A diva's work is never done!

Not quite goodbye

2007-06-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

Okay kittens, don't be sad but it is time for me to say goodbye. Or rather, see you later. It has been a fun year of ups and downs for me in Cambridge, but I am off to that strange land called Ohio to start up school, cat sit, celebrate my birthday and lots of other fun stuff. As for this blog, well as my friend Tatiana pointed out, I am not "Cambridge Soprano" outside of Cambridge. So, pigeons, I will be posting all my summer adventures on a new blog that is listed below. Don't cry pumpkins, I shall return with new adventures and new locations to find me. In the meanwhile, should you get lonely or in need of some spiritual guidance, feel free to look at some of my prior post and search for references to yourself if you like, that is if you know me. Till that time, sweetlings, ciao! And do keep up with me on my new blog space.

-Karen-
http://sopranointhecity.blogspot.com/

So, you want to be a Bostonian?

2007-06-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

There are a few things that I have learned in my time here in Boston that are essential to being a proper Bostonian. Here is some advice from me to you:

1. Start to use words like "wicked" & "cheers" & "no worries" in your every day life. We may not be Brits, but we still like to talk like them.
2. Also, work on dropping the ends of words, especially if an "r" is involved (i.e. "ca" instead of "car"). Very helpful for vocalist to remember.
3. Treat all of Boston like OSU's campus, meaning that you can walk out in the middle of the street and just expect the cars to stop, and they will
4. Ladies, you may as well leave your stilettos at home. Or at least carry them in a bag to your destination. Because you are gonna walk EVERYWHERE and there are soooo many little indentations that those heels will get stuck in, so just forget about it.
5. If you decide to drive, you can enjoy the privilege of high gas prices, no parking and the friendly drivers I lovingly call "massholes".
6. Red Line=nice, Green Line=old & short, Orange Line=sketchy.
7. When you go to Fenway for a game, it doesn't matter that they are playing Tampa Bay. You will here "YANKEES SUCK" coming from the crowd. (These people REALLY hate that team).
8. Buy an umbrella and rain gear. The weather frequently changes so get use to it.
9. Looking for a one bedroom apartment? Get ready to pay triple what you would pay in any other city, other than New York and parts of California. Yes, you will have to wake up and look at the mirror and know you are paying $1300 to live in a hole.
10. As cynical as some of these are, Boston is a wonderful place to live. Begin to enjoy eating at the oldest running restaurant in the USA (union oyster house) then walk to the original Filene's basement and proceed to find Paul Revere's house and other wonderful historical places. Boston is a walkable city and there are a plethora of non-chain, awesome restaurants all over. Though...there are still Starbucks on every corner, either that or Dunkin Donuts.

Kubb/Quack/Guys, leave the uninterested ladies at home for a game/Stupid Cabbies

2007-05-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Catherine after hitting down a kubb

Rachael & I

Michelle with...um, Grady? or is it that other one??

Ev & I at the Christian Science thing

Beacon Hill!

On the tour

Boston on the Charles

Our sexy duck

Who are those sexy men:)??

Enjoying a beer and a dog

Me keeping score

Fenway at night

Evan singing "Take me out to the ballgame"

Mmm...Clam Chowder

Massasoit & I

Ev & I

Ev & I on the Mayflower II

Peep!

Evan is a sailor!

Ev & I a la Titanic (my idea of course)

Well, it was another adventure with Evan while he was in town. Jayne had a party at her house where we played some games and got to have some drinks...something I felt weird about doing in front of my voice teacher. And I learned a little too much about her personal life and wrestling....We went on a duck tour that was SOOO much fun with PJ as our driver, to Top of the Hub with my dad (who was in town) where we got drinks (the waitress gave my dad and I merlot instead of a cab...) and hot cookies! then the game that night and Plymouth the next day.

I will let most of the pics speak for themselves, but I want to say this. Gals, there are few things you should NOT do at a game. 1. Wear heels...I mean, c'mon. The guys are gonna be watching the game not the shape of your calves and there are lots of stairs 2. Drink, drink, drink (getting up during, in between, and every other which time in an inning) and spilling it all over people while shouting out obscenities to people you don't even know. 3. Go to the game. I mean, DON'T go if you aren't interested and you are going to leave at the sixth inning. Especially in a stadium like Boston where the cheap tickets are $50 a seat.

Other than that, I had a great time at the game and keeping score, even though the Indians lost. They are still cuties! And I was surprised and pleased to see the amount of Indians fans there. Ah, Ohioians. WE ARE TAKING OVER BOSTON!!!!

In other news, I got to go to Plymouth with Evan and we went to the oldest house there and on the Mayflower II (unimpressive) and had lunch at the Lobster Hut. Mmmm...then the taxi that was taking us back stopped to pick up his friend, swing him by the mall and then drop us off. I was PISSED about it. I like Boston cabbies soooo much better.

Well, I will be here for another two weeks and then it back to Cleveland where I hope to watch a game in less expensive seats, driving around in a car, and seeing my family and friends in Ohio. And, something really cool, is that Evan is on a plane right now with C.C. Sabathia!!!! GO INDIANS!!!! Oh, and cheers!

Summa, summa, summatime...

2007-05-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

So, I am all done with school (officially as of last Friday) for the year and Evan is in town. It has been fun going around and seeing different sights and people. Today we are going on a trip to my voice teacher's house and tomorrow we are going to the Red Sox vs. Indians game!!!! It should be lots of fun.

In other news, I received my comments back from my vocal jury. What a way to start the summer. I like to think that I am a realistic person and while I realize that I am not the best singer in the world, I like my voice and I think that I have improved a great deal with my studies. It was surprising to find some harsh comments from people that I respect and in some cases have worked with a great deal. The unexpectedness of the comments combined with my own thoughts makes it difficult to digest. I usually agree with teachers, but in this case I strongly disagree with them. I hope I am not one of those people that thinks they are great and really they suck. The whole thing is making me second guess everything.

So, I am going to be here in Boston for a little while longer and then I am going back to C-bus for the summer to start a second masters. At that time, I will be with my great friend Adriane and hopefully I won't run out of money from all the fun we shall have.

The end of year one...

2007-05-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

Ashley, Mr. Moll, me & Catherine

Bree & I

Me, Rachie & Michelle..the best trio ever!

Michelle looking cool

Rachael & Brian

Naoko & Rachael

Rachael & I

Rachael while walking home

Me, Ashley, Rachael & Michelle

Jonathan

Michelle & Rachael

Ashley, Me, Rachael & Michelle

Brian, Rachael & Ivan

So, it has finally come to pass. I have completed my first year as a masters student at Longy. It is kind of strange in a way, I feel like I have nothing to do now. Not that I don't have stuff to keep me busy, what with work, a concert next Wednesday, and Evan and possibly my parents coming to visit. But still, I don't get to see people as much and I really am missing old friends and my home in Ohio. My apartment here...isn't very cozy, except for my box of a room that is filled with my Karen touches.

But enough about that, here are some pics from the past week, including after art song, Bree's goodbye, and Rachie's recital. Enjoy!

A Little Night Music

2007-05-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, for those of you coming to opera scenes tomorrow night here is a little background/things to look for:

Handel aria-Jonathan is what is called "male soprano" and is singing to his grave...what?! Yes, that is why it is kinda creepy. Listen for his ordimentation (he adds stuff to the melody!) when he repeats the first part of the aria. P.S. little tears when he walks off stage looking all sad.

Count's Aria-Athan is graduating this year and his speaking voice isn't anything like his singing voice. The first time he did this scene when he put down the "champagne glass" (played by a water bottle), he dented it. It is from the same play as the next scene...

Figaro: I AM IN THIS! We had to memorize speaking the Italian before we put it to music. I didn't realize I had an aria until a month ago and I cram learned it. Not bad. In the scene Cheribino is in love with the Countess and Suzanna is laughing at it. Cheribino has gotten papers to be enlisted in the army and we decide, since he is in the Countess's bedchamber we should dress him as a girl. LOOK for-the Countess being curiously attracted to Cheribino, me "playing" the guitar very poorly, the picture on the dresser...whose picture is that?? Plus, Mr. Moll says I look perfect in my outfit, like Maria from "The Sound of Music"

Dialogues: They are nuns. They are eating lentils. It's Poulenc, it is strange. Not much else

Dearest Mama: This is not an easy aria and it is sooo pretty. LOOK for: the gloves, the hot shoes that Bree is wearing.

Fair Robin: I AM IN THIS! Andrea is in the Opera department. LISTEN for: all the sexual innuendo. LOOK for: the cute dress I got from Ann Taylor Loft. It is a size zero! I play the role of Maryann in this scene and then Dorine in the next scene from the same opera...

Tartuffe duet: I have the quickest change. This is the most fun scene to do. Maryann is being forced to marry by her father when she loves someone else. She reads too many romance novel...how did Mr. Moll know our obsession?! LOOK for: the novel that is called "Sin & Sensibility" (mine of course), the cute picture frame reappears, the fishnet stockings that peep out. HOT HOT HOT.

Don Pas.: Um...I first saw this today. Cute, hard. LOOK for: the brown pinstriped suit.

Hope this helps you enjoy this musical experience! See you tomorrow night. -karen

Life isn't as easy as the boardgame makes it seem OR Stress & Confusion

2007-04-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to sleep and I don't know how I did. My brain was consumed with thoughts about the coming week and how I would deal with a crazy work schedule plus all the rehearsals & finals that need to be completed. And, as I believe every person has experienced, when asked, "are you okay?" I nodded and then started weeping. Steve was really sweet and he offered to help cover part of my shift tomorrow while Cat took a shift later this week. They are splendidly splendid! With that behind me, I can take a deep breath and realize that things are going to be okay.

I talked with a close friend this past week about relationships and dating. She had broken up with a boyfriend a while ago and they were trying to be friends. But, lately, it wasn't working and the boy became almost rude in ignoring her. She was so upset when I talked with her and I could understand. It was comfortable and solid to know he was around and we are now reaching an age where marriage and creating a foundation is all around us and desired by us as well. It is hard to know where love ends and comfort begins in choosing to be with someone. I have friends that are dating or married to a person that is the perfect fit, despite the imperfections. Then there are the people that are dating, or married, that seem to love the relationship more than the person. But how hard it is to extricate from that kind of relationship...almost impossible as I have dealt with in past. The need to get away...but the comfort of keeping things the same holds you back.

In other news, I am trying to get as much done as possible for the end of the semester. It is funny because unlike my classes for undergrad I don't have the luxury of pushing my physical limits. In fact, I have to be the opposite so I can perform well. Sigh. There just aren't enough hours in the day!

It is raining outside and the smell of the fresh spring mist clings to the air. I just love it! Thought spring is not my favorite season, this part of it makes me feel like snuggling with my cat and a good book while drinking tea. But life doesn't seem to want me to be completely happy. There is always something big missing. I feel like I just have to make it through this week, this month, this year and then I can get what I want. But it has been that way for three years. I don't understand why and what I have done or what I could do to change it. I just have to keep on waiting.

Last week of classes...not even near done

2007-04-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't written in forever, but when life is floating along with not too much of interest to discuss, would you really want to read it??

So, this coming week is the last week of "classes" at Longy. My first "official" year of my masters is about to be complete. Meanwhile, I have two papers, five lessons, and three concerts to type up as well as ten songs to polish, three songs & two scenes to memorize, stage and polish all in either two days or ten days time. AGH! I am a bit...overwhelmed, but in good Karen spirit I will some how get it all done to my satisfaction...that is just the way I am.

I found out another college chum from C-bus is reproducing...geeze that makes how many of my friends engaged, married or having babies.... at least 75% of them and probably 50% are younger than I am. EGH! Not that I want babies or marriage quite yet, I still have much to do in the next year or so. Right now I have my lone family of one here in Boston to take care of. Maybe I need a cat?

Evan has an interview this coming week in Cincy, which is quite exciting, though I must confess I don't particularly like the area. But, feelings change and after all my only impression of the city has been of CCM, which is gorgeous inside, but surrounded by an utter ghetto...no joke.

I am also thinking of going back to C-bus this summer to start a masters in music education at Capital. Trying to make myself as marketable as possible & to keep all of my options open. Good idea? Bad idea? At least my parents have offered to let me use (and perhaps have if they buy another vehicle) a car. YES!

The weather here in Boston is BEAUTIFUL. My roommates & I have thrown open the windows and I am enjoying walking around without a coat. The Red Sox are thrashing the Yankees to my utmost pleasure and it has been a glorious weekend. I am just preparing for the weeks of AHH to come:o).

Thanks Amy!

2007-04-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is funny.

Go to Google.com, click on maps, click on "get directions", put in New York, New York to Paris, France and then read line 23.

In other news, I have been working SOOO hard and have had tons of learning of the music and the memory. Erg. I will make it because that is what I do. But I have freaked out a little over it. This weather has got to stop being stupid and warm up. It's spring of goodness sake!

More to come later. Cheers!

Merry Christmas! Erg, well, sort of!

2007-04-04T17:40:00.000-07:00

What a long day & a strange weather day too. While I was at work it went from overcast to raining to snow snow snow snow! So, we decided to put on some Christmas music. The surprising part was that it took about an hour for a person to finally say "the Christmas music is appropriate". No one else realized. Though Steve & I were dancing around like the Charlie Brown characters....so fun! Nothing like Charlie Brown to make the weather outside seem like a holiday treat.

Vomit...in my mind not my hair

2007-03-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

As the first year of my masters program is coming to an end in a little over a month, I started to look at the pieces I want to focus on for my vocal jury...and I want to vomit. For the first time in my college experience, I don't want to sing a song not because of memory issues or simply not liking the song, but because I am worried that my voice will not handle the song okay...all of my songs. I seem to have so many flaws all I think about when I perform is "am I centered? is this going to come out okay?" when I use to just sing.::vomit::

In other news, my art song class (or rather some of it to be fair) makes me also want to vomit. It is so sad, I am in a masters program and people don't bring their music, don't practice, check their phone messages when someone is singing, and we don't create a collaboration. It is a strange time of year, but COME ON PEOPLE! STEP IT UP A BIT! ::vomit::

I had some great conversations with people outside of Boston to discuss an issue that was brought up earlier this week and how it has made me think about life. I just want to thank you for listening and let you know that it has really helped my emotionally scrambled state.

My Spring Break Adventure

2007-03-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful, albeit short time at home in Ohio. Much happened and yet nothing at all. This past weekend, Evan and I went down to C-bus to celebrate four years of dating!!!! We went to G. Michael's and then visited an old friend at the Monk and went out for drinks afterwards. Here are the pics from the event:

The City View From German Villiage

Evan at the Bexley Monk

Evan & Aaron at the Monk

Evan & I at the Zig House (I really love this pic)

The next day, Evan was not feeling well, though not from drinking. We feel like dinner didn't agree with him (perhaps the spicy chorizo??) and he threw up that night and a few times in the morning...once being all over the car while I was driving. I ended up cleaning the whole mess up, including having him change out of his clothes and mine as well. I cleaned up as much as possible in a parking lot and drove to the Polaris area (which has everything), went into Target, bought sanitizer wipes and gel, baby wipes, paper towel and a spray deodorizer usually used for animal messes on carpeting. Once it was all cleaned and sprayed and aired out (thankfully it was 65 and gorgeous that day!) we drove back home and he ended up sleeping much of the time and most of the day. He is much better today by the way. Poor little lamb! He told me I get major points for this. At least I know that no matter what happens, I can deal with all situations that are thrown my way...even vomit all over my person. If that doesn't say love, I don't know what does...my cleaning up, not him vomiting.

Mother Nature & I = not good friends

2007-03-22T04:38:00.000-07:00

Looking towards Harvard Square

Looking toward Central Square

So, this is the second time that this has happened to me. I was suppose to fly to Ohio on the 17th in the morning and the night before I went to check into my flight and it was CANCELLED! (See pics of my lovely street that night!) So, I apparently have issues when it comes to plans and travel. After I found out about the flight, I had a few freak out moments (which Rachael was privileged to see) and I called the airline to get on another flight. I was told that the earliest flight I could get would be Monday morning, two days later...but then we discovered an opening on a flight Sunday night.

Now I am in Ohio and time is just FLYING by, which is quite depressing. And I had good time on St. Patrick's Day with the girls so having to stay in Boston wasn't that bad. What is very strange about this break is that twice, in different places, I have seen former students. Weird.

Nothing else really happening. I did get a bunch of new romance novels when I went out (watch out Tati!) and discovered a new author I LOVE, Sari Robbins. She has only written a few books, but they aren't too smutty which I appreciate. I suppose that is it for the moment.

bird bath+men in shorts=spring!

2007-03-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

Much to your chagrin, I did not take pictures of the birds bathing themselves in the puddles in Cambridge Common nor did I capture the men walking around showing off their supremely white limbs. But I must say it made me smile to have no hat on my head and to see the playful little birds splashing about taking off the coat of dirt that winter placed on them.

And while I love that the sun is shining later than last week, my body is going through some serious withdrawal from sleep. My throat is tight, I have huge circles under my eyes and my back feels like it must be a solid rock it is so tense. As I said to Bree, I feel like how I am when I have just flown back from Europe...just not right. I am having spring forward-lag.

In other news, I sang tonight for Robert Honeysucker in a master class, doing "What if..." by Lee Hoiby. A wonderfully strange piece that can be taken several different ways. While I am very tight and didn't sing perfectly (see reasons above), he had some wonderful comments and I had lots of fun. Mostly I liked theses two quotes from him (though not said to me) and I will end with them:

"Shiver from your groin" & "Singing is legal stripping"

Wrinkled Hand/ Want vs. Need vs. Actual

2007-03-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

I don't know when I began to notice that my parents were growing older. It kind of meshed together and one day I was looking at my mom's hand thinking "geeze, when did she get all those wrinkles?" It happens so slowly and yet so suddenly. I looked at my parents one day and realized that they were different, not my childhood picture of them at all. When did my dad start to look so tired and when did my mom decide to no longer dye her hair and let it be silver?

At the same time...when did I get so grown up? I look in the mirror and it is mostly the same. After all, I still look like I'm at least five years younger than my actual age (depending on my makeup and clothing choice). But it takes more to keep the weight off and I can't stay up as late and wake up going through the motions without it making an impact.

In many ways, life has done a 180 on me. Five years ago my greatest ambition was to be a teacher and married with the prospect of having children in my mid-twenties. I was quite the conservative protestant, against gay marriage, abortions, drinking and I rarely swore. If you know me, then you know a lot has changed...a whole lot. My Christian faith, though different, is still a big part of who I am. But, I would say I am definitely more liberal with my ideas now than I ever was. And while I still want to be married I don't know if I really want to have kids...at least not right away.

As a pensive person, I can see that my younger self had a lot of growing up to do before realizing what I would really be happy with. But am I really that wise now to see the difference between what I want versus what I need...and realizing what I will actually end up with? I am no longer a little girl that has her parents to rely on. Not that they don't help me and support me 100%, but they cannot look after me forever. And in the unsteadiness of relationships, I can't place all my happiness in one friend or guy. My happiness is dependent on decisions I make for me...now does it make sense that I am always questioning?

The Cool Kids at the Lunch Table

2007-02-27T14:29:00.000-08:00

Even though I am quite in my twenties, have taught high school seniors, and experienced the highs and lows of being a vocalist, there are still situations of weird peer pressure. Ever felt it? And what is strange is that it is when certain people get together they seem to bring out a weird vibe with each other. When they start to talk with each other and you try to join in the conversation, suddenly you are no longer a friend but you get the "why are you talking to US" look. And I become my 15 year old self, all awkward and worried about what people think about me. Thinking about conversations and how I dressed and acted and self-conscious. And when the moment passes, I realise how stupid it is. I grew out of this! I know that people don't care about what I do, they care about what they do. My goal is, the next time the situation comes up, to focus on my own growth and to let the moment pass. In high school I didn't have a glimmer of that image till my senior year where I had an awesome set of friends and it didn't matter that we weren't the "cool kids at the lunch table". We laughed and had fun together being ourselves. Letting go of inhibitions and being Karen.

I need to get a life outside of the fictional

2007-02-25T08:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, so Bree and Rachael could be the death of me...or at least of my masters degree! Since they have given me some fabulous books to read (most recently "Something Borrowed"), I have been up some nights till three a.m.! Not healthy. But I need to find out what is going to happen and I can't sleep until I know...just one more chapter turns into three chapters turns from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. So today I find myself with about six hours of sleep and I woke up around 10. You do the math. And after doing no homework or practicing yesterday, my only day off this week, I have so much to do and no time to do it in! Regrets? Not many, I always somehow make things work. But this is the first time in years that I have spent so much time reading since my bookworm obsessed days before I hit puberty. I LOVED books, but I found it harder and harder to pleasure read when classes demanded that I read specific things. Anyone that grew up with hounding English teachers, in my case two years of AP English teachers, know what I am talking about.

In other news, I had a wonderful time with Evan in town and here is a pic of the (belated) V-day dinner. It was so nice to have him around and it seems like it was so long ago, though it was only a week. Meanwhile, I am trying to catch up on my class work. Sigh!

Also, I don't know if I will have a recital this spring or not. Things have gotten complicated and I don't know if I want to put in the effort to figure out what to do. I had a moment in my lesson where I told Jayne that I think I wouldn't do half the stuff that teachers tell me I will (i.e. "Oh, you're the perfect::insert role name::", "When you sing in ::insert oratorio:: at ::insert big location::") and she reminded me that wasn't her responsibility. Later I apologized for my behavior and I knew, and she reminded me, that she has lots of confidence in me and will help me all she can, but it ultimately up to me. Lessons with Jayne are so different than lessons with Lynn, or even Kati. But at this level, I have to be my own support system, which isn't easy for me. Two lessons this week. Wish me luck!

Walking in a Slushy Wonderland!

2007-02-15T08:29:00.000-08:00

So yesterday was Valentine's Day and I had the night off in preparation for seeing Evan that evening. However, God "blessed" Cleveland with lot of snow (pics courtesy of Evan) and he was unable to fly out since both Cleveland and Akron/Canton airports closed down. So, I ended up alone of Black Wednesday and I took my energy and re-arranged my entire room. Later, Rachael and Bree's night activities got cancelled since Cambridge turned into a "giant slushy", as Bree so accurately noticed. I mean, there was a small "pond" that I had to cross at one point to get to the market and "thank the gods" that I had my waterproof snow boots on. When I got to Bree & Rachael's we had a delicious dinner of Chicken au Champagne, brown rice with sautéed mushrooms, and then a dessert of floating islands....mmmm! We watched Bones and then I left before the slush froze over too much. It really wasn't such a bad evening and I even got a yummy gift from Rachael (thanks!).

Evan flies in today (hopefully) and I will make steak in wine sauce, mashed chive & sour cream potatoes, broccoli with hollandaise sauce and a flourless chocolate cake made with Burdick’s dark chocolate....mmmmmm!

I hope that your V-day was great and remember, next Tuesday is MARDI GRAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Make sure to eat lots and have some booze, the good old New Orleans tradition. Me? You will find me saying goodbye to Evan (he flies out that day) eating po'boy sandwiches, red beans & rice, and perhaps some jambalaya or gumbo for dinner...oh, and don't forget the beignets from the mix my boss Swifty got for me when he went to New Orleans!!!

Cheers, y'all!!

Winter Gala (I promise this is the last of it!)

2007-02-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

Winter Gala (more!)

2007-02-10T06:39:00.000-08:00

Winter Gala

2007-02-10T06:23:00.000-08:00

Big Love, Cold, Weird Dreams, Dance

2007-02-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

So, Bree introduced me to the series "Big Love" that airs on HBO involving a man played by Bill Paxton and his THREE wives. It reminded me of the conversation I had with Catherine about monogamous relationships and how neither of us could deal with polygamy when it gets to a certain level of intimacy. It is beyond me that women, who can be quite possessive creatures, could share a husband. So, the story line of "Big Love" is quite foreign to me and it is interesting watching the families and wives interact.

It is also freezing cold here, though not as cold as it is in Ohio!, and walking back and forth to Longy from my house is no picnic. Plus, I think I am getting sick:o(.

Lately I have been remembering my dreams and they are quite bizarre. But they are weird in that way that you still want to remember them because they fascinate you.

Anyway, tomorrow is our "Masquerade Ball" at Longy and I am still trying to decide what to wear. I'll have to bring all my pretty clothes to art song rep. since it ends at 7 and the dance starts at 8. Even though I will only have the girls to dance with, and perhaps some random boys that are friends in relationships of their own, I hope to have a nice time...the free wine and beer could help too:o).

The Past

2007-02-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went to an old journal that I kept at the end of my high school days and into college. Mostly, it was filled with poetry I had written and I am looking at my words and my old problems and seeing the person I become...stronger, but with some of the same haunting questions. Here are two of the poems I found particularly striking. Enjoy.

My selfish ways
create the boulders
I cannot climb...and who
can help me?
Fellowship is a mystical illusion
why have You forsaken me?
Where is my help?
My comfort?
My window?
I cannot fight this alone.
I only fumble to the ground
You help me get up
only to face what I wish not to see
What do I do now?
My world is a cave.
Where is my Shepard?
Where is the flock?

My knight in shining armor
my picture perfect jigsaw puzzle
which (I thought) I had all together
But the pieces didn't mesh
some were missing
some broken
some belonging to someone else's puzzle
I wanted it to be,
I love the idea more than the person
But I find myself lost
in selfish disillusion.
Maybe my eyes are lying
my heart always looking past the real
to the fiction
the sweet fiction from years past
from longing, from daydreams
What now?
I move to a new puzzle
is this the same?
I don't know what picture these pieces will make
Will it be grotesque?
or am I looking past the fiction
to the real, the fictional real
which is bitter sweet
in my calloused heart
that, with every beat,
becomes more confused.
Does he care?
Does he long for me, as I long
for my sweetheart
who never abused my gifts
except with shallow love,
the only love he knew
But the difference is just that
now there is love so rich
it dares not abuse my company
Does this one contain all the pieces
which will eternally capture
my heart, body, love
for as long as it is earth contained?

Mr. Potter, we meet again at last...

2007-02-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

Okay, it is offical. On July 21,2007 the final installment of the Harry Potter series will be released and all of the waiting and questions will (hopefully) be ended. In my undergrad, I went to my 8 am class after watching "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"on opening night at 12:01 a.m. (getting to bed around 3:30 a.m.) and Professor Swearingen called me "Karen Potter" the rest of the class. Though, I was probably one of the most awake people in the class to be honest. So if that is any sign, in addition to me re-reading the books at least four times, then you will have no trouble to agree that I really enjoy the series. So, I am quite excited that the best month of the year will be filled with Harry, Hermione, Ron and their adventures. What a perfect birthday present to me! Thanks J.K. Rowling!!

Me=Bookworm

2007-01-29T08:43:00.000-08:00

A special thanks to Rachael who gave me the book "Duchess" by Susan Holloway Scott. It is incredibly wonderful. It is sexy and smart and based on Sarah Churchill and since it is historical fiction, it makes the story even more provocative. While I was reading, I realized that I am a lot like Sarah. She is perceptive and uses what she has to make her way in the world, but not sexually. Plus (and remember that I have not finished reading, so she is not yet married), right now her relationship with John Churchill reminds me of my relationship. They are quite in love, but...if you want to know what I am talking about, read the book or contact me. Though, either way, you should really read the book.

Cheers!

Check out her website at : http://susanhollowayscott.com/index.htm

Snow

2007-01-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture from the other night. Right now it is snowing too.
Cheers!

"Goodbye Puccini, hello my old friend, Mozart" or "Bloom where you are planted"

2007-01-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

In my voice lesson on Wednesday Jayne looked at me as she was leaning against the wall and said "Karen, I think you are a coloratura." My response: "...really?" I suppose in the back of my mind I always thought that it was a possibility. I can sing extremely high and I love doing quick runs...but I suppose I don't want to give up my dream of being Mimi in La Boheme. But, as Jayne pointed out, I have those qualities as well as my struggle with lower notes. Typical coloratura. But, as Jayne said, I'm also a soubrette which means I can do all the fun, flirty roles as well. So, I suppose that isn't too bad. I just look at all the coloraturas I know from school and such and I just don't see myself in that category. Though, as I have learned, my voice is still growing and changing, but I think that Jayne is right with where I am going. What does this mean? That's right, no Puccini and lots of Mozart. And, while I do enjoy singing Mozart, after a while I get a little bored after the sixth or seventh or hundredth piece I have sung by him. When I was talking with Evan about this, I tried to describe how I felt about it. My best metaphor went like this:

Singing songs that I love but are out of my Fach, like some Puccini or Brahms that I have done, are like a dress or pair of really cute pants that almost fit, but not quite. But, it is so cute that you buy it and wear it and you wish that it was slightly altered to be perfect. When I sang Adele, a coloratura role, and most Mozart pieces, it felt like a favorite pair of perfect jeans or that perfect skirt you wear all the time. It always fits perfectly and you feel comfortable and you love it...but you wear it all the time and you want something different and exciting.

I will strive to find literature to fit my voice and perhaps I should just do pieces that are perfect for me and not slightly imperfect and see what happens this semester. I just love so much that I shouldn't do and it makes me a little sad. Though, as one of my co-workers said the other day "It is a gift, isn't it? Not many people can do that." I will give into what I am and try to make it fabulous. And, like all the musical theater I love, I will look at pieces I love, but not touch and slide back into my favorite pair of perfect jeans, Mozart.

So, what happens next?

2007-01-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

Perhaps this post is a little premature. Lately, in light of my lovely friend Ashley's search for a doctoral program, I have been reflecting on...what happens next? Though, who knows if I will ever pass the impossible test that Longy makes every Master's student take in order to earn their degree. I suppose it could be worse and I could have a lot more homework than learning and singing beautiful music each week and I would have to study for tests like this daily.

But I digress. In the wake of a new semester starting tomorrow, I have been thinking about the future. Should I teach? And if so, what grade level? Should I go to Hungary again? Should I start a Masters in music education? (Think of how marketable that would make me!) But then, how long would I be in school?! How much would it all cost me? What about Evan? Where would that leave us? For those who have known me for a while, my relationship with the boy has been complicated with him being in Hungary last year and me being in Boston this year. I know people that deal with long distance relationships well, but I am not one of those people. I am a cuddler and I love showing affection and I feel like a hermit crab constantly going into my shell.

So, here I am at the beginning of the Spring semester of my two-year long degree program. And I am filled with questions. Are you surprised? I thought not. I have goals but I never know how they will play out. Looking back, who would have thought I would be where I am today? Certainly not I. God truly takes my life and just goes "Hm...what if I make her do...um...this!" and WHOOSH off my life goes in a totally new direction. And, in reflection, I see His work by seeing who I am surrounded by. Aleta in Hungary, Adriane & Susan in C-bus, Rachael in Boston. Strong female friends that help me realize that life is unexpected, but that is the beauty of it.

I guess the long and the short of this blog is, thanks to all those who have pushed and loved me enough to help me to get where I am. And, please, help me figure out where I am going because, obviously, I have no idea.

"A dream itself is but a shadow" -Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act II, Scene 2

2007-01-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

I am one of those people that every once in a while remembers my dreams, the good, the bad and the weird ones. Last night, something happened that I have never had occur in my years of existence. I remembered my dream this morning, but the dream had an ending. The dream itself is now a bit blurred, as is normal for me, and was very disjointed. It started with driving up a very steep hill to see this gorgeous villa that over looked a valley. Evan was there, but he refused to get in the car and to come with us. So, once we reached the top and went to the beach (yes, this makes no sense I know), I really missed him and wished he had come up. Somehow, I got the car and drove to go get him. He finally came with me and there were some people that were brain washing a crowd at an outdoor theater. I found a...something (this part is a bit fuzzy now) and stopped them. So, we all decided to leave and to make the perilous journey down the hill. People had to crowd in the back and I had to leave some items at the village, since they would not fit with all the people. Of course, we couldn't walk down the hill since it was too steep. (But, of course we could drive right...). The car was tipped downward and we had to climb into the car to prepare for our journey. But, I was worried that the car would not stay there before we all got into the car. Usually in my dreams, it wouldn't and then I would wake quite confused. However, this time it stayed and we all got in and the car went down the hill. My dream ended in completion with a beginning, a middle and an end and me waking up at the end remembering it. So what does this mean? I have no idea. I just felt like it was an experience to share.

My Weekend with Simon

2007-01-14T15:10:00.000-08:00

The last few months I have been thinking about getting a dog. It seems like a nice thing to have for companionship and security. Since the boy is in Ohio, wouldn't this seem the best solution? After this weekend, I have decided that this is a bad idea and that I am firmly a "cat person". Not that I dislike dogs...as long as I don't have to take care of them. At this stage of my life, it is like my perception of children. I don't mind teaching them, as long as I can send them off to their parents later. So, now you are curious. What happened to drastically change her mind? Well, here is the scoop:

On Friday I went over to visit Simon's, excited about the weekend. When I took him for a walk, he was a bit fast and I realized that I needed to keep a firm hold. While sniffing a stoop, a man walked by. All of the sudden, Simon leapt at him, freaking me and the man out. That night, Simon jumped onto the bed and proceeded to take up all of the space and giving me very little wiggle room with the covers. The next day, I came home to find some paper towels I had placed in a bag littering the floor as well as a food container open and gnawed on. After a long day (I opened at work) I did not want to deal with the mess but I had to clean it anyway. I was quite careful while walking him that night, but when he heard a dog barking in the park I was almost drag for a second as he leapt in the direction. That night I gather the covers around myself and did not let Simon take up the space. He did succeed at waking me up in the middle of the night shaking his collar and roaming around the room creating a series of jingles (as if the cold and weird sounds from the non-working heater weren't bad enough). The next morning I had to open at my store again and explained my situation to my sympathetic co-workers. I got home and took out Simon briefly before heading to my house. I read and relaxed and prepared myself for the final encounter with the dog. For the final walk, I was determined to keep Simon in check. However, he decided to leap at another passing man (who uttered some expletives) who I had to apologies to. I did succeed keeping him from lurching at a dog that looked like a pit bull as well as a runner by having him sit and blocking his view with my umbrella (oh yeah, it has been constantly raining the past two days too!). I brought him in, fed him and left.

So, now I am at home and very thankful that I am here. I still like dogs, I think they are quite cute. And I don't this Simon isn't trained. He just chooses not to listen. After these past few days, I am making myself a nice meal, sitting and watching the Patriots play & Rome later, and having a drink. How nice it will be to sleep tonight!

What the Buck?

2007-01-10T12:22:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, OSU lost a heart breaking game to the Gators on Monday night, which also happened to be Evan's birthday. It was suppose to be a day of joy! But, no worries, we made it great in the "american" way (Those of you who know Mr. Moll, please think of "american" the way he says it). The day started with me driving my dad to the airport so I could use his car to get to Evan's house (those of you that remember that time in August when my '97 Saturn died...leaving me car-less). It was nice to talk with him and to have lunch before he left. By the way, this is the first of several trips for him these next few months. At the end of the month he goes to France, then in Feb. to Greece and in July he goes to Australia for a month all of which is with my mom. GRRRRR!

But I digress. I brought Evan some birthday balloons with Darth Vadar on them and gave him his gifts (a bottle of Chimay, a $30 gift certificate to Phoenix coffee[his favorite...albeit a competitor with my company] and a Kinderegg...a little inside joke from Hungary three years ago). We relaxed, played video games and at dinner opened my bottle of 2004 Ferrari Carano Chardonnay which was yummy! I also watched Empire records for the first time.

After dinner, we were picked up by his friend Ryan who has been living in Japan these past two years and was in town for a short period of time. For those non-Buckeye fans, Ryan was suppose to fly back on Sunday...but once he found out that the game was on the 9th, he changed his ticket to watch the game. I know one other person who did the same for an overseas flight. That is Buckeye loyalty. So, we went over to his house to watch the game on the HD tv at his parents house. They had a keg-o-rater that was tapped with Killians and once the Bucks were a lost cause, we did the American way and drank our loss away. Here are some pics, including the dog named Brutus after the Buckeye mascot. Hope you enjoy theses!

Evan and Ryan
Alan coming to the game
Brutus

Evan, Ryan & I after the game...smiling through the tears!

WELCOME 2007!

2007-01-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone had a nice holiday. I have been able to sit around, read a lot, eat wonderful food, and spend loads of time with Evan and my family. Here are some pics for your enjoyment:o).
Evan & I making dinner for friends

Playing the game "My Word!" which I am the QUEEN at!
Adriane & I at Bexley Monk

Christmas is...

2006-12-26T13:50:00.000-08:00

Well, this Christmas went by so quickly, I can hardly believe that it is all over. Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure! I hope you enjoy them.

Oh, by the way, for Christmas I got a much needed digital camera which is responsible for these pics and many more to come! Have a wonderful holiday!

Cheers,
karen

Dinner, before...

...and after

Jake, my sweet cat

Four CRAZY Nights...

2006-12-18T20:24:00.000-08:00

Since school is pretty much done for me, I have to include the craziness of today in my mention of the last few nights since the weekend & week days are now one big smushy mess. Get ready for a long blog, folks!

To start, Friday night I sang in the Schumann art song recital and the party afterwards at Jane's house. The concert was quite good, at least for me, and even though we had a small crowd, I think it was splendid fun. Afterwards, we went over to Jane's (my teacher's house) to celebrate. We had some wine and delicious cheeses and got to see her GORGEOUS house! It is one of the few Victorian houses in Cambridge and I definitely felt that I was thrown back into the 1800s. Her husband showed Andrea and I around and explained the architecture to us and the decor. I had an interesting conversation with Brad about his goals and that blowing off class activities was prioritizing and not blowing me off. And Gui, I just love that girl! The most funny things came out of her mouth!! (Like her fear of if she will remember how to kiss her boyfriend when she goes to Korea to see him and her family over the holiday...)

Saturday...well...I worked all day and then went home to get dressed. Andrea came over and decided that, even though it was a ten minute walk from my house, she wanted to drive. So, we got to the party and I had wine and she had diet coke. An interesting guy was talking with her much of the night and I got to see my co-workers dressed to the nines. When I saw Swifty, he was wearing a tux and drinking a fourty. Amanda and Shannon were talking about "social anxiety" and Amanda had much to drink. Tatiana brought her cute boy, who I had never met, and apparently married woman kept hitting on him (erg, keep it in your pants, ladies!). I got many complements on my dress and I found myself at the end of the evening with a gin martini...big mistake after four...or five glasses of wine. Dain went outside and asked us how we liked the party...from outside the house...odd. I got home and got sick...but after some gatorade and tylonol I went through the next day just slightly queasy and some good memories.

Sunday, I slept in and made myself a nice breakfast. I went to Bree's recital around 4 and she was FANTASTIC! If you didn't get to see it, shame on you. My favorite pieces were the "Canalope" pieces and the crazy "Amor" by Strauss. Afterwards, Rachael and I sang in the Vocal Chamber Ensemble concert and we ROCKED! We were together and I was so happy that many of the pieces were the best I have ever sung them. Jayne seemed very happy and I got to record it as well. YES! Afterwards, we toasted Bree's success with champagne and chocolate and watching "How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days".

Now, for the interesting evening. Today, I worked a really long shift for me (12-730) filled with Tatiana sing "All I want for Christmas is...." well... let's just say I learned a lot about her personality. I also got my period for the second time this month and found out from Liz about how hormones peak or something mid-month and that is why. Sigh!

As for the hell that followed... well, this is what happened in the course of the day: 1. A man came in, ordered a tea and began to talk to me in gibberish where I heard the word "marijuana" and "f*&%" a few times...I had to count the correct change and he left...did I mention he didn't have any teeth?? 2. During a HUGE rush, a man walked around the counter and said "bathroom?bathroom?bathroom?" Startled, I pointed to the store next store and said "there". 3. A woman came in and ordered a drink of certain temperature with a certain amount of foam. I made this drink perfectly. She proceeded to pick it up and said "um, it's too light, I need more milk" so I respond that I could add more, she then asked for more steam milk in another cup. I turned to look at my co-worker to see what I should do (she ordered a grande, NOT a venti) and the woman got all upset with me hesitating saying "I'm the customer, I'm always right". I offered to re-make the drink but she refused and I finally gave her some milk in a little cup. While I was ringing other people up, she had Cat take off some foam and add more milk. She then came back over to the counter to ask to talk with Shannon (actually "that other girl") because she knew her and if she was the manager and she always comes in here and such. I said I was sorry if I offened her, which she said I had. The whole experience really pissed me off. Afterwards, we went out for Mexican and margaritas. What's with all the crazees in this city!

I would like a double tall breast milk latte please...

2006-12-12T18:22:00.000-08:00

So, today during work Tatiana was ringing up an order for a customer...who was breast feeding during the order. Now, I have gotten a lot of things when people are ordering. Making out, talking loudly on the cell phone, yelling at me, but NEVER that. Not that it was full breast exposure, but still...how inappropriate!

Off to the Opera (department) you go!

2006-12-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

Today I saw Donna and Andrea coming out of the elevator. I thought that was strange, but then I saw that Andrea was all dressed up...and beaming. Curious, I looked over at Ashley and eventually Andrea came back and told me the news. She decided to switch to the opera department. I am sad and happy for my friend. For one, I think that she will do incredibly well in the department and be able to do more arias, which she loves to do. But, she won't be in my classes any more. Sigh!

In other news, I am trying to finish off the semester strongly. Tomorrow I have a voice lesson, and a diction test. Then, I go to work. This weekend are some performances and Saturday night Dain is having a party where I have to get all dressed up to the nines (guys in ties, girls in cocktail dresses). It seems like it will be lots of fun.

Yesterday, I went out with Shannon to "Forest Cafe" for Mexican and had some yummy margaritas. We talked and laughed and I'm sad she is moving to Hawaii in January.

Everyone is just abandoning me!

Is that patchouli I smell?

2006-12-07T20:29:00.000-08:00

The other day at work I noticed a woman that orders decaf lattes* smelled strongly of earth...and I remember her smelling that way each time I've seen her. After talking to Swifty, he informed me that the scent was patchouli, which is popular with hippies and the only scent that covers up the scent of weed. That, combined with her wide pupils and hazy voice and stance, tied everything together. Well, that clears up that.

Tonight, I got to watch a recital on Poulenc's "Le Travail Du Peintre" which I am thinking of singing. I really wish that I could do a lecture recital instead of the EEP. I have been in the education part of music, I am here for performance. Oh well.

In other news, tomorrow is my last day of classes. It has certainly been an interesting semester. Next week I have a test and some performances to look forward to. Next weekend I will be singing Friday night in my Schumann Song Cycle Class Recital and Sunday I will be performing with Rachael for the Vocal Chamber Ensemble's Class Recital. Lots to do. You should come! Or face my wrath:o).

*the drink has been changed for her protection:o)

Haymarket yumminess/Ms. Norris's bid for freedom

2006-12-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday I worked a freakishly long shift (10:30 a.m. till 7 p.m.) for The Man. I was a little loopy by the end of the shift, but it was so much fun because Dane and Brian were working with me and it was Brian's last day at the store (he is going to be an assistant manager at the Church Street store starting next week!!). And we got to try some coffee that is only sold in the Hawaii stores. It was yummy and "mossy" as Dane put it. I got home and was wishing that Longy had a more exciting social life when Rachael called me and told me she was in downtown Boston and I should join her and her friend that she was meeting. So, I threw on a sweater (finally some normal weather, though I am not sure if I'm that thrilled about it) and got my butt on the T. After being a bit lost, I found my way to the Italian district, where we ate a delicious meal and I had some nice (expensive) Pinot Noir...and didn't get carded (as the server said "we will trust each other"). The strangest part of the meal was when Billy Joel's "Piano Man" came BLARING over the speaker...the (cute) gentlemen next to us eventually figured out that it was nine o'clock on a Saturday when it started...ha ha ha.

When I got home, after visiting Rachael's for some friendly chatter, I opened the door and I felt something rush past me. It was Ms. Norris. I looked over and she hopped up on a ledge. I ran inside, cursing her name, and got the spray bottle which I used effectively enough to get her back in. After that, I tried to play with her a little and she seemed better. Poor cat. Her owner isn't always around and it makes her bored. I guess her anger cannot be helped.

Singing with Dean Shay...

2006-11-30T15:39:00.000-08:00

I am tired. And I can feel it from everyone. The sense of 'Why am I back doing all this work for two weeks just to go home again?". Erg, it makes it very difficult to consentrate. Also, the fact that I wore a tank top today and it is the last day of November is slightly disturbing. Are we looking at the end of the world?! And today, in Mozart class, I sang with the Dean. Yes, Brad was "ill" and "couldn't sing" and had to "save his voice" so he did not sing today (of course, I had heard him singing quite well an hour before that in a voice lesson...but whatever). So that was the situation. It was fine and he had a surprisingly good voice! And it was fun to sing Papagena's role:o). Well, I have to finish up some work and get some sleep...yawn! When is Christmas again?

Happy Turkey Day! Now, back to work!

2006-11-25T07:25:00.000-08:00

I hope that you had a lovely holiday. I can say that mine has been awesome. Of course, traveling to Cleveland was a bit of an adventure. On the T, there were several rowdy teens that were hitting each other and boucing around swearing up a storm (with younger kids around to hear them) so, while I planned to take the silver line, I got off at the earliest stop and took my normal route instead just to avoid being around them any longer. There were TONS of people that were going to the airport, making the trains really full. But I got to the airport and on the plane (mostly full of students) without problems. I was in a window seat next to a guy that snored the whole flight and when I was doing Suduko he asked me why people did that game and engineers such as himself don't get what the attraction is. I just gave a polite smile and he left me alone for the rest of the flight. The good news was that my luggage was meeting me at the end of the trip, a feat that doesn't occur often for me (just ask...I have several stories to tell)!

We ate late since the oven turned off when the timer went off, something my brother and mother did not notice until an hour and a half after when I noticed the "bake" light wasn't on. That, and it was cooked upside down for half the time which pushed the thermometer in so it never popped out. But, the whole meal was a success taste wise and the Cowboys won!!(always a good thing.) I have been able to sleep and relax, cuddle with my cat, and to see a bunch of Evan which has been lovely. He even brought me flowers at the airport and a Chipolte burrito (to which he pointed out I grabbed for the burrito first). AND he bought me a Farrari Carano Chardonnay!!! I have been dying to try it, but it is kind of pricey. So, we shall open that sometime soon:o).

Looming in front of me is the prospect of coming back and having to grab the bull by the horns and finish up the semester strong. Oye! If you have any stories that you would like to share (a la my turkey story) let me know. Cheers!

OSU wins against Michigan 42-39...is there anything better?

2006-11-19T07:32:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't be able to call myself a Buckeye fan if I did not mention yesterday's game. It was a beautiful thing. I went over to Rachael's where a few of us Ohioians congregated to watch and we weren't disappointed. A 42-39 victory secures OSU's spot as number one in the nation and a chance to play who ever winds up number two in the big bowl game. It was a wonderful game and I love being able to be around people that appreciate the OSU spirit in such an atmosphere as this.

And I am three days and counting to being back home in the Buckeye state for Thanksgiving and reunited with my fixed computer:o).

Work Ethic

2006-11-15T17:29:00.000-08:00

When I have to answer the question "What is your strongest attribution" and "What is the weakest" I use the same answer. I have a high work ethic. I believe that I should take responsibility for what is in my care and in a way this causes problems because I get upset with myself when I don't do my best. This describes two things that happened this evening.

First, I was placed last in the concert program again tonight must to my dismay. Once again, I had this gurgly-cracking thing that happened at one point during the piece. After two hours of sitting, how would your singing voice sound? I have asked every voice teacher I have had the same question on how do you deal with these situations. But I never get a straight answer. (If you have a suggestion, I would LOVE to hear it!!!!) Of course, I got pissed at myself since I did not do my best and I didn't want to let down my group.

Second, I have never thought people could have such low work ethic. People showed up to the masters class in jeans. It would be like showing up to a performance that way or going to an opera with jeans (which you shouldn't do, by the way, even for a matinee). Also, people just left after they performed. Maybe I shouldn't have shown up for another hour then so I could have been nice and warmed up. Then, the clarinet player (a father by the way) double booked himself and, at 5:50, told the teacher he had to go by 6. So when the teacher told him to stay anyway, one of the people he was suppose to meet showed up. And, in the middle of coaching (other people, fortunately) she opens the door to the room and tells him he has to go to their rehearsal. They take it outside and he eventually leaves. So, one girl doesn't perform and at the end of the class I see her crying. The person leading the class was fine, but by the time we got to perform she had been worked out it seems. Beside the fact that our pianist did not show up for Mondays rehearsal again. Erg. By the time I stepped up to sing I was PISSED. And the teacher went over the time. It was not a wonderful experience and it was the most boring master class I have ever seen. Even when I had to sit through hours of it at Capital. I can't wait for Thanksgiving!

The whole experience just pissed me off. How can people be so rude?

Care for a drink?

2006-11-11T20:31:00.000-08:00

The most flattering thing happened to me today. While working my really really really long shift, a cute guy that had come in before entered, recognized me and remembered my name. Somehow the conversation got around to the OSU vs. Michigan game that will be taking place next Saturday. I found out that he went to Michigan and we were joking about who was going to win. He sat down to drink his coffee and I had a long line of drinks to make. About fifteen minutes later he was leaving and I said "My condolences for the loss you will suffer next Saturday" to which he laughed. Then he asked if I would like to have a drink sometime. I blushed and said I was seeing someone, but thanks. And then I made another "have fun watching the game" comment as he left. I couldn't believe it! I was wearing a red shirt, not my most flattering color, no makeup, and my hair was falling out of the clip. Yet, I guess I still looked good. But, it would never work even if I was available. Being from "that state up north" would be too wide of a gap to breech!

Get well, get well soon we want you to get well...(a la Seinfeld...without the cake)

2006-11-09T19:10:00.000-08:00

Today was not my day. First of all, I have gotten my period for the second week in a row. Second, today is my first day off since last Friday and I am so tired and my feet hurt so much it is unreal. Third, I have to memorize two French poems for tomorrow. Fourth, I missed an Audra McDonald concert. Fifth, I did not find a dress to wear for Sunday's coffee concert. Sixth, we ran out of dishwashing soap. Seventh, the shuttle to the T stop from Cambridgeside Gallery stops running at 6:20 p.m. and Ashley and I had to walk to Kendall square. Eighth, the cork broke in half when Eileen went to open it (my fault, since I put it in and she was trying to fix my work). Ninth, I cannot go online and email, blog or look at anything I normally do till Thanksgiving because...Tenth, my four month old iMac's hard drive just died. Yes, you are reading this correctly, my computer that I bought a mere four months ago, and did not back up, has gone to the doctors (a.k.a a repair shop) to get a new hard drive and I have lost ALL of my information. I was so upset at the store that I cried. The poor mac genius took it very well and Ashley was there to pat me on the back. So, my dear friends, I am afraid that this blog might get a little neglected till I get my dear friend back. And let my experience be a warning to you...BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Decision 2006/Democrats Take Over the World Day

2006-11-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

It is very interesting living in such a democratic state. Today at work, for instance, people were VERY excited that "we won!". Now, while I have been around people that can get a bit fanatical about their party, these have been Republicans and they weren't THIS animated about it. And I feel like Americans have really stated how upset they are with the way this country has been run. If you know me, then you know that I tend to shift the conservative route. I wouldn't say I am a republican any more...but I am not a democrat either. Perhaps an independent? Though, I am hoping that the newly elected governor of Ohio, Strickland, will be better than Taft has been...but, really, how hard could that be? As one of my customers said to me today "Ohio is full of corrupt people." When I said "I'm not!" he simply responded "you're too young".

Even though I am out of my home state, I did vote absentee and I HOPE that you voted as well. It reminded me of the last big election in 2004 when I drove from C-bus to Cleveland just so I could vote and I drove back to C-bus early the next morning for classes. The power of having a voice lured me to do what I needed to do. It also reminded me of 2000 between Gore and Bush. At that time, I was in AP Government and our homework assignment was to come back the next morning with the election results. I remember being pro-Bush and Ben having his Gore sticker on his book cover. Of course, we could not answer the question when we came back the next morning...or the next...or the next I believe.

Unlike after that election, I hope that the results prove to do something better for this country. I hope that Ohio gets turned around. I hope that the war issue gets resolved. No matter what, at least we know that the next presidential election will be very interesting.

In the Barn, Milking the Cow/OH....IO!

2006-11-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

I can't imagine a better Friday. First, I got to watch Yumi, Rachael and Bree (with Lindsay, Staci and Brian playing) sing Schumann's Frauenliebe und Leben. It was BEAUTIFUL! And as Jane was coaching them, I could only think "Why isn't she teaching our vocal seminar class!?". She is one of the most open people I know and she is so helpful and...wonderful! After this, we had art song repetorie and, since it was Brian's birthday, we had a cake for him. But we waited until Kai-Ching went to play for Yumi to have her play Happy Birthday while Lindsay walked out with the cake. It took FOREVER as Brian kept asking Yumi questions about the composer, the poet and the song. When Kai-Ching started playing the Debussy piece we were all confused. Then she used a glissando to go into Happy Birthday as the cake came out. It was AWESOME! I got to sing Debussy's "Clair de lune" (second version) and it actually went pretty well. Danny was great on the piano and I was happy with it. People said they could hear me on the lower portions when I definitely thought I couldn't. Yea!!! But the best part of the class was Brian making the huge boobs motions with his hands as we were translating a passage about large breasted women. Ha!

So, some of us went to Cafe Paradisio for dinner and then Jennifer, Brian, Rachael and I met up to play Euchre (us silly Ohioians and our Ohio game). It was SOOOOOO much fun! In the end, Rachael and I were victorious with the third game, the tie breaker. Between which we had a lot of "You're mama" comments, some musical theater blabbing, and coffee. What a nice Friday!!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2006-11-01T17:10:00.000-08:00

For Halloween I decided to dress up as a cross between Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. You can decide how it turned out:). As I was walking around all day in my costume, I was incredibly depressed that I saw no one on my way to class dressed up! Where were all the freaky people that would use this occasion to really do it up right?! Ashley ended up coming over and we made a pasta dish a la Ashley, spinach, garlic toast and pumpkin muffins. Yum! We started The Shining and then Catherine came over and joined us.

This morning while I was at work, much of the Halloween stuff went on sale! I was excited that could buy the cute brown and orange monster mug that reminded me of the Cleveland Browns...but then, a lady that ordered a nasty breve latte (a latte with espresso and half & half) took ALL OF THEM!!! I was quite pissed off. Erg!!!!

I hope that you had a wonderful Halloween!!

Salem in the Rain/Kitty in the sink/Goodbye J-Rowe/Fire Fire!

2006-10-30T19:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, so there is WAY too much that has happened in the past three days, so bare with me...but at least I have some pics:o)!

Jennifer & I

Lunch at Salem Beer Works

After the Trial

"We have a witch, may we burn her? ""I'm not a witch, I'm not a witch!"

First, let me talk about my adventure in Salem on Saturday. To start with, every day has been gorgeous, perfect weather...except for Saturday. It was rainy and windy and cold. Times three. The people that were brave and headed out had quite an exciting time. We went and saw a trial, dungeons, a wonderful brewery where I had great beer and clam chowder as my pants were drying off. I got a cute mug and got to talk with some great people. And, as Rachael put it, the train ride really reminded me of Hungary...sigh!

Mrs. Norris is thirsty.

Mrs. Norris in the sink.

Second, when I got home from witch country I was soaked through the bum. So, I took a long, hot shower and dried off. When I walked out of my room, I saw Ms. Norris in the sink. In the past two months, she has not done this. Fortunately, she did not swipe at me while I took her picture!

Third, Sunday was J-Rowe's last day at work:o(. It made me quite sad since I really enjoyed working with him! A few of us went out to UNO's in Harvard Square to have some drinks. Apparently, according to a co-worker I saw today, I started talking in an English accent half way through our time. Gah! But, however much I may have drank, I guess I didn't do anything stupid, which is good. I gave Jonathan a mixed cd of breakup songs. He said he's never gotten one before, that made my day! (Other than the cute guy at work that said I had a hint of a southern accent...yes!) I had lots of fun learning that Dane is a man who likes bums, Barb & Jonathan love The Simpsons, and that I work with some super people, but one of the best ones is gone. Sigh!

Lastly, tonight, in true Longy fashion, the fire alarm went off while I needed to go and get my book bag. We had to wait outside for the fire department. Meanwhile, we found out it went off because two guys burnt popcorn and when the alarm went off they brought it outside, and began to eat it. Hoorah!

Let's Play a Game...

2006-10-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

Cute: Six squirrels running around in the park on a sunny day, hopping around in those cute arch patterns, gathering food.
Creepy: The man on the bench yelling "You're Free! Free to eat!" to the squirrels.

Sweet: A person that is not clocked in that takes out the trash out.
Sour: A cat that's poop smells so bad you have to light a candle and spray the infected room down with Lysol.

Joyful: Constant improvement in voice lessons that make your teacher get goose bumps:o)
Sadness: Being separated from those you love and nothing you can do, a part from dropping out of school and quitting your job, will change that.

Lucky: Finding a practice room open and not getting disturbed.
Un-lucky: Finding a practice room open...no wait, a mom has her child playing in the practice room...or is she just watching her children play around on the floor?...erg!!!!!

Life is full of these contrasting emotional scenes. Have any more to add to this list?

and so it goes...

2006-10-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

It is interesting what a song can do to a person. A melody that gets stuck in a person's head for an hour, a day, a week. And each song brings back different memories, doesn't it? For instance, every time I hear the song "If You Wanna Be Happy" by Jimmy Soul I think of Rachael, Susan and I driving to Susan's wedding. I'm taken to Hudson's Homecoming when I was a sophomore dancing with Jamie to Madonna's "Just like a Prayer" having lost our dates (and shoes) to dance by ourselves. Those are fun memories. But then there are those that are painful. Every time I hear "Total Eclipse of the Heart" I have to change the song. Silly, huh? But when I hear it I am suddenly sitting in a room full of people and having my heart wrenched out watching a youth group skit with someone I really cared about as the main person. Some memories are just weird. Every Shins song from "Chutes too Narrow" reminds me of playing Crono Cross. And some, like "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds & anything Nick Drake, are bittersweet.

This past year has been a weird one. I took a year off after my undergrad to find a teaching job and to make something of myself. With Evan overseas and not finding a full time position, I took all my emotions and burrowed them deep inside me. I look at 2005-2006 and think...what happened? Other than "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" which brings back Jen's message on my parent's phone (oye!) and Kenny Chesney's "Back Where I Come From" that reminds me of Brussels and Cindy, I have very little music memories. Because it was too hard to think and it was too hard to feel and it was too hard to release.

Now, I am a performance major. I am in a great city and going to a great school. But I am finding it so hard to get that emotion back into my being. Once it is held in so long, the walls are difficult to breech. I have been so blah for so long it just seems easier that way. When one doesn't feel happy, one doesn't feel sad. It's not that I am complaining. I feel like my experiences, all of them, have made me who I am today. I am a stronger person and able to deal with life. Maybe it is just that it is Saturday and I know I have to work through most of this weekend. Maybe it's that I can't hop into my car and drive and drive. Maybe it's the distance. Maybe it's that two of my good friend just had birthdays. And aren't those times for reflection?

Sing us a song, you're the piano man!

2006-10-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, I can understand sickness and missing rehearsals. In fact, I was quite tempted to ditch today's chamber music rehearsal, but seeing as we haven't had that many...well, I decided to tough it out. As it happens, our pianist once again DID NOT SHOW UP!!!! At least the first two times she had the courtesy to make up excuses. Monday she didn't even email. Today she was not there either. The solutions? Rachael and I went around the school trying to find someone else to play for us. As it turned out, I remembered that Danny (a fabulous pianist) had said hello to me so I knew he was in the building. We cornered him in the library and using our feminine charm, we convinced him to play for our practice. Okay, maybe the promise of getting paid and that he is a nice guy was part of it too. When we started to sing, we noticed something different with this accompaniment. The notes were right! They had emotion and, gasp!, he followed us! All this while sight reading. Needless to say, we convinced him to join us full time to play for our ensemble.

In other news, there is a lovely white spot on the back of my throat that I discovered this morning:o(. I plan on keeping an eye on it in the hopes that it will not grow or reproduce. Hopefully I can get in to see a doctor tomorrow and nip this in the bud if necessary. As long as a pointy needle isn't involved...

Also, it would be very unKaren-like if I did not mention tonight's finale of Project Runway. I cannot believe that Jeffrey won! I really thought that Uli would, especially since Heidi said she would wear everything that came down the runway. It was a tough choice and I really enjoyed seeing all of the garments. They were all so unique and it made it such an interesting final showing. And now it is all over! I will have to do without my Project Runway fix for another year!! Sigh!

Where would I be without you, Julia Quinn?

2006-10-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

It's official. I'm an addict. My drug of choice? Julia Quinn romance novels. It all started innocently enough. I was talking with Bree, saying that I wish I had some nice, light literature to read. She gave me "The Duke and I" and when I opened it up one night...I found I could not stop! Was Simon ever going to get found out? Would he ever fall in love? These questions kept me turning the pages until I found that it was almost causing me to be late for classes, work and social events. My mind has been in a 18th century cloud and I find myself talking in a British accent, whether filled with wine or not. Since that first novel I have raced through two more and am now reading the novel about Colin and Penelope. While at Target, I bought the two after this one. And, by the way, this all started about a week ago. Perhaps I am going a little overboard. Perhaps this is an addiction. But, at least I freely admit it. And, I highly recommend reading her novels if you enjoy sweet,seductive stories. And, Dr. Mathias always said I needed a trashy novel by my bed to help me sleep. Though, this is certainly not trash. It is...l'amour!

For more information, check out this website! Cheers!
http://www.juliaquinn.com

Wine, cheese, chocolate and French art songs/One Reason to Attend Longy School of Music

2006-10-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight for art song rep, we were allowed to bring in some stuff to munch on, as long as they related to France in some way. We had white & red wine, cheese, grapes, triscuts, bread, and chocolate. Since I didn't have to sing today (only in my Schumann class, where I sang fairly well!)I was able to enjoy eating and sipping while lots of people had to wait until after they sang. Halfway through, and a lot of "sh"s later, I had the feeling that we weren't going to be able to have this wonderful experience again. But, it was announced that we would have another chance, but we had to be a little more focused or the wine and food would not be welcomed. Sigh! Needless to say, tonight's class was the most fun class I have ever attended. It's times like these that I really heart Longy:o)!

Crab rangoon makes every day better!

2006-10-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

As I have said previously, I love my co-workers. After not having much to eat this morning and afternoon (two pieces of toast, a spoonful of peanut butter and a peanut butter bar) I went to school to go to my Mozart class. Now, this is the class that makes me the most hesitant. There are hours and hours of reading and such that I just don't have the tolerance for, especially since it is only a one credit class. But the class went smoothly and I ran out to get to work on time. I sprinted inside my house, where Mrs. Norris greeted me, as usual, with a loving hiss and trying to swipe at me. I flew into my room, changed, and flew to work. Being not particularly in a great mood starting off, it is amazing how working with some great people can make a part time job fun.

In the middle of the shift, the chinese arrived. Since I did not have any money with me, I did not order anything. J-Rowe offered me some of his food and set aside some of his egg drop soup, a plate of his beef dish and even let me have a crab rangoon!!!! Shannon also let me have some of her dish. I was very touched and it just made the whole shift go by so much faster. There was pleasant conversation and laugher, except for the two rude customers at the end of the night, and it made closing a half hour later (b/c the sanitizer was broken:o( ) not too bad after all.

On a different topic, I found out that there was snow in lovely Ohio today. Here in Cambridge...seventies and sunny!

Some Ladies (& Gentleman) of Longy

2006-10-10T14:47:00.000-07:00

Just because they are so pretty, here are some pics from Rhode Island (note how sexy Andrea looks in her dress!) and from the vocal dinner last Friday. Enjoy!

Ashley, Andrea & I

Andrea & Brian

Some of the sexy ladies of the voice department :o)

the elephants that live upstairs

2006-10-08T15:52:00.000-07:00

it happens almost every morning, noon and night. you know what it is. "thump, thump, thump". rachael and bree know what this is like. thinking that the people upstairs (the mysterious people to me) like to move around their furniture every day and stomp around in heavy, steel-toed army boots just for the fun of it! this morning was no exception as, even with my sound machine on, i heard the "thump thump thump" of the elephants that must live above me. now, i don't know what they look like, they could be skinny little runway models for all i know, but the noise they create is atrocious!!!

in other news, the yankees got beat by the tigers. yeah! my voice did this awful cracking thing in art song rep. that made "romance" by debussy (no, not that one, the other one he wrote that was published in the 1980s...true story) sound like "ouch!". but that was only the high "a" that i had to leap up to from an "f" (he was quite evil with this piece, that debussy...maybe that is why he never published it in his days....) my high "b" i was told by andrea was "lovely" and the ending "breathtaking" okay, i don't think those were the exact words used, but you get the idea. i was quite proud that i did not let it get to me when brian...er....mr. moll began to comment on the piece and asked me to fix a few things (some of which my vocal chords would not comply with). we had our first vocal department dinner...which consisted of five people, including myself. it was still very nice and i loved the food i got.

this weekend rachael and party (sorry, rach, i don't remember everyone who went:o) ) went apple picking while i was....wait for it....AT WORK! tonight i was also at work. it would be an incredible bummer if i didn't like my co-workers. as it is, i like them very much indeed. saturday i got to see brian's cool u.s.s. enterprise tattoo (and found another lover of the show and got to talk about my love of stargate sg-1) and j-rowe complained about woman. LOL! tonight tatiana and i talked about our respective beaus and the crazy things that can happen with family members.

tomorrow it is predicted that it shall be in the seventies again and then back into the fifties the following day. adjusting to this weird weather is not fun for my voice and i hope that it evens out soon even if it means...erg....snow. but i bought some cute sweaters at the gap (yes, there is a sale ladies) and i will be happy to show them off. let me see if i eat my words in the coming months.

Baptism by Cappuccino/I Heart Squirrels

2006-10-05T14:41:00.000-07:00

This morning I was on bar for TWO HOURS during a morning rush. It was crazy and by the end I was a mess, shaking and wanting to cry (which I did eventually in private). It got a little better when my "boss" (the person taking over while Swifty is gone to get married this Sunday!) was all "great job" and "I know that was tough"...etc. I went home and straightened my hair and felt better:o).

Tatiana found an picture in the Metro of a squirrel "reading" a piece of paper. It was too cute! I just love squirrels, how they hop in littler arches and such. They are all about trying to get the nuts and running around and so so so so cute!

The season is starting to come alive!

If you don't like the weather in New England...wait a few minutes!

2006-10-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, so what is up with this weather? I walked outside yesterday morning in a cute black turtleneck and walked out last night in a t-shirt and was warm! The sun was beaming down upon me and it got up to high 70s...this is not helping my body adjust! And where is the beautiful New England fall I have heard about? And does all this just mean it will be a mild or a cruel winter? Any thoughts???

In other news, my voice lessons are finally swinging in the direction I want them to go. YES! And after putting it on my ipod (I figure out how to record it on my computer to my itunes to the ipod:o)!) I listened and found that the sounds I thought were nasal and ugly are actually quite lovely. YEAH!!!!

To add to my "things I wouldn't see..." list:
4. A gamble of kids (20 of them) throwing a cup of ice at a convertible.
5.A fire on a two story apartment house makes the news mid-day, but not in the evening....a place that is a few blocks from my house!!!

Mrs. Norris continues to be surly and yesterday got outside when I opened the door to get the mail. After a lot of hissing and the use of a spray bottle, she finally went back inside. Once I got home in the evening, she rubbed up against my leg, but I suspect it is only because her master(my roommate) was standing next to me. Figures.

Rain, Rain Go Away!

2006-10-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

So I took a trip to Rhode Island today to watch a friend, Andrea, sing a lovely concert in Providence. The whole time it was rainy and wet and rather unpleasant. But we had tea afterwards in cute little china tea cups! We went to "Not Your Average Joes" which I had never been to and liked very much. I also found out that a group of Longy students is going to Salem the weekend before Halloween which sounds like lots of fun! So, if you have any costume ideas, please let me know!

In other news, Mrs. Norris was meowing at me and I let her sniff my hand. As she started to sniff, she then pushed my hand over her head to pet her!!!! Which was then followed by an evil look and a hiss when I tried to pet her again. It looked so promising, but, alas!, she is truly Mrs. Norris.

BEWARE!!!!

2006-09-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

I just need to vent about one particular thing that has plagued me since I got here. When I arrived in the middle of August, I went and filled out a form to be attached to the lease my current roommates have. I went in two weeks later and asked questions about why the lease hadn't come yet, I went in and gave them every form and possible ID that they required. I was scoffed at and treated with utter disrespect. Now, it is two weeks and a day after the date they said everything would be taken care of and I still haven't got ANYTHING! ERG! I hate talking with the them there are always excuses. Cambridge mail is slow (yet all my bills were cashed in time for other companies), we are two men down (nice excuses that they have been using as to why they can't do anything for two months), and of course that it is my fault or one of my roommates faults. So, if you are thinking of living in Cambridge, make sure that you be careful who you deal with. I almost want to move out because it is such a pain!!!!!!!

Sorry needed to get that off my chest:).

I guess I'm not a fortune teller :o(

2006-09-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

So, I have just watched Project Runway and it looks like my prediction was kind of incorrect. Granted, no one got kicked off the show tonight and how was I to guess that. But, Uli won it when I said she would have been out. I like the outcome of this, though and am excited about seeing the designs and the final, final result!!

So, a list of things that I have seen this past week that I wouldn't see at home (or at least, I hope not in some cases).
1. A raccoon staring me down on a tree in front of a verizon building.
2. A man sitting in van that had its alarm going off, who eventually got out of the car and walked away.........
3.Walking one block and hearing three different languages.

Okay, I had more in my head the other day, but I will continue this at a later date!

Tu eres el gato!

2006-09-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

Today was quite beautiful, though unfortunately I was inside most of the time and couldn't see it. But it is that time of year of apple cider, crisp air, sweaters and colorful foliage. And part of me misses home a lot, being able to get out and see the leaves and to have pumpkin soup instead of being stuck studying, practicing and working all the time.

But I do have Ms. Norris to keep me company. Okay, that is isn't her name. But, for her safety, I shall keep her name a secret:o). This is the kitty that likes to hiss at me constantly. Though, I am sure she gets quite lonely around the house since she doesn't seem to like me around. She does enjoy to chase around the string I like to tease her with (in a good way...she needs to play with someone!) And be warned! She may look cute and cuddly but I have been hissed at quite a few times!

Today reminded me of how my dad would talk to my cat saying "tu eres el gato!" over and over again. A little weird, yes, but that is family. Like when I had to get shots when I was younger, my dad would have me count downward from 10 in Spanish.

Tu eres el gato...es la caída otra vez!

2006-09-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

i have found what you are like
the rain,

(Who feathers frightened fields
with the superior dust-of-sleep. wields

easily the pale club of the wind
and swirled justly souls of flower strike

the air in utterable coolness

deeds of green thrilling light
with thinned

newfragile yellows

lurch and.press

-in the woods
which
stutter
and

sing

And the coolness of your smile is
stirringofbirds between my arms;but
i should rather than anything
have(almost when hugeness will shut
quietly)almost,
your kiss

don't you just love e.e. cummings???

Leavin' on a Jet Plane or Partir sur un avion à réaction

2006-09-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

Well, Evan left yesterday night and I started working at Starbucks again. Yes, once more I have been sucked into their web :o). Last night I was quite disappointed to discover that Project Runway was a repeat...but I guess they had to figure out something since they threw someone out. Here is my guess of what will happen next week:

Uli will be out. She is making too much of the same thing.
The three left will then be Laura, Michael and Jeffery. I don't know how to feel about who will win. But right now I hope it will be....

MICHAEL! Not only does he have way cute designs, but he is so sweet.

Moving along, classes are going a little bit better. It is still hard to figure out this one day a week, one credit per class thing. And yet, each has hours of work...hm....My voice lessons are going better. It is very strange to have a new technique that I have to change my way of singing....everything! Tomorrow I am singing "Ma vie a son secret" by Bizet, which is a weird song and from the perspective of a guy. Blah.

It is getting colder here and that means cute sweaters and hot chocolate! But it also means gray snow and ice and sickness. Yuck! It is almost two months from Thanksgiving which will allow me to go home for a while. After missing Thanksgiving when I was overseas, I appreciate that American holiday very much. But, first, the leaves will change and Halloween will come. As soon as it is "peak" season I will be sure to take tons of pics and put them on there. Till then, cheers!

Mouse, mousie, little mousie...

2006-09-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

Finally it is the weekend and Evan is in town! Very exciting. While he was busy taking a test to get his teaching license, I went to Longy to make some copies and to read one of the many things that I have to look at for class. While sitting casually flipping through a book about French art songs, it happened. A little mouse ran out and went by me. Naturally, I gasped. I was going to go and tell someone (Rachael did mention that she saw a mouse the other day...is this the same one???)....but, the mousie was SOOOO cute! Small and gray it looked at me as if to say "Please don't hurt me. I just like the music here and I won't cause any trouble." My heart is too animal loving (except for the evil cat that hisses at me in my apartment...but that is another story) so I let it be. We shall see if that is a good decision or not. At least I haven't named it....yet:o).

I have also decided that I need to buckle down more and really get serious about my studies. This past week I felt very...average and I don't like that. I don't want to be the best...but I don't like feeling like the worse, the slacker of the class. So, I will try to get out of teaching mode and into student mode. Erg, it is harder than it seems to be! Hopefully, with Evan's inspiring presence, I shall push myself to do better. Wish me so much luck!

First time for everything

2006-09-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I have done it. I moved out of the house and into an expensive apartment in Cambridge where I am paying a really high rent for a room that is the size of a shoebox. But it is cozy I love what I have done with it:o). I have started to study at Longy School of Music as well. It is very strange to be back in school and even more strange to be studying performance aspects rather than educational. I am studying with Jayne West, who is Rachael & Bree's teacher and they are phenomenal sopranos so I hope that Jayne will be able to bring out all that talent that may be inside of me. I have been stuggling with my "f";s lately, which is so bizarre but I am hoping that it just due to the stress of moving and starting a new chapter in my life. I dearly miss all of my friends that are currently scattered all over the place and I wish each of them were living in Cambridge with me. The other people in the voice department are so kind and I look forward to getting to know them better. All in all I hope that the next two years prove to be the best decision I could have made in going to grad school and that I greatly improve in all ways. We shall see....:o)