Crafty Post

I'm such a bad blogger these days...I'm going to blame my doctoral dissertation. Yeah...that sounds like a good excuse to me. So I like to quilt when I have the opportunity and I am especially proud of this blanket because I designed it myself and thought it came out really cute. My mom helped me finish it when she came to help me after my surgery earlier this fall, otherwise, it would probably still be sitting in pieces on my table. The sweet baby in the picture is my good friend Andrea's newest family addition, Lexi. Doesn't she look so precious?!

Side one: music background with a big "L" for Lexi! (colors: cream and chocolate brown)

Side 2: Rag quilt

Ph.D. Celebration #8

Last weekend I traveled to Oklahoma to do research on my (hopeful) dissertation. While there I was able to enjoy the company of my favorite OC pals. What a wonderful time of renewal. I can't believe this is the only picture I took!


I also got to spend time with my sister and her sweet family. I always hate to say good-bye. Hopefully this time next year, I will live much closer to all!

Ph.D. Celebration #7

My knee has been feeling better and better (always pretty achy by the end of the day), so I decided to take advantage and enjoy my Saturday. My good friend Lisa and I had a great lunch and then did some shopping. I didn't find anything I just had to have but it was great to walk around, talk and try some things on. I did find a dress I'd been wanting for $8! I love days like that!

What I'm Listening To...

I love Herman's Hermits! Have you heard of them? Perhaps not. This may be because they were overshadowed by another British band you may have heard of...the Beatles. They were the quieter aspect of the British Invasion. They only had one chart topper in the U.K. and three in the U.S. including "I'm Into Something Good," "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter," and "I'm Henry the Eighth, I am." I recently discovered this one.



I love it! I think Herman's Hermits deserved way more recognition than they received. Check them out! They'll put you in a good mood.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Ph.D. Celebration #6

I had a lot to celebrate at the end of this week. As some of you may know, I tore my ACL at the end of August and had surgery at the end of September. This past week was my first week back on campus and working. Everyday I was SO tired when I got home. I can't believe I survived the week in this big ol' brace!
To celebrate, Austin brought me a great big breakfast from Bobo's a local diner with pancakes bigger than your head, and a massage. Walking lopsided for so long really mixes up the rest of one's body!

All in all, it was a good but exhausting week! I even managed to turn in my committee forms for me dissertation! Won't be long now....

Ph.D. Celebration #5

This week I decided to celebrate by way of my cat, Thomas. He's stuck in there with me through this whole graduate school thing. He sleeps next to me while I work at the computer, he snuggles with me when I'm sick. He's been a real trooper. So this week I bought him this...

At first wasn't sure about it so I showed him how it worked (yes, that's right. I got on the floor and drank out of the frog fountain). And immediately he started using it! I think he likes it!

What I'm Listening to This Week...

This week, I'm loving Mozart. I mean, I love him most all weeks (unless being forced to analyze him), but especially this week. So I thought I'd share a few thoughts.

This piece, Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K 62,2 was written in 1791. It was one of Mozart's final completed works before dying in December of that same year. It has three movements (this is the second, the Adagio (slow).

I typically think of fast, technically difficult "show off" type pieces when I think of Mozart and this is simply just beautiful. I could listen to this all day.

Mozart only lived to be thirty-five. Can you imagine how much more vast his musical output would have been if he had lived even just one more decade?

Ph.D. Celebration #4

Four weeks down, still a few too many to go! Last night, I planned to stay in and study but when my good friends Lindsay and Camillo called to invite me over, I couldn't resist. Camillo is from Chile and yesterday was their Independence Day. So a few of us went over, had some wonderful traditional Chilean cuisine and great conversation.

It's moments like these that I know there are many aspects of Tucson that I will miss. I've been blessed to become close to several friends here. But I also know that Tucson is not where my road ends. In my celebration this week, I'm reminded that I need to celebrate these friends as much as possible before I leave!

Have a blessed week!

Ph.D. Celebration #3

Here we are, the end of the third week of the school year! I will admit, I did not accomplish much....but I survived and that's what counts right? As many of you may know, I'm an avid follower of Michael Buble (I don't know how to put an accent on my blog). I literally own every song he's ever recorded. When I put my iPod on shuffle, a large percent of music is Michael. I found out yesterday that his new single came out this week. So I decided my celebration would be the $1.29 purchase of his new song. It's not my favorite song he's ever written, but I still love it! Enjoy!

See you next week!

Ph.D. Celebration #2

It was slightly more difficult to celebrate the completion of this week because it ended with my being VERY behind in my school work (already!). I injured my knee and am looking to have to get surgery in the not-so-distant future. This week was filled with doctor appointments, lots of slow moving, ice, and frustration. And not much school work. But a week is a week, right? And I survived...barely. So to celebrate, Austin and I headed up to Mt. Lemmon and enjoyed the 72 degree weather and temporarily forgot we lived in the desert, that is until we drove back down to the 102 degree Tucson temp! For even just a few hours, it was the perfect getaway!

Ph.D. Celebration #1

It's true...I'm looking at the final year of my Ph.D. studies! Woo hoo! I find it important to celebrate the little things throughout the year. Being my last year (Lord willing), I've decided to celebrate each week I complete. This morning, after a trying first week, I slept in and had brunch with a good friend! Week 1...DONE! 51 weeks (or so) to go)!!!

The Decluttering of April's Life...

So I'm a bit embarrassed to actually show what condition I allowed my apartment to get in at the end of last semester. Last summer I moved into a small apartment and started working full time right away so I never had the opportunity to properly go through things and organize upon move in. Well, teaching, taking 9-12 graduate hours/semester and working in retail did not allow for much down time. This summer, however, I decided to change that. I took everything out of my storage closet and got rid of a bookshelf, a tv armoire, and more than 6 bags of clothing and knick knacks. Please don't judge my "before" pictures too harshly...I'm a VERY busy girl! The "before" pictures were taken immediately after I finished the semester in May.
Before:



After:




Before:



After:



Before:



After:




A perfectly organized storage closet:



FYI: Although I did not take picture of the kitchen and bathroom, I promise they are equally organized and decluttered!

A BIG thanks to my mom for driving 13 hours and staying a week just to help me out!!

To Colorado for a Wedding...

This post is tardy (what's new these days?) but I wanted to share some pictures from my very quick visit to Colorado a couple weeks ago. Because I was teaching summer school, I flew out early Saturday morning and back to Tucson late Sunday night. I flew into Denver where I was greeted by one of my best friends from high school, Josh Rael or as I affectionately call him "Hotlips." I've known Josh since the 6th grade. He took me to see his new downtown apartment and out for brunch before heading to Pueblo for the wedding.



The wedding was of my dear friend Brenda. Brenda is my sister BFF from high school and a good family friend. The wedding was beautiful and we had a great time with family and friends at the wedding.




Christian LOVED Josh (who doesn't?!) and even asked if Josh could come over some time to play video games. So sweet!


I was so excited to wear my dress because Austin bought it for me on my birthday this year and I was saving it for the wedding!

After the wedding, we headed to La Junta to spend Sunday morning/afternoon with Grandpa and Freida. I wish I lived closer so I could see them more often.

Josh took me back to Denver Sunday afternoon and we went to "Jazz in the Park" which was wonderful. We sat on grass (which we don't have in Tucson), listened to music and hung out. A great way to end my trip!

I miss Colorado!

My First 29th Birthday...

As my sister states it, this year was my "first" 29th birthday! I like that. From now on, I will be celebrating the anniversaries of my 29th birthday rather than getting older! Ha!

I started teaching summer school on my birthday. After a VERY trying day, I got into my car to go home and get ready for a birthday dinner with my friend Lisa who wouldn't tell me where were going. My car wouldn't start. Dead battery. So I called a friend to jump me and follow me to the car shop to drop off my car. After a hectic afternoon, Lisa took me to the Gaslight Theatre (a melodrama/vaudeville type theatre) for dinner and a show! Turns out, Austin coordinated it and paid for our show tickets! What a sweet guy! Lisa treated me to a fun dinner and we called it a night!

Friday was another frustrating day of teaching. Once that ended, my friend Jeannine took me to pick up my car and I headed home to get ready for a birthday dinner I planned with 13 of my closest Tucson friends! We had a great evening. My friend Jan made a cake and everything! Fun was had by all!

Though this year had its frustrating moments, I'm calling this year's birthday a success! I was reminded of all the blessings I enjoy and look forward to the coming year (as I hope to finish this degree)!

I will continue to celebrate my birthday through the rest of the month, as is my tradition!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONTH!

Reason Why I Shouldn't Live In Tucson #1

When it drops below 75 or starts to rain, every sorority girl pulls out her UGG boots to wear all over campus. They're not even waterproof! I don't get it...

My Old Man...

This is my cat Thomas, and this is what he looks like most of the time...

He sleeps anywhere and on anything (which is easy to do in my always cluttered apartment)!

He hates it when I leave, whether it's a trip or just to work...


He helps me with my homework...


He even has his own chair in the apartment. He's also attached himself to sleeping on my heating pad, but that's another story!


And he's most recently decided that water out of a bowl just won't cut it, he prefers the bathtub.

Seriously, he wait for me to get out of the shower and jumps in as soon as I'm out. I can't figure him out.

It may seem odd, and a little sad that I'm blogging about Thomas but it's because this month he turns 12 years old! My best friend. Tim, gave Thomas to me for my 17th birthday and we've been pretty inseparable since then! He follows me everywhere like a little dog (very non-cat like), when I cry he comforts me, when I'm sick he never leaves my side. He's seriously the best cat ever!

Hands down, greatest gift ever!



P.S. Please do not mistake this for the post of a crazy cat lady. I promise I'm not! He's simply the best cat ever!

Have a blessed weekend!

Race For the Cure

Last weekend was the race for the cure! I had a great time with some of my favorite LOFT girls!




The starting line...

Spring Break

After...
8 days
2,330 miles of driving
5 Research Interviews
1 Girls' Night
Many good meals
Many old friends
2 Nieces
2 Nephews
3 Siblings
2 Parents
2 Robert Pattinson movies
and a whole lot of fun...

I'm back in Tucson ready to finish the semester strong (hopefully)!

Thank goodness for a time for renewal. The Lord has truly blessed me this month!





Playing at the mall..



Taking their baby dolls on a walk!



Playing catch


Sweet, sweet girl!

I've been having lots of flashbacks...

I just haven't been posting them. It's been a rough couple weeks and any flashbacks I thought of were more sad than entertaining. My most common thought has been to flashback to 2 years ago when I made the decision to move out to the desert. I would like a do over on that one!

Grad school is hard...it's really, really hard.

Walking with Dinosaurs

The show Austin and I went to on Friday was a lot of fun! Since I couldn't take pictures, I've uploaded the trailer.



There was a narrator who talked about all the different periods and how talked about the dinosaurs. Of course, there was some science stuff I didn't quite agree with but it was a really cool experience!

Flashback Friday

Tonight Austin is taking me downtown to the Tucson Convention Center to see a show called, "Walking with Dinosaurs." We are both pretty excited even though we really don't know what to expect. But the whole going to see dinosaurs reminds of elementary school (I think 5th grade) when we went on a field trip to an exhibit called "Dinosaurs Alive!" They were these giant (to me) dinosaurs that were so life-like! I thought it was awesome!

I especially liked field trips because we always had to bring a sack lunch and Mom always let me take a Lunchable on a field trip. That was the ONLY time we got lunchables and I felt so cool! I don't know why I remember that so clearly. It's funny what our minds hold on to!

Anyways...maybe I'll take a lunchable with me on this field trip...

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Race for the Cure

Dear Family and Friends!

I've committed to run/walk the 5K for Southern Arizona's annual "Race for the Cure" in April. I would LOVE for you to visit my site: http://sazraceforthecure.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=333453&lis=0&kntae333453=1E0B731A7FCD4CF6BC02475B2350F8EB

and sponsor me! Thank you in advance for your support! You may also find the link to the right under "Sponsor Me!"

I hope you are having a happy and productive week!

April

Flashback Friday

Remember that time in college, when I went to Europe with some of my greatest friends and we traveled to four cities (Florence, Venice, Paris, and Frankfurt) in five days? We slept on trains at night and explored during the day. Yeah...that was fun. Next time, I think I'll spring for a hotel and a few extra days in each place. Oh to be young and carefree!


Traveling in luxury!

Flashback (way back) Friday

As I searched for a topic for my historical research in music education research study, I found myself taking many trips down memory lane. I thought about all the music teachers that have influenced me to be where I am today pursuing my Ph.D. in music education. This was not a wasted trip down memory lane as I found a wonderful person to write a biography on. I will not tell you who because I would like to finish it first!

So for today, I will leave you with this...my 8th grade pictures of me as head rifle girl for our school's marching band. I realize most middle schools do not have marching band but my teacher, Mr. Thomas, thought it was important. What a wonderful opportunity at such a young age. Even though it's been 15ish years since middle school (ouch), I still remember those experiences and know they sparked a love a music that would not soon go away.

Flashback Friday (late..again)

My high school best friend Tim and I in San Isabel in May of 2007

I've chosen this picture for several reasons:
1. Tim and his wife had a baby a couple weeks ago
2. I miss Colorado
3. I miss snow! You don't definitely can't have a snow fight in Tucson, let alone in May!

Oh to be young and semi-carefree...

Happy Saturday!

Sisters, Sisters and a Brother...

Both of my beautiful sisters have birthdays this month. Stacey on January 5th, and Jessica on January 25th! I cherish both women greatly because they've helped me become who I am today. Stacey reminds me to always try to keep a pure heart, and the joy of a child. Jessica is there whenever I need her. I've called her crying at 2 a.m. after a bad breakup. It's so wonderful to know I have a sister that will listen to me whenever I need an ear. She also keeps me humble...which I don't always like but appreciate!



"To be blessed with a wonderful sister

I ask myself why I have been blessed with someone so understanding and so caring...

Perhaps it's because I can truly appreciate you or maybe it's because God knew I needed you so much." -Jean Therese


This picture was taken almost 10 years ago when my sister was pregnant with my niece Alison

My big brother, Wayne also had a birthday in December (before I decided to do the occasional blog dedication). Because of my brother, it is my sincere belief that all girls should have a big brother like I did to take me on impromptu road trips in high school and remind me of my value and uniqueness! Love you brother!

This picture was taken a couple years ago on a visit to California to see Wayne and Veronica, my sister-in-law.

Flashback Friday (late)

Since I was recently studying some J.S. Bach in music history class, I thought I would flashback to college when I had the opportunity to visit Eisenach, Germany, the birthplace of J.S. Bach. And who better to visit this historic place than my two fellow music nerds...I mean music majors, Amy and A-dub!

Flashback Friday

In an effort to blog more throughout the semester I've decided to blog on Fridays with the theme of flashing back. During the semester I'm typically stressed out and very overwhelmed so I've chosen this theme to remind myself of great things and events in my past that brought me to where I am today. Enjoy!


One of the simpler joys in my life. Even as a kid I used to just circle the room doing summer saults over and over. This may explain a few things..

Enjoy your holiday weekend! I'll spend mine in class (yep, on a Saturday), working, and doing homework! I'm going to attempt a date with Austin somewhere in there!

For my Friend...

If I hadn't taken that math CLEP test so many years ago (10 1/2 to be exact), I might not have ever met Amanda. I still had to take the college Algebra class because I didn't pass said CLEP test (Amanda probably passed her test), but I gained what would become one of the most important relationships in my life. Amanda has been such a blessing in my life and now her husband and two beautiful little boys continue to bless my life as well!

Here are the top 10 things I love about you!!

1. I love that we communicate almost daily
2. The accountability partner you have become in my life.
3. Your gift of encouragement, God has truly blessed you with such a gift.
4. When we see each other twice a year, it's as if we've never been apart.
5. Your karate kicks
6. When one of us does something embarrassing, we immediately call the other so we can bring cheer to the other's day.
7. Brownies and movies
8. Gifts of Twilight calendars and cups
9. late night phone calls regarding paper and grading deadlines
10. Your fantastic ability to make me laugh!

I'm sure I could go on but I'll stop at 10!
Happy Birthday Amanda! I could not ask for a better friend! Here's to 10 years of friendship and many more adventures to come!


Amanda's college graduation in 2003



Not sure of the year but some time after college.


December, 2009 with A-dub (love both these girls with all my heart!)

Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be bought or sold,
But its value is far greater than a mountain made of gold--
For gold is cold and lifeless, it can neither see nor hear,
And in the time of trouble it is powerless to cheer--
It has no ears to listen, no heart to understand,
It cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand--
So when you ask God for a gift, be thankful if He sends
Not diamonds, pearls or riches, but the love a real true friends.

- Helen Steiner Rice

Amaryllis Blooms

So I think I'm going to have to keep an amaryllis in my apartment at all times! It grows so fast and is so beautiful!