Band Concert

When publishing multiple posts today I got them a little mixed up.  Sorry.  This is the earliest event of the week.  There are three posts today. 
Thursday night was the much anticipated band concert.  I spent the day
generally ignoring that soon the town of Ogallala would hear what I
had written and give silent judgments on it.  My parents and I drove
around looking at houses, getting lost a few times along the way.  We
also drove by and looked longingly through the windows of the Subaru
at the Lilac garden.  It was raining and with dirt walkways turning
into mud streams, we thought it best to glance from a distance.
At the house, my parents are a big hit with the two little dogs.
Before they were “our dogs”, they stayed with my parents.  They were
treated very well in that household, sleeping on beds (under blankets)
until noon, getting extra stomach rubs at any given moment and treats
often.  They remember.

I got all dressed up and left early with my cookies (last year I
started a habit of making cookies for the band on their last concert).
 Found a seat and looked around awkwardly at the programs with my face
on the front all over the audience.  Not only that, it was my face
upside down (the interior was printed opposite the exterior).  Bob
made the comment that he could see up my nose.
The picture was taken by Impact Images and looked really nice.

The band went through the concert without a hitch, as usual.  I was
asked to present a little on the piece, which I did with a lot of “uh”
and “um” and awkward laughing… I used to think I was good at public
speaking.  It was the first time the band had played with the
percussion.  I won’t deny that that created a bit of a problem in a
few places, but nothing that those who hadn’t heard it before would
notice.  The final movement, which during a rehearsal earlier in the
week sounded like it would be the most difficult, ended up being the
most solid of the three.

I appreciated very much that the band was willing to play my piece.  I
also think it was awfully polite of many of the students to tell me
how much they enjoyed playing it.  I even received a couple of hugs.
I also very much appreciated Mr. Schlake adding on a somewhat un-tested
piece to a solid concert.
To tell you the truth, having things I’ve written performed is
probably the most horrifying thing I put myself through voluntarily.
So it was very nice to have a few audience members congratulate me and
see my name pop up on facebook a few times.  It was also really,
really, sweet to receive FLOWERS at work Friday morning from my bosses.

I know the line they would use if I were to give them a thank you
card, so I’ll just say it here.  Thank you.  They smell wonderful,
look beautiful, and the message attached to them means a lot to me.    I wasn’t kidding when I said I almost cried. As a matter of fact, I did a little later. 

So to everyone involved, thanks for a great night last night!

Recital

And post three of the day.

To end an eventful and performance filled week and celebrate the end of the school year I had a spring recital.  I will not be giving lessons for the month of May as kind of a "reset" on my lessons.  I need to reevaluate some things, organize a little more and prepare for the rest of the year.

Today, 8 of my 10 students played a song or two for family and friends.  Recitals are really casual and quick.  Part of lessons is teaching performance etiquette, so the past couple of weeks have been working on performing while standing, introducing oneself and the song, smiling, stepping to the side and bowing at the end, acknowledging the accompanist.  

So, with each student dressed properly, politely interacting with their audience and performing well, we had a successful recital.  Afterwards, pictures were taken and we went on our merry ways. 

Wow, I look short next to Kurt.

Choir Concert

Second Post today, in case you were wondering.  I am trying to catch up after a busy and exciting week.

Nate Helzer, the choir director, my running partner's husband and my friend, had his last concert at OHS last night.  There were a lot of tears for the seniors, for his farewell and I think sympathy tears, too.  I have a hard time holding it in when I see other people cry... or hear Karla sobbing behind me.
 The background was AWESOME.

Nate has a way of not only teaching technical vocal music, but getting the kids to tap into their emotions while performing.  It takes a special person to do that, and to be so beloved by so many students.  Students who aren't even in his choirs yet mourn his loss (my students included).  Not only do they get to experience music as it's intended, but they are also challenged to live well. 

As an occasional flute accompanist and pit orchestra member I witnessed Nate encourage kids to do the right thing.  He asked them to treat others well, to work hard, to help even when you aren't asked and to do the best they can.  He also always remembered that us pit members were there and made sure we felt comfortable and appreciated.  My job as a community member volunteering was to play well enough that I wasn't noticed, that the kids could shine through and be enhanced by the background.  And though I think the pit (which was always an amazing group of musicians) did that very well, I always felt so appreciated and I know that Nate was a big part of that.

Nate and Danielle, I know I've said it a few times but I'll say it again.  I'll miss you.  I'm bummed that it wasn't until the last couple of months that we started to get to know each other.  I'm excited to find out what God has in store for you.  I pray for you everyday and that won't stop when you leave. 

Anticipation

That is why you haven't seen a blog post yet this week.  I am anticipating many pictures in the coming couple of days and weeks.  But, because I know some lovely people out there who are checking this blog every day, I thought a really fun picture of my dad and our puppy Rory would be entertainment enough to hold you over until next time. 

Hopefully I will be able to blog in the lingering energy I get from the band concert tomorrow night.  When I was in high school, I stayed up late after almost every concert from some sort of performance high.  I won't be performing tomorrow night (but I think I would be more comfortable if that were the case) but I will be there and biting my nails in the audience.

The band here will be playing Golddiggers, the songs second live performance and hopefully final before publication.  I've been spending the past couple of days carefully reading regulations for a small publishing company in Colorado, preparing my score to send in.

It's kind of scary. 

I'll tell you all about it tomorrow, though.  For now, goodnight!

My Account of the Piano Burning

No doubt there will be plenty floating around.  An event like a piano burning is a life changing experience.  It certainly isn't something you'd find yourself doing every day.  It also isn't something you should describe to your favorite piano teacher-- but I dare you not to (I think every single person I know who plays piano knows about my piano burning experience... I got a sick enjoyment out of their horrified expressions).  I was careful to get some cool looking pictures.  I've even decided if I ever become a famous recording artist and need album cover art, I will be using one of these pictures. 

 Two of my favorite ladies in the whole world peaking around the ill-fated piano.

 Album cover shot!

 An "on-top-of-the-picnic-bench-right-next-to-the-really-hot-piano" shot

Some of the crowd enjoying the heat.

I would like to mention that not only was it a unique experience in that we were burning a piano (come on, how many of you can say you've done that?  Okay, forget that, most people that read this blog were there...), but it was also unique to the group of people I was with.  A couple I had barely met gave me a coat and sleeping bag almost instantly when they saw I didn't come prepared.  Without questioning who I was or if I was worth the hassle.  Others, who normally wouldn't brave a bean based desert, tried my chocolate chip cookie deep dish pie without complaint.  Everyone made sure everyone else was comfortable without a second thought.

Have I mentioned I love living here?

Thanks for the fun time, everyone.  What a great way to spend a Saturday night.

A Day In The Kitchen

Last night I attended a Women's Ministry Fellowship meeting at my church.  I plan on photographing the next meeting, which will be our spring party at Dairy Queen.  I am hoping to introduce the blogging world to some of the most amazing women I've ever met.
At the meeting, Reba mentioned that she could spend all day in the kitchen... in the winter.
I realized today, as it's nearing the low 70's outside, that apparently I can spend all day in the kitchen ...even in the summer.  
This morning, I slept in a bit, ran my longer outdoor loop, did a Jillian Michael's workout (not normally a fan of DVD work outs, but I enjoy hers for some reason), walked downtown to get some office supplies and get a sugar free chai tea because it was double punch day at the coffee shop.  The minute I got home I cut up some mushrooms to make some more cream of mushroom soup... now that I know how good it is, we are going through it pretty fast.

 I then made homemade tortillas (Shannon, they look like yours this time!  First ever!) and an enchilada filling to fill those tortillas for dinner tonight.

Then, To use up my tomatoes I made a sauce for use later this week.  This is the first time I've sat down all day!
I started this blog about 1:30, after taking a lunch break with Jim.  Then some practicing, lessons, and finally finishing dinner tonight by making a cheese sauce to top my beef enchiladas.

Recipe
1 package fat free cream cheese
8 oz or more mild or medium salsa (chunky preferred)
Chicken or Beef (leftover beef this time, I used approximately 1 1/2 C)

Heat in sauce pan until cream cheese is melted.

Fill tortillas w/ approximately 1/4 cup mixture.  Place face down in an oiled baking pan.

Cheese sauce
4 oz block of velveeta
1/2 Cup Milk

Melt in sauce pan, pour over filled tortillas.

Cover in tinfoil, bake 20 mins at 350*.

I probably should have spent some more time outside today than in the kitchen.  So maybe, I'll walk the dogs this evening.  I ran David to the vet today, so I'm sure he'll enjoy the extra treat (unless seeing the leash reminds him of going to the vet...)

Heroes

For the past couple weeks we've been watching Heroes in the evenings via Netflix.  We really like getting into series that are completed, because then we don't have to be patient to find out what's next.  We are definitely modern Americans requiring instant gratification-- at least when it comes to entertainment. 
This really doesn't have much to do with the topic I wanted to write about today, except the word hero was involved.
My 1st hero of the day is my husband.  He drove half way to Grant to bring me my hat.  Then, when I didn't arrive home at the time I thought we would, he called me a few times, called Nate (Danielle's husband).  Then, when I was finally at my phone and able to call him back, he informed me he was driving the route we showed him backwards, trying to find us.

 (Small dot on road is Danielle)
You see, today was a very long run for my second hero of the day.  Danielle did her longest run to date today.  20 miles.  I joined her 8 miles in.  Originally she had planned on maybe walking a couple hills, but powerhouse Danielle ran the whole stinkin' thing.
Danielle has been my running partner for the past few months.  I never thought I would be brave enough to run with someone else.  Especially Danielle.  She is thin, athletic, and pretty much awesome in everything, so to say I was intimidated by the idea barely scratches the surface.  Originally what I knew of Danielle was a driven teacher, the assistant cross country coach (so a good runner), into health and nutrition.
During our runs, I learned of her faith in God, some of her struggles in life and how much fun she is.  She encouraged me on that first run and every run since.  I know she ran slower than she would have liked on more than one occasion to accommodate me but never said anything about it. 
From listening to her on our runs, I know how much she loves kids and how hard she works to teach them.  I know how much she loves Christ and how much she desires to be closer to Him.  I've learned a lot about my running partner and friend over the miles.

Danielle will be moving soon, and it hurts my heart a little to know that my Saturday mornings won't be spent on a dirt road for hours with someone else.  I'm going to miss Danielle and Nate.

But as for now, I look forward to cheering them on in Lincoln as they run the half (Nate) and full (Danielle) Marathon.  And I look forward to next week, as we tackle another 12 miler. 

April Shower

I love thunderstorms.  One thing I have appreciated since we have moved here is the awesomeness of the thunderstorms this region gets.  The thunder sounding like it's in the house, lightening, high winds, rain and hail.  From the comfort of my living room, I sit at our big window and watch the street turn into a stream and love every second of it.  As long as the tornado siren doesn't sound, I'm a happy camper in the rain (funny story, my favorite camping trip was in the rain... maybe I'll share it sometime).  Not in the comfort of my living room, I braved the elements hoping to get a great picture.  I didn't do it.  But here are a few that I took anyway.

 My lens fogged up a bit.

It's a perfectly timed storm in that we really needed the moisture but also in the topic I had started writing about earlier but didn't have any pictures to go with.

I have been showered with encouragement lately (see that awesome segue?!) and feel so humbled and blessed.  I don't know why He has timed it this way, but God has really blessed me in the past two weeks with some very encouraging words from people whose opinion means a great deal to me.   I received two amazing emails that brought me to tears with their kind words, I've been verbally appreciated and to top it off, I was called "tiny and cute" today by someone I just met (which is probably the best way someone I don't know could compliment me).

I can honestly say I've never received so much encouragement in a short amount of time in my life.  I know I'm not deserving of some of the positive comments I received.  And as weird as it may sound, these compliments, positive comments, encouragements, whatever you want to call them, make me want to work harder.  They make me want to be a better friend, better employee, better wife, better daughter, better person in general.

They also remind me that I don't encourage nearly as often as I should.  I know how very blessed I feel.  If I am to treat others how I want to be treated, I should be encouraging them, because I want them to feel blessed as well.

And to those of you who did the encouraging... thank you so much for your kind words.  I am a lucky gal to have you in my life... you all know who you are!

COMS

I really, really hope that doesn't stand for something bad.  Because I have a few readers I know would LOVE to use this to tease me if it does.

What I mean for it to stand for is Cream Of Mushroom Soup.  Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup, to be exact.  This is my newest project.  We are going "can-less" in the Parrish household.  And let me tell you, I don't think I'll want to go back.

Sure, 5 seconds of opening a can is easier than 20 minutes of making my own.  And at this point, who knows if it will save me much money (though I was able to freeze half of it for later use).  But this really easy recipe tastes so awesome and is really healthy (If you are interested in trying it, Alicia, I used cornstarch instead of flour, if that is allowed).  I used this recipe.

 Step 1

 Step 2

Final Product YUM!

Spring Patience

I've already mentioned my love for spring.  The smells, the sounds, the new life.  I have a pretty pleasant disposition this time of year.  But I am reminded this time of year of one of my biggest struggles sin-wise.  Impatience.

See, in the spring, you have to wait.  Though sometimes it seems like the world turns green overnight, it doesn't.  It takes some time to make our yard green, it takes a little while before my flowers will bloom in the front of the house.  Apples don't just show up on the trees.  And for the impatient this time of transition, as awesome as it is, can be frustrating.

I'm becoming more laid back and less impatient as I get older.  I think it's being married to the most level headed person I know.  It might also be all the prayers I have prayed on the subject.  It may also be that God has been preparing me for a time in my life where I will need great patience.  Or, I may already be in that part of my life.

When we are asked if when we are planning on having kids, Jim and I give vague answers, all of which are true.  "We aren't trying to not have kids".  "When God wants us to".  "Someday".

When I was in high school and had a "timeline" for my life, I thought I would have kids by now.  I actually planned to be done having kids by 25, so I could be a young, hip mom.  I turn 25 in less than two months.  I don't think that plan is in the cards.  I also planned on being published by now and be a stay at home mom.  I don't care if it makes me sound young and naive, but I've learned that my plans (though they sound good) aren't that great... not in comparison to God's plans.

And God's plans for me don't include children right now.  There is a reason that my human eyes can't see, but He knows.  Sometimes, God uses trouble having children for His glory.  Hannah's story, every time I read it, brings a pain that I don't normally feel.  Sarah (Abraham's wife) waited a looooong time for a baby.  Elizabeth was beyond childbearing years when John the Baptist was born. Some women were unmarried or completely barren their whole lives.  They weren't being punished, they were being used for His Glory. 

So when seeing my nephew smile or hearing about another pregnant friend can hurt sometimes, I know God has something in store for me and I'm willing to wait for it-- and I can rejoice for those who don't have this struggle (and love on my nephew!).  And, while I wait, I know I'm in good company, because God has set aside some amazing people to deal with this and I can't wait to see what He does in their lives.

So, here's to the future. 

Company

Like everyone else this time of year, I'm with family.  This time, we have company, we are not the company.  Gail, Lezlie and Doug, Stan (I mean, Simon) and Doug and Lezlie's baby are all here. 
The problem with company is I eat too much when they are around.   I am horrified about not providing a good meal, and the Parrish clan eats when they are together.  So, I test taste everything I make, including the mashed potatoes (the first time I've had white potatoes in a really, really long time... I will probably regret this later).  But, all the food was good and no one has complained yet.  And since the meal had to be gluten, soy and somewhat milk and sugar free, I am glad that it all turned out.

To celebrate being together, we went to the lake.  David was the only dog to brave the water.  He was tired when we got home, and extra lovey in the car on the ride home.  Look at those eyes saying "thank you!"

And baby and Gail are enjoying each others company as we wait for popcorn and milkshakes and movie time.  Another Parrish clan tradition.

Thank you, Local Pizza Hut

Lezlie, my sister-in-law, has Celiac disease.  This means she can't have any gluten.  Bread products and many other products are out.  She has gotten very talented at ordered gluten free when she eats out, and she is now mastering a soy free lifestyle as her husband has an aversion to it.

I have not been able to eat a Pizza Hut pizza since my sophomore year in high school without getting severely sick.  My husband loves Pizza Hut, so sometimes he gets something and I eat somewhere or something else. 

But we have Easter company and to save myself one or two meals, we went to Pizza Hut here in Ogallala with dad "Simon" (remember him?) and Gail.  We decided to eat out, which is more difficult for me when we go to PH because I can't bring something else.  I had kind of decided on a salad bar dinner, but it looked like it had been sitting all day.  So, I decided to order a sandwich without the bun.  My server at first raised an eyebrow, then said "we'll make it nice for you".  And it was.

Sometimes, having a specific need gets you the best food in the house.  This was delicious.  Meat haters would not like it, but it was delicious.  So never be afraid to ask to make your meal healthier.  Most places don't mind at all and you can be a lot happier with your dinner decision without giving up company or health.

My Clementine and Snacks

Healthy Snacks.

It's something that may or may not be making a comeback in the nation.  Eating healthier is becoming somewhat of a "fad" in the nation.  It was beaten into our head through the media and people are buying organic, natural, and anything they think is healthy.

Unfortunately, we live in an undecided nation as to what is healthy.

Even my healthy snack today has been discussed as "unhealthy" (apparently, for those who believe in the "caveman diet" think fruits are too high in sugar to eat).   But, with the vitamin C of my little clementine, and it's size and low calorie amount, I can't complain.

And.

It was yummy.

(So was my snack last night... fresh ground peanut butter and raw honey on a spoon.  If you haven't noticed, I eat most of my food on a spoon...).

The Birds!

Every spring, the biggest group of birds I've ever seen (that is, until the next year when it gets even bigger) flies through Ogallala as it heads back north.  I don't even know what kind of birds they are.  All I know is that they vaguely remind me of my first horror movie (Birds) and, having watched it before my school years, how that movie was the only horror movie to actually give me nightmares.  I stepped out last night to greet the dogs and nearly shrieked at the overwhelming sound of birds chattering.  I picture the dead body with the comically bloody missing eyeball.  That image used to be the reason I would cry for my mommy when I still slept with a nightlight.  Most of those nights I skipped the nightlight and just left the light on.

I did end up screaming like a little girl today and it didn't have anything to do with the birds, who have since passed.  I was in the living room when I noticed the smallest thing hanging from my hand.  Then it started getting closer to my hand.  It was a mini-spider!  So, with Jim only a few steps away, I screamed and whimpered and did the whole "get it off! get it off!" thing you see pathetic girls do in the movies.
Jim is still laughing about it.  He told me he thinks it's sweet that I need him to kill spiders when he is around, but that I use my copy of Humility (great book, by the way) to smoosh spiders in the basement.  All of this talk of spiders and not being afraid made me think of another story I would like to share, so I decided to blog about it (this blog is going in a completely different direction than I planned!).
I used to be a housekeeper at a hotel.  It was small enough it was a housekeeper per floor most days, doing 20 or so rooms.  We had a cart with all the essentials that we pushed down the hall and we had a never ending supply of rags.
One day, about mid way through my hall, I saw a spider.  Now, the size of the spider is probably a lot smaller than I remember it, but it was huge.  I mean, size of my hand huge.  It was slowly making it's way up the wall beside me.
It was the middle of the day, so I was pretty sure I was alone but I didn't scream.  Instead, I grabbed a rag, covered my hand, backed up to the other side of the hall way, sprang forward to slam the spider into the wall... and involuntarily yell "DIE!!!!!!" probably louder than I've ever yelled anything.

Had I known that guests two doors down were leaving their room at that moment I might have waited.  The fact that they stood completely still while they stared at the insane housekeeper punching the wall makes me think they probably wouldn't have left the room had they known I would be there.  I blushed, mumbled "spider" and cleaned the wall off.

Hope you got a smile out of it.  As embarrassed as I was when it happened, I can't help but laugh, wondering how they tell the story.

Easy Projects

 When Jim and I first got married, I remember nervously standing over the stove the first time I cooked anything with meat in it.  I remember being on the phone, no joke, asking my mom what "browning" ground hamburger meant.  I didn't know what to do.  The idea that someday I would be a "no can, no box" household was completely out of the question.  Ramen noodles and mac and cheese were staples.  I used to think cooking wasn't fun and I would never be good at it.  Now, what I'm doing isn't exactly "cooking", but I never would have done it before.  Above, making homemade vegetable broth.

 Above here, chicken broth after our Sunday dinner of roast chicken.  So easy to make I can't believe I used to spend money on stuff like this.

And this is just cute.