Now that I have more time, I thought I'd count the reasons why being an elementary music teacher is WAY better than being a band director (even though I don't know what I'm doing yet):
1. No more summer camps with colorguard.
2. No more writing routines during the summers.
3. No more sectionals after school.
4. No more flag practices on Wednesday afternoons!
5. No more being at school at 7 AM (unless I WANT to).
6. No more staying at school until 9 or 10 PM (and I WON'T be either).
7. No more trying to keep the peace between 27 teenage girls.
8. No more Monday night rehearsals.
9. No more trying to decipher drill charts.
10. No more fitting band uniforms.
11. No more SUMMER BAND!!!
12. No more band class during the hottest part of the day -- NOON!
13. No more riding buses to out-of-town football games.
14. Oh, and no more FOOTBALL games!!
15. No more working on the weekends.
16. No more giving up weekends for contests.
17. No more travelling between 3 schools to teach 5 classes. (I get to stay put now.)
18. No more trying to get along with 3 other directors (my husband included).
19. No more following someone else's orders (unless it's my principal's).
20. And finally, I get to do what I want to do when I want to do it!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
July 25, 1997
Reuben and I have truly been blessed throughout this whole ordeal, but I wanted to stop and take a few minutes to remember someone very special to me. Eleven years ago on July 25th, my Mom passed away from cancer after a seven year battle. That has affected me greatly every day since. She was my comfort, someone I knew I could always go to. She loved Shelly and me more than anything. She always made time to come see us in San Angelo at school and to come see us play. She loved hearing us play our flutes, especially when we were doing it together. Even in her last few months while she was having holistic treatments in San Antonio, she came down to hear my last recital. She was very special.
Reuben got to meet her; I am thankful for that. He was able to see how wonderful and loving and special she was. Unfortunately she did not see us get married.
I hope that she would be proud of the things we have accomplished. However, I know she wouldn't haved liked us moving so far away! She always liked to come see us.
But I know she's in a better place and I'll see her again one day. I know she's taking care of our other loved ones who are with her.
I love you Mom, and I miss you every day.
Shelly, Mom, and me--I don't know who's who or when it was taken, but I thought it was a good picture.
Mom holding the two of us. My dad's mom, Grandma Chrisman was a twin, too. I have this picture and one of my great-grandma holding Grandma and Great Aunt Sonoma together.
This is of Great Grandma Jurecek (Grannie's mom) Grannie, Mom and us.
This last one is of Mom when she was in her early twenties. Wasn't she pretty? Reuben thinks I look more like her than Shelly does. I hope so!!
Reuben got to meet her; I am thankful for that. He was able to see how wonderful and loving and special she was. Unfortunately she did not see us get married.
I hope that she would be proud of the things we have accomplished. However, I know she wouldn't haved liked us moving so far away! She always liked to come see us.
But I know she's in a better place and I'll see her again one day. I know she's taking care of our other loved ones who are with her.
I love you Mom, and I miss you every day.
Shelly, Mom, and me--I don't know who's who or when it was taken, but I thought it was a good picture.
Mom holding the two of us. My dad's mom, Grandma Chrisman was a twin, too. I have this picture and one of my great-grandma holding Grandma and Great Aunt Sonoma together.
This is of Great Grandma Jurecek (Grannie's mom) Grannie, Mom and us.
This last one is of Mom when she was in her early twenties. Wasn't she pretty? Reuben thinks I look more like her than Shelly does. I hope so!!
There's always something to do
Today Reuben and I went to IKEA! Yes, there is one in Houston, right on I 10. We had a blast (well, at least I did). Reuben got to eat Swedish meatballs, and I got to look at EVERYTHING. We are mostly set on furniture (we even gave some away), so we went to look at barstools. Well, no barstools, but I did get some candles (yeah!) and some glass containers for both bathrooms. I was going to take a picture while we were there, but I forgot.
Yesterday (Friday), we went to eat at Spring Creek Barbecue (yes Leland, we have one here, too!) with some people from church. They have brother's keepers groups at the church we go to. Everyone has been very friendly and helpful. We had a good time and enjoyed getting to know them.
After dinner, we went to Petsmart to get the boys some bones, and Old Navy to buy me some new flip flops (that's why we bought bones for the boys, they think my shoes are their chew toys!).
On Thursday night, we both went to a rehearsal for the Houston Symphonic Band. We both decided to join it so we could keep playing our instruments. They meet every Thursday from 7 to 9:30. It was fun, but I can tell I am REALLY out of shape. I haven't played since school got out.
Wednesday was church night of course. We really enjoyed the lesson. I feel very at home at this church. I just miss the old group, still.
Then last Friday, July 18th, was our ninth anniversary. We were glad we didn't have to spend it in Big Spring. We went to the Woodlands to eat at the Cheesecake Factory (there are TWO in Houston, the other is in the Galleria Mall downtown.) After that, we did some shopping for the apartment. Then that night, we ate at Joe's Crab Shack for dinner. It was a great day. Reuben even surpised me with roses! Of course, the camera is being stupid, so I can't show you them yet. I will in a later post.
So as I said before, there is always something to do here in the Houston suburbs!
Yesterday (Friday), we went to eat at Spring Creek Barbecue (yes Leland, we have one here, too!) with some people from church. They have brother's keepers groups at the church we go to. Everyone has been very friendly and helpful. We had a good time and enjoyed getting to know them.
After dinner, we went to Petsmart to get the boys some bones, and Old Navy to buy me some new flip flops (that's why we bought bones for the boys, they think my shoes are their chew toys!).
On Thursday night, we both went to a rehearsal for the Houston Symphonic Band. We both decided to join it so we could keep playing our instruments. They meet every Thursday from 7 to 9:30. It was fun, but I can tell I am REALLY out of shape. I haven't played since school got out.
Wednesday was church night of course. We really enjoyed the lesson. I feel very at home at this church. I just miss the old group, still.
Then last Friday, July 18th, was our ninth anniversary. We were glad we didn't have to spend it in Big Spring. We went to the Woodlands to eat at the Cheesecake Factory (there are TWO in Houston, the other is in the Galleria Mall downtown.) After that, we did some shopping for the apartment. Then that night, we ate at Joe's Crab Shack for dinner. It was a great day. Reuben even surpised me with roses! Of course, the camera is being stupid, so I can't show you them yet. I will in a later post.
So as I said before, there is always something to do here in the Houston suburbs!
The entry way and the Dogs
We live on the third floor, yes I said the THIRD floor. Two flights of stairs up and down every day. The first picture is of the outside of our building. Ours is the top balcony on the left.
The next picture is of our cars from our balcony. It's a race every day to get a parking space in front of our building, so when we get one it's a prize.
The next two are of our front entry way. It's narrow, but there is enough room for a table. That is the stopping point for keys, my purse, school bags, dog leashes, mail, etc. That is why nothing is piled on the dining table!
Even the dogs got new blue IDs for their collars, but you probably can't see them. They have adjusted to apartment living fairly well. They have conquered the stairs (both were afraid when we first moved in, so we had to carry them the first time). They know what to do when we say "OUT". They go to the basket where we keep their harnesses and wait for us. Bandit even helps us put his on! He'll lower his head and lift his feet so we can get it on him. Buddy is a little more stubborn. They walk very well on leashes and have been all around the complex. They are hits with the older ladies!
Buddy on his favorit perch.
Bandit giving me "the look".
The next picture is of our cars from our balcony. It's a race every day to get a parking space in front of our building, so when we get one it's a prize.
The next two are of our front entry way. It's narrow, but there is enough room for a table. That is the stopping point for keys, my purse, school bags, dog leashes, mail, etc. That is why nothing is piled on the dining table!
Even the dogs got new blue IDs for their collars, but you probably can't see them. They have adjusted to apartment living fairly well. They have conquered the stairs (both were afraid when we first moved in, so we had to carry them the first time). They know what to do when we say "OUT". They go to the basket where we keep their harnesses and wait for us. Bandit even helps us put his on! He'll lower his head and lift his feet so we can get it on him. Buddy is a little more stubborn. They walk very well on leashes and have been all around the complex. They are hits with the older ladies!
Buddy on his favorit perch.
Bandit giving me "the look".
Bedroom and Computer/Second Bedroom
The first couple of pictures are of the guest bathroom. The tub is HUGE!! It's called a garden tub, and both bathrooms have one. It's nice a deep, so I can take bubble baths any time I want.
A few pictures of the second bedroom. We have our futon and the computer in it because there wasn't room for a regular bed AND everything else.
Another couple of the guest bathroom. Isn't it pretty?
The next two are of the master bathroom. They got mixed up when I started adding them to the blog. I may get a new shower curtain for our bathroom somewhere down the line.
The next two are of the second bedroom again. As you can see, the Disney shrine survived the move!! There were only a few scrapes and scratches. The top of the hutch nearly caved in, but it's okay now.
The last ones are of the master bedroom. It's not as big as we are used to, but it's okay. Our window faces the east, so we get woken up very early every morning. I will be putting up curtains in the VERY near future.
A few pictures of the second bedroom. We have our futon and the computer in it because there wasn't room for a regular bed AND everything else.
Another couple of the guest bathroom. Isn't it pretty?
The next two are of the master bathroom. They got mixed up when I started adding them to the blog. I may get a new shower curtain for our bathroom somewhere down the line.
The next two are of the second bedroom again. As you can see, the Disney shrine survived the move!! There were only a few scrapes and scratches. The top of the hutch nearly caved in, but it's okay now.
The last ones are of the master bedroom. It's not as big as we are used to, but it's okay. Our window faces the east, so we get woken up very early every morning. I will be putting up curtains in the VERY near future.
Let the blogging begin!!!!!!!
Okay everyone, I finally have everything the way I want it so here we go. There are so many things I want to tell you all about, so there will probably be several posts coming. First of all, I want to show some pictures of our new "home" (okay, apartment, but it is very nice.)
The first couple will be of the living/dining/kitchen area. They all flow into one another. What I like about it is that I can work in the kitchen and watch TV or talk to Reuben at the same time. No more walking to the living room and back to ask a question. Also, we get to eat at the table!!!! No more junk will be piled up on it. We also have an island in the kitchen that we can use as a breakfast bar; we just need to buy some bar stools. (Yeah! More shopping for me!!)
The first couple will be of the living/dining/kitchen area. They all flow into one another. What I like about it is that I can work in the kitchen and watch TV or talk to Reuben at the same time. No more walking to the living room and back to ask a question. Also, we get to eat at the table!!!! No more junk will be piled up on it. We also have an island in the kitchen that we can use as a breakfast bar; we just need to buy some bar stools. (Yeah! More shopping for me!!)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Finally Settled!!!
Well let's try this again. I tried to post yesterday but it wouldn't save it (lousy service interruptions that lasted ALL DAY). Shannon and I have finally got settled, things out of boxes, rooms organized -- except for one. Tuesday we bought a bookshelf (one fell apart in the move), and yesterday, we bought a computer desk (again, it fell apart in the move)--all this in an effort to organize our 2nd bedroom/computer room/home office-whatever you want to call it. It has almost worked, and the room almost looks like a room. When we get things exactly right, Shannon will take pictures to preserve history and we'll post them for all the world to see.
We moved in on the 13th of July. With a lot of help, hard work and 4 solid hours, we hoisted, heaved and lifted our entire life up two flights of stairs into our new home. We had my parents, a brother and his wife, two men I am working with next year, and one of my closest friends, Leland who drove from Arlington with us, and one of his students Greg. Thank you all so much.
Really it has been a great 2 weeks. The hardest part wasn't the move -- it's figuring out what to do with all of the stuff (anyone who has seen our house knows we have a lot). We are cramming a 3 bedroom house into a 2 bedroom apartment. NOT a fun chore, but after a garage sale, getting rid of a lot, plus a storage unit, it works.
We have begun learning the traffic around here. The beauty is we really have anything we need right in the area. 2 minutes from Walmart(not good--we'll go all the time), not too far from a mall, Super Target, HEB, tons of other shopping and of course, eating places. The thing I can't get over is for example tonight, we went to church, and drove 11 miles and it took nearly 20 minutes. Were used to being 5 min. from everything.
By the way, we have found a great church home. It's a congregation about the size of 14th & Main. The preacher and his wife are just a few years older than us, they have 5 kids. The preacher reminds us of Scott Prather. He has a lot of biblical knowledge, very energetic,and has as Leland says, a library of useless knowledge. His wife and Shannon seemed to click right away. There are a lot of young couples, middle aged couples and a huge youth group. We felt right at home from the second we walked into the building. There are a lot of great people to worship with. There is never a shortage of people that just come up and say hi. We didn't even visit another place, this one just felt right. It's called Lake Houston Church of Christ.
We got to experience some of the culture last Saturday night. We went to the Symphony as part of our ninth wedding anniversary. (It was on the 18th.) The Von Trapp family singer's were the featured artist's. They are Captain and Maria Von Trapp's great grand children from the Sound of Music. Their grandfather was Curt in the movie (the encouragable one). It was very good, the orchestra was good too.
We really miss 14th and Main, and (some of) our students. We have some really good memories of Big Spring. I can't say we will miss our jobs there or the school in general. The things that we remember and cherish are the things that have made this move possible--the encouragement from people at church, Leland and Harmony for their support and just listening, no matter how many times we say it. Scott and Lauren, thank you too for listening, and sharing your kids. We look at this a fresh start, a chance to try something new, have new opportunities, to learn new things, and to be able to want to get up and be happy and go to school.
We moved in on the 13th of July. With a lot of help, hard work and 4 solid hours, we hoisted, heaved and lifted our entire life up two flights of stairs into our new home. We had my parents, a brother and his wife, two men I am working with next year, and one of my closest friends, Leland who drove from Arlington with us, and one of his students Greg. Thank you all so much.
Really it has been a great 2 weeks. The hardest part wasn't the move -- it's figuring out what to do with all of the stuff (anyone who has seen our house knows we have a lot). We are cramming a 3 bedroom house into a 2 bedroom apartment. NOT a fun chore, but after a garage sale, getting rid of a lot, plus a storage unit, it works.
We have begun learning the traffic around here. The beauty is we really have anything we need right in the area. 2 minutes from Walmart(not good--we'll go all the time), not too far from a mall, Super Target, HEB, tons of other shopping and of course, eating places. The thing I can't get over is for example tonight, we went to church, and drove 11 miles and it took nearly 20 minutes. Were used to being 5 min. from everything.
By the way, we have found a great church home. It's a congregation about the size of 14th & Main. The preacher and his wife are just a few years older than us, they have 5 kids. The preacher reminds us of Scott Prather. He has a lot of biblical knowledge, very energetic,and has as Leland says, a library of useless knowledge. His wife and Shannon seemed to click right away. There are a lot of young couples, middle aged couples and a huge youth group. We felt right at home from the second we walked into the building. There are a lot of great people to worship with. There is never a shortage of people that just come up and say hi. We didn't even visit another place, this one just felt right. It's called Lake Houston Church of Christ.
We got to experience some of the culture last Saturday night. We went to the Symphony as part of our ninth wedding anniversary. (It was on the 18th.) The Von Trapp family singer's were the featured artist's. They are Captain and Maria Von Trapp's great grand children from the Sound of Music. Their grandfather was Curt in the movie (the encouragable one). It was very good, the orchestra was good too.
We really miss 14th and Main, and (some of) our students. We have some really good memories of Big Spring. I can't say we will miss our jobs there or the school in general. The things that we remember and cherish are the things that have made this move possible--the encouragement from people at church, Leland and Harmony for their support and just listening, no matter how many times we say it. Scott and Lauren, thank you too for listening, and sharing your kids. We look at this a fresh start, a chance to try something new, have new opportunities, to learn new things, and to be able to want to get up and be happy and go to school.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Were still alive
To all of our friends and family,
Shannon and I are still around--just busy. We have both found jobs in the Houston area and are trying to pack the house, have a garage sale, setup apartment utilities, ie all of the fun stuff associated with moving. We give you a more full update once we get moved and settled. We should be completely moved in by the 13th of July.
Reuben
Shannon and I are still around--just busy. We have both found jobs in the Houston area and are trying to pack the house, have a garage sale, setup apartment utilities, ie all of the fun stuff associated with moving. We give you a more full update once we get moved and settled. We should be completely moved in by the 13th of July.
Reuben
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