Sunday, July 31, 2011

I'm ready...

for the next phase in my life!

Move in day is August 26th.

25 days and counting...

Thursday, July 28, 2011

It's that time of year...

gearing up for school (college and high school) and marching season.

Have I mentioned how big our band is this year???

We are marching 227 strong.

Thank goodness I'm only outfitting 181.

Funny thing is...F3 day (forms, fee and fittings) was this past Saturday and we had to send 15-ish freshmen home without being fitted for their marching uniforms.

Why, you ask?

I have plenty of uniforms, just not in the correct sizes. Many of the uniforms on hand are teeny tiny!

I placed an order in late May for 30 additional coats, bibbers and shakos with the hope that they would be here by our first game. The manufacturer always gives the worst case scenario, but receiving an order confirmation with an estimated delivery date of October 28th has me FREAKING OUT! I know that it's out of my control now, but really...October 28th...our marching season is over that weekend.

I'm praying that everything arrives within the first couple of games.

*sigh

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Surviving F3 Day

As most of you know, my youngest is a member of his high school's band (marching and concert). Today was what is known as F3 day (form, fees and fittings), where the students and their parents come to finalize their commitment to the SHS Band.

Let's suffice it to say that all went well until the freshmen came to be fitted for uniforms for marching season.

Both the Band Director and I knew that there would not be enough proper fitting uniforms for everyone. We ordered based on the incoming numbers and current size needs. The one thing we didn't plan on was how big, both size and number, the incoming freshmen class is.

Upon reviewing the order that I submitted in early June, we will have enough properly sized uniforms at some point this season. Unfortunately, the lead time for uniforms is a minimum 120 days. Based on previous experience, uniforms have come in well before our first game. I'm sincerely hoping and praying that this is the case this season as well. The issue at hand is the fact that I don't have control over when the orders are submitted after I send them to my 'contact'. My 'contact' hasn't been the most reliable lately and I'm starting to get very concerned whether or not my uniforms will be here when promised. As it is, the band's sashes MIGHT be here before Fall Break, which is October 17-21.

I was told the other day that last year went so smoothly and that all the parents were sufficiently impressed. I don't think it's going to be the same this year, especially since we had to send 15 students home without fitting them for uniforms.

My thinking is...the upperclassmen come first and then the freshmen. I had more than one parent get upset with me because of the way their child's uniform fit. I explained politely that the Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores have priority when it comes to uniforms and the freshmen take what's left. Many were not pleased, but that's the way it is. The freshmen parents also didn't want to hear that when the new uniforms come in the upperclassmen will be given first opportunity at them and they (freshmen) will be given what's left over. Sorry, but that's the way it is. Get over it. Another issue is parents who are HABITUALLY late for 'appointments' and then think it's okay to bitch about how their child has an ill-fitting uniform. Ummm...show up during your appointed time and you might receive a better fitting uniform.

I just needed to vent...it'll all work out. Right now, I and my team are just a little overwhelmed.

Time for a margarita!!!

Saying a Prayer!

Offering up prayers and condolences to the families affected by the brutal attacks in Norway.

Unfortunately, it brings back BAD memories of September 11, 2001.

I sincerely hope the man who wreaked this havoc upon Norway gets what he deserves.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Let Freedom Ring!!!

Happy Birthday, America!


Hope everyone has a safe and Happy 4th of July!

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Wait just a darn minute...

it's July...

ALREADY!!!

It's been a little busy around here.

*Beach trip...much needed relaxation, just wish it could've been longer.

*College orientation with my daughter at Jacksonville State...and I didn't cry!

*Daughter had wisdom teeth removed...hmmm...wonder if it'll affect her GPA

*Vehicle shopping for son...very frustrating because we know what we want but are having difficulty finding it at a price we want to pay.

*Trying to get my to-do list whittled down...having a hard time getting motivated because I'd much rather laze about and read.

*Getting organized for upcoming marching season...Lordy, I'm crazy!

*Helping to get daughter organized to head off to school. I'm thinking care packages are a good thing.

*Attempting to squeeze in a little reading time...see above.

So...what have you been doing so far this summer?!