Ruth Ann vs. the Texas Band Monster

I kept bugging Mike to post a blog but he never did, so I guess it's up to me!

Things in Texas are moving along pretty well! We both have part time teaching jobs in various school systems, which is both good and bad. I, for example, am teaching, which is good--we like money!! But I'm teaching in one of the richest school districts in the country, which is bad. I have 6th graders playing on golden headjoints and an 8th grader playing on a $5,000 instrument. The fact that they sound terrible does not deter them or the band directors at all. I haven't quite figured out what my role is for the school--I was as much as told by the assistant band director that what I say in lessons will not apply in band class, so I'm not really sure why I'm there. Except to steal away all the good kids and create my own private studio!!

In other happy news, we have purchased two new-ish cars. We are now the proud owners of Arctic Blast, a silver 2004 Honda Civic, and Midnight Thunder, also a 2004 Honda Civic (black). Midnight Thunder is the sexy car--tinted windows, spoiler, the works. Somehow, that's become Mike's car. Hm...

Next week is my birthday and my mom is coming to visit. We'll have to see some of the sights--Mike and I haven't had too much time for tourism yet. And the last weekend in March we're headed up to Oklahoma to visit Mike's friend Chris. New state for me!!

Oh yes--we finally had our first thunderstorm of the year. We didn't get any thunder in Australia, so I was VERY excited!! The storm system lasted over an hour, with a good lightning show, too. I'm looking forward to many more storms--Texas style!!

~Ruth Ann