I’m back…school’s just around the corner

I’m so sorry to be gone for the past two weeks! But I ended up being really crazy and jumping on tour with Phantom Regiment for the final stretch. I’ve been gushing about this activity all summer. I don’t expect you to understand how much this activity means to me.

So I’ll explain that and give another list of what I’m excited for as school starts up. (Good idea, Billy)

Anyway, one of the trumpet members broke her pelvis in the middle of a show–she’s been out for the season and will heal just fine. I jumped on a plane to Tulsa, Oklahoma and learned the show in four days. I marched in five shows (no, I didn’t play–there wasn’t time to get that sorted out).

It was incredible meeting new members, whom I feel like I’m best friends with. This is all in addition to reconnecting with staff and friends I’ve made through the years. Drum corps is an activity that is unlike anything in the world, and I lucked out by getting to jump on tour. It’s unfortunate that the girl broke her pelvis, but at least she got to experience tour, and she was instrumental in helping me learn the show quickly. I’m so grateful for the family at Phantom.

I’ve got one more year that I can march, and I’m going to do everything I can to get that sorted out so I can march. It’s gonna be expensive…

THIS JUST IN:
My brother Aaron is a Guitar Hero master. He just finished “Freebird” on Expert. He’s been playing this all summer, and I’m starting to get hooked to (although it’s on Easy mode, and I still can’t figure the game out).

Perhaps I can find pictures of my Phantom adventure (stay tuned).

AND NOW…9 THINGS I’M PUMPED ABOUT FOR NEXT YEAR

1. I’m gonna be lame and be excited for my classes: Script Analysis, Stagecraft, working on adapting and writing “A Hmong Tapestry”, Literary Theory, and Applied Grammar. This will equate to a lot of reading and writing, but I’m pumped.

2. Continued work with Alumni Relations (lots of events to help out with: State Fair, Homecoming, All Choir Reunion, Student Alumni Council).

3. Choir/Voice “Schtuff” I’m eager to get back into the singing gear and maybe even work on a half recital for the spring. We’re going to be singing some excellent works in Christus this year. AND we’re going to Ghana in May!!!

4. Theatre Season. I could go on and on about the theatre opportunities for this year, but I’ll reserve that for another day. It’s gonna be rockin’ though.

5. Sweeney Todd will be showing in theatres in January

6. BIG Changes all around on campus–the new Chapel addition is beautiful, the destruction/construction for the new residence hall is going to be a great mess, but I’m excited for the advances for the campus. I hope to move into the new hall next fall.

7. The Sword newspaper is something I want to work on next year. I definitely want to write regularly and possibly work on the editorial staff.

8. Off Campus Living–this isn’t something I’m thrilled about, but it’s a new adventure that is exciting. I’m not exactly sure how this commuting thing is going to work. Who knows how it’ll be different compared to this summer. I know that it’s going to take some getting used to with meals, scheduling with my roommates, gas, etc. I do know that I won’t be a stranger to the campus.

9. I’m sure there are 10 things, but I can only think of 9 But I’m most excited for seeing everyone again at CSP. This community is magnificent, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I’m also keen on meeting the new students (freshmen, transfers alike)–that’s always fun. We’re all standing on that firm foundation in Christ–what more can you ask for?