My niece got her very own article in the school newspaper! She was the Student Feature. Neat, huh?
I did edit snippets of the article, for privacy's sake.
~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~
October 9, 2012
Sophomore Autumn **** knows everyone is watching her. One wrong move and she could ruin a performance; the intricate motion of her fingers direct the elite army of green and black suits known as the T------ Band. They are commanded by Autumn, the Drum Major.
When Autumn was selected to be one of the three drum majors she was shocked. A coveted spot usually reserved for juniors and seniors was now hers. At first she couldn’t understand why they chose her, but since then she’s transformed herself into the leader her directors know she is. She is no longer just a shy freshman.
“They saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. Band made me a lot more outgoing than I would’ve been.”
Her passion for marching band was inspired by her brother, senior trumpet player Luke ****. Watching her brother perform at Friday night football games pushed her to audition. She even ended up playing the same instrument.
“I wasn’t going to play the trumpet,” she said. “But I changed at the last minute because my brother played trumpet.”
She has played the trumpet since the sixth grade, but it wasn’t until last year after marching season that she fell in love with conducting.
“I started conducting at leadership camp after I took a conducting class,” she said.
However, being a drum major isn’t all fun and games. It’s a lot of hard work and an immense responsibility.
“I feel like I have no time trying to balance school, friends, and being a drum major,” **** said.
Although the Karate black belt had to give up training and cut back on some of her favorite pastimes like going to the animal shelter with her dad, scrapbooking or hanging out with friends, she knows it’s worth it.
“Being on the podium, you’re in control when they hit the impacts,” **** said. “It sounds amazing.”
For her first year on the podium she will be conducting the Latin circus inspired show “Celebracíon.” Autumn is excited and a little anxious about the challenge.
“It’s definitely a lot more challenging. Normally we go with classical music, but this year we are doing Latin which has much harder rhythms.”
Another added element is the choreography. According to ****, the high energy show means a lot more choreography than in previous years.
“What they’re doing on the field has never been done before,” she said. “It’s nerve-racking because if I mess up someone will be off.”
Even though she is under a lot of pressure, she’s confident that her and her fellow band mate’s talent and dedication will be enough for a great season.
“We do as well as we can in everything we do.”
1. In what ways do you indulge yourself?
Warm cups of cappuccino, and every once in a while a Milano or Geneva cookie to go with it. As a rule, I indulge in the latter during the holidays.
2. Have you ever taken a cooking class? Any interest? What type of class would you most like to try?
No... No way... The class of nothing.
3. What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
4. 'Tis the season of the political advert...do these ads influence your vote?
Not in the least. I find all politicians to be self-serving. It's a matter of picking the lesser of evils.
5. What's something you see today that makes you wish you were a kid again?
Can't think of anything I've seen today, but seeing those Disney classics on YouTube take me back.
6. What's your least favorite cliche?
"What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."
7. What percentage of your Christmas shopping has been completed? How does that make you feel?
I've done absolutely no Christmas shopping yet, and it's something I dread.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
BEST CLASSIC EVER!
- It isn't cool outside... it's pretty dang hot and sticky actually, at 93 degrees with 96% humidity... so we thought we'd bring a little bit of fall into the house at least.
We borrowed the idea from something we saw in a magazine recently. I really want to put a little field mouse figurine or something like that in there. I think that would be such a cute little addition to a fall scene.
- This is really unusual and a strange coincidence. Yesterday my mother and I went to a few stores, and while standing in line at Hobby Lobby I started feeling bad.
My hip was killing me, as it always does when I'm out and about, and it was so hot and crowded in the store. The line was really slow, the cashier was waiting for a price check on some guy's purchases, and the store was really hot. (I don't know why, considering the climate around here, but in the stores and mall they never have the AC turned up). After I FINALLY was out the door I started going downhill so fast. My vision was going... everything looked pixelated and like bright white light... my legs could hardly move. I barely made it to the car in the knick of time. I've felt faint before, but never like this. It was very frightening. I felt awful for Mom because she was really worried, after what she went through herself last week... having to go to ER and everything for heat stroke and dehydration.
Thank goodness she had some water in the car, as well as some bottled water with electrolytes in it. I took a few slugs of that, and after a few minutes I was fine again. I think the problem was I barely ate or drank anything that day. I will NOT be doing that again! Still, it was an awfully strange coincidence after what happened to Mom.
On the way home we went to the McDonald's drive-thru for french fries. Which made the girls happy since I always share my fries with them.
- In the mornings there are always loads of little chickadees in the bush outside Mom's bedroom window. She tried getting video of them, but they're awfully camera shy and kept flying off.
- Isn't this AMAZING?! I can't stop watching it.
- Abby is the kisser and cuddler... Lady Isabelle Rosie Cotton(Izzy) is the sassy, bossy yapper... Maddie Kate Scarlett O'Hara is the smiler and whiner.
Outside my window...
There's a lot of noisy traffic.
I am thinking...
That I wish the cool weather we had this morning would stay for good! It was too lovely for words. Even the dogs and cat had a blast out there this morning.
While filming the videos (sans Izzy), it was 55 degrees. Later in the day the temps reached the low 70's but that's still better than the 90's. I loved it!
I am thankful...
That my mother is okay after her trip to the emergency room this weekend.
In the kitchen...
My cat is probably trying to jump up on the cabinet in search of the bacon again.
I am wearing...
Pajamas and my Care Bear slippers.
I am creating...
More banners/siggies. I've only made one so far, but it's a start. I really need to download some brush sets since this new computer has none.
Also more necklaces. Here's a distant-shot photo of most of them.
I also made Mom a Get Well card, but I'm afraid it's not very good. Lack of supplies; die-cuts and stamps to match.
I am going...
To have to learn to let go of negative thoughts. They serve no purpose.
I am wondering...
Why those Kardashians are so popular. Every single time I switch through the tv channels, there they are on E!
I am reading...
Nothing, unfortunately. I haven't read a book in months, which is a record breaker for me. It just reminds me of writing, which depresses me. Reading has become like school or a study guide. The joy is gone.
I am hoping...
To get my reading or writing mojo back one day.
I am looking forward to...
Tonight's episode of Once Upon A Time!
I am learning...
That adding the canned cat food to Wendy's diet might finally be helping after all! I was so overjoyed this morning to discover that she actually feels heavier now when I pick her up.
Around the house...
The windows are open for the first time.
I am pondering...
Why Maddie and Izzy feel the need to bark the roof off the house every time Mom says goodbye to someone over the phone. It must be her tone of voice.
A favorite quote for today...
"There are probably some folks out there who're saying, 'I'm never going to have a rush like that. Earth's a parking lot and outer space is just too pricey.' Well, let me tell you, there are lots of ways to blaze a trail. I often wonder about those unsung heroes of the past, like the prehistoric gourmet who looked at a lobster and said, 'I'm going to eat that.' Or the first healer who picked up a knife and said, 'Let's operate, boys!' See, adventures come in lots of shapes and sizes, from getting a haircut to falling in love. Just putting yourself behind the wheel and backing out of the driveway-- well that can be a sublime act of faith as well as a monumental act of courage."
- Chris in the Morning / Northern Exposure
One of my favorite things...
Is Disney World!
A few plans for the rest of the week:
To accept as many job assignments as I can and to get back on that dratted Exercise Bike 'O Doom again.
A peek into my day...
Izzy felt left out in today's post, so that last photo is an older smiley pic of hers.
For those of you who live where the weather is still hot and humid, don't be fooled into thinking that since it's October you don't have to take the same precautions as in the summer.
I mentioned yesterday that my Mom was meeting a builder up at our land today, and I just now got a phone call from my Mom. She's in the emergency room due to heat stroke. She actually passed out.
If I were there to witness that, I would have completely lost it. Thank God my grandmother and her cousin were with her. Otherwise, she would have been out there all alone!
Another cousin of mine was sent to the ER a couple months back from heat exhaustion as well, and now it's happened to Mom. She sounded well enough on the phone, so hopefully she'll be well taken care of. I am worried though, because she does have high blood pressure as a contributing factor.
My father called earlier, asking for numbers to two rental car places. He never once told me it was for Mom. He told me nothing, so I figured he was asking for those numbers for work. I found out what was going on from Mom herself.
What I think she wants to do is stay at my grandmother's house for tonight, and then when she's feeling better she can drive herself home tomorrow but it looks like Dad is renting a car to take him up there tonight.
This is really worrying me. She almost blacked out while there on our land a month back, too. She barely escaped heat stroke then, but today.... okay, I need a distraction so I'll update this tonight/tomorrow with blog hops or something.
- Mom should be home a little after Noon. She's been put on strict orders to take two days bed rest. That's gonna be a difficult thing for her, but I'll see to it that she behaves.
And would you know that before she left, she said she heard a little voice inside her head tell her that if she goes out to the land this week, she was going to die?!
I wish she had told me that before she left because there's no way in Holy Hell I'd have let her go. If there's anything to trust in this family, it's that inner voice giving you warnings.
Poor Mom. She was really, really sick. When she got to the ER they said her veins had collapsed, so they had trouble hitting a vein. They had to poke her something like 12 times before they were finally successful. Mom said the nurse she had was such a sweet guy, though. He kept apologizing for hurting her, but of course Mom told him it was okay. It's not like he was doing it on purpose.
I think one of her BP medicines is what made her so dehydrated. I think it was the humidity that day, coupled with that medicine. Her doctor did just double her dosage, so I think it's a big possibility that that's what caused this.
- And it looks like October 5th is a dangerous date for this family. A few years ago my grandmother had her stroke that day.... Mom went to the ER from heat stroke and severe dehydration that day.... and it's also Mom's Granny's birthday as well as the day she died.
Those are A LOT of coincidences for one calendar date. Color me superstitious. I also think it's strange that Mom went up to our land to meet that builder that day because a couple weeks ago she had to cancel her previous appointment since Dad couldn't make it. (He's been VERY overworked with his job. Mom didn't want to keep putting it off, so she scheduled another appointment to go to without Dad. Thank goodness my grandmother and her cousin met up with her that day! I'm very grateful for that, and I know Mom is too. Grandma got her to the ER really fast, and she and Cousin Kenny stayed with her all day. I don't think I've ever met Kenny, but Mom said he kept her so entertained with his funny, made-up stories).
- Mom is very upset that she can't attend the kids' marching band competition today. It's actually just minutes away from here, in Conroe! Their band won STATE last year, and today they're doing very well. First place and made the finals. The results so far are.....
Prelims Results
Class AAA
1st - Cedar Park H.S., TX
2nd - Pflugerville H.S., TX
3rd - Friendswood H.S., TX
Outstanding Music Performance - Cedar Park H.S., TX
Outstanding Visual Performance - Cedar Park H.S., TX
Outstanding General Effect - Cedar Park H.S., TX
Their performance in the finals will be after 9 pm tonight. I bet they are so exhausted! Marching season is very strenuous, and my niece is drum major this year!
1. I saidto Abby that she needs to stop behaving like a lawn mower every time we go outside.
2. Cheese Fries and a Starbucks Mocha Frappuccinois what I'm craving right now.
3. I was thinking abouthow I wish my mother was coming home tonight. (I need to SEE her to know if she's really okay. Dad hinted that she looked pretty bad).
4. Just relax, will you?
5. We should havea winning lottery ticket in our hands.
6. Tonight I'm stuck sleeping with 3 dogs againwhether I want to or not!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward tofalling asleep before 6 am this time, tomorrow my plans includespoiling Momand Sunday, I want tospoil Mom some more!
Dear Fall,
Come to Texas and kick summer's @ss for me.
Dear Izzy,
Please don't make me put you in your crate again tonight because you think every little sound is a robber out to get me. I appreciate it, but you don't have to be so overprotective.
Dear Iced Mocha's,
You're addictive, so stop jumping into the grocery cart so much.
Dear Advertisements,
Stop appearing everywhere. I'm really not interested.
Dear TV Commercials,
Turn the volume down. I don't like it when you're louder than the show I'm either watching or listening to as background noise.
Dear Steven Moffat,
I lost count of how many times The Doctor and Co. took their eyes OFF the angels in last weekend's season finale of Doctor Who. And tell me, just WHERE did Older Rory get those pajamas in the first place?
It's your fault I think far too much about these things.
Dear Emma on Once Upon A Time,
Don't make Snow and Charming feel so bad for giving you "your best chance." You did the same for Henry.
FYI:This post was so dull it didn't even want to be posted. I had to submit it twice. Just know you've been warned.
Welcome to Fall in my part of Texas! It still looks like summer.
The first part of the day feels pretty good, like springtime, but by mid-day it's back in the 90's. It's still hot, but it's better than those triple digits. Really, it's the humid days that kill ya. The birds seem happy though, because they've been singing their hearts out so pretty lately!
The only fall colors here at my house are on this one tree in our backyard, pictured below. Just a few orange leaves you can't really even see from a distance.
One day last week, and for the first time, I felt a little bit of autumn in the air but unfortunately it was VERY humid/sticky that day. Autumn couldn't quite punch through that veil, so I'm still looking forward to at least a really cool morning sometime in the future. I can't wait!!!!!
I'm really enjoying seeing photos of the first touches of autumn color on other people's blogs, but I'm also incredibly jealous. I'm most jealous of hearing about the cooler temps, because I imagine the weather we're currently having here is probably the equivalent of a lot of people's summers.
More video of the furkids. They're not very interesting, but then again I'm not either these days. Watch at your own risk.
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As you can see, we let Wendy Kitty out when it felt like spring the other morning. She was one happy girl outside in that sunshine, but don't let that calm aura of hers fool you. She's been one BAD KITTY inside the house lately. Very naughty.
And speaking of cats, I saw the saddest cat at PetCo yesterday afternoon. As I walked up to the cages, two of those cats RUSHED to their cages gates to greet me. One of them was this gray cat and it wanted out desperately. It howled and howled, stuck it's arms through the bars at me, and paced nervously.
I felt so sorry for it. That was the first time I'd ever seen a cat there not being laid back. It was so apparent that this poor cat was 100% miserable. It felt to me like it was panicking to be honest. It broke my heart, and for the first time I left that store feeling unsettled.
I wish I could win the lottery so that I could have a roomy retreat for animals that need homes. No more sticking them in cages 24/7. I would love to have acres and acres of land where rescue animals could be cared for while waiting for their new families to adopt them.
This next part is gonna get a little Twilight Zone-ish, and would fit better on one of my other blogs, but I'm gonna include it here anyway. It's strange, but not so strange as the Doctor Who finale was last week.
Anyone else watch it? I admit that I teared up when Amy and Rory left, but a lot of things about that episode bothered me.
But anyway, I'm rambling again so I'll get back to what I planned on rambling about instead. Here goes.....
I've always felt close to animals. It's even safe to say that 90% of the dreams I have every night involve me rescuing animals. And I know this sounds weird to some people, but it's the truth. Okay, here comes the strangeness. Ready?
The other night, after I closed my eyes to go to sleep, I had a quick 'flash/vision' of three dogs standing by a screen door which was surrounded by a few flowers. (One or two of the flowers I saw were in pots or something. I remember seeing stone on the left hand side). The dog on the left was black, and next to it was a cream colored dog. Sort of behind them, and off to the side was another dog. It happened really fast, so all I saw of the third dog was that it was closer and a profile view. I also knew it was a much larger dog.
Well, 2 or 3 days later I decided to look at all the blog updates because I hadn't logged in to Blogger for a couple days. Imagine my surprise when on one blog there was a photo which was EXACTLY WHAT I SAW.
I won't name the blog, since I think they're subscribed to my blog and I don't know how they'd feel about me re-posting their photo or that particular blog post, but oh my... it felt so strange seeing the same thing staring back at me on my computer screen. The only difference was that in my 'flash/vision' it looked more like a cartoonist-type painting where the colors were bright, but I hear that's common when people have these psychic flashes. I know it was little flash with no real meaning or importance, but it amazed me anyway. I usually ignore when this happens to me, but this particular time I just couldn't because actual proof was staring right back at me. It was pretty awesome, and from now on I'm not going to be so close-minded and analytical about this sort of thing. The facts were all there, so I can't even argue with myself over it.
To help with Abby's anxiety, we got her a Thunder Shirt and a couple more toys to keep her busy. I'm hoping this Thunder Shirt hoopla is legit, but I doubt it. My mother has a lot more faith in it than I do, although I have to say that Abby did do an insane amount of yawning last night and she didn't really pester me to entertain her like she always does come 4 pm until bedtime.
I've also been working on not letting her control me. She's become bossy, especially at night, demanding attention from me. She just doesn't seem to get the concept of entertaining herself from time to time.
My mother left town for a couple days, and tomorrow my grandmother is meeting her up at our land. Mom is having some builder come out there to give an estimate of a house to build. I'm not sure we'll end up building out there, but I do hope so. It would break Mom's heart not to.
If we ever do build a house there, Mom finally came up with a name to call it and it is BRILLIANT and fits so perfectly. It's from the Lord of the Rings novels. Our land/house is going to be called "Crick Hollow."
Which is perfect because the area it's in is called "Owl Creek." The Crick part of the name could be related to creek or even crickets... which are everywhere out there. The crickets are huge there, especially this year for some reason.
To see pics of our 2 acres, just click on the "Owl Creek" tag in the sidebar. There's nothing there now except a dilapidated, rusty barn. It needs work, but we love it! Below, I'll share just a few vids I've taken over the years.
