I DID MY HOMEWORK!

         Well, the title of the post is very true. I was doing my homework and I did in fact do it. I don't mean writing papers and creating presentations, although I have that to do too! I mean my Disney homework. From time to time I will look at my park maps and look at some Disney related material online just to brush up on the Disney facts that even on my level, one should know. The other morning I was laying in bed and I faintly heard the T.V, but then suddenly my ears were making an extreme attempt to pick up what it was saying because I had heard words just as Disney, vacation, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and castle and I was immediately interested. Now, if this is my Dad's way of "getting me out of bed" then it worked. I took my blanket and ran into the living room, turned the volume up and sat at watched Disney: Behind the Scenes as well as two other episodes of Disney material. Needless to say, they were at Animal Kingdom. I have been to Animal Kingdom for a half of a day on the band trip; however, that is not nearly enough time to experience a full park, so we missed out on a lot. 
          This show was talking about a part of Animal Kingdom I have never been to, I believe the proper name is Dinoland U.S.A. Sure, we will go with that. Anyway, they were explaining the attraction "Dinosaur." Those of you who know me know that I have my fears... pretty much any animal that is larger than I am is off the list; however, Dinosaurs for me are worse than cows and horses combined. I went to my friends house the afternoon after watching this show and proceeded to tell her that I was not going to be going on this attraction ever. Her response? "Oh yes you are." Wellllll, I'm screwed. Really, really, screwed because her and I (ok pretty much me) may or may not have split some water (a lot of water) on her laptop and sent it plummeting into a dark whole for a couple of days and her brother was probably the most help because he was able to test certain things and take it apart and stuff. The joke has been that I owe him one, and to be honest, I do, I actually owe him like four, but whatever. Something tells me I will be going on this darn attraction against my will. 






Yea... no. 
Not going. 
Nope.
Nada. 
Not happening.


Keep Calm and Visit Home 
Where ever that may be for YOU!

A.B

Lost Without You

              Freshman year I joined the high school jazz ensemble, but not once did I think about how being a member of this group would change my life. Alumni included. I picked up Alto Saxophone the end of my eighth grade year so the instrument itself was very new to me. I remember the first memory of one of my best friends is me sitting next to her and just watching her and hearing her play was... priceless. Yes Lizzie, I'm talking about you! Then from there it only got better. I was put on Alto 2 and met new people who sparked my love for music even more. Yes Megan, this is you too! I played Alto 2 for three years of high school and finally I had no way to escape, I knew I was going to be lead alto my senior year which has brought new challenges and passions as well. Over the years I have developed a love and passion for jazz music and the style of composition. My freshman year I could have sworn by my life that I hated jazz and it was the dumbest thing on planet earth, but now I can barely stand to sit here and type those words. Inspiring. That's what it is. Inspiring. The people, the music, the style, all of it. 
            My sophomore year we went to SHAZZ Festival (Shawano Jazz) and met an L.A musician, Eric Marienthal. Shortly after our clinic with this gentlemen, I remember Lizzie bringing to my attention that someday I might play lead alto and something that helps is LISTENING to a lot of jazz music. I decided that I would start with Eric Marienthal's music and albums and that I believe is where my love for jazz started; at the end of my sophomore year when I realized that my two best friends who love jazz would be graduating and it was now going to be my job to carry on their legacy. I took it upon myself to listen to various styles of jazz and I now listen to more jazz than I do any other kind of music. 
            Last night I had a rough night, nothing extremely terrible happened, but it was all just very overwhelming, in the process I turned to iTunes and decided I would treat myself with a new Eric Marienthal album that I hadn't yet purchased. I am pretty sure this is the best decision I have ever made because I have a new favorite jazz song. The title is "Lost Without You." This title can be interpreted many different ways, but the way that I chose to interpret it pretty much changed my life. The first question that came to my mind was lost without who? Then I thought about how it was a jazz song and how the one word I always use to describe jazz is inspiring. The answer to the question? Lost without the people I love who have inspired me and my love for music and jazz. I would be lost without them. Lizzie has pushed me to the point where I felt like breaking, only to watch me be lead alto my senior year. Megan has pushed more of my concert band side of me, but again to a point that has literally changed my life forever. Then there is Jonny, who as a freshman, has kept me on my toes with constant questions about the style and composition and has inspired me to be better to show him how good HE can be! Then, last but certainly not least, my director. "Lost Without You" is the title of the jazz song. Lost without the people who have inspired me to be me. I love them all. These people are truly amazing and gifted and have expanded my love for music. 
             I wanted to write this post to let all of these people, and others not mentioned know that I would truly be lost without you. I can't begin to explain how much I love you guys and how excited I am to watch you all grow and fulfill your dreams. You four are my life changers and the reason I strive to do my best and from the bottom of my heart the most I can say is "Thank You."

Keep Calm and Visit "Home" 
Where ever that may be for YOU! 

A.B

A Week of Festivities!

              Freshman year nobody participated, we all felt like goofballs to participate in "Homecoming Week", however, senior year was very different, I participated in every day except for one. Our theme this year was Hunger Games and how that theme works with homecoming is a debate for a different day. The week started off with Monday being 'Pajama Day', whoever planned pajama day on a Monday deserves some sort of award or something! Tuesday was 'tourist day,' this was a new one for our school, but regardless I got a bunch of freshman to wear Hawaiian shirts with me! Wednesday was 'what not to wear day' and I give myself credit because I do believe I may have started a tradition in band. Last year I came up with the fantastic idea to wear our pep band shirts as a joke on what not to wear day. Well, we ended up doing it again this year and every year we still make our director laugh because at the end of the day he knows its a joke and he loves to see us participate and have fun! Thursday was 80's workout day, I did not participate on this day just because I really don't know what I would do... I don't really have anything 80's workout like and so I skipped on this day, however, Friday was school spirit and due to the Seymour High School Band being a part of the parade, I again supported us by wearing the pep band shirts! Dress up week was fun and I participated more than I have in years previous and overall dressing up was fun! 
               Of course after all these days of dress up and organized chaos, the point of homecoming is actually the football game that comes at the end of the week. Friday I stepped foot on the field as a member of the SHS Band for the last time, ran the drill chart just like I always have, and as I played my last note on that field, I started crying, but thank god I wasn't the only one. I got a lot of weird looks and a lot of people just kind of "knew" why I was crying, but a lot of them were wrong. I mean sure, I was sad because it was my last field show, however, those weren't all tears of sadness, many were tears of pride. Proud of everything our group has accomplished and how far we, as a group, have come in the past four years. Proud of my friends who have come back to support us and proud of those who have joined the group who I know won't let my legacy be forgotten. I am not done with this group, not by a long shot, but this was a closure to part of the band and I will come back to support them in future years because I know how great it feels! We ended up winning the game which was only the icing on the cake. 
               Ah yes, the fun part! The homecoming dance. Alright, here goes nothing. So, previous to this year I have gone to homecoming alone, or with a group of girls from band or something like that, but this year one of my friends came to me and explained that they would like to make sure that I get a new experience my senior year, an experience that I would remember and something that would be special to me forever. Well, I got that. For the first time ever I ended up going with my best friend Jonathan, and even though we went as friends, I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart because he made this year's homecoming VERY special for me. Never did I see myself actually having someone to go with, but when friends step up and do everything in their power to make an event during your senior year special, it means more than words could ever say. I would also like to thank his sister, and my best friend, Lizzie, she has taken me to dinner in years previous and I know she helped with the flowers as well as pictures and doing my hair etc, I would also like to thank my best friend Megan, she can't always make it to the events but she makes her presence known and is always sending me meaning texts that make me smile :)  Thank you thank you thank you! I couldn't do it without you, you have continuously made sure that I feel special and I am at a loss of words. Words can't describe how much it means to me that you ladies are constantly there to support me! Again, this year was the best and I couldn't have done it without the support of my friends! I love you all and can't begin to thank you enough for all of the support you have given me throughout high school thus far, and I can't wait to see what new adventures await! 

Keep Calm and Visit "Home"
Where ever that may be for YOU!

A.B

Friday Night Lights

                  Senior year has been treating me alright. It isn't terribly difficult... yet, however, I'm starting to notice the lasts and I might be over analyzing them, but so be it. Every Friday since school start my high school band has put on a pregame and halftime show for the Seymour football games, none of the games previous to last nights have been what you would call, "normal" or at least not in my opinion. The first one we performed on the track, which was fine because the field was too muddy. The second one I believe we performed normally, however, we did not move for our last song. The third, it was raining so the weather wasn't great which meant we weren't in full uniform, but last night was perfect weather and we moved to all the songs and the field wasn't wet at it was great. Last night's performance was bittersweet for many reasons, many of which the majority of the group doesn't even think about, which is why I say I sometimes over analyze. 
                      Last night a TON of alumni came back, some have come back every week to support us, but for those who have recently graduated this was their first time back. It was great because I know I haven't seen this group through EVERYTHING, but I have seen enough to know that the group did not always have alumni that came back every week, or a student section from both Seymour and the opposing team singing and cheering for us, and to see all of that happen last night made me a little emotional. Many asked why I was crying, but all of my close friends knew, it wasn't because I was upset, not because I was sad, it was because I had this super overwhelming extreme sense of pride. I am so proud of us Seymour High School Band because we have come a long way and we aren't going to stop now. Also, last night was the last time I will perform a FULL halftime show, sure there is homecoming, but we are cutting one of our songs for that. Again, not tears of regret, but tears of pride, proud of everything this group has done, how far our director has brought us, and proud of our supportive alumni and community. It feels great. 
                We all make decisions in life that we wonder why we make. An example for me is that I have pretty much vowed since my freshman year that I refuse to go to a college that is more than two hours away. I need to be able to come back and support my fellow band members and I owe more than I could repay to my band director and my band family. Last night we were standing around waiting for the clock to tick down for halftime and I had this weird wave of realization, something that washed over me that assured me that this was a good decision. This urge only got stronger because as we walked out the gates of what we call the "stadium field," the entire high school band was greeted with a line of our alumni giving us high fives. 
                  It started as a joke, however, it has turned into a quite serious term... "Band-family." We truly are and families support each other through thick and thin and when members of a literal family move on or get married their family members don't just let go, similarly, when members of our band family graduate, we don't let them go with ease. Nope. They stay in our hearts forever, always have, always will. I love you Band Family, I owe so much to you and I promise to always come back and support! 


Keep Calm and Return "Home"
Where ever that may be for YOU!

A.B

SNC Day!

               This year my two best friends started their Sophomore year in college at St. Norbert. One thing that is key to a friendship, is communication... If you don't fight for each other and you don't do everything in your will power to visit when you can, it isn't going to end well. Sad, I know, but at the same time it's true. I have pretty much vowed to go to St. Norbert for SNC Day every year. It is my one chance that I get to go visit them, however, this year I almost didn't make it. It just so happens that every year SNC Day falls on the city wide rummage sale and having a job, I am often needed for events that occur within the city limits. After a whole lot of waiting, and pulling a few strings I happily informed my friends that I wouldn't be missing SNC Day this year! Not this year and not the next two either, I will always be there for these ladies. 
                This year I met some new college friends, saw some new buildings, and shared the same laughs that will never get old. They make me feel so welcome, by the end of the day I felt like I was best friends with their room mate! Lizzie's brother and parents were there as well and they went off on their own for the majority of the day and I remember a point in the day where Jonny asked me if I was going to come with him, and I had to tell him no. SNC Day is for my ladies :) I did not go to SNC to visit with friends that I can see everyday at home. I recall Megan saying "She really does love us!" OF COURSE I DO! You ladies mean the world to me, I couldn't do it without you! I can't express enough how these wonderful women have shaped me to be who I am for the better. I miss them every day. Even when we facetime or text all day long, its just not the same as having them by my side. 
                 Lizzie and Megan, I want you both to know that I will forever be here for you, no matter where life takes us. Go out there and make something big of yourselves ladies and I'll do the same. You have both served as a huge inspiration to me since day one, and I hope in some way some how I have helped you too! Your concert was great last night and words cannot express how much I love you ladies! Everything from coming to visit me to the text messages in the middle of the night, it all makes me want to hold my head high and be who I am. I can not wait for the next time we get to see each other all together again! Thank you for all you have done and everything you continue to do each day! You will always be my mates! 

Keep Calm and Visit Your Friends
No matter how far away they are from you! 

A.B

Magical Ribbons

            If you read this blog often its likely you have heard me talk about disneybounding and all the joys that go into it. Approximately one year ago, my friend Lizzie introduced me to something called Magical Ribbons. I'm addicted. Totally addicted. You get bows that go in your hair and add a little touch to your disneybounding experience, or at least that is what I use them for. Previous to my recent order I had two magical ribbons, one R2-D2 and one Dory. Lizzie ordered some ribbons for herself and a few other friends and happened to ask me if I wanted any since some of them were going to be discontinued, and of course, I jumped at the chance. I ordered a Steam Boat Willie bow and a Tree of Life bow. Long story short, the bows came in and when I went to her house Saturday (yesterday) I was already prepared for my Steam Boat Willie Disneybound, and I already have tomorrows Tree of Life outfit planned out. I mean I'm not going to super all out on these ones just because I want to put the bows to some use first, but these are something that whether you Disneybound or not, you should check them out. They do have to be ordered online, and you can see them and purchase them at www.magicalribbons.com . Hayley is phenomenal at getting your orders done as quickly as possible and she does a fantastic job, so I invite you to check out her website and order some magical ribbons of your own!

That's all for this post! 

Keep Calm and Visit HOME! 
Where ever that may be for YOU!

A.B

We Live and We Learn

               Recently, one of my best friends and I got into an argument. Okay, let me start that again. Recently... I got upset with one of my friends, but you want to know something? I said something super super powerful today and the quote goes like this "We are human, we all hurt each other and that's natural, but it's how we treat each other after we've been hurt that matters." So yes, I was upset with my friend for a while based on some of the actions this person made, however, it's over now... We worked it out like friends do, and it is only how we treat each other now that truly matters. Something I think that it's valuable to remember is that sometimes there is a little truth in every joke that we tell. Not always, but sometimes. 
                I haven't blogged in a few days... I guess its my fault, but I really have been just trying to get back into the swing of things again with school and with homework and a job, plus my normal life and family, that doesn't leave a whole heck of a lot of time for blogging and I know other people are feeling this too... it just feels good to write again. 
                  If you can't tell by the frequent topic changes my mind is going 100 mph and can't stay focused on one meaningful thing for more than 5 minutes. Recently, the high school band had our first performance for halftime, however, due to the gross weather we performed on the track standing in V formation instead. We received many great compliments and every year the fireworks during the Star-Spangled Banner never fail to make me jump. We have a couple more performances, but before we know it homecoming will be here. Homecoming. Well... its senior year so we might as well make the most of it! "Band night" also happens to land on homecoming again this year, but that just makes it all the more fun! Then, we make our transfer to concert season, which personally is my favorite part of band. Don't get me wrong, I love pep band and parade marching, but this drill chart deal just doesn't flip the switch for me. 
                Well, I should probably get back to my pile of homework that sits on my desk as well as some emails that I have yet to send! 

But for now, 

Keep Calm and Visit "Home" 
Where ever that may be for YOU!

A.B 

Talk About Throwback Thursday!

              We all grew up with different families and different surroundings, which means different backgrounds of our childhood. Many of my friends loved Disney as a child and others loved to travel, and others fell in love with cartoons, but my childhood was a little bit different. I didn't watch cartoons, or movies, or even T.V for that matter. The rule of our house was "No T.V until Dad comes home," when dad came home it was 4 o'clock which meant the news, supper, and bed time shortly to follow. My friends always tell me how I "missed out" on a certain part of my childhood, which is quite possible, but in my eyes there is always that part that they missed out on too!!! Anybody ever heard of Tom Pease? No?! How about Randy Peterson?! Have you ever gone to "Sweet Street"? My point here is that these are the things I grew up with. Tom Pease came to my school when I was really little, and I barely remember him, although I'd love to meet him again sometime soon! Randy Peterson? Well, there is a little bit of a background story here, and this is where my overall blog post begins.
              When I was little, every year around Halloween, Shopko Hall would host "Sweet Street." You dressed up in your Halloween costume and walked around to different booths and stations and did an indoor trick or treat. There was also a stage located toward the back that had entertainment for all. I don't remember meeting Randy Peterson for the first time, but what I do know is that I loved to go see him multiple times a year and most certainly at this occasion. Randy performs concerts for children and families alike, if you ever get a chance to stop in somewhere to see him, I most certainly encourage it. He doesn't just perform a concert, he tells a story and a very valuable one at that. He gets both the young and the old involved in his concerts playing guitars or shaking shakers and still today it puts a smile on my face. Randy has inspired me my whole life and has sparked my love for music, the most rewarding part is that I can still go see him today and get the same inspiration and I know that when I play, even in concert band, I want to have a passion like he does. 
              It has been going on for a while and has spread online from various social medias, but the concept of "Throwback Thursday" still lurks around. I don't recall ever posting anything for a #throwbackthursday, but my mom was looking through pictures and found one of Randy and I from when I was little. Recently I visited two of his concerts at the Outagamie County Fair. This performance location is one I hope lasts as long as the music itself does because it is really the only location that I can attend to see him. I have gone for the past two years to meet up with him just to say "hello" and listen to a few of my favorites from a couple years back. It is nice to catch up and visit and remind myself why I do what I do. I have a passion for many things, and I help others and share this passion because I've seen how Randy has inspired me, and I want to be the person to inspire someone else like so. So, for today's #throwbackthursday, Randy Peterson everybody! You can visit his website at www.randypeterson.com and also go to the site to view a schedule of his upcoming performances. This is a part of my childhood I will never ever forget and I will continue to revisit each and every year. Thank you Randy for being such an inspiration to me and keep on doing what you do because day in and day out I see you continuing to inspire others! 


Here are the pictures of Randy and I! 

Today I invite you to:

Keep Calm and Visit Your Childhood

What ever or where ever that may be for YOU! 

A.B

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

              I knew it was coming. I knew that some day I would be nominated for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Well, it happened. My lovely friend Jonathan was so kind to nominate me! I wanted to do it, don't get me wrong. It is for a GREAT cause, but I've been trying to avoid it at the same time. Well, I was nominated and this morning my friends at Subway decided it would be a good idea to do it then. Sure. I agreed, I had to do it sometime today anyway! So, there I stood with the camera on in front of the highway in the parking lot with customers watching me from inside. I did the intro stating that I was nominated by Jonathan and then proceeded to nominate a ton of people. Yea i know, people sometimes only nominate one, but in my eyes the more the merrier! So I nominated a good friend, Emily. My high school band director Mr. Alban (he has 24 hours from the time he watches the video), any members of the SHS Band that haven't already done it, and the staff at Subway. We are having an ALS Ice Bucket Challenge with the Subway staff on Tuesday after our staff meeting. So yes, its a lot of people and you can try to avoid it all you want, but the truth is, do it. It is fun, just the thrill and the cold, and to know that you are helping someone with ALS warms your heart. God Bless those with ALS and I hope the legacy of the Ice Bucket Challenge lives on and I hope people really do participate because it's worth it, it truly is. 
            Tonight, I am going to the Packer game, which is why I am blogging in the afternoon and not before I go to bed. It should be fun, but I have to work tomorrow and with that and taking care of the dog, I've got my hands full. Snickers is getting better, slowly. He is very tired and not really super excited about anything, but he is on a lot of medication. He hates it. These syringes are so difficult to get in his mouth and he wont eat the powder I put in his food. He wont eat food..... because he smells the medicine mixed in. Not even rice, but we are working on it. 
             My two best friends are moving into college pretty much as I type this blog post. I wish you both the best of luck this year! I'll miss you, so visit often, and just think.... Disney. Good luck ladies at SNC and good luck to all of my other friends that are starting college, to think it will be me in one year is pretty freaky, but it seems like a good challenge! :) 
           

But for now, 

Keep Calm and Visit "Home" 
Where ever that may be for YOU! 

A.B

Combined Blog Posts

          Today's blog post is a combination between yesterday and today. I would like to start off by saying happy birthday to my best friend Jonny! Yesterday, Jonny had his birthday celebration with friends and we went out to dinner and then to smart cow, and came home to watch a movie. I'm not going to go through the whole day just because it really was just overall a great time! A while ago my friend, Lizzie, introduced me to something called "Disneybounding" its pretty much where you take a Disney character, theme, or place and dress with similar colors and accessories. Yesterday, I did a Frozen disneybound, and well I will admit that it wasn't perfect, it was one of my better ones. The ironic thing? Lizzie Disneybounded as Olaf FROM Frozen! As previously mentioned it was a fabulous time and my birthday wishes go to Jonathan today in hopes that he had a phenomenal birthday celebration and actual birth day. May all your wishes come true! 
           Here comes for the scary part of the blog post. I woke up this morning to my mom holding my dog (he is probably about 6) and she told me something was wrong with him. He wasn't normal, he was bleeding and it was just bad. Mom called the vet and we had to go to work, so we went to work, but mom came back every couple hours to check on him. Eventually we came to figure out that he somehow ate something that he wasn't supposed to and it did not agree with him. He could hardly walk, wouldn't eat, wouldn't drink and we really did think he wasn't going to make it. As the day progressed he got a little better, he barked when we got home, was able to walk, yawned, ate a small bite of bread from my hand, but was still very weak and mopey. We brought him in and they ran a series of tests. Pretty much, whatever he ate inflamed his intestines and stomach and so they gave us a whole bunch of medication and a plain soft food diet to feed him. He gets two syringes twice a day, and a pill twice a day. He took the medicine fairly well when we got home, and I have spent the rest of the evening holding him and feeding him, slow, small, spoonfuls of canned food. He has certainly improved and is on the road to recovery, the vet just said we have to treat him like a baby for the next few days, but like I said he has improved, a lot. So yea, that was the excitement for the day today, and the only reason I am actually able to type this blog post is because he actually decided to lay on the ground to take a nap. Get well soon Snickers! 

Apologies for the short post again this evening, but overall I'm just exhausted right now :) 

One last time, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JONNY! 

Oh, and 133 is the count, for those who know what I'm talking about ;)

Keep Calm and Visit "Home" 
Where ever that may be for YOU!

A.B

An Average Day

             Well, today was, just as the title said, an average day. This post will probably be shorter than the rest just because I really don't have anything super exciting to talk about today, my friend Lizzie would certainly beg to differ. Today I woke up and did laundry! I KNOW ITS SO EXCITING! Then I planned my Disneybound for my friends birthday party tomorrow. I am doing a Frozen Disneybound, something that he himself would be quite a challenge. The real challenge with my Disneybounds is I don't let myself buy anything new JUST for the Disneybound it has to be for something else first. Unless, its a bow. I then sorted through my jewelry and then FaceTimed Lizzie and we both flailed as she received her DVD copy of Season 3 of our favorite T.V Show. Then, I went to work. Mark, a co-worker, asked for a shout-out, so here it is! A SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO MARK! Thanks for being a fun co-worker! 
I warned you this one would be short so I'm going to close it out early tonight!


Keep Calm and Visit "HOME" 
Where ever that may be for YOU!

A.B

Day's Like Today

            Day's like today are the reason I live. In my life I am constantly striving to help others, help them learn, grow, and then to eventually become leaders themselves. Today I made my last journey to freshmen orientation to try to make a change for the better in the students at Seymour High School. I would like to start off by saying that we were all there at one point, we all sat through what seemed to be a meaningless orientation our freshman year as our parents tried to plan the next four years of our life, and because we had just come from the top of the totem pole down at the middle school, we thought we were at the top here too. Well, turns out we were wrong, but that's not my point. I want to mention that yes, today leading the freshmen in my group was frustrating at times, but also very rewarding in many aspects. Just like some of us got frustrated with them, people too got frustrated with us when we were there, so regardless of what we have to say about the frustration and the people who made the choice not to cooperate, we were them. I said it was frustrating. It was. Two people, leading 8-12 freshman can be a little overwhelming at times, but my job isn't to get frustrated. My job is to make an attempt with all my might to make it fun, meaningful, and helpful to them. I accomplish this by giving it my all, and I love it. It is 100% worth it to make a goof ball out of myself by playing "Simon Says" and screwing up, and playing E-I-E-I-O because at one point or another someone is going to see that and hopefully they will realize just what fun these easy games can be, but only if you make them fun.
         Previously I mentioned that this experience was also rewarding. It is, more rewarding this year than my Junior year because this year I got to see multiple freshmen in my group hit that wall where they realize "Oh crap, I don't know how to read my schedule, and why does this say I have two first hours" or "Wait, my friend doesn't have lunch at the same time I do, does this mean I am alone" and when this moment hits them, that's where I step in and explain, or at least, do the best I can. You do feel like a tour guide for portions of it and you do have to repeat things you know that these students already know. A huge thank you to my best friend, Jonny, for still listening and "finding" his classes even though he knew most of what I was talking about and wasn't nearly as lost as the rest of the students. There is also a moment where high school seems like a lot of rules, but later you realize it's more like a scary wave of freedom, but these moments are sometimes the most valuable. All of these freshmen have potential, I know they do, but there are some who need to learn a little more about the No-H8 campaign that goes on around our school district. Again, we were there. I know what it is like to make poor choices, so all I ask is that if you are a freshmen reading this now, the least you can do is be kind to one another. As a matter of fact I said something today that even I learned from and the quote I said goes as follows, "Just worry about you, not about the people around you, you don't have to be friends, you just have to get along." Think about that. You don't have to be friends, you just have to get along. Wow.
          Frustrating or not, helping these freshman and new students is what I live for as a leader. We are all leader and we are all called to do something and I love helping the new people, to show them that they too will eventually get the hang of it, and I especially like helping those who don't think they can do it because I know they can. Many of these freshman made comments of how they wanted to go home and this wasn't fun etc, but you know what? I ignore that because when I was a freshman, I didn't have a STEP Crew, or a LINK Crew. Nope, I was thrown in the mix along side everybody else and told to use a map to find my classes. That is why I put so much into this STEP Crew idea because it's something I wish I would have had. Sure, maybe just getting thrown in was just as easy, but it was a lot less comfortable. One thing I ask of those below me who will be upperclassmen in future years is this, apply for STEP Crew, help out those below you because I've said it already and I'll say it again, you were there. Do it because I did it to help you. A common phrase is "how can i repay you," ladies and gentlemen, the way you can repay me is to do what I did for you to those below you. Be a leader. Try, and if you fall 7 times get back up 8 because its worth it. A special thanks to my group, and my helpful STEP Crew partner and all the teachers, principals, and administrators that have put so much work and effort into making Seymour High School a better place! Go Thunder!!

Keep Calm and Visit "Home" 
Where ever that may be for YOU! 

A.B

Realities Coming Alive

             The title alone says it all. Realities that I never pictured myself in, are coming alive. If you know me personally, you know that leaving high school, or even starting senior year for that matter is one of my biggest fears. Most of my friends are like "Only one more year!" or "Let's blow this popcorn stand!", but I'm the one that sits in my high school band room and doesn't want to leave. It's human, right? Not to want to leave the place that you have called home for three, going on four, years? I'd like to think so. Starting senior year is the least of my worries for now anyway. I have to get my best friend transitioned into high school first. Then, I need to get accepted into a college. Yes, you read that correctly, this time my best friend is coming first. I won't go into detail because I don't have his permission, but lets just say that high school can be scary. Even if you are a boy, even if previous siblings have gone through it, even if you are familiar with the school, it can still be a little hard on the nerves. So regardless of me starting senior year, I am more focused on helping the freshman transition right now. Then, after they are settled in, the tables will turn and I will focus on me.
             This topic is one I lose sleep over. I cry tears over, and it is something my mind races 100 miles per hour for. Leaving, and as my friend would say "Leaving everything we have ever known to venture off into the workforce, military, etc." Its scary. I am scared, but I know with the help of my parents, friends, teachers, and God, somehow I'll make it through. I'll follow my dream and study Diagnostic Medical Sonography. I don't deserve anything less. None of us do. I have thought about it before and I find it somewhat ironic that all of my "lasts" will be my best friends "firsts" and as sad as this is, I love it because I can pass my legacy on to someone I know will take care of it. As I type this sitting here at my desk, I think about those occasions that will come: my last first day of school, my last football game, my last homecoming, my last band concert, my last musical performance, my last prom, my last this, my last that, and god forbid... my last day of high school and my last performance with the high school band. Ah, yes. High School Band. The thing I questioned even joining freshman year, and looking back I don't know how it was even a question. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WHEN IN DOUBT JOIN HIGH SCHOOL BAND. IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. No, seriously... It will... and for the better too! See I play clarinet, and freshmen year I picked up alto saxophone, but band teaches you so much more than how to play a musical instrument, and more than the notes and rhythms. Believe it or not, in band you do more than just make a ton of friends (although this is a plus!). You learn life lessons, things that can't be taught outside of a high school band room, you learn leadership, you learn to have a passion and how to fight for that passion, you learn to put yourself out there and try because you can't go backwards. It isn't just one person that teaches you. It isn't just the teacher, or in this case, the director. It is a combination of people, all very good people who have set out to be a good example. Some say you shouldn't do this, but I am going to mention names. Alli, Megan, Lizzie, Jonathan, Carissa, Gail, Caittlyn, Mr. Alban and the list seriously goes on and on. Please if you are wondering if you have made a difference in my life, take the rosters from the past four years and combine them. If your name is on that list, or even if it is not. Chances are you have made a difference in my life and I would like to take a moment to publicly thank you all for shaping me into the person I am today. To all of you: Thank you! 
           Leaving is going to be a fear, its going to be a change, but I know I will find a new home, meet new friends, but always be able to return home to the current and past as well. As I write this blog post, I stare at two picture frames I received for my birthday a few days ago. One has a quote in it that reads "Don't let someone dim your light simply because it's shining in their eyes" and another holds two fantastic pictures of memories that were captures on our previous band trip to Walt Disney World. I encourage you to think about that quote and find the memories you treasure and take them with you where ever you may go because thanks to my best friends, I know I will. I refuse to leave without leaving a positive mark on as many people as I can. I refuse to leave without helping as many people as I can, but that day will come where I will be faced with a college campus and told to live my dream, but guess what, I will, and you should too! Whether you are already in college, going this next year, or have a few years before you face the journey, live your dream. Please! Go out and set forth on your own personal journey because you will always have a home to return to, always because in the words of my best friend "All fear stands for is False Evidence Appearing Real." 

I'm sure I could go on for hours more, but unfortunately I'm going to have to say goodbye until next time, but my sentence at the end of my post is going to be a little bit different tonight.

Keep Calm and I encourage you to go back "HOME" 
Where ever that may be for YOU!

A.B