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.
Monday, January 11, 2010
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.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
What happened to September?
September flew by and now it's October - I don't know where the time has gone! My busy schedule is in full swing again and my blog writing took a back seat to work, school work, and practicing.
Juilliard is back to being busy - applications, open houses, college fairs... it's back to normal. I'm lucky to have great co-workers to keep my days sane. From writing haiku's to taking shots of kefir in my boss' office, days here in Admissions are always interesting.
Grad school is actually a lot of fun this fall! This semester I'm taking two really interesting courses: Fundraising & Development, and Arts Management & Cultural Policy. I'm enjoying both classes - great professors, applicable readings, interesting assignments. There is a lot of work but it has been manageable so far. Hopefully I will still feel this way in December!
This weekend I will be performing Peter & the Wolf with the South Shore Symphony at the Nassau County Museum of Art for a children's concert. (Of course, I am the wolf!). It should be a fun show.
http://www.nassaumuseum.com/events.php
The following weekend I will be performing at the Tilles Center on the Campus of CW Post on Long Island for a cerebral palsy benefit concert with the Nassau Pops. The repertoire should be fun and light and it's for a great cause.
http://www.npso.org/schedule.cfm
Juilliard is back to being busy - applications, open houses, college fairs... it's back to normal. I'm lucky to have great co-workers to keep my days sane. From writing haiku's to taking shots of kefir in my boss' office, days here in Admissions are always interesting.
Grad school is actually a lot of fun this fall! This semester I'm taking two really interesting courses: Fundraising & Development, and Arts Management & Cultural Policy. I'm enjoying both classes - great professors, applicable readings, interesting assignments. There is a lot of work but it has been manageable so far. Hopefully I will still feel this way in December!
This weekend I will be performing Peter & the Wolf with the South Shore Symphony at the Nassau County Museum of Art for a children's concert. (Of course, I am the wolf!). It should be a fun show.
http://www.nassaumuseum.com/events.php
The following weekend I will be performing at the Tilles Center on the Campus of CW Post on Long Island for a cerebral palsy benefit concert with the Nassau Pops. The repertoire should be fun and light and it's for a great cause.
http://www.npso.org/schedule.cfm
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