Feeling like a Charity Case!

I have come to a point in life where at times I feel like I am viewed by other's as a charity case. You see the looks of "Look at that poor thing." It is at those times that I want to shout, "I'm a real person too!"

It is obvious from the above statement that a story is soon to follow. So let's get on with it and let me share.

I was downtown Chicago last week for an interview lesson with a new voice teacher. Of course I was nervous. I wanted to get there on time, make a good impression, etc. But I also had the pressure of getting back on time to teach my 1:30 student. So after much debate of taking the train or just driving, I decided to drive. I hadn't been to Chicago in so long and was actually looking forward to the trip. I planned my entire morning from the moment I got up to the moment I expected to leave Chicago. Amongst the details of the day were meals, parking, money, and time limits. I was ready for the day. I packed my lunch, grabbed my coffee, made sure I had my parking money, and headed out the door.

Interlude: In determining how much money to carry, I factored in time and location. I also factored in that I was used to only getting my hour slot of lesson. In and out. No extras. If I calculated right then, it would only cost me 8 bucks to park, with 2 bucks to tip the valet. So I took out ten dollars.

I got downtown, asked the guy how much it would cost based on my situation. He told me, and I was correct. All that said, we figured I would be leaving the city around noon/noon fifteenish.

I headed to my lesson with plenty of time to get there and breath.

I had a fabulous lesson. As I headed out the door and towards the elevator, though, I glanced at the time. It was 12:30. She had gone over my lesson time! Yeah! What a teacher! And OOPS! My parking would cost more!

I rushed to the garage. As I came beebopping up, I could tell that the two attendants inside were talking about me. They were staring at me, chatting, and laughing.

As I walked in, all I could say was, "The story of my life. I am so behind." They laughed hysterically as they stated, "That is what we just said to each other. She must be running behind, because she is booking it." I rolled my eyes and laughed with them. What else could I do?

She tallied my bill and said, "Eleven dollars." Very calmly I grabbed my wallet and said to her. " I am going to be honest with you. I only have 10 one dollar bills, do you take debit or credit." Well, praise God for nice people. She looked at me and said, "10 is fine." To which I replied, "But how will I tip them." Her answer. "Tell them you'll get them next time and they will be fine."

I must have looked like something the cat dragged in. But I am so thankful for nice Chicago Parking Garage Folks!

What Not To Do

The other day I had a friend over for lunch. I was so thrilled to be hostessing! :) Haven't done that in a while. We had decided to Panera Bread style it! Soup and Salad. I was sampling a new Chicken Noodle Soup. The Salad of course had the works---lettuce, carrots, olives, pepper, raisins, onion, celery, tomatoe, and a bit of dressing. As I was preparing, my hand hit the side of the Frig. I knocked off a paper from the side, picked it up, placed it back on the Frig, and went on with my Salad-making. I thought nothing more about it.

Lunch was ready when my friend walked in the door! I was so excited. She complimented on the sights and smells of the food. I was thrilled! I had made a good first impression.

We sat down to eat our salads. She commented on how tasty it was--perfect with both sweet, salty, and crunchy. Suddenly, as she bit down into yet another bite, she exclaimed, "What is that!"

From out of her mouth came this round-looking thing---similar to the olives, but bigger and harder. I realized that it was the magnet from the Frig. I was devastated and apologized profusely as I threw it in the trash!

Lucky for us both, it wasn't a first meeting. We laughed it off, and went on with our soup and salad lunch!

I learned a great lesson that day! Always check your food before dishing up!

Singing Again

It was good to sing this weekend!

What profoundness and meaning there is for me in that simple statement. I found myself in concert this past Sunday, enjoying the moments of singing again. It seems as though it has been so long. At times during both concerts, I realized that I had lost myself in the music, the text, the message of the songs. What joy there is for me in that.

Neither were perfect concerts, but yet, I walked away knowing that that was ok. They don't have to perfect. They just have to be my best. They just have to minister to the listener. They just have to be sung before God alone. It was just good to do once again what I was truly created to do!

Not much of anything

I haven't written in a while again! I guess the purpose of this one is to just update everyone---well the few that read it--and to really get back into the process of keeping up with my blog.

Today was the first of feeling a lift in my spirits. My poor family probably thinks I am nuts and about to die or just really mad at them all! Not of which are true, although I haven't done a great job of relating that fact! :) But I have been quiet this week. Much on my mind, and very contemplative. Thinking is dangerous for someone like me though. I really shouldn't do it!

What a week it has been, and what a month it is about to be! But good things, truly! I got to meet three other Illinois voice teachers and what a treat. I am about to take off in a season of performing! My students are doing so well and continue to progress. One just won her state competition! :) I am so proud.

I have had great times with friends these last couple weeks as well! Got to watch Bella and Enchanted. Two totally different movies, but both with great aspects! :)

Other than that, I will pick up with you later! Much is happening and I will have much to tell in the future!