Gratitude 204
Lounging on the sofa in pj pants, knitting, watching movies, and sipping a glass of red wine whilst eating dark chocolate-covered cranberries = a practically perfect way to relax at the end of such a very stressful week. Life is pretty good. ;)
Friday, April 16, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Today is Thursday, which is like a Friday, but not really.
That's my friend Isaac's favorite saying, and I have now stolen it. It's been a terrible, horrible, very bad, no good week, but it is nearly over...and hopefully with it goes the frustrations! haha! As Spamalot puts it, "Always look on the bright side of life!" ;)
Chocolate consumption is up. New cell phone is now sufficiently bejeweled! (My case came in the mail today.) It is 100% bedecked in silver rhinestones. hehe! (As Daddy said, "BLING BLING!" haha!) Watched the final dress rehearsal for the conservatory's production of Little Women...my roommate Alexa is playing Jo!...and sobbed sufficiently over the death of Beth. It is one of my favorite stories...I know it is coming, but it gets me every time! Took a million pictures for Alexa. And now for a glass of wine to relax a little.
Gratitude 203
Alexa's mommy also came and watched rehearsal tonight and showed up with a frozen mocha frappuccino for me. It made me smile after such an exhausting day. Thank you, Joy! :) She is such a sweetie.
Tomorrow is Friday...which is definitely a Friday. :) Besides Little Women this weekend, I am hoping it is a mostly uneventful weekend. I need to rejuvenate and refresh myself before I confront next week...which will be a good week. :)
Chocolate consumption is up. New cell phone is now sufficiently bejeweled! (My case came in the mail today.) It is 100% bedecked in silver rhinestones. hehe! (As Daddy said, "BLING BLING!" haha!) Watched the final dress rehearsal for the conservatory's production of Little Women...my roommate Alexa is playing Jo!...and sobbed sufficiently over the death of Beth. It is one of my favorite stories...I know it is coming, but it gets me every time! Took a million pictures for Alexa. And now for a glass of wine to relax a little.
Gratitude 203
Alexa's mommy also came and watched rehearsal tonight and showed up with a frozen mocha frappuccino for me. It made me smile after such an exhausting day. Thank you, Joy! :) She is such a sweetie.
Tomorrow is Friday...which is definitely a Friday. :) Besides Little Women this weekend, I am hoping it is a mostly uneventful weekend. I need to rejuvenate and refresh myself before I confront next week...which will be a good week. :)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
In honor of National Poetry Month...
living is moving on and up
it is giving in and giving away
the right things at the right time
all it takes is the courage to do it
knowing and believing in the divine timing
of your days
you are new
only when you have released...
totally...the old
you must not stay on the same level of being
there always is another way to awareness
grow change become
the strength you need deep within
will rise to the surface...join consciousness
and bring your transformation
ask for newness
call upon your forces
display your courage
accept the change
believe in your right
to have it
~diane westlake
it is giving in and giving away
the right things at the right time
all it takes is the courage to do it
knowing and believing in the divine timing
of your days
you are new
only when you have released...
totally...the old
you must not stay on the same level of being
there always is another way to awareness
grow change become
the strength you need deep within
will rise to the surface...join consciousness
and bring your transformation
ask for newness
call upon your forces
display your courage
accept the change
believe in your right
to have it
~diane westlake
Monday, April 12, 2010
Jet-lagged without ever leaving Ohio?
Yes. This weekend yielded minimal sleep. An evening with my girls Katie and Caitie on Friday...those times are priceless. :) However, getting up before the sun on Saturday morning after probably only sleeping about 4 1/2 hours? Not a fan. But you do what you have to do sometimes. I had a two-hour drive to Oxford, OH with the one and only Chadwick for a singing competition. Oh the nonsense that ensued! haha! Favorite Chad/Samantha moment of the day:
Me: "If I was a superhero, I'd want teleportation to be my super power."
Chad: "Teleportation and invisibility."
Me: "You can only have ONE, Chad!"
Chad: (in a pouty 6-yr old face) "I can have two! ...I'm Chad."
Oh, Chad! I took 4th in my division. Not too shabby. ;) Not a win, but placing is always a good thing. I felt I sang really well. And it was good to get more audition experience if nothing else.
Sunday, then, I had a meeting in the morning to go over my presentation for Undergraduate Symposium on Research in a couple of weeks (not sure what possessed me to agree to that one...) and a Chapel Choir concert. Oh joy! haha. That did me in. Up for over 20 hours straight, didn't sleep too well Saturday night, and then had a full day of events. But I am strong and survive it all!
Gratitude 202
I cannot believe I am actually admitting this (because my mother is going to read this and say, "I told you so" or something), but I am thankful for all the annoying times my mother went through the checklist in the morning...Did you brush your teeth? Yes, mother! Do you have everything you need? Yes, mother! Did you put on your deodorant? Yes, mother!
Why this now? Because I have to do the checklist myself now...and I almost walked out the door without deodorant on Sunday, BUT I caught myself just before. So, however annoying it was, thanks, Mom. ;)
Me: "If I was a superhero, I'd want teleportation to be my super power."
Chad: "Teleportation and invisibility."
Me: "You can only have ONE, Chad!"
Chad: (in a pouty 6-yr old face) "I can have two! ...I'm Chad."
Oh, Chad! I took 4th in my division. Not too shabby. ;) Not a win, but placing is always a good thing. I felt I sang really well. And it was good to get more audition experience if nothing else.
Sunday, then, I had a meeting in the morning to go over my presentation for Undergraduate Symposium on Research in a couple of weeks (not sure what possessed me to agree to that one...) and a Chapel Choir concert. Oh joy! haha. That did me in. Up for over 20 hours straight, didn't sleep too well Saturday night, and then had a full day of events. But I am strong and survive it all!
Gratitude 202
I cannot believe I am actually admitting this (because my mother is going to read this and say, "I told you so" or something), but I am thankful for all the annoying times my mother went through the checklist in the morning...Did you brush your teeth? Yes, mother! Do you have everything you need? Yes, mother! Did you put on your deodorant? Yes, mother!
Why this now? Because I have to do the checklist myself now...and I almost walked out the door without deodorant on Sunday, BUT I caught myself just before. So, however annoying it was, thanks, Mom. ;)
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Mozart makes me happy! :)
Gratitude 201
Just a little bit ago, I was practicing this SWEET new Mozart aria that Lynn and I chose today for my pending audition at the Mozarteum. (Yes, I would be singing Mozart! haha!). The living room window was open a little to let some cool air in, and this little girl saw me, stopped, and yelled up to my window, "Were you just singing opera?! It's good!" I think that was just the highlight of my week. :) As Antonin Dvorak said, "Mozart is sunshine." :)
Just a little bit ago, I was practicing this SWEET new Mozart aria that Lynn and I chose today for my pending audition at the Mozarteum. (Yes, I would be singing Mozart! haha!). The living room window was open a little to let some cool air in, and this little girl saw me, stopped, and yelled up to my window, "Were you just singing opera?! It's good!" I think that was just the highlight of my week. :) As Antonin Dvorak said, "Mozart is sunshine." :)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
How my life turned into an episode of "Grey's Anatomy"...
Easter break was much needed and fairly relaxing. Finally got to go home...the first time since the beginning of January. Xander is the biggest ham I have ever met...and as stubborn as his Aunt Sam!
Good Friday, however, wasn't so "good" for me, as I spent a fair amount of the morning and early afternoon chilling in the ER with a big, colored, and very gay male nurse named Herman. Why, you might ask? Well, a doctor's appointment Friday morning yielded a blood test order, which we subsequently went to complete at the hospital across the street. Bad choice number one. Ipod in hand, I sat to suck it up and let them fill the three vials. (This is something I detest the most.) About 30 seconds later, I was getting light-headed and trying to breathe deeply and let it pass. Two seconds after that, I fell asleep...or at least that's what it felt like. Apparently, I had passed out, smacked the floor, hit my head, and bit my tongue. What a scene the melodramatic Samantha caused! One minute, Josh Groban was singing to me, the next, one of the scariest moments of my life. I never want to pass out ever again! (Also...note: when speaking with the doctor, skip the part about Josh Groban singing to you...he thought that not only had I hit my head but that I was also delusional!)
Herman called me "Sunshine." Everyone kept asking what happened, like the girl that was just unconscious would know! Various machinery was hooked to me. They wouldn't let me pee until I consented to giving it to them in a cup, so they could confirm that I was not pregnant. (That would be the Immaculate Conception round 2!) Oh, yeah...and they took MORE blood to make sure I wasn't anemic. Yeah, that's brilliant...do it, again, and see if I can pass out one more time! In short, it was a whole lot of ridiculous. And not so much fun.
Other than that, break was good. Although, my head and arm and such are still bruised. I wanted to come up with a sweet story to tell when people saw the big bruise on my arm, but it turns out that the true story is actually quite funny...now. Certainly wasn't then.
Now, it is back to my last stretch of undergrad! Eek! Those big decisions are looming ever closer every day...
Gratitude 200
The family got new cell phones while I was home. Yay for a full keyboard! It is pretty sweet. AND...my diva-style cover is in the mail...full out rhinestone-studded! "Bling bling!" hehe! ;)
Good Friday, however, wasn't so "good" for me, as I spent a fair amount of the morning and early afternoon chilling in the ER with a big, colored, and very gay male nurse named Herman. Why, you might ask? Well, a doctor's appointment Friday morning yielded a blood test order, which we subsequently went to complete at the hospital across the street. Bad choice number one. Ipod in hand, I sat to suck it up and let them fill the three vials. (This is something I detest the most.) About 30 seconds later, I was getting light-headed and trying to breathe deeply and let it pass. Two seconds after that, I fell asleep...or at least that's what it felt like. Apparently, I had passed out, smacked the floor, hit my head, and bit my tongue. What a scene the melodramatic Samantha caused! One minute, Josh Groban was singing to me, the next, one of the scariest moments of my life. I never want to pass out ever again! (Also...note: when speaking with the doctor, skip the part about Josh Groban singing to you...he thought that not only had I hit my head but that I was also delusional!)
Herman called me "Sunshine." Everyone kept asking what happened, like the girl that was just unconscious would know! Various machinery was hooked to me. They wouldn't let me pee until I consented to giving it to them in a cup, so they could confirm that I was not pregnant. (That would be the Immaculate Conception round 2!) Oh, yeah...and they took MORE blood to make sure I wasn't anemic. Yeah, that's brilliant...do it, again, and see if I can pass out one more time! In short, it was a whole lot of ridiculous. And not so much fun.
Other than that, break was good. Although, my head and arm and such are still bruised. I wanted to come up with a sweet story to tell when people saw the big bruise on my arm, but it turns out that the true story is actually quite funny...now. Certainly wasn't then.
Now, it is back to my last stretch of undergrad! Eek! Those big decisions are looming ever closer every day...
Gratitude 200
The family got new cell phones while I was home. Yay for a full keyboard! It is pretty sweet. AND...my diva-style cover is in the mail...full out rhinestone-studded! "Bling bling!" hehe! ;)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
YouTube ;)
More possibly to come later...these are the only ones I have been brave enough to watch yet! haha! ;) Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Feeling so loved. :)
Gratitude 199 (aka...this entire post! haha!)
That. Was. AWESOME!! What an incredible evening! I couldn't have asked for a better performance. Sure, it was not perfect, but in the words of Lynn, "Sometimes, imperfection is what's beautiful in life." I had such a great time on that stage and know that this is exactly what I am meant to be doing. :)
It really was an evening for the book of Samantha's life. Beautiful dress. Beautiful music. Amazing teacher who made sure I was fully ready for this endeavor. In good voice. High heels. A pretty black dress to wear to dinner after the recital. My lovely Crystal helping me with every little thing...and coming backstage at intermission and giving me a neck massage so I didn't get tense! Practically my entire family here (...and all in my apartment at 4:30 this afternoon!). My friend Rachel making my hair very pretty and lacquered in hairspray! Watching Gilligan's Island for nearly three hours this afternoon to keep my mind off of my nerves. Well wishes from those who could not attend. Chad carefully matching his tie choice to the color of my gown. (Gotta love him!) Having practically an entourage following me carrying my things for me. (Oh, how fun it is to be a diva sometimes! haha!) A fabulous reception prepared by my mom, sister, gram, and aunt. Surrounded by friends. Then, that moment when you first step on the stage, pushing the nerves into excited energy, and knowing it is completely right where you are standing. Full and resonantly resounding high C's. Double bows before intermission! A knock-dead premiere of Q's piece, complete with the high E-flat. A standing ovation at the end. Bouquets of flowers. Constant jumping and high-fiving with Chad after every set because it was so exciting. My friend Sarah helping me out and then back in to my dress so that I can pee before greeting the crowd at the reception. Feeling so loved while everyone wants to talk to you...yet slightly overwhelmed with trying to give everyone equal time and opportunity but knowing that's impossible. The giant circle of SAI girls singing the SAI chorale after the recital. The adorable old Hungarian man who came and brought me flowers and then talked to clueless Dad for a very long time, while Dad barely understood anything he said because of his thick accent. Another Hungarian friend, Agi, bringing pogacsa for my reception. Lovely commentary from my professors. A delicious dinner and glass of Riesling wine at Giuseppe's. Hanging out at my apartment with my family and Crystal. Unwrapping the gifts and placing the flowers into vases. A stream of Facebook wall comments from friends. Endless thank-yous to those that helped make today possible. Life is beautiful. And the evening was bliss. :)
(I promise pics to be inserted soon! Unfortunately, due to the "no flash," my camera produced a series of blurred images. Waiting for others to send me what they took. Perhaps some sound clips, too, when I get the CD...)
That. Was. AWESOME!! What an incredible evening! I couldn't have asked for a better performance. Sure, it was not perfect, but in the words of Lynn, "Sometimes, imperfection is what's beautiful in life." I had such a great time on that stage and know that this is exactly what I am meant to be doing. :)
It really was an evening for the book of Samantha's life. Beautiful dress. Beautiful music. Amazing teacher who made sure I was fully ready for this endeavor. In good voice. High heels. A pretty black dress to wear to dinner after the recital. My lovely Crystal helping me with every little thing...and coming backstage at intermission and giving me a neck massage so I didn't get tense! Practically my entire family here (...and all in my apartment at 4:30 this afternoon!). My friend Rachel making my hair very pretty and lacquered in hairspray! Watching Gilligan's Island for nearly three hours this afternoon to keep my mind off of my nerves. Well wishes from those who could not attend. Chad carefully matching his tie choice to the color of my gown. (Gotta love him!) Having practically an entourage following me carrying my things for me. (Oh, how fun it is to be a diva sometimes! haha!) A fabulous reception prepared by my mom, sister, gram, and aunt. Surrounded by friends. Then, that moment when you first step on the stage, pushing the nerves into excited energy, and knowing it is completely right where you are standing. Full and resonantly resounding high C's. Double bows before intermission! A knock-dead premiere of Q's piece, complete with the high E-flat. A standing ovation at the end. Bouquets of flowers. Constant jumping and high-fiving with Chad after every set because it was so exciting. My friend Sarah helping me out and then back in to my dress so that I can pee before greeting the crowd at the reception. Feeling so loved while everyone wants to talk to you...yet slightly overwhelmed with trying to give everyone equal time and opportunity but knowing that's impossible. The giant circle of SAI girls singing the SAI chorale after the recital. The adorable old Hungarian man who came and brought me flowers and then talked to clueless Dad for a very long time, while Dad barely understood anything he said because of his thick accent. Another Hungarian friend, Agi, bringing pogacsa for my reception. Lovely commentary from my professors. A delicious dinner and glass of Riesling wine at Giuseppe's. Hanging out at my apartment with my family and Crystal. Unwrapping the gifts and placing the flowers into vases. A stream of Facebook wall comments from friends. Endless thank-yous to those that helped make today possible. Life is beautiful. And the evening was bliss. :)
(I promise pics to be inserted soon! Unfortunately, due to the "no flash," my camera produced a series of blurred images. Waiting for others to send me what they took. Perhaps some sound clips, too, when I get the CD...)
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