Holy Crow! What a Day!

I have had an interesting 24 hours. This picture has nothing to do with my day; I just haven't put a picture of Oliver on here in a while.

Yesterday, around 5:30 PM, my computer had to visit the emergency room. Some error message came up and my computer would no longer boot up. After Googling the error, I'm beginning to fear that my motherboard is fried. Really, that's what all the websites said. I almost have no hope.

This morning, I got up early so I could get to school and get things set up, but as I started to walk out the door, I began a 20 minute search for my keys. After I had been on the road with my spare key for about 10 minutes, Dad called and said he found them. After waiting for him for another 7 minutes, he called and said he was at his office (apparently we had a miscommunication- he said park and wait for him, but what he meant to say was park and wait for him at his office). Needless to say, I left Batesville this morning at 7:28 AM. I have a 40 minute drive to the high school. I pulled into the parking lot at 8:02 AM. Whew! Luckily there were no police out this morning!

About 9:00 AM, one of my students pointed out a giant puddle of water forming around my lunch bag. My water bottle lid had come loose, and 24 ounces of water had filled my bag, soaking my food and the floor at the same time. I was thirsty all day long.

But, my bad day got a whole lot better tonight. As I was watching American Idol, I'd come to the realization that Adam was probably going to win. But, fortunately, I was wrong. Arkansas has its first American Idol: Kris Allen from Conway!

Now, if my concert tomorrow night goes like the American Idol Season, I'll be a happy camper. Six more school days until summer vacation begins!

GO KRIS!!!

Kris Allen is through to the finals with Adam Lambert! I'm so excited. I do have a theory. Danny Gokey and Kris Allen are very similar in their musical types, so maybe all the people who voted for Danny will vote for Kris, and then Kris will be the next AMERICAN IDOL!

Well, that's my theory.

American Idol

I have't blogged about American Idol at all this year. I feel so behind. But let me point out something:

I cannot stand how Adam Lambert's tongue sticks out to his chin when he sings. Is he trying to immitate Gene Simmons or Steven Tyler? And why does he only do it when his mouth is wide open, flapping in the breeze? The majority of the time is tongue is relaxed and where it should be, and when that happens he's usually singing in his "broadway" voice. And the other thing that bothers me is how he is such a judge's pet. They call him brilliant, but honestly he does the same screaming on pitch type singing he's done all season. True, occaisionally he tries to be a balladeer, but it's still the same musical theater style performance (I have nothing wrong with musical theater- several of my best friends live in New York and are performers).

I honestly am cheering for Kris Allen to win, not because he's from Arkansas or anything, but because in all honesty, I would never, ever buy a CD in the style of music that Adam Lambert has produced on the show (dare I make you recall his rendition of "Ring of Fire?"). Kris, I would buy that album without even thinking about it...

13 Days and Counting...

I've been working really hard this month. It seems that everything is coming to a close, and I'm saying goodbye to a lot of students. My seniors last day was Friday, and I really started thinking about how far I've come as a teacher. At the beginning of the year, I thought I never, ever wanted to teach high school choir. I'm beginning to think I might have been wrong. True, my piano skills are severely lacking when it comes to being a proficient choir teacher, but with technology and some very patient and very musically gifted students, I had an amazing concert with four acappella pieces. I even "played" the piano on two pieces.

Saturday, the band director and I headed up a Talent Show fundraiser at the school. We had about 17 acts, and in the end, earned over $500. Many people were very excited about the Talent Show and asked us if we were going to do it again next year. Yeah! A tradition in the making.

We have an awards program for the seniors tomorrow night, and I really don't know how I'm going to get through this without crying. These kids have dealt with a lot over the last few years, so it was nice to have such a successful choir season. Graduation is Thursday night, and luckily the choir doesn't have to do anything. Good thing too: all but one of my basses and four of my altos are graduating! We ran a song this morning, just to hear the voicing in the room, and I was shocked!

I have my Elementary and Middle School concert next Thursday, and after that, I think it may be movie time! I really think the kids have worked super hard and deserve a break. And what's not to like about watching a musical with the projector and cool sound system with a whole lot of popcorn?

I really don't have any plans for the summer, except for working on my poorly neglected house. My brother is having a hip replacement June 2, so keep him in your prayers. And me and mom, since we'll be dealing with him and the boys for a couple of weeks! I'm also probably going to have to have my gall bladder taken out sometime this summer. If that happens, I'll keep you posted...

Now, if I can only make it through the next thirteen days... And with faces at home like these, I know it will go by "super" fast!

Concert Season

The High School Choir had their concert Thursday night. I was so proud of them. They did an amazing job! I never pictured myself directing a high school choir, but I did it. We sang six songs; you can view the program here. Anyway, I had eleven seniors in this group, and I am really going to miss them. Graduation is set for May 14th, and the seniors' last day is May 8th. I can't believe the year is almost over!