Category: The Daily Grind

I’m not sure that I can remember what all has been going on since my last post but here’s the low down:

I’ve restored probably 90% of my iTunes. Thanks to Apple for their complete support in retrieving the things I’d bought and didn’t get to back up. Let me remind you – BACK IT UP REGULARLY, folks!

Presentation – DONE. And very successful, too. Just under 80 people came and stayed (that can be a huge sign of success at these things) for my presentation that happened on the first day, first session. I’m still very much on cloud 9 about what a positive response I got over it.

We’ve had another successful leadership camp with the kids and I think that by far, this is the best leadership group we’ve had yet. We’re all on the same page about what will help achieve our goals as a band.

We’re in week 2 and we’re learning drill. This drill is going to be amazing. There was a little set back on getting drill (at all) but I’m not going to get into that. It’s done, behind us and there’s no need to dwell.

IAJE finally declared bankruptcy so we’re able to put forth the plans to dissolve IAJE-Texas and create Texas Jazz Educators. I spent 1/2 my day today at the TMEA office and I’m proud to say that TMEA proudly hosts the website for TJEA. The support we’re receiving from both them and TBA is phenomenal. Truly professionals!!

Amongst all the band stuff, I’m still able to make time for some social activities as well as relaxing activities. The gardening has gotten a little neglected in the last week and a half but the lake calls when I can get there. Thanks to Keith 🙂 for being flexible with when we go!

That’s the low down. I teach high school therefor there is always high school drama but why go into it? We have enough reality TV….

OH, I didn’t think I would get into watching the Olympics and I haven’t completely bought the shoes and drank the Kool-Aid yet but swimming and men’s gymnastics has completely captivated me – regardless of nationality. What amazing athletes!

Randy Pausch died today. He was the professor from Carnegie Mellon that was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and talked to the students there about his life and childhood dreams. From the first time I saw a snippet of his Last Lecture on Oprah, I was moved and inspired.

I watched his entire lecture online and read many articles about him. When his book came out in April, I bought it and read it cover to cover. He truly lived his childhood dreams (except playing in the NFL) and he enjoyed every minute of his life. I know I’m doing the right things in my life because although I have frustrating moments, I am living my dreams and following my passions. Thank you, Randy, for helping me remember that.

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Yay for Merkaba! It’s the local bar/restaurant my friend Pat owns. Check this out…. Notice that the first location in that newsletter says “Treff’s Bar and Grill” in Waco. That’s his place, too!

The girls and I went to the beach last weekend and we had a great time. We got some flack for going to Galveston but East Beach isn’t bad at all. In fact, if you go to Galveston, make sure you rent an umbrella and chairs from Frank. It’s certainly worth it with the Texas sun!

So, Naomi & I drove down early on Friday so we drove around and got acquainted to the sites of the island. Stacy & Sarah met us later that evening and once Monica flew back in from a business trip, she joined us on Friday night. We spent most of Saturday on East Beach and went to Fisherman’s Wharf on The Strand for dinner. We headed home on Sunday after a nice breakfast together. It was a short weekend but I’m glad we could get together.

Do you know you can find mullets on Galveston Island?? And they’re always fresh, too. 😉 (Yes, we know they’re fish.)

Naomi & Cathy settling in.

Sunset

Ready for the beach!

Taking in some sun!

Keeping in the shade.

Cleaned up and out to dinner.

My girls!

We had fun this July 4 weekend. Keith 🙂 and his buddies invited us to spend the weekend on Lake Travis with them and I got to just relax on the water. I feel very rejuvenated now. Just what I needed!