Busted!

This evening my family went to dinner at Niemerg's Steakhouse. It's rare for us to go to dinner, so this was actually a special treat for Mom, Dad, Ethan, and I before I leave. I had been visiting a friend prior to the 6pm dinner time, and one of their kids is in the high school band with Ethan. Well, he apparently had Pep Band this evening due to a basketball game, so I mentioned that I didn't know if Ethan was going with us to dinner then since clearly he would have to play in the band. As far as I knew, everyone had to be there for these games. That's the way it worked when I was in band, and with the same band director, I imagined the policy was the same. Don't skip out, or you'll be in big trouble!! (and yes, I know from experience ;)

So I got home ready for dinner and they said Ethan was going with us. I said, "Don't you have to play in pep band tonight?". He answered that it was a voluntary night and he hadn't volunteered, so it was ok to go to dinner. My brother is a good kid, but I have to say I doubted him, but I thought it was nice that he wanted to join me before I left town. Granted, he probably just wanted food! Of course, I was still skeptical because it was also starting to rain and we're supposed to get sleet, so I thought maybe more kids would bail on the evening as they wouldn't want to risk driving in on the country roads. But hey, who was I to question it? I loved the idea of all of us going out to dinner.

Hee hee...of course, in a small town, nothing is that simple. I kid you not, we got to the restaurant (and I didn't even notice at first because I was busy finalizing some trip things with my friend on the phone...I know, I was such a cell phone snob to enter the restaurant with my ear to the phone)..we got there, and who is the first person my mom sees and points out to Ethan? None other than his band director, Mr. Lindvahl! I believe Ethan turned white. (ok, so I don't know, I didn't see it). Of course Mom was teasing Ethan that he was busted for skipping band, and then told me I had to go explain that Ethan was spending quality time with his sister. (honestly, at this point, I was just getting off the phone so I was like, "what?" "Who?"). But yup, there was my old band director! I waved and said "It's all my fault!" while pointint to Ethan. He just laughed.

But that's not the end...nope. As he had to be at the game, Mr. L finished before we did and came over to say hi. Which was nice because I always enjoy chatting with my former teachers (you think I'm lying, but it's true...I'm a geek that way!). Anyway, he asked what I was up to, and I explained my trip and future study plans. Being musically minded (and into producing his own documentary films) he was intrigued and asked me to speak to his classes after I finished my Sound Design program. "Gulp!" Me? Speak to high school kids? Ok, so like that's really different from speaking with anyone else, but that does feal surreal...to be invited to speak at my old high school. So I replied, "Will that get my brother off the hook if I do that?". (hey, you gotta use your leverage...just in case!) But he said no worries, it was a voluntary night. (yes, I should listen to my brother...my apologies Ethan for doubting you on this, but you often try to beat me up, so I can't trust everything you do! ;)

Anyway, now I'm going to hopefully finish my year of school with flying colors, so I know what I'm talking about when I return to high school!! Just one more reason to make the most of everything coming my way, huh?

Just goes to show you, that you never know what's coming your way, even for a "simple" dinner with your family. MY slacker brother "skips" band and I end up having to give a speech? What's up with that?! Kidding of course...if I survive moving from Florida to Vancouver, I can do anything! what's a little speech compared to that? But maybe it's good that I leave town on Wednesday, before I get roped into anything else....