Happy 4th of July!

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Happy 4th of July

What’s more appropriate for the 4th of July weekend than a baseball game with your family?  That’s exactly what I did yesterday.  And even though the Rockies — the home team — lost, it was a perfectly patriotic day.

Our last day in Denver will be spent by the pool, eating Chick-Fil-A (!), and soaking up a few more hours with the family before we head back to Illinois.

I hope you enjoy the holiday! Have fun, be safe, and come back here tomorrow for a brand new week of the regular Listen & Learn fare.

Friday Fave: My Studio is Finished

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Music Therapy Studio

Four months ago, I sat down to dinner with my husband at our favorite Thai restaurant and proposed that we renovate two rooms of our house, turning them into my new studio.  He looked at me like I was nuts, but I kept talking, and eventually he warmed up to the idea.

Now that it’s complete, Zach couldn’t be happier.  He can see how thrilled I am with the finished product, and he gets to reclaim the main part of our house.  A win-win situation.

It’s actually a win-win-win situation, because I am positive that my students and their families will love it, too.  The entrance is right off of the driveway, there is a dedicated waiting room with plenty of comfy seating, and the studio is bright and inviting.

But instead of just telling you, I want to show you what I mean.  I took pictures of every last nook and cranny, and posted all 99 of them on my Facebook page.  Go take a look! And be sure to let me know what you think.

iPad? Check!

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iPad 2

I am one lucky girl!  Not only did my family throw a super fun afternoon cookout for my birthday, but they also gave me an iPad 2 (with a pink smart cover).  It was delivered to my husband’s office today, so I can’t wait to open it up and start playing with it this evening.

I also received several gift cards and checks from other family members and even a few students’ families, which I put towards the AirTurn Page Turner and Music Reader system (which you can read more about here).

I’m looking forward to using all my new gear this summer — both in my studio and for playing gigs, my first of which is tomorrow.  I’m only four days into summer vacation, and yet I’ve barely had any downtime at all.  Not that I’m complaining!

 

Hey, Hey…It’s My Birthday!

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Rachel's 28th BirthdayAs a birthday present to myself, I’m taking a break from the usual “Sunday Singalong” video — mainly because I haven’t had a chance to make one this week!  After wrapping up my last day of work on Thursday, doing double duty as maid of honor and vocalist in a wedding on Friday, and attending another wedding yesterday, I think I deserve a day to just chill with my friends and family.

This is the third birthday I’ve celebrated at Listen & Learn, which I find incredibly hard to believe!  I’ve written about turning 26, turning 27, and now the big 2-8. It’s true what they say…time flies when you’re having fun.  This year is going to be an exciting one filled with lots of new adventures, but before I get to those, here a few highlights from my 27th year:

  • Releasing my first studio album
  • Taking a 2nd anniversary trip to Chicago
  • Becoming an internship supervisor
  • Celebrating my brother’s wedding
  • Presenting my first CMTE at AMTA National Conference
  • Hosting my family on Christmas for the first time
  • Becoming self-employed and expanding my business

There are lots more highlights I could list, but I’m out of time!  My family and friends are getting together for an afternoon birthday celebration in just a little bit.  I’ll report back at to whether or not I receive the items on my birthday wish list, though all I really care about is being with the people I love :) Happy Sunday to you, whether or not it’s your birthday!

Friday Fave: My Best Friend’s Wedding

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My Best Friend's Wedding

My best friend Katie is getting married tonight! I am so excited to be her maid of honor, just like she was for me in my Friday evening wedding almost three years ago (as pictured above).

Not only do I have the responsibilities that go along with being maid of honor (holding the rings, giving a toast, corralling the dress, etc.) but I’m also singing at the ceremony. My friend Ryan, who is an amazing guitarist with whom I’ll be gigging this summer, is going to accompany me.

Last year was the summer of wedding singing — I think I sang at 5 of them — but this year, Katie’s is the only one. But that doesn’t mean I have a shortage of weddings to attend! In fact, Zach’s best friend James is getting married tomorrow. And then two weeks from now he’s in another wedding in Chicago, and the list goes on and on.

Katie and Justin have been together for almost 10 years, so I’ve been waiting for this day for a while now :) It should be a perfect day and evening. I hope you have fun plans for this beautiful Friday, too!