A Glad Reunion Day

Winston Churchill once said "I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the ordeal of meeting me is another matter." I think my Uncle Bob Reynolds may have to agree with Mr. Churchill. Friday, this meeting took place. (Click here to read his obituary).

His life celebration will be Wednesday afternoon, and even though it's a sad time for us, we know without a doubt that he is already kickin' it hard with Jesus and Aunt Allene right now. We love you Uncle Bob and will miss you terribly.

This makes me really appreciate this MercyMe song:

And this drama featuring Lifehouse's "Everything."

"A Glad Reunion Day"

by Iris Dement

There will be a happy meeting in Heaven I know

When we see the many loved ones we've known here below

Gathered on that blessed hilltop with hearts all aglow

That will be a glad reunion day.

A glad day, yes a wonderful day,

A glad day, yes a glorious day

There with all the holy angels and loved to stay

That will be a glad reunion day.

When we live a million years in that wonderful place

Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face

It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace

That will be a glad reunion day.

A glad day, yes a wonderful day.

A glad day, yes a glorious day

There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay

That will be a glad reunion day.

It's Friday. You ain't got no job. You ain't got stuff to do...

Well, I got a letter last night from Farmington saying that there had been several qualified candidates for the position and an offer had been made and accepted, so thanks for applying yada yada yada.

BOO!

I guess I knew deep down the job wasn't mine. It completely explains the weird interview I had with the administration. I still find it really sad that they won't get to experience me. Too bad for them.

Now on to bigger and better things. I interviewed with Fayetteville Schools today. They have a middle school choir teacher position open. This job goes between three different schools, working with sixth and seventh grades. Two of the schools are less than a mile from my apartment.

My interview went extremely well. The high school choir director was there as well as one of the other middle school directors and the principal for the school we were at. It was so much better than any interview for a teaching job I have done. I think I even impressed them because I had done some research about the school and even quoted the school's mission statement from memory and referred to the choir handbook several times. The middle school director seemed to really appreciate that.

I was sad for only a few minutes when I read the letter from Farmington. I know God has got something huge set aside for me, and all I have to do is be patient and let Him work. I appreciate every one's prayers and want you all to know that I am praying for you all too! Hopefully, in the near future, I will be able to share some good news.

Possibly Better than Daughtry?

If you know me, you know that I have been and probably always will be a big fan of Chris Daughtry. He made his way into the spotlight from one of my favorite shows, American Idol. Well, I now have another favorite. David Cook was in my top choices from the first audition we saw of him. The last few weeks he's totally stood out from the crowd. Here are two of my favorite performances of his. The first is his version of The Beatles classic, "Eleanor Rigby" (one of my all-time favorite songs anyway). This version may tie for first in my "Eleanor Rigby" collection! The second song is his version of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." I even added a clip of Micheal performing this, which turned in to one of his most recognizable performances. Enjoy!

David Cook Performances

Eleanor Rigby

(There's a little introduction at the beginning. Sorry, couldn't find a better clip.)

Billie Jean

(There's no intro on this one!)

Michael Jackson Performance

Billie Jean

(Micheal's 1997 performance from Munich. It's a little long, but really classic Michael- not freaky Michael.)

Another Day, Another Dollar

And another application, another interview. I have another interview. This time with Fayetteville Schools. The position is for a middle school music/choir director. At three different middle schools in town. Now, this could be lucrative. I don't know if this is something I want to do, but after working with Rachel and Shannon last year with 5th and 6th grade, I realized that I could do this. Even if it isn't the age range I would consider my first choice, it would be fun! I still haven't heard from Farmington yet. But they did tell me it would be the first of April before a decision was made. Who knows? Maybe they've already made a decision and had to take it before the board...

I'll keep you posted!

Betty Ford, Here I Come?

I have an addiction. It's something that I'm not happy to admit, but isn't the first step to recovery admitting you have a problem? I'm addicted... to... I can't say it. I really can't. Alright, I'm addicted to America's Next Top Model.

No matter how many times I have seen an episode, or an entire season for that matter, I will watch it. It's also one of those shows that MTV and VH1 like to show in marathon runs, and what do I do? Watch them. Every. Single. One.

I know. I need help. But when you start watching these model-wanna-bes begin their quest to become the winner of ANTM, and see how they grow from these frail little country bumpkins to these well presented pictures of perfection, you get sucked in! When I start watching these shows, I can't stop. It doesn't matter if it's Season 1 and Robyn's on a tirade, or Season 6 and Jade is not being your best friend, I watch. All of it. I love to hear Tyra and Miss J and Mr. Jay and Nigel and which ever guest judge happens to be on panel that week. I love it! I need help.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

It's been eleven years, but one of the most exciting things that ever happened to me was marching with the Razorback Marching Band in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. I still remember it with fondness, and one day, I do want to go back to the beautiful green hills of Ireland. Someday soon, hopefully!

Check out this cutie!

Audrie was so cute at church today. And she even had a thoughtful moment! That or she was pooping.

What Have I Gotten Myself Into?

I've volunteered to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" and the "UA Alma Mater" at the College of Engineering Graduation in May. I will be compensated monetarily. But seriously, what have I done?!!!!

Interview Update

So, the interview was a little strange. I got there a few minutes early, but they went ahead and started then. I interviewed with the principal and the assistant principal. No other faculty members were there; no music personnel, no one. So, introductions were made, and then we got down to business. Except the business part (that would be the questions they asked me) felt like they were from a manual called "How to Conduct an Education Interview." All the questions were very generic, and none of them related to the music field specifically, oh, other than my abilities to put on a show (which are not in doubt, by the way!). After about ten questions, I was asked if I had any questions. Which I did, and they were answered. Then that was it. They didn't ask to see a resume, a portfolio, nothing. Luckily, I was prepared and brought two copies of my abbreviated portfolio to leave for each of them. Now, those booklets seemed to have made an impression! Finally something worth note. After the polite thank yous and everything, I walked out the door...

...And ran right in to Tami! It was great to see her. She asked me how it went, and when I told her it was strange, she said her initial interview was a little weird too. She did provide some encouragement, and that really lifted my spirits. I really don't know what to think about this interview. I now have to wait until the first of April to find out if I got the job. As Jami told me this morning, my life's a waiting game.

Today's the Day!

I have my interview at Farmington at 10:45 this morning. I'm anxious to have it finished. I'm all dressed up and even fixed my hair and everything. My heels are in the car (no way I was going to wear them all day long!). I'm even wearing a fierce new shirt in a get turquoise blue! I've got my portfolios in the car and my umbrella beside me. I'm ready. Now, if I only had some breakfast...

Daydream Believer- Not a Homecoming Queen

Today may be the first real beautiful spring day here in NWA. And what am I doing? I'm sitting in a dusty, asbestos filled building, staring out the window at all the people playing on the Old Main lawn. There's even a family with the cutest set of twin girls with matching pig tails and pink jackets kicking a ball around. Oh, I wish I were outside. I could use the Vitamin A.

This beautiful weather is also a cause for me to procrastinate and not work on a couple of projects that I need to have finished by the end of next week. But, I can't think of anything at the moment right now other than my interview with Farmington tomorrow. Did I tell you how excited/nervous/calm I am about this interview? Lots of emotions right now, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Last night, I babysat for a couple from our church. Caleb and I had a blast together, and he was a perfect little angel. Too bad I forgot to take pictures. This family is moving to Wichita, KS this week, so I won't get to sit for him again. Too bad. We had fun! And I was his first official babysitter. Kind of special, don't you think...

It's a Miracle!

After many frustrating and disturbing issues with my computer, I think I have it fixed. Can you believe it? It only took me about 22 hours of work on this crazy thing. I think I should have paid someone $50 or so and had them look at it. Next time, I know it will totally be worth it.

I told everyone today about my Thursday interview at Farmington. I'm really excited about this interview. Even though it's not in Bentonville or Batesville, it's really exactly what I want. I wouldn't have to move, since the school is about 5 miles from my apartment. It's the age range I want to teach (K-3). And it pays pretty well. I really could use any prayer you can send my way this week.

Anyone got any advice they can share?

Mission Possible: Find Teaching Job

Part one of my quest for a finding a teaching job was completed in January when I received my teaching license. Now, I've moved on to the intensive part: Completing applications. Since not many teachers have even informed their districts of their intent to stay or go for next year, there haven't been many openings for a music teacher that I would want to do.

Except one. AND I HAVE AN INTERVIEW! YEAH!

If you remember, one of the schools I interned with last year was Farmington. And they are hiring a new music teacher for the upcoming school year. In grades K-3. It's a perfect fit, and I can't wait to get my foot in the door again. Y'all be praying!

Personality 101

I took a short personality test today on Facebook. Ususally, I don't like personality tests, because depending on your attitude that day makes the results a little hazy. Anyway, here's what I turned out to be. Kind of interesting...

Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow!

NWA has been getting caught up on the lack of winter weather this season has not had. Tuesday, the University closed for only the 20th time in 30 years because of the massive amounts of snow we recevied. Too bad it was all gone by 4:00 PM that day, but still! It was great to have a day off. Weather forecasters are predicting another chance for accumulations this afternoon and tonight. I'm all for it! Let's have another snow day at the UA!

New Shoes, New Attitude

Over the last seven years, I've worn the cutest pair of black shoes. Yes, I did say seven years. Well, I noticed that they were beginning to look very worn, okay more than beginning since the sole of both shoes was non-existent. I was very distraught over this; I hate breaking in new shoes, and since these were the most comfortable shoes I've had in a long time, I was a little trepidatious about finding new shoes. I knew what I wanted, but I could never find exactly what I was looking for. Until this weekend...

While in Batesville, Mom and I decided to escape the house on Saturday and make a grand excursion to the shopping centers in Batesville. I found the exact pair of shoes I wanted at a store called Goody's, but they didn't have my size. The next similar pair was almost double the price of the pair I wanted. Mom told me to wait to get them, and we went to Payless. Now, I've always been kind of picky about what shoes I get from Payless. Normally I do not purchase athletic type shoes from Payless, but I found the cutest, most comfortable shoes! They are black, athletic type shoes, that I can totally wear every day with my dress clothes. And the best thing: they have a great arch support and my feet already feel ten times better! My walk is stronger, and my heel doesn't hurt. Isn't it amazing what a new shoe will do for your attitude?

Choo Choo!

Over the weekend, I made the trek to Batesville to visit the family. Since Rachel and Jamie have officially ended Cornett Baby Watch, I finally had a few days where I could get away. I can't believe how much Braden and Landon have grown in the last two months. The weather was beautiful all weekend, which allowed us to get outside and play a little. The boys have a fascination with Dad's riding lawnmower, so he decided to hook up the Radio Flyer and ride around in the yard. It was so cute! Landon had trouble sitting up, though, and ended up with Braden's arm around his neck most of the time. Anyway, they were as cute as could be! (It's my first foray into video, cross your fingers!)