Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
So there's a notice on my mailroom door for a found doggie. It says, no joke, that the dog is a "whight femal."
Yup.
In other news, today is Paul's birthday. Happy birthday, Paul!
Also, I watched probably my favorite episode of 30 Rock (so far) today. I'm working my way through the series and just got to episode 3 in season 4--where Liz and Jack go to Stone Mountain to try to find a new cast member for the show. It wasn't the funniest episode I've seen, but it sure did make some good social commentary.
Liz and Jack go to Georgia with different expectations. Jack thinks that the country people he will meet are simple and therefore more pure and good. Liz believes that no matter where you go, you will find both kindness and evil. Turns out Liz was right. Best quote of the episode:
Jack: "Why are you people laughing at this? You are supposed to be better, nicer... but you're terrible! You're all terrible, just like the people in New York!"
Liz: "All God's children are terrible."
It's true, isn't it? You think that there is one person out there who isn't terrible--well you're wrong. We all act in selfish, evil, ways. Remember that. We are all terrible.
Yup.
In other news, today is Paul's birthday. Happy birthday, Paul!
Also, I watched probably my favorite episode of 30 Rock (so far) today. I'm working my way through the series and just got to episode 3 in season 4--where Liz and Jack go to Stone Mountain to try to find a new cast member for the show. It wasn't the funniest episode I've seen, but it sure did make some good social commentary.
Liz and Jack go to Georgia with different expectations. Jack thinks that the country people he will meet are simple and therefore more pure and good. Liz believes that no matter where you go, you will find both kindness and evil. Turns out Liz was right. Best quote of the episode:
Jack: "Why are you people laughing at this? You are supposed to be better, nicer... but you're terrible! You're all terrible, just like the people in New York!"
Liz: "All God's children are terrible."
It's true, isn't it? You think that there is one person out there who isn't terrible--well you're wrong. We all act in selfish, evil, ways. Remember that. We are all terrible.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
So I had an adventure at airport security yesterday. I was running late. As I entered the long lines of security at MCO, I had 45 minutes left before my flight took off. I though I'd be fine, that I'd be sure to get to my gate on time. And I was ...until I got to the x-ray checkpoint.
I am taking Craig's N64 to Tempe because, well, why not? Anyway, it turned up as a "suspicious item" at the checkpoint. So the suitcase had to be pulled aside and checked. A security dude opened my bag, found the system, and did some test on it where he wipes it with a little tab and puts the tab into a machine. All at the breakneck speed of a turtle. While doing this, he kept teasing me about having an N64. "What, you don't have a Playstation or Xbox?"
"No," was my curt response.
The machine beeped, which I guess was bad, because they he had to summon a supervisor. Then they asked me to put all of my other items on the table to be checked. This included my flute. I waited and waited as the time ticked by. I looked at my cellphone. I had TEN minutes before my flight took off. WHAT? I needed to get out of there!
Finally a supervisor came to check my stuff, but I had to wait a little bit longer for a female security person to give me a pat-down. After being thoroughly violated, I look over to my stuff and see someone unzipping my flute case. OH NO HE DI-INT.
I began to panic and completely lose control. Stories of ruined instruments run through my head. "Please be very, very, very careful with that," I say as urgently as possible.
This is not a good time for me. I am sick. Snot is running down my nose. My flight leaves in 7 minutes. And someone who has no idea of the value of my flute (both monetarily and to my life) is handling it. I am pretty sure that I started crying at this point.
Finally, someone told me that I could go. Knowing that I would be unable to easily zip my suitcase back up with everything inside (it was pretty tightly packed), I pile my arms high with sweaters that were inside, and RUN to the tram.
I made it to my gate literally 4 minutes before the flight was scheduled to take off. There was a seat left for me. Believe me when I say that I was thanking God at the moment.
On the plane and in the air, I gradually calmed down (my heart rate was alarmingly high). I went over the scenario in my head and realized what I had done. I had lost control. I had let my emotions control me. I was rude to the security workers, I am sure of it. I was short in my responses to questions, I had a very condescending tone to my voice, and I didn't treat them as they ought to be treated as respectable human beings. It wasn't their fault I was running late for my flight. They were just doing their job.
I felt bad for my actions. I could not tell the employees that I was sorry, but I could ask for God's forgiveness, for whenever you sin against a human, you sin against your Creator as well. I do regret being rude and if I went back in time, I would have handled the situation much differently. I wish that someone could have been there with me, someone more logical in dealing with their emotions, who could have told me to calm down. We keep each other honest, you know, and two decent humans are often better people together than apart. Maybe this is one of the reasons we get married--to keep each other honest.
(Unless you're Bonnie and Clyde.)
I am taking Craig's N64 to Tempe because, well, why not? Anyway, it turned up as a "suspicious item" at the checkpoint. So the suitcase had to be pulled aside and checked. A security dude opened my bag, found the system, and did some test on it where he wipes it with a little tab and puts the tab into a machine. All at the breakneck speed of a turtle. While doing this, he kept teasing me about having an N64. "What, you don't have a Playstation or Xbox?"
"No," was my curt response.
The machine beeped, which I guess was bad, because they he had to summon a supervisor. Then they asked me to put all of my other items on the table to be checked. This included my flute. I waited and waited as the time ticked by. I looked at my cellphone. I had TEN minutes before my flight took off. WHAT? I needed to get out of there!
Finally a supervisor came to check my stuff, but I had to wait a little bit longer for a female security person to give me a pat-down. After being thoroughly violated, I look over to my stuff and see someone unzipping my flute case. OH NO HE DI-INT.
I began to panic and completely lose control. Stories of ruined instruments run through my head. "Please be very, very, very careful with that," I say as urgently as possible.
This is not a good time for me. I am sick. Snot is running down my nose. My flight leaves in 7 minutes. And someone who has no idea of the value of my flute (both monetarily and to my life) is handling it. I am pretty sure that I started crying at this point.
Finally, someone told me that I could go. Knowing that I would be unable to easily zip my suitcase back up with everything inside (it was pretty tightly packed), I pile my arms high with sweaters that were inside, and RUN to the tram.
I made it to my gate literally 4 minutes before the flight was scheduled to take off. There was a seat left for me. Believe me when I say that I was thanking God at the moment.
On the plane and in the air, I gradually calmed down (my heart rate was alarmingly high). I went over the scenario in my head and realized what I had done. I had lost control. I had let my emotions control me. I was rude to the security workers, I am sure of it. I was short in my responses to questions, I had a very condescending tone to my voice, and I didn't treat them as they ought to be treated as respectable human beings. It wasn't their fault I was running late for my flight. They were just doing their job.
I felt bad for my actions. I could not tell the employees that I was sorry, but I could ask for God's forgiveness, for whenever you sin against a human, you sin against your Creator as well. I do regret being rude and if I went back in time, I would have handled the situation much differently. I wish that someone could have been there with me, someone more logical in dealing with their emotions, who could have told me to calm down. We keep each other honest, you know, and two decent humans are often better people together than apart. Maybe this is one of the reasons we get married--to keep each other honest.
(Unless you're Bonnie and Clyde.)
Friday, January 14, 2011
Alas, my last night in Florida has come. :(
Soon it will be back to the ol' grindstone. This is a big semester for me. My success now not only affects my resume, it affects the entire direction of my life. I am going to have to be militaristic in my practicing. No excuses anymore. This is where we separate the men from the boys.
I know that people don't know this, and it's not a crime because I frequently ask others the same question, but I've really grown to dislike the question, "so what are you going to do after you graduate?" I boil up inside every time someone asks me.
The short answer is "I don't know." To answer this query I usually shrug my shoulders and smile as if I am joking. But I'm not. I don't know what I am going to do after I graduate. I know what I WANT to do, but as for what is actually going to happen--I have no clue.
If you are reading this, please do not ask me what I am going to do after I graduate. Don't ask me until I've graduated. I might have an answer then.
ANYWAY
My time in Florida was good and restful as always, good for the soul. Every time I leave (and the times have been many), I am sad to say goodbye such good people and true friends, and the love of my parents and relatives, and the place where I lived for most of my life. The good news is, it will not be long before I come back.
There's no sadness in leaving
If you leave for a reason
The best of all reasons
Is to come back again
(Oh, and having a t.v. in my room--with cable!--is pretty cool too.)
For now, I get to look forward to seeing my wonderful boyfriend again! See you guys on the other side of the Mississippi!
Soon it will be back to the ol' grindstone. This is a big semester for me. My success now not only affects my resume, it affects the entire direction of my life. I am going to have to be militaristic in my practicing. No excuses anymore. This is where we separate the men from the boys.
I know that people don't know this, and it's not a crime because I frequently ask others the same question, but I've really grown to dislike the question, "so what are you going to do after you graduate?" I boil up inside every time someone asks me.
The short answer is "I don't know." To answer this query I usually shrug my shoulders and smile as if I am joking. But I'm not. I don't know what I am going to do after I graduate. I know what I WANT to do, but as for what is actually going to happen--I have no clue.
If you are reading this, please do not ask me what I am going to do after I graduate. Don't ask me until I've graduated. I might have an answer then.
ANYWAY
My time in Florida was good and restful as always, good for the soul. Every time I leave (and the times have been many), I am sad to say goodbye such good people and true friends, and the love of my parents and relatives, and the place where I lived for most of my life. The good news is, it will not be long before I come back.
There's no sadness in leaving
If you leave for a reason
The best of all reasons
Is to come back again
(Oh, and having a t.v. in my room--with cable!--is pretty cool too.)
For now, I get to look forward to seeing my wonderful boyfriend again! See you guys on the other side of the Mississippi!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, January 09, 2011
These past few days have been just awesome. I am so happy. I feel safe and loved and comfortable. I can be myself and not be judged for it.
I have friends in Arizona, but not people I have known all my life (like my parents) or since high school (like my friends). It takes time to build up trust and love in relationships.
I suppose though that I should be thankful for not being here all the time. As the saying goes, absence does make the heart grow fonder. I have experienced loneliness in Tallahassee and Tempe. And now I am qualified to appreciate true friendship.
Pure friendship--it's what I find when I come back home.
I have friends in Arizona, but not people I have known all my life (like my parents) or since high school (like my friends). It takes time to build up trust and love in relationships.
I suppose though that I should be thankful for not being here all the time. As the saying goes, absence does make the heart grow fonder. I have experienced loneliness in Tallahassee and Tempe. And now I am qualified to appreciate true friendship.
Pure friendship--it's what I find when I come back home.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Monday, January 03, 2011
A cold on the first day of work... boo. Didn't get much done today. But now that I've started, I'm determined to finish before I leave for school.
Also, I went to the back doctor today. Apparently, one of the discs in my back (one that he did surgery on back in the day) is rapidly aging and that is why I get back pain when I play a lot of ultimate. However, he did not recommend that I stop playing or change anything at all. He said, be young, do the things you want to do, and if it gets worse and there is pain all of the time, we can fix it. So... that was good news.
(For those of you who don't know, I had major back surgery in the summer of 2000, so I have a history of back problems).
Also, got to see my high school flute teacher today. It was great. She told me that someone had shown her the "Clew Crew" on facebook, lol. I guess she was going to find out at some point.
Also, I went to the back doctor today. Apparently, one of the discs in my back (one that he did surgery on back in the day) is rapidly aging and that is why I get back pain when I play a lot of ultimate. However, he did not recommend that I stop playing or change anything at all. He said, be young, do the things you want to do, and if it gets worse and there is pain all of the time, we can fix it. So... that was good news.
(For those of you who don't know, I had major back surgery in the summer of 2000, so I have a history of back problems).
Also, got to see my high school flute teacher today. It was great. She told me that someone had shown her the "Clew Crew" on facebook, lol. I guess she was going to find out at some point.
Friday, December 31, 2010
January
Arledon's wedding. Sent flute away. Blue Man Group. Medieval Times. Food poisoning in Tallahassee. Titusville scrimmage. Started getting involved with PHX-ation (now Spitfire). New Year Fest, played with a women's team for the first time. Phone call from a mean mother made me upset.
February
Played on league with 3BK. Climbed Flatiron. Celebrated Valentine's Day with a boyfriend for only the second time ever. Car got broken into. Learned a lot about Russian music. Winter Olympics in Canada. Struggled with an ongoing issue.
March
Keeping busy all the time. Prof. Amsler was a guest artist at ASU. Hiked South Mountain together and loved it! Some very painful scrapes from league. Spring break at the beach in Florida. Had a good, controlled 23rd birthday with friends and boyfriend. 83 birthday wishes on facebook.
April
The Easter earthquake. Fire alarm during an exam. Beach tournament in San Diego, did not have too much fun. Practiced a ton for my recital. Gave my first master's recital! Hung out with my parents in AZ, discovered that I'm pretty terrible at volleyball. Wrote a cool paper about Stravinsky's death. My first VOTS finals.
May
School ended. Two ulti leagues, was on the best team for both. Flew home to surprise mom for Mother's Day. Struggled to practice at all. Made a few good friends and started to play Settlers nonstop.
June
Trip to Chiricahua with Paul. So much fun! A health condition that scared me for a while. Attempted to wakeboard for the first time. Beat a Zelda game for the first time. Played Risk for the first time. Basically did nothing productive all month. Mohini tournament in Flagstaff. Yankees vs. D'Backs. Craig's 25th at Howl at the Moon. Found out that Tville ulti isn't all I thought. Made a friend at the Health Dept.
July
Spent in Florida. Worked at Health Dept. Began to be very, very confused about my future. Consulted some very nice people and have not come to any conclusion. Played a tourney with Poached and Fried, where I literally ran a girl to the ground. Had a very important ground-breaking conversation. Confusion ensued. Harry Potter World!
August
Started seriously training with Spitfire. A derpcanyon trip and a Grand Canyon trip. National Flute Convention, where I caught up with some old friends. School started. Decided to captain for fall league.
September
The heat lingered on. Epic road trip is epic. Quartet. Did a clinic at a high school. Sectionals. Got a little sick. School and Fall Chickens.
October
Wrote an 18-page paper. Regionals. Climbed Brown's Peak and took some pretty cool pictures at the top. Second round of the concerto competition. Breast Cancer awareness hatter. Halloween... what did I do? Sit at Paul's house and give out candy.
November
Rubik's Cube. A fight. Hit in the throat with a disc. Won the AFS flute competition! League finals was a blast and I won a raffle. Thanksgiving at home.
December
Beth's wedding. Wrote a 35-page paper. Mark's visit. School ended with no finals! Visited Craig in LA. Christmas with the family and midnight mass. Straight A's once again.
Arledon's wedding. Sent flute away. Blue Man Group. Medieval Times. Food poisoning in Tallahassee. Titusville scrimmage. Started getting involved with PHX-ation (now Spitfire). New Year Fest, played with a women's team for the first time. Phone call from a mean mother made me upset.
February
Played on league with 3BK. Climbed Flatiron. Celebrated Valentine's Day with a boyfriend for only the second time ever. Car got broken into. Learned a lot about Russian music. Winter Olympics in Canada. Struggled with an ongoing issue.
March
Keeping busy all the time. Prof. Amsler was a guest artist at ASU. Hiked South Mountain together and loved it! Some very painful scrapes from league. Spring break at the beach in Florida. Had a good, controlled 23rd birthday with friends and boyfriend. 83 birthday wishes on facebook.
April
The Easter earthquake. Fire alarm during an exam. Beach tournament in San Diego, did not have too much fun. Practiced a ton for my recital. Gave my first master's recital! Hung out with my parents in AZ, discovered that I'm pretty terrible at volleyball. Wrote a cool paper about Stravinsky's death. My first VOTS finals.
May
School ended. Two ulti leagues, was on the best team for both. Flew home to surprise mom for Mother's Day. Struggled to practice at all. Made a few good friends and started to play Settlers nonstop.
June
Trip to Chiricahua with Paul. So much fun! A health condition that scared me for a while. Attempted to wakeboard for the first time. Beat a Zelda game for the first time. Played Risk for the first time. Basically did nothing productive all month. Mohini tournament in Flagstaff. Yankees vs. D'Backs. Craig's 25th at Howl at the Moon. Found out that Tville ulti isn't all I thought. Made a friend at the Health Dept.
July
Spent in Florida. Worked at Health Dept. Began to be very, very confused about my future. Consulted some very nice people and have not come to any conclusion. Played a tourney with Poached and Fried, where I literally ran a girl to the ground. Had a very important ground-breaking conversation. Confusion ensued. Harry Potter World!
August
Started seriously training with Spitfire. A derpcanyon trip and a Grand Canyon trip. National Flute Convention, where I caught up with some old friends. School started. Decided to captain for fall league.
September
The heat lingered on. Epic road trip is epic. Quartet. Did a clinic at a high school. Sectionals. Got a little sick. School and Fall Chickens.
October
Wrote an 18-page paper. Regionals. Climbed Brown's Peak and took some pretty cool pictures at the top. Second round of the concerto competition. Breast Cancer awareness hatter. Halloween... what did I do? Sit at Paul's house and give out candy.
November
Rubik's Cube. A fight. Hit in the throat with a disc. Won the AFS flute competition! League finals was a blast and I won a raffle. Thanksgiving at home.
December
Beth's wedding. Wrote a 35-page paper. Mark's visit. School ended with no finals! Visited Craig in LA. Christmas with the family and midnight mass. Straight A's once again.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
My grandpa is going ga-ga over this 10-year-old opera singer. I heard her sing and said, "yeah... she's good." He almost started yelling at me. "Good is not the word for her! She's fantastic!"
The truth is, I was upset by his eager praise. Adult musicians do not want to hear about 10-year-old opera singers. I know opera singers who have trained their whole lives, who are by all accounts more deserving of praise than little Jackie and her two years of training, and who cannot find work, let alone fame, for the life of them. Yes, Jackie is a wonderful singer. Yes, she's 10 years old. But is she really better than the professionals? I think not. But maybe all this attention can help everyone; maybe the opera genre will tag along with her arrival into fame.
The truth is, I was upset by his eager praise. Adult musicians do not want to hear about 10-year-old opera singers. I know opera singers who have trained their whole lives, who are by all accounts more deserving of praise than little Jackie and her two years of training, and who cannot find work, let alone fame, for the life of them. Yes, Jackie is a wonderful singer. Yes, she's 10 years old. But is she really better than the professionals? I think not. But maybe all this attention can help everyone; maybe the opera genre will tag along with her arrival into fame.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
HEY! Christmas 2010. YESSSSS.
Jesus our savior was born. Let's celebrate!
Highlights of my haul this year:
GPS from Paul
Settlers of Catan and a sweet ocarina from Craig
a crap ton of clothes (including the hot red dress I've always wanted), a Yankees visor, a watch, and other items from my parents
YAY PRESENTS
Funniest moment of the day: when the entire Stahl family began clapping and chanting in full protest fashion, "WE WANT PRESENTS! WE WANT PRESENTS! WE WANTS PRESENTS!"
We missed Craig's playing, which usually transforms our dull family gathering into a genuine family piano bar. Next year he'll play for us as a professional. And, in my wildest dreams, I'll be coming home from Miami...
(what's in Miami, you ask? If things go my way, maybe you'll find out in a few months).
Jesus our savior was born. Let's celebrate!
Highlights of my haul this year:
GPS from Paul
Settlers of Catan and a sweet ocarina from Craig
a crap ton of clothes (including the hot red dress I've always wanted), a Yankees visor, a watch, and other items from my parents
YAY PRESENTS
Funniest moment of the day: when the entire Stahl family began clapping and chanting in full protest fashion, "WE WANT PRESENTS! WE WANT PRESENTS! WE WANTS PRESENTS!"
We missed Craig's playing, which usually transforms our dull family gathering into a genuine family piano bar. Next year he'll play for us as a professional. And, in my wildest dreams, I'll be coming home from Miami...
(what's in Miami, you ask? If things go my way, maybe you'll find out in a few months).
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Best running charades category of the night:
Titusvillians inside jokes, including "Steven's talking," "derpistan," "hey, it's me, nick!," "you gotta want it," "gay day tuesday," jarvises are +1 +1," "nao!," and so many others. Gotta love it, guys. Gotta love it.
Thanks for another good one :) You guys are the best.
Titusvillians inside jokes, including "Steven's talking," "derpistan," "hey, it's me, nick!," "you gotta want it," "gay day tuesday," jarvises are +1 +1," "nao!," and so many others. Gotta love it, guys. Gotta love it.
Thanks for another good one :) You guys are the best.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
One of my pet peeves--one of the things that people say which annoys me the most--is when people say things like "welcome to the real world," referencing the difficulties of "real world" compared to the life I am currently living.
Okay, so I don't have a full time job yet--that means I'm not part of the real world? I acknowledge that your life may have its share of difficulties, but does that really mean that my own are any less severe? Remember high school--remember how we were all emotional train wrecks, how we always had school breathing down our backs, how our social lives were of utmost importance? The troubles of a high schooler are not the same as that of an adult, to be sure. But are they any less difficult?
Okay, so I don't have a full time job yet--that means I'm not part of the real world? I acknowledge that your life may have its share of difficulties, but does that really mean that my own are any less severe? Remember high school--remember how we were all emotional train wrecks, how we always had school breathing down our backs, how our social lives were of utmost importance? The troubles of a high schooler are not the same as that of an adult, to be sure. But are they any less difficult?
Thursday, December 16, 2010
4.0 throughout grad school so far. Can I do it for one more semester for a perfect record? I think I can.
Wow. One more semester of my master's degree left. It seems like just yesterday that I was graduating high school. I look at high school seniors and they seem so young now! Now all my friends are getting married, finding careers, moving away from home... where did all the time go?
I look back and see how much I have grown since I have been here, how much I have learned about myself, about the world, about flute and music and teaching, about ultimate and so much more. Striving to fulfill my highest potential in every area of life.
And it really is amazing, the life I have made for myself in only one and a half years. I don't get homesick anymore. This has become another home to me. Should I be afraid to get too comfortable?
Wow. One more semester of my master's degree left. It seems like just yesterday that I was graduating high school. I look at high school seniors and they seem so young now! Now all my friends are getting married, finding careers, moving away from home... where did all the time go?
I look back and see how much I have grown since I have been here, how much I have learned about myself, about the world, about flute and music and teaching, about ultimate and so much more. Striving to fulfill my highest potential in every area of life.
And it really is amazing, the life I have made for myself in only one and a half years. I don't get homesick anymore. This has become another home to me. Should I be afraid to get too comfortable?
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sorry to m'peeps, but I've had to make practice a priority lately. I have a two recording sessions for some pretty major things coming up, and practicing is my full-time job right now. It's time to prove to the world that I'm a professional musician.
It's weird skipping parties and saying no to fun things so I can practice. It's like... can't you practice some other time? But the answer is no. If I have planned to go to a party at night and I haven't practiced enough by the time that party rolls around, I cannot go. If I know that I am only going to have a few free hours in a day, I cannot plan to do things in those hours because I know that I need to practice.
This has actually been a pretty busy semester for me, and it really hasn't ended yet. I finished the last of my coursework today--yay!--but the practicing does not end. At least, not until Thursday, when the recordings have been made. Till then... I have to practice. Sorry friends.
It's weird skipping parties and saying no to fun things so I can practice. It's like... can't you practice some other time? But the answer is no. If I have planned to go to a party at night and I haven't practiced enough by the time that party rolls around, I cannot go. If I know that I am only going to have a few free hours in a day, I cannot plan to do things in those hours because I know that I need to practice.
This has actually been a pretty busy semester for me, and it really hasn't ended yet. I finished the last of my coursework today--yay!--but the practicing does not end. At least, not until Thursday, when the recordings have been made. Till then... I have to practice. Sorry friends.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Allright guys. This may come as a surprise, but I don't really care who you are, I am not going to travel to Europe or to Canada or even cross-country to go see your flute recital. This especially applies if I have never met you before. So please, just stop inviting me via facebook to your recitals unless they are in places where I live (ie Arizona or Florida). Thank you.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Our fears are only what we tell them to be.
(I'm actually not really a fan of the video... I think it draws too much attention away from the music. Just listen.)
(I'm actually not really a fan of the video... I think it draws too much attention away from the music. Just listen.)
Wow. A good day. Watched some t.v., but also got some emailing and cleaning done. Not too much. Then some quality girl time, meeting some cute little ones, a few games of Settlers including an out-of-town friend, and the promise that tomorrow is not going to bring any more stress. Sigh of relief. Break is here!
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Monday, December 06, 2010
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Recorded memorization project...check.
Finished writing the content of my paper. 16 pages of pretty shoddy work, but it'll have to do. Time for an ice cream break, and then it's on to working the citations, the score, and the bibliography. And printing all this crap out.
Then rep project. It's 10:46 PM. Oh graduate school.
Marge: "Bart, don't make fun of grad students. They've just made a terrible life choice"
Finished writing the content of my paper. 16 pages of pretty shoddy work, but it'll have to do. Time for an ice cream break, and then it's on to working the citations, the score, and the bibliography. And printing all this crap out.
Then rep project. It's 10:46 PM. Oh graduate school.
Marge: "Bart, don't make fun of grad students. They've just made a terrible life choice"
Don't read this post. It is me venting and it will be boring. Don't say I didn't warn you.
I'm working at a good pace. Got 6 pages done in only about 5 hours of work. Talked about style, background, and form. Still to tackle: theme/motives, harmonies (not much material there), flute solos, and orchestration.
Maybe tomorrow won't be so bad. Just don't remind me about the musical examples, which I have to write in STUPID finale notepad, or the citations, or the bibliography page, or the annotated score...or my memorization project tomorrow...or my repertoire assignment, which I probably will not do until an hour before it's due...
Tomorrow won't be so bad. God will provide.
I'm working at a good pace. Got 6 pages done in only about 5 hours of work. Talked about style, background, and form. Still to tackle: theme/motives, harmonies (not much material there), flute solos, and orchestration.
Maybe tomorrow won't be so bad. Just don't remind me about the musical examples, which I have to write in STUPID finale notepad, or the citations, or the bibliography page, or the annotated score...or my memorization project tomorrow...or my repertoire assignment, which I probably will not do until an hour before it's due...
Tomorrow won't be so bad. God will provide.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Homegirl Beth is getting herself married in two days! I will be in South Carolina for a couple days to be in her wedding. I am SO EXCITED!!! This is one of the best, if not THE best person I know. Other people I know (including you, reader) aren't offended by this statement because they know it's true. She's been a friend to me for years. 12 years, to be exact. If anyone deserves to be happy, it's Beth Kern.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Wellp, today is Thanksgiving, and it was a good one. I am thankful to have such a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful family, for the our good health, and for all the little ways that God blesses my life. I wish that my brother could be here, but we still laughed at you while watching home movies, Craig :) Hope you had someone special to spend the holiday with!
No. 11 on the charts, recommended by a Classical musician:
I throw my hands up in the air sometimes
Saying ay-oh, gotta let go
I throw my hands up in the air sometimes
Saying ay-oh, gotta let go
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
I had a doctor's appointment today... I have not gained weight. My grandpa is makin' stuff up.
Also my blood pressure is 92/64. This is in the range which is normal for athletes and children. I fit somewhat into both of these categories: I am indeed an athlete (although the only sport I play is ultimate), and my height and weight are average for the category of girls between the ages of 12 to 13. Lucky me.
Also my blood pressure is 92/64. This is in the range which is normal for athletes and children. I fit somewhat into both of these categories: I am indeed an athlete (although the only sport I play is ultimate), and my height and weight are average for the category of girls between the ages of 12 to 13. Lucky me.
Monday, November 22, 2010
I watch this show called "The Biggest Loser." I watch because I like it; I don't have to give any more explanation than that.
This show bring in contestants that are very, very overweight. The point of the show is for these contestants to lose weight. By losing weight, they change their lives....they change their attitude towards themselves...they inspire the people around them. They increase their lifespan. They learn how to raise healthy children.
These contestants diet and work out very hard--something like 8 hours a day. There is a weigh-in every week to determine how much weight each contestant has lost. It's completely normal to see a contestant losing 7 pounds in a week--that's a pound per day. How much work does it take to lose a pound per day for a week? A lot of work, that's the answer. I've seen some of the biggest guys lose 20+ pounds in a week. It's amazing.
However, sometimes contestants don't lose that much weight. Sometimes the biggest guy on the show will only lose 1 or 2 pounds in a week. And sometimes, they are dumbfounded. "I did everything I was supposed to do!" they will say. And yet they still don't lose any weight (relatively).
Weight loss is a funny thing. You can work hard and do everything you are supposed to do and still see no results. Nobody exactly knows why this happens. Maybe it's related to stress. Maybe it's related to sleep patterns. Maybe it's hormones.
It's the same in life, I think. Sometimes you can do everything that you are supposed to do, and things will still not turn out the way that you would have liked. Maybe you will lose a pound one week only to gain it back the next week. It's frustrating. But you know what? If you keep working hard, dieting, and exercising, you will lose weight eventually. If you keep at it, you will see results. You will reach your goal. The question is...how much do you really want it?
This show bring in contestants that are very, very overweight. The point of the show is for these contestants to lose weight. By losing weight, they change their lives....they change their attitude towards themselves...they inspire the people around them. They increase their lifespan. They learn how to raise healthy children.
These contestants diet and work out very hard--something like 8 hours a day. There is a weigh-in every week to determine how much weight each contestant has lost. It's completely normal to see a contestant losing 7 pounds in a week--that's a pound per day. How much work does it take to lose a pound per day for a week? A lot of work, that's the answer. I've seen some of the biggest guys lose 20+ pounds in a week. It's amazing.
However, sometimes contestants don't lose that much weight. Sometimes the biggest guy on the show will only lose 1 or 2 pounds in a week. And sometimes, they are dumbfounded. "I did everything I was supposed to do!" they will say. And yet they still don't lose any weight (relatively).
Weight loss is a funny thing. You can work hard and do everything you are supposed to do and still see no results. Nobody exactly knows why this happens. Maybe it's related to stress. Maybe it's related to sleep patterns. Maybe it's hormones.
It's the same in life, I think. Sometimes you can do everything that you are supposed to do, and things will still not turn out the way that you would have liked. Maybe you will lose a pound one week only to gain it back the next week. It's frustrating. But you know what? If you keep working hard, dieting, and exercising, you will lose weight eventually. If you keep at it, you will see results. You will reach your goal. The question is...how much do you really want it?
I think I really need a break. I have been running all cylinders lately. With Paul gone, I don't take time out anymore to just rest. I've been working, practicing, performing, and still things don't seem to get done... it's been too much. I just have SO MUCH on my plate right now! I need a break, I really do.
I had a pretty trippy dream last night about flying on a picnic table.
BUT...the night before, I had my old "can't control my car" stress dream. It's the only reoccurring dream I ever have. The brakes don't work, the car drives in reverse when I tell it to move forward...I remembered to use my emergency brake in the dream this time, but it still took a good minute to stop completely. I ran into a lot of things with my car.
I am afraid of not being able to control my car...not being able to control my life.
BUT...the night before, I had my old "can't control my car" stress dream. It's the only reoccurring dream I ever have. The brakes don't work, the car drives in reverse when I tell it to move forward...I remembered to use my emergency brake in the dream this time, but it still took a good minute to stop completely. I ran into a lot of things with my car.
I am afraid of not being able to control my car...not being able to control my life.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Today was the best day. I am a little tipsy right now, so I don't know if this is going to make any sense, just bear with me. This morning I competed in the Arizona Flute Society college competition, did well, and then drove to the fields to compete in ULTIMATE FINALS DAY! I was a little late to the first game, but we won big, something like 15-5. Our second game was a great match up--two even teams, battling it out for a spot in semifinals. We were so even that our points lasted forever. We lost the game because the time ran out. It was disappointing, of course, but I can't say that I didn't expect it--we were slated to lose, according to the books.
This is also the first time I have seen Paul in a week--he's been in Israel on a business trip, and he's leaving tomorrow for a 10-day trip to Hawaii! So this is our one day together (a day on which I have a flute competition and ultimate finals...derp).
Anyway, the rest of finals day was awesome. I had a cheeseburger, chatted with my teammates and other friends, dranik a little too much, played JUG, and heckled the finals game obnoxiously and stupidly. In the middle of all of the excitement, I won a raffle prize!!! I won a package from 5 ultimate, winning a skirt, two sweet jerseys, two pairs of shorts (small and XS...they will fit!), a jacket, a headband, and wristbands. A great deal for only spending $5 on raffle tickets!!!
When I finally got home, I learned that I won the flute competition that I competed in in the morning. Stellar. All around, a win day.
Tomorrow is our quartet recital--the Fiesta Four! Should be good (if I am in a condition to play...don't tell my quartet).
This is also the first time I have seen Paul in a week--he's been in Israel on a business trip, and he's leaving tomorrow for a 10-day trip to Hawaii! So this is our one day together (a day on which I have a flute competition and ultimate finals...derp).
Anyway, the rest of finals day was awesome. I had a cheeseburger, chatted with my teammates and other friends, dranik a little too much, played JUG, and heckled the finals game obnoxiously and stupidly. In the middle of all of the excitement, I won a raffle prize!!! I won a package from 5 ultimate, winning a skirt, two sweet jerseys, two pairs of shorts (small and XS...they will fit!), a jacket, a headband, and wristbands. A great deal for only spending $5 on raffle tickets!!!
When I finally got home, I learned that I won the flute competition that I competed in in the morning. Stellar. All around, a win day.
Tomorrow is our quartet recital--the Fiesta Four! Should be good (if I am in a condition to play...don't tell my quartet).
Friday, November 19, 2010
I'm playing in a flute competition tomorrow. I need to bring a copy of my piece for the judges, but I had forgotten to make a copy until now (honestly, this is something I used to do all the time in high school. I thought I was past making copies for judges??). Anyway, I never like to go to bed without all my "homework" done, so I went out at 10:30 at night seeking a copier. First I tried Safeway right down the street. They had a working copier, and I managed to make a copy of one page before it ran out of paper. Dang it! I wasn't going to bother the employees to get more paper (they were having a crisis already involving a broken bottle of alcohol).
So I thought that I would go to the CVS near the music school and practice a bit after making copies. I drive there and they have a copier too! The machine wouldn't accept my money though...my coins fell straight through into the coin giver-back slot. So I asked the employee there what the deal was. She said that if it was doing that, then it's broken. Dang it! She recommended a Walgreens that I could try on the same street. So I drove there.
When I got there, I walked the parameter of the store in search of a copier. No dice. I asked the employee if they had a copier. They didn't.
Life, you win. I can't make a copy tonight. I drove back home in defeat and started writing this post.
Wah wah.
Edit: Searched for the sheet music online...and found it! No copies needed. Copiers are big jerks anyway.
So I thought that I would go to the CVS near the music school and practice a bit after making copies. I drive there and they have a copier too! The machine wouldn't accept my money though...my coins fell straight through into the coin giver-back slot. So I asked the employee there what the deal was. She said that if it was doing that, then it's broken. Dang it! She recommended a Walgreens that I could try on the same street. So I drove there.
When I got there, I walked the parameter of the store in search of a copier. No dice. I asked the employee if they had a copier. They didn't.
Life, you win. I can't make a copy tonight. I drove back home in defeat and started writing this post.
Wah wah.
Edit: Searched for the sheet music online...and found it! No copies needed. Copiers are big jerks anyway.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
I got hit in the throat with an extremely fast-moving frisbee today. I know that that's a funny thing to say, but right now it is funny and sucks at the same time, cause it kinda feels like a bad case of strep throat. Hurts to swallow, hurts to talk, hurts in general.
PSA: Kids. Don't get hit in the throat with a frisbee.
PSA: Kids. Don't get hit in the throat with a frisbee.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
I wish I had more time to talk to my friends in FL. Whenever I call someone, it's always, "oh my gosh, it has been so long! much too long!" But I don't really have that much free time, and anyway I have many friends I would like to stay in contact with, and of course my parents always get first priority when it comes to call time, and in the end, I just can't call everyone as much as I would like. It's sad :(
League is heating up as we approach playoffs and finals. I'm not really sure what to think about my team at this point. I think we are good enough to make it to finals, but a lot of things need to fall in our favor for that to happen. In any case, as a first-time captain and a young-un at that, I am just glad that we managed to have a winning record in the regular season and that I did not cause anybody on my team to quit. That means I've done my job, right?
League is heating up as we approach playoffs and finals. I'm not really sure what to think about my team at this point. I think we are good enough to make it to finals, but a lot of things need to fall in our favor for that to happen. In any case, as a first-time captain and a young-un at that, I am just glad that we managed to have a winning record in the regular season and that I did not cause anybody on my team to quit. That means I've done my job, right?
Friday, November 05, 2010
Fall Chickens put up a good fight tonight, but only having half of our team (among our missing were our first round guy and girl) was too much. We lost, and it didn't feel good. The hecklers were annoying the heck out of me (if I was the cursing type, I would have cursed.... a lot). I played well in the first half, but near the end everything seemed to go wrong. I got handblocked. I failed to D a scoring huck that I definitely could have prevented. I got stalled out. It was not pretty.
It's funny how much I can be cheered up by something so simple like Paul playing with my hair.
It's funny how much I can be cheered up by something so simple like Paul playing with my hair.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
A conclusive list of Halloween-related things (in order of best to worst):
1) Candy
2) Buying candy under the pretense of giving it out to children and then eating it myself
2) Costumes/acting in character
3) Parties and other fun activities
4) Thriller and Danse Macabre
5) Jack-o-lanterns
6) Haunted Houses
7) Other Halloween Music
8) Slutty bunnies, nurses, schoolgirls, etc.
9) Halloween puns, like "Howl-o-ween" or "Hallow-scream"
10) Being too old to trick-or-treat :(
Edit: I forgot one. Asking people what they want to eat and getting "BRAAAAINS" in response goes between nos. 4 and 5/
1) Candy
2) Buying candy under the pretense of giving it out to children and then eating it myself
2) Costumes/acting in character
3) Parties and other fun activities
4) Thriller and Danse Macabre
5) Jack-o-lanterns
6) Haunted Houses
7) Other Halloween Music
8) Slutty bunnies, nurses, schoolgirls, etc.
9) Halloween puns, like "Howl-o-ween" or "Hallow-scream"
10) Being too old to trick-or-treat :(
Edit: I forgot one. Asking people what they want to eat and getting "BRAAAAINS" in response goes between nos. 4 and 5/
Friday, October 29, 2010
Siiigh. My entire family, including my parents, brother, and two sets of grandparents are on a cruise together right now, going to really cool places like Mexico, Antigua, the Virgin Islands....
Why couldn't I go? I have....SCHOOL.
It seems I am not too cool for school.
Wellp...at least the weather is nice here. If you like 90 degrees.
Why couldn't I go? I have....SCHOOL.
It seems I am not too cool for school.
Wellp...at least the weather is nice here. If you like 90 degrees.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wellp, semifinals for the concerto competition were last night. I was the last person to go out of 10 people, and I must say, I played quite well. Excepting the fact that I had heard that EVERYONE had done really well, I thought I had a shot at advancing.
The results are in. Two advance, I was not one of them. I DID get a shout out as the "alternate," but ultimately I will not be able to play in the next round. 3rd out of 10 when they only take 2. When will the madness end?
The results are in. Two advance, I was not one of them. I DID get a shout out as the "alternate," but ultimately I will not be able to play in the next round. 3rd out of 10 when they only take 2. When will the madness end?
