Paper time

Its paper writing time....
Here I sit in a hard old chair, books surrounding me, the hum of the heater rising above the trickle of voices around me. Behind me are rows of tall shelves, each containing hundreds of musical scores, records and books. Beside me (or should I say 2 cubicles down from me) sits one of my friends, engrossed in the same taxing endeavor as myself. It is paper time... its due Wednesday morning at 10am exact.
I am in the music library at school... one of my most favorite places on campus. There is nothing like being surrounded by music and musicians!! Although old, loud, and cold; this place is somewhere that I can go and sleep, practice conducting or simply study. All of us here do the same thing... we do music.
I think the word "do" is best because it describes what it is really like to be a musician here a W. We don't just play and sing music. No, we live it, breathe it, dream it. It defines us in a way. For some here it is an obsession. But for most of us, it is what we love; and because of that we spend hours on end doing it.
This is why I actually enjoy writing papers... because I spend that time in company with musicians. I praise God for music and for people who love it...

Of little black dots with stems, squiggles, and the combo of black and white...

Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Tschaikowsky.... these men were absolutely amazing!

I am now immersed and practically drowning in the music of these men. I live their music for hours each day and pour endlessly over those tiny black dots with stems that are printed so perfectly on each page. I dream their music now... memorizing pieces makes you do that. Those spare moments in between classes will find me pencil in hand, carefully analyzing chords and sequences, marking beats, writing in dynamic markings, or simply drooling over possible pieces for the future.

Yes, what used to be a rather tedious chore has now become something of great enjoyment. Sure my rear end gets rather sore and my back gets stiff from the hours spent at the ivories, but wowzers it is way too awesome. Music....hmmmm, there is a reason why the Lord said that music will be in heaven. Sometimes I feel rather guilty for spending hours "playing" piano. It seems like I got the coolest, most awesome, totally fabulous major. I feel sorry for all those poor souls who have no music.

"Is school hard?" you ask. Hard like chemistry, like psychology.... naw. Hard to stop reading or practicing... oh ya. That is the hard part. There are some rather difficult aspects of school that require more time and discipline, but they are never miserable to do.

My normalish day consists of the following (notice a certain joyous trend):
5am...get up
6am...leave for school
7-9am...practice piano
9-12pm...3 classes
12-2pm...piano practice or homework
2-3pm...choir
3-4pm/4-6pm...studio class/master class/piano practice
Then I go home and:
*practice piano
*do conducting exercises
*practice saxophone
*practice choir songs
*practice piano
*review Spanish verb tenses
*read music history
*practice piano

oh ya...then I go to sleep.

*screams* Isn't it just the most fabulous...stupendously awesome schedule you ever did see?!?! I am serious! Being utterly exhausted has never been so much fun!!

A marathon... 26.2 miles of a lot of things

Sometimes we do things a little out of the ordinary.
Sometimes we do things just a tad bit crazy.
And there are the times where we just... I don't know... do things that are more than crazy.

Yesterday I ran my very first marathon. To say it was a blast would be a lie. But to say it was horrible would also be a lie.

Mile 1 - Its cold. Very cold. From past experience I knew that the biting air wouldn't last long...
There was a sea of people and front and in the back, well I don't know, because I didn't turn around. We ran down an a long hill and I had to exert great control and resist the temptation to fly down the road and zap my energy.

Miles 2-6 - Life is good!! Very good! Even the nice long hill was rather ducky. It felt very invigorating to be running in the beautiful sun and listening to great music. At about mile six I saw the Larsens, Ramskey, and my sis. They were cheering, I was smiling, and I was right on schedule.

Mile 7-11 - Its going so great! I am moving along, through neighborhoods, along the waterfront, and up and down hills. I am drinking my electrolyte water (thanks Grant for that stuff...it is actually good) and eating gel and not bored. I see the Larsens about then. I am still right on time!

Mile 12-14 - Finally the turn off for the marathon and the half-marathon. It was right after a nasty incline and despite being slightly out of breath I couldn't help but smile. For a split second though, I did consider taking the turn off for the half-marathon. But no, I kept to the path I paid for. Then I was committed. For the longest time I ran without anyone around. That was rather boring and made running through neighborhoods dull. I kept myself entertained with pretending to own the houses.

Mile 15 - 16 - Pain. It started and didn't go away (in fact its still here as I am writing). We started the interurban trail. I saw Mr. Clarke...he was walking. I asked him how long till I would be turning around..he said quite a while. Little did I know how much he really meant by that. Slowly I wound around. Then I got to a decline... and I recognized that hill going down and knew and cringed at what was to come. I prayed for a water station. My water pack was empty, my tummy was growling, and I hadn't seen my family. I reached the bottom of the hill, rounded the corner and there was my dad and my sister. They jumped out the car and ran over to me. As they filled my water pack and gave me food I heard how my dad had finished his first half-marathon in an amazing time of 2:09! Way to go dad! Then I said my goodbyes, rounded another corner and began the long and painful ascent up California Hill. If you haven't seen this disgusting piece of torture...its worth seeing. Finally I made it to the top, alive but not thrilled.

Mile 16-22 - Oh man...its bad. Pain is all I can think of. Every once in a while I take a short walk break. I know this is where things start to get mentally grueling. I see Kristi again... she is looking a bit tired, but still running at a great pace.
I can't think of any more topics to mull and ponder over. Pain is just about the only present in my mind. That and the fact that my goal time is quickly disappearing, AND I am just about 100% sure that they messed up the mile markers. Miles were NEVER this long. Finally I reach California Hill...this time on the descent. Slowly I make my way down, tripping on this hill would result in the biggest slide-on-your-bum time of your life!
I round the corner to once again see my family and the Larsens and Ramskey. Life is looking up again. My water pack gets refilled, we talk briefly. Then I am off.

Mile 23-25 - When something goes down, its gotta go back up. That is what happened to that great downhill section of the course. Turning around made it go up. This is one of those times where you only think about the next step. Eventually I made it to the top and eventually I made it off the interurban trail. You know, pride is a great thing (hardly ever). It is what kept me going past people, and what made me dread seeing DNT (Did Not Finish) next to my name.

Mile 26 - Horrible...almost there. Can I make it? Maybe...
The minute I saw the sign saying 26 miles I began bawling. Not quiet tears...no this was boohooing, bawling, lots of noise-making. I don't know why...I just couldn't hold things in anymore.

26.2 - The end. My daddy was there cheering me on. Then Abbie, then Shelby and Kels holding a sign. I saw my sister, the Larsens, Sebens, Ramskey. I saw that glorious finish line... and I sprinted with the last little bit of "umph" that I had left. I made it. It was over. Thank you Lord!

Thank you to my great and awesome friends, family and support team. You all were awesome!!
My time... 5:52:10.

University student...

Wednesday morning I embarked upon an adventure of great magnitude.

With knots in my stomach and slightly shaky hands I drove to the university. Getting off the freeway exit I glanced around me at the cars and saw that most of them had the university parking pass stuck in their window. We were all beginning this journey together...at the same time.

I pulled into the parking lot and gulped at the sea of cars already present at 7:40 in the morning. I slipped out of my car and prepared to put my backpack on only to hear my name called. Shocked I whirled around and saw two of my friends: Bailey and Adam. Seeing them made breathe slightly easier.

As I started the long walk across campus my breath came in short gasps. Nerves were taking over and I sounded like an out of breath and out of shape person. How embarrassing!

Finally I reached my building...out of breath, sweat running down my face, and most likely a look of sheer panic written across my face.

The rest of the day was rather a blur. A fun blur for sure!! I must say that I just love my classes and my professors!

Do know how awesome it is to be in class with 40 other musicians!?! Its simply marvelous! When the teacher makes a joke about a chord, we ALL get it and think it is just the funniest thing!

My new instrument is the saxophone... I think it should be called the instrument-that-makes-your-mouth-hurt-and-where-you-see-stars. It makes quite the awfullest toots and snorts and I am endeavoring to get clear, long and steady sounds out of it instead of mooing warbles. You can now find me (at any point in the day) standing doing conducting exercises or talking in Spanish.

Welcome to the life of a music ed major (and Spanish too!!)!!

And what a wonderfully crazy life it is!

When manners run out the door...

We live in a society that overall, is polite. We say “excuse me” when we need to get past someone, we use a napkin when we eat, and we use tissues. But there is a time…even in our society…when manners seem to be completely forgotten. Those times are races…as in running races.
Today I saw that phenomena once again. When you get five hundred or so people together and make them run and then feed them food after, very little is left of the once prim and proper people that existed just hours before the race. Here is a brief and rather humorous account of races.

First we start with parking. Yes parking… the very first issue to deal with at a race. You have to arrive so stinkin’ early because everybody else is arriving early so that they can get a decent parking spot. And so as the years pass, the times that people arrive just get earlier and earlier as people fight for those precious parking spots. (you know, it would save time if they would just run to the race, don’t you think?)

Then the check ins, which are pretty much always done by letter of the last name now. So for example I checked in at the “F-G” box. I think this way of doing things was done because people were getting competive about their spot in the line and probably would get out of hand and snarky with each other.

Ok, so now that people have parked and checked in, the most crucial battle begins; the battle of the bathrooms/porta-potties. Oh yes, that is also a competitive thing. For some strange and unknown reason ever runner just has to use these lovely “thrones” at least once before the race commences. And so begins the oh so joyful event of standing in line for your “turn”. Mens and Womens restrooms are no longer segregated and the males in line don’t care if there are women waiting behind them, because they were FIRST in line.

Now you would think I am done discussing the mannerless actions of runners because the race should start. But nope… I am not done. We still have getting in order of time behind the starting line. Yup, this is also cause for confusion, pushing, shoving, and at times panic. People are trying desperately to find a spot to stand (forget about having room to move your arms, people become content to look like a sardine). And just when you think you have your spot you realize that you are in the wrong timing group and the process of pushing begins all over again.

The race starts, everything is rather ducky (in a different sort of way considering that runners pay to go through self-inflicted pain). Miles pass… Then other examples of non-existent manners begin to show themselves. You reach a water station. No stopping gracefully to take the cup of water and sip its contents casually… you grab that little flimsy paper cup and down its contents…all while you are on the move. Many times this quick gulping also includes spilling much of the liquid on your face and shirt. What ever happened to neatly drinking???

Briefly I will enliven you on two another aspects. Tissues… we use them to be polite. Tissues do not exist in races. Hahaha… why would you carry a tissue (and weigh yourself down with those heavy objects?) when you can just use your sleeve or the bottom of your shirt? This is said from experience… both in doing and watching, just in case you wanted to know. Also, that beautiful glistening on peoples’ faces and the dark spots showing on their clothes. Its sweat and they don’t care that you see it. Normally, we don’t glisten with sweat in public, but in this setting, I think sweat is almost worn with pride.

Eventually the race nears an end. Runners begin picking up speed or sprinting to the finish line. No “excuse me” when they need to get by. They just barrel on through. Oh and yup, you could have been pacing with somebody for much of the race. But when it comes down to the finish line, you will do EVERYTHING in your power to beat them.

The race is over and food is being served. Fruit is devoured and napkins are nowhere to be seen. Fruit juice runs down peoples chins and drops onto their clothes. Nobody blinks an eye. Chewing with your mouth open, while talking…pshaw, no biggie!!!

Ok… so I made things into a bigger deal than they really are. But I kid you not, people change in personality (or maybe it’s the “real” them coming out) when they go to race. And I have to admit, that I have done everything I just talked about. ;)

And the countdown begins...

24 days. 24 days exact. "24 days until what?" you say. And I say, "24 days until I run the biggest race of my life".
Yes, the biggest....the longest...and the hardest.
On the 27th of September I will be running a marathon. That is 26.2 miles...
Hopefully it will be 26.2 miles of mostly some sort of enjoyment.
A few minutes ago I pushed the button that officially registered me for the race and the money has been spent. There is no turning back, at least in my book.
My heart did a little flip-flop and my hands shook slightly as I maneuvered the mouse over the submit button a few minutes ago. I gulped at and shot a questioning look at my dad as he too was registering. He was registering for the half-marathon and I was registering for the full.

I have had some second thoughts already, but they can't really be justified. I am ready to run this. Although it won't be a fast time I believe I will finish. I will have to wrap my feet after and take pain killer and my pace will probably drag a bit on those last few miles, but no matter. I AM RUNNING A MARATHON!!!!

Drinking whilst running... an example of multitasking

Forgive me while I indulge in some very lame runner’s humor. If you find these following excerpts amusing then woohoo for you! But if on the other hand you find this totally disgusting… well hmmm, just ignore this humble blogpost. I have been reading some running books and in doing so ran across a book full of running stories that had me laughing out loud. Here is parts of my favorite... it struck a chord as I can relate to some of this!

Introduction to Ingurgitation - by Bob Schwartz
“I remember many years ago approaching an aid station for the first time during a race. I’d never tried drinking on the run before, as I usually sat for my meals. I hadn’t really thought that there would be any difficulty with this undertaking. Guess again, liquid-refreshment face!
I quickly lost the handle on seven consecutive cups and just about ripped the arms off of two volunteers handing out drinks, as I incorrectly gauged my cup grab speed and strength. I soon realized that there’s more here than meets the mouth.
I finally held onto a cup and proceeded to take an unintentional and quick shower with a punch-flavored sport drink. I quickly surmised that sometimes things are more difficult than they seem. This was clearly apparent as I gazed into my paper cup and noted the solitary drop of drink that remained. I appeared to be mocking me indicating, Buddy you just spilled the rest of me over your shorts and up your nose and I’m all you got left for the next two miles. Don’t blow it.
I concluded that along with putting distance, speed, stretching, and nutrition into my training regime, I also had to leave ample time for imbibing practice. To be able to delicately grab a cup of fluid at racing speed and gracefully empty the contents into your mouth is pretty much an athletic event in and of itself.
Needless to say, it’s not the most comforting feeling at mile 20 as you try to fight off glycogen depletion and find that most of your electrolyte-replacement-drink just went into your eyes.
It always amazed me how I could move the cup’s contents quickly toward my lips and then have it often miss my face completely. The runner alongside me was never the least bit amused about having four ounces of energy drink running off his forehead, courtesy of my inability to hit the moving target otherwise known as my mouth. I figured that with practice I could get better.

My neighbors undoubtedly questioned my family’s sanity as I strategically positioned my wife and young children in the driveway, all holding paper cups for me as I ran back and forth and back and forth. I could only hope that others believed we were engaged in some type of high-tech research experiment. Perhaps testing the body’s ability to rapidly assimilate different levels of complex versus simple carbohydrates, and the yo-yo effect of blood sugars. But I am sure they were thinking dodo and not yo-yo. I eventually discovered that the key was to squeeze the top of the cup in half, pour it into the mouth as quickly as possible, hold it there, get my bearings, straighten up the esophagus, and then give it a quick, hard swallow. Thankfully, I improved, with due diligence and late-night cup-training sessions with my family in the basement. I just know that, with my luck, once I truly perfect the art of aid station drink consumption, they’re going to go to sippy cups. But I guess you can’t stand in the way of imbibing progress."

I must say I understand this poor runner's predicament, but I have dealt with this "problem" is rather different. Instead of being graceful about it I just pour the liquid all over my face and whatever ends up in my mouth is... what ends up in my mouth. Yes I probably don't consume as much liquid as was intended, but to remedy that I have learned to grab 2 cups from those volunteers!!! Its great!! And in the end, you are wet and sticky, but its all good!

The "final" finals at WCC!!

I'm sitting here amidst blankets, piles of notes, flashcards and textbooks. The sounds of a movie come faintly from the living room. I am in the guest room studying for my last finals at Whatcom. The 2 1/2 year journey here at this school is about to end. In a sense it is sad... sad because this wonderful experience is coming to a close. Sad because there are friends being left behind and sad because, well, its change. But I am excited for the future!
And so... I will now return to my chemistry notes and working buffer problems and equilibrium equations and in between I will be working on conics and matrices and such "haneous" material like that. But in just about 12 1/2 hours... I WILL BE DONE AND GRADUATED!

There are times....

There are times like this one...

Many people would say that these 4 people were being immature.

But I beg to differ. Sure three of these people are college students... but these are four friends and this is a memory that will never be forgotten. :)

Many people would also question the appearance of these peoples' faces... but yet again, there is joy and innocence in this.

All of that to say... this was a blast!! Between gales of laughter, dangerous knives, cocoa puffs, bobble heads, Jonas brothers, and gooie plastic lizards.... four friends came together for this picture!

May I present the graduated class of 2009!! Part 2

With light steps and a glint in my eye I made my way out the door following the people in front of me. We walked out of the main building and then stopped. Minutes passed... those minutes felt like hours. Then we started moving again, my heart started to speed up. Slowly we wound our way up to the gym where graduation would be. Once again we stopped, this time just in front of the double doors.
I looked around behind me. Two long rows of black stood directly behind me and then behind them were two more rows of students. Those two lines of students stretched as far as I could see. The breeze was gently blowing and gowns gently swayed in it and tassels bobbed. A slight hum came from that mass of students. Hands waved to me and I recognized some of my friends... I smiled. This was good... life was so very good.
We started moving again, but once again we didn't make it very far. This time though, we were inside the building. The loud sound of a big crowd came from the gym doors. People were running in and out trying to get to seats. The VP turned and smiled and me and offered words of encouragement. My knees began to tremble slightly but then I remembered that I was doing all of this for the Lord and the only reason I was here was because of HIM. All became quiet but only for a moment. Suddenly the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" began to play. It was soft for a few moments, but then it grew gradually louder as the seconds passed.

I looked up with a smile on my face and saw that the people in front of me were moving. Graduation had now officially started!!

With a light step I began to walk. As I walked in through those double doors my heart lept with joy and emotion. The music was strong and powerful. The gym was full of people everywhere. They were all standing and smiling and clapping and it was all too wonderful to take in. How do I describe that moment? As I walked down the aisle between hundreds of standing people I thanked the Lord for bringing me to that point.

The small group of us walked up on stage and for the first time I looked around me. The faculty in their marvelous outfits were walking down the aisle and filing up against the stage. Then I saw them. My dear sweet friends from church, the ones who had been there for me for so long. They were amazing, they were such a blessing, and I can't tell you how much they mean to me. They were in the front of the line of students. Those moments of watching them were some of the most precious to me. I felt so proud of them!! I marveled at all that each one of them had gone through to be there that day. God had been so good to them! I loved watching their faces as for a brief moment a look of awe crossed each of their faces. I grinned as I saw them start to smile and then break into the biggest grins you have ever seen. They looked so awesome and at that moment I don't think life could have gotten any better. I had goosebumps as I realized once again and more fully, that now we were really graduating.

I clapped until all the students had been ushered into their rows of chairs. Then the faculty were seated. Finally we were told to sit down. Much of the first part of the ceremony was a blur to me. I do remember the president speaking and making the students who were in RS, honor's program, honor's society, etc stand. That was fun! Then the choir sang and I felt butterflies gathering again.

After the choir was done, the VP stood up and introduced. I felt so very honored. I heard those words "please join me in welcoming Hannah G__" and then applause. I rose from my chair breathless and happy. Now was the time, no, not to shine for myself. It was the time to shine for Jesus. My prayer was that somehow this speech would touch lives. I walked up to the podium, the applause stopped. I opened my notes and adjusted the mike. Then I began to speak...
"Ralph Waldo Emerson once said "Watch your thoughts they become words, words become actions, actions become habits, habits become character, and YOUR character become your destiny. I firmly believe that character is one of the most important priorities in life."
..........................................
I finished with "because the measure of success in life is NOT its duration but its donation. Congratulations to all of the graduates here today! Thank you!"
At my last words I smiled as big as possible and looked down at my friends. Applause broke out and I was finished. I went back to my chair as happy as a clam. Thank you Lord for giving me the strength.

Then, one of the best parts of the night happened. The graduates were individually presented. Each one handed a card with their name on it to one of the VP and he would read it along with what they were graduation with into the mike. As he was doing that each graduate stood in front of flags and had their picture taken. Once that was done, they made their way on stage and were handed a diploma from the president. They paused there so that they could get their picture with the president and then they progressed down the line of the board of trustees shaking hands with each one. I was blessed with the privilege of being in that line to congratulate the graduates.

Congratulating my friends was by far the best part of that section. As I hugged (I could shake hands with my friends!!!) each one of them I praised God for the great friends I had in them. Wow! We had done it! The graduates kept coming, many of them congratulated me as well and thanked me for my speech. I pray that they were able to take something from it.

My feet began to hurt but it didn't matter. The rows of students kept coming though. Finally the last row got up. As it neared it's end I quietly walked off stage and stood behind the last person. I would be the last to graduate. Finally, it was my turn. I handed my card to Ron and stood in front of the flags. Screams echoed after my name was announced. I was so happy that I thought I would burst. I received my diploma and stood with the president for my picture and then finished by shaking hands with the trustees. Then we all sat down.
More of a blur... the graduates were presented as a whole. We moved our tassels to the left side!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then the graduated class of 2009 was officially presented!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The ceremony was over. Those of us on stage started the recessional and the music once again played. I was content, life was amazing, God had been good. Joyfully I made my way down stage and down the aisle. This time I walked the aisle as a graduate!!

We made our way out of the gym and the faculty and myself formed two lines. While we clapped the graduated students made their way through the tunnel we had formed. The only downside to all this was that it began to rain. I didn't care though...
Then I saw my friends... but where was my family? I turned and started talking and....
(to be continued on pt. 3)

May I present the graduated class of 2009!! Part 1

Friday dawned cold and misty. I rolled out of my sleeping bag around 9:20 with groggy eyes and a smile. TODAY was the day. Not just any ordinary Friday, but the Friday in which my friends and I would graduate from college. See why I was smiling??? :)

Every 20 minutes or so, Shelby and I would turn to each other grinning while we said something like "This is it Shelby, today is the day... we graduate (this said in a rather screeching high pitch tone of excitement)".

At 11:30 am I arrived at the school for rehearsal. God gave me the privilege of being the commencement speaker and so I had to practice with the mikes and the other people speaking. I waltzed into the gym and stopped short, speechless. Yes, I had seen graduation last year, but for some reason I struck like it was the first time seeing everything before me. All the bleachers were folded out, the whole floor of the gym was covered in chairs and some had ribbon on them, and the stage had been put up with trees and a table with diplomas, and there in the center was the podium. My heart leaped and I could barely contain my excitement. The dream of graduating was finally coming true. I was walked over to the sound guys and given instructions from them.

Then... I walked up the middle aisle of chairs, up the stair to the stage and stood in front of the podium. The mike was turned on and I began to speak. The echos of my voice filled the room...it was weird. The sound guy came up and fixed where the mike was and I began again, this time with confidence and joy. It made a difference. I went through the speech one last time and just as I was finishing the Vice President for Instruction and other speakers walked in. We all had a small meeting and were each giving a overview script which outlined what would go on that night.

They all introduced themselves to me and many of them practiced my last name (its a hard name for those of you who don't know it...lol). Then the president of the college came in and we talked briefly before she too was given a lesson by a staff member on pronouncing my name. Hahaha..

I ran to another building and made copies of my speech and before I returned I stopped by my boss's office and read her my speech. Her smiling face was such an encouragement and when I looked up for my final words there were tears in her eyes. I will never forget that moment.

After giving copies of my speech to the other speakers I was free to go. I floated back to where I worked because one of my boss's had bought flowers for me. Thank you Bridget, you are sooo very sweet! Before leaving I ran into one of my good friends, she and I talked for a while and also did the little "We are DONE" scream.

On my way home I stopped and bought a pair of earrings for graduation....they would go perfect with my outfit. I arrived home and bounced into the house. Daddy was grinning and so was I! I ironed my gown and prepared the last minute things needed. Then I returned the Shelby's house.

By this time there was only 3 1/2 hours left till graduation and so the level of excitement was steadily climbing. We had a brief lunch and then commenced with getting ready. As I curled my hair I reflected back over the last two years. Sure there were many times of misery and sadness, but I believe that the good times far outweighed the bad. I would be leaving this school with a treasure box full of memories and more importantly with some of the best friends a person could EVER have. No, I would not trade those two years for anything. God had been so good!!

Every few minutes I would run downstairs and talk to Shelby. My adrenaline level was through the roof! I laughed as Grant and Andrew proudly showed off their "mirror" shoes. I persuaded them to iron their gowns (they were going to go all wrinkled) and then looked in awe at the amazing job they did at it (way better than my iron job). Even those two boys, who many times pretended not to care, seemed excited.

Shelby and I got into our dresses and then... we put the caps and gowns on. I put my stoles and honors cord around my neck, slipped into my shoes and I was finished. There was no more left to do.

We were ready.

And so, wreathed in smiles we left the house and headed for school (I had to be there a little early). All the way over we talked excitedly and the camera flashed picture after picture. Finally we pulled into the school parking lot. I turned the car off and took a deep breath. Here we were... and it was time. I opened the door, grabbed my stuff and we proceeded to our starting point.

We walked into the building where we were supposed to start and to my great excitement there were graduates! Yay! I don't know why, but I was just so excited to see others dressed like I was. Quietly I slipped into my boss's office and hugged her. Thank you Laine for everything you have done for me! I bought my honors stole and then Shelby and I checked in. We got cards with our names and then I received instructions that all amounted to "Don't get lost, we don't want to come looking for you, stay with Trish, and watch the clock". Hehehe... you would have thought I was a little kid, oh well.

My mom was there, looking very fabulous I might add, and she helped me breathe and helped fix my outfit. We walked out of the preparation room and there were Grant and Andrew. They looked awesome!! I had waited a long time to see them in "dresses" and it was well worth the wait. They honestly didn't look funny like I thought though. I put my lip gloss on for one last time and stood talking and waiting with my 3 "siblings", Ryan, Vanessa, and Wes. It was fun and helped pass the time that seemed to crawl along. All throughout the wait I saw friends... and what fun it was! Everybody looked fabulous in their maroon outfits with the gold cords. Each minute that passed seemed to get better and better. The whole experience so far was 100 times better than I thought.

Finally the head of registration moved all the graduates into a hall. I had to stay behind. I sat down on a bench in the now quiet and spacious main hallway and thought. How many times had I walked these halls with a backpack, and what fond memories I had. These halls had held some of my greatest fears and some of my greatest joys. This hall, normally bustling with activity, was all but deserted and in it's quietness I once again praised my Savior for His many blessings to me. I thought about what would be happening soon. In a few minutes I would be participating in one of the greatest ceremonies of my life.

The faculty came out of their meeting and walked up to Trish (VP for Education Serv.) and she told me where to stand. I stood there and watched as the faculty made two lines behind me and then the students filed into two lines behind them. Everybody was in place. The faculty looked grand in their flowing black robes and colored scarves representing their schools. I smiled, this was a memory. In front of me stood the board of trustees, the president and two vice presidents, all dressed in those black robes. All of them, as well as the faculty had black hats too.

Suddenly, Mike (who was in charge) signalled us and we began to move forward. My heart leaped and I drew in a sharp breath. The time had come....

The last time...

Alas, I have had a severe case of writer's block. Actually I would say it has been more of a large case of busyness and sadness. *sigh* Yes, I have been busy (lol!!) and even sad.

How do I put the last couple months into words?!?!?!

Its been a whirlwind, an absolute blast, and a trying time.

To my great sadness the play is over. What a wonderful experience it was! I will never forget it. Here is an excerpt of what the theater part was like:

Words from other cast members on stage came faintly over the intercom. Although most of us were backstage... it was quiet. We talked in whispers and those with mikes on walked around softly and mouthed the words. And yet beneath this quiet was an overwhelming sense of excitement, of joy, of fun! People began to come out of the dressing rooms; looking fantastic in their brightly colored "party" clothes. Then the words we were waiting for came over the intercom... it was our cue. Skirts swished and there was a soft pad of many feet and once in a while a faint click from a heel hitting the cement. We stood in the outskirts of the curtains... on either side of the stage. With smiles on our faces we waited; eagerly anticipating what was to come. Then the moment came! Instantly everyone was transformed... no longer were we normal people covered in makeup and dressed in gorgeous outfits. No, we were the people of the town, we were at the sociable, we were living it out!

The music started, and smiles glowed on everyone's faces. My foot tapped with the music and my smile stretched from ear to ear. As I went out to dance with my partner my feet were light, I felt like I could fly and that the stage was my home. I twirled around stage feeling like a princess! My dress sparkled and my heels clicked. Could life be any better? I stopped dancing for a few minutes and took everything in. The lights, the audience, the amazing people that I had grown to love. Aaaah... this was worth every minute of sweat, tears, and exhaustion. Once again I was dancing. We were floating along... my partner whisking me in and out of the other dancers. This was the time I trusted him, I trusted that we wouldn't get run over and that our dance would look beautiful. And my trust paid off. As the music climaxed to the end my heart swelled with happiness and looked out into the audience and gave them my biggest grin. The last choreographed move was done and the final strains of the music came and then... it was over. For the last time I had polka-ed around the stage, showed my pretty bloomers, done a grapevine, and pointed my dance shoes.

I will never forget the people that have become my dear friends through this show. I love them!

Rehearsal!

Pictures from rehearsal... we are getting close! :D


Way fun!!

We are "gossiping" here...

Fun costumes... well for three out of the four in this pic.

Sisters... I LOVE this pic!

Woohoo!! Fun times!

My "boyfriend" and I. Aren't we cute?! ;)

The two "A's"... cheesy grin and cute grin...

Our Quartet in their costumes!

So for those of you that know what show this is, I hope you can come. If you don't know about the show, ask me and come!! ;D

Life... more or less!

Due to requests I am now posting a new post... haha (yes I know I used the word "post" twice).

Theater buddies after rehearsal...

My dress and bloomers... the fabric at least... imagine the rest

Too long in the fabric store makes you do things like this... two people sharing one seat...

Shelby training in heels... lol

My beautiful friend at sunset...

Spanish buddies before a test...

Grecian Urn ladies...

My crazy wonderful classmates!

Liza and I... :D

"Studying" with friends!

Softball practice!

First day of school for spring quarter!!!

Thinking of our "white nights"!

Ummm yes... I AM wearing this on stage! lol

Flair!!

So I pretty much love Flair on Facebook!! Here is why! And please excuse my lame sense of humor!!

Texting quotes

I got a new phone 2 weeks ago with unlimited texting and so I have now begun my texting adventure in ernest. I thought I knew a lot of the ways to text but then after a few days I realized I didn't. These texts are just how I received them... no editing. My comments on the context of these texts are in parenthesis. Have fun deciphering!!!

Shelby
· “Yeah! I can text u just 2 text u! :D Ure gonna be sry. :P (this is what she told me when I got unlimited texting)
· “Did u find my mind yet? :D Im excited 2 make bloomers w u! Yeah! Hannah time! Can I come w u when u go 2 t fabric store? Please. I love u my friend!”
· “Um. Hm. I don’t know. Im being lazy. Im sitting on t porch. N t paper is all t way up in my room. Wouldn’t want 2 get exercise by going all t way up t stair! :D”
· “Hehehe. Night Atila. J <3” (referring to Atila the Hun)
· “How was play practice?!? Did u get 2 waddle? :)” ( I waddle in my play... on purpose)

Melissa
· “I am not sure, but they are all laughing a lot and they have weird laughs gafh gahf. LOL” ( I just love how she put things...)
· “the guy at the door is really fat and he reading a book, ok now he is not. LOL” (its kinda fun to be able to write stuff and not say anything)

Anonymous (funny texts and I am NOT going to reveal who wrote them)
· “I dont either silly!” (hmph)
· “Haha u seem to have grown up a bit :)” (well thx a lot)
· “Its good 2 see u smile. Lol” (awww...)
· “Holy cows! I didn’t expect that comin from u? Why the sudden change of heart? Lol”
· “ I will tel ya later when I have more typin space. Its nothing really.”
· “Lol! That would b fun to help thee. Ya” (hmmm, since when do we use thee in text?!)

Collin
· “U are Hannah g… We r like an hour out of billings.” (am I hannah g?????)
· “Nothing…” (this was his response to my text... a text that he actually wrote to himself from my phone... he wrote to himself "Hi dummy, wassup?", this shows you how bored the poor kid was)
· “Hi” (this one about 3 times)
· “Do a rainbow over your heart and bite ur right ear…” (wow)
· “Nice!!!! Way to go! We should start a roundabout club….” (yes, I went all the way around the roundabout after his suggestion)
· “NO I DID NOT! GOSH! WHO TOLD U THAT?!” (sounds like he is yelling here)
· “That is the dumbest thing eve ever heard. How did bob come up with that? Did Melissa twist the truth?” (no comment)

Caleb
· “I have one reason to live at least lol! Not checkin out yet lol” (when he was really sick)
· “Ya! Riing seasons just arnd the corner” (he meant RIDING so that is why this was funny)
· “Oooooooooohhh lol” (this is kinda normal, since I am hard to understand at times)
· “Hahaha sorry - ull catch up soon lol” (thx bobberz)
· “Lol - who is always kkidding 99 percent of the time….who is one of 3 people who has seen me dead serious and “wise” …. Who should know im kidding.lol”

Grant
· “Like angels (when asked if they were behaving while in MT)
· “Good… he on plane…” ( I like the grammar here)
· “Troo…lol…nice!” (favorite words)
· “I bot the new one”
· “Haha troo”
· “Um… nothing haha”
· “R u in church?” ( mind you he texts this when you ARE in church… on purpose, make sure you turn your phones off if Grant isn't in church!)
· “Troo”, “lol”, “nice” - these are the most common words in his vocab, and the most common texts that he sends. I have deleted countless numbers of texts containing only one of these words.

Courtney
· “BROWNIES!!!!!!! :D” (there is a story there)

There are other people but the sad part is that I erased them on accident! I have this feeling that there will be another post like this sometime soon... its only been 2 weeks of texting. lol

Last day of winter quarter

Here are some pictures from the last day of winter quarter!! Fun times!


Love the shades!

For some reason we thought the hats were awesome...lol

Boas and big hair bands.... perfect combo right?!?!

Love this mask!

TROUBLE!

My crown... complete with pink feathers and fake jewels! It even says "Princess". :)

Brain malfunctions...

The following is a conversation between my dear Mrs. L and I.

Mrs. L: "What are you doing for Melissa's birthday?"

me: " Well, we are going shopping because she wants to go shopping, and we are going to go watch a movie afterward."

Mrs. L: "Oh, is there a good movie out right now?"

Me: "Ya, we are going to go see_____ (the movie Melissa wants to see). I looked it up on Rate my Professor and it had good ratings and they said that it is just stressful, nothing else."

Mrs. L: "Good, that will be fun."

Me: "Yes it will be!! Oooh my goodness, did I just say 'Rate my professor'?"

Mrs. L: " (chuckling) Yes you did, but I totally knew what you meant because that is something I would do. And I figured you meant Plugged In."

Me: "Yes, oh my."

Sunshine, Softball, Feathers, and Finals...

Ding, ding,ding ... time for another post made up of the odds and ends from the brain of Stormgirl.
First, I want to start by saying that I LOVE the sun!! It is out right now and if it weren't for the fact that I need to go study for finals, I would be out in it. In just a little less than 72 hours though, I will be out in the sun!! I really should be outside... no, "should" doesn't cover it. I NEED to be outside... why? Because I signed up to play church softball this year. Oh boy, I don't know what kind of trouble I am into now. Stupid, crazy, insane??? Yup that's me, haha, and I love every minute of it.
But in that "less than 72 hours" period of time, there is finals. Good 'ole, beautiful, and fun finals. Just kidding!! I will be finishing up my first and last quarter of 20 credits... most exciting. Can't wait to kiss those textbooks goodbye, and I won't even cry when they leave!

Because I am in a play right now, we are starting to work on costumes. For one of the songs that I am in, I sing a song that is really funny and all of the ladies in this song have to have big poofy hats. We are hoping to be able to design our own! My dream hat would start off by being huge and bright, then I would put big ribbons all over the top, a bird's nest, and a little bird up and top. And then the crowning "glory" of the hat would be a t least one ginormous feather... one that was tally and fluffy and that bounced every time you move your head!!

Other happenings in life include:

• the need to clean my room
• training for 1/2 marathon
• riding my horse
• playing piano for different singing groups
• learning to go by the name of Ethel and having a "boyfriend" with the name of Marcellus
• recently getting Skype
• looking forward to getting a new phone (with unlimited texting)
• high-speed Internet (soon)
• leading Spring-preview at school
• looking for summer jobs

Well y'all that's it for no! Don't expect anything new until at least 72 hours from now! TTFN!

STATE CHAMPIONS

There are many sureal and amazing moments in life...

This past Saturday was one of them!

The Squalicum Storm boys won the 2A State Championship!!!

Let me share with you the story, the journey, the amazing season that they have had!

December.... the start of the season, at least for the Storm! The first game showed that this team was out to win, and to win by a lot. At the end of the month they travelled to California to win big against 3 teams and then lose (their only loss of the season) to one of the best teams in the country. Even though it was considered a loss, the Storm took as a huge learning experience that would help train them for the state tournament.

January.... The Storm continues to cream every team they play while giving their loyal fans games to marvel at. For one game they travelled to the Sundome and whopped the team they played their as well as getting a sense of what the state tournament was going to be like.

February.... Not many games left. No team can stand against the Storm... they are winners and they get the job done. There is improvement in each player... they went from super good to... well, unbelievably good! They start the district championship tournament.

March....The Storm once again claims the District Championship title and maintains the number one ranking in the state. Every team that might play them at the state tournanment knows that the chances of beating the Storm depend on those teams playing the best game of their lives and even then... the chances are slim.

March 11 - 14... the best week in Storm history! And at this point I must beg you to read the following story about the championship game.

The STORM vs. the Tigers

The day dawned cold and cloudy, it looked like it was going to storm… what a coincidence!!! :D
Because the championship game did not start until 9:00 pm, both fans and players alike had a long day ahead, filled with waiting, hope, and excitement. Although I can’t tell you what exactly the players did or how they felt, I can just imagine. My friends, family, and I worked to fill the many hours with distracting activities; going to see elk, eating out, talking, and watching other basketball games. As the hours wore on, anticipation mounted and even though everybody was exhausted, new waves of energy began to surge through. We arrived at the dome around 5:00, just in time to watch two boys’ teams play for the 3rd and 6th place trophies. The team that we wanted to win won, so we were all happy. The dome was beginning to buzz with excitement as all that was left now were the girl’s and boy’s championship games. The court had been moved to the center of the dome and all the seats folded out. I ran over the state clothing section and bought a sweatshirt and had my last name put on the back… to commemorate the wonderful week and season that it had been.
Finally the girl’s game started… pitting the ABMHS Wildcats (who were then undefeated) against the LHS Lions. Right before the game started, our team entered the building looking calm, cool, and intimidating! We watched as they walked over and sat down and then proceeded to “watch” the game. The girl’s game was fabulous!! It was a complete upset as the Lions brought home the state trophy!!! Shortly before the game ended, all the Storm players got up and proceeded to the locker room to get ready for the greatest game of their lives.
As we waited for the Storm to come out onto the court the big group of us tried to figure out seating arrangements, took pictures, and grinned at each other. There were lots of Storm fans and blue, white, and silver were seen all over the dome. Finally, after waiting for what seemed like an eternity the team ran onto the court amidst thunderous applause and loud cheering! Their warm up began and we watched with pride as they made basket after basket!
When at last the warm-up ended and 8:00 was put on the board in preparation for the first quarter of the game, I think I had a grin stretching a mile wide. I had complete confidence in the Storm, they WOULD win and they WOULD bring home the state trophy, there was no doubt in my mind. The team that they were playing was a team that they had beaten 2 times already and so the Storm knew what to do to shut them down. The outcome was already determined!
Suddenly the lights went off, only to be replaced by spotlights that spun crazily around the dome and little static colored lights dancing sporadically all over the court. Music was turned on and the announcer’s voice boomed out over the cheering of the crowd to start the championship game. He introduced each teams reserve players with the spotlight following each one as they were introduced. Then he announced the starting line ups and the noise became deafening as each of the Storm starters was introduced. Last, the coaches were introduced and when Mr. D’s name was announced the roar amongst the crowd was the loudest yet! Everybody was pumped up, adrenaline was high, and we were ready for the game!
The lights went on, the coaches had last words with their teams, and the officials ran out onto the court. The players took their spots and Kyle (our 6’7” player) took his position underneath where the tip off would be. As the ball shot into the air he jumped and hit it quickly to one of his teammates who was waiting nearby. The game had begun!!!!! Within the first few minutes of the game, it was clear that the Tigers did not even hold a chance. The first quarter finished off with a score of 21 - 6, with the Storm leading. I would like to tell you that I remember each and every shot and that I can now relate to you the fantastic moves that each player did, but I can’t. Much of the game is a blur to me, with my most vivid remembrances being cheering so loud that I became dizzy, jump up out of my seat countless times, clapping until my hands tingled and eating a record number of sticks of gum for a game. I do recall though that Kyle did amazing! The other team could not shut him down and he finished with a score of 13 due to his quickness, and fabulous plays made by the team. Michael and Patrick had great blocks, and even though Michael had quite a few fouls, it didn’t matter because he was so good. Derek and Keith both had some beautiful baskets which caused the crowd to rise to their feet and let out cheers that could be heard throughout the state. Caleb did awesome… he helped with passes and scored. I vote him most improved player, he totally rocks!!!
At half-time, the Storm was ahead as usual. When the Storm re-entered the court, they were met again by loud cheers. As the 2nd half of the game started, my heart sunk as I again remembered that this was the last game of the season, the last game that Kyle would ever play (he is a senior) and the culmination of a season of hard work. But then I was reminded of what awaited the Storm in a matter of 30 minutes. The 3rd quarter sped by and as the 4th quarter started and I felt as though I could never sleep. Suddenly the score was within 10 points, but no worries, the Storm extended that lead to 17. With only a couple minutes left to play, Mr. D. began putting in the reserves and the thunderous noise started up again as these players bounced onto the court. With only one minute left on the clock the whole crowd was on their feet ready for the win that was soon to be complete. The starters and main reserves began hugging each other and everybody was grinning! After having to redo ½ a second the game ended with the SQUALICUM STORM BECOMING 2A STATE CHAMPIONS! To try and write down the craziness, noise, and celebration that followed would be impossible, you just had to be there. I have never seen Mr. D. so happy in my entire life. The team was glowing and they could not stand still. With watery eyes I watched as they were awarded the state trophy (a golden basketball) and poised for their victory picture. Many of the players were on the radio, reporters were swarming around the team and fans were waiting expectantly on the other side of the blockade. Once the radio interviews were over, the team went and cut down both nets and celebrated with radiant smiles as they held up those precious pieces of the net. Keith even got a date to the prom, which he did in a very sweet way! When Mr. D. finally got up on the ladder he cut the whole net off and placed it around his head. Then he led the whole team and student body in the fight song of SQHS. After that the players dispersed to be congratulated by family and friends. Camera flashes were seen all over, high fives and hugs were given, and masses of people descended upon the team.
When we left, the team had just returned to the locker room to celebrate as a team with the coaches. We went and took care of an errand and then at 11:00 pm we went to Red Robin which had been reserved for only the team and SQHS fans. The whole building waited and waited for the team to arrive and when they finally did they were met by cheers and applause. It was so great to watch them interact with everybody. What fun it was to watch Grant B. get his picture taken with Christopher and then go and congratulate other players. Watching Mr. D. carry around his young grandson was priceless and I will never forget watching Brady stand on the team’s table and kiss that golden ball. There is a future basketball star!!!!
Now it is over, and the long wait until next season begins. But instead of it being heartbreaking and depressing, it is so very exciting. Although I am very sad and slightly depressed that I have to wait 9 months to see the Storm play again, I am even more proud of them and the season that they have had. I admire them not only for their talent and victories, but for the sort of people there are. They are tough, humble, kind, hard-working, and respectful; something which is very hard to find in state champions.
But I especially want to congratulate Mr. D who is in my opinion the greatest coach ever. He deserves this win! He has the highest opinion of his team. On Saturday as he was coming down the hall in the hotel, I said “here comes the greatest coach ever”, and his quiet reply was “It is the players that make the coach”. I agree that the players are a huge part of it, but I also think that it is because of the heart, the hours of work and guidance, and the prayers of Mr. D, that the team made as far as they did.
And so, I now end this story (and if you read all of it you are to be congratulated). You may think that I am slightly crazy to get this excited over basketball, but if you saw they Storm play and you watched them year after year, you would be just as crazy about them as I am.
CONGRATULATIONS to each and every one of the STORM team and coaches who are now 2A STATE CHAMPIONS!

State Tournament Day 1 and Day 2

The first day of the state tournament, the Storm won 55 - 33. The second day(yesterday), the Storm maintained their top ratings by winning over Toppenish 55 - 30!!! Way to go Storm!!!

Note: Pictures taken from the B. Herald.