Face the Music!

Life's to short

2009-05-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

I've decided that life is too short. I need to make a change. I need some help from everyone that reads my blog--which I know is not many, but every time you talk to me make sure I am doing something I am doing to make my life better.
A few things I want to change in my life:
My job--I NEED to work in music
learn guitar and practice more
take advantage of what life has to offer. I need to take advantage of my surroundings and be more self-reliant. I have recently realized that I have to create my own "fun".

That's all for now!

Boston and such

2009-04-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hi All--I realize I am not so great at the blog, but I'm trying--and that is all that matters.

Last month Lia and I flew to Boston to see Liz for one week! It was so great to see her and get to see a part of the country that has always interested me very much. (Us at Faneuil Hall)
We took a tour of Boston via academia. Seeing Harvard, Boston Conservatory, New England Conservatory, and what seemed like 400 other colleges! Forgive me for my sarcasm because it was amazing--I just felt like I was in a place that really meant something!

Per a co-workers advice we went to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum it was awe-inspiring. Since we went to the museum to the after hours event there was some Jazz museum that was very good, and done by musicians our age and younger! It was really something else!

We also had the opportunity to visit New York, and have a safe place to stay (Thank you Phil). We went to the Metropolitan Opera, where I am pretty sure we all had a religious experience. Even though we were in the nosebleed section the singing was impeccable! We got all dressed up and just really had a night on the town.

(Us at the Met!)
The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street, Trinity Church, Twin Tower Memorial, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, and Chinatown (however don't go on a Sunday in the evening!) were among the few stops of our adventure weekend in New York! We had an amazing time, but I don't think our feet ever hurt SO bad! It was almost like we were torturing ourselves—medieval style! Eeeeeeeek!

(Central Park)

On our back from Boston we stopped in Providence, RI and saw some very artsy/academic folk, and I got a very cute wallet! The wallet is teal that is accented with a brown monkey and white and red designs! It’s very cute—just what I had been looking for.

That evening we went to meet Liz’s aunt and uncle. At first it really felt like we were meeting our inlaws! I mean w have been friends so long it really could have been the make it our break it for us! ;) Anyway, I don’t think we will be “breaking up” anytime soon because the experience of meeting Liz’s family was AMAZING! They were very inspiring people to talk with and get to know! I hope to see them again someday!

Our final full day on the trip we saw the coastal part of Mass. We went to Gloucester and enjoyed the small town feel and cute shopping. We also went to see the ATLANTIC OCEAN! Which was absolutely beautiful, but it was more beautiful from the car because it was very very very very very cold! Even though it was cold Lia took approximately 457 photos of the ocean. Liz and I waited in the car.

(The Atlantic Ocean)

That evening we so the Boston Symphony Orchestra—they definitely did not suck either. There were too solo artist that evening—they were both young female artists! GO WOMEN!!!!! That evening we just hung out, talked, and enjoyed our last night together... :(

That final day, as our last thing in Boston, we went to Legal Sea Food, which according to our hostess, has the BEST clam chowder in Boston, and she was not wrong! The clam chowder was so good--it almost didn't taste like clam chowder. It was a really great "last meal" together! We then had a sad car ride to the airport, and our trip was over!

(Me at the Charles River)

It was a really great trip--I really loved Boston! Plus, it was AWESOME to see Liz and what she has been up to! I can't wait to go back to the east coast! It is such an amazing place!

Life Without School

2009-01-13T14:41:00.000-08:00

It occurred to me recently that since the first time I was five--I did not go back to school after Christmas! As this dawned upon me I was blown away! It really is a very odd life changing event, to not be going to school. I still am not sure how I feel about this new occurrence; however, it is really nice to have time to learn guitar, exercise, and generally get sleep. I do miss music. Even though I am teaching voice lessons--it is not enough to sustain my desire for music in my life. I hope to figure out the best way to get my life in the direction it should be going, and still be able to not go into financial crisis!
Last week was a crazy week at work. It was so busy and at times I feel like I have to do absolutely ridiculous formal paperwork and activities, but last week I was not able to finish anything without another project falling on my desk! For this reason I feel justified in taking a few minutes to catch up on my blog while at the work place. Being busy with projects I don't love is really challenging, but I have to remember that I am getting invaluable experience and getting paid for it!
Another side note about life is--I love to have time to enjoy life. I am not nearly as busy this year so far because I have not committed to any shows. It is kind of sad to not be involved that was, but I am getting the opportunity to figure out what I miss the most!

water everywhere

2008-12-20T18:05:00.000-08:00

That's right the title is correct. Last night at approximately 11:40 in the PM--the drain valve on our water heater snapped after colliding with a picture frame. Water then proceeded to EXPLODE everywhere in our office. After about 1 minute I figured out how to turn the pressure off and there was about 10 gallons of standing water on the floor. I proceeded to call a friend and basically demanding a wet vac. Luckily he was there within 20 minutes and we were able to drain the rest of the water out of the tank, and then focus on the floor. We went to bed about 4:30 AM exhausted and dirty because we couldnt shower! The good news is we can't shower until MONDAY--Maintenance was like yeah can't fix this till monday--WE CAN'T RUN ANY WATER BECAUSE IT LEAKS OUT OF THE TANK.
That's all for now

YULETIDE 08!

2008-12-12T09:19:00.001-08:00

It is official--another year has passed. I know this because we just had yuletide 08. For those of you who don't know what that means it is a holiday pops concert with the Eugene Symphony. This event has become a staple in my life in Eugene. I really love to get up and perform music that almost always makes people happy! Also, the community of singers is such a fun group of people that we always have a great experience with each other, and of course make lasting friendships--that unfortunately we maintain mostly through facebook.
I sincerely hope that I can do this gig again; however, I also understand that in my quest for truth and enlightenment in my life it maybe entirely possible that I won't be living in Eugene anymore! Who knows, but I do know that today I am in great mood because we had a great show, and I feel accomplished!

close one and open another

2008-12-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

This week my brain has been filled with many different thoughts and shows. On Sunday I closed West Moon Street at Lord Leebrick theater, did strike (BOOYAH), said bye to a wonderful cast to work with, then right after I had to be at a rehearsal for yuletide celebration, which I am singing in currently, and did I mention I had my FINAL FINAL on monday!. Some may call this crazy; however, I call it my quest for truth and enlightenment.
I learned a valuable lesson this week that the ASM of yuletide pointed out--she said "once a stage manager always as stage manager"; she caught me attempting to help move a xylaphone or something. I suppose this is true because I love being in charge and making things happen; however, is it possible to have two very time consuming loves Stage management (where I have so much to learn), and singing! I am in this place in my life when truly anything is possible, so what should my next step be............................................??? Anyone have any advice--oh and a million dollars to pay off student loans!

SICK! (and probably crazy)

2008-11-24T21:03:00.000-08:00

Stay with me while I rant!!! Damn Eugene in the Winter! It gets me every time with a cold. Everyone would say that I ran myself ragged but PISH POSH! Well maybe there is some truth, but now I feel like a terrible employee being sick again, but what are you going to do! I'm just trying to figure what I want to do with my life, so what if I work a zillion hours a week and then CRASH!!!!!
Maybe it is just the sick talking, but would someone tell me what to do with my life??? PLEASE???? I am at a loss and getting frustrated!
OK that's all for now!

Great Opening Night!

2008-11-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

What a great opening night I had last week. It was such a rewarding experience after such a loooooooooong week or working full time at a job and doing tech week for a theater.
The show went off so well and I was so proud of all the people involved! It is the first show that I really feel that I at least am qualified to know be there. I have developed my skills so that I know how to handle a situation and stay calm (at least until I am alone).
I felt rewarded with this show (even though stage managers truly are the un-sung heroes of theater). I felt that my consistency and dedication really showed through to the production. Most people loved the zaniness of the show and we even got a great review (which is not just a given)!

PS. Oh and no I didn't get a kitty like everyone else--so you won't be seeing that in my blog ;)

Learning can suck sometimes..............

2008-10-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

I am finally having time to update my blog after an extremely crazy week--once again. I don't know why I do this to myself, but I must really like self abuse. I work 8-5 and have rehearsal from 6:40-10 at night. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays I teach lessons before I head to rehearsals. I know I am crazy--one benefit about being so busy is that I have no time to hang out with friends so I am not tempted to spend absolutely any money on useless things.
I do have my last general education class at the UO this term. It is a sociology of women class. It is a marginally interesting class that truly has boring lectures, but after talking with one of my class mates I see that it is one of the more exciting lectures she as...........scary thought--at least to me. I give you all of this information because on Wednesday this week we were surprised with a movie. Usually this is very exciting to hear; however, this is most definately not the case. On this sad day which makes me never want to learn again, we got to watch the most horrifying video of all time--it was about female circumsision in Somali. That's right. you heard me. It was absolutely depressing and horrifying. Many girls ran from the room either A: about to throw up or B: crying hysterically; being me and taking I watched the entire thing trying to understand the perspective, and even though I understand that it is a part of their religion and culture--I believe it is completely wrong and really respect the people that are working to try and change this awful action that is being committed against women. I mean OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

young and uninformed

2008-10-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

I have decided that here at the University of Oregon we are a haven of foward liberal thinking and it is intoxicating. I agree that it is such a great time for change no matter the candidate. Democracy only works when it changes every so many years; Plus, as of now it seems that what is going on in America is not really working.
I do wonder how the hell did we get here and yes, I can look at all the facts (blah blah blah), but it is just really disconcerting. That is really all I have to say on that topic.
Another point about University of Oregon; it is easy to get caught up in the hu bub of this univeristy, but lately I have been feeling my cyncism sneak in. As I get asked to vote 400 times a day( not an exaggeration) I find myself reply YES! AT MY CURRENT ADDRESS! I appreciate that they are trying to get people to vote, but I think that at a point it should be safe to assume that everyone knows that in America you get to vote if you are 18 and a citizen--I mean isn't that partly the basis of America's appeal??????
One more thought: This campus is bubbling with people making uninformed election choices. this worries me. I don't understand why anyone would vote and not read all about a candidates and measures; plus, if you are choosing to thrust your opinion upon me (with signs and things)--you better know what the hell you are talking about. Not just shouting.
The end for now--maybe my next post will be an upper ;)

Riding the Changes

2008-09-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

Well here I sit evaluating my life. There have been so many changes in the recent future it is all starting to sink in.
Most people would think that marriage would be the big one, but that doesn't seem to be throwing me off. It seemed to be a natural step in our life, even though there will always be a "wild" part of me that craves un-natural independence ( I blame my mother). Alex is very supportive of all my craziness (at least mostly) and we are figuring things out in our life.
One of the craziest changes in my life is working a full time regular job. My title is Central Support Coordinator (even though it should be glorified receptionist). Although it is a nice job and the people are great, I am just worried that I will get stuck in Eugene, where there are not that many music paid opportunities. What I am hoping is that this job will be a good basis of some kind.
One nice thing is I have the time in the evenings to give voice lessons which is great experience, and very fun! I love bringing joy to people because singing is their hobby and something they love. I am learning so much from my students--I hope to get more.
Another thing I have learned recently is that I need start saying no to some things because I am about to be crazy busy this fall term! The problem is I can't figure out what to say no to! Maybe that lesson will come soon..............
The biggest change recently that is the hardest to cope with is good friends moving away. It hit me harder than I expected it too. After a month I am just now starting to figure out my life without them here! :( Although their moving is helping me to stay motivated to not get stuck here in Eugene--it constantly reminds me is that music needs to be a major part of my life because these friends are taking the risk and living the "starving artist" life. What this means for me is practicing and getting applications filled out and becoming more financially responsible, so that I can get a masters degree.
In Finality, what all this rambling means is that growing up is happening and slapping me in the face, and I am deciding if I was ready for this..................stay tuned to find out. :)

My life.

2008-09-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well here is my first attempt at blogging. I figure I should give it a shot, being that people are starting to spread out--why have the internet if I don't use it--right?
A little bit about myself.....I am a 22 year old newlywed who is almost finished with my Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance. I realized half way through college that I love singing and performing, but not as a career. I finished the program because I felt like it was something I had to do in my life. In college I found theater and my love for the hobby, and especially my love for stage managing (I think it is mostly because I like to be charge). I like to do a lot of different stuff like traveling, sports, hiking, camping etc, but my problem is I would rather be involved than just watch, so this makes me a VERY BUSY person.
Currently I am living in Eugene working a full time job I don't really care about to earn money to figure out what I am doing with my life. While doing that I am finishing my one class I need for my degree, stage-managing for a theater in town, and teaching some private voice lessons.
That is my life as of present! Hope you enjoy my blog--maybe I will have some interesting posts once in a while.