by Rachel | Uncategorized
Okay, I’ll admit it: most of my work is done not at my desk, but rather, on my couch. If you were to visit my house on any given evening, you’d likely find both my husband and I sitting on our brown leather couch, respective MacBooks atop our laps. In fact, I’m actually in that very spot as I write this.
And since I know I’m not the only person who is blogs, tweets, facebooks, and partakes in various other computer activities from sofa central, I thought I’d let you in on this handy dandy little item right here:
The Old School Lap Desk not only keeps my legs from frying under the heat of my laptop, but it also holds papers, computer accessories, and anything else I might need while camped out on the couch. I have my friend Nabilah to thank for the recommendation; she clued me in on the awesomeness of this lap desk last fall.
Now it’s your turn to ‘fess up: are you reading this from the comfort of your couch? And if so, do you use a lap desk or something similar?
by Rachel | Uncategorized
The first week of June just might be my favorite week of the whole year. Not only did summer break officially begin yesterday, but tomorrow is my birthday. To tell you the truth, I started celebrating this afternoon with a shopping trip, but the real celebration happens tomorrow night. My family is getting together for dinner at my favorite Japanese restaurant, and I can’t WAIT – their sushi is seriously amazing. Oh, and the company’s not too bad either :)
The fun will actually continue into Sunday, when my dad, brother and I head down to St. Louis for a Cardinals’ game. Heck, I might as well call it “birthday week” because my summer break continues through the 13th. (No school, but my private practice’s summer session begins on the 14th.)
In summary, I am one lucky girl. I have a loving family, wonderful friends, and a community of awesome people (YOU!) to connect with on a regular basis. I have a feeling that year #27 is going to be a great one. Here’s to a fabulous weekend, whether or not it’s your birthday!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
A year ago today, I sat in this same chair and wrote a blog post very similar to the one I’m writing now. I can’t believe an entire school year has flown by since then! It really has gone by quickly, not that I’m complaining :) As much as I love my time here at The Hope Institute, I sure am looking forward to having a few months away to tackle new projects and recharge my batteries so that when I return in August, I’m refreshed and ready to rock.
While cleaning out and organizing my office today, I’ve come across quite a few reminders of how busy, productive, and fun this year has been. There were leftover CDs my students and I created for our Celebrity Chef fundraiser, copies of my presentation at the Illinois State Board of Education’s nonpublic schools conference, an issue of the magazine in which our school (and my music therapy program) were featured, the programs from our holiday sing-along and spring sing-along, and my favorite: the numerous cards, gifts and artwork my students have given me throughout the year.
I’m a big baby when it comes to good-byes, so I’m trying to focus on all the big things this summer holds. Get ready for an onslaught of new songs, the release of my first studio album, and everything else I’m cooking up for you, my cherished Listen & Learn readers!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
After a canceled flight, hours spent in an endless airport line, and a last-minute hotel stay, I’m finally home! Aside from the travel drama, I had an awesome weekend in NYC with my best friend, Katie. We had perfect weather for brunching, shopping, and walking around the city, among other things.
On Saturday night, we saw the Broadway show Promises, Promises, starring Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes, who played Jack on Will & Grace. The show was great – lighthearted and fun, just how I like them. Afterwards, we waited outside the theater in the hopes that we’d see the famous cast.
Sean was so nice; he came out, talking to everyone and signing autographs. He wouldn’t pose for photos, but Katie was able to capture the two of us in the same frame. Such talent!
Kristin Chenoweth was still not feeling well, so she didn’t mingle with the crowd. But we did meet Tony Goldwyn, who was in the show and is best known for his role as the “bad guy” in the movie Ghost.
When we weren’t rubbing elbows with celebrities, we did manage to find the perfect bridesmaid dress for Katie’s wedding (and several promising dresses for her, too). It was fun to spend a few days in the city with someone who lives there; I didn’t feel like a total tourist, for once.
But enough vacation talk…tomorrow is my last day of school and I have SO MUCH left to do before summer break begins at 3 pm. Eeek!
