Puppy!

Yes, a little ball of fur has joined my family.  No, I cannot share a picture with you at the moment...  Sorry.  You will just have to believe me when I say that Riley is an adorable 14-week-old chocolate miniature poodle who is quite the terror when not in public.

My husband and I took Riley to my parents' house last weekend.  I warned my mom, "He's really hyper, and he pees all over the place."  What did that rascal do?  He was a lovely little gentleman, and my mother couldn't believe I would say that he was anything less.  I was floored when I took him to the vet this week.  He didn't pee on the floor.  He didn't hump any legs.  He didn't even try to nibble any clothes.  All he wanted to do was kiss people, but I warned them that I didn't have a stool sample because he had eaten it that morning.  The true Riley only comes out at home, when he sneaks a pee while I'm least expecting it.  He's very stealthy and clever at stealing socks, and I can't even explain how he seems to sometimes eat his poop while he's defecating.  Seriously, I will be standing over him, waiting to grab him, and he will still eat it.  I don't understand how it happens.  If only getting him to eat his kibble where that easy!

But, he really is pretty cute.  When he plays with a piece of dog biscuit and turns it into a game where he pretends that he's stalking it and pounces, it's impossible not to see his adorable side.  Or when he tenderly puts a paw on my knee and licks my hand so that I'll put him in my lap where he will fall asleep...  

I'll try to post a picture soon.  We don't have an Internet connection at the house, which makes things difficult.  But I will try to get a picture out here sometime.  Until then, you'll just have to try to picture the little pooper in your heads.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

So it's been a while...

It's been a difficult past few months. My husband got an awesome job in the county where I grew up, and since I couldn't in good conscience back out of my job at the very beginning of the school year, we have been living 3 1/2 hours away from each other. We have been driving back and forth every single weekend, and we just spend two glorious weeks together over Christmas break.

The musical this weekend (we're doing Wizard of Oz) marks the end of my first real post-college job. It's been an incredible experience. I keep reminding myself that there are other kids out there who need to learn music too, but I just keep picturing the faces of my band and chorus kids who are having a really hard time with this. I am having a really hard time with this. I built that program into what it is today. It's hard to just walk away from that.

But I am very excited about actually living with my husband again. I'm quite partial to seeing his face everyday. :) I'm also excited about my new job, which starts next week. A middle school has opened up a position for me. They want me to start a band program at their school and teach 6th and 7th grade general music. It's only one day a week, but it's more than I thought I would get. Plus, the principal has made it clear that his intention is for the position to grow. He really wants a successful band program. With a supportive principal on board, I think that I can do some really great things there. Hopefully!

Change is not easy for me. I like to put roots down and take hold. I don't like it when things come to an end. But beginnings hold a lot of promise, and there are so many exciting possibilities. I'm going to try to make the most of them.

To my wonderful husband: I love you, and I'm coming home soon!