Great news - - - sorry it took me so long.

Ok,

So - it's been a whirlwind starting out here at ASU. Before I get into that - I wanted to let you all know that I finally asked the love of my life, Mary Somerville, to marry me last weekend. We went up to Sedona for the weekend, and she said yes! I couldn't believe it - after a great weekend, and lots of tears, we are engaged! YEAH!

Back to ASU. It's been a long uphill road over the past 3 weeks. I feel like I am finally settling into things here, but am still getting my bearings. I did win a playing job out here in the Salt River Brass Band, which both of my teachers are involved in. I got the Solo Euphonium spot, which will be a nice continuation from Besses from last year.

I have 4 students at ASU that are studying with me. Sam, my teacher, always says that everyone should have at least one student - that way you have to be able to explain yourself to someone. It is essential to teaching. Everything is going quite nicely, and I am really enjoying getting back into teaching. I really think I could do this...

My new online store is opening up in 3 weeks, so it will probably be after that opens that you'll hear about my life. The new store is called, Just for Brass, it is a joint effort between myself and Steven Mead, my teacher from last year, and a few other people as well. I realized with all of this stock that I am selling that I am moving into a whole new level of records-keeping, which I don't think I'm prepared for at all. I guess I'll just have to wing it and hope that the IRS is kept-at-bay.

Anyway, that is it for me right now. I am enjoying being a student, being engaged, and simply enjoying life! Thanks for everyone who has sent good wishes! I love you all!