Jessica and Jackson I originally didn't know what this day would bring. I've been sick with a cold/virus, or something for almost a week. I didn't move all weekend, and took a sick day today because I still didn't feel well. Luckily, by the time we were to take the kids out trick-or-treating, I mustered the strength to go with them. I would have hated not to go, and figured if after a while, I could always come home. Things turned out fine, and the kids had a blast. We came home just a tad early because of Jackson's asthma. But they had plenty candy by that point. Trick or Treat everybody...
0 Comments
We had the chance to finally carve pumpkins tonight. It would've been done much earlier, but I've been sick for a few days and really didn't move much. The kids had a real blast tonight, although Jackson didn't want to touch the flesh inside of the pumpkin. Jessica had a lot more fun doing that, while Jackson ended up playing with his toys in the living room. He was very excited to have his Batman pumpkin though!
WOW! That's even hard for me to say, let alone accept... I had a glorious day today in Annapolis at the MAEA Conference. It was kind of an emotional day for me. The conference was held at the Maryland Hall for Creative Arts and Bates Middle School. I took classes there in portraiture/drawing with John Ebersberger, almost 20 years ago. So it was kind of nice to come full circle, and walk down the same halls as a teacher, that I would walk down as a student so long ago. I also ran into two very important people from Towson University that I had back in the day, Kay Broadwater and Jane Bates. Kay was the person who would come and observe me teach, and Jane Bates was the head of the Art Education program at the time I was there. Jane has since retired, but still comes back to the conference every year and often presents. And Kay is now the head of Art Education there. It was nice to see them, and to thank them for all they did for me back in the day. It was a wonderful day to reconnect with some folks I haven't seen in a while. Moreover, it felt really good to be recognized for hard work and dedication. I can't thank my wife enough for all of her support in everything I do. Additionally, I can't thank my parents enough for everything they did for me, especially supporting my career choices/studies early on and driving me to those classes at Maryland Hall. And lastly, thank you to the parents and kids of CCES, for your support, driving me to become better and making me want to come to school everyday.
That's all I can say. I just read an email from my county level boss, Mark Coates, that read "Congratulations." I am receiving the award for Howard County Elementary Art Teacher of the Year. I'm truly speechless. It's great news that came on a not-so-great day since I had to take my son to JHH for the consultation for his upcoming hand surgery. I'll receive the award next week at the MAEA Conference in Annapolis. Stay tuned!
BH Playing the Lap Had a great night last night with my wife. Thanks to my parents (who came up from NC to watch the kids) we were able to see Ben Harper at the 9:30 Club in DC. We are huge Harper fans, and I love seeing him in a club much more than a larger venue like Merriweather, etc. It was an awesome show, lasting about 3 hours, not counting the opener. What a bargain, compared to some costs of tickets these days. We even had the chance to meet him and the band after the show. I was able to get two CD's and one DVD autographed, and we snagged a couple of guitar picks when they were striking the stage after the show. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera, but was still able to get the shot to the left with my less than stellar cell phone (yeah I was that close). It was a late night, but oh so worth it! Caught a great jazz show tonight with my Dad. Aaron Diehl and his quartet played at the BMA. Every year the Baltimore Chamber Jazz Society has a series of jazz concerts in the amphitheater at the BMA. It ends up being about 5 shows, a couple in the Fall and a couple in the Spring. They are definitely priced very well, and it's a great way to see some great jazz (if you're a Kenny G fan, this is not for you), without having to go to NYC or DC. They always finish the season with a Jazz Masters concert, and always have a few up and coming younger guys as well. My Dad and I try to get to as many as we can. It's one of our father and son things. It was wonderful show, and the kid can really play piano. They ended up doing the first set based solely on the work of the Modern Jazz Quartet. The second set was mostly original compositions and standards. If you're not familiar with the BSJS or the BMA, you should do yourself a favor and check 'em out!
|
B.D.SchmittHusband, Father, Archives
November 2015
|