Things are not always as they seem

Aunt Ruth recently went back to the town she grew up in to take a look back. I was reminded of the story my mother frequently told of her first experience going around the block.

She was the new girl in 5th grade, moving to the "big city" of a few thousand people. She had never lived anywhere with blocks to travel around. As she was telling her new friends that she didn't understand what they meant to "ride your bike around the block", they explained the simple process. You go to the end, turn left, go another length, turn left, and so on until the 4th turn when you will end up where you began.

So off she went. Side 1, 2, 3, 4--and she wasn't back where she started! So she retraced her steps, and explained it didn't work! After all going together, they discovered she lived on a 5 sided block! Actually, in Grand Ledge, MI there are 3, 4, and 5 sided blocks all over town!

click on the above link to view a map!

That story reminds me that what appears to be true isn't always reality. For the past several months, if not possibly over a year, I have not felt well or been myself. I attributed my multiple ailments to peri-menopause, doing too much, turning 40, etc... However, it was suggested this past fall that I get my thyroid checked. I became very discouraged--yet one more thing possibly wrong with me!


After testing, it has been discovered I have B-12 anemia and hypothyroidism. The interesting thing is that the B-12 problem is probably inherited from my Scandinavian descent. Apparently I'm missing an important enzyme in my stomach that will convert this vitamin from my food into my body. Hypothyroidism is very common. Many symptoms of both overlap each other! Things like emotional, cognitive, physical symptoms are all affected by these two things.

This explains what I've been dealing with--tachycardia, exhaustion, moods, anxiety, tremors, menstrual changes, unexplained weight gain, not thinking clearly, forgetfulness--

Thankfully I have a doctor who listened to me and connected the dots. Now we're working on the right combination of meds, but already I feel like a fog is lifting!

I'm hoping to be back to my old self soon. We're all ready for that to happen!

Opportunities Given

There are moments in our lives that become poignant. Emma and I experienced one for each of us while together this weekend.

Emma earned the privilege to be a member of the 2008 All-State Concert Choir. She was one of 40 1st Altos in the State of Florida to be accepted, and their rehearsals and concert were part of the Florida Music Educators Association annual conference the past 4 days.

Opportunity One: RHS was selected as the focus demonstration school for the next 3 years with the FMEA. The reality of that was in the performance of 5 music groups and a dvd highlighting the school on-site during the first General Assembly session Thursday morning. That meant 5 charter buses going up to Tampa for this honorary performance.

Betty Mullett rehearsing with the A Cappella Choir and Wind Emsemble

Anna, Chelsea, Laura waiting to go on stage

Opportunity Two: Emma and 300 high school singers worked with Dr. Kenneth Fulton from LSU to prepare for the closing concert of the conference.

Dr. Kenneth Fulton rehearsing with All-State Symphonic Band and Concert Choir

It was held at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (but more on that venue in a bit!) last evening. Emma is definitely ready to be in a college setting, working with the faculty at Hope College where she will be attending with sister Katy, as a Vocal Performance major this upcoming Fall. But for now, she had 4 fellow RHS'ers in the same choir with her, and another in the Women's Choir!

Emma, Amber, James, Alexandria, Shane: RHS Concert Choir members

Emma and Allison enjoying coffee at Bern's Steakhouse Dessert Room!

Opportunity Three: Friday evening our director, Betty Mullett, chaperons and all-state students went out to dinner and then over to famous Tampa restaurant, Bern's Steakhouse, to have a special dessert ending to the evening. This is an amazing place, and a two hour dessert experience ended the evening for the 9 of us! Bananas Foster and introduction to Turkish coffee will never be the same again for most there!

The Incredible Bananas Foster!

Opportunity Four: Saturday morning I was unexpectedly called into the final, closed rehearsal at TBPAC to fill in for the suddenly ill Concert Choir accompanist. This is always a closed rehearsal. That means no chaperons, teachers present--only the Coordinator for the choir and a select few board members. To be on stage when the 3 inch thick concrete curtain rose, see the house from stage...unbelievable!! Up until 6pm, I didn't know if I was going to be the understudy for this prestigious event! I was quite happy to be the mom in the audience when the curtain rose, after having an impromptu "audition" for the FMEA Board and incoming Florida Vocal Association president while sight reading the music for the Concert Choir!! Bottom line: what an opportunity to accompany the All-State Concert Choir on stage at TBPAC! Who cares if it was the dress rehearsal?!! It was awesome!!!

Here's a video clip of the rehearsal...

Fabulous weekend, and unforgettable opportunities for Emma and me!!

2008 All-State Symphonic Band and Concert Choir at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center

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Here are some other clips from the weekend--