So it's been over a year...yikes! Well this is just to say I am still alive...I am here! I will blog my life's adventures...just later this week when I am not so busy! PROMISE!!!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Friday, May 29, 2009
Long Time, No Blog...Oops
Wow. Long time since I have gotten on this thing (sorry Mendi and Debbie)! Okay, here is a nutshell of what has been happening in my life the last few months:
1. Quit my job at ACMA
2. Started a long-term sub job at Bryant High School for the choir director
3. LOVED Teaching - took 2 of the choirs to State, directed their spring concert and taught solfeg for fun
4. Just finished the last day of school (today)
5. Going to work with a handicapped boy this summer and teach voice lessons
5. Trying to find a teaching job for the fall...if none can be found will continue the sub thing, teaching voice, and possibly start my masters in teaching
6. Going to Wisconsin in 2 weeks to visit family
That is it basically. I need to give a SHOUT OUT to my professors at DBU who taught me all I needed to know about teaching! THANK YOU! I think I have finally found what I was created to do...teach music. Who would have thunk it! I love it...it is so wonderful to talk about music all day long! The kids at the High School are great. I was really blessed to not have any real troubles erupt! It was great teaching them theory and sight-singing...they really didn't do much before me. That is something EVERY singer needs to know how to do! I thought it was funny...every day I would get really excited about the theory and sight-singing. Ha Ha.
I am looking forward to working with Robert this summer...it will be nice to show love and compassion as my job. Who knows...it may even give me a glimpse of nursing to see if it's for me.
Our trip to Wisconsin is fast approaching...don't you know I am going to eat my weight in cheese! I am bringing a ton home and a cheese-head if I can find one! I have always wanted one of those things! We are going to stay with my sister Brenda for aprox. 5 days! We are driving...we have the whole trip mapped. We get to see Lincoln's grave, the windy city and all kinds of stuff. Not to mention take my Granny and Aunt out to dinner one night!
Okay. I need to get off this thing...dinner is calling and it won't make itself! I promise not to be away so long next time (promise Debbie and Mendi)! Until then.....
1. Quit my job at ACMA
2. Started a long-term sub job at Bryant High School for the choir director
3. LOVED Teaching - took 2 of the choirs to State, directed their spring concert and taught solfeg for fun
4. Just finished the last day of school (today)
5. Going to work with a handicapped boy this summer and teach voice lessons
5. Trying to find a teaching job for the fall...if none can be found will continue the sub thing, teaching voice, and possibly start my masters in teaching
6. Going to Wisconsin in 2 weeks to visit family
That is it basically. I need to give a SHOUT OUT to my professors at DBU who taught me all I needed to know about teaching! THANK YOU! I think I have finally found what I was created to do...teach music. Who would have thunk it! I love it...it is so wonderful to talk about music all day long! The kids at the High School are great. I was really blessed to not have any real troubles erupt! It was great teaching them theory and sight-singing...they really didn't do much before me. That is something EVERY singer needs to know how to do! I thought it was funny...every day I would get really excited about the theory and sight-singing. Ha Ha.
I am looking forward to working with Robert this summer...it will be nice to show love and compassion as my job. Who knows...it may even give me a glimpse of nursing to see if it's for me.
Our trip to Wisconsin is fast approaching...don't you know I am going to eat my weight in cheese! I am bringing a ton home and a cheese-head if I can find one! I have always wanted one of those things! We are going to stay with my sister Brenda for aprox. 5 days! We are driving...we have the whole trip mapped. We get to see Lincoln's grave, the windy city and all kinds of stuff. Not to mention take my Granny and Aunt out to dinner one night!
Okay. I need to get off this thing...dinner is calling and it won't make itself! I promise not to be away so long next time (promise Debbie and Mendi)! Until then.....
Monday, March 16, 2009
Stepping Out on Faith…
As some of you may know I have put in my 2 weeks resignation at my current job at CGI, Inc. and am going to trust in the Lord and peruse teaching voice as my “career”. Here are most of the details:
In January I had several meetings with my supervisors to discuss my job/position, how I was performing, how they perceived I was doing and what I thought of the position since I had been working as the MPA (Meeting Planning Assistant) for a few months. Long story short…I really began to think about whether or not I wished to continue down this career path or if I wished to pursue something using my degree and the gifts God has given me.
Last November/December (prior to those meetings) I had begun to take the necessary steps to start a Music Studio in our home. Sometime during January Ledford Music Studio was born. I began teaching the first week of February… I had one student (a lady from our church). Half-way through the month I auditioned my 2nd student and I currently have those two students.
A few weeks ago I had a follow-up meeting with the company CEO. We basically recapped what had taken place during those January meetings. During this whole time (January-March) Aaron and I had been discussing Ledford Music Studio, my desire to see it grow and how difficult that is with me working a full-time job. We began to consider the possibility of part-time work for me which would free up some time to “market” Ledford Music Studio. I was hesitant but over the period of several months of prayer and earnest seeking I began to feel at peace with the idea.
The following weekend (after my meeting with the CEO) I was offered an opportunity to substitute teach for 2 different school districts, with orientation the next week and the possibility of subbing at least 2-3 times a week and the pay would be equivalent to a part-time job. I was also given the opportunity to meet with a family that needs someone to watch their son during the summer months only…since substitute teaching is basically non-existent during the summer I felt this might be the Lord opening doors. After much prayer, Aaron and I decided it was God opening a door for Ledford Music Studio’s growth. I returned to work Monday morning and gave my 2 weeks’ notice.
Since that moment I have felt nothing but peace. Even though we aren’t sure about “steady” pay, insurance and several other things I believe the Lord is directing our path. This is my final week here at CGI, Inc. and I am somewhat “heavy-hearted”. I have been here just over a year and have developed friendships with several of the people. I pray that God will use me in a mighty way this week to leave a lasting impression of God’s grace.
Ledford Music Studio currently has 2 students, but with a “huge” marking “campaign” about to happen in the following weeks the hope is those 2 will double or even triple.
Until later…
In January I had several meetings with my supervisors to discuss my job/position, how I was performing, how they perceived I was doing and what I thought of the position since I had been working as the MPA (Meeting Planning Assistant) for a few months. Long story short…I really began to think about whether or not I wished to continue down this career path or if I wished to pursue something using my degree and the gifts God has given me.
Last November/December (prior to those meetings) I had begun to take the necessary steps to start a Music Studio in our home. Sometime during January Ledford Music Studio was born. I began teaching the first week of February… I had one student (a lady from our church). Half-way through the month I auditioned my 2nd student and I currently have those two students.
A few weeks ago I had a follow-up meeting with the company CEO. We basically recapped what had taken place during those January meetings. During this whole time (January-March) Aaron and I had been discussing Ledford Music Studio, my desire to see it grow and how difficult that is with me working a full-time job. We began to consider the possibility of part-time work for me which would free up some time to “market” Ledford Music Studio. I was hesitant but over the period of several months of prayer and earnest seeking I began to feel at peace with the idea.
The following weekend (after my meeting with the CEO) I was offered an opportunity to substitute teach for 2 different school districts, with orientation the next week and the possibility of subbing at least 2-3 times a week and the pay would be equivalent to a part-time job. I was also given the opportunity to meet with a family that needs someone to watch their son during the summer months only…since substitute teaching is basically non-existent during the summer I felt this might be the Lord opening doors. After much prayer, Aaron and I decided it was God opening a door for Ledford Music Studio’s growth. I returned to work Monday morning and gave my 2 weeks’ notice.
Since that moment I have felt nothing but peace. Even though we aren’t sure about “steady” pay, insurance and several other things I believe the Lord is directing our path. This is my final week here at CGI, Inc. and I am somewhat “heavy-hearted”. I have been here just over a year and have developed friendships with several of the people. I pray that God will use me in a mighty way this week to leave a lasting impression of God’s grace.
Ledford Music Studio currently has 2 students, but with a “huge” marking “campaign” about to happen in the following weeks the hope is those 2 will double or even triple.
Until later…
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Being a Voice Teacher....
For those of you wondering how the Lessons By Ledford Music Studio is doing...it is slow in starting. I only have my one student right now...I am still building the studio trying to find students. I have contacted several of the schools and churches in the area but nothing yet. However, I did receive a call yesterday from a parent interested in lessons for their 10 yr old daughter... who knows...maybe my studio will double (wink wink).
My first "official" lesson was last night and went well... I now know what to do for my student more specifically and am looking forward to next week's lesson. I am going to make some charts that show how a whole note breaks down into smaller notes and what their value would be (that is a hard concept to teach without a visual aid) and I am going to put all the "markings" onto a chart to show what they all look like and can be used for easy reference (ex. bar lines, repeat markings, measure numbers, etc). My student is really trying to grasp that concept but it is a challenge for anyone not familiar with music. I told her to think of it as reading a book...you go left to right always.
It was neat to see some light bulbs click on during the lesson and it caused concern to see the cloud of doubt cross her eyes when there was something explained that I thought would be simple to get but in fact was confusing. She is going to make great strides...I can feel it!
I have a feeling I am going to LOVE being a music teacher (I already do)! :)
Until Later...
Friday, January 16, 2009
A Look Into 2009...
As 2008 came to a close and we all looked towards a new year each of us made a choice to resolve things which needed a change in our lives. Perhaps it is to save money, to lose weight, to find that special someone, or so on...what we all are saying is basically this, "I am not 100% happy with the current coarse of my life and must do something to re-direct the path I am headed down and thereby making me a better/stronger person."
In the spirit of "bettering oneself" I have "resolved" to better my pocket-book, my career, and my body. This month I have been focusing on the new budget and trying to live on basically 200% less than we have been and thereby lessening the stress on the pocket-book. Now that I am a little more comfortable with the money aspect of my life I am going to focus on bettering my career and what every woman in America is striving to do...lose weight.
To better my "career" I have begun my own private voice studio...Lessons By Ledford Music Studio. I have interviewed with a company that contracts voice teachers for nights and weekends. I am happy to say they want to hire my, but I have to complete a 10 week vocal ped class online and then I can start taking on students. The only catch is...right now the class is only available Wednesday mornings at 10 am. Since I work 8-5 that won't work. However, they are hoping to have it availalbe 24-7 in a few months. Since they would like me to teach for them the head lady said she will contact me when that occurs so I can begin the coarse and after a few lessons they may begin giving me students.
For my private studio I have contacted all the public schools in the surrounding areas and will be sending packets to all the choir teachers about Lessons By Ledford Music Studio. I am also sending packets to the churches in the area and am hopeful to have the studio up and running soon. Since I have never formally taught voice before I have "signed on" a free student. A lady from our church choir who can't read music very well and as expressed interested in taking lessons to better her singing and reading abilities. We begin lessons the first week in February...this allows me to study-up on somethings and make sure I have all that I need in stock.
Now for the scary portion of this blog...the betterment of my body. I have started working out little by little and it is amazing how things that use to be so simple are the hardest thing to do. Who knew that lifting your leg and holding it waste high could send you into convulsions. Along with working out, eating right is always a good idea. Weight Watchers is a great program and I have begun doing this at home...thankfully my sister in Wisconsin is doing the same thing. We have started our own "online meeting" via email. It helps knowing someone else is out there, going through the same battles you are, and striving to better themselves as well.
May we all find the courage and strength to make our resolutions become reality, and find the perseverance to press on even when it seems futile.
Until later...
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Ice, Ice, Baby...
The past few days AR has been hit with some freezing rain….which has made the trees a beautiful white color and thankfully the roads haven’t frozen over (yet). I received a call from Aaron yesterday saying some of the limbs in the back yard had broken off because the leaves had iced over and where to heavy for the trees to hold on to them any longer. Which sounded ok to me…you expect something like that to happen. I arrived home like usual and was greeted by Aaron who told me a story about these iced, tree limbs. Here is his story:
During his day off he let the dog out like normal, and noticed that an iced, tree limb was resting on our roof. He didn’t like the idea of a tree limb sitting on our roof, so he did the most logical thing…grabbed the broom and pushed it off the roof. Well, that poor “little” limb couldn’t hold the weight of the ice and promptly broke off, tumbling to the ground and didn’t cause any damage to the house (thankfully).
After hearing his “heroic” story of rescuing our house from the limb, I went out back to look at the “little” limb…
Thank goodness that thing didn’t break off and hit our roof! Well until later….
During his day off he let the dog out like normal, and noticed that an iced, tree limb was resting on our roof. He didn’t like the idea of a tree limb sitting on our roof, so he did the most logical thing…grabbed the broom and pushed it off the roof. Well, that poor “little” limb couldn’t hold the weight of the ice and promptly broke off, tumbling to the ground and didn’t cause any damage to the house (thankfully).
After hearing his “heroic” story of rescuing our house from the limb, I went out back to look at the “little” limb…
Thank goodness that thing didn’t break off and hit our roof! Well until later….
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Holiday's...
It is hard to believe the Holiday season has come and gone already! Where does time fly too? We had a great Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Christmas was in Vidalia, LA this year. It was a lot of fun. We took Lucy with us...can you say FUN! She travels really well...no accidents of any kind! Aaron’s niece’s really loved having a big dog to play with…they are use to little “Winnie” dogs and we all know Lucy is NOT little! It was so nice to see his family and spend time with them all. We had lots of time to visit and when the time came to go back home we wanted a few more days (but isn’t that how vacations always end?). We went and saw “Marley & Me” on Christmas day and loved it. Highly recommend seeing it, but if you do bring tissues!
For New Year’s Eve we had a semi-impromptu party at our house. It all came about when a few friends called aaron about the same time and asked, “Are we coming to your house for New Year’s Eve?” From then a party plan was hatched! We played games, eat good food, and watched the ball drop. I was shocked I lasted that long since I am normally asleep before 9:30 rolls around! My sister, Heidi, the one in Australia sent Aaron and I a board game for Christmas called “Partini”. It is sort of like cranium but a little different. In fact I am almost sure we all liked it better than cranium. There are 6 categories instead of 4 and it moves at a more rapid pace.
I know I have promised the second half of my “after pictures” but it has been difficult since we still don’t have internet at home…so I have to try to remember to do all my internet stuff at church (or at work if I have time…which is NEVER!). Have no fear I WILL have those pictures up before the end of 2009! I hope…..
We have some exciting, upcoming events….all of which I will have to blog about at another date! Until then…
Christmas was in Vidalia, LA this year. It was a lot of fun. We took Lucy with us...can you say FUN! She travels really well...no accidents of any kind! Aaron’s niece’s really loved having a big dog to play with…they are use to little “Winnie” dogs and we all know Lucy is NOT little! It was so nice to see his family and spend time with them all. We had lots of time to visit and when the time came to go back home we wanted a few more days (but isn’t that how vacations always end?). We went and saw “Marley & Me” on Christmas day and loved it. Highly recommend seeing it, but if you do bring tissues!
For New Year’s Eve we had a semi-impromptu party at our house. It all came about when a few friends called aaron about the same time and asked, “Are we coming to your house for New Year’s Eve?” From then a party plan was hatched! We played games, eat good food, and watched the ball drop. I was shocked I lasted that long since I am normally asleep before 9:30 rolls around! My sister, Heidi, the one in Australia sent Aaron and I a board game for Christmas called “Partini”. It is sort of like cranium but a little different. In fact I am almost sure we all liked it better than cranium. There are 6 categories instead of 4 and it moves at a more rapid pace.
I know I have promised the second half of my “after pictures” but it has been difficult since we still don’t have internet at home…so I have to try to remember to do all my internet stuff at church (or at work if I have time…which is NEVER!). Have no fear I WILL have those pictures up before the end of 2009! I hope…..
We have some exciting, upcoming events….all of which I will have to blog about at another date! Until then…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
