decision.  Tomorrow and next Saturday I'm taking a 1st time home buyers class, which will give me many benefits when the time comes.  Another year will give me a year's saving for a down payment.  All my ducks will be in order so I'll be ready to pull the trigger when the right opportunity presents itself.  I've been looking around for about 5 months or so for houses in my price range - which for a single, 3rd year teacher is not very high! - and there's not a lot out there.  They all require a lot of work.  Translation:  you buy them cheap, but need money for renovation.  So there.  I love making a decision.  Especially when you've the research and really weighed the pros and cons so you can really confident about the decision.  Yay!  Now...just gotta find an apartment!!!

I Love Oprah!

There I said it.  I've resisted it for 25 years.  I used to be annoyed because, even though one can't deny all the amazingly wonderful things she does for so many people, it always bugged me how public she made it.  And every interview always became about her. UGH!!  Drove me nuts.  But you know what...she's grown on me.  I kind of like her. Whatever her quirks - and we all have them - she really uses her celebrity and her money to help our world and society.  And you know what - she SHOULD get credit for that.  She SHOULD give herself a pat on the back. So there you have it.  I love her.  Now...anyone know how I can meet her??

Favorite Books of 2010

I love to read.  I mean, really, truly, love to read.  I can't get enough of it.  I can easily be up until 2:00 am so enthralled in a book that I've completely lost track of time.  This can go on for several days until I finish the book.  In the summer, this isn't problem because I can sleep in.  During the school year, however, my alarm clock chimes in at 5:30...so by the 3rd or 4th day of this routine and I'm toast.  But I can't help it.  I love to read.  And while I love the library, I really love to buy books.  It's my vice.  I suppose in the grand scheme of things, it's not a bad vice, but it sure is expensive.  
Anyway, my friends are always interested in what I'm reading, and I love to talk about my latest "find".  So here are my favorite books of 2010, in no particular order (because I find it hard to name favorites - other than my all time favorite, "To Kill a Mockingbird", which got me into reading in the first place).

1. Armageddon by Leon Uris
    I love Leon Uris...I love historic fiction - especially anything during World War II and having to do with the Holocaust.  This story takes place while the allies are helping rebuild Berlin and trying to control how much influence Russia and Communism will have.  Uris' characters and their struggles are heart wrenching.  He makes you ask questions you never thought of.  I love him. Also read Exodus - this is a must read - and will help you understand the Israeli/Palestinian conflict that still exists today.


2. South of Broad by Pat Conroy
   Pat Conroy's books are all about relationships to me - and this one is about the strong, but unlikely friendships that were built and how years later, they were crucial to their survival.  That's his other constant theme - survival.  But one's survival is with the help of strong relationships.  Other good books by him are Prince of Tides and Beach Music. 


3. Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan
    I love how this book is written - it reminds me of a fable.  I think that's what I loved about it.  It's not a page turner.  I was not up until 2:00 am.  It was a relaxing read every now and then.  But I loved the story and I loved how it was written.

4. Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
    I learned a lot about myself.  I had to question how I look at homeless people and how I would react in situations.  I'm not sure I would like my reactions.  I also learned a lot about  my faith.  I always like books that make take a good look at myself and that gives me food for thought when it comes to faith.

5. Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series by Stieg Larsson
   These books are pure entertainment - very Jason Bourne-ish.  Page turning, and yes - I was definitely up until 2am.  I think I finished all 3 books in a week.  Thankfully I waited until summer to start the series. Larsson does write about crimes against women in these books - with quite a bit of detail.  Sometimes this is difficult to read - but this graphic writing only occurs a couple times in each book, and to be honest, is necessary to get the severity of these crimes across.  If you have a week stomach, you can probably skip a paragraph or two and still enjoy the book.


6. Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich
   With all the historic fiction and memoirs I enjoy, sometimes my brain just needs a break.  The Stephanie Plum series is mindless entertainment.  My best friend (also a Stephanie) has been trying to get me to read them for years....and kept telling me that I reminded her of the main character.  Sadly...it's true.  If I were a bounty hunter, these escapades would be mine, not this fictitious character's.  I should be insulted by this comparison...but I'm too busy laughing.

7. Little Bee by Chris Cleave
   This book is a slower read, but once again gives you perspective on something you probably never really thought of before.  This is about a girl who came into London illegally for refuge.  She tried to do everything right, but these are her bureaucratic challenges. I don't remember if this is a true story or not...

8. Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald
   Cute, easy read.  She's not a brilliant writer by any means.  But it's just a book reminding females to take care of themselves and enjoy themselves.  Everything from wine to cheese to a good pair of jeans.  Good music to good books to having courage to meet new people and take new adventures.  A nice "feel good" book.  I actually bought it as a Christmas present and then decided to read it first (I bought a new copy as a gift, don't worry!)

9. Half Broke Horse by Jeannette Walls
   This book is about the author's grandmother, who was mentioned in her first memoir, The Glass Castle (also a Must Read).  Her grandmother was quite the independent female, especially for her time.  A smart, feisty spirit, she was capable of anything.  Great memoir.  


10. Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors
     I actually read this about 5 or so years ago and loved it.  It's one of my favorites ever.  It is about the family that actually had the Taj Mahal built, so part of the reason I love it is that it explains some of the architecture of that amazing monument. But it's also a love story. And a story about a family's turmoil.  And a story of the daughter's decisions that she has to make throughout her life.  Beautiful.

I hope you enjoy these books as much as I have.  I'm always looking for new reads, so please send me ideas, too!  Happy New Year!!