Things are going well! Scott's band (Union Shakedown) had their CD release party back in November, and despite the scary snow, had a great turn out and a fun time! Scott has also gone full time at work, which is a very good thing for us financially...he will now be entitled to benefits!
Scott and I also got to watch my baby sister and her now husband get married! I can't believe Talya is all grown up! (And definitely not a baby anymore!) Here are a few photos from the snowy, but romantic weekend:
Since family came into town a few days early to help with wedding stuff, My Auntie Ann and Auntie Heidi joined me to see Scott's band at the Whiskey Junction Thursday night (the night before the "official" wedding festivities began). We even got checked out by a very drunk 60-something guy (we are HOT BABES!), and witnessed an older couple making out on the dance floor for over an hour. It was cute at first, but then....not so much. Ew. But we certainly enjoyed the Union Shakedown show!
The next night, Friday was Talya's Bachelorette festivities! A big thank you to Rachel (DINO LOVE! ROAR!!) for hosting the shindig at her apartment. So we played lots of bachelorette type games, ate puppy chow (made with special peanut butter that won't kill Talya or I), and being that WE ARE CLASSY LADIES, we took Talya to the Macaroni Grill in all her bachelorette flair where she was then serenaded to Puccini by an AMAZING singer. The video is on Facebook...you should check it out. I don't think Talya quite knew what to do! Anyways, here's a picture of the Bridal party + company taking Talya out on the town. We call this one "Jazz Hands":
The next day, Saturday, it snowed like banshee. Talya and Stephen (her fiance) had an aufruf, which is where after they are blessed for the last time as single-folk and proceeding this blessing, attendants of the service "shower" them with candy! Its supposed to be wishing them sweet blessings in their life to come! Well, since 5 MILLION INCHES OF SNOW decided to fall on MN, here is a picture of the bride herself, Rachel (bridesmaid), and my dad (father of the bride) pushing a car out of the snow AFTER epic aufruf at shabat services. Rachel and I ended up leaving our cars in the parking lot overnight after 45 minutes of attempting to dig our cars out of the massive snow that evening. Shovel FAIL.
I title this one "Mom and Mir: SNOW WARRIORS."
Talya all ready for the Groom's dinner... notice the AMAZING snow pants?? This was taken after we made 5 million flowers for the wedding in between trying to dig our cars out of the snow. HILARIOUS!
Possibly one of my favorite photos from the wedding weekend. Anyone who knows our family, knows that 1) We have a laughing control problem and 2) We are pretty weird. Rachel and I are being dinosaurs in this photo and Talya is being a Ninja Bride. This photo is EPIC.
"The Matron" and Rachel the bridesmaid.
My wonderful husband and I after an afternoon of attempting to dig our cars out of the snow followed by making 5 million flowers for the wedding the next day:
As for work, I'm still loving my new job! So much has happened since I last posted:
SH Halloween Benefit Concert: Was AWESOME despite the power outage and underground fire before the concert, and then having to evacuate 300 people directly after the concert due to a chlorine leak/ventilation system failing. But, we raised almost $3,000 (including grants) for our upcoming NY tour!
SH Observes a Rehearsal with Osmo Vanska: Some students that attended this are still talking about it! So I'm taking that as a good sign.
Viva Latino Concert: The other SLP orchestra director and I took 110 amazing 6-12 grade orchestra students and chaperones to Orchestra hall. It was awesome. This is what almost 110 kids/chaperones looks like, since a few were off going to the bathroom:
SH Winter Alumni Concert: Was also AWESOME. Senior High Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra students played a great concert, and we had alumni from SLP 2000-2010 join us on stage!
AWESOME VIOLINISTS!! Talya (2004) and Lindsey (2000) and I (2001) after the concert:
The BATCAVE: One of our practice rooms was in serious need of a makeover. After students had nicknamed it the "Batcave", we thought it necessary to actually turn it into the batcave. Besides the fact that it turned out awesome (thank you black paint), I find myself contemplating "I would have practiced more if I'd had a batcave to practice in as a child."
Up and coming:
Concerto Concert: Senior High students seriously impress me. With Bruch and Beethoven on the docket, how could you not be impressed??
SH "Orchestra Rocks" Benefit Concert: This will be rock n' roll meets orchestra. It will be awesome. And 100% of donations will go towards our trip to New York.
Did I mention we're going to NY? I'm also taking the Junior High students to Iowa this spring from some amazing playing opportunities amongst the cornfields. I'm like a little kid: I get so excited about these things I can't sleep at night! AHHHHH!
I have been very blessed to be working back home, and I continue to feel energized in a way I have not experienced in a job before. While I've been quite happy at my former jobs, including Kennedy, at SLP I have yet to feel the Monday blues, and I'm hoping this feeling of contentment sticks around.
So, things have been busy! Scott and I want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a rejuvenating New Year with lots of good health in the year to come!
