So, It's my Daddy's 50th birthday on Sunday. I've never been able to go home for his birthday, and this year I actually get to. And with it being a long weekend because of President's Day, I actually get to go home for the first time since I've been in college for his birthday.

This past weekend was the Intercollegiate Band Festival in Bismarck/Mandan. We sent six from NDSU (Chantel, Krista, Jeff, Anthony, Erin, and myself) and four out of the six of us got first chair (me being one of them). The main tune we played was Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana". Both me and Anthony had solos in it. I also got to see Martin those two days. I hadn't seen him since September, and it was great to talk to him again. We have to get together more often. There are lots of friends that I have to get together with... But anyway, in the end the concert went well, and my face hurt afterwards. I think anyone's would after rehearsing for 10 hours and giving a concert after only 2 days!!!

My mono is getting better. I think it's about gone. I'm following a pretty normal schedule with my sleep and schoolwork. I had a follow-up with the doctor last week and he said that I could start going to the gym this week. I plan on going tomorrow. I still have to take it easy at first and not do all the things I used to do, but I do need to get back to working out. I need to get back into swimsuit shape before band tour...

The Jazz Festival went very well this year. The guest artists could not come in till late Friday night because of a tornado that hit New Orleans that caused their flight to be delayed. So, what that meant is we did not get a normal dress rehearsal with them, but only a 45 minute quick rehearsal on Saturday after all the high school bands played. The concert went very well. It was the biggest audience I have ever seen for a concert ever! It was a great way to end my final Jazz Festival at NDSU.

Well, I think that's all I have for now. Off to do some reading for class....