Spring 2010 means that I'm over half way done with my Master's which is so exciting!! The semester has started again and I'm taking 2 really interesting classes: Social Entrepreneurship and Creative Arts, Cultural Workers & the Vitality of Cities. One is about how to be innovative and make significant global impact, and the other is about looking at the arts in cities through an archeological lens. I'm looking forward to learning more despite crazy amounts of work.
2 new updates in musical news:
I'm sharing the first chair position in the South Shore Symphony for our upcoming concert SATURDAY MARCH 20, 2010 8PM (http://www.sssymphony.org/). Our program has amazing horn parts and I've been practicing my tail off for the concert. It's so gratifying to play pieces that I studied during my time as an undergraduate. I finally feel like a "real musician" in my own amateur, semi-professional way.
It's Complicated (the movie starring Alec Baldwin/Meryl Streep/Steve Martin) was out this holiday season and I waited on the edge of my seat to see if the footage of me (playing in a wind ensemble) made it to the final cut -- it didn't! We're on the screen for a brief second and that's it. The movie is great regardless and I recommend it with two thumbs up. When it comes out on DVD I will pause and zoom in to see myself up close on the "big screen."
A few weeks ago, I went with my dad to see West Side Story on Broadway - we went out for drinks and dinner and then to the show. It was my holiday present to my dad and something I was really looking forward to. Growing up, every Saturday was a "daddy date" - a day where me and my dad would head off and do fun things (like go to a museum, amusement park, movie, etc.) and run errands. My mom would have the day off to relax. Those were some of my favorite childhood memories. I didn't know it at the time but those "dates" were the reason my dad and I are so close. I can talk to my dad about anything and I value his honest opinions, life experience, stories, and advice. Having an adult daddy date was really special - we talked about college, work, dating, growing up, and life in general. I am so lucky to have such a great relationship with my dad and I think that now we will make more of an effort to keep the "daddy date" tradition alive.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Starting off 2010 with a bang!
My 2010 New Year's Resolution: Do something each month that I've always wanted to do but have never done before.
January - I shot a gun!
John took me to a shooting range in Delaware and I shot a 45 caliber semi automatic Smith and Wesson. At first, I was terrified. For some reason, I didn't realize I would be surrounded by people shooting extremely loud killing machines. I also had no idea that the gun would have such a big kick back (it's a powerful weapon!). When we got to the shooting range, I had to sign a bunch of paperwork (safety instructions, proper gun use, a waiver of my rights to sue the range if I am careless and hurt or kill myself). It was a bit intimidating. I put on my protective glasses and ear muffs and entered the range. We were in a booth next to a guy shooting a scary rifle that let out a huge bang every few minutes. I was a bit spooked and decided to let John have at it while I got used to the environment. Finally, I felt comfortable enough to step up to the plate.
The first time I shot the gun I took a deep breath, gripped the gun for dear life (with my thumb safely tucked behind the gun so that it didn't get blown off), put my finger on the trigger, closed my eyes, and shot. It was empowering, scary, and semi-successful (I actually shot a gun!! - although I came no where near the target). John and I took turns in our booth with John doing the majority of the shooting. As we kept going, I improved. I had better aim, I was less afraid of the noises around me, I was more focused, and, surprisingly, I was enjoying myself! I'm glad John was there to guide me, talk me through it, and position my hands. He was supportive and encouraging which was just what I needed. I even saved one of the targets as a souvenir.
In academic news, I'm half way finished with my master's degree!!! It's amazing how fast the time has flown by - it feels like I just began. I have a few weeks off before my classes start up again which is a nice break after a busy fall semester.
January - I shot a gun!
John took me to a shooting range in Delaware and I shot a 45 caliber semi automatic Smith and Wesson. At first, I was terrified. For some reason, I didn't realize I would be surrounded by people shooting extremely loud killing machines. I also had no idea that the gun would have such a big kick back (it's a powerful weapon!). When we got to the shooting range, I had to sign a bunch of paperwork (safety instructions, proper gun use, a waiver of my rights to sue the range if I am careless and hurt or kill myself). It was a bit intimidating. I put on my protective glasses and ear muffs and entered the range. We were in a booth next to a guy shooting a scary rifle that let out a huge bang every few minutes. I was a bit spooked and decided to let John have at it while I got used to the environment. Finally, I felt comfortable enough to step up to the plate.
The first time I shot the gun I took a deep breath, gripped the gun for dear life (with my thumb safely tucked behind the gun so that it didn't get blown off), put my finger on the trigger, closed my eyes, and shot. It was empowering, scary, and semi-successful (I actually shot a gun!! - although I came no where near the target). John and I took turns in our booth with John doing the majority of the shooting. As we kept going, I improved. I had better aim, I was less afraid of the noises around me, I was more focused, and, surprisingly, I was enjoying myself! I'm glad John was there to guide me, talk me through it, and position my hands. He was supportive and encouraging which was just what I needed. I even saved one of the targets as a souvenir.
In academic news, I'm half way finished with my master's degree!!! It's amazing how fast the time has flown by - it feels like I just began. I have a few weeks off before my classes start up again which is a nice break after a busy fall semester.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
You're gonna make it after all...
My life has been a roller coaster ride in the past year but I am finally settled into city life. I feel like a real New Yorker.
I send my laundry out, visit a morning coffee cart, and have befriended my Super.
I know all of the best take-out places in my area for any type of food - and I mean ANY (from French to sushi to Indian to Peruvian, to Middle Eastern to ice cream to Malaysian).
I can get around the NYC transit system without referring to hopstop.
My rent is too high, I pay too much for clothes, and have little to no food in my fridge.
I have seen tons celebrities (Gossip Girl, Jude Law, President Obama, just to name a few).
My shoes get worn out in a months time from walking around this concrete jungle.
I don't own a car and couldn't afford to park one even if I did.
I still get butterflies when I see the Empire State Building lit up at night.
I've fallen completely in love with Manhattan. Everything about it is so exciting and new. It's the type of city where anything is possible. There are so many opportunities at my fingertips and it's up to me to choose what I want to do next.
I'm proud of my independence and of the life I'm building for myself completely on my own. I'm truly happy living in my studio, having an active social life, and being single. Sometimes I feel just like Mary Tyler Moore - I want to stand on a street corner, jump as high as I can, and toss my hat in the air!
...I'm gonna make it after all.
I send my laundry out, visit a morning coffee cart, and have befriended my Super.
I know all of the best take-out places in my area for any type of food - and I mean ANY (from French to sushi to Indian to Peruvian, to Middle Eastern to ice cream to Malaysian).
I can get around the NYC transit system without referring to hopstop.
My rent is too high, I pay too much for clothes, and have little to no food in my fridge.
I have seen tons celebrities (Gossip Girl, Jude Law, President Obama, just to name a few).
My shoes get worn out in a months time from walking around this concrete jungle.
I don't own a car and couldn't afford to park one even if I did.
I still get butterflies when I see the Empire State Building lit up at night.
I've fallen completely in love with Manhattan. Everything about it is so exciting and new. It's the type of city where anything is possible. There are so many opportunities at my fingertips and it's up to me to choose what I want to do next.
I'm proud of my independence and of the life I'm building for myself completely on my own. I'm truly happy living in my studio, having an active social life, and being single. Sometimes I feel just like Mary Tyler Moore - I want to stand on a street corner, jump as high as I can, and toss my hat in the air!
...I'm gonna make it after all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)