...I guess I'm due for an update on this thing. There is way too much to catch up on over the past 2 years to fit it all in this blog. -I'm on my third season at Valleyfair (finally assistant team lead) -I've given 2 recitals; one joint recital with Justin my sophomore year and a solo recital this past spring. -I've been playing in Jazz I for a year; something I never thought would happen. That experience alone has helped me grow so much as a musician. Also I finally had a chance last semester to play principal trombone in Wind Symphony. Also completely amazing experience. -Josh is great; we've been together for 3 years now, and still doing really well. I'm living at his parents house again this summer so we've been spending lots of time together. Hes getting ready for grad school and sounding great on all his stuff. Also just got a brand new Greenhoe trombone, which, I might add, he really loves a lot. -I started wearing glasses right after my last blog post, and finally just got contacts a few weeks ago. -The Heidels left for Iowa. Dr. H accepted a job (with full tenure by the way) teaching band there. That has been a really emotional thing for me. Dr. Heidel and I had kind of a special relationship that I don't think many people even realized...he's been incredibly supportive of my family (and me) during the hard times over the past few years, and I don't think that many professors would be as supportive as he has been. That being said, it'll be really tough to come back to EC in the fall and not see his smiling face around. Too bad for the band program too. I'll also miss Kelly; shes great. I think this move will be a tough transition for her. -Other professor news; Dr. Ostrander and his wife had their baby. She's a lovely baby girl named Lydia, and I can't wait to babysit for them this year! I'm really happy for them both; I think Allison has been wanting a kid for a long time. -I went through a period of weirdness where I dyed my hair dark brown. Looked pretty darn good, but I probably won't do that again; too expensive. -Living with some new roomates for next year and I couldn't be more excited. Last year was just great as well, but we didn't see much of each other. Overall we got along really well though; so no complaints. This year I'll be living with Mary and Naomi right behind Dooleys. It'll be great to live right off Water Street. -These are getting kind of long; sorry. -My dad has a new teaching job in Delavan. He loves it, the kids are great and he now has tenure which makes the 40 minute commute worth it. I'm sure there are a million and a half other things I left out, but those are some of the big things that jumped out in my mind when I was writing this. Hope that gives you a bit of insight as to whats been up with me. Love, Rachel | 
