Update 2: Wisconsin for 4th of July

Wisconsin was our first stop on our long haul from Cincinnati to California. You may be wondering...why Wisconsin? It's not really the most direct way...

Well, I have family there! We spent the 4th of July with my Grandma (who is 93!), Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. We had a blast! My family is from a little town called Hazel Green, Wisconsin (located in the south west corner). We spent the 4th on the Mississippi, at a parade, and at a local town, Shullsburg.



At the parade!


Teren and Layla on the Mississippi


Fireworks in Shullsburg


My Grandma with her great grandchild (my cousin's son)

I love the 4th of July :)

Update 1: Caribbean Cruise

On my last post found here, I talked about things that I was excited about. The first one was my family's Caribbean Cruise.

We had an amazing time (to say the least). We enjoyed Royal Caribbean's "Oasis of the Seas" boat and went to Haiti, Jamaica, and Cozumel. Take a look at some of our pictures!


On the "Boardwalk"



My hubby and me at dinner



Musicians on Labadee, Haiti



The gang in Haiti



My brother and our tour guide in Falmouth, Jamaica



My mom and dad - love them :)



Hubby, Mom and Me

Here's to the first of many updates that will be coming soon! Lot's to catch you all up on!

Tomorrow's My Last Day at MTS

Well, I've survived my countdown, to say the least. Tomorrow is my last day at MTS and I have mixed feelings.

Things I'm excited for:
Seeing my family next week for a Caribbean Cruise!
Seeing family in Wisconsin for July 4th.
Seeing RCorry and Rachel in Vegas!
Moving back to California and starting "the next chapter" of our lives.

Things I'm not excited for:
Saying my final goodbyes tomorrow at work.
Leaving my first 'real' job.
Leaving my/our friends in Cincinnati.


Here are pictures from the rest of Teren's graduation week!


Teren and his parents: Rande and Adrienne


Adie, Aunt Robby (Rande's Sister), Me, and Ronna (Rande's Sister) Dinner at La Poste


Uncle Henry (Ronna's Hubby), Teren, and Rande

Family Fun!

Don't have too much time to blog today/this week as my family has been in town. Today was Teren's first graduation ceremony (the lonnggg one) that honored "Doctoral Hooding and Masters Recognition."


Hubby made it on the jumbo tron!

Tomorrow will be the All-CCM graduation and hopefully will be more intimate.

We are eating tons, laughing a lot, and making up for lost time!



Teren and Me at lunch at Montgomery Inn


Me, Ronna and Robby waiting in the car until we could be seated at Terry's Turf.



Adie, Teren, Me and Rande at Terry's Turf



More pictures to come! Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Countdown Begins

I'm a big countdown person. Once I know how many days until something occurs, I find it easier to make it through the days and then have something to look forward to. It's just how I work and how I get myself motivated.

Yesterday was my last day working with my groups and clients on Saturdays. Parents brought in two thoughtful and beautiful bouquets, a lotion gift set, cards, and hugs.


Flowers from my clients

So, here's my work countdown until my last day of work!

3 more Tuesdays
1 more Wednesday
2 more Thursdays

This Wednesday my In-laws and some extended family come into town for my husband's Masters Graduation from CCM. We actually moved to Cincinnati after our July 2009 wedding for him to pursue his Masters in Orchestral Conducting from CCM and now he is finally done! I'm so proud of him!


My in-laws and us at our wedding

I am looking forward to spending time with our family, packing up our apartment, and moving on to California!

3 Things...

...You Must Tell Your Client Before You Say "Goodbye" for Good.



In my last post about Termination, I discussed the five steps needed to make termination successful for both the client and yourself. Today I will discuss the three things you must tell your client before your final goodbye.

1. Appreciation
Tell them why you appreciate them. What you've done together, how much fun you've had together, why they're such a great musician, etc.

2. Regrets
Of course I wish I could spend more time with all of my clients! But, unfortunately, that is not the case. Tell your client something you regret. "I wish we could have worked some more on your guitar because you are sounding really good." "I was really looking forward to getting to know you better."

3. Gift/Wish
Wish something to your client. For example, "My wish for you is that you continue to spread music and joy to all those that hear you sing." or "I hope that you always remember me when you sing our favorite song, and remember that when I sing it, I'll always think of you, too." If you've made CD's, DVD's or projects, the last session is the perfect time to present them with this.

Some of my last sessions are this coming Saturday and this next week. I am preparing videos, photo slide shows, hand written notes to each and every client, and a Donut party for my Saturday morning groups.

Do you have any traditions for your last sessions with clients?

Spread the Word...

...to end the Word.



It's a serious matter. Help me spread the word to end the word.