Awesome Performance at the Alamodome

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“Finals Performance” San Antonio, 2019
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 55mm, f/4, 1/125 sec, ISO1000
 “Finals Performance” San Antonio, 2019

So after yesterday’s bus debacle, Koa’s high school band performed at 9:30 am in the preliminary competition, and scored third in their class, which meant they earned a position in the finals, which are held in the evening. It’s pretty impressive that they did so well after waking up super-early (I dropped him off at the high school at 4 am).

But what is even more amazing, is that in the finals, which started at 7:30 pm, they came in third place, which is the highest they’ve ever achieved at Bands of America! They have a fantastic show this year, but honestly, we kind of knew two other bands would capture the top spots. It was just a question of where Koa’s band would end up. All the bands in the finals are really terrific, so when they kept announcing the bands (in order from 14th on up) and Koa’s band wasn’t mentioned, Mariko and I were very excited. And when they announced 4th place, and it wasn’t Koa’s band, I was very happy – a third place finish (out of a total of 64 in all) is awesome!

“Awards Time” San Antonio, 2019
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 55mm, f/4, 1/125 sec, ISO1000
 “Awards Time” San Antonio, 2019

This is the last marching competition that they will participate in this year and what a finale! Next weekend the drumline goes up to Dallas to compete, and of course there are a few more football games to perform at, but I think the pressure is off for the band kids. Another fun season (for the band parents too) is in the books.

I hope you had a nice day!

またね～

Marching Band Bus Mishap

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/4, 1/10 sec, ISO200
 “Watching the Bands” Cedar Park, 2019

こんばんは。How’s it going?

Today, Koa’s high school marching band was supposed to perform in San Antonio in a Super-Regional competition. Unfortunately, there was a snafu with the buses, and only 4 of the 6 buses showed up to take them to San Antonio (a 1.5 hour trip). So, Koa and a few of his band friends came over to watch the other marching bands on the streaming service. They had a good time, but of course would have preferred to perform.

But, they have been reschedule to perform at 9:30 am Saturday morning, which means a call-time of 4:15 am at the high school before taking regular school buses down to the Alamodome. It’s not an ideal situation, but they gotta roll with the punches! I was always wondering what would happen if there was a break-down or accident. I guess it’s always play-it-by-ear. 😆

I hope you had a better Friday than they did!

またね～

All Hallow’s Eve

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/8, 1/100 sec, ISO500
 “Trick or Treaters” Cedar Park, 2019

How was your Halloween? Ours was pretty chill and chilly, with the temperatures in the 40s by the time the sun was going down. I think that led to there being less trick-or-treaters than normal. Still, we had quite a few come by and I spent the evening handing out candy and working on my Inktober project. We haven’t decorated for Halloween in a few years, but our neighbors go all-out, so we get to enjoy the spirit of the holiday all month-long. It’s fun!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 19mm, f/8, 1/100 sec, ISO2500
 “Spooky Decorations” Cedar Park, 2019

I hope you had a nice Halloween!

またね～

Team Outing and Shake Shack

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2, 1/40 sec, ISO3200
 “The Team” Austin, 2019

こんばんは。How’s it going?

Today the work group I am part of went out for a little fun and relaxation. It involved plenty of bowling, some drinks, appetizers, and plenty of laughter. We all had a good time! I’m really fortunate to have such fun workmates.

Then when we were leaving, a few of us decided to get shakes at Shake Shack for the drive home. It was actually my first time to visit Shake Shack, so not only did I get a “Black and White” shake, but I had to try a cheeseburger and fries. The meal was pretty tasty, but quite expensive… the total was $15. I’m not sure I’ll be back, but I finally can remove Shake Shack from my bucket list.

I hope you had a nice day!

またね～