If it rains any more....

Chloe and I are going shopping for these babies. Rain is a fashion kill joy!

BOA Event

For those of you without marching band students that would be Bands of America. The NY/NJ venue has FINALLY been selected. Drum roll please...

Regional Championships presented by Yamaha

Doylestown, PA - October 25, 2008

War Memorial Stadium

Not really sure how that came about. For months the event was listed as NY/NJ Area with TBD as the venue. And now we have Doylestown. Hopefully our band won't compete at 8 AM on Saturday but I guess it really just means a little more time on the buses. After 16 hours, what's a few more?

You can check out this link for more information on the event, ticket prices, maybe directions to each regional event. http://www.musicforall.org/Programs/Regionals/default.aspx

Rain, Rain

It is pouring rain here today! I know that we desperately need it. I did hear that Lake Lanier has gained 3 inches over the last few days. This is wonderful news. (I was really happy when they stopped telling us how many days of water we had left in the lake! That daily scare tactic did nothing but upset me.) But the rain foiled Chloe's planned outfit for today and I wish I could have stayed home on my couch in my PJ's with old movies and the quilt. Okay, I'm finished whining.

The band kids had wonderful weather for the March-A-Thon on Saturday! There was a nice breeze and it was a little overcast so they were never too warm. Chloe was able to raise the balance of her trip to NY, plus some. Thank you to all that helped her with that goal. (I have pictures but need to remember the computer cord so I can upload them!)

EJ spent a good part of Saturday helping a friend move. This weekend EJ is hoping to be able to ref for a soccer tournament. The tournaments pay cash immediately after each game. Great money.

Kate rented a U-Haul trailer on Saturday and picked up a couch and chair from her nanny family to use in her new apartment. That hitch on my van finally came in handy. Jim, the dad, and a neighbor loaded everything into the car and trailer for Kate at their home. Once she got to the apartment she was able to find some young men from the complex to help her unload and carry up to the third floor. I think she made out pretty well in that scenario. Now the girls have plenty of seating in their living room and Kate has a nice cozy reading chair in her room. Thank you Jim and Cassandra!

After a printing mishap and some friendly nudging from EJ, I was finally able to pick up his picture cards from the photographer last night. EJ and I are both pleased with the way they turned out.

Someone from the office won free coffee, bagels and neck massages from Caribou Coffee for the entire office. Today is our day! It looks to be the highlight of my morning and the reward I needed for getting off my couch and braving the rain.

Week Two

As predicted, this week is taking prisoners!

The tournament went well and the weather was beautiful. The 8 AM games were a blessing. The moms were actually cold! Who would think that a mid-August soccer game would require a sweater? The team did not place, but it was the first chance they have had to play together as a team and I was pleasantly surprised. I think we have potential. Only 5 team members from last year's roster returned. (That is another story and I won't bore you with the saga.) One highlight of the weekend was that EJ scored first for the season and it was the only goal for our team for the entire weekend!

I have had something every night this week after work. Monday night was for fun! It was Soccer Mom night and we made quite an event out of it. Chloe called me before she went to bed and I could tell she was a little upset. Turns out I think she was just worried because she wasn't sure exactly where I was. She thought the place we had met at had closed for the evening and she didn't understand why I wasn't home. She very kindly asked last night if I could please call in the future. "Since you make us call you, could you do the same?" was how the request was phrased. Humbling and touching all at the same time. She's such a sweetie! (I think I'll keep her.)

Chloe is thoroughly enjoying her history class with her singing teacher. She went to the school website and was able to play the first song she told me about. I haven't reached the technical level to be able to add the song link or audio, yet! But I can tell the songs are a very effective teaching tool. Chloe is remembering facts and details.

Tonight is Curriculum Night. Chloe told me the only teachers I need to go see are her History and Anatomy teachers. EJ, of course, would prefer I didn't go at all.

The first football game is tomorrow. I don't know if the band will march or just play in the stands but I'm looking forward to the event. It is the other side of my social life!