Hello, Summer!

Well, about a month has come and gone. 

I'm still alive, :) but a lot has happened in life since my last posting. 

Let me fill you in...

May 8th, 7-12 field trip to the NC Zoo (US's 2nd largest)

Me and my bestie, Sethanna

"Splish splash, I was takin' a bath..." 

Really cool picture (at least, I think) that I captured somewhere in the Zoo. 

Cone Flowers. I think.

A bear. 

Anways, the Zoo was great. The same week, my co-hort in crime, Sethanna, and I hosted/decorated/planned/executed/etc. the school's banquet for faculty, board members, and students. It was fun. All 40+ hours of it, but it turned out beautifully. 

Then, let's see...following the banquet, there was:

1) Piano Recital

2) All-school field trip 

3) 8th Grade Graduation (for which I was also responsible) 

4) School-clean up (I had to clear out both classrooms)

5) High School Graduation (I had to help with music)

Sigh. Needless to say, Thursday (May 24) was the LAST day of school 

for the 2011-2012 school year. May I just say...YAY! 

(for those who are unaware, teachers look forward to summer as much, if not more,

than students. :) ) 

It has truly been a great school year teaching at CCA! I will definitely miss my students.

However, I am really excited about all this fall holds at UNCG School of Music. 

I'm starting off with a 'bang' by working at a large music seminar

next week, which should be interesting. 

To kick off the summer, here is a video of one of my very favorite

Louis and Ella duets: Summertime. 

  Enjoy! 

Stay tuned for the next post in my Educator's Alphabet series! 

Dear parents/teachers...My series of 'ABC's for Educators:' Approachable.

I’ve often heard it said that teacher learns more the first year of teaching than the years spent in college combined. As I am concluding my first year of teaching, I can verify that statement!

When I began this year, I was (shall we say) ‘in the dark’ about a lot of areas concerning the teaching process. Including what exactly I would be teaching. That is, until the week before school. (Yes, as in ONE week.) So, I’m finishing up this year as, yes, the full-time K-12 Music Instructor. In addition to being a full-time Jr. High teacher in 7^th grade Math, NC History, and Jr. High Bible. *May I point out the obvious? I did not study to be a Jr. High teacher! However, allow me to make another obvious statement (I make quite a few of those): It is May, and I have survived the ride so far. J  (and enjoyed it.) 

*These comments/descriptions are not meant in any way as degrading to my place of employment, I am simply painting the scenario of my first year for you.

And, in addition to survival, I can again re-affirm my first statement: I feel as though I have learned more than my students. Over the next several blog posts, I will be sharing a few things I’ve learned. Preface: I am not claiming to be a seasoned authority on educational advice; I’m simply a teacher/grad. student who thrives on learning and sharing. J The things I share will not simply be applicable for teachers; I hope it will be informative for all of my readers. I have a few blog posts in the ‘draft’ stage that will be specifically for parents. Anyways, I hope you enjoy reading what I’ve learned this year!

The first part of this series will be what I call ‘The ABC’s of Educators.’ So, today I’ll start with ‘a.’

Approachable.

            This year I’ve learned and observed many things students expect (not simply want) from their teachers and authority. (Parents, peers, pastor, etc.) When raising/teaching children, battles must be wisely and carefully chosen. However, by simply being available and approachable, you, as the authority, teacher, parent, etc., will eliminate over 50% of coming battles. Approachable literally means to be ‘friendly and easy to talk to.’ Stop making predetermined outcomes and assumptions before hearing your student/child’s explanation, and actually listen to their ‘side of the story.’ (One of my ‘rules’ is that a student may ask/say anything as long as it is said with a correct attitude.) Even if the student/child is wrong in their opinion, he/she will feel mutual respect in knowing that a ‘big person’ actually took time to hear his/her story without being belittled, interrupted, or criticized.

            Let your kids know right off that you want to hear their ideas, opinions, and concerns. This also establishes a level of respect between parent/child, teacher/student, etc.

            Another terrific reason to be ‘friendly and easy to talk to’ is that as Christians, we are representatives of Jesus to others. Even little people (kids). It has been said that if you give a child a correct view/concept of God, you will give them the keys to the world. How then can we tell children that God wants to hear their prayers and concerns if we are not willing to do the same? Thought provoking, isn’t it? Therefore, if we: roll our eyes at their ideas, complain through the gritty story details, and judge without hearing the whole matter, it should come as no surprise when children struggle with talking to Jesus. I am not a parent, but I remember how pleased and special I felt when my parents expressed that they wanted to hear what I had to say.

           

What are ways you use to connect or communicate with your kids/students? I’d love to hear them!

Until next time. . .

A day in the Kitchen...

I adore Friday's!

"Why?" you might inquire.

"Because."

I teach Monday-Thursday, so I essentially have

two Saturday's every week. Lovely! 

This certain and particular Friday, I devoted

to trying some new recipes I've had 'on the shelf' 

for a bit, thanks to pinterest. 

Here's how it turned out...

1. Baked Apple Cinnamon Chips

Delicious! Found it (via pinterest) on this blog:

http://www.delightedmomma.com/2011/09/baked-apple-chips.html

Terrific school snack! Give it a go.

2. Key Lime Pie

(via pinterest) http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Fluffy-Key-Lime-Pie 

Believe it or not, this is: 1) comparable in taste to frozen Edward's,

2) only 3 grams of fat/194 calories per piece

3) extremely easy!

Definite make-again! You could actually adapt

this recipe with any flavor gelatin/yogurt. (raspberry, strawberry,

etc.) 

3. Hot Fudge Sauce

 This stuff is am-a-zing! I used it as a topping on the 

cheesecakes below, and can't wait to try it out on some ice cream. Mmmm.

Delicious with strawberries, too. 

http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,197,156166-232202,00.html

4. Mini No-bake Cheesecakes

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/philadelphia-no-bake-mini-cheesecakes-53063.aspx

These are lovely! I adapted the recipe a bit...

I split the batter in half, added powdered sugar, and 

added peanut butter to one half. 

I also used graham cracker crust instead of a 

chocolate cookie.

Mmmm. Delicious.

They aren't as lovely as the picture on the website, but

they sure taste good. Mmmm. Freezing is a good choice, to 

help them solidify a bit more. 

5. Fried Rice (see previous blog post)

Which, I might add, was absolutely amazing, as well! 

It was a profitable day in the kitchen, and what fun it was. 

Happy Day. 

The secret...to Fried Rice

In my opinion, one of the most commonly 'mis-cooked' Chinese foods is Fried Rice.          I l.o.v.e. good fried rice! When I spent a summer in Taiwan, a 'wish' came true: I learned to cook authentic Chinese/Asian food! (I don't think I've been back to a US Chinese buffet since...ick!) And, that's right: today I'm going to let you in on the secret of making authentic Chinese Fried Rice! (hooray, everyone)                                                                            The very aroma gives the essence of sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of a low table, wearing sandals (because you left yours at the door), attempting to juggle chopsticks, and surrounded by Asians happily chattering in their native tongue. Sigh.           


 Here we go...










1. Cook white rice according to directions. (I use basmati rice, and always use a rice cooker...Ahh!) 

2. At this point, you must either decide to: a) make fried rice immediately, or b) put cooked rice in fridge as soon as it is finished, and let it sit in fridge overnight.

3. Finely chop onion, green/red peppers, and thaw frozen peas (or used canned). Set aside large egg. 

4. Cover bottom of large skillet with olive oil and heat. Saute' onions, peppers, and peas until thoroughly cooked. Put on one side of skillet. On other side, scramble egg; then mix egg in with vegetables. Put egg/veggies on one side of skillet. Add cooked rice (warm or cold) to other side of skillet.

5. Thoroughly stir rice in with eggs/vegetables until rice starts to brown. Add extra oil as needed. Add seasoning packet (adjust amount to amount of rice cooked. I use about half the packet for 6-8 servings.) You can buy this at any grocery store. (Wal-mart sells it.) 

6. Thoroughly stir rice with seasoning. Rice should have a brown hue, especially compared to cooked white rice. Serve hot and enjoy! Delicious with terriaki/bourbon chicken. Re-heats very well. 

And, there you have it: the secret to perfect Fried Rice! It's a definite crowd pleaser! 

Enjoy and pass it on.                                                                                                                *Disclaimer: This blogger will not be held responsible for any business lost at local Chinese buffet's due to the amazingness of this recipe.* :)

Exciting! News

For those who have actually noticed, I have been blog-absent for a few weeks now. Well, allow me to state the obvious: "I'm back!" :) 
However, life has been very exciting the past few weeks. 


-April 10th, I had an audition/interview with professors at University North Carolina School of Music at Greensboro in application for Master's in Piano Pedagogy program. The audition went really well, and I was accepted 'on the spot' to the program, and was also offered employment, and the possibility of an assistantship/scholarship. 


And, today, April 27, I received this in the mail...

My acceptance letter to the School of Music! A beautiful piece of paper, I assure you. :)
For those curious, here are youtube links to the pieces I played on my audition. 


Norman Dello Joio's Introduction and Fantasies on a Chorale Tune

Haydn Fantasy in C Major

Beethoven Sonata in E flat Major  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwBW6Y2nfME&feature=colike 




I'm so thankful, blessed, and excited about how God has worked every detail out for me to attend UNCG, beginning this fall. I will miss my students at school, but am excited about the future. 


Life in NC isn't nearly as 'boring' as one might think...trust me! I have a few more posts coming. Stay tuned! 

God so Loved the World. The end.

"For God so loved the world..."

Some of the most powerful words ever penned in the history of the universe. 

And yet, we have the distinctive privilege and high honor to celebrate

their meaning and power this weekend. Easter. 

This verse has been running through my mind this week: 

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 

(Romans 5:8) 

Note it does not read, "Because you were deserving." For if that had indeed been 

the basis for Christ's sacrifice, none would have been found as such. 

I love the fact that God: 

1) recognizes man's faults and sin 

2) forgives

3) loved us so much, in-spite of our own pride, that He chose to 

give the ultimate gift: His Son's life as a sacrifice to cover our very sins

As one hymn states, 

"Were the whole realm of nature mine, 

that were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine, 

demands my life, my soul, my all."

May it ever be so, and may the Christ of Easter dwell with you.

Here are a few of my favorite Easter hymns/songs. Enjoy! 

"Worthy is the Lamb" by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

"And Can it Be" from my piano recital last year.

"God so loved the World" by King's College Choir of Cambridge

Have a blessed Easter!

Springtime in the South

Spring is one of my very favorite times of the year! (Along with summer, fall and winter, of course.) I am sharing one of my very favorite poems about spring, by Henry Van Dyke, as well as some pictures I've taken during springtime here in North Carolina.                  Enjoy! 

Now in the oak the sap of life is welling,

Tho' to the bough the rusty leafage clings;

Now on the elm the misty buds are swelling,

See how the pine-wood grows alive with wings;

Blue-jays fluttering, yodeling and crying,

Meadow-larks sailing low above the faded grass,

Red-birds whistling clear, silent robins flying, 

Who has waked the birds up? What has come to pass?

Last year's cotton-plants, desolately bowing,
Tremble in the March-wind, ragged and forlorn;
Red are the hill-sides of the early ploughing,
Gray are the lowlands, waiting for the corn.
Earth seems asleep still, but she's only feigning;
Deep in her bosom thrills a sweet unrest.
Look where the jasmine lavishly is raining

 Jove's golden shower into Danae's breast!

Now on the plum the snowy bloom is sifted,

Now on the peach the glory of the rose,
Over the hills a tender haze is drifted,
Full to the brim the yellow river flows.
Dark cypress boughs with vivid jewels glisten,
Greener than emeralds shining in the sun.
Who has wrought the magic? Listen, sweetheart, listen!
The mocking-bird is singing Spring has begun.    

(Aren't these just lovely?)

                                                   
Hark, in his song no tremor of misgiving!
All of his heart he pours into his lay,--
"Love, love, love, and pure delight of living:
Winter is forgotten: here's a happy day!"
Fair in your face I read the flowery presage,
Snowy on your brow and rosy on your mouth:
Sweet in your voice I hear the season's message,--
Love, love, love, and Spring in the South!


-Henry Van Dyke-

Enjoy springtime. And bask in the glory of Palm Sunday this weekend.


TTFN!  (ta-ta-for-now)