YES, we're still here!

It has been a LONG time since I last updated; I have been really BAD lately. After Christmas, things have been moving at light speed. We got done with solo & ensemble contest, then went to TMEA. We talked to alot of schools about possible jobs for next year. The two most promising are Waco and Pasadena. We'll see how it works out. Reuben and I have been frantically filling out applications since we got back. We haven't heard from anyone yet, but it's still early. I just feel really anxious about the whole situation.
At school I have been even MORE busy. I am co-directing the third hs band with Rocky, but I have been doing all the sectionals for it--often until 7 PM every night. I am also co-directing the second jh band with Reuben. Yes, we're co-directing again!!! So far, we're doing okay. ONLY two weeks until contest (yes, we're going BEFORE spring break this year!!). The good news is that it will be out of the way so we can enjoy ourselves and concentrate on finding jobs.
On another note, I cut my hair to right above the shoulders. I know this isn't a big deal, but my hair was REALLY long! I finally got tired of only being able to put it up or pull it back, so I got at least 6 inches chopped off. I think it looks good, and it's way easier to fix now. I'll have to get Reuben to take a picture sometime so I can show everyone. I think I look younger and more professional (a plus when looking for a new job!).
I forgot, I got to see James Galway at TMEA this year. Reuben took me to a concert he did for Valentine's day, and then I went to a clinic he gave on the last day. I even got my picture taken with him!! Reuben's jazz band that he plays in, the West Texas Jazz Orchestra, played at TMEA for the ATSSB all state students. A trombone player named Ron Wilkins did some numbers with them, so afterwards I got Reuben to take a picture with him.


There's still so much more to catch up on. On Monday, Feb. 18th, our refinery had a major explosion. It was felt all the way to San Angelo. We were in our first period of beginner band at Goliad when it happened around 8:20. It blew our doors open. I thought it was kids messing around, so I went outside to see what was going on. I went around the back of the band hall where I saw a huge cloud of smoke. By the time first period ended, all the sixth grade was sent back to class, and Washington and Moss elementaries were evacuated to Goliad. By the start of 3rd period, school was shut down. Thankfully, no one was killed at the refinery; there were only 4 injuries. God was looking out for everyone that day. It was very scary because we have lots of kids in band whose parents work out at Alon. By the next day, school was back in session, and things were back to somewhat normal.