All Packed and Ready to Go!

As soon as I got my suitcase out to pack, this is what Thomas did...



Little does he know he's going with me. He hates the car..pray for us!

Grading...

So I have to admit that, of all the tasks that go into teaching a college class, grading research papers is among my least favorite. But every once in awhile something will be written that makes me laugh, think, or teach me something I didn't know. I was reading a research paper on copyright laws and this is the closing paragraph:

"Music, like everything else on this planet, is an ever evolving thing. Also, as science as science has showed us, evolution is a very natural process that when controlled by man, has devastating consequences. Copyright laws are an example of man’s desire to control a natural process. Not only are the actions of man controlled by countless other laws, but now man’s most intrinsic right, the right to express himself/herself is slowly being taken away. If music can not evolve, then the future of music is in jeopardy. Music will not be able to change with culture and society and therefore, new cultures and societies will have no music to call their own. It is safe to assume that like music, other forms of creative art will follow suit. The Dark Ages will repeat themselves."

Who knew that copyright laws will cause the Dark Ages to repeat themselves!? I sure didn't. I got a good chuckle so I thought you might too. Hey, at least this student is passionate about their paper topic!

My Research Study...

So yesterday I taught my last class for the semester (beside the final) and I'm explaining to the class that I don't have all their papers graded because, let's face it I'm a grad student and I had my own paper due today, and one says, "oh, what was your paper on?" and I say, "It's a research study on the integration of music history into the elementary general music classroom." and her response is, "oh...so it's boring?"

Ha! It's not boring to me! And the funny thing is she said it like she felt sorry for me. I thought it was noteworthy.

A Christmas Poem

My friend Shelley posted this poem and I thought it was sweet. I have such a deep appreciation for our military. I hope you do too!

Christmas Poem

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
'SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY! COUNTRY, MY CORPS.'

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, 'CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.'

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
'MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,!
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.'

-Written by a marine

Tag

8 things about me

8 shows I watch:
1. Project Runway
2. The Office
3. Scrubs
4. Samantha Who
5. Law and Order
6. The Biggest Loser
7. The Amazing Race
8. Big Bang Theory

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Chipotle
2. Applebee's
3. Arby's
4. Wendy's (love their side Caesar salads)
5. Taco Bell
6. Italian Restaurants
7. Anything Mexican
8. Anywhere with a good pizza

8 Things that happened today:
1. Watched Navy/Army Football game
2. Worked on my research article (due next week)
3. Wrote more of my book (98 pages down a minimum of 20 more to go)
4. Cuddled with my sweet cat Thomas
5. Ate a bagel
6. Practiced guitar
7. Wrapped Christmas presents
8. Got a massage

8 Things I look forward to:
1. Seeing Ben again
2. Christmas celebration with my family
3. The end of the semester (2 weeks and counting)
4. Seeing the Nichols in AZ after Christmas
5. Completing my Ph.D. (3 years and counting)
6. Going to Colorado.
7. A fresh start to a new semester
8. Finish writing book

8 Things I wish for:
1. Easier class loads
2. More time with Ben
3. Ben not leaving for 8 months!
4. More time with all my sweet nieces and nephews
5. Quieter neighbors
6. Peace of mind
7. Cable
8. A good job after this silly Ph.D

8 People I tag:
1. Amanda
2. Jessica
3. Tamra
4. April
5. Jamie
6. Lisa
7. Karessa
8.

My Very Own Guitar Heroes...

So I've almost made it through my first semester of undergraduate teaching and I LOVE it! I teach a music fundamentals class that focuses on performance so we have learned recorder, guitar, bells, and singing. I am proud to say I've managed to teach a class of 27 students the fundamentals of guitar without ever picking one up in class (if that's not talent, I don't know what is)!! I've actually gotten alright at the guitar myself through my home practice/jam sessions. Ha!
Each student had to pick a song and perform it for me for a test grade. They did the same with the recorder (which was painful for my ears!). I was pretty impressed by the guitar tests. Who knew I could teach them to play the guitar? Most of them are much better than I am!

Since they got to choose their own songs, I had quite a variety to listen to from Jesus Loves Me to Bingo to John Mayer and Taylor Swift and of course a good amount of The Beatles!

This week, we had an all out jam session on piano, bells, guitar and recorders! We were the coolest band ever! We played Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D, and some of the classic Christmas songs like "Jingle Bells" and "Jolly Old St. Nicholas." My students rock!

Don't you wish you had me for a teacher in college!? Ha!

And I Thought My Thesis was Rough...

So I worked on my thesis for almost a year before it was completed and approved. It totaled 108 pages and I've got the pretty hard-backed book to prove it. Well...I naively thought to myself, "That wasn't bad. If I can write a thesis I can surely get my Ph.D. without too much more trouble..."
This statement has come back to get me because my first semester into my Ph.D. studies I am required to write a 120 page book by the end of the semester! My thesis was not even that long! Well here it is Novemeber and I'm on page 88. It's coming...slowly but surely it's coming. What was I thinking...this is so much more work than the Masters! All I have to say is this better all be worth it! Ha!

"The Mikado"

Oh my....I haven't any words to describe my experiences tonight. I had the opportunity to see the Arizona Opera Company's production of "The Mikado" starring Stephanie Blythe and it was AMAZING! If you are a music nerd like me please check out Blythe...she is hands down the most powerful mezzo-soprano ever! When she was singing at the bottom of her range she was still the loudest singer on stage (and I was in the second balcony!). Also, any night with the two funny men of operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan, is bound to be a fantastic evening.

Who knew I could move to Tucson and see famous opera singers for $25.00?? That's something I can write down on the "pro" side for this silly place! YAY!!

I appreciate when my weekends are filled with art and culture...now if I could just get my graduate work done...

The Little Joys in Life...

So when I moved to Tucson, I had to get rid of my washer/dryer because I couldn't find an apartment with hookups. So for the first time since my junior year of college I am having to take my laundry to the laundramat. This is NOT my most favorite task because it's expensive, time-consuming, and a little creepy at times...until I found a "wash 'n fold" place where I can drop my clothes off and they do it all! It's a bit more expensive than doing it myself but I decided it's totally worth it for my peace of mind plus I don't have to pay for the soap or anything so when you add that in there it's actually quite comparable. This makes me especially happy because I hate to fold and hang clothes (probably cause I get paid to do it at Ann Taylor LOFT) so the fact that they fold all my clothes into perfect little rectangles make it worth it!

"Rigoletto"

Last night I had tickets to see NKOTB in San Antonio with my good pal Lacy. But it just happened to fall on mid-term week and the plane tickets were crazy expensive so I hesitantly gave up my ticket and my trip back to SA. Luckily, I had the opportunity to go to Phoenix with my fellow Music Ed. TA, Johanna, to see Arizona's professional opera company perform "Rigoletto" by Verdi. It was INCREDIBLE! It is a tragic opera in every sense of the word. I was nearly moved to tears on several occasions.

If you don't know the story. The long and short of it is this:
Rigoletto is a court jester and gets a curse put on him at a party of the Duke's.
Rigoletto has a daughter, Gilda, that no one knows about because he doesn't want her to live a life of shame as he does being a jester.
The Duke, a womanizer, sees her at church (the only public place she is allowed to go) and follows her and they fall in love.
The men from the party find out about Gilda and decide to play their own joke on the jester and kidnap her.
Long story short, Rigoletto pays an assassin to kill the Duke in order to have his revenge.
Gilda comes back to the place where the Duke is dressed as a man (in order to escape the city) and is killed in the Dukes place.
As Rigoletto starts to take the body to the river, he looks to see the dead Duke and discovers his own daughter.

That's the really short version. It was absolutely heart-wrenching. The leads were hired from the Metropolitan Opera in New York and were hands down the best singers I have ever heard! It was wonderful to finally get out and do something I love.

And there's your music history lesson for the day!

The Sun Is Still in the Sky And Shining Above You...

I was sitting here attempting to work on a grad school project when a song by ABBA, "I Have A Dream" came on my itunes. I've been listening to ABBA a lot lately. My sisters and I spent a lot of time singing ABBA at the top of our lungs with my Mom and Grandma Amerine. As I was sitting here listening, I realized that this week is the anniversary of my Grandma's passing in 1991. This probably explains why I've been listening to so much ABBA lately and why I was brought to tears several times watching the musical "Mamma Mia" this weekend. My Grandma was amazing person with, from what I remember at a young age, an amazing amount of courage and endurance.

I've been struggling a lot lately with my decision to move to Tucson, AZ and pursue my Ph.D. I don't particularly like it here and haven't really connected with anyone. It's like I can't stop wanting what I can't have (which is the U of A magically transporting itself to San Antonio). I miss the life I had in San Antonio and have pretty much refused to make Tucson home.

My favorite ABBA song "Chiquitita" sums up dealing with troubling situations in a wonderful way:

Chiquitita, you and I know
How the heartaches come and they go and the scars theyre leaving
Youll be dancing once again and the pain will end
You will have no time for grieving
Chiquitita, you and I cry
But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you
Let me hear you sing once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita

I think it's time for me to do exactly this...no wonder Grandma loved this song! I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Updating my Blog on a Friday Night...I'm THAT Cool!

I had every intention of going to a symphony orchestra concert tonight at school but I fell asleep this afternoon and woke up right before it was supposed to start. I would use this as my excuse for having nothing to do but the truth is this is pretty much a typical weekend for me since moving to Tucson. I just haven't really connected with anyone on more than a "see you at school" level. Don't worry...I'm working on it...kind of.

So the other day I'm sitting in my office and a student knocks on my door. He's not my student and I share my office with three other people. He says he's looking for Keith. I don't know who this is but I also haven't met everyone I supposedly share my office with. So I tell him he can come in and wait if he wants. I confirm the building and office number and he says this is his teacher's office hours (I'm pretty sure this isn't the case because I'm here every week at this time). So he sits there awkward for a couple minutes while I continue to pretend to do work on the computer (I was probably checking my email instead).

Then suddenly he gets up and says, "This is the wrong room, sorry" and leaves. I thought it was funny, poor undergrad kid! He probably felt so silly, especially since I confirmed the location and asked him if he was sure he was in the right place. I got a kick out of it!

Some Visitors!!

My brother Wayne and his family drove up to Tucson for a quick visit this weekend. It was great to see them! We took Noah and Julianna (my nephew and niece) to the zoo, grilled some good steaks, and had a great time hanging out. I kept forgetting to take pictures though! Here are a couple (I have to post them, look how cute these kids are?!?!).



Julianna loved watching all the animals!



She's a little monkey herself!



Noah was quite comfortable in my papasan chair! Such a sweet boy!

The Lion or the Tin Man?

I had a humbling experience today. I got on the bus at the same time as a homeless man today. It was very obvious he's been without a roof for awhile. He was carrying about 8 plastic grocery bags filled mostly with recyclable materials (plastic, paper, etc.) In one bag he had a very dirty blanket which I can only assume is his bed. Situations like this both break my heart and make me incredibly uncomfortable. I definitely border on the side of paranoia of being assaulted or stolen because I know I haven't the means to really fight back. I only say this because I think this selfish fear of mine keeps me from helping others sometimes. Like today, as I was sitting on the bus across from this man, it occured to me that I had an unopened bottle of water and the first thing I thought was that I should offer it to this man. I can imagine he would appreciate a gesture such as this. I kept trying to get the nerve to speak (worried that something negative could happen from initiating any contact), and before I knew it, he was getting off the bus and I'd missed a perfectly good opportunity to help someone with a gesture as simple as offering a bottle of water to someone who really could have used it.

This really made me think. Why do we let ourselves get in the way of helping others? Sure, I have good reason to worry for my safety being alone in a city, but shouldn't I trust that if I aim to do God's will He will take care of me?? I feel like I have the heart of the servant, I'm just not sure I have the courage. Am I alone in these thoughts? It is my prayer that next time, I will have the courage to help when I see the opportunity.

I Met a Tool and had the Guts to Tell Him So!

So I get on the bus yesterday and it's standing room only, except this kid (he had to have been 20 maybe) is sitting in a seat with his backpack sitting in a seat next to him while people are forced to stand. So this guy walks up to him and says, "hey can i sit down?" And the jerk says, "where am I supposed to put my stuff...on my lap?" I, currently standing, say "Yeah, that's what everyone else does." And the jerk refuses!! So the nice guy walks past me and calls him something I will not repeat and offers me a seat that just opened up in the back. I kindly refuse and say, "See I'm a girl and have manners!" And everyone on the bus snickers. This guy was such a jerk. A few minutes later a seat in the front opens up and the jerk takes his earphone out and says to me (very rudely), "hey I think a seat just opened up for you." I walk past him and say (very sarcastically), "Oh thank you so much! You are so considerate! YOU ARE SUCH A TOOL!"
Seriously, where is the common courtesy that our parents taught us? Has it been completely lost on anyone younger than us? i mean, this guy was more concerned with his backpack having a seat than giving it to one of the 20 people standing! Things like this just infuriate me! I mean is it asking too much? I'm not mad about standing...I'm able-bodied but to see someone outright refuse to move a backpack for a person to sit down. I literally wanted punch that guy in the face! Am I totally off-base here? When did people stop being people? This makes me sad for our world...seriously.

Reasons Why Ben Makes Me Happy

Today marks one year of Ben and my relationship. Most of you know we went to high school together and I had a HUGE crush on him my senior year (he claims the same but he never acted on it if he did!). We parted ways after high school and reconnected 8 years later! Now here we are one year later and I'm loving every minute we get to spend together. Here are some of things that make me most happy about Ben...

- He always holds my hand even we are just walking a short distance.
- He has the job he's wanted since he was a little kid (a pilot!). We are both so passionate about our careers. I love that about him~
- He is so laid back and easy going. Nothing worries him. He rolls with the punches better than anyone I've ever seen!
- He's not embarrassed to wear a fake hair fro (in fact, he looks for reasons!) Because of this trait, I've learned to not be so self-conscious. See video below.
- When he looks at me, it's like I'm the only person in the room. Nothing makes a girl feel better, am I right?!?

I can't wait to see what the next year brings!

Anniversary Gift

I would like to thank my old roommate Karessa for sending me this present to celebrate my one year anniversary with Ben. We had big plans for him to come to Tucson and go to the symphony but he got sent to New York to pick up a new helicopter. So I will be celebrating our one year mark at the symphony by myself. It has been a great year though...if this video is any indication!

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Letter of Complaint

Dear Bus Driver,

You may not recognize me but I'm the proper lady you rudely left at the bus stop after I RAN across the busy street in my high heels and book bag just to make it to your door AS you were closing them and you looked at me, shook your head and said "no way."

YOU WEREN'T EVEN MOVING YET! Better yet, the doors weren't even all the way closed yet. So because of you, I was forced to wait an additioned 12 minutes in the Tucson heat and wait for the next bus.

Seriously, that's the equivalent of a slap in the face. You saw me running to meet you and I made it, yet you still found happiness in leaving me behind. Seriously, have I done something to offend you or the SunTran bus transit system? Because just last week I waited an HOUR to get home because the bus made room for a very much intoxicated person who tripped and fell and cracked their head. I had no problem being patient and I expect nothing less from you. Except I wasn't even late! I made it the bus and you still left me! Seriously, I'm just talking common courtesy here.

SunTran, you run a terrible bus system. And to make it worse you seem to employ mean people as your drivers (no offense to the nice ones)! I've been nothing but kind to you, waiting patiently, riding quietly, giving my seat to the elderly person without one. Obviously, you only have affection for other mean people...are you in a club together. The kind where you gang up on the nice, polite person just for grins and giggles?

Because of you, my day has gotten off to just a terrific start so let me thank you for that. Maybe on my way home, you can make my day complete by running over my foot or something!

Thanks for nothing!

Sincerely,

April, daily bus rider and irritated customer

Calling All Music Teachers...

I am working on a book (yes literally a book) for one of my Ph.D. courses. It is about integrating music history into the general K-5 music classroom. Ask your teacher friends, students' music teachers what their favorite resources for music history are and how they teach it in their classroom. If I use any stories or teaching strategies I will give credit, of course!

So this is a little experiment in snowball sampling. Pass on the word to anyone who might have some input!

Have a great weekend!

Are You Sorry?

So I ran into the crazy bus lady again (see a few posts down). I was sitting at the bus stop with my ipod on trying desperately to avoid having another conversation when someone asks me a question. i can't be rude so I take out my earphones. Within seconds crazy bus lady is standing next to me and she says, "Are you sorry?!?!...Are you sorry you chose THIS school?" I said, "No, I really like it here so far." And the guy next to me asks, "So they have a pretty good music program?" And I said, "yes they do." And the lady looks away and says, "hmmmph, not by MY standards." You have no standards! This lady has no clue what she's talking about. Case in point, the guy continues to tell me he used to go to college but plans changed and he was unable to finish. Crazy bus lady chimes in, "yeah...well I had plans for the priesthood but that didn't work out"

What?

Apparently she's on my bus route so stay tuned for more crazy bus lady stories!

WARNING: Racism Ahead...

So today I was walking through Target and two African-American teenagers (why aren't they in school, by the way?) walk by me. I probably gave them an inadvertant dirty look because they were acting ridiculous. Right after they pass me, I hear one of them say , "ooooh, she's scared of the black guys" in a very taunting way. I thought about stopping and telling them they were being tools and they are totally off-base. Isn't it sad that they use their skin color as an excuse to look down on everyone else when they are the ones that need to adjust their thoughts and behaviors? I was highly annoyed because who are they to judge me. I just needed to vent! Bottom line...don't act stupid in public and you won't get disapproving looks!

Oh the Bus...

Not to be a snob, but I try to keep to myself on the bus. I mean, let's be honest, if I were to encounter the wrong person I am small enough to put in your pocket without anyone noticing! Not to scare you mom (don't worry I'm very safe). Well lately it seems no matter what I do people feel the need to converse with me. I study music and for some reason as soon as people find this out, they feel the need to tell me their own music talent. Here are two instances of this happening...

A lady sits next to me yesterday and asks me what I study at the U of A. I tell her music education. She proceeds to tell me that she:
- Was a performance major herself
- Could win any audition
- Had SUCH talent
- Her mother was not psychologically supportive
- Her audition for the Paris Conservatory was not only unattended by her mother but that her mother sabatoged her audition
- People without support are a little "off"...you know, like Oprah (what??)
- Was all alone as a child and was still all alone now
- Had such talent
- Gets mad when she sees other people with psychological support from their famillies.

You get the picture but this went on for about 10 minutes! She repeated these same things over and over and asked me over and over "do you see what I'm saying?" "do you understand what I'm saying to you?" And she didn't let me say anything! It was very clear by the end of her bus journey that she was not all there. Poor thing!

After that conversation, I decided it was vital that I have my earphones on at ALL times! So today I'm sitting at the bus stop (with my ipod on) and a young guy (probably 20 yrs. old) sits down. As we are getting on the bus he asks me if I go to the U (that what they call U of A here). And I say yes and he asks what I study and I say music. We get on the empty bus and he sits next to me! UGH! I'm still listening to my music when he asks...

Guy: What kind of music do you have on there?
April: Pretty much every kind.
Guy: You should get my number because I really like music too
April: oh...no thanks (as polite as possible of course)
Guy: I have my own band and everything...we're going to be famous (insert creepy grin)
April: Oh good for you!
Guy: I bet you would like our music (trying to convince me one more time I need his number)
April: I'm sure I would...

I had my music on the whole time and he never got the hint! I even started texting as well! I think riding the bus is interesting...and a little creepy. But not creepy enough to buy a $500 parking permit. Stay tuned for more funny bus stories, I'm sure I will have plenty over the next three years!

In the Midst of a Monsoon...

I was sitting at my computer doing homework. I noticed a major storm moving in over the mountains (they are called monsoons here in Tucson). It starts to rain incredibly hard and all of the sudden, I see the most brilliant rainbow I've ever seen in my life!





These pictures don't do it justice but the entire sky was lit up and there were amazing reds and oranges in the whole sky!

Thomas was even interested.



And then just like that, it was gone and the entire sky was black again. Wow!

The First Day...

I just wanted to let you know I survived my first day of teaching college! And I must say, I think I did so with flying colors! I really enjoyed teaching the college kids! I've been riding the bus to school and today as I was getting off the bus, I heard someone calling "teacher, teacher!" It took me a minute to register that this individual was talking to me...it was one of my students! Once I realized she was talking to me, I looked at her and she said "teacher teacher! See you next time in class!" I thought it was cute. I think it's going to be a good semester...for teaching anyways, I am not excited about my Contemporary Music Analysis class. But I do get to take a class called "Writing a Book." Apparently I am going to write a book...wait...didn't I already do that? It was called my THESIS!!! Ha! Hope you all have a great week!

One Reason I Still LOVE OC...

I just ran across this video on YouTube and it makes me so happy! Most of you have seen the real video from "Ok Go" and this is an OC professor spin-off. I love how goofy the teachers can still be at that place!

The Work of a 5 Year Old...

My nephew Christian got hold of my camera and wanted to take pictures. He wanted to take pictures of things around the house so I could remember his house after I got home. He probably took over 50 pictures. Here are some of my favorites...I think Christian has found his calling. he he!

Impromptu Trip

I found out that I wasn't going to be able to start work at the LOFT for another week so I decided to hop a plane to visit my family. Here are the highlights...


Jessica picked me up from the airport and we headed to my parents' house in Guymon, OK. The next day we all headed to Colorado to visit my Grandpa and Freida! We had a really good visit. That night, Jessica and I went out on the town in Pueblo (as much "on the town" that can actually happen in Pueblo!) and spent the evening with our good friend Brenda.







Saturday we headed to the Great Sand Dunes. This is a place we used to go a lot as kids so it was a lot of fun to take my niece and nephew. The sand was SOOO hot!





Sunday after church, Jessica took me back to Oklahoma City to meet Amanda. We went back to Stillwater for a couple days and I got to meet Casen for the first time! He loved his Aunt April I think! Amanda and I had a great time catching up and just relaxing!









Wednesday was Alison's 8th birthday and my brother and sister-in-law and kids came down also. My entire immediate family hasn't been together in years. We had a really good visit! It was a lot of fun to watch the cousins play!

Something I've Never Done Before...

May of you know my cat, Thomas. He is quite an interesting cat, much more of human than a cat. He sleeps on his own pillow next to me in bed, he sits in chairs while I watch tv and is quite a great companion. He is my warrior cat. Well Thomas has pretty much always lived in a house where he could go outside as much as he wanted and in my SA apartment I had a balcony so he would come and go out there as he pleased. Well, here in Tucson we have none of those luxuries and Thomas cannot go outside at all. I think he's been very sad about this and I was feeling quite guilty that Thomas was stuck inside. So yesterday I put the harness and leash on him (which he HATES...makes him think I'm taking him in the car, which he hates even more!), and we headed outside the apartment.

At first Thomas didn't know what to think about it but he soon realized he could roam about and smell everything and "secure the perimeter" as my warrior cat likes to do. This worked out well until we ran into the dog. I scooped up Thomas real quick until the dog passed while Thomas hissed and snarled at his enemy. I also realized how funny we actually looked. I mean, how many people walk their cats. I plan to continue doing this to see if I can train Thomas to like being on the leash since it means he gets to go outside. I'll let you know how it works out!

Mt. Lemmon

This morning I decided to take a drive up Mt. Lemmon, a mountain that peaks at 9000 feet. Who knew there could be mountains in the desert? This Colorado girl is thankful for them because it makes me feel a little bit more at home. I actually have a good view of the mountains from my apartment. So this morning I filled up with gas ($3.70 thank you very much!), picked up a Subway sandwich and went on my own little mountain adventure, armed with Diet Coke and a great AM radio station I found that only plays music from the 1940s and 50s! Here is a little bit of what I saw...







There were all these great rock formations everywhere! The one with me in the picture is one that I got out and hiked around a bit. It was very peaceful sitting on these giant rocks that overlook the valley. I only went to about 6500 feet today but I will drive to the top soon I'm sure!









The biggest difference from the mountains in Colorado and the mountains in Arizona is the fact that they are covered in cacti rather than pine and aspen trees! But it wouldn't be Arizona without the unique cacti would it??

NKOTB

The love of my life is back...Jordan is even more handsome now than when I was 8 years old! I can't tell you how happy I am about their comeback...and I have tickets!!! I love my pal Lacy for many things...our love of cheesy novels, our deep appreciation for shoes and clothes, our similar tastes in undiscovered music, and...our obsession with NKOTB that has lasted almost two decades!!! Jordan and I have a date on October 17...it's going to be FANTASTIC!

Then...


Now...

Another Video...

Many of you know my good friend from high school in good ol' P-town. His name is Josh Rael (I call him Hotlips although we've never actually kissed!) and I'm his Sassafrass (my blog is named for that nickname which he still calls me to this day 13 years later). Josh was in music with me and he's one of my most favorite people ever! I just saw this video of him performing in Denver and wanted to share it with you all that know him!


Josh Rael "Luck Be A Lady Tonight"

Amanda's Such a Girl...and So Am I...

So my best friend posted this video of a lizzard who apparently walks on its hind legs. Well the greatest part of this video is Amanda's commentary and girly screams as the lizzard moves. I laughed so hard when I saw it because I was jumping just watching it! Amanda, you are much braver than I. I would have been far far away from that lizzard as soon as I saw it!

Thomas' New Chair

I just posted a blog about my new papasan chair. Thomas, my cat and only friend in Tucson has taken to my new chair. He was really freaked out about it at first. This made me happy since it is dark teal and he is blonde (I'll let you put those two together). Then I walk in one day to find my cat napping in the middle of my chair.
So now my pretty chair is covered in a blanket so Thomas won't get hair all over it! You can see what color it is in one of the pictures.

Random Act of Kindness

So I don't have any furniture and I found a great papason chair I liked. I decided I could make it fit in my car so I go to the store and buy it. As I'm struggling to fit this awkward piece of furniture into my car and woman walks up to me and asks me if I live far from there. She offers to put my chair in her truck and follow me back to my apartment! I told her how grateful I am and we go on our way. Once we get to my apartment, I take the chair out and again tell her thank you again and again for doing such a nice thing for me. She proceeds to tell me that the drive over was good for her because it gave her time to think, because just 30 minutes before running into me, she found out she had kidney cancer. WOW! Not only did this woman go out of her way to help a complete stranger but she did it on a day that she had every right not to! I told her I would keep her in my prayers and I am hoping you will too. Her name is Joyce. Do something for someone today! I know I have been humbled...

Catching Up...

So not having an internet connection really affected my life!! It has been a crazy month. I arrived safely to Tucson, AZ and just got the internet at my apartment connected....here is a quick update of some of the key events since losing my internet connection...



I graduated with my Masters in Music History and Literature. Ben sent me these beautiful flowers to help me celebrate!



I turned 27 on June 3. I had a great night out with my favorite San Antonio girls and Ben was off in the middle of the ocean. But before he left, he built me my very own Sailor Build-a-Bear! Please meet Lt. Benjamin Bear!







My roommate got married! Trent and Karessa tied the knot on June 14 in ConCan, TX. It was a great weekend!!

I will try to post some pictures of my apartment in Tucson before too long!

Funny Kids...

So I am at the library and only have a few minutes before my time is up so I will type quickly! I had to share this story...

Today I am walking with Dylan, a piano student of mine, and I ask him how life is treating him and this is his response, "Pretty good except for the cost of fuel!" HA HA! Even the soon-to-be 3rd graders are concerned about gas prices! I love it!!

Where Have I Been???

Well...I've been all over the place this month but can't show or tell you much about it because we've disconnected the internet at my house since my roommate moved out and my laptop is dead. Therefore, I am dying without my unlimited internet connection. I had no idea I depended on it so much for everything! I do have it on my phone but I'm going blind trying to read and write emails on its tiny screen. So I sit at the computer in the public library today to update you on what's been going on. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures because I can't upload them to a public computer...

Karessa moved out last week so I am now roommateless...lonely? ABSOLUTELY! I miss her a lot already! We had her bachelorette weekend in Port Aransas Memorial Day weekend and had a blast!

I am now officially 27 years old as of June 3...so I'm definitely feeling the upper 20s! Is it ironic that my knee joints hurt yesterday...is it a sign of my age?!?!

Benjamin...sigh...Benjamin. I'm not sure how one can manage to steal my heart away to the ocean but Ben has been successful in doing so. he's been on an aircraft carrier off and on (mostly on) for about a month now. Contact is very limited and yet he's managed to still make me feel amazingly special from so far away. For my birthday, he sent me a build-a-bear which he made to look like him! Complete in a Navy uniform, hat, and aviator specs (which Ben sports on a regular basis)

Tucson...I am moving to Tucson, and I am teaching undergraduates in the fall! The move is looking to be tricky time-wise and financially but God has always provided in the past and I know this time will be no different.

So right now? Right now I am working as many hours as possible and saving as much money as possible for the big move.

I hope this post finds all my viewers having a wonderful day! I better go because my public computer usage time is quickly dwindling!

Peace!

It's Official!!

I just found out that I've received an assistantship for the University of Arizona!! I will be teaching an undergraduate music reading / theory course! So I am officially a Wildcat for the next 3-4 years! YAY!

In other news, I graduated (which felt good!) but didn't take any pictures with my camera (yes I am a loser!).

I also just got my tax rebate check! I am going to use it to help with the move to Arizona. I only got $300...this disappoints me greatly! Oh well, it's still a little help!

BIG NEWS...possibly!

I just found out that I have been accepted to the University of Arizona's School of Music to start work on my PhD in Music Education!!! In other good news, I received an email with an opportunity for an assistantship as well!!! This is very exciting because I missed the deadline to be "first considered" for an assistantship.

Although, the assistantship is not yet finalized, I am praying that it will be soon and I can start packing my bags for Tucson, AZ! It's so nice to finally have a potential plan!

Please pray this all works out!

I PASSED!!!

This has been a very big week for me! On Tuesday, after climbing about a hundred hills in the 95 degree heat (I'm not complaining or anything!), my thesis received its final approval from the graduate college. The only left to to is make the copies of my thesis that will be bound in the library!

On Friday of this week I had my comprehensive oral exam. This is the exam where three of my professors sit in a room with me and ask me questions regarding any class I took over the pas two years! This grilling lasts one hour. I can't tell you how nerve-wracking it is to have three professors staring at you for that long and expecting you to sound intelligent on top of that! I did not always sound intelligent but they passed me anyway! Here's an example:

Prof.: April, what is the form of Beethoven's fourth movement of his 5th symphony?

April: (Thinking: WHAT? I can't even remember what that sounds like let a lone know the form!!!) I'm really not sure...I'm going to go with binary??

Prof: Noooo,(trying to help me out...). What comes after binary?

April: (freaking out on the inside that he won't let this go!) Ternary???

Prof: No....what comes after ternary??

April:(thinking: Come on Man! Just let it go, I don't know!!!) Rondo???

Prof: Yes you got it!

I felt so stupid. HA! But none the less, it's all over!! I CAN OFFICIALLY GRADUATE ON MAY 9TH!!!!

The First of Many Changes...

If you read my blog on a regular basis, you know that my life is about to change in several ways...new job (yet to be found), new place (yet to be found), etc. Today I decided to embrace these upcoming changes with a new look. I cut almost 4 inches off my hair! I am VERY pleased with the new look.





p.s. my official thesis is due to the graduate college on Wednesday, April 9. EEK!!