Oklahoma Baptist University

I'm not happy with the changes OBU is bringing to the campus. What's the point of adding more sports teams and paying for scholarships when other students are having to transfer because OBU won't offer them scholarships to keep them there. Is having more sports teams going to keep the transferring non-athlete student? Why do we need a football team when we've been fine without one for so long? Isn't this just going to bring the cost of tuition up even more? Do we have the room and finances for a varsity swim team? What about the departments who are not able to give their student workers enough hours because their budget can't afford it? Oklahoma Baptist University has a pretty campus on the outside, but what about the mess on the inside? Buildings that need desperate repair (Ford Music Hall, Agee Dormitory, Shawnee Hall), classrooms that come with wasp spray because the infestation is so bad, and the room damages that students are charged for even if they didn't do the damage are all examples of maintenance that needs to be performed before the addition of new high-cost sports teams. The pool for example: it is now having renovations done on it for the addition of the new swim teams. It has maintenance issues and the pictures of the drained pool look disgusting. Why is OBU just now addressing these issues?

These are some of the questions I have.

Dang

One of my best friends is transferring. She also happens to be my suite-mate. Dang. If it's the best thing for her, then I guess that is where she needs to go.

I don't know whether to be sad for me, or happy for her.

Again?

So I realize that it has been entirely too long since I last blogged and I'm sorry.

Any rate, I am needing to kind of rant tonight.

I'm not stressed out, but I am upset. Last year, I had one roommate who transferred at the semester and then I had another roommate for the spring semester. I thought I found the perfect solution with Tabitha, but I guess I was wrong.

I have been blessed with a wonderful roommate this semester. She hasn't been the cleanest person, but she is a music major and knows what I'm basically going through. We get along really well and we work together as band manager and librarian. She has a fiance who is letting her borrow the couch which is in our room right now and the rug which is on the floor. Not to mention, she has the nice tv and dvd player which is in our room.

She is moving out because she found an open room that will give us both single rooms. She said this won't effect how much we are paying (and it better not). I'm just upset that I haven't been able to keep a roommate for more than a few months. Until college, I lived in my own room, but when I got here, I have had a roommate and loved the experience of having a roommate (except Bethany, but she is an exception). She insists that it isn't because of me, but more of a last minute decision. I feel like it has more behind it though.

One optimistic thought is that my fish could probably come back. I'm bummed out.

I guess I will just have to worry about finals and then Christmas. At least I had a gig this weekend that paid me enough for Christmas presents.

Merry Christmas.






Seale

Long Due Update

Well Howdy Folks!

It's been quite some time since I have written a blog post and I feel that it has been too long, so I thought I would write one now!

First order of business: I just mixed Sprite with have a bottle of grape Powerade and it is quite delicious. I don't really know why I decided to do it, but I thought "why not try something new?"

I have been working at a hotel as a front desk clerk and I like it. I do meet some very interesting people! I don't like having to get up so early so I can be there at 7am, but I get off at 3 so I still have an evening which is nice. I only make minimum wage, but I don't mind. It's a paying job that gives me enough hours to survive on. That's all I'm asking for. Plus, I get to work with my grandmother so I get to see her often and make sure she's alright.

I can definitely say I'm ready to go back to school. It's going to be busy and trying, but I can handle it. I'm taking a lot of hours plus playing a sport with a few music ensembles. That's going to be a big workload, so I am going to warn you that I may not have a whole bunch of time to blog, but I will certainly try!

(I'm having issues with ants trying to crawl on my screen. It's getting annoying seeing how I am in bed while writing this.)

Other that work, I haven't been doing much. I did go on a mini vacation to Kentucky to visit some family and it was nice and well needed. I love my family in Kentucky. Heck, I love Kentucky. The food's great, the landscape is gorgeous, and the people are awesome.

Sorry for a short, all over the place blog post, but I wanted to give you a brief update on me. :)

Britt

Truly, Life’s Mysteries Unfolding to a Simple Mind

I am debating on what to do. I want to teach, that is certain. The question is what and who.

What: I have been adamant about teaching music because of the importance, but is that really what I'm being called to do? This question is still being processed in the inner works of my brain. So until I know how to further this question, I will move on to the next part of the first question.

Who: To get the sarcasm out of the way: KIDS!!!!! Focusing on grades is what this question is referring to. I have felt that I want to be able to work in the advanced studies of music with high school age students, but recently, I felt that maybe I need to explore the idea of teaching elementary age kids. I have enjoyed working with grade school kids in the past with teaching vacation bible school at church, but is it really what I want to do? Is it what I'm being called to do?

I have been really pondering this part of the question lately because of my involvement in M.E.N.C. (Music Educators National Conference) Lately, they have brought elementary education speakers and their attitude towards the kids they teach has inspired me about working with kids that age. They are so influential in these young lives, but this isn't the main reason I want to teach. It's not about me, it's about these young humans that are the future of the world. These kids are at the age that they are developing their brains and can learn more efficiently then starting programs at older ages. Take foreign languages for example. There are studies that prove that if you start learning a foreign language at an early age such as those in Pre-K to 2^nd or 3^rd grade (approximately so don't quote me on it) that they retain the information more than starting to learn a language in high school or college. To teach the basics of music at such an early age would benefit their lives as a whole. For instance, I wish I would've learned solfege more consistently in my education than just starting to grasp the concepts of it now. Even learning it now, I realized that I could learn it better by implementing hand motions to the solfege than just by learning the verbal syllables.

The guest speaker tonight talked about the Kodaly method of education and quoted him with a quote that engraved itself in my mind.

"Only the best is good enough for children."

The speaker also talked about how he required his teachers that taught music in the elementary age to have degrees in Music Education, Elementary Education, and Conducting because "Only the best is good enough for children." I have never really had the passion to go onto grad school, but now I see the opportunity to instead of pursuing a single course all the way to the doctorate level (which would be cool), but more the way of rounding out my education so my students will receive the best instruction I have to offer. I would rather have 3 degrees rounding out my education than only have all the experience applied towards a doctorate degree. I don't mind being just Ms. Seale rather than Dr. Seale (although it has a ring to it :P).

I guess I need to focus right now on what God is calling me to do and surely he will give me the guidance on where I need to be. I will be (hopefully) a good example of his love and like Koday said, "Only the best is good enough for children."

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and as a reward, someone should give you a cookie. J

 

Best Regards,

Seale

Insert Blog Title Here :)

It has been quite some time since I have sat down and thought of something to say on this blog. It could be because I don't have very many readers, or it could be that I just don't have the time. But today I am sitting in the cafeteria eating my breakfast and while do so, writing this blog. As I'm sitting here, I wonder and ponder and think of things, and I guess I will share with you those thoughts running around in my brain like a track runner never finding the end of the race.

How many people use the Gatorade dispenser?
Why is everything fried here?
Why is no one here in the morning?
How long have the apples been here?
Why am I cold? (well I know the answer to that, I'm chewing ice)
Why is the exit door always locked?
How many people are addicted to the ice cream? (I secretly want to quit)
What are in the "slush puppies"?
Is the Slush Puppy mascot really a puppy? Or is it a dog?


Here are my ramblings and I hope you enjoyed them. Maybe someday I will find out the answers to my questions. It truly is "Life's Mysteries Unfolding to a Simple Mind."

Seale

Arena (known to self and others) kind, modest, silly, spontaneous, trustworthy	Blind Spot (known only to others) accepting, calm, caring, cheerful, clever, complex, confident, dependable, energetic, friendly, happy, helpful, ingenious, intelligent, introverted, knowledgeable, mature, observant, reflective, religious, searching, shy, warm, witty
Façade (known only to self)	Unknown (known to nobody) able, adaptable, bold, brave, dignified, extroverted, giving, idealistic, independent, logical, loving, nervous, organised, patient, powerful, proud, quiet, relaxed, responsive, self-assertive, self-conscious, sensible, sentimental, sympathetic, tense, wise

All Percentages

able (0%) accepting (11%) adaptable (0%) bold (0%) brave (0%) calm (11%) caring (44%) cheerful (22%) clever (11%) complex (11%) confident (11%) dependable (11%) dignified (0%) energetic (22%) extroverted (0%) friendly (33%) giving (0%) happy (11%) helpful (11%) idealistic (0%) independent (0%) ingenious (22%) intelligent (22%) introverted (11%) kind (33%) knowledgeable (22%) logical (0%) loving (0%) mature (11%) modest (33%) nervous (0%) observant (22%) organised (0%) patient (0%) powerful (0%) proud (0%) quiet (0%) reflective (11%) relaxed (0%) religious (11%) responsive (0%) searching (11%) self-assertive (0%) self-conscious (0%) sensible (0%) sentimental (0%) shy (11%) silly (44%) spontaneous (33%) sympathetic (0%) tense (0%) trustworthy (33%) warm (11%) wise (0%) witty (22%)

Created by the Interactive Johari Window on 22.3.2010, using data from 9 respondents.
You can make your own Johari Window, or view Brittany Allene's full data.

Coloring Song

Red is the color of the blood that flows

Down the face of one who loves us so.

He's the perfect man,

He's the Lord's own Son

He's the Lamb of God. He's the only one

That can give us life,

That can make us grow,

That can make the love between us flow.

 

Blue is the color of the heart so cold

That it will not bend when the story's told.

Of the love of God for a sinful race

Of the blood that flowed down Jesus' face

That can give us life,

That can make us grow

That can keep our hearts from growing cold

 

Gold is the color of the morning sun

That shines so freely on everyone

It's the sun above that keeps us warm

It's the Son of love who can calm the storm

He can give us life that can make us grow

That can turn our mornings into gold

 

Brown is the color of the autumn leaves

When the winter comes to the barren trees

There is breath there is death

Yes there is a plan

For there's just one God and there's just one Man

That can give us life that can make us grow

That can make our sins as white as snow

 

That can turn our mornings into gold

That can keep our hearts from growing cold

That can make the love between us flow

 

Red is the color of the blood that flows…

Day of Silence

Today, Febuary 24, 2010, I decided to do a day of silence. Many people were puzzled about this and I could only offer the answer that I was doing an experiment. I will explain the deeper meaning behind this day of silence.

No, I was not supporting something or raising awareness. I was not mute. I was trying to understand the tongue and it's effects on our everyday lives. So my earlier answer was true about this experiment, but there is a deeper meaning to this experience.

In scripture, the tongue is often spoken mentioned. When I was looking up verses on the tongue, my results on http://www.youversion.com came up with 135 results. Granted, not all of these were direct results of what I was looking for. I found verses that spoke about praising God with our tongues and also how wicked and deceitful our tongues are. James 3:9 states "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness." It is puzzling to me why the tongue has the ability to do this. Even though James 3:8 says "but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.", I wanted to see what it was like to silence the tongue, at least for a day, and if God's presence and the ability for me to hear what He is trying to say was easier with silence.

I can honestly that God is great and amazing. He used today to tell me to look at my surroundings, his gifts to us and simply enjoy without complaining. I noticed leaves that usually my eyes just past by. I noticed animals and specifically how beautiful birds can be. I noticed the playfulness of a cat climbing up a tree. I noticed the grass was growing green again. Usually, we get caught up in what we are doing and what to say and overlook the beauty of God's creation. My day of silence enabled me to "stop and smell the roses" while carrying on with my day. I wasn't worried about what to say or when because I chose to be silent. In this case silence truly is golden.

Communication wasn't completely shut off though. I still had to communicate in the classroom and with puzzled friends. I thought it was kinda ironic that we have been studying non-verbal communication in speech. Being silent for a day helped me understand truly what we were studying! I still sent text messages, I still wrote on Facebook, and I still was able to right my thoughts on paper so a puzzled friend could understand me. I noticed today though that vocal majors were the best at reading lips. I still "put a muzzle on my mouth" as quoted from Psalms 39:1 and lived to tell the tale.

Another aspect of the tongue is the ability to praise God with it. There are tons of verses of praising God for example

I cried out to him with my mouth;
his praise was on my tongue.
Psalm 66:17

My tongue will tell of your righteous acts
all day long...
Psalm 71:24

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure...
Psalm 16:9

My tongue will speak of your righteousness
and of your praises all day long.
Psalm 35:28

After my day of silence, I want to be able to speak of my God more frequently. I feel my tongue has not been concentrating on praising but rather harmful words. Through my day of silence, I realized this issue, but I plan to resolve it.

A day of silence isn't that hard. I still had exceptions like being called on in class and the listening lab (which required me to talk because I simply could not get my intentions through). After listening lab, I immediately silenced myself. I would recommend a day of silence for anyone because I feel it is important to hush and listen. An anagram of silent is listen. I think that's a clue! I was positive.

If you are one of my puzzled friends who wanted to know more about my day of silence, I hope this blog has told you the answers you were looking for. I would recommend the book of James. It is relatively short and able to be read in one sitting. I pray these words speak to you.

Seale

To My Band Directors at Broken Arrow Public Schools.

Dear Band Directors,

I want to first start out with a huge thank you, but I want to dive deeper into this thank you and I will by writing this blog.

I have been wanting to say thanks for quite some time now, but I feel this is the moment where my heart will be most compassionate towards the subject.

At Oklahoma Baptist University, we are playing Perthshire Majesty by Samuel Hazo. As Beth handed out this piece, I felt an emotion that can only be described as great gratitude. This gratitude goes out to the wonderful band directors not just at the high schools but to the middle schools and elementary schools as well.

At elementary schools, teachers start the process of music education through simple, but educational activities. I still remember Mrs. Cobb (R.I.P.) and the recorders as well as Hagalina Magilina Hoopenstiner Wallendiner Hogan Logan Mogan (was her name). I can recall learning "scooby dooby doo" and "mama made me mash my m&m's" as exercises to warm our voices and lips up before singing. Because of Mrs. Cobb (R.I.P.), music was my favorite memory of elementary school, and ultimately the beginning of my music career. She inspired me to have fun while making music, and I carried that passion into middle school where I joined the infamous band program of Broken Arrow Public Schools.

Mr. Burton was my next music educator that I was under the instruction of. He developed my music experience and skill by giving me the chance to play saxophone. I remember the first day with my mama's sax and playing on the mouthpiece to see if I could make a sound (not very good one, but it was just a mouthpiece!) and ultimately play the sax. I learned how to read, practice (although I didn't very often and I regret it), and play music. Mr. Burton helped cultivate my love for music and the music program, but the most valuable lesson he taught me was to enjoy the privilege of making music. He prepared me for high school and put a contra alto clarinet into my hands. Through his persistence, we (as a whole) became better musicians prepared for high school and the world to come.

In high school, I was a member of the Pride of Broken Arrow and I could write a novel on that experience, but I am not in this post. My freshman year with Mr. Vento was amazing. At South Intermediate High School in the Wind Ensemble, we kicked some music butt to say the least. We tackled pieces such as Fire, Green Bushes, Simple Gifts, and Pas Redouble, and we nailed them. This was my first experience to play in a high school band and it was amazing! Mr. Vento told us stories about his college experience and taught us scales and different modes and all sorts of valuable information!

Sophomore year, under the direction of Mrs. Cottrell, we played pieces such as Persistence, and Variations on America. On the Piece Variations' I had sixteenth notes on contra for more than a beat and believe me, I had never really had that kind of music before. In the marching band, we were the best we could be and because of that, we won the Grand National Championship. Tell me about an experience! She helped prepare us for the high school and once we got there, we took off into the music world.

Junior Year, wow. This I believe was the pinnacle of my high school musicianship. We performed for the first time ever in the National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. Preparing for this honor was a challenge. We had the music essentially from the first month of the fall semester and the hard part was keeping it interesting to the musicians in rehearsal. Under the direction of Mr. Tomlinson, we performed pieces such as Bogoritse Devo, Turning, Canzona, Vienna Fanfare, The Little Ripper,and Symphonic Dance for Band. This was a very challenging set of music. Bogo (in short) was short, but a sweet song-like ballad that we played until the very end. Turning by John Mackey, was scary in my opinion. The beginning (we played this after Bogo) has a very abrupt trombone part and will wake you up if you fell asleep, but then it becomes a very lyrical emotional song to play. I admit, I was moved and more than once cried while playing this piece. Canzona, what can I say about this? When I first heard the recording, it reminded me of Batman for some reason. The Oklahoma Intercollegiate Honor Band played Canzona this year and I relived rehearsing this piece. The wind ensemble grumbled most about this piece, but we knocked the snot out of it (haha). I didn't play in Vienna Fanfare because it was a brass piece, but they opened the performance and basically got everybody's attention. Wow, this next piece was well...wow! Symphonic Dance for Band, was a piece that was Japanese and very different. It was about 16 minutes long and challenging (the others were too, but the sheer length of this one was the most challenging). We brought in several guest conductors to help us develop this piece and bring out it's full potential. I learned from these pieces how to be a musician, and that is why I believe this was the pinnacle in my music career. I am not going to mention much about symphonic band for this year, but symphonic band deserves some credit too. I played alto sax in this band and even though some of the pieces weren't as challenging in SB, I still grew from the experience of being a musician in this band.

Senior Year, even though we didn't have a big venue to perform at like junior year, we pulled it off with a big hit. I was in all three concert bands that year and it was a blast. I played contra for wind ensemble, alto sax for symphonic band, and I learned bassoon for concert band. In wind ensemble, we played a piece called Give Us This Day, and I believe this is one of my most favorite pieces to play in a band setting. It has lyrical moments and some groovy moments too. We also took the challenge of playing Lincolnshire Posy. This piece challenged my practice routine and my musicianship. Looking back at it, I wished I had taken more joy into playing this song. I believed at this point I developed a little bit of senioritis and didn't take school quite as seriously as I should've. In symphonic band, we played both classics and more contemporary pieces such as Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Lux Arumque, and Perthshire Majesty. These pieces showed me different styles of music and how even though they were different, they all have a since of beauty that gives us a glimpse of heaven on earth through music. Concert band gave me a chance to learn a new instrument the bassoon and it was a challenge to learn how to play it. The reeds alone cost a small fortune and the difficulty of tuning it made this experience a difficult but rewarding one.

All in all, Broken Arrow's music program has given me more than I can imagine. Because of my experience with the music program, I have found out that I want to be a music educator myself.

Mr. Tomlinson said that we would never have our caliber of band even in most colleges. I can see that now. We played difficult music that some colleges won't even touch. The talent that Broken Arrow has not just in students but teachers as well has made the difference in my life. I owe the growth of my musicianship to Broken Arrow, and someday I hope to repay them by being a music educator myself that will give the inspiration to students as the Broken Arrow band program has given me.

I want to say thank you again to the Broken Arrow band program. I also want to say to the current students to not take your band program for granted because until you graduate and see how marvelous it was, you don't know how much you will miss it. Most of you look at the marching band as the main point of the band program, but without the concert bands, you couldn't be even be able to play on the field of dreams. When you go to band class, give your director a thanks for what they are giving you.

A Special Thanks To:

Mrs. Cobb (R.I.P.)

Mr. Joe Burton

Mr. Steve Vento

Mrs. Stephanie Cottrell

Mr. Reid Bennet

Mr. James Stephens

Mr. Aaron Bryan

Mrs. Kelly Pence

Mr. Tom McGillen

Ms. Mitchell

Mr. Ruiel Doonkeen

Mr. Darrin Davis

Mrs. Kristen Stephens

Mr. Scott Tomlinson

(and the Diet Coke that kept them all happy!)

Sincerely,

Brittany Seale

Betsy

So, I have the bestest RA in the world. Her name is Betsy and she is awesome!

Thank you Betsy for being so amazingly awesomely cool!

Seale

Peru

Okay,

I have been praying about this ever since I heard about it in my college and career class. The trip is expensive with an overall cost of $3,100. That includes travel, deposit, and specific supplies I would need. I used this as an excuse not to go. But, because I have been praying and seeking God, I was asking about this and money.

I got an email from my pastor asking me if I had thought about the Peru trip and if I committed to raising money, my church and pastor would help out too.

God answered my prayers. I felt helpless about raising that much money all by myself, but God has given me the opportunity to go if I committed myself.

You may be asking what on earth am I talking about. Well, here's the answer. I have been talking about going on a mission trip to Peru the first two weeks of June. Our church is joining college students from around the nation to go to Trujillo, Peru.

Oh Boy am I excited! I have to pay a $200 deposit and I have that already. I just need support from my family and my friends. I believe this is a big deal and I want to make the most of it for God.

I have been studying Paul and how he preached the gospel and how he found great joy in it. I want a piece of that.

Anyrate, I have to apply for a passport and all that stuff, plus I need to actually tell my parents. So mom, if you are reading this, great! Call me and we can talk about it.

Until later,
Seale

Nights Like These

Well, tonight was fun. I enjoy spending time with friends, meeting new people, laughing immensely, and overall having a good time. Tonight though makes me want the one thing I can't really have.

I have never had relationship with a member of the opposite sex, but never in my life have I had the want to have one so bad. The only thing though, is I realize that I am not ready for one.

If I were to be in a relationship, I need to be firmly planted in the Lord and have a strong relationship with Him first before a human. I don't feel that I have that strong relationship and it hurts. Ever since the plague hit, I can't seem to get back on track. I know what an awesome feeling I had when I was with the Lord. It was indescribable. Spiritual highs are so much better than other ways of getting high whether it be drugs or what I know, music.

Sometimes, I think that God is punishing me by not letting me have a guy, but I know that He doesn't punish me for not having a strong relationship with Him. It's more like He is my loving Father who is looking out for me.

If I were to have significant other in my life and He wasn't a godly person, I know that I would fall deeper into a rut that has been in my life for two years now. Yes, two years. As I am laying here writing this, I realize it's been that long and it amazes me. Wow.

I'm listening to music right now and I realize that God gave me music to satisfy myself and I am being too greedy and wanting more. I feel selfish, but my heart yearns for someone to share my secrets, laugh with, keep me warm at night while watching a movie, and all the things a life partner and friend would give. Music doesn't do that. I feel like I can't have what I want, and it makes me feel selfish, and I realize how bad I sound.

Someday maybe I will be with a certain someone, maybe not. But Lord, if you are reading this (which is kinda a silly pondering to ponder) please, please?

I'm sorry, I needed a place to share my thoughts and my blog is my own personal spot to do that. Thank you for reading my rants and rambles and everything else in between. You deserve a cookie.

Seale

Get Out!

Get Out
by Esma-Movie

God’s Use of Media

It has been awhile since I've posted last, but this one should be pretty good.

 

I was watching one of, if not my favorite, tv shows tonight and when I was done, I got curious. Now curiosity is a tricky emotion. The known saying of "curiosity killed the cat" (by the way my cat finds this very derogatory, although she is very curious and seems like she is getting into sticky situations all the time) has proved itself to be untrue in some definite situations. For instance, what I am writing about tonight: can God use media to arouse curiosity about Him and His mysterious ways? I believe He does. I say this because I feel like he has used multiple ways to get my attention and focus on Him. Unfortunately, I don't always keep my curiosity which leads to a path of loneliness and fear. But what has God done to prove that He does use media? I have a definite example.

 

October 2008.

I started reading the series "Left Behind" and got deep involved. Little did I know that the story of Buck and the end of the world would change my habits and thoughts. "Left Behind" starts with the rapture. The rapture is when God will (and I mean it) taking his followers and protect them from what is to come after that. After the rapture, is to become a period of complete chaos and destruction.

"When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say "Come!" Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword."

 

This passage is from Revelations, the last book in the Bible. It only describes a tiny piece of what will happen. Any rate, "Left Behind" gave descriptions of what was happening, and it made me wonder if this was really going to happen. Was the earth really going to go down like this?

I started reading Revelations and other passages that would give me answers. I started taking more interest in God, more than being just a "Sunday and Wednesday" Christian. I would sit in my car in the parking lot of the park near my house after work and listen to Casting Crowns, read, pray, and totally break down before my Lord. I found myself in Him, just because I got interested from a book series.

 

Now

 

I feel like it's happening again, this time with a television series "Supernatural." Yes, I can realize the definite fiction parts of the show, but they use vivid imagery of how the end of the world may actually come about. Tonight, I watched an episode where the very passage I mentioned above came to life. Now the red horse was a sweet cherry red mustang. The owner of the mustang was reeking war on this town, causing hallucinations and doubt. They even use passages from Revelations!

 

There are other examples of God using media to draw people back to Him. I listen to the radio all the time with people stating the music helped them come closer to God.

 

I believe God has a purpose for everything and everyone. He uses our own devices to bring us back to Him.

He is an awesome God, and I wish everyone else would see that. Peace.

 

Seale

 

Here's it again!

Did you know that the average student will spend over $500 per term buying textbooks? Seems like an awful lot of money to buy textbooks that often get opened one time, right? Well, with Chegg.com, you will save hundreds!

So stop wasting your money and start renting from Chegg.com. I’m on the bandwagon and I’ve saved enough to buy all my term papers! Not really, but I have saved some serious cash by Chegging my books. I have a promo code that will save you an additional 5% off your total order, useCC111321.

Want proof?

Essential Biology by Campbell, Reece & Simon is $83.18 if you buy it on Amazon.com. If you rent it on Chegg.com, it’s only $11.78. That’s a savings of over $71!

It’s so simple, just search for the books you need and place your order. Chegg will ship them to you fast and at the end of the term you ship them back for free. What’s really cool is that they plant a tree for every book that you rent.

Don’t forget to visit Chegg.com and use promo code CC111321.

Amazing Website Called Chegg!

Did you know that the average student will spend over $500 per term buying textbooks? Seems like an awful lot of money to buy textbooks that often get opened one time, right? Well, with Chegg.com, you will save hundreds!

So stop wasting your money and start renting from Chegg.com. I’m on the bandwagon and I’ve saved enough to buy all my term papers! Not really, but I have saved some serious cash by Chegging my books. I have a promo code that will save you an additional 5% off your total order, useCC111321.

Want proof?

Essential Biology by Campbell, Reece & Simon is $83.18 if you buy it on Amazon.com. If you rent it on Chegg.com, it’s only $11.78. That’s a savings of over $71!

It’s so simple, just search for the books you need and place your order. Chegg will ship them to you fast and at the end of the term you ship them back for free. What’s really cool is that they plant a tree for every book that you rent.

Don’t forget to visit Chegg.com and use promo code CC111321.

My Awesome Year in Review- 2009

I decided to do my own year in review today. Hope your 2009 was as good as mine!

Okay, I am going to do this by month.

January- Well, this was a very important month because not only did it start 2009, it was the end of a very rewarding marching band career in the Pride of Broken Arrow. We performed in the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade and that trip was awesome! We had an amazing week of traveling, fun, performing, and more fun, oh and a lot of traveling. I was thinking today that a year ago today, I was in Disney Land getting ready to march in the New Years Parade. I got to go to Disney Land! I want to say thank you to my band directors for giving me the opportunity of being in the "grandest band in all the land." From winning the Grand National Championship in 2006, to spending 4 amazing seasons making friends and memories that will last a life time.

February- I had fun learning the string bass in orchestra- yet another instrument to add to my list of played instruments. I also got to participate in my very first and only All-State Honor Band. It was a blast! Interesting sleep conversations, meeting some amazing musicians, getting out of school, getting free stuff from the convention, and of course performing on my favorite instrument-the Contra Alto Clarinet! Started hankering down for my last concert band state competition (having fun, but making some serious music!). This month was pretty big when it comes to music, I tried out for my music scholarship and placement in the OBU Symphonic Band. This was difficult because my instrument broke once I got to Shawnee. I remember that my sight reading was the tuba solo in the fourth movement of Holst's Suite in F. It wasn't really sight reading for me, I was honest though!

March- I fell in love with the Ukulele again, I fell for it hard core this time. I won tickets for a concert and had to give them away because of an after school wind ensemble clinic! At this point, we were finishing up our pieces. Band Banquet! This was truly the closing of my Pride career, with my one and only award of most improved! Oh, did I fail to mention, I was the only girl in my section? I had some awesome big (and 1 little) brothers! Finished my mural in my room! I started getting out and walking/running with the pups. We had some fun, got some good exercise, and relieved some stress! Lost a few pounds too! I got a job at Taco Bueno, little did I know how much grief I would get from this job.

April- Getting a little discouraged in Wind Ensemble, but Mr. Tomlinson pushed us to be the best we could be, and we accomplished a lot. April 4th- started Taco Bueno. I gave blood for the very first time! I got hooked! Playing in the saxophone quartet and the clarinet choir. Learned how to manage an ensemble, have fun making great music, and overall just having fun with some awesome musicians. At this point, I am starting to realize graduation is getting closer. Swine flu hits and so does my having fun watching the world go crazy. Good in between month.

May- May was a life changing month for me. On the first of May, I got my rooming assignment and information that day. Little did I know, I would have the most bestest roommate I could've imagined for. Had some issues with the neighbors and trying to form a gang in front of my house, caused dad to sleep with a loaded pistol next to his bed. Learning how to jump rope for exercise, lots and lots of work. Gave private lessons for the very first time, thus sealing the deal for teaching music. I found out an interesting combination of foods that was actually pretty good- salsa and hotdogs. I had my very last concert band concert, a good run of 2 years in Wind Ensemble, 2 years in Symphonic band, and 1 year in the concert band. I was given the opportunity to play amazing music literature that even my college band won't touch! Had my very first wreck involving driving OVER a car. Luckily, nobody was hurt, and no hard feelings. This wreck happened to happen exactly one week before graduation. "Lost my uniform" and got to be the only one to keep their Pride uniform. GRADUATION!!!!!!!! I got to walk across the stage and get my diploma cover. Yes, just the cover, but I did get my diploma later. I got some amazing gifts, like a visit from my grandparents that live in Washington. I enrolled for Oklahoma Baptist University and officially became a bison! GO BISON!!!! Having some major issues with Taco Bueno. My last VBS as a youth helper, we dived into the Australian outback and had an awesome time with the kids. Amazing Month.

June- My month of fitness. I started walking with the dogs again plus some jump roping. I also mowed the lawn for some exercise! The goal was to be able to run/walk the 5k at Falls Creek. I got my frogs this month! Only one tadpole and the froglet survived, but I am thankful. I officially got addicted to Farkle and addicting everyone else around me. Your welcome. Major issue with Taco Bueno. They threw my car keys in the trash, that night, I gave my notice and luckily I had another job lined up for me. Literally, at this point, Taco Bueno was no bueno. Last Falls Creek! I was excited, but it was a bittersweet week. I was the oldest one, and had an amazing time. You know how I mentioned that I wanted to run the 5k? I did! I also recruited some members of my church to do it too!

July- Started my new job as a desk clerk for Days Inn South, amazing job, definitely the best job I have ever had. I also started the insane job of leash training my cat. Let's just say that didn't end too well. She did go to the vet and got a good bill of health!Got into cycling. Fixed up my bike and started riding the trails that are next to the turnpike. Good stress reliever! Brianna took hold of my Facebook account and posted many odd things about me, thus started the war of hacking each other's facebook. People started wishing me a happy birthday before my actual birthday! All in all, good month.

August- A very happy 18th birthday kicks off another life changing month for me. I was getting ever closer to move in day at OBU! Unfortunately, I lost my birthday dinner. I got my laptop that eventually led to me being hooked to the computer. Found out my car is having battery issues two days before move in. It is time! The big day came to move onto Bison Hill in the newly renovated WMU dormitory. With the pressure of a dying alternator, we got myself moved in and situated. I donned the legendary green and gold beanie and started my college years as a bison! I met my amazing roommate and got a reminder that a few friends from high school were going to OBU, one of those happened to include a Miss Sydney. Little did I know she would be essential to starting a relationship that will last and also introducing me to her roommate Miss Kara. For my first weekend on the hill, us three girls and Mr. Jon went on a late night trip to slide park. I got to make some amazing relationships in the symphonic band! I started searching for a church for the very first time in my life. At least my roommate went with me to the first one on the first weekend. I got my regular clarinet that I would be taking private lessons on from the amazing Dr. Giacona.

September- Classes have started and are going quite well. Books are coming in left and right, causing me to have an amazing time checking my mailbox! Classes started off great with awesome professors and new friends. Speaking of friends, my relationship with Kara and Sydney grows stronger. The hunt for a church is still on, but is interrupted by the Twin's birthday and labor day weekend. The twins turn fourteen reminding me that I have lost my psychological grip on their minds. In two years, they will be driving and I will be staying off the road to avoid potential collisions even though we may be several cities apart.

October- This month was a true in between month. It was filled with a visit to Edmond, OK to watch the 2009 Pride of Broken Arrow win another state championship and awe the audience (especially me) in the process. I got to know my roommate better, but I also found out that she was transferring at the semester. This was sad for me because I found out that I was going to be losing a roommate and friend that had been a definite aide in helping me get used to college life. Kara and Sydney sealed the friendship with a long talk of Skype. Again, this was month was an in between, but important month.

November- Brrr, it got cold in Shawnee! I had to go get my coat, then come to find out, it would be 60+ degrees! Finishing up assignments, worrying about finals, and getting caught in a tangle of misunderstanding occurred in November. Friendships were strengthened, especially between Kara, Sydney, and I. Thanksgiving came upon us and gave us a period off of school that was much needed, and well taken. I started my research paper on pornography that led to interesting results, and some inspiration I got for the paper was from Law and Order: SVU. I got hooked and stayed up all night to watch these episodes of pure horror. Catching up on a little bit of practice, and starting to value a certain roommate even more went on during November. Good month November. Good Month.

December- Guess what? It's already December and as I'm writing this, I have 45 minutes left to finish up my review of 2009. Finals went great, enjoyed a spectacular musical put on by my church, and the stress of moving back home and losing a roommate started to bear down during December. December though, is always the month to look back on the year and enjoy the memories the year has provided. I met my 2 best friends, ended my high school band career, graduated high school, started college, and ended my first semester at Oklahoma Baptist University. What better year could I have had? I couldn't ask for a better year to be spent with better friends, new and old, and a better family. Thank you for an awesome year!

The class of '09 was destined to shine and boy did we!

Oh, think about ten years ago when the world was worked up on the millennium. Crazy huh?

Thanks Again for a Great Year!
Seale

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all! I would like to say a few words concerning the music that surrounds this holiday like a warm blanket on a cold winter's day. Speaking of cold winter, where I'm at, this is the second time in history that Oklahoma has declared a blizzard warning!

Music is very important to culture and society. It seems to be especially important when it comes to praising the most high God. Music is used to express joy and sorrow, used to praise and worship, and is used to lift spirits in times of trouble. I have a personal tie to music as it has affected my life tremendously.

All throughout elementary school, I was the lead singer for all the musicals. Yes, you read right, I was a singer. That all changed though when I entered sixth grade and joined band. I played alto saxophone and absolutely loved it. Music gave me a venue to express myself.

As I entered high school, I joined the competitive marching band known as the Pride of Broken Arrow. This was a journey. I learned what kind of a musician I was and what I wanted to do concerning my career. I wanted to be a band director. I wanted to give kids/teenagers a chance to be able to find themselves through music like I did.

Music for me is also a way to simply relax and settle down. I will frequently lie down and just listen to sweet music that I have put together in my iTunes playlists. I also have a variety of instruments from my alto sax, ukulele, to my father's banjo that he gave to me. Lately, I have been figuring out Christmas tunes by ear like We Three Kings, Carol of the Bells, Away in a Manger, and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

As the snow is blowing all around, I am cuddled up with my fleece blanket, laptop, and ukulele just enjoying this Christmas eve as I listen to Christmas tunes, and I wish everyone a very merry Christmas!