Happy New Year!

I neglect this thing way too much. Sorry about that.

Things have been decidedly hectic the past few... well, months. Starting school later really backed up so many events that, in the past, have seemed a little more well-spaced. Making it to the 4th round of football playoffs (while admittedly a cool thing) probably added to that a bit.

Well, more than a bit - but I digress.

Some cool things that have occurred in my absence are...

... Waller HS qualified for and competed in the school's first ever State Marching Contest. The kids performed better than anyone expected them to (especially considering their grueling schedule in the days leading up to the performance - BOA San Antonio and quite a bit of rehearsal) and they had a great, great time of things. Loooong days, traveling back and forth to San Antonio, but I think everyone went home a tad tired but happy. Video embed below:



... Shortly after that, I decided to take my only semi-free weekend in November, plan out an elaborate scheme, place clues across Midtown Houston, get down on one knee, and propose to Sarah. She said yes.

At Ibiza, celebrating.

... Sarah and I made our way up to Indianapolis to check out BOA Grand National Championships. Great performances, great seeing old friends, and hanging out in a pretty hip city (even if it is cold as hell...)

... Thanksgiving was great - spent with Sarah and her family. Food was awesome, just having a break was pretty amazing... only marred by a very, very cold playoff game. (I am a northerner, and this was cold).

... December was a good month - concerts galore, Cavaliers auditions, Region Band auditions, more playoff football, Spring band auditions... atop Christmas shopping! Oy vey...

... Attended Midwest (sadly, sans Sarah). It was wonderful to see some old friends, make some new ones, get a scolding from one of this blog's two readers, and just generally recharge. Big congrats to Steven Bryant on Radiant Joy being awarded the NBA/Revelli Award - kudos! Marcus HS and Harrison HS stand out as absolutely great performances, and huge props to Michigan State's Wind Ensemble for an excellent performance (and interpretation) of Newman's As the scent of spring rain... (Which stood up very well against its equally well-performed pyrotechnic program predecessor Slalom) Sadly, I do not think I will have the chance to go back next year - as Midwest falls a little too close for comfort to the wedding.

... Break was great - flew home to PA for Christmas. Sarah came up to join us from Cincy shortly after. Tried to take advantage of the no-sales-tax-on-clothing bonus of shopping in PA, but $400.00 for a tux is a little more than I had bargained for. Keep saving the pennies, I guess!

Seeing the family is great - never really get to do it as often as I would like, but that's the price of living where there are two seasons to pick from (hot and slightly chilly). As you can see, we attempted to pack in quite a few activities beyond the normal Christmas fare:

The Meals children, circa Christmas morn 2007. That's Loo in the middle. Don't ask about his name, there are only a few who would understand its origins or meaning.

My parents held a "Meet Sarah Dinner" while she was in town. My friends Brenna and Mark stopped by to give their approval and visit.

My parents took us up to the Presque Isle Downs... not nearly as cool as some other casinos that I have seen blogged about, but Sarah plays a mean nickel slot. I think we were up $30.00 at one point... only to lose it all. Sadly.

So that's been the goings-on of late here. Definitely looking forward to 2008 - the band will be fun this semester. Having my weekends back (to an extent) will be nice, too!

Also, very glad that some things on the national stage are looking up.

Lastly, keep Kenya in your thoughts and prayers - one of Sarah's good friends is there with the Peace Corps, and things are not going so well for them. Light a candle or two...