I did another parade this morning—the Taylorsville Dayzz Parade. I thought we were doing the South Jordan Country Fest Parade this evening, because that’s what my calendar said, but I guess Mrs. Leyva changed her mind at the last minute. Section leaders called their sections, but no one called me. I was about an hour late! Anyway, our cymbal player was there this time, so I didn’t have to march. I walked alongside and gave them ice and encouragement. I also helped with a few places where the tempo isn’t holding together well. It was a good opportunity to just sit back and listen and identify trouble spots. Next time we get together I’ll know exactly what to work on.

I’m moving into my sister’s old room. It’s kindof a big project, especially since I’m still sore from the parades. My parents bought a queen sized bed so that Steve and Merissa will have something to sleep on when they come to visit. So I thought as long as they were moving furniture around, I could use a little change of pace. Hopefully I’ll be all moved in by the end of today.

One more thing. I added a new Guest Map to my site (There’s a little link to it on the left). It allows you to pin your location on a map of the world, along with your name and a quick comment. I hope it will be interesting to get an idea of who visits my site and where they are from. 

I have had a long couple of days! My whole body feels like mush right now, and I could really use some sleep. I went with Janene to the airport yesterday morning. She will be in New York City until next Tuesday. Her family got a nice package deal on tickets and hotel accomodations. Her mom grew up in New Jersey so they are going to take a day and see the places where she grew up. From talking with her on the phone, it sounds like she’s having a lot of fun, but I miss her. 😟

I feel like mush for three reasons. First, I marched in the parade last night with the drumline. I really just wanted to walk alongside so I could help with tempo and other things the drumline needs cleaning on, but the cymbal player wasn’t able to come so I ended up marching and playing cymbals. Let me tell you, marching cymbals is no picnic. They are heavy and the straps cause a fair amount of bruising.

Second, after the parade last night I did something most of you will find slightly insane. There is a local bowling alley that holds an all-night youth activity about once a month. They do this on holidays when kids are out of school. Basically you show up around midnight and they lock everyone in until 6am the next morning. Entrance costs about 20 bucks. It includes shoes and unlimited games, plus they provide pizza at the beginning, free drinks all night long, and a continental breakfast toward sun up. It was a lot of fun, but I acquired a headache after the first hour which placed a damper on the rest of the night.

Finally, at 6:30am I met with the band for yet another parade. Once again I marched cymbals. By the time we were done I was ready to keel over. Of course, this parade was shorter than the first one, so it wasn’t all that bad. The good part was I got to go home and sleep afterward. I’m doing much better now, although like I said, I’m very sore.

Anyway, before I go to bed I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Independence Day! I have a deep respect for our country and our freedoms. I am saddened by some peoples’ attempts as of late to weaken our country’s relationship with our Heavenly Father. Our nation certainly cannot claim to be God’s chosen people any more than any other nation, but I have a strong belief that we could not have survived this long without His support, guidance, and protection. It is the moment we turn away from Him that we will find ourselves with no ability to defend the freedoms that we enjoy today. I love my Heavenly Father, and I love this great nation. God Bless America! 

I have to admit that yesterday I was a little worried whether or not the drumline would be entirely ready for the parade tomorrow. My worries were blown away after seeing them today. I’ve never seen them improve so much overnight. Most of the basses were still using their music yesterday because they didn’t have the songs memorized. Today they marched and played for almost three hours straight with no music. They hardly missed a beat and they sounded great! Now I’m really looking forward to the parade tomorrow.

I haven’t mentioned this yet, and I should say something about it before I forget. The “Check Engine” light in my car came on again this week. I don’t know what I’m going to do. At this point the only thing left to replace is the distributor—and it could cost $500! I’m going to have to call Janene’s cousin again. I guess we’ll see what happens here in the next couple weeks…

Last but not least, I’ve added a new section to my website. I have always had a fascination with vocabulary, and I have wanted to put this up for a while but never got around to it. It is a list of useful Words that have fallen out of common usage. It is my opinion that these words must come back! 

ACK. I just had four cavities filled. My face feels like it’s going to fall off. The worst part is I have to go in next month to have three more done! I’m really hungry right now so I ordered a pizza. Hm… It should be interesting to find out if I’m able to eat it. 😊 

Another week has come to a close for the West Jordan High School drumline, and they have progressed considerably. The band is doing two parade songs this summer: Gitana by Victor Lopez, and the Gershwin classic, Summertime. The drumline can play both songs all the way through, and they hold together for the most part. There are still a few trouble spots that need cleaning, but they are learning fast. Mrs. Leyva has asked everyone in the band to have both songs memorized by Monday, so we’re going to have a little memorizing party at my house tomorrow. With this extra little push I hope they’ll all be well prepared for the parade Wednesday.

This week I was offered a seat on the Technology Board for the University of Utah Student Union. A good friend of mine was just appointed chairman of the committee. The job would be to update the Union webpage and to organize technology oriented activities on campus and over the Internet. My friend says he hopes to get chat services and gaming up and running on the Union website soon. I told him I didn’t have a whole lot of time this summer, but that he should definately contact me in the fall. I think it will be a lot of fun, and would certainly look great on a resume or my application for addmitance into the Computer Science Major. Anyway, have a “look see” at the Union Website.