Somewhat Sad News

I was watching the Cubs baseball game last night and probably the best player on the team, Derrek Lee, fractured his right wrist in a collision with a base-runner. He has made a substantial contribution to the Cubs defense and offense and the 1 or 2 monthes without him will be hard for the Cubs. I was really hoping to get to see him play next month when the Cubs play the Marlins, but what can you do? Who knows, maybe he will have a rapid recovery and be able to play May 24 when I see the Cubs.

On a different note, I found out tonight from my Dad that my great-uncle passed away yesterday. None of my family was really shocked by the news, since he was in declining health, but I am sure it will be especially hard on my grandfather and his sister. Prayers for my family are appreciated, for my grandfather and his sister in particular as they go through this difficult time.

The End of the Semester Nears. . .

As the end of the semester nears, I am happy but also sad. Sad because I will not see many of my new friends till next fall. I cherish many of the relationships I have made this year and it will be hard to leave. I am happy because, quite frankly, I will be done with finals, homework, and juries (well, not exactly, I'll still be taking summer school).

This summer I look forward to refining a lot of my playing on the clarinet. My summer will also be highlighted with a Chicago Cubs game in Miami, a visit to see my former youth pastor in Ft. Lauderdale, and my cousin's wedding! I hope to take part in some outdoor excusrions also, i.e. white water rafting, hiking, or rock climbing. We will see how possible this is. I also have missed my family and cat, so I will be glad to see them again. One thing I can not believe is how OLD my cat is. April 29th she will turn 11 years old! It seems like my family adopted her as a kitten just yesterday.

Over the summer I will have a chance to spend more time practicing and I am starting some new projects, including working on Tschaikowsky's(German spelling) 4th symphony. I also have some new solos to choose from. I am determined to get into University Philharmonia next year. This is partly because next year will be the final year I can play with many of my orchestra friends, since our junior year they will be playing in USO.

Looking back at the past year, I am AMAZED by how God has worked in my life. I never would have dreamed to move up so fast from concert band to symphonic band over the course of two semesters. The number of opportunities I got to perform exceeded my expectations. I had the chance to tour with symphonic band, play about 13 or 14 concerts in the spring split between symphonic band, wind quintet, and the, "When I'm 64," clarinet quartet. I also had an awesome time playing at Wildwood on Sundays. In the fall I was able to play under the direction of Dr. Shellahaymer in his last semester as a band director and I even "subbed" for the musical, "Sweet Charity." Back at home, my house has a brand new roof after Hurricane Wilma hit Naples last year. My parents have been married 26 years! and they have found a great church with many old friends after problems at our former church. Praise God for his goodness.

The end of the semester nears and I am truly blessed. Now that I am done with 3 out of 7 finals/juries, I am beginning to see the light. :-)

Finally Reposting

After a long intermission, I'm posting again. I don't really have much to say. Tonight I was a little frustrated. I had a long nap which was nice but my sight singing dictation was what bothered me. I wasn't able to hear the bass real well. After finishing the dictation I felt like I was at my low for the day emotionally. The fact that my computer is acting up recently doesn't help. I listened to some Chris Tomlin music and a walk over to the music building helped settle my anger and frustrations. That's all for now.