It is currently 2:30 a.m. here in Florida. I don't think anything amazingly exciting has happened since my last article. Maybe I'll remember something incredible, but I'm pretty sure this past week was fairly normal.
I've been spending a lot of time at the "Macaroni Grill," continuing my training and whatnot. When I'm not at work I try to get outside as much as possible because the weather down here has been nothing short of beautiful -- and I've definitely been taking advantage of it.

From left to right: Matt Haines, me, Laura Westmoreland, and Tracy Shandor on our way back to rehearsal in North Carolina in 2003.
What is the weather like, you ask? Oh, 80 degrees and sunny, thank you for asking. So, I figured - why not spend some time in the pool doing laps? I'm not used to swimming, and I actually get more out of breath from it than I do from running. I plan on doing a whole lot of swimming before move-in. It's much easier on your joints and all that good stuff. So I'll mix it up and add some running, weight training, and whatever else I need to do! I've also gotten a head start on my summer drum corps tan by lying out in the sun. I'm sure a lot of you reading this right now are living in some sort of arctic climate. Sorry to talk up Florida's extremely wonderful weather so much, but It's just that awesome. So, if you're reading this right now and can see snow outside of your window -- you should head south for some vacation! Speaking of vacation, at least 15 Cadets will be coming down here sometime in March for spring break. I'm VERY excited about this. I thought it was only going to be a couple of people, but it turns out there will be way more than that. Some way or another, all these people will end up in either Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, so we're all going meet up for at least a beach day and then who knows what. More details to come when I get them -- because I'm sure you're dying to know. Hmm, what else? This past Saturday I drove down to my old high school (Flanagan) to watch a winter guard show. I got there and watched Braddock Independent warm up and stuff. April Gilligan teaches them, and I know almost all of their guard from either the Cadets, school, or somewhere else. They are ridiculous. I also watched two high school guards -- Flanagan and Stoneman Douglas. They were all very good. I also got to see some friends from high school, which was nice. I'm starting to get into this winter guard stuff. I think it is amazing, but I don't know very much about it, so it's time to get some DVDs and start learning. I have lots of friends that could answer questions for me, which is awesome -- I just have to start asking. I can do drop spins and I can toss a single on a rifle -- sometimes. Bam! Watch out! Here's a little section for my friends. These are just people that I miss or just want to say hi to -- I'm pretty sure they read these things. Hello to: Craig, Jared, John-Tavia, Christen, Rob B, Josh and Rich from N.J., Laura, Matt, Sarah P, Katie, Brian A, Rick, Mark L, Megh, PJ, Mary and Travis. All right, I think that is all for now, haha. I just watched the end of a show called "distraction" on Comedy Central. This guy had to answer a few questions to win a brand new Ford Mustang, but with every incorrect answer, they would do some sort of damage to the car. He ended up with a brand new car -- with a smashed in windshield and paint dripped on it's roof. Not too bad! OK, that's enough randomness for one night. Have a wonderful week! Paula Hyman is a fourth-year member of the Cadets where she is the mellophone section leader. She is 20 years old and currently single. Originally from South Florida, Paula recently made the move to Allentown, Pa., to work for YEA!, the umbrella organization of the Cadets, Crossmen and the U.S. Scholastic Band Association. She ages out in 2006.