It's December 1st, and we had our first snow. :) (Not sticking, though. Lame!)
Also, I am watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas on ABC Family's "25 Days of Christmas" (said in the jingle singsong fashion, of course!). My question: What if we were actually living on a snowflake...?
Gratitude 288
I love the smell of snow. Yes, snow, just like rain, has a distinct smell, and it's fabulous. I also love peppermints. Actually, anything peppermint...cocoa, body wash, candles, candy canes...Yankee Candle has a Christmas scent called "The North Pole," and it smells like peppermint and vanilla and snow...i.e. the best smells in the world! ;)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Finally...an update!
I am so awful at posting these past few weeks! I apologize for yet another hiatus! There have been many ups and downs the past couple weeks, all summing up that technology is literally out to do me in! Not even joking.
Okay...so here's the low-down:
Applications all submitted! (And even a CD sent over to Hungary for Janos.) Woot! Now, just the dreadful waiting process to see what is to come.
ArtsApp is stupid. (Online submission portfolio to send your recordings to schools. Seriously doesn't work and cause of many headaches.)
Skyped with Quinton last week! I seriously miss Hungary! :(
Got to go home for Thanksgiving! A whole 3 days! Crazy, I know. ;)
Xander is totally ridiculous. Quite the personality going on there.
New computer! It's fuschia! Ooooh! haha! ;) (This, of course, means I'm broke...again...blah!)
Christmas lights hung in my apartment. :)
Oh, yes...it is officially the Christmas season! Yay Christmas music! ...But where's my snow?!
My Christmas list is pretty pathetic...it's sad how filled with needs it is...and that I want these things that I need.
Today, I was looking at old picture CDs...wow, does my family have some ridiculous expressions! haha! Can you seriously just look at some of these, please (except my family probably won't appreciate it the publicity of these...hehe!):
Seriously, I wish I remembered exactly what happened in each of these situations to promote such expressions...and how the camera had to catch that exact moment. Makes for some pretty good laughter later, though! haha! ;)
Gratitude 287
So...Quinton composed another piece for me last week. While we were on Skype, he asked me to open the Bible randomly and give him a verse; it landed on Psalm 142. In my email last night, I received the completed 5-page work for soprano and organ. Today, I got to look at it...I seriously LOVE this piece! Not to toot his horn, but it is really good. Each piece he's written for me has topped the previous one. This "Muse" is loving it. And what's more incredible is the fact that he magically creates things that fit perfectly in my voice. Upon first glance at them, they look ridiculous and impossible with their extreme ranges (bottom--and sometimes below--the staff and up a 6th above the staff over just a few measures), but the first read-through confirms that it was tailored just for me (and optional notes for whoever else may one day sing them! haha!). I don't know how he does it...and he's even 6000 miles away from me currently, so he hasn't been around me or my voice for months!
Okay...so here's the low-down:
Applications all submitted! (And even a CD sent over to Hungary for Janos.) Woot! Now, just the dreadful waiting process to see what is to come.
ArtsApp is stupid. (Online submission portfolio to send your recordings to schools. Seriously doesn't work and cause of many headaches.)
Skyped with Quinton last week! I seriously miss Hungary! :(
Got to go home for Thanksgiving! A whole 3 days! Crazy, I know. ;)
Xander is totally ridiculous. Quite the personality going on there.
New computer! It's fuschia! Ooooh! haha! ;) (This, of course, means I'm broke...again...blah!)
Christmas lights hung in my apartment. :)
Oh, yes...it is officially the Christmas season! Yay Christmas music! ...But where's my snow?!
My Christmas list is pretty pathetic...it's sad how filled with needs it is...and that I want these things that I need.
Today, I was looking at old picture CDs...wow, does my family have some ridiculous expressions! haha! Can you seriously just look at some of these, please (except my family probably won't appreciate it the publicity of these...hehe!):
Seriously, I wish I remembered exactly what happened in each of these situations to promote such expressions...and how the camera had to catch that exact moment. Makes for some pretty good laughter later, though! haha! ;)
Gratitude 287
So...Quinton composed another piece for me last week. While we were on Skype, he asked me to open the Bible randomly and give him a verse; it landed on Psalm 142. In my email last night, I received the completed 5-page work for soprano and organ. Today, I got to look at it...I seriously LOVE this piece! Not to toot his horn, but it is really good. Each piece he's written for me has topped the previous one. This "Muse" is loving it. And what's more incredible is the fact that he magically creates things that fit perfectly in my voice. Upon first glance at them, they look ridiculous and impossible with their extreme ranges (bottom--and sometimes below--the staff and up a 6th above the staff over just a few measures), but the first read-through confirms that it was tailored just for me (and optional notes for whoever else may one day sing them! haha!). I don't know how he does it...and he's even 6000 miles away from me currently, so he hasn't been around me or my voice for months!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Gratitude 286
Putting together/wearing artsy outfits. :) I don't know why, but this seems to have become my "creative outlet," but on days when I have to work, I don't get to do this...so there end up being days like today when I spend two hours getting ready...while I should actually be doing something productive. haha! (I seriously need to get a life apparently!)
Recording in one week! Eek! Excited, nervous, anxious. Just want it done and done well. :) For now, I am just trying to keep the voice under control and even. (Not that you probably cared to know, but the sinus drainage has caused a flare-up in my LPR. Awesome. Another thing to try to counteract. Why do I have to be a hot mess health-wise?! It's the graduate school application curse!)
I'm ready for a big move in my life. It's time. There comes a point when you need to step beyond your comfort walls. It has become something of a normalcy in my life to do that, constantly push those boundaries. Without that, I would not be who I am; I would not grow. There's also something to be said that once you travel, life is never the same. And the yearning to travel, again, is always within you.
I've been thinking a lot over my trip this past summer. How I miss the lifestyle I had those two weeks. How I've been longing for all the things you hate about travel while it's happening: airports, rushing from gate to gate, lugging around your suitcase cursing yourself out for still packing too much, not knowing where or how to get from where you are to where you need/want to be, wearing the same clothes...yet again, another shared room in a hostel, ambiguity... The curiosity of what marvel could be down the next winding, cobblestone street. Sipping wine at a cafe while people-watching. Practicing (aka fumbling through) my broken knowledge of the languages. And how I feel I probably didn't embrace my time abroad as fully as I could've/should've. Silly anxiety, I know. I've been so lucky to travel as I have. It sucks, though, to have no idea when, if, or how the opportunity may arise, again. (I'm clearly addicted to travel! I need my fix!)
However, a new American adventure awaits me. Chicago? Boston? I don't know which it will be. That's God's choice once those recordings are posted to the schools and the outcomes of whatever auditions I may receive. Que será, será...
I'll leave you with a few fun things I found today:
Recording in one week! Eek! Excited, nervous, anxious. Just want it done and done well. :) For now, I am just trying to keep the voice under control and even. (Not that you probably cared to know, but the sinus drainage has caused a flare-up in my LPR. Awesome. Another thing to try to counteract. Why do I have to be a hot mess health-wise?! It's the graduate school application curse!)
I'm ready for a big move in my life. It's time. There comes a point when you need to step beyond your comfort walls. It has become something of a normalcy in my life to do that, constantly push those boundaries. Without that, I would not be who I am; I would not grow. There's also something to be said that once you travel, life is never the same. And the yearning to travel, again, is always within you.
I've been thinking a lot over my trip this past summer. How I miss the lifestyle I had those two weeks. How I've been longing for all the things you hate about travel while it's happening: airports, rushing from gate to gate, lugging around your suitcase cursing yourself out for still packing too much, not knowing where or how to get from where you are to where you need/want to be, wearing the same clothes...yet again, another shared room in a hostel, ambiguity... The curiosity of what marvel could be down the next winding, cobblestone street. Sipping wine at a cafe while people-watching. Practicing (aka fumbling through) my broken knowledge of the languages. And how I feel I probably didn't embrace my time abroad as fully as I could've/should've. Silly anxiety, I know. I've been so lucky to travel as I have. It sucks, though, to have no idea when, if, or how the opportunity may arise, again. (I'm clearly addicted to travel! I need my fix!)
However, a new American adventure awaits me. Chicago? Boston? I don't know which it will be. That's God's choice once those recordings are posted to the schools and the outcomes of whatever auditions I may receive. Que será, será...
I'll leave you with a few fun things I found today:
AND...Lady Gaga was mentioned in this month's issue of Opera News. Yes, I've seen it with my own eyes. In an article written by Brian Kellow, he says,
"'Diva' has become one of the most misused and over-used words in the vernacular, but I'm about to give in and accept it, just I've damned near given in and accepted the horrible use that's made of "hope...fully" and "access," everywhere from the conversations you overhear at your corner bar to the anchors; desks at CNN. The word belongs most correctly to the pop world - is there any question that Lady Gaga (who has one of the best voices I've ever heard) embodies divadom more completely than anyone currently working in opera? (Yes, Miss Gheorghiu - I see that your hand is up, but I'm not going to call on you.)..."
Monday, November 1, 2010
Gratitude 285
Tonight at home church (aka Bible study), we had a huge dinner beforehand. YUM! So much deliciousness. (I didn't know it was happening until about 2 hours prior!) Pretty much made my night. :) Saturday night, I get to go to part of the retreat they are having this weekend, too. (Unfortunately, I have to work all day/night Friday and Saturday during the day, so I don't get to go for the whole weekend...but at least I found out tonight I can make some of it!)
Tomorrow = crazy day of babysitting and work. :( I'll get through it, though. ;)
I must be easily spooked lately. I don't know why because I don't do the whole scary movie, creepy Halloween deal; I do the silly, cute, funny Halloween deal. On Saturday, though, I was organizing one of the freezers at work and must of scraped the ice with one of the packages. However, I thought my coworker had sneaked up behind me, trying to scare me, and I spooked myself...I literally jumped back and screamed...while there was a whole store-full of people. Oh, geez! Then, today, I was walking into the conservatory, humming, and thinking about Lynn (you can see the window to her office as you walk up to the building). I opened the door, and there stood Lynn, who was walking out. I am not exactly sure what I exclaimed in that moment, but it was a really funny scenario...after the spook factor. haha!
Tomorrow = crazy day of babysitting and work. :( I'll get through it, though. ;)
I must be easily spooked lately. I don't know why because I don't do the whole scary movie, creepy Halloween deal; I do the silly, cute, funny Halloween deal. On Saturday, though, I was organizing one of the freezers at work and must of scraped the ice with one of the packages. However, I thought my coworker had sneaked up behind me, trying to scare me, and I spooked myself...I literally jumped back and screamed...while there was a whole store-full of people. Oh, geez! Then, today, I was walking into the conservatory, humming, and thinking about Lynn (you can see the window to her office as you walk up to the building). I opened the door, and there stood Lynn, who was walking out. I am not exactly sure what I exclaimed in that moment, but it was a really funny scenario...after the spook factor. haha!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Halloween!
Young Frankenstein and a Munsters marathon?! Yes, please! ;)
Unfortunately, the garbage disposal ate a spoon this afternoon, AND my computer is now in critical condition. :( Why is it that everything goes/happens at once...esp. when it involves large sums of money?? Is there something in the universe that makes this happen? haha!
Gratitude 284
No work last night, so...Sarah and I went to the movies! Fun! (It has been so long since I have been to the movies that I literally cannot remember when it was or what was seen!) Life As You Know It = hilarious. Possibly mostly only from a babysitter/nanny/caretaker point of view, but still. I was cracking up the whole time. :) Oh, children!
Unfortunately, the garbage disposal ate a spoon this afternoon, AND my computer is now in critical condition. :( Why is it that everything goes/happens at once...esp. when it involves large sums of money?? Is there something in the universe that makes this happen? haha!
Gratitude 284
No work last night, so...Sarah and I went to the movies! Fun! (It has been so long since I have been to the movies that I literally cannot remember when it was or what was seen!) Life As You Know It = hilarious. Possibly mostly only from a babysitter/nanny/caretaker point of view, but still. I was cracking up the whole time. :) Oh, children!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
I hate my uvula.
Yes, I sincerely do. Stupid uvula and your supposed dropping of mucus into my digestive tract. Clearly, you are failing at life, so you better fix your problems quick and stop causing me issues! Grrr!
Gratitude 283
Today, I finished submitted my grad school applications!! Yay! Now, literally all that's left is the recording. :) AND...I booked tickets to go visit my Katie darling and Bry Bry in Chicago the second week of December!! Double yay! :) Oh! And I also got to hand out trick-or-treat candy at Barb's house this evening! hehe!
A tired, grumpy voice and then an irritating phone call this evening, however, made a grand start to this weekend. Not! Please let us not see a repeat of last weekend's dreadfulness!
Gratitude 283
Today, I finished submitted my grad school applications!! Yay! Now, literally all that's left is the recording. :) AND...I booked tickets to go visit my Katie darling and Bry Bry in Chicago the second week of December!! Double yay! :) Oh! And I also got to hand out trick-or-treat candy at Barb's house this evening! hehe!
A tired, grumpy voice and then an irritating phone call this evening, however, made a grand start to this weekend. Not! Please let us not see a repeat of last weekend's dreadfulness!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
October Rain
And God continues trying to remind me...
I got soaked walking home from babysitting this evening from the "drizzling" rain. (It was very nearly pouring.) And what happens as soon as I get to my apartment? It stops raining. Go figure. But then, right outside window/balcony appears a HUGE full arch--and rather vivid--rainbow. :) I grabbed my camera and ran out on the balcony...soaking the pants I had just changed into... haha!
This weekend: Awful. Grrr!! So many angry things, which don't need to be elaborated upon.
Sunday: Somewhat redeemed the weekend by the fabulous productivity/creative genius streak that occurred around 5pm...I whipped out my personal statements for my grad school applications AND had a great ground-breaking practice session (let's pray that stays!!)! Bazinga!
Monday: Brilliant. :) Gratitude 282--Awesomeness applause for the day went out to: Joanne at College Loan Corp., Karen from the university loan office, the student secretary in the registrar for putting together my transcripts ON THE SPOT, and Eric in Career Services for his phenomenally prompt response on reviewing my essays. Thank you, guys! ;)
Today: Mostly successful. Clearly, this evening, my productivity level is bordering on zero, but whatever...I'll be up a few more hours anyhow, so there's still time. ;)
Question of the day: Why does it seemingly take 17,000 people to set up and make my recordings happen?! Okay, yes I'm exaggerating...it's more like 7, but still. Schedule coordinating is the biggest stressor of my life! I want this to be kick-ass, but I also am ready for it just to be done! Recording is awesome in the sense that you then have put a physical stamp in musical history (regardless of whether or not it is a commercial recording). However, it is unbelievably nerve-wracking, taxing, and stressful. You want so much to have the "perfect" live take (esp. since it isn't a commercial setting where small things will be digitally mastered), you are on edge and somewhat tense because anytime you screw up, that take is scrapped. :-/ That, and it is just a pure pain in the ass trying to get everyone in the same place and on the same page at the same time. I am discovering that nothing is ever "ideal."
And...last but not least...for your boredom or viewing pleasure, here are some ridiculously fabulous things I've stumbled upon recently while I should have been working on my essay revisions...ENJOY! ;)
How To Tick People Off (My favorites are #7, 11, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, and 32! haha!)
Collected Quotes from Albert Einstein (A genius...AND witty!)
I LOVE this improv group...they are hysterical and so brilliant! (I hope he had hand sanitizer with him that day, though...eek!)
This is just awesome...and I'm sure he had too much time on his hands to come up with this! ;)
I got soaked walking home from babysitting this evening from the "drizzling" rain. (It was very nearly pouring.) And what happens as soon as I get to my apartment? It stops raining. Go figure. But then, right outside window/balcony appears a HUGE full arch--and rather vivid--rainbow. :) I grabbed my camera and ran out on the balcony...soaking the pants I had just changed into... haha!
This weekend: Awful. Grrr!! So many angry things, which don't need to be elaborated upon.
Sunday: Somewhat redeemed the weekend by the fabulous productivity/creative genius streak that occurred around 5pm...I whipped out my personal statements for my grad school applications AND had a great ground-breaking practice session (let's pray that stays!!)! Bazinga!
Monday: Brilliant. :) Gratitude 282--Awesomeness applause for the day went out to: Joanne at College Loan Corp., Karen from the university loan office, the student secretary in the registrar for putting together my transcripts ON THE SPOT, and Eric in Career Services for his phenomenally prompt response on reviewing my essays. Thank you, guys! ;)
Today: Mostly successful. Clearly, this evening, my productivity level is bordering on zero, but whatever...I'll be up a few more hours anyhow, so there's still time. ;)
Question of the day: Why does it seemingly take 17,000 people to set up and make my recordings happen?! Okay, yes I'm exaggerating...it's more like 7, but still. Schedule coordinating is the biggest stressor of my life! I want this to be kick-ass, but I also am ready for it just to be done! Recording is awesome in the sense that you then have put a physical stamp in musical history (regardless of whether or not it is a commercial recording). However, it is unbelievably nerve-wracking, taxing, and stressful. You want so much to have the "perfect" live take (esp. since it isn't a commercial setting where small things will be digitally mastered), you are on edge and somewhat tense because anytime you screw up, that take is scrapped. :-/ That, and it is just a pure pain in the ass trying to get everyone in the same place and on the same page at the same time. I am discovering that nothing is ever "ideal."
And...last but not least...for your boredom or viewing pleasure, here are some ridiculously fabulous things I've stumbled upon recently while I should have been working on my essay revisions...ENJOY! ;)
How To Tick People Off (My favorites are #7, 11, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, and 32! haha!)
Collected Quotes from Albert Einstein (A genius...AND witty!)
I LOVE this improv group...they are hysterical and so brilliant! (I hope he had hand sanitizer with him that day, though...eek!)
This is just awesome...and I'm sure he had too much time on his hands to come up with this! ;)
Monday, October 25, 2010
To experience the world as it lives through the eyes of a photographer...
I have always been caught up by photography. I love looking at it; I love taking it and playing with the photos. If I could, I'd have one of those crazy awesome cameras and a sweet computer system for it. ;)
Gratitude 281
I came across this website last night (okay, okay! I was Stumbling! The things you discover in college during exam week! haha!): Scott Stulberg Photography
I have been absolutely mesmerized by his photography. It's incredible. I seriously spent a couple hours looking at the slide shows. To see the world as this guy sees it would just be an amazing thing. (And what does he specialize in?! Stock photography. I guess what a way to make money! haha!) :)
Gratitude 281
I came across this website last night (okay, okay! I was Stumbling! The things you discover in college during exam week! haha!): Scott Stulberg Photography
I have been absolutely mesmerized by his photography. It's incredible. I seriously spent a couple hours looking at the slide shows. To see the world as this guy sees it would just be an amazing thing. (And what does he specialize in?! Stock photography. I guess what a way to make money! haha!) :)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
A Promise
This picture has a peculiar purpose in my life. One far bigger than I think I actually have realized. (I only wish I had let this soak in more it at the moment it appeared to me.) It's been a really long day, and somehow, this was in my mind the whole day. This picture, this moment. God was speaking to me then, even though I didn't completely understand His language...and still often don't. Why is it so difficult for us humans to wait for that his special, individually-conformed "promises" to be revealed?
P.S. I didn't actually intend to add these videos to the post. Only the picture. In a sense, I hope it doesn't take away from the power of the photograph. In another, I feel it contributes to the depth behind the apologetically vague posting.
Gratitude 280
Those pesky leftovers in the fridge that end up saving your life on days filled with lots of scurrying around place-to-place. Thank you to not passing out (and there's no big Herman dude around to call me "sunshine" if I did, either! haha!). ;)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Gratitude 279: A List
Things that make me smile...
☺ The fluffy, fuzziness of brand new socks.
☺ Sweet, yummy pears from the tree back home.
☺ Hot homemade pear crisp from those pears over top Salty Caramel ice cream. :d
☺ Watching Beauty and the Beast when I'm supposed to be doing doing something
productive.
☺ A 3-hour-and-53-minute conversation with my darling Katie.
☺ Discovering music that's been hidden away on your ipod.
☺ The crisp, cold weather that is finally beginning to set in.
(Maybe my allergies will chill out, too, and let me be able to sing, again! Oy!)
☺ Dick van Dyke movies.
☺ Reading quotes.
☺ Wearing pretty scarves and sweaters.
☺ Trees whose leaves turn orange and yellow in the fall.
☺ Days off. (Even though that means no dough coming into my bank account...)
☺ Taking silly quizzes on Facebook.
☺ Comedy and witty statements.
☺ Portable hand sanitizer. (Yes, I know...so "American" of me!)
☺ The fluffy, fuzziness of brand new socks.
☺ Sweet, yummy pears from the tree back home.
☺ Hot homemade pear crisp from those pears over top Salty Caramel ice cream. :d
☺ Watching Beauty and the Beast when I'm supposed to be doing doing something
productive.
☺ A 3-hour-and-53-minute conversation with my darling Katie.
☺ Discovering music that's been hidden away on your ipod.
☺ The crisp, cold weather that is finally beginning to set in.
(Maybe my allergies will chill out, too, and let me be able to sing, again! Oy!)
☺ Dick van Dyke movies.
☺ Reading quotes.
☺ Wearing pretty scarves and sweaters.
☺ Trees whose leaves turn orange and yellow in the fall.
☺ Days off. (Even though that means no dough coming into my bank account...)
☺ Taking silly quizzes on Facebook.
☺ Comedy and witty statements.
☺ Portable hand sanitizer. (Yes, I know...so "American" of me!)
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