Em & Jeff in Atlanta

It's been awhile so I thought maybe it's time for an update! Jeff and I are doing great in Atlanta (well, Lawrenceville). Jeff has a challenging job and has been learning about web design at breakneck speed, but now is being switched over to design projects (like logos, banners, etc.). He's no longer working in Tim's department, and they're moving to a new building. Something's always going on at Turner. However, they certainly treat their employees well for their work. Every Friday they have catered breakfast, and during the summers they cater lunch as well. It's demanding, though. Jeff says he doesn't want to keep this pace up for the rest of his life, though he seems to be dealing with it okay.

I am enjoying teaching...7 guitar students (all beginners) and 8 piano. I am REALLY enjoying my guitar lessons. I'm at my third lesson and already have learned so much. (I didn't realize how much I've missed having someone to guide and push me in music.) I think I'm on the upswing now after last week's funk when I discovered I have been using the completely wrong right hand position for classical guitar. My teacher called it a "classic rat claw." So, suddenly I couldn't play anything decently anymore with the new position. I'm getting the hang of it now, though. Classical guitar is a very picky, difficult instrument!! I like my teacher very much...he's extremely disciplined and has got me planning out each practice session. He's also a cool guy who is easy to get along with, and though I don't think he's saved, is very nice. I'm also getting the info he learns from Georgia State straight off the presses (he's working on his masters in guitar). So that's all good! Laurance, I'd love to sit down and show you some of the stuff I'm learning some time!

I also made it into a chorus--the Michael O'Neil Singers, and just had one rehearsal last Monday. It's a choir of 125 people--big!--and I'm singing first alto. We are doing a "Holocaust Cantata" which is very sad of course but has some beautiful music. They have tryouts for a smaller chamber group within the choir this Monday. I'm going to give it a try at least.

What else...Jeff and I joined Berean Baptist last Sunday, and, though I've been comfortably under the radar until now, the principal of the school asked me to start playing the piano for specials and some choir songs. My wrists have really been bothering me, but are getting better now, so if you think of it I'd appreciate prayer there. I don't think it's carpal...just sore muscles from the unaccustomed guitar position. Last week it was bad enough to keep me awake, but thankfully it seems to be healing, with the help of a heating pad and wrist brace.

We're getting along fine with Tim and Stephanie, and have been doing some fun things together...Stephanie got a guitar and is taking from me, and we like singing (and doing errands) together. Jeff and Tim have a "blast" literally playing each other in video games...though I'm hoping that subsides soon!

Well, that's my stream-of-consciousness update for now :) I miss all of y'all and enjoy hearing how you're doing!! By next summer we'll actually have a house, and then can have some of you over! :)

bdays and anniversaries

Our family is getting so big, it's getting hard to keep track of bdays and anniversaries! I don't know if this will help anyone else, but I thought I'd post this in case anyone else needs the info. Let me know if I'm missing anything or need corrections.

February 12--Laurance's bday
February 14--Mom's bday

April 5--Dad Kannon's bday

June 10--Gma Dinkin's bday
June 30th--Ella's bday

July 25--Jeff's bday
July 31st--Chuck's bday

August 3--Laura's bday

Sept. 5--Grace's bday
Sept. 8--Isaiah's bday
Sept. 16--Mom & Dad's anniversary
Sept. 17--Dayton's bday
Sept. 21--Kimberly's bday
Sept. 24--Laurance and Kimberly's anniversary

Oct. 9--WIll's bday

Nov. 9--Jeff and Em's anniversary
Nov. 19--Erin's bday

Dec. 1--Emily's bday
Dec. 18--Dayton and Erin's anniversary
Dec. 24th--Will and Laura's anniversary