Rewarding teaching, music and family

Last Thursday I had one of the most rewarding days I have had in a long time. It was my 2nd day volunteering at my old middle school. I had students who were really looking forward to me coming back and working with them. One girl came 2 extra times plus after school and was so receptive to the tutoring on her flute. Some others seemed pretty excited to work with me again. It was fun. But then at the end of the day came the most moving part of my day. A little back story: years ago my godmother wrote a song for her mentor. We performed the song in Denver Colorado in 1999 for her mentor and in front of our choir and guests at the hotel. The song is beautiful and meaningful. I played the flute part a few times that year. Last week I played the song for the first time with my godmom since 1999. We stood in the band room that shaped my future career and played it for a few students but mostly for us. As soon  as I played the first few notes I was overcome with so much emotion that I wasn't sure I could do it without crying! So wonderful! But I made it. And we had fun playing it. It made me truly appreciate where I have ended up and all the people who have gotten me here. And appreciate the supprt I received from my parents, god mother and other family. I couldn't have gotten here without them. 

To end my amazing day, I had dinner with my aunt and uncle. Long overdue. So thankful for the family that have become a big part of my life!!

Laundry?

Post college, I lived in an apartment for about 4 years. While I truly loved my place, I absolutely dreaded carting my laundry down 4 floors to the building laundry room. I was always needing quarters, and needed to time my loads so that I didn't run the risk of someone taking my stuff out! 

When we bought our house it came with a working washer and dryer. Woohoo!! It still makes me so happy to have my own laundry machines. I don't mind throwing a load in. I am thankful for the luxury that I realize not everyone has. And even more thankful for the ability in my life to buy the clothes that I need. 

Now if only I was thankful to fold laundry...!!

volunteering at my old Middle School

My godmother is the middle school band director at the same school i went to 14 years ago. She was teaching choir when i was there, but has now moved into band. Between her and the band director I had at the time, they created the most amazing memories I have. The two of them are part of the reason I became a music teacher, and band director. They were so influential on my life. So over my spring break this year, I thought it would be great to head back to my old school and volunteer and help out with my godmom. It was a great day. I helped with a bunch of small groups of students getting ready for solo and ensemble contest in a few weeks. And I think I made the day a little smoother for my godmother. I also know how excited she was to have me come in! 

I am thankful for the teachers that shaped me and felt wonderful to pay it back!

spring break feels nice

Spent my first day of spring break relaxing. Had a plan of some school yearbook work, and cleaning.. but that did not happen! instead, I watched netflix, relaxed, and had a great day! First time i got dressed was when i headed to swimming at 7pm! :-) Not very often i get to do that. I am thankful for netflix!

First in age group!

Sunday morning I competed in an indoor triathlon, run by our local triathlon club. I went into it with just a goal of going hard, not getting injured and seeing how i did! I always feel pretty strong about my swim, and picked a lane mate I am used to swimming with. (thanks EJ!) We had a 3rd girl in our lane, but she was easy to swim with.

After a pretty solid swim (1175 meters in 20 min, i was aiming for 1200) had a pretty solid bike (9 miles in 20 min) So it was time for the run. My least favorite part! But after a few laps around the indoor track, i settled in and felt pretty strong. I knew i just needed to keep it up for 20 min!

In the end, i pushed myself and felt pretty good. best part.... actually placed in my age group! 1st place in the 30-49 females! WOOHOO Now i realize the results aren't important, its more about how i feel, and personal times/distances. But it still feels nice to get a certificate recognizing a great performance!!

Regular Saturdays

I love Saturdays. Especially Saturday mornings. It's usually the day I get the most done. This Saturday was nothing special in the long run, but so much made me happy that I was kinda on a high all day!! 

Started with a great swim practice, breakfast at one of my favorite places, buying cycling shoes, bike workout, then my favorite 3 year olds bday! It was a busy day, but enjoyable! Super excited about my new bike shoes, can't wait to put them to good use!! Thankful for the opportunity to do things I enjoy!! 

Spring break

Today was a good day. And there's not much more to say than, I am thankful for spring break!!  I am looking forward to using the time to relax, and get some work done as well as some workouts! 

Tonight I am also thankful for friends to eat sushi with and see plays at Cleveland playhouse!!!