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Porgy and Bess
Feb. 27th, 2011 05:04 pmI had a concert last night. My school orchestra (we call it the Philharmonia) performed excerpts from Porgy and Bess. I've been enjoying playing the pieces, as they are quite different from the usual Classical fare, and extremely well suited to the story they portray. George Gershwin knew what he was doing when he wrote this, and did it well with this opera.
Performing this piece reminded me of why I enjoy playing with a large group so much. As we went through the beginning of the first act, there is a classic buildup in volume and speed. One of the themes of the opera is the music imitating a train, which is a lot of fun. So here we are, piano leading to choir giving way to brass and finally joining in with strings. The moments of that were almost perfect in their synchronicity. Everyone was playing the same music, listening to each other, and watching our conductor for the beat. The feeling of collective gathering was palpable to me, and the music was so clear. The first time that ever happened to me I got chills, a large emotional reaction, and was rather scared of it, actually. It took me several years to understand that these rare moments of clarity in music are something for which to strive.
It is a shame we cannot do that more often, but it is a college orchestra that tends to disappoint those with high expectations more often than not. Still, though, we had it that time, and that will encourage me until I feel it again.
Greeny
Performing this piece reminded me of why I enjoy playing with a large group so much. As we went through the beginning of the first act, there is a classic buildup in volume and speed. One of the themes of the opera is the music imitating a train, which is a lot of fun. So here we are, piano leading to choir giving way to brass and finally joining in with strings. The moments of that were almost perfect in their synchronicity. Everyone was playing the same music, listening to each other, and watching our conductor for the beat. The feeling of collective gathering was palpable to me, and the music was so clear. The first time that ever happened to me I got chills, a large emotional reaction, and was rather scared of it, actually. It took me several years to understand that these rare moments of clarity in music are something for which to strive.
It is a shame we cannot do that more often, but it is a college orchestra that tends to disappoint those with high expectations more often than not. Still, though, we had it that time, and that will encourage me until I feel it again.
Greeny
Tags:
Human Activities
Feb. 24th, 2011 03:57 pmHistory, to me, or even reading about a particular experience, elevates it into something mystical, crazy difficult, unrelatable and unachievable. This feeling is a lie.
Human history was made by the acts of fellow human beings, something I am constantly made aware of in my Music History class. Mozart was a great virtuoso, yes, but he also traveled in horrid conditions, got sick, played string quartets for entertainment, rebelled against his father and employer, had money problems, oh, and along the way learned a lot about and composed many kinds of music.
We can do the things older generations have done. We DO do those things still. Mozart is still played today, for instance. On a more basic level: we speak, sing, teach each other, create art, observe religious practices, create stories, and make many, many things: food, medicine, clothing, shelter.
Sometimes I am amazed at how basic life is. I realized this while I was cooking, first. We only have three main types of food: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. We only have so many types of meat, veggies, fruits, and grains. Liquids, at their most basic level, all derive from water.
The beauty of food (and any other human activity) is when we mix these ingredients together in new/different/old ways. We can go Spartan-ly simple (fried eggs with salt and pepper), or ridiculously complex (10 ingredient omelet). We can surprise ourselves and others when we take our traditions (which were, once upon a time, innovations) and tweak them just enough to get a new experience.
If we are dedicated to a skill, we are able take something basic to the human experience and turn it into an art.
This all lead me to a question that I really like: What skills do I want to become good at? Personally, a lot of things: Teaching, music, drawing and painting, dancing, cooking, knitting/crocheting, flying, understanding people, having sex, writing, and there will be more as time progresses. This is the essence of human life, I think. Gaining skills and sharing them with others.
What do you want to become good at? What are the basic ingredients of your art?
Human history was made by the acts of fellow human beings, something I am constantly made aware of in my Music History class. Mozart was a great virtuoso, yes, but he also traveled in horrid conditions, got sick, played string quartets for entertainment, rebelled against his father and employer, had money problems, oh, and along the way learned a lot about and composed many kinds of music.
We can do the things older generations have done. We DO do those things still. Mozart is still played today, for instance. On a more basic level: we speak, sing, teach each other, create art, observe religious practices, create stories, and make many, many things: food, medicine, clothing, shelter.
Sometimes I am amazed at how basic life is. I realized this while I was cooking, first. We only have three main types of food: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. We only have so many types of meat, veggies, fruits, and grains. Liquids, at their most basic level, all derive from water.
The beauty of food (and any other human activity) is when we mix these ingredients together in new/different/old ways. We can go Spartan-ly simple (fried eggs with salt and pepper), or ridiculously complex (10 ingredient omelet). We can surprise ourselves and others when we take our traditions (which were, once upon a time, innovations) and tweak them just enough to get a new experience.
If we are dedicated to a skill, we are able take something basic to the human experience and turn it into an art.
This all lead me to a question that I really like: What skills do I want to become good at? Personally, a lot of things: Teaching, music, drawing and painting, dancing, cooking, knitting/crocheting, flying, understanding people, having sex, writing, and there will be more as time progresses. This is the essence of human life, I think. Gaining skills and sharing them with others.
What do you want to become good at? What are the basic ingredients of your art?
Tags:
I Always Forget to Make a Title
Jun. 4th, 2010 08:03 pmIt's been so long since I posted last that I am overwhelmed by the sheer number of things I "should" write about. However, should means nothing here.
I've been knitting/crocheting a lot lately. I made two pairs of purple Mary Janes most recently. They are unusual because they are outside shoes, the soles are made from jute, from which I've made a welcome mat from before, and I had to buy the pattern, a first for me. One pair was for me, and the other for a new friend of mine who shares my name. They are very cute and fairly comfortable, but I'm picky about what shoes I wear.
Other projects have been doll scarves (once again inspired by the new friend. She's a doll collector.), doilies (more on that later), and a cardigan. The cardigan isn't done yet, since I stalled on it a few weeks back. I have everything I need to complete it: buttons, yarn, a plan; but the motivation left me at that point. Almost all the other projects I started in order to avoid it are finished, so I'll probably be going back to it soon.
I started a dress for the Renaissance Faire a few weeks ago, but I couldn't finish in time to actually wear it to the event. It's still "unfinished" and a bit too small, as well. There is a big story behind that, but I don't feel like telling it today. Hopefully, I'll finish a dress that fits me by the 21st of the month. My band is playing a Ren Faire-themed party then.
I am still teaching about fifteen students, but I've had three leave from moving away or losing interest, and the look of my schedule is changing due to summer arriving. I feel a slight twinge of "I hate change" every time the seasons switch and my schedule is rearranged.
However, summer has freed up my own teacher and I've been having regular lessons once again. Practicing, and thinking about practicing (two things that go hand in hand) is becoming habitual once more. I'm not going to be going to a music camp this summer, and I'm glad for it. I need all my energy to get ready for graduate school.
I'll also be beginning tutoring for Music Theory and History very soon. Taking it, not giving it, to be clear. That is also in preparation for grad school. There will be an entrance exam. If I don't pass it, there will be remedial classes. Ew.
My family has attended several events over the past two months. On Mother's Day we went to see my maternal grandmothers. I promised to make my great-grandmother ten 3-inch doilies during our visit, and I finished them a week ago. Now, I just have to go give them to her. I'm bad at finding time for it, unfortunately. I will, though. The doilies aren't doing me any good sitting there.
Our second event was Memorial Day. We went to Illinois to see my paternal side of the family. They were very interested in where I was going to go to school. Turns out one of my uncles lives in Ohio, about three hours from where my school is. It will be nice to go visit them when I have a weekend off. Mother also approved; she said it made her heart easier. We're looking at apartments in my town right now. I've picked one out, and we just have to call on it.
Goodness, I'm worn out. Typing isn't as easy as it was after a two month break. I'll be back, hopefully sooner than last time. I want to say I'll get in a regular schedule of posting to prepare for grad school, but summer isn't always interesting, you know? I'll likely begin posting again once I've moved in August. Can't have Mother get too lonely without me.
Until then,
Deepgreen(y)
I've been knitting/crocheting a lot lately. I made two pairs of purple Mary Janes most recently. They are unusual because they are outside shoes, the soles are made from jute, from which I've made a welcome mat from before, and I had to buy the pattern, a first for me. One pair was for me, and the other for a new friend of mine who shares my name. They are very cute and fairly comfortable, but I'm picky about what shoes I wear.
Other projects have been doll scarves (once again inspired by the new friend. She's a doll collector.), doilies (more on that later), and a cardigan. The cardigan isn't done yet, since I stalled on it a few weeks back. I have everything I need to complete it: buttons, yarn, a plan; but the motivation left me at that point. Almost all the other projects I started in order to avoid it are finished, so I'll probably be going back to it soon.
I started a dress for the Renaissance Faire a few weeks ago, but I couldn't finish in time to actually wear it to the event. It's still "unfinished" and a bit too small, as well. There is a big story behind that, but I don't feel like telling it today. Hopefully, I'll finish a dress that fits me by the 21st of the month. My band is playing a Ren Faire-themed party then.
I am still teaching about fifteen students, but I've had three leave from moving away or losing interest, and the look of my schedule is changing due to summer arriving. I feel a slight twinge of "I hate change" every time the seasons switch and my schedule is rearranged.
However, summer has freed up my own teacher and I've been having regular lessons once again. Practicing, and thinking about practicing (two things that go hand in hand) is becoming habitual once more. I'm not going to be going to a music camp this summer, and I'm glad for it. I need all my energy to get ready for graduate school.
I'll also be beginning tutoring for Music Theory and History very soon. Taking it, not giving it, to be clear. That is also in preparation for grad school. There will be an entrance exam. If I don't pass it, there will be remedial classes. Ew.
My family has attended several events over the past two months. On Mother's Day we went to see my maternal grandmothers. I promised to make my great-grandmother ten 3-inch doilies during our visit, and I finished them a week ago. Now, I just have to go give them to her. I'm bad at finding time for it, unfortunately. I will, though. The doilies aren't doing me any good sitting there.
Our second event was Memorial Day. We went to Illinois to see my paternal side of the family. They were very interested in where I was going to go to school. Turns out one of my uncles lives in Ohio, about three hours from where my school is. It will be nice to go visit them when I have a weekend off. Mother also approved; she said it made her heart easier. We're looking at apartments in my town right now. I've picked one out, and we just have to call on it.
Goodness, I'm worn out. Typing isn't as easy as it was after a two month break. I'll be back, hopefully sooner than last time. I want to say I'll get in a regular schedule of posting to prepare for grad school, but summer isn't always interesting, you know? I'll likely begin posting again once I've moved in August. Can't have Mother get too lonely without me.
Until then,
Deepgreen(y)
Doing Something
Apr. 19th, 2010 09:14 pmWell! After all that hard work getting into grad school. Perhaps I should say stressful work - because I didn't really work hard, you know? I actually slacked off a little on the practicing (which makes it that much more amazing that I got in) and did my utmost to avoid anything that might actually get the results I wanted. It was quite the revelation when it all got done. I was so much less stressed, wrung out, and unhappy. Lately, I've been observing a bed time. It's lovely to get enough (or nearly enough) sleep. Another revelation, I suppose. - I'm doing something new: doing stuff related to grad school without procrastinating...much. Moving to Ohio, I realized, is kind of a big deal. If I don't stay on top of it, it will turn into a huge, stressful, unhappy ordeal just like applying for grad school was.
Yesterday I made my first steps towards finding an apartment by looking at the housing options at the school. Today I sent out an e-mail to a grad student who goes there for some advice on outside apartments. Tomorrow will find me doing something else. I'm (finally) doing something proactive, and it's a relief, honestly.
The funniest thing about this is that I got myself going, once again, with help from my psychology class. Maybe I should take one every couple of years, just to refresh on how stubborn and dumb people can be, and how to not be that way. Simply learning about stress, and what kind of situations cause it, helped me keep this situation from going toxic. This makes me happy.
Before I got started on the "doing something" phase, tax season came. This is my first year to do them. I started them April 14th, and then my dad helped me file for an extension. They much closer to completion now. Here are a few things I've learned from the experience: People hate the IRS for a reason, parents encourage you to keep records on the computer for very good reasons, I will be using a computer program from now on, and it's really interesting to find out how much money you make.
On a side note, I recently got my violin appraised, and most acoustic instruments appreciate with time. It is near and dear to my heart, my violin. Soon, I'll be getting a bow worthy of it. I may also be buying a blue electric violin (Pops concert last weekend with a jazz fiddler who had one inspired me in many ways [see below]. His violin, though, be still my heart).
In other news, I've officially started my cardigan. The ladies at Loops (a local yarn store, or LYS) downtown were very nice and assisted me in picking a pattern after I got stuck. I had no idea that one could search a yarn on Ravelry for patterns made with it. The pattern is to be Short 'n Sweet from The Happy Hooker crochet book. Here's a link to someone else's version. Mine will be beige, or off-white, pearl, vanilla, whatever you wish to call it, down to my waist (I am determined to have a cardigan, not a bolero) and will probably have buttons, you never know.
Finally, Mother and I began working out a few weeks back. She mentioned the blog today and asked if I had mentioned our outings. I had no idea that a mention on the blog was important, but here it is, Mom! We've been biking or walking about two times a week. My bum really doesn't like biking for too long, but it is good exercise. You know, I don't think I've ever described my mother here. In three words, my mom is: buff, boxer, chick. She used to be a: religious, asthmatic, housewife (with five kids). Then she went back to school, got her degree in Health and Human Performance, and discovered working out. She's quite the inspiration, if you are the type to look up to people and feel inspired, rather than jealous and insecure (guess which way I swing).
Gotta go read my psych book,
Greeny
(De)faults
Mar. 12th, 2010 05:26 pmThe past couple of months have been very strange for me. I acted in a way that increased my stress levels to almost unbearable heights. Finally, after all the college application stuff was over, I started to act and feel better. This week I reverted. It didn't stress me out near as much as before, because I have neither as many nor important deadlines as compared to earlier. I wondered, a lot, actually, during that phase why I was doing such things. It just doesn't make much sense to work against yourself, you know? In the end, I've decided to dissect it here. Hopefully this will clear it up.
1: I don't have a full schedule that requires more than just showing up each week. Thus, I've not really set out daily schedules for myself or even thought of the future much. Just followed my default programming. This leads to staying up too late, being late to work, forgetting appointments, and a general feeling of can't/won't do it, because I don't have to, and if I don't have to do something, I generally won't.
2: I got confused about the order of task + reward = reinforcement. Reading, watching TV/anime, and knitting are my rewards, and I did them before I did the necessary tasks of the day, thus reinforcing not working. I love the fact that my psychology class has benefited me in more than just my knowledge base.
It was such a relief to realize this stuff, and, even better, apply it. I was happier, healthier, and overall more positive in outlook. It's always better to be active. Perhaps I should compile a list of my "It's always better...s", Write them out, print them, keep them up where I can see them. For me, it's always better to be constantly reminded in writing.
I have two other things to say: I was fully accepted to Bowling Green State University as of yesterday. It's making me smile quite I bit. I was also denied at Kansas, but no great loss there. Only one other place to hear from.
My sock has been steadily getting bigger since last time. I turned the heel yesterday (turning heels is so fun) and got the instep decreases and some of the foot done today. Another 4-5 days at my default pace (14 rows a day), and I'll be done with my second pair of socks. I can't wait.
Greeny
1: I don't have a full schedule that requires more than just showing up each week. Thus, I've not really set out daily schedules for myself or even thought of the future much. Just followed my default programming. This leads to staying up too late, being late to work, forgetting appointments, and a general feeling of can't/won't do it, because I don't have to, and if I don't have to do something, I generally won't.
2: I got confused about the order of task + reward = reinforcement. Reading, watching TV/anime, and knitting are my rewards, and I did them before I did the necessary tasks of the day, thus reinforcing not working. I love the fact that my psychology class has benefited me in more than just my knowledge base.
It was such a relief to realize this stuff, and, even better, apply it. I was happier, healthier, and overall more positive in outlook. It's always better to be active. Perhaps I should compile a list of my "It's always better...s", Write them out, print them, keep them up where I can see them. For me, it's always better to be constantly reminded in writing.
I have two other things to say: I was fully accepted to Bowling Green State University as of yesterday. It's making me smile quite I bit. I was also denied at Kansas, but no great loss there. Only one other place to hear from.
My sock has been steadily getting bigger since last time. I turned the heel yesterday (turning heels is so fun) and got the instep decreases and some of the foot done today. Another 4-5 days at my default pace (14 rows a day), and I'll be done with my second pair of socks. I can't wait.
Greeny
Many times over
Mar. 8th, 2010 11:48 amI went to Ohio in February, and Kansas last weekend. Both trips were good, though very different.
In Ohio it snowed the first full day we (me and Dad) were there. No matter how hard one tries, getting snow blown into your ear will not be enjoyable. I did get some really nice gloves out of it, though. Ohio is very different from Conneticut, much more midwestern, familiar. The people were friendly, and Toledo (the nearest city) was a nice place, slightly smaller than where I live now. I had a "proper" lesson before the audition/interview, and I am extremely grateful for that. It prepared me really well, and I learned that the teacher and I can get along nicely. It helped that she's a friend of my current teacher.
Kansas was quite a strange experience. My mother and I drove there, as it was only about 4 hours away. The trip was nice, we split the driving equally. Man, it was nice to be able to drive during a trip. In OH and CT Dad rented a car, and I wasn't on the agreement. Lawrence was a freakishly hilly place. This is Kansas we're talking about. The place that has been proven to be flatter than a pancake? The hills were steep, and the campus quite confusing to navigate. I must admit to going in with a slight prejudice against Kansas in general due to a rather disastrous road trip during my early teens. Car problems, dust storms, and unfriendly/unhelpful people do not a good impression make. This was the only audition that went badly, by my standards, and I know who was at fault for this. My general lack of practice finally caught up to me, though it was compounded by the unusual circumstances they fit me in under. We took a tour afterward, and that ameliorated some of my animosity towards the place (how dare it be the site of a bad audition!). We went home immediately after, the shortest trip of the three. It was odd to be gone only two days.
In any case, Ohio is my favorite. I have one of the two acceptances I need (music department and general college) to attend there, here's hoping.
On a side note, I started a pair of socks during the first plane ride to Conneticut, and I'm about halfway through number two. I have discovered a previously unknown love of monochromaticism. Who would think that black, gray, and white would please and excite me? I'm making them for myself, and enjoying the process, although second sock syndrome (SSS) cannot be completely ignored.
Later,
Greeny
In Ohio it snowed the first full day we (me and Dad) were there. No matter how hard one tries, getting snow blown into your ear will not be enjoyable. I did get some really nice gloves out of it, though. Ohio is very different from Conneticut, much more midwestern, familiar. The people were friendly, and Toledo (the nearest city) was a nice place, slightly smaller than where I live now. I had a "proper" lesson before the audition/interview, and I am extremely grateful for that. It prepared me really well, and I learned that the teacher and I can get along nicely. It helped that she's a friend of my current teacher.
Kansas was quite a strange experience. My mother and I drove there, as it was only about 4 hours away. The trip was nice, we split the driving equally. Man, it was nice to be able to drive during a trip. In OH and CT Dad rented a car, and I wasn't on the agreement. Lawrence was a freakishly hilly place. This is Kansas we're talking about. The place that has been proven to be flatter than a pancake? The hills were steep, and the campus quite confusing to navigate. I must admit to going in with a slight prejudice against Kansas in general due to a rather disastrous road trip during my early teens. Car problems, dust storms, and unfriendly/unhelpful people do not a good impression make. This was the only audition that went badly, by my standards, and I know who was at fault for this. My general lack of practice finally caught up to me, though it was compounded by the unusual circumstances they fit me in under. We took a tour afterward, and that ameliorated some of my animosity towards the place (how dare it be the site of a bad audition!). We went home immediately after, the shortest trip of the three. It was odd to be gone only two days.
In any case, Ohio is my favorite. I have one of the two acceptances I need (music department and general college) to attend there, here's hoping.
On a side note, I started a pair of socks during the first plane ride to Conneticut, and I'm about halfway through number two. I have discovered a previously unknown love of monochromaticism. Who would think that black, gray, and white would please and excite me? I'm making them for myself, and enjoying the process, although second sock syndrome (SSS) cannot be completely ignored.
Later,
Greeny
For the Hate of....
Dec. 17th, 2009 10:52 pmI really don't like where I'm living now. I'm getting ready to leave and - Wow, we interrupt this regularly scheduled rant to bring you breaking news: I'm in a bad mood. The bad mood affects how I see life. I enjoy where I live right now pretty well, actually. Where I used to live, on the other hand, I hated with a spectacular passion that I had to suppress until I moved or I would have been very depressed. My city is a good one. Not too large, not so small that I can get across it in thirty minutes. Something new can be found every day. I'm also so tired I mis-spelled at least ten of the last twenty words.
The reason I'm in a bad mood, you ask? I've been sick since Monday. Steadily improving, I think, but my energy is low and my voice is a third or so lower. Also, my older sister and her fiance are in town. Family. Gotta love it. There's been a lot of ups and downs. I'm so tired that I want to stay in, but I feel guilty that I'm not spending time with family. Then again, they surprised us with the timing of the visit (nine days before Christmas), and the scarf had to be speed-knit. (It's done! By the way, and absolutely gorgeous.) Perhaps the resentment can cancel out the guilt. I really want to see her face when she opens it, though. That may make up for a lot. Uh-oh, I sense high expectations. Large chance of disappointment, abort, abort!
I've practiced violin very consistently over the past four to seven days. I haven't been counting so much as thinking that I should practice every day. Empowerment from working out with Mom? I have time, I might as well. Also, I don't have time, graduate school deadlines loom.
I hate the looming, I really do. It scares me and makes me want to run for cover instead of getting my ducks into line. I just want it to be finished already. Circle of procrastination alert. I wait, which makes me nervous, which makes me wait more, which makes me panic, which either makes me wait until next year, or (I think) try to get everything in and do a bad job of it, so I wait. It's a bad cycle. I have to see things as nonthreatening in order to start, but urgent enough to actually get it done. Getting applications in just isn't that way. It's threatening. You are opening yourself to criticism and rejection by sending it. You are trying to change your life by doing it. It's significant. I can't see it any other way. The solution, I suppose, is to gird oneself for the inevitable. Be fearless. What could happen? It's paper. If they say yes, you can always say no. But you really want them to say yes. !%$#. However, acting confident, ever if you aren't, usually leads to good things. I learned that from my violin teacher. Play loud and fast, and sometimes (usually after lots of practice) everything just gets better.
I want to thank the English language and the written expression of it for allowing this rant to happen. Until next time, kiddies.
Greeny
The reason I'm in a bad mood, you ask? I've been sick since Monday. Steadily improving, I think, but my energy is low and my voice is a third or so lower. Also, my older sister and her fiance are in town. Family. Gotta love it. There's been a lot of ups and downs. I'm so tired that I want to stay in, but I feel guilty that I'm not spending time with family. Then again, they surprised us with the timing of the visit (nine days before Christmas), and the scarf had to be speed-knit. (It's done! By the way, and absolutely gorgeous.) Perhaps the resentment can cancel out the guilt. I really want to see her face when she opens it, though. That may make up for a lot. Uh-oh, I sense high expectations. Large chance of disappointment, abort, abort!
I've practiced violin very consistently over the past four to seven days. I haven't been counting so much as thinking that I should practice every day. Empowerment from working out with Mom? I have time, I might as well. Also, I don't have time, graduate school deadlines loom.
I hate the looming, I really do. It scares me and makes me want to run for cover instead of getting my ducks into line. I just want it to be finished already. Circle of procrastination alert. I wait, which makes me nervous, which makes me wait more, which makes me panic, which either makes me wait until next year, or (I think) try to get everything in and do a bad job of it, so I wait. It's a bad cycle. I have to see things as nonthreatening in order to start, but urgent enough to actually get it done. Getting applications in just isn't that way. It's threatening. You are opening yourself to criticism and rejection by sending it. You are trying to change your life by doing it. It's significant. I can't see it any other way. The solution, I suppose, is to gird oneself for the inevitable. Be fearless. What could happen? It's paper. If they say yes, you can always say no. But you really want them to say yes. !%$#. However, acting confident, ever if you aren't, usually leads to good things. I learned that from my violin teacher. Play loud and fast, and sometimes (usually after lots of practice) everything just gets better.
I want to thank the English language and the written expression of it for allowing this rant to happen. Until next time, kiddies.
Greeny
Update no. 362
Oct. 27th, 2009 01:42 pmI'm back, and I bring news of yet another trip. My father and youngest brother and I went to Illinois last weekend for my great-uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. The trip was uncommonly quiet, as our disruptive elements (i.e. my younger extrovert sister and snarky guitar-playing brother) decided to stay home. It was pretty fun, though. I taught little bro how to crochet, and we got him started on a scarf before the end of the trip. I, having finished the baby thing, crocheted squares for an afghan. We had actually picked out the yarn and pattern at the beginning of summer, but I like the one project at a time plan. If I have to finish something before I can start the next thing, projects actually get completed. There was an enormous amount of time that gets spent on sitting and talking during these trips, so I got a lot done. After completing four squares in three days, I'm currently on square 9 of 20.
My left wrist is in a brace for the next ten days. I've had a ganglion that pops up randomly for a couple years now. This year it's been hurting and is hard rather than soft. I went to see the doctor about it. He stuck needles in my wrist to drain it, prescribed the usual antibiotic and anti-inflammatory and said to keep it splinted for ten days. It's kinda hard to play the violin, but I can crochet just fine. -sigh- Just when I was practicing again. Honestly, I don't mind as long as the pain goes away.
I'm not sure if there is much else to say. Life rolls onward until it ends.
Until next time,
Greeny
My left wrist is in a brace for the next ten days. I've had a ganglion that pops up randomly for a couple years now. This year it's been hurting and is hard rather than soft. I went to see the doctor about it. He stuck needles in my wrist to drain it, prescribed the usual antibiotic and anti-inflammatory and said to keep it splinted for ten days. It's kinda hard to play the violin, but I can crochet just fine. -sigh- Just when I was practicing again. Honestly, I don't mind as long as the pain goes away.
I'm not sure if there is much else to say. Life rolls onward until it ends.
Until next time,
Greeny
(no subject)
Jun. 18th, 2009 11:22 amI haven't decided what to do today. I went to my lesson (now nicely scheduled to happen after my teaching days), and now must contemplate the rest of today. Sometimes having no 9-5 job is fun and annoying at the same time. I could go to knit and crochet, which would help with my utter lack of progress on all things knit/crochet. I could also go help my dad do accounts/spreadsheets. Alternately, I could stay at home all day and read fiction (i.e. repeat yesterday). I think I like the first option best, and I can always help dad out afterward.
So, having decided that, tomorrow looms. I know I'm going to a silent movie night (with a live organist accompanying!), but I don't have anyone to go with me. Anyone out there up for a night on the town? I've gotten so used to going out and exploring this city that the urge to do so is almost physical.
So, having decided that, tomorrow looms. I know I'm going to a silent movie night (with a live organist accompanying!), but I don't have anyone to go with me. Anyone out there up for a night on the town? I've gotten so used to going out and exploring this city that the urge to do so is almost physical.
To update on the whole "scoring a gig for the band" thing I mentioned last post, I finally got ahold of the lady in charge, and gave her all the necessary info/links to the band. Now I'm just waiting for a "Come play!" or a "Not interested". I don't think I'll be too disappointed if she declines our services, but it'll be really cool if we get to play.
My trip to North Carolina is coming up soon. Nine days until liftoff. You could say I'm nervous. It's going to be ridiculously busy. I've been trying to get back into a consistent practicing schedule so my hands (and arms, and shoulders) don't die of overuse once I'm there. Two weeks ago I practiced once. Last week I practiced twice (this isn't counting 2-3 hour band practices twice a week). This week I want to practice 4 times (see a pattern?), and then keep it up. Practicing itself isn't that hard, but making myself get the violin out and start playing is.
Wish me luck,
Greene
My Life is Boring...
Feb. 10th, 2009 11:26 amThough it's also busy, make no mistake. I went to see Les Miserables with my roomie on Saturday. I've apparently stopped caring about deadlines for the English classes I'm in (don't worry, only "read by" deadlines, not papers). The practicing thing is still frustrating me. I have a lesson in an hour and I've fully practiced for it twice. This is worse than last week. I don't know, there's something about this whole "final semester" business that has me blocked from achieving what I want/need to.
I've almost finished some knitted scrubbies with a strange title: Wishy Washy Fishy Tawashi. Tawashi is the Japanese word for scrubbie. According to my roommate, I need to give them mouths before they are truly finished.
And just when I thought that my quilting days were over...my mom finds a completed top in need of quilting. I can't blame her for this, but I was reveling(!) in being done with my quilt.
Yesterday night, I went to an informal gathering of the Ghawazee Mafia. It's a musical group associated with a belly dancing studio. They are in need of a violinist, and I was interested. I don't know if I'll join. After the music portion of the evening, we drummed. I've never done that before, it was rather fun, and I learned quickly.
Okay, maybe my life isn't quite "boring", it's just... overly familiar to me.
Later,
Greeny
I've almost finished some knitted scrubbies with a strange title: Wishy Washy Fishy Tawashi. Tawashi is the Japanese word for scrubbie. According to my roommate, I need to give them mouths before they are truly finished.
And just when I thought that my quilting days were over...my mom finds a completed top in need of quilting. I can't blame her for this, but I was reveling(!) in being done with my quilt.
Yesterday night, I went to an informal gathering of the Ghawazee Mafia. It's a musical group associated with a belly dancing studio. They are in need of a violinist, and I was interested. I don't know if I'll join. After the music portion of the evening, we drummed. I've never done that before, it was rather fun, and I learned quickly.
Okay, maybe my life isn't quite "boring", it's just... overly familiar to me.
Later,
Greeny
Ice and Snow
Jan. 30th, 2009 10:19 amLots of bad weather here, lately. We had an ice/snow storm starting Monday and throughout Tuesday. School was closed for two and a half days. That might be a record. Last time we had an ice storm it was during reading days and finals. Not having classes threw me off.
However, me and Julie had a fine time. We baked brownies and then muffins, watched quite a few episodes of Roswell, and I got to go play in the snow. I was invited to play soccer, so I went. First we did some impromptu sledding on a cafeteria tray and someone's skateboard (we are not equipped for cold weather around here). Very fun, if a bit terrifying. Then our soccer game lasted an hour and a half! I'm still sore. I've never played before, and I discovered that I'm much better at kicking a ball than throwing it. I managed to make a few passes, and even scored a goal!
I finally finished my dishcloth. It only took two weeks. Laziness: 1, Greeny: 0.5. It's rather pretty, and a first for me. I've never made a square dishcloth before, how odd is that? My first two were round and wavy.
One last thing, I've decided to put practicing first in my school life. That means, when I think about homework, I start with practicing, and then do my reading/writing/etc. I'm trying to be as positive about it as possible. It makes sense, considering I have lessons, orchestra, a trio, and band to practice for.
Back to school!
Greeny
However, me and Julie had a fine time. We baked brownies and then muffins, watched quite a few episodes of Roswell, and I got to go play in the snow. I was invited to play soccer, so I went. First we did some impromptu sledding on a cafeteria tray and someone's skateboard (we are not equipped for cold weather around here). Very fun, if a bit terrifying. Then our soccer game lasted an hour and a half! I'm still sore. I've never played before, and I discovered that I'm much better at kicking a ball than throwing it. I managed to make a few passes, and even scored a goal!
I finally finished my dishcloth. It only took two weeks. Laziness: 1, Greeny: 0.5. It's rather pretty, and a first for me. I've never made a square dishcloth before, how odd is that? My first two were round and wavy.
One last thing, I've decided to put practicing first in my school life. That means, when I think about homework, I start with practicing, and then do my reading/writing/etc. I'm trying to be as positive about it as possible. It makes sense, considering I have lessons, orchestra, a trio, and band to practice for.
Back to school!
Greeny
I'm in a posting kind of mood today.
I met with the trio (chamber group), we decided upon and copied music, and also dealt with rehearsal times. I think we will all work well together. No horribly difficult personalities to deal with. I'm extremely relieved, and feel quite happy about that.
On another strange but true note, I have a new student. He is a senior here who has been playing violin for almost a year. He's pretty nice, and didn't run away screaming after our lesson, so I think it will work out. The nerves I had before we met! I hope that this feeling goes away as I improve/gain experience as a teacher. Yeesh, and to top it all off: I got a call from a lady who wants a violin/cello duo at her wedding. The "How much do you charge?" question always messes with me. So I hammered it out after that call. I'm pretty sure that my rates are reasonable, judging by how guilty I do or do not feel about charging what I do.
I've got to go to Orchestra now,
Greeny
I met with the trio (chamber group), we decided upon and copied music, and also dealt with rehearsal times. I think we will all work well together. No horribly difficult personalities to deal with. I'm extremely relieved, and feel quite happy about that.
On another strange but true note, I have a new student. He is a senior here who has been playing violin for almost a year. He's pretty nice, and didn't run away screaming after our lesson, so I think it will work out. The nerves I had before we met! I hope that this feeling goes away as I improve/gain experience as a teacher. Yeesh, and to top it all off: I got a call from a lady who wants a violin/cello duo at her wedding. The "How much do you charge?" question always messes with me. So I hammered it out after that call. I'm pretty sure that my rates are reasonable, judging by how guilty I do or do not feel about charging what I do.
I've got to go to Orchestra now,
Greeny
Stress ahoy!
Dec. 16th, 2008 10:14 amI had my first of three finals yesterday morning. As expected, due to insufficient study, I'll probably get a B. Hopefully, I'll still get an A in the course. I have two more finals, one today, and one tomorrow. This is creating quite a bit of stress, mostly because I'm procrastinating on the studying. Procrastination is my knee-jerk response to stress, and then it creates more stress, which makes me want to leave the city until this dies down (procrastinate more). Ah, the never-ending cycle of it all.
I've actually circumvented this problem before, but that was when I had one final, not three in a row. At least my path is set, now. No matter how hard I try, I only have one day to study for my last final. Also, I'm comforted by the fact that all I have to get is an 80% to continue my B average in that class (what? I'm used to aiming high, like A or nothing).
And just to add one last little bit of nervousness and uncertainty to my day, I had my jury this morning, and now I need to go back to play a duet that was just scheduled this morning. It's all working out, thank goodness.
By the way, I was rather amazing this morning. It seems that the more nervous I am, the better I play. Practicing thoroughly and having a 'test' performance also helps.
So off I go, the inevitability makes for a certain kind of peace.
Greeny
I've actually circumvented this problem before, but that was when I had one final, not three in a row. At least my path is set, now. No matter how hard I try, I only have one day to study for my last final. Also, I'm comforted by the fact that all I have to get is an 80% to continue my B average in that class (what? I'm used to aiming high, like A or nothing).
And just to add one last little bit of nervousness and uncertainty to my day, I had my jury this morning, and now I need to go back to play a duet that was just scheduled this morning. It's all working out, thank goodness.
By the way, I was rather amazing this morning. It seems that the more nervous I am, the better I play. Practicing thoroughly and having a 'test' performance also helps.
So off I go, the inevitability makes for a certain kind of peace.
Greeny
I Have Achieved Something
Dec. 12th, 2008 10:08 amI have just completed a seven page paper. This may not be a huge deal for the more experienced among you, my reader(s). For me, however, this is a milestone. The last time I tried to write a paper of this length, I failed, horribly. That was my first and only F of my college career, to date. When I saw that this was coming, well, I wasn't enthused, but I had written two five page papers over four days earlier this semester. I had three and a half pages to write yesterday, and I managed three. Oddly, I almost always add stuff during my editing process, so getting another half page today was not a problem. Congratulate me, I can write.
Knitting's going fine, I can practice violin again without pain. The end of the semester is truly here! My student at the Musick School is playing in a recital tonight. I'm looking forward to it. I have three tests and a jury on Mon, Tues, and Wed. That's going to be a bit stressful.
Life ever marches on. I can't help but be happy to march today.
Greene
Knitting's going fine, I can practice violin again without pain. The end of the semester is truly here! My student at the Musick School is playing in a recital tonight. I'm looking forward to it. I have three tests and a jury on Mon, Tues, and Wed. That's going to be a bit stressful.
Life ever marches on. I can't help but be happy to march today.
Greene
Five days!?
Dec. 5th, 2008 04:29 pmI've been puttering around this week, taking in the last days of classes for the semester. Suddenly, I look up, and my pills (which I counted around 6-7 earlier) are gone, then I come here and it says I haven't posted in five days. What happened?
Some interesting stuff has happened lately. I slipped back into my schedule with nary a ripple on the surface of my little pond. On Wednesday my alarms either did not go off or I completely missed them and I missed my first class of the day (boo). Thursday, after quite a bit of texting in order to arrange a rehearsal of a duet I was to play on Friday...my finger hurt. I realize this seems trivial, but I'm a violin player. Violinists require their fingers to be in good shape and painless like football players need their arms. Being a good little student, I told my teacher about the pain. (It came from nowhere. I hadn't jammed or cut or otherwise injured it.) She recognized it as a symptom of a larger problem and ordered me to not play the violin for five days.
I'm on a rest cure, which I was rather sad about. Honestly, it is hard to deal with the fact that I can't practice or play in my lesson or orchestra or the band. She actually excused me from orchestra, which I have not missed all year. It startles me that she has such power.
Never mind that string juries are in two weeks. I don't mind being lazy, this is my basic nature, but it does stress me out if there is something coming up (darn juries).
In other news, I did knit past the halfway mark on the afghan. I've just finished the 15th square. Congratulate me, I'm productive.
One more day of classes left, I get to practice again on Tuesday, conditionally, and then we have finals for the next two weeks. Ridiculous, I hope Christmas break goes well.
And that is all, dear ones.
Greeny
P.S. Those mittens and other knitting/crochet projects I've talked about? They're all on flickr, a photo-sharing site. The address is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28962492@N04/sets/. Enjoy!
Some interesting stuff has happened lately. I slipped back into my schedule with nary a ripple on the surface of my little pond. On Wednesday my alarms either did not go off or I completely missed them and I missed my first class of the day (boo). Thursday, after quite a bit of texting in order to arrange a rehearsal of a duet I was to play on Friday...my finger hurt. I realize this seems trivial, but I'm a violin player. Violinists require their fingers to be in good shape and painless like football players need their arms. Being a good little student, I told my teacher about the pain. (It came from nowhere. I hadn't jammed or cut or otherwise injured it.) She recognized it as a symptom of a larger problem and ordered me to not play the violin for five days.
I'm on a rest cure, which I was rather sad about. Honestly, it is hard to deal with the fact that I can't practice or play in my lesson or orchestra or the band. She actually excused me from orchestra, which I have not missed all year. It startles me that she has such power.
Never mind that string juries are in two weeks. I don't mind being lazy, this is my basic nature, but it does stress me out if there is something coming up (darn juries).
In other news, I did knit past the halfway mark on the afghan. I've just finished the 15th square. Congratulate me, I'm productive.
One more day of classes left, I get to practice again on Tuesday, conditionally, and then we have finals for the next two weeks. Ridiculous, I hope Christmas break goes well.
And that is all, dear ones.
Greeny
P.S. Those mittens and other knitting/crochet projects I've talked about? They're all on flickr, a photo-sharing site. The address is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28962492@N04/sets/. Enjoy!
