My Nameless Blog

I want to go to the park! :D

2007-02-07T21:24:00.000-06:00

Here I was all exicted about a possible "free" evening (no major assignments due), but alas I just looked at the clock and it is already 9:20. I suppose I will try to stay up till 11 or so. But I have to get up by 6 in the morning and I was up at 5 this morning finishing a paper. Why the heck am I writing all this? Who cares about my sleep schedule?

Any way, life is pretty much so great. Have I mentioned that I'm madly in love with Jordan? (I guess it's a good thing since I will be his wife in around 6 months.) For those of you who don't know (and by "those of you" I may mean a very small number of people who actually read my blog), our wedding date is August 18th. Yeah!!! I wish it were summer now. Not just because I'd be closer to getting married, but also because for some crazy reason I feel like going swimming. There are a few things I miss about living in my apartment- one of them is having a pool. That, and a dishwasher and nice carpet. But whatever.

Nicaragua is fast approaching!!! I'm getting more and more excited. We got details on what some of the things we will be doing on the trip are. God has provided for all our financial needs. It's going to be great!

Well, I better go "enjoy" my free time- how about folding some clothes? Oh yippee!!! That sounds marvelous. :)

New blog!

2007-01-23T18:26:00.000-06:00

So I had a little time on my hands (shocking isn't it?) and finally got around to starting a new blog- one for quotes and comments from students heard during piano lessons. So, if you are interested in reading pointless quotes from 7 year olds, you can check it out!:) There is a link on this blog: Piano Conversations. Or just go to www.pianoconversations.blogspot.com

I'll write more about life later. One thing to mention though is that God has continued to provide for our trip- thank you for your prayers. Please keep it up!

Later!

Mission Trip to Nicaragua

2007-01-15T11:38:00.000-06:00

Hi, Everyone! As most of you know, Jordan and I will be going on a mission trip to Nicaragua over Spring Break. We will be traveling with Food for the Hungry, the same organization that I worked with in Nicaragua during the summer of 2005. (You can visit their website at www.fh.org to read more about their international work.)

We leave soon and have had much less time than usual to raise support. Deadlines are fast approaching (ideally, we need funds in by January 31st). We each still individually need approximately $1000. This seems like a lot of money, but nothing is impossible with God. I am trusting that He will provide for our material needs in order that we might fulfill the spiritual tasks He has set before us.

If you are willing to help, please send a donation to:

Food for the Hungry
Attention: Josh Kienzle
1224 E Washington Street
Phoenix AZ 85034

Please notate on checks that the donation is for Heather Nolan and/or Jordan Yerkes.

Your financial support and your prayers are deeply appreciated!!!

Drum roll please...

2007-01-08T10:23:00.000-06:00

I have GOT to get off the computer and get stuff done!!! I keep sleeping too late. And though I started the morning off right (with God), I still have tons of stuff to do before work this afternoon. But who cares about all that 'cuz I'M ENGAGED!!!!!! Most everyone already knows, but it would be wrong to not post it on on my blog (which I have neglected recently). I cannot adequately express my excitement or happiness. Jordan is most definitely the greatest man ever and I feel so honored to know I will be his wife. The next 8 months are going to be crazy. Crazy-busy what with school, work, a mission trip, and a wedding to plan (not to mention some big life decisions)!!! But I'm so crazy-happy that perhaps it won't phase me too much.

God is so wonderful.

Oink Oink...

2006-12-21T09:56:00.000-06:00

Hello! I suppose it is time for a new post and update on the life of Heather. (I'm sure so many of you were waiting in eager anticipation...ha ha.)

First off, school is officially over!!! I was also very excited to find that I had maintained my 4.0 GPA. I keep having people say things like, "You know, Heather, they don't put your GPA on your degree." Or, "You study too much. You're a college student- you should be having fun, not studying." This doesn't really make much sense to me... Any way, I am very thankful that God helped me to stay on top of everything despite the hectic semester. I know HE was the one holding together my sanity (or what's left of it).

My students had their recital last Saturday. It went really well and I was proud of them and the hard work they put into this semester. So many of them are really young and I just couldn't help but grin half the time at how cute they were up there- tiny little fingers and little feet that swing off the bench and don't even reach the floor! We had a fun conclusion- one of my students came up at the end and played Silent Night on her harmonica! Several people mentioned that they enjoyed that.:)

In other news, I am eating too much. But aren't we all? I am getting slightly annoyed though. It seems that I am constantly going to parties or get-togethers. And at every one of these gatherings there are piles upon piles of chocolate, chips, cakes, cookies, cheese, and crackers. (that alliteration was for you, sweetie:). I feel fat...I know I'm not, but I feel like it. You know that scene of the movie A Christmas Story? (Happens to be one of my all time favorites, by the way.) The scene where the mom is trying to get Randy, the younger brother, to eat his supper- because he's a picky eater? She says, "Where's mommy's little piggy? oink oink" And Randy proceeds to rub his face all in his plate of meatloaf and mashed potatoes and snort like a pig. Yah...well, now whenever I go back for more food, Jordan snorts at me. I told him most boyfriends wouldn't get away with that. But since I instigated it and since he says he wouldn't do it if I didn't laugh every time, I suppose it's alright...

Happy Eating...and Merry Christmas!!!

It's 4 am

2006-12-13T03:49:00.000-06:00

That's right- it's 4 am...and I am awake. Or at least I appear to be. Really though, I'm not sure why. Probably has something to do with sudafed and nasal decongestant spray (more than usual). I have not been feeling well- stupid sinuses- stupid allergies- stupid cold house. But I'm not complaining- because that would be wrong...;)

So, I had my jury on Monday...let's not go THERE. Let's just say I'm glad it's over. I also had my Piano Pedagogy final on Monday. It went well. Last night was a piano party at our ped professor's house. It was fun. We watched a dvd of podcasts that the class made this semester on various teaching topics. There was also a bloopers portion Mr. Ajero created- very funny. I have two more finals to go- they are on Thursday and then I will be done!!! My students have their recital on Saturday and then more fun with friends and another Christmas party following that!

As you may have noticed, I tend to complain a lot about my busy schedule- as well as even boast about it sometimes. (Neither of which are very godly.) As the semester comes to a close, I realize that there is really nothing enjoyable about being super busy. And there's really nothing about it that I should be that proud of. "Look at me- I can run myself into the ground with more activities and workload than God intended for me to handle and meanwhile not find enough time left to spend with Him. Aren't you proud of me for being so busy?!!! I am truly amazing to be able to stay on such a demanding schedule." See? It doesn't make sense.

Thing is, it's really hard to not get that busy. How else can I get a degree and support myself without going into debt? There is not an easy solution. But I am trying. I started making my schedule for next semester. Even as it fills up, I am trying to stay optimistic. There must be time for God and there must be time for more piano practice and there must be time for REST.

I guess the most encouraging part about it all is that I don't have to figure it out on my own. God spoke to my heart so clearly on Sunday when Bro. John preached about soul fatigue. He gave five signs that your soul is tired...I have been experiencing a little bit of all of them. The one phrase that resonated in my mind was: Engage in the struggle to pursue God. Oddly enough, I find it comforting to know that keeping my mind on spiritual things in the midst of daily work is never going to be easy. I should expect for it to be a battle- but I should always be engaged in that battle.

So...I had a wonderful long conversation with God yesterday morning during which He reminded me that He's still right there and is still working in my life- and still has great ways to use me for His glory. He especially gave me indescribable joy at the thought and anticipation of returning to Nicaragua in 3 months. (Joy that brought me to tears.) How I long to feel that again- the clarity of thought and complete focus on the things that are not of this world- the things that will not pass away. I pray that my mind and heart will be in that place all of next semester- regardless of whether I am in Nicaragua on the mission field, or sitting at SFA in music history- which is also just as much a mission field if only we'd have eyes to see it. I'm not the only one whose soul gets tired, but oftentimes I am the only one in a room who knows where- and in Whom- to find true rest.

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

I am a criminal...

2006-12-07T21:07:00.000-06:00

Taking a break from practicing...next semester is going to be better. I know a few people (namely people who dress up like Darth Vader and go on elevators with me) who are probably tired of hearing me say that. But it's true...next semster WILL be better. I WILL practice more and my schedule WILL be different so that I can. I think finals will go ok, though. I feel pretty confident that I will get an A in all my classes. So long as I know the final material- and I plan on it. And I am feeling slightly better about my jury on monday. For those of you nonmusic people, juries is when we have to go in front of faculty at the end of the semester and perform what we've been working on for the last 4 months. Oh joy. I have decided that I love to teach, play in church, and accompany. But I have absolutely no desire to perform lots of long memorized music all alone on a stage. This is why I am a pedagogy major and NOT performance. Needless to say, I dread juries. Oh well.

I have within the last week or two reached a point beyond burnout and exhaustion. I have become somewhat apathetic. What's really crazy is that I am looking forward to the break not just so I can rest, but mainly so I can practice. I want to get a head start on next semester's music so that I don't have another semester like this one. It has just about killed me- and I'd rather be able to at least enjoy some of my daily activies rather than feel like I am a mere machine in high gear. Example of a daily schedule- 6:00 wake up 7:00 leave for Nac 8:00 practice 9:00 practice with vocalist 9:30 class 11:00 class 12:15 eat 12:30 class 1:45 go to vocalist lesson to accompany 2:10 leave for Lufkin 3:00 teach 7:00 go home, eat, study, pratice, clean house(yah right, like that ever got done), shower. 11 or midnight- fall into bed 6:00 start over again. Yes, I am crazy. Sure, there's been some fun some how or another. But I don't think I like being this busy...no, I hate it.

In other news... as reads the title of this post... I am a criminal. That's right- a low down, speeding criminal. I knew it had to happen at some point, but aarggg!!! it makes me mad. I was going down whitehouse (aka 30 mph speed limit). I was just finishing some teaching, stopped to make some copies, was on my way to put gas in my car, grab food for later and head to another class in Nac before coming back to lufkin to teach some more. I admit that I was not paying attention to the road- or the police officer. So, I got pulled over for the first time in my life. And he was rude- rude, mean, ugly, arrogant police officer...I know, I know...just doing his job. "Do you know why I stopped you?" "Yes sir," (I kept up the manners and respect act the whole time). "I was speeding." "Do you know what the speed limit is here?" "Yes. I saw it just now- 30 mph." "I clocked you at 47 miles per hour." Yah...that's pretty bad, huh? But, what can I say? I am always in a hurry to stay on schedule. After he ran my license he came back and I could have sworn he said, "So, are you employed or are you stupid?" "Excuse me?!" "I said are you employed or are you a student?"...ooohhh... well, I'm both...

Stupid cop. Stupid speed limit. Who the heck came up with driving 30 miles per hour? Probably some elderly lady who sends in money once a month to the Save the Squirrels Foundation. Or if its so no one accidently runs over children in a residential area- well, people should teach their kids not to run out into streets. And I shouldn't be responsible for keeping their kids safe.

Bottom line, I guess I learned my lesson. And I've certainly been using cruise control more often now. Back to practicing...one day, some day, some how, this semester will end and I will rejoice and laugh hysterically...and maybe even cry crazy tears while dancing around and jumping up and down.

Pillows, Movies, and Happy Ring-a-Lings

2006-11-29T22:15:00.000-06:00

I'm ready for bed! Some people may notice that I talk about my bed quite a bit. It is for two reasons- one, my bed is really comfortable. Nearly my whole life (almost 21 years) I slept on the SAME twin mattress. But a couple months ago I actually went out and bought myself a queen size- and it's super comfy with lots of pillows and fluffy blankets. Secondly, I talk about my bed because I wish I could spend more time sleeping! I will soon though. I can't wait for the Christmas break!!! I will not have to go to school nor will I do much teaching. I'm going to sleep, watch movies, shop for presents- who knows what else. Whatever I feel like, gosh! -Napolean Dynamite, for those wondering.

Speaking of Napolean Dynamite. I went to Wal-Mart tonight (aka the ugliest, worst place in the world) and found the dvd. However, I only came in with $20 to buy some groceries, etc. and so could not spend $14 dollars on a movie. But I want it nonetheless.

Two very happy things happened today...rather, two very happy phone calls happened. First, I talked to Josh who was my team leader when I went to Nicaragua last summer. AND...yay!!!- I will be going back to Nicaragua during Spring Break. I can't wait to go back, see the people, meet up with some former teammates, etc. Jordan should also be going- how exciting!!! Do pray- primarily that all our funds will be raised. But I am not worried about the money. God is faithful and will provide for His work.

The second phone call that likewise made my day was with Hannah, my dear friend who lives in Ohio.:) Hannah has been my best friend since I was 13. Any way, we hadn't talked in quite a while and it was WONDERFUL to talk with her.

I should get more done tonight- but I don't want to. Time for bed? Heck yes...

Time for a Happy Dance!

2006-11-21T17:22:00.000-06:00

FREE!!!! Woohoo- I finally made it to Thanksgiving break. No more school for the rest of the week!!! I am ecstatically happy. Jordan took me to the park today and that was a fabulous start to five days of rest and relaxation. :) Tonight we are going to a birthday dinner and then a movie. How freakin' long has it been since I went to a movie theater? A while. I am so happy...did I mention that already? Well...I am.

Great Fun

2006-11-15T22:18:00.000-06:00

Alright, so my life continues to be stressful. However, I am getting more and more excited about next week. No school Wednesday-Friday and no teaching at all!!! I am going to hopefully finish organizing my house (gee, I've only lived here for 3 1/2 months now!). And I'm going to practice piano during the DAY (not at night when I'm brain-dead and my fingers are frozen). And I'm going to watch some movies (yippee!). And I'm going to spend time with my family and with Jordan and even make a trip to Huntsville! I had probably better be careful that I do not plan too much for my week of "rest and relaxation" or it will turn into just another few days of stress. For now, I'm staying optimistic and praying about it, too. :)

Thought I would share a few pictures with you. We had a blast Sunday night with Jordan's family. Lots of laughing, story-reading, arm wrestling, and haircuts. Yah...these are my kind of people. ha ha ;) It was great fun.

Götterdämmerung, Siegfried, Die Walküre, Das Rheingold

2006-11-07T21:12:00.000-06:00

Yeah!!! I feel SO relieved. I do believe that my musicitis is clearing up (a big thank you to all who prayed and believed that I'd make it through...ha ha).

Anyway...today went pretty well. I did manage, however, to forget the rehearsal with my vocalist. If you happen to read this Michael, I'm sorry! (Are we even on cokes yet?) I suppose I was too focused on my Music History exam and conducting "test" this morning. Music History went pretty well. There were a few questions I would never have guessed would have been on there. A few that I went home and looked up and said,"Oh, duuhhh".

I was VERY excited to find that I made a 98 on the paper I had to write for Dr. Morley's class! It was on comparing the music of Brahms with some paintings of Academic Classicists. This seemed like quite an abstract assignment, but it turns out that I actually did get a grasp on it!

Conducting went ok. We each conducted two songs (all of us the SAME two songs) on video tape. I did better on the first. But let me tell you, if I never hear those songs again it will be too soon!

This is very funny- I was talking to Aden after conducting class and he was asking me what we do and what we learn in choral conducting. And just as I begin to answer, Dr. King comes down the hall and stops, saying, "Oh, Heather!- before I forget..." and he grabs my arm and starts telling me what I need to improve in my conducting. So there I am in the hallway, books crammed under my left arm and Dr. King using both hands to conduct with my right. "Yes, sir, I'll work on that." Then he walked off and I turned to Aden and said..."That kind of stuff- that's what we do in conducting class."

I had a few moments to eat some pasta and a twix bar for lunch and I practiced with Jacob (french horn) during accompaniment class. That piece is hard!!! It's fun...but hard. All these weird rhythms and it's so contemporary in style that even though we are playing exactly together it doesn't always sound consonant. And when we aren't playing exactly together, it obviously sounds worse. We need more practice before the concert on Monday!

Teaching went fairly well today. But I am seriously concerned about some students not having their pieces ready for the Christmas recital. It seems that the creativity and new approaches to teaching never end. Today, one student and I resorted to pretending like we were taking a booster-powered sleighride. The only way to make the sleigh go was to play Jingle bells all the way through, getting the notes and rhthyms correct...we crashed and the boosters exploded a few times. We did, however, eventually make it to the North Pole. This is the same kid who told me I should be excited about the monster trucks.

I think I should have a seperate section of my blog dedicated specifically to crazy moments with piano students.

This post is getting long. I was sitting here wondering who would actually read to the end. (Thank you, Jordan, I know you're still reading...;). I suppose I will go now. I have my scale jury at 8:30 tommorow morning and have to teach a portion of the MUP 101 class at 9:00. I feel pretty prepared, though.

So Long!

John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt...his name is my name too

2006-11-02T20:52:00.000-06:00

I suddenly feel very stressed...no, "suddenly" is not correct. I ALWAYS feel stressed. I love music, really I do. But I'm feeling slighty overwhelmed lately. I find myself fighting the temptation to be jealous of freshmen who are only taking 12 hours and don't even have a job. They can sit around and practice 8 hours a day. Then again, I don't think I could stand practicing 8 hours a day...

Sometimes I feel musiced-out. (Fancy new term I came up with there...maybe you could also say I have musicitis...it's a disease.) There is nothing in my life, it seems, that does not have to do with music. I'm a music major, I teach piano, I play the piano for church. My spare time is spent studying music or practicing. I guess it's a good thing I like it...otherwise I'd be in a nuthouse by this point. "Dr. Petti handed her the Kabelvsky Concerto...and then she snapped. We haven't seen or heard from her since."

Actually, Chris handed me the Kabalevsky concerto (to accompany a cellist) and he said, "Here- it's a present from Dr. Petti." Really?! Gee, and it's not even my birthday...wasn't that thoughtful of him.

Enough complaining. (Did you figure out by now that that's what I was doing?) I can't wait until saturday. Other than teach rescheduled lessons, study for an exam, practice piano, plan MUP teaching, and work on my conducting assignment... I'm going to go SHOPPING (like a "normal" 20 year old college girl would do)- and perhaps spend some time with Jordan. Yes, that does make things better.

Back to Brahms...I WILL be victorious and not let an old dead guy get the best of me.

Later!

Dancing, Chinese Food, and Beethoven in Church

2006-10-28T23:29:00.000-06:00

I only had half a glass of tea, honestly. And yet here I am- wide awake but unable to truly think clearly enough to get some work done. And again I have nothing to write about. Or do I?...
Went dancing this morning with Jordan. It was great fun. However, I do believe he is a better dancer than I am. Perhaps one day I'll get a little better at it. I can't help that I'm blonde and don't always catch on quickly to some things (that's my cop out for everything). All in all, the cha-cha is way more fun than waltzing.

Have I mentioned that I like Chinese food? Well, I do. But it's just like every other genre of food I eat (can you refer to food as a genre?)- I find one dish I like and always order it, never trying something new. When it comes to Chinese food I always get sesame chicken. I'm sure there are other great Chinese dishes. But I like sesame chicken so much that I'm afraid I'll try something new and end up sitting there the whole time thinking, "I wish I would have ordered what I know I like. I wish I would have gotten the sesame chicken! " Needless to say, I enjoyed a lovely meal of sesame chicken today when we went to Peking.

I'm playing the piano for church services again tomorow. I enjoy it- I know it's a privilege. My church really has some amazing musicians and I feel honored to serve with them. I know the focus of every service should only be God and worshipping Him- the focus should not be on how talented the people onstage are. But I also think it's important to give our best to God. And it's neat that trained, educated musicians can bring their abilities as an offering. Even though we can worship with no music at all, God can also take "high quality" musicianship and use it to draw others into worship.

Something that bothers me is how people so often separate "church" music and other music, especially classical music. Perhaps it's just a Baptist thing. After all, I have played some classical music for Presbyterian church services before. I wish that classical music was incorporated into our services at Harmony Hill. This is the music that demands the highest technicality and musicality. I have many times worshipped God through the music of Beethoven or Chopin in the privacy of my own home- why is it that we cannot include these in corporate worship? Perhaps some would say it is because we often "perform" these pieces and church is not the place to perform. I agree that church is not a performance (or at least it shouldn't be) and some music is better left for the concert hall. But some classical music could evoke a much deeper understanding of true worship than any praise chorus.

I work for months to learn this type of music- the notes and rhythms and the technical ability is only the beginning. Then there is all of the countless musical details- the nuances and phrasing, the interpretive work. Then the process of allowing the music to become something I myself feel and express. Classically trained musicians give such deep attention to this- hours and hours of hard work and concentration. But give me a hymn I've never seen and I will know it within a few minutes. I understand that from week to week we must be ready to lead yet another service. Music must be learned quickly. But isn't God worthy of us giving him the music we labor over? Can't we show the people in our churches that God is the God who gives intelligent creativity- that there is music beyond a I-IV-V progression and a boom-chuck bass line? Oh, there is so much more to say about this subject- and I have no idea why I started on it! It is one of those topics that could spark endless conversation- or debate...

With that, I suppose I had better go to bed!:)

The Doowop Bird

2006-10-25T22:23:00.000-06:00

"You guys line up alphabetically by height." - Bill Peterson, Florida State football coach

NOTE: The above quote is completely irrelevant and pointless- as is the title of this post.

I keep thinking that if I am going to do this whole blogging thing that I need to wait until something interesting happens that I can write about. That, or I should at least come up with some thought-provoking subject- write about life, theology, something. Instead, I find myself saying, "Gee, I really don't want to practice or study or do the dishes. I suppose I could read some blogs- maybe post, too. Yes, that's the ticket. If I post one, that will take even more time, giving me even more of a break." Pathetic, huh?

Speaking of that, Jordan and I were discussing the issue of sleep. I said that I thought it must sound rather pathethic for me to get so excited about having an opportunity to get some sleep. He didn't think it was pathetic. He said it was logical to be excited about that. Yah, sleep is a truly wonderful thing. I have purposefully not drank any sweet tea tonight so as to be able to possibly sleep well.

It is currently raining- really hard. But I like it. I like being able to hear the rain on my roof. For whatever reason, I could never hear the rain when I lived in my apartment. I would open the door and suddently realize that there was a downpour- had been for hours, but I hadn't noticed.

Jeremy called me tonight and said a few friends were at Marble Slab and that I should "stop being a hermit" and join them. I love my friends, but I could not bring myself to understand why in the world they would be at Marble Slab eating ICE cream when it is late at night, pouring down rain, and freezing. So no way was I going to change out of my pajama pants, drive in the rain and then sit and freeze to death while eating ice cream I paid way too much money for.

I suppose that's enough procrastinating- back to Music History.

Goodbye for now!

Reality Check

2006-10-19T21:15:00.000-06:00

Well, finally my fingers feel warmed up.
It is so hard for me to get good practice in. I am gone from 7 in the morning till about 7:30 in the evening. I suppose maybe this isn't so bad, but it feels like a lot to me. Especially when I haven't gotten much studying or practicing fit into the day until I get home in the evenings. I have been fighting severe temptations to just "throw in the towel". (- another phrase I often use without thinking of its origin!) If only I could have one week to not do anything at all- no school, no work, no studying, no practicing. I would watch movies and SLEEP- yes, lots of sleep. Perhaps reality is that this is life once you become a self-sufficient adult. It never stops and you don't get many breaks. There is always something else to be done...like painting the bathroom (will I ever get to THAT one?!).

However, after I have my pity party and stop whining for just a moment, I begin to realize that perhaps my life is great- perhaps it's wonderful. After all, I have a great job that I love, and I am able to completely support myself. My school is totally paid for and I'm in no debt. I have a family that loves me and a tremendous support group outside of my family as well.

I have chosen to go to school and be an educated person- what a privelege to live in a country where I can make such a choice. So, bottom line...I should be overflowing with gratitude. Because God has blessed me more than I ever could deserve. He is merciful and unbelievably faithful and loving. Everything I have is because of His good hand upon my life.

Even if He were to take away all the material and intellectual blessings of my life, I would still have no reason to complain- because HE is more than enough to meet my every need. Knowing I belong to Him is enough to make life worth living.

I suppose I should get back to practicing...except now with a better attitude.:)

-Heather

Can you say "Chubby Bunny"?

2006-10-16T23:12:00.000-06:00

You can? Well, can you say it with 11 giant marshmallows in your mouth?

Saturday night at the college get-together Jordan and Jordan (ha ha) had a chubby bunny contest. The object is to cram as many marshmallows in your mouth as you can, saying "Chubby Bunny" (or chubby buddy- I like bunny best) after each added marshmallow. It was very funny.

In other news, I have figured out how to stay up late and have energy without being a coffee-drinker. The solution: well, sweet tea, of course. I make it really strong and put lots of sugar in it. That is why it is now after midnight and I'm still bouncing of the walls. (By the way, where in the world did that phrase come from and what does it mean...?)

My piano lesson was horrible today- I was not prepared, that's why. Mozart is memorized but he is sickly. I did get to try out the harpsichord with Dr. Petti and that was fun. It was my first experience with the instrument.

Teaching went pretty well. I have finally come to the conclusion that I do like kids- when there are not massive quantities of them at once, and when they only stay for half an hour.:) I always love the conversations we have between music. Last week one student came in (he is 7) and said, "Miss Heather, I have GREAT news." "What?" I replied with enthusiasm, "Did you practice this week?!" "No, it's even more exciting than that!" What could possibly be better than practicing? "The monster trucks are coming!!!" I just laughed. Who cares if you can play a C Major scale when the monster trucks are in town?

I leave you with another picture of me and Jordan...
I know, I know...but we look so cute together, don't you think?:)

Picture of Me and Jordan

2006-10-11T22:02:00.000-06:00

Yeah, Look at Me- I'm Blogging!!!

2006-10-11T21:41:00.000-06:00

Well, here goes nothing...or so they say. I've always been one to journal frequently in tangible notebooks. However, this whole "journal-so-the-whole-world-can-read-it" thing is entirely new to me. It's new mainly because up until a couple weeks ago I didn't even have internet. Heck, I didn't even have a computer. But now that I do, I suppose I should try to join the 21st century.

Thanks to peer pressure within the SFA community I have recently set up an account on facebook. And now my next endeavor is to become a blogger. Wow, I'm on a roll. Somebody better stop me before I get carried away with this technology thing!!!

What is going on in my life right now? Pretty much so EVERYTHING. And no, I should NOT be spending time doing this right now. I should be practicing piano and working on conducting excercises for tommorow's class. I'll get to it...really I will...

The biggest news is (drum roll, please...)... I have a boyfriend! Crazy, right? For those of you who know me well- and those of you who barely know me, too!- this is truly shocking news. After all, I have never had a boyfriend up to this point. So, he must be special, right? That, or crazy enough to put up with me and my quirkiness. Well, I suppose he's both. But, yes, overall, Jordan is perfectly wonderful. Despite my completely stressful, overloaded life, I am most always happy and feel like dancing or skipping all the time. I owe this to him- yes...he is truly fabulous.

Hmmm, I think I could really get into this blogging thing. Just what I needed, something else to make time for...time I don't really have. 'Tis the life of a music major.

I will post some pictures...as soon as I figure out exactly how to do that. First things first...how to post THIS particular segment...