Marga-Raven-ville

Today was a day that started early and ended late. Tom and I left for Ocean City around 6:15, to get there for a 9:00 report time. The Pep Band was performing for the Raven's Roost Convention Parade, which is an annual thing. We performed a concert before the parade started, and then, during the parade, played the Fight Song whenever one of the players passed by. After the parade, I found Tom, and we had lunch at a restaurant on the Boardwalk. I got myself set up on the beach, then promptly fell asleep for two hours. Then, Tom came back, and I slept and read for another couple of hours. We walked up and down the Boardwalk, had dinner, then drove home. It was relaxing, and good to get away, even if it was only for a day.

Poe

Float Constructed Mainly of Fanta Cans

Float with Music, Volleyball, Putt-Putt, and Fire Pit

Float with "Haloti Ngata" Falls and an Exploding Volcano

Newest Swap

Well, Wanda clued me in to yet another fun sounding swap, so I shot off an e-mail, hoping I wasn't too late to participate. I'm not. It's the Summer Hair Accessories Swap, and it sounds like a lot of fun. Participants create six fun hair accessories, then send them to the hostess, and she will swap them out for us. I have a couple of ideas, and can't wait to see how they turn out!

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

Early, early this morning, I finished reading "Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict" by Laura Viera Rigler. I was a little disappointed in the ending. The girl, of course, gets her man, but the ending doesn't make clear what happens to the heroine. I've read a couple of other books with the same idea - a girl from our time travels back in time to either Regency or Medieval England and finds love - but this one had a slightly different twist that makes it hard to tell the final outcome. Regardless, it was a cute book.

More Plants

After returning home from work this evening, Tom and I got busy planting trees again. Tonight, we only planted three, and put mulch around them. Not a bad couple of hours of work. After eating dinner, I finally watched the final episode of this season's "The Amazing Race." Yeah, Tammy and Victor won! I've been rooting for them the whole time. I also got caught up on some hockey. I can't wait until Tuesday, when the Penguins might just beat the Hurricanes and win the series. Let's Go Pens!

It's a Plant-a-palooza

Today was a busy day for me. I had to be at work at 4, but beforehand, Tom and I went crazy planting trees. We ended up putting six trees in the ground, and while I was at work, Tom put mulch around them. I didn't realize it until the end of the evening, but someone at the restaurant pointed out my sun reddened arms - I had no idea that the sun had been that intense. I knew it was hot, but not that hot!

This Mission Accomplished

Well, I did it! The task I assigned myself, with the May 24th deadline, was a success! I put enough money in the bank to bring one of the credit cards current, and they'll be extending me a credit to my account for doing that. But, of course, my life wouldn't be complete without a little more stress. Part of what I deposited was a local check. Normally, checks take three days to clear, which would put me past my deadline, but in my experience, local checks have been available right away. My available balance on my deposit slip did not include the check total. I tried to make a night drop after work, but the night deposit box doesn't have a slot for envelopes! I can only hope that the money from the check becomes available really soon.

Band Recording

Band was interesting tonight. Some time last year, director Barry Levinson came to the band and recorded some footage of us for a film about the history of the band. At least, I think that's what the film will be about. It might be about the Baltimore Colts leaving town, and how the band stuck around without them, but either way, it's band related. Tonight we recorded the Baltimore Colts Fight Song for the film. We recorded three different versions: a regular version, a slow version (like a funeral dirge), and a version that you might be able to hear me in. In that version, the Pep Band played for the first time through the piece, with the rest of the band coming in the second time through. It starts off with one trumpet, adding one sousaphone, then a snare drum. Next, four woodwinds come in - me, two clarinets, and a piccolo. The rest of the Pep Band comes in after that. It's pretty cool, and sounds really neat. The only thing I had a problem with, and this may seem petty, but the piccolo player that was playing isn't in the Pep Band. It bothers me that she participated in the recording like that, but doesn't put the time in with the commitments that the Pep Band has to make. Oh, well, who really knows, or cares, besides me.

Brian and Heather's Wedding

Do I know Brian and Heather? No. Did I help out Martina with the catering aspect of their wedding? Yes.
Today was completely filled. Last night, I had offered to Mike, a co-worker at Tidewater, that I'd come in for him at 7, if he'd come in around 9 - so that I could head to Huber for work. After he agreed, we joked around, and I reneged. Then I left to take another co-worker home. On the way, I wasn't sure if Mike still expected me to work for him - so, after getting home after 2 am, I got up around 6 to be at the Tidewater at 7. Apparently, Mike was also unclear on whether or not I was still coming in for him, so he had shown up anyway. This meant that I could head to Huber earlier than expected to work my weekend shift, and maybe get a nap before heading out to the catering gig.
After showing up at Tidewater, I worked at Huber for around three hours, then went home, and didn't have time for a nap. Later, I went to the catering gig, and had a really nice time seeing Martina and her family, and catching up with Brenda. I probably spent more time than necessary with Brenda, but to me, it was worth it! We drank and chatted all night! We even walked away with some table decorations!

Baby Steps

Finally! With the encouragement of a co-worker, and after being incredibly frustrated about how Tom has been handling our finances these past few months, I finally did something on my own. I went ahead and paid off our credit card bill with the lowest balance! It was only for $178, and that won't be happening again for a while, since the next lowest is in the $700s, but the feeling of accomplishment that it gave me is wonderful. Now, I feel like I can gradually work on everything else, without worrying about whether or not I'm doing the right thing. My next goal is for the 24th - I've made arrangements to have money taken out to bring one of the credit cards current. I've worked out the numbers, and I should be able to make it. I'm crossing my fingers.

Two Trees and a Plant

When I got home from work tonight, Tom and I planted two Dwarf Alberta Spruces and a Japanese Pieris. I left work around 6 pm, and that's all we had time for - it was dark when we finished. This past week has been filled with rain, so it was nice to have weather that cooperated.
When I came in, I saw that the Penguins were playing, so I watched hockey while making dinner. Woo hoo - they won in overtime! Only one more win, and they play for the Stanley Cup - good luck, team!
And Mom, I'd like to be the first of us kids to officially wish you Happy Mother's Day! As usual, the card will be late, but it's on the way! I love you, and I'll think about you while I'm at work tomorrow.

98Rock Spring Fling 2009

This evening, before practice, the Pep Band played at 98Rock's Spring Fling 2009: The Recession Edition.

Let's face it - the economy sucks. While SOME members of the 98 Rock staff get to go to the Bahamas with Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders (Mickey, Amelia & Spiegel), the REST OF US can't afford to leave Baltimore. So - we're going to make the best of it! Bring on Spring Fling 2009 - The Recession Edition!

Come hang with us this week. We'll be at the Best Western Hotel & Conference Center - 5625 O'Donnell Street. Yes - at the Baltimore Travel Plaza. Sarah & Stash will broadcast live from 98 Rock Beach for the entire week. We'll also take a bus load of listeners to go bar-hopping with Theo all week! Our friends from Special Olympics will join us too. Lots of prizes, surprises and of course - BEER!

Unfortunately, it rained. It was just a drizzle to start, but turned into hard rain about 15 minutes into our half hour concert! Luckily, the people who were there seemed to like the music - and us!

Happy Birthday, Mom

Happy birthday, Mom! I love you!
Also, today, I received a graduation announcement from Kimi, my middle cousin's youngest daughter. Where did the time go? I feel older every year, but it's usually people who used to work at the restaurant that make me feel that way, not my family!
Anyway, as I was arriving at work the evening, I saw these flowers and took a few pictures. I love these bushes - how in the world do the flowers get those totally random stripes?

A Rainy Day at Home

What a lazy, rainy day! I don't get many pointless days off, but this was definitely one! I watched so many episodes of room renovation shows on HGTV that it was coming out of my ears! I also read a little, and finally vacuumed the house. Boy, did it need it! We also steam cleaned the carpet in the family room. It looks so much better! I also folded laundry, and brushed one of the cats! And I painted the damaged areas of the new birdbath! Whew! I'm exhausted just thinking about all I did accomplish!

A Tree Grows in Maryland

It felt good to get at least one done. Tonight, after returning home from work and a shopping trip to Weis and Wal-Mart, Tom and I planted one of our trees. We talked when I was leaving the restaurant, and he expressed concern about the magnolias dropping their leaves. I mentioned that if it was still light after my shopping trip, we should plant something. And we did. We only had enough time to plant one, and it started to rain as we were finishing up. With the forecast calling for rain for several more days, it's the only one that will get planted for a while.
On a less pleasant note, Dolly (Tom's sister) called to let him know that she was in the hospital and having surgery in the morning - hip replacement, or something like that. She broke it while walking to the courthouse, and didn't follow the doctor's orders, so it's worse than it should have been. Hopefully, all will go well.
And on a more pleasant note, I was checking out Facebook, and got the general idea, which was then verified by Tom, that Tammy (Tom's daughter) is pregnant. I'm not sure how far along she is, but she's been trying for a while. Congratulations to Tammy and Chad!