Hits and Misses (March 3-8)

Another week has come and gone. Here's a look back at the week that was!

HITS

• I overcame my shyness and attended a choir rehearsal at Marion First Baptist on Sunday afternoon. We were preparing for revival services that didn't happen (more on that later), but I enjoyed singing with a group of people. The fellowship was sweet and I began to feel at home. I'm not sure that I'll be able to make choir rehearsals on Wednesday night because of work schedules; we'll just have to see how that works out.
• There's nothing quite like getting a pre-Spring Break break! Because of Ice Storm 2014, classes were cancelled Monday - Wednesday; I don't teach at MSCC on Thursday, so I only had one day of lecture. Woo hoo! I was able to get most of my lectures recorded for my online class and start grading papers without the complication of teaching classes. It was a welcome rest....wrapped in the disguise of a nasty storm.
• Despite the storm, the end of the week was still filled with successful performances. I don't know which feels better...walking away from a recital hearing that clearly passed or exiting the concert hall after collaborating on a beautiful senior recital. Two very different feelings that I got to experience this week. One recital down; six more to go!
• After Friday's recital, I decided to take Saturday entirely for recovery. That translated to a trip to the movies to see Monument Men. Amazing cast (Matt Damon, George Clooney, and John Goodman were wonderful!) with beautiful scenery told the story of an army unit tasked with saving the masterpieces of European art that that Nazis were attempting to steal and destroy in the final days of World War II. The artist in me swelled with pride as I saw men willing to risk their life because they clearly understood the importance of art to the human experience.

MISSES

• Ice Storm 2014 brought nearly 4 inches of sleet to eastern Arkansas. Power lines were down, temperatures plummeted, and a poorly-treated section of interstate stranded motorists for hours. The Geriatric Ward didn't move! When I tried to head to Union on Wednesday morning, it took nearly 2 hours to travel less than 30 miles. Whatever was on the agenda would just have to wait until Thursday.
• My movie choice wasn't playing at one of my usual theater choices, so I went to Studio on the Square instead. What a rotten facility that desperately needs a makeover! The seats were uncomfortable, the food was not up to the standards of Malco theaters (How difficult is it to prepare a soft pretzel?), and the screen wasn't large enough for the projected images. Malco, I know this theater is probably not one of your biggest money makers, but it's a great location with a lot of potential. Please make plans to update the facilities!
• Daylight Savings Time is the bane of my existence. I think we should all take our lead from Arizona and do away with this antiquated plan from our agricultural past! At least I don't have to stand in front of a congregation this year and pretend that I'm happy to be awake before the sun. See? There's always a silver lining. :)