on using my tax refund

Last week, the government returned the money they had borrowed from me, so I decided to take the plunge...and buy a freaking laminator!!! YEAH!

My nerdy obsession with office supplies first came into existence around sixth grade. While most girls my age were buying make-up for the first time, I was strolling amongst the aisles at Office Max, deciding which Rolodex would work best for my card catalog system. For my birthday that year, I received a language translator. Soon thereafter, I purchased an electronic diary (that doubled as a calculator...thus making it the ultimate combination: "Dear Diary, Did you know that 99 divided by 55 is 1.8? Did you also know that I have no friends?" ). My love affair with pens and useless electronics is still going strong to this day.

Hence, my excitement with the laminator.

However, I feel like I'm going to have an actual use for it, as I can laminate the music therapy visuals I have created thus far. Last night, I unwrapped the electronic goodness and promptly started feeding it one page after another. At one point I exclaimed, "This is the coolest thing I've ever seen!" And I heard Brad respond, "The COOLEST thing ever? C'mon, Rachel". I didn't have the guts to tell him that for that split second, it really was.

Completely unrelated story: Watch the show, "30 Days". It's well done and covers really important issues (well, all except for the "Binge Drinking Mom" episode about a mom trying to drink as much as her college-aged daughter. this one isn't screaming "important" to me like the "Muslims and America" or "Minimum Wage" episodes). http://tv.msn.com/tv/episode-guide/30-days_1?si=11

Disclaimer: Not an actual picture from the show. I entered "30 Days" into the google image search, found this one and it was so cracked out, I couldn't pass it up.

on memorial day weekend

Last weekend was full of laughing, great food, and big projects. I love being around my family (even if we were painting rooms and shingling the roof)!

on finding out what religion I align with, according to the Belief-O-Matic

After taking the Beliefnet quiz, here are my results:

"The top score on the list below represents the faith that Belief-O-Matic, in its less than infinite wisdom, thinks most closely matches your beliefs. However, even a score of 100% does not mean that your views are all shared by this faith, or vice versa.Belief-O-Matic then lists another 26 faiths in order of how much they have in common with your professed beliefs. The higher a faith appears on this list, the more closely it aligns with your thinking."

1. Liberal Quakers (100%)
2. Unitarian Universalism (93%)
3. Taoism (92%)
4. Mahayana Buddhism (91%)
5. Neo-Pagan (86%)
6. New Age (86%)
7. Theravada Buddhism (83%)
8. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (77%)
9. Orthodox Quaker (76%)
10. Scientology (70%)
11. Secular Humanism (69%)
12. Jainism (65%)
13. New Thought (63%)
14. Hinduism (61%)
15. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (60%)
16. Sikhism (59%)
17. Reform Judaism (50%)
18. Bahá'í Faith (44%)
19. Seventh Day Adventist (35%)
20. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (31%)
21. Nontheist (29%)
22. Jehovah's Witness (23%)
23. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (20%)
24. Eastern Orthodox (18%)
25. Islam (18%)
26. Orthodox Judaism (18%)
27. Roman Catholic (18%)


It looks like I won't be converting to Catholicism any time soon....

Liberal Quaker:

•Belief in Deity: Diverse beliefs, from belief in a personal God as an incorporeal spirit to questioning belief in a personal God.

•Incarnations: Beliefs vary from the literal to the symbolic belief in Jesus Christ as God's incarnation. Most believe we are all sons and daughters of God, with the main focus on experiencing and listening to God, the Light within, accessible to all.

•Origin of Universe and Life: Emphasis is placed on spiritual truths as revealed to each individual. Many believe that God created/controls all events/processes that modern scientists are uncovering about origins. Many believe in scientific accounts alone or don't profess to know.

•After Death: Few liberal Quakers believe in direct reward and punishment, heaven and hell, or second coming of Christ. The primary focus is nondogmatic: God is love, love is eternal, and our actions in life should reflect love for all of humanity.

•Why Evil?: Beliefs vary, as the focus is not on why, but how to eliminate wrongs, especially violence. Many believe that violence against another human is violence against God. Many Quakers believe that lack of awareness of God's divine Light within all may result in wrongdoing. Many believe that evil is simply an unfortunate part of human nature that we all must work to eliminate.

•Salvation: Beliefs are diverse, as dogma is de-emphasized. Most believe that all will be saved because God is good and forgiving, and the divine Light of God is available to all. Good works, especially social work and peace efforts, are viewed as integral to the salvation of humanity, regardless of belief or nonbelief in an afterlife.

•Undeserving Suffering: Liberal Quakers do not believe that Satan causes suffering. Some believe suffering is part of God's plan, will, or design, even if we don't immediately understand it. Some don't believe in any spiritual reasons for suffering. Quakers focus on reducing human suffering, especially that which is caused by social injustice or violence.

•Contemporary Issues: Views vary, some maintaining that abortion violates Quaker commitment to nonviolence, but some view the right to choose abortion as an aspect of equal rights for women and/or as a personal matter between the woman and God. The American Friends Service Committee (an independent Quaker organization with participants of many faiths, which provides international programs for economic and social justice, peace, humanitarian aid) supports the woman’s right to choose abortion according to her own conscience.

on the death of our refrigerator

In honor of the third member of our family, I've written a haiku:

Rest in peace, dear 'fridge
Your loud whirring ceased last night
No more groceries

on office exercise

While I sit here, eating my twizzlers and drinking cherry coke, I can't help but feeling like my body hates me for being so immobile all of the time. So, I thought about creating office olympics, as seen on The Office. But then I quickly realized I am the only one here...and winning all the gold just wouldn't be that satisfying.

I've since googled office exercises and I've come up with a few doozies. Feel free to try this in your cubicle! You won't look goofy at all if someone walks in!

I really don't think I could get away with an exercise ball, though (see below). Not that it doesn't look professional or anything. Come to think of it, it would be super handy just to roll everywhere in the office -- to the fax, the phone, the printer....













This one looks like fun (and upon further inspection, I hear they are exercising to 'my humps', which is apparently way too popular over there):













Ok, so I actually liked this one and it felt like it did something:











The dramatization in the beginning was my favorite part of the whole thing (although the techno music was a close second):

on being married one year

In honor of our first anniversary, a list of our relationship firsts:

First sighting: the SUB down under. We were introduced by a mutual friend (Jon Courtney) and then we kept running into each other at our favorite Mexican restaurant.

First conversation location: the world wide web (yes, we got to know each other first through AIM and the use of emoticons….so awesome)

First known mutual interests (besides our obvious love of Mexican food): Iowa Hawkeye sports, God, and music

First date: La Pachanga, then to see Lewis Black. Brad wanted to hang out afterwards, however, I misunderstood his question of "Where do we go from here?" to be of a directional nature -- so I told him to turn left. I later realized he had really asked to continue our date, but I was too embarrassed to say anything. Brad took this as a complete rejection...until I called him later that weekend.

My first impression of Brad: mature, kind eyes, confident, and extremely nice hair
(seriously, brad has the hair of a greek god)

The first time we said “I love you”: We went to Wal-Mart to buy IBC cream soda and soft batch cookies and went to sit on adjacent lawn chairs in the furniture/garden section. We stayed there, munching on our newly purchased treats and listening to ACDC’s “T.N.T” over the loud speaker, until the manager told us we had to leave. Upon pulling into my driveway, we realized after a night like that, how could we NOT fall in love with each other?

First “home”: Living in the dorms with 38 Taiwanese girls, serving as co-directors for the Taiwan at Truman program.

First hug: Before Brad went on the CCF spring break trip. We had only been dating about a week, so we really didn’t know how to say goodbye to each other. (I know most couples don’t remember their first hug, but this one was so awkward that it will be forever ingrained in my memory)

First string of facebook messages before things were "official" (with some in-between-the-lines commentary/interpretation):

Rachel See wrote at 8:09pm on February 3rd, 2006
i was MUY impressed with your guitar skills...actually more like guitar skillz. your playing + the bueno food of la pachanga = the best friday in a long time!!

I had seriously written this the moment I got home after eating. Brad told me later that he was prepared to write me a message and was surprised that I had already beaten him to the punch!

Brad Smith wrote at 8:29pm on February 3rd, 2006

Hey Rachel- it constantly amazes me that every time I go to La Pachanga you are there. And as much as that sounds like an exageration, it's really not! To be honest with you, earlier today I actually thought to myself "I bet I'll see Rachel See tonight" Crazy huh? I'm glad you enjoyed the music- and thanks for the tip- I really wish that I knew you a little better, but if we keep meeting at La Pachanga then maybe that will happen! Until then... I had arrived at Pachanga while Brad was playing, but because of the large crowds and the fact that brad had a harmonica up to his mouth, we were unable to make any kind of conversation (except a head nod from Brad when I dropped some money in his basket)

Rachel See wrote at 3:09pm on February 4th, 2006

haha, i know. la pachanga is like a sick addiction. i just cant get enough! mas, mas, i say. ;)anyway, i think it's pretty fantastic that we have this pachanga relationship -- if you ever need a violin for any of your songs, let me know!

Brad Smith wrote at 12:28am on February 18th, 2006

Hey- went to La Pachanga on Tuesday and was dissapointed not to see you there...it was late-ish though, so I guess it'll be alright! Anyway- I'm part of a group on campus here called Students Advocating Justice (I'd love to tell you more about it sometime) and we're going to show a video on Thursday night (2-23) in MG1000 at 8:00 and I really think you would enjoy it. It's called "Advertising and the End of the World" I could tell you more about it if you wanted me to, but you should really consider showing up! It's really well done and I think you'd like it. Let me know what you're thinking!

Brad told me that he had just invited me to this as an "in" to seeing me again. I found this out after I suggested renting it (a while after we had started dating, because I was unable to see it the first time) and he explained that he was not that interested in seeing it with me -- just desperate to invite me somewhere. too funny.

Rachel See wrote at 12:52am on February 18th, 2006

i was definitely there at 5 on tuesday. it just wasnt the same w/o seeing you! i think my current project is la pach patch. we'll see how it goes ;). Im interested in the movie...i have sign language until 9, though. how late do you think it will go?

Rachel See wrote at 9:29pm on March 1st, 2006

Good luck with your game tonight -- i would give you pointers, but my skills are limited to a womens ball...;)postscript: looks like our beloved hawks won tonight, thus strengthening the case against us...

This is right after our first date. Brad thought I wasn't into him (I tend to be a bit reserved at first), but after a phone call and another message, I was bound to show him that I was indeed interested :).

Brad Smith wrote at 1:27am on March 2nd, 2006

What a wonderful day! The weather was perfect, worship is over, I got assigned to co-lead a small group on Spring Break w/ one of my favorite people on the planet (the one and only Lauren Hamilton), my basketball team won (and played an amazing game...that you missed!), the hawks dominated (although the strengthened fact that they hate playing when I'm watching is a bit depressing), and to finish it all off: I got a message on my facebook from the most popular addict on the site! I swear Miss See- it doesn't get much better than that! ...but then again, taking that addict to a movie doesn't sound too bad either!

Brad, the smooooth talker!

Rachel See wrote at 1:33pm on March 2nd, 2006

ok, so facebook may be the 7th most popular site, but no amount of cyber-famedome can compare to the mass circulation of an actual, tangible, newspaper. are we going to have to invest in some bodyguards tonight to fend off those vying for your autograph? i must say, it's going to be an honor just to be seen with you.

First picture together: Brad at the far left, me at the far right and halfway hidden

on the freakish event of the weekend

When we had a cookout with Jared and Amy, the knob on the grill just completed melted before our eyes.

I think we were in shock for a good five minutes.

on why today was perfect

I feel like there are those few days a year when everything feels completely right. The stars align or mercury isn't in retrograde...or something.
Today will definitely be marked on my calendar as a special day. (no, not really. today will just have a huge X in it once it is finished. just like all the other days in my weekly planner. there is something about scratching off another day that is completely satisfying and quite cleansing. AND it means i'm one day closer to going back to school).
The best part about today was that there were no plans. no events. no meetings. no national tests to administer.
which means i slept in.
a rare gem and one of the most luxurious activities i could think of.

After waking up at the crack of 10, i strapped on my running shoes and threw (what is left of) my hair into a ponytail. I recently chopped off about 8 inches (the equivalent of a small vermin) and i swear, i feel 5 lbs. lighter. However, it is a bit annoying to have to sport the 'halfie' pony tail. I will never get used to those small hairs tickling my neck.

I was able to jog around downtown just in time to see the farmer's market selling their last fresh veggies and pies and packing up for the day. Note to self: wake up earlier next week.

Upon arriving home, I took one of the longest showers ever (sorry, Earth) and I felt like a hundred dollars (my reference to Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close -- read this book if you haven't).

Because the sun was perfect, the wind was perfect, and the bugs were non-existent, I took a book on the lawn and basked in its goodness. until i felt my sensitive, prone-to-burning-which-isn't-fair-because-i-don't-even-go-tanning-and-i'll-probably-get-skin-cancer-before-those-who-fake-bake skin cry out.

After savoring a leftover grilled hot dog from last night (Jared and Amy came over, which is always a good time), I went out on a bike ride (thanks to Jerry and Michelle for generously passing this onto me). I rode past children playing in the street, an elderly woman trying to get in her car, various trash left behind by truman students who have left for the summer, and my old places of residence. Whenever I would coast down a big hill, I would take a deep breath, close my eyes in the sun and try to take in as much of that moment as I could. I wish I could bottle it up and take it to work, sneakily taking a sniff of it whenever I need it most.

Brad and I watched the current episode of The Office (hilarious) and a few of 30 Rock (also hilarious). While we watched, we chewed on fruity tooties and laughed at the tv with our strawberry and banana-split stained tongues visible.

Dinner is always a concern in our house. No one really likes to buy groceries (everything is too expensive, except for the stuff that is awful for you). Neither of us is a chef at heart (although i do appreciate good food). And we are both lazy when the big hand reaches 6 and the small hand reaches 6. HOWEVER. Tonight, I printed 2 free coupons online (go to tacobell.com and click on their new fruity drinks) and brad and i ate our feast of mango fruity things, cheesy tortillas, and a fresco chicken something or other. All for 3.18. We visited an equally evil fast food chain (McDonald's) to purchase The Orphanage from Redbox. It was an intense movie and we both really liked it. Which means a lot -- we're really picky.

To end the night, we made a fort from couch cushions. It really doesn't get better than that.

on future purchases

I believe in being frugal.
As the daughter of an accountant/auditor, I was given a Quicken account on our computer in fourth grade and here is where I learned to reconcile my checking account and save, save, save. Most of my babysitting money and my paycheck from the public library was tucked away, only being tapped into in desperate situations (minus the time i spent a lot at the coffee corner...until my doctor said my heart was in danger).

5 examples of my frugality:

1. I religiously sign up for Wal-Mart's free samples each week. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go here: http://walmart.triaddigital.com/In-Stores-Now-free-samples.aspx and experience the glory. Because of this, I did not have to buy shampoo for two weeks and toothpaste for a month. I've also received: eye drops, eye solution, numerous perfume samples, lotion, goldbond cream, cereal, snack bars, and nighttime huggies.

2. I break out a calculator at least 3 times during each grocery store visit

3. I never, EVER waste leftovers. It is a sin that is basically right behind murder.

4. When staying at a hotel, I take all of the free samples provided, from coffee filters to shampoo/conditioner. Where I see a chance to save money, Brad sees an opportunity to shake his head.

5. I purchase clothes (maybe) twice a year when I receive Target gift cards for Christmas or my birthday.

This being said, it doesn't mean I don't think about purchasing nice items to fix up our house, or spending a little extra cash on a nice meal. The problem is, I feel so convicted when I do so. I don't believe we "deserve" to treat ourselves when so many are living in absolute poverty. But what is the correct spending balance?

I have a few items in mind that I would like to purchase someday. If I save enough money on shampoo and toothpaste, perhaps I justify spending the money on them:

1. a professional camera. I want nothing more than to teach myself the art of photography, as it is a medium that takes my breath away. Sidenote: you should look at one of my favorite photographer's blogs and her website...and maybe i'll save up to buy these someday.
2. new running shoes. i've beaten my old ones up like a....hmm. probably shouldn't start a phrase like that.
3. a laminator. I could really use one to preserve the visual aids (or is it aides? because I do not want to keep a visual of a deadly disease around) I make for music therapy
4. a macbook. i've heard these are best for photos, and I would like to use GarageBand for creating music therapy arrangements. plus, i am now able to use my old laptop as a personal warmer, as it generates an incredible amount of heat from working so hard (that, coupled with the fact that I used to have limewire and the numerous viruses have eaten away at its motherboard). Sidenote: if you are interested in why the plural of virus is not viri, look here: http://linuxmafia.com/~rick/faq/plural-of-virus.html

on my favorite tv show ever

Arrested Development

If you haven't seen this show, watch it from the pilot through season 3 (don't cheat/skip)!

Best.Show.Ever.

Watch all 3 seasons here: http://arresteddevelopment.msn.com/

on what makes me feel more alive on a gloomy morning

on past truman articles

I wanted to keep a database of truman articles I was in that will be considered a poorman's scrapbook of sorts. This is more or less for my own personal memory bank.....

Who's Who 2005: http://saffairs.truman.edu/WhosWho/whos_who_2005.asp

United Way: http://trumantoday.truman.edu/pdf/pdf051004.pdf

Adopt-a-Grandparent: http://index.truman.edu/PDF/2004-2005/November4/Page%2014.pdf

In Joel's column: http://index.truman.edu/pdf/2005-2006/september15/page%205.pdf

United Way: http://index.truman.edu/pdf/2005-2006/october20/page%2010.pdf

United Way: http://newsletter.truman.edu/article.aspx?id=824&command=NthArticle=1,2

The Child Development Center: http://media.www.trumanindex.com/media/storage/paper607/news/2004/02/19/News/Kids-Grow.At.Learning.Center-611463.shtml

on past musical experiences

I spent some time reminiscing about my past violin/piano experiences and quickly realized that, although they may have not seemed so amazing at the time, each and every one of these musical stepping stones were extremely special to me and to who I am today. Every group, every teacher, has brought me to this point in my life and I am forever grateful.

Ages conception - present: My mom, piano teacher extraordinaire

My mom has been there from the beginning (obviously) and it was because of her - her mentoring, her cheerleading, her gentle pushing, that kept my caboose on the musical track. I owe her everything. It was a bit rough living with a piano teacher (I would always dread Christmas time, as I knew I would have to endure Carol of the Bells 8.9 billion times), but I was so fortunate to have free piano lessons from one of the best teachers I have EVER encountered. Hands down.

My mom is one of the most creative people you will ever meet. She comes up with these incredible ideas on how to better motivate her students. The cupboards and closets in our house are full of music games, instruments, pig snouts (don't ask), prizes, stickers, game shows, visuals, etc. etc. -- the amount of time and effort she puts into her job is astouding. It has been amazing to watch the number of lives she touches - they all love and respect her.

She kept me tickling those ivories until I graduated and I owe so much to her.

About my mom:

(besides the fact that she is awesome)

Ms. Susan See -- Susan has over 25 years of teaching experience and was Director of the Piano Preparatory Program at Truman State University before moving to Iowa. She currently teaches 70 students in two studios, one in her home and the other at Iowa Mennonite School near Kalona. During July she joins the faculty at the Goshen College Piano Workshop. She holds degrees from Truman State University and the University of Iowa. She appears as soloist, accompanist, and adjudicator and has contributed articles to Keyboard Companion and Pan Pipes.She performed as a soloist with the Southeast Iowa Symphony in October 2003.

http://www.francesclarkcenter.org/NationalConferencePages/2007/NCKP2007PreConferenceSeminars.html

http://spanky.thehawkeye.com/columns/Wilson/Wilson_0226.html

Ages 5 - 18: Gwen Ying, Washington Iowa

Bio: Gwen received her Bachelor of Music Education from Northwestern University. She studied Suzuki Pedagogy with Rebecca Fitz Sandrok, Doris Preucil, John Kendall and Shinichi Suzuki. From 1972-88 she was Director of the Suzuki Program at Elmhurst College (Illinois), and at Christ Church of Oakbrook, Illinois. She introduced the Suzuki Method in Russia in 1995. The two principal features that distinguishes this method from traditional string education are the participation of parents in their child's music lessons, along with the emphasis on establishing playing technique prior to note reading.Currently Gwen teaches in Washington, Iowa and at the Preucil School of Music in Iowa City.

My personal experience with Gwen was truly life-changing. She played a very inspirational role in my formative years and I definitely attribute the feeling I put into my music to her teaching style. Using a wide variety of incentives and methods, there was never a dull moment with Gwen (lots of tears, lots of laughs). My biggest regret is not keeping in better contact with her; however, I hope she knows how special she is to me.

Ages 10-17: Preucil School of Music

Although I always felt like an outsider at Preucil (due to the fact I was one of the only participants NOT from Iowa City), I was constantly amazed at the talent in this program. It felt like an honor to be surrounded by such wonderful musicians at a young age and I believe that it really pushed me to keep up with my playing. I was able to go on an 2 week tour to Italy with the 80-member orchestra in 2001 (think 80 blue shirts wandering Rome, Florence, Milan, etc...exhausting, but worthwhile).

About Preucil: http://www.preucil.org/

The Preucil School of Music is a non-profit and a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts. It serves 750 students with a 26 member faculty. Founded in 1975, the Preucil School evolved from a Suzuki Method violin program established in 1963 by Doris Preucil. The curriculum now includes lessons in strings, piano, voice, flute, harp, theory, pedagogy, ensembles and an early childhood education program. The school is housed in two locations. The Main Campus, an Iowa City landmark, occupies a historic Czechoslovakian Hall built in 1900. The Preucil School of Music North Campus and Morris Early Childhood Education Center is a new facility built in 2002. The Preucil School String Orchestra, numbering 70 students ages 13-18, is the most advanced of five training orchestras at the School. It has performed extensively in the Midwestern United States and has been featured at international teacher conferences and on public television. In 1991, on a tour of Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Austria, the orchestra won the first prize for String Orchestra at the Vienna International Festival for Music and Youth. On succeeding concert tours, the orchestra has traveled to England in 1994, Germany in 1997, Italy in 2001 and the Czech Republic in 2005.

Ages 15 - 22: Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra

About SEISO: http://www.seiso.us/
The mission of the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra is to promote quality orchestral experiences for our regional community and musicians by providing live performances, educational opportunities and rural outreach programs for all ages.
Objectives include cultural enrichment and delivery of its services for a minimal fee or free of charge so that it remains accessible to everyone in Southeast Iowa. The SEISO, organized in 1950, is recognized as one of Iowa's most prominent community-based orchestras.
The service area of the SEISO includes the following Iowa counties: Appanoose, Davis, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Mahaska, Monroe, Muscatine, Wapello, Washington and Van Buren. Students, who reside in these counties, are eligible to participate in the annual Youth String Festival and Young Artist Competition.
SEISO is centered at Iowa Wesleyan College and supported with boards of directors in 3 cities: Burlington, Mt. Pleasant and Ottumwa. It reaches 12,000 people every year, has over 70 board members, 100+ volunteers and 65 musicians.

I used to feel quite overwhelmed, playing in a symphony orchestra that was comprised of seasoned, adult musicians. The last few years, though, proved to be a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Because I have known Bob (the conductor and a family friend) since I was born, I always enjoyed playing under his direction (and his sense of humor). The pieces we played always required LOTS of practice, but the end result was phenomenal. Pictured below is from the annual July 4 concert in Burlington, Iowa.

Ages 18 - 22: Truman State University Orchestra

I had such a blast in the Truman orchestra. The conductor was great, as were my fellow classmates. I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people and play great music (although it was sometimes hard to fit everything into my already packed schedule).

http://music.truman.edu/strings/#orchestra

My violin professor, Dr. McClure, is one of my favorite people. ever.

About Dr. McClure:
B.M., Eastman School of Music; M.M., Ohio University School of Music; D.M.A., Michigan State University
Dr. Sam J. McClure is Associate Professor of Violin/Viola, Music Theory, and Director of Orchestras at Truman State University, having joined the faculty in August 1998. Previously, Dr. McClure taught at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Hillsdale College in Michigan, where he was music director of the Whitewater Symphony and Hillsdale College-Community Orchestras, respectively. He has also served on the conducting and violin faculties of the New England Music Camp in Sidney, Maine. Dr. McClure earned the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in orchestral conducting from Michigan State University, where he studied with Leon Gregorian. McClure has recently collaborated as conductor and performer with several nationally and internationally recognized musicians, including violinists , Ruben Gonzalez (Chicago Symphony co-concertmaster), Geoffrey Michaels, Giora Schmidt, Alberto Bologni, Gregory Sandomirsky and Elizabeth Holowell, horn virtuoso and composer Sharon Moe-Miranda, and composer Menachem Wiesenberg Dr. McClure earned degrees in violin performance from the Eastman School of Music and Ohio University. He has studied with many nationally recognized performers and teachers, including violinists, Oliver Steiner, Paul Statsky, Howard Beebe, Walter Verdehr, David Taylor and Alberto Lysy. Dr. McClure is featured frequently in recital and has presented visiting artist recitals in Wisconsin, Illinois, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan,and Maine. He has also been active in the area of contemporary music as a performer at composer's festivals in Missouri, Arkansas and New York. Dr. McClure recently completed visiting artist residencies at the Conservatorium of Music in Newcastle, Australia and the Boccherini Conservatory in Lucca, Italy, where he presented master classes and recitals. Dr. McClure is also co-founder and artistic director of the Festival Musicale della Toscana, a summer music festival for string players in Montaione Italy administered through Truman State University.

Ages 22-26: University of Iowa, Master's in Music Therapy

My passion!

I have discovered a field in which I can use all of the above experience in a meaningful way! This program is such a spiritual thing for me - I really cannot express the constant inspiration I receive from the people I encounter in music therapy, the clients I work with, and the pure joy I feel from learning and practicing. This year has been incredibly hard for me, as I had to take 2 semesters off to come back to Kirksville until my husband graduated. However, I feel as though the passion has burned further, deeper, wider (and in too many dimensions to mention)...I am bursting to start up again!

The national music therapy website: http://www.musictherapy.org/

My professors at Iowa: Music therapy ballerz

http://www.uiowa.edu/~music/bios/THPYadamek.htm

http://www.uiowa.edu/~music/bios/THPYgfeller.htm

on (my husband) graduating

My husband is an official Truman graduate! He received a BA in both English and Philosophy/Religion ---plus that little stinker was cum laude AND had departmental honors!!! I am a proud wife of my smarty pants husband. After the ceremony, we celebrated with family, friends, and an array of amazing foods!

on the weepies

One of my favorite bands, The Weepies, recently released a new album on April 22. Even though I have yet to hear it, there is no doubt in my mind that it will be supreme. I will definitely head to: http://www.ilike.com/artist/The+Weepies/album/Hideaway to check it out, once the 5 bells toll today.

on where to get the best haircut

on cinco de mayo

Yesterday, Brad and I celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a few of our amigos. I would say Mexican food is probably one of my favorite cuisines, so last night was a great excuse to cook quesadillas, taquitos, chips/7-layer dip, as well as a Cinco de Mayo cake! We all had a muy bueno time-o.

on office music

who knew this machine that i stare at all day could be so musical? (ps. give it about 30 sec.)

on summer

With the rise (slowly, but surely) in temperature, it reminded me of a poem Brad wrote called, "Summa" :

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhfbtjf4_13gmccnddf

I am always so proud of Brad and his writing ability.

on pickle popsicles

A story I wrote for my children's literature class:

on being married

1. It's wonderful.
2. It's hard.
3. It makes you gain weight.

on politics

I had a blog during the 2004 election and, after many hours/days/months of typing articles of persuasion, it turned out that all of my efforts were for nothing. So, I've decided to take a more light-hearted and less time-consuming approach for 2008.
I've viewed countless high-quality YouTube videos and my decision is pending on the following:

1. the baller:



2. the jokester (bombing is apparently hilarious to this guy):



3. the entertainer:

on blogging

I'm not really sure what I'm trying to accomplish with starting a blog: sharing revolutionary ideas? random thoughts? updating my family on current happenings?
I think it's because I'm bored at work.