The SGP fort

So, last night in the chat we were joking with Ali about holding down the SGP chat fort and Jac was extremely creative and made a photo.I just had to share it with everyone cause its hilarious!
Also, everyone needs to see the video that Megan made. It is truly breathtaking and inspiring! She put a lot of effort in making it and Geoh did such a great job doing the music.
http://meganmarymcteague.blogspot.com/2009/03/sgp-fan-message-video.html

oh and happy St. Patricks day everyone!
*and you didn't hear it from me but its Liz's birthday today so go and wish her a happy birthday!!

Busy Monday for everyone!

So it seems like today was a busy day for everyone. Amber had her presentation, Becca had her test, I had 2 presentations to present to a board of staff members, and there is a new post from Southern Gothic http://southerngothicproductions.blogspot.com/2009/03/lincoln-booth-returns-to-south.html
*side note
Amber- so happy that everything went well. I know you would do fantastic and I'm very proud of you! That report was awesome.
Becca- I know you are going to do fine! Can't wait to hear how you did.
Ok, anyways.... I had to do a presentation for my after school arts program that I'm starting. I basically had to show them the benefits of the arts in a child's life. Wasn't too hard to present since children and the arts are my passion. They loved it and the program officially starts April 6th. I'm so excited. Hopefully children will discover their love for the arts through this... at least thats my hope.
Second presentation I had to do was for my upcoming trip to Costa Rica. I am planning this trip all on my own and I am collecting all the supplies needed for the trip. My plan was to have each classroom adopt a family and buy shoes and school supplies for them. I presented the idea to them and they loved it. I have to plan an assembly for the friday after spring break and will have to present the idea to the whole school but again, I'm excited!

I know God is going to do grea things and its fun to have both of these projects move forward.

Hope everyone is having a great monday!

Powells and Portland

So, yesterday was such an adventure. My plan was to go around Portland and take some pictures of my favorite areas but it was raining. Then my camera died so I didn't really get many pictures anyway. I did however spend a great amount of time at Powells. For those of you who don't know, Powells is the happiest place on Earth. Its a bookstore in Portland and it's my sanctuary. This place is ginormous. Filled with books of course but there are like 4 levels and like 10 different rooms. I love books, and I love discovering new books. Yesterday, instead of taking pictures of Portland (I did take a few though), I spend 4 hours getting lost in the world of books. I found a few new authors and books, one book in particular that I think everyone should get. It's called the "The Book of Wonder" by Lord Dunsany. This book is really small and old, but it is filled with a ton of short stories, remarkable short stories, and its amazing. I also came across a book called "Einstein's Dreams" by Alan Lightman. This is really cool. It reminded me of Sue and her writing about thoughts and words. It's basically a book asking questions about time. It's really hard to explain but its really good. I bought it. Then I found another author, Ursula K Le Guin. Another book I have been wanting to get that I finaly got was "Don't Pat the Wombat." I think everyone should read this book. One of the funniest and entertaining books I have read.
So, I made a video of my trip to Powells. It's six minutes long so I'm gona just attach the link if you want to see it cause I'm sure it will take a while to upload on here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ByxBVJKFxo

And to end this post... here are some really random pics of Portland that I took before my camera died. I will definitely go back when the weather gets better because there are so many more places that I want to show you all.

we really are a connected quilt

So, as I am here at work catching up on people's latest posts and blogs... I can't help but smile.
Its amazing how in this short period of time that I have gotten to know most of my new SGP family, they have just become a part of my life. I remember how exciting it was to find of group of people who had a similar passion as me. Even though we had different backgrounds, different talents, and lived all over the place, we all had a connection.
I love that sometimes if I'm going through a rough day and I can guarantee that Becca will have posted some amazing quote with pictures that brings a smile to my face. Or, if I feel like my plans for the future are uncertain or I just am scared to take that first step... I know that I'm not alone and Megan or Kim will have posted something that they are going through.
I remember posting my blog about my decision to move forward with my move to Michigan and then reading Beccas blog about taking a leap of faith. Then today, I read about Kim and how she is planning on taking that leap of faith and moving to Wilmington.
I love that my passion for music and the arts and education can help others and that others can inspire me.
I love that if I just miss Costa Rica and being in a spanish enviornment, I can go over to Titania's blog and just read her amazing posts.
and... I love how I have made a new sister in Spain and I'm so excited about my trip to go visit her with Becca in December!
I think it's really cool how God uses unlikely sources to teach and remind us of things. How would have thought that finding this blog in January and popping into the chat room a month ago would lead me here.
I am so thankful for this SGP quilt. You guys are all awesome and I always enjoy reading your blogs or watching your vlogs or just spending some time chatting with you all.
Southern Gothic is doing amazing things!
Keep being awesome everyone.
and HAPPY FRIDAY!

Reasons to be Happy This Week

So this week was classified week for work which means that all the classified teachers are getting appreciated. I have been getting a ton of cards and free coffee drinks, and even got a free chair massage. I'm not the type for big gestures but after a long couple of rough months with work, it was nice to see a little bit of the impact I have been making with my students.
Sometimes it's hard to see the impact you are making on a student... especially when you are a specialist teacher. But, it has been really rewarding hearing teachers compliment me on the different they are seeing with my students in the classroom.
So, yeah... that was a fun thing to have happen at work

Another reason to be happy this week is because my orchestra concert was last night! It went so well and I was really proud of everyone. I still have my other orchestra on Thursday nights but I'm excited to take a little break from Tuesday night orchestra.

Also, next week I'm going to see the musical "Wicked". I saw it 2 years ago and it was amazing! I'm taking my sister to go see it so I'm excited to share the experience with her. Even though it's next week, it still makes this week amazing.

...and it's almost spring break

the end

yes everyone....

I have joined Flickr....
here is the link to some of my photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36331594@N08/sets/72157615049412735/

bored percussionists vlog

So here is a quick little snippet of what orchestra can be like sometimes and why I have the time to chat with you guys in between my parts... It's really short but I find it hilarious... I can't help but laugh at how pathetic we look.
enjoy :)