So, I'm sitting here sore, tired, and with a thick layer of hair-spray all over my body. I'm too tired to actually try to fix any of the afore mentioned ailments, so I decided to blog before I pass out. So, if this doesn't make sense or I pass out before I have a chance to finish, meh, too bad. I'm sure you'll be able to continue living your life.
I just wrapped up a 2 show run. Yup, that's right, only 2 shows, a Saturday evening and Sunday matinee. It was gone in a flash. I have never done such a short run in my entire life. Well, now I take that back, the operas I did at a vocal arts symposium were a one shot deal, but we learned them each in about 4 days, so they don't count. Now I'm older and my mind is not as absorbent as it once was so projects are much more time consuming. Anyway, we started rehearsals right in the beginning of August, and had 4 nights of rehearsal a week, which was a lot. It was fast and furious, but good that it was short so it didn't take all summer, and it was only for 2 shows.
When we finally got to the performances, it seemed like we needed to have like just one more final dress... too late, it was show-time. We had an amazing audience on Saturday which made everything go smoothly. I would say we all brought our A game, and it was fun and intense, and amazing. You could tell everyone was pumped, since the cast party raged on until 3 a.m. Today's performance was great for the first act, which consisted of a number of different Gilbert and Sullivan pieces. Then the second Act of Trial by Jury arrived. It arrived and skipped and bounced and went in all sorts of directions. Needless to say, it wasn't the performance to end on... But the end did come.
This weekend was the opening and closer of a great show. I wish that we had another weekend at least to really perform. There are things I would love to fix and there are moments that change with each audience, I just wish there were more performances, but there's not. It's 2 shows and done. Opening nights are always special, matinees will always be hard, and the last shows are always full of mixed feelings. This one was such a unique show to be a part of, that I am not ready for it to be done yet. The rehearsals yes, but the performances, no.
When doing a show, you meet a lot of really neat people and you start to form a strange symbiotic bond with them. You spend every night together for rehearsal, you go out after rehearsal and are just thrown into a daily relationship with them. It's easy, because you all have to be there for rehearsal, so, there's no plans to be made, no times to be set, it's pretty much a planned out, no effort relationship. Now that the show is over, you might never see some of these people again, and you definitely won't see them every night (although I am out of groceries, so I might stop by for dinner). So, as I said goodbye, I had my usual regrets of either not getting to know someone better, or realizing I didn't put forth the effort to make future plans with them. But now it's over and time to look ahead.
So, what's next? Oh yes, I'm starting the cycle all over again. Rehearsals have already started and my first one is tomorrow. Ai carrumba! What am I doing? But this next show, I anticipate will be all gravy. I have a small part, so I'm thinking a lot less rehearsal time and I have a trip planned for a week (which is good for the break, and the time to learn my stuff mid-rehearsal) and the show runs 3 weekends. Perfect, right? We'll see....
OK Say good night Gracie. Good night Gracie.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Musical Momentum
So, as I do my daily... erm... bi-decade update, I thought I would tell you about the new show I'm in.
I took another break after Seussical to live my life outside of theatre. Then I realized I didn't have a very interesting life. I tend to throw myself into the main thing in my life, and after the shows, that's work. So, I spent a lot of time at work and expanding my voice lesson clients. But, it just wasn't the same. Work is work, and fun is fun. Soooooo, another audition with another new theatre was in order. I auditioned for Woodbury Community Theatre who is doing the Best of Gilbert and Sullivan and Trial by Jury back in June. I got the role of Angelina in Trial by Jury. Woo! But rehearsals didn't start until August, so it was nice to have the summer free.
Now rehearsals are fast and furious since we only had a month of rehearsals and the show goes up this coming up weekend. Eep! We're going to be performing in a brand new theatre, which we will see for the first time on Tuesday when rehearsals resume. The theatre seats 900. I'm a bad guess-timator about number of people and sizes and seats, but I do know that most of the theatres I've been working with seat about 250, give or take. So, that's a bit scary, but hopefully will be thrilling... if I don't trip down the stairs in my costume. Another scary/exciting bit is that Patrick Healy is flying in from Ireland this week to whip us into shape for the performances. He is a world renowned G&S specialist, and I'm shaking in my boots. It will be incredible to learn from him and to work with an expert in this genre, but I already feel my inadequacies adding up. But, it will be fine and amazing and everything will go well. Right? Right. No, it seriously will be. The cast and directors have been incredible to work for, and I hope to do more shows with Woodbury. They're a great group and I've had a wonderful experience. The talent in this show is incredible. There are soprano divas extraordinaire, beautiful song bird tenors, earth quaking basses, and luscious altos. The cast is amazing. I love listening and learning from all of these people and it's going to be a dynamite show, so if you're around, you should go. And if you're not around, you should come back and come to the show.
Onto the next role! What? Yes, another role. This is another first for me, a show overlapping another show. I auditioned for Annie with Ashland Theatre Company, and I have been cast as Lily St. Regis. I'm very excited to play yet another sassy female. (My current role Angelina is rather a handful as well.... and I was a sassy Bird Girl before that.... hmmmm. Pattern?) So, I will miss the beginnings of Annie rehearsals for the performances of G&S. I've never missed rehearsals before, and I have a trip planned in the middle of rehearsals too, so I feel like I'm going to be missing out on so much. It will be interesting to see if I'm the girl lost on stage while everyone is doing a big dance number which they've all perfected. Could be a new comedy sketch. Hilarity might ensue.
So, that's what's been going on with all of that. *whew* No details, because the days all blur together for me now: work, teach, rehearsal, sleep, work ,teach, rehearsal, sleep. I can't really tell you what day it is on any given day, but no work or no rehearsal today! That is something I do know.
I took another break after Seussical to live my life outside of theatre. Then I realized I didn't have a very interesting life. I tend to throw myself into the main thing in my life, and after the shows, that's work. So, I spent a lot of time at work and expanding my voice lesson clients. But, it just wasn't the same. Work is work, and fun is fun. Soooooo, another audition with another new theatre was in order. I auditioned for Woodbury Community Theatre who is doing the Best of Gilbert and Sullivan and Trial by Jury back in June. I got the role of Angelina in Trial by Jury. Woo! But rehearsals didn't start until August, so it was nice to have the summer free.
Now rehearsals are fast and furious since we only had a month of rehearsals and the show goes up this coming up weekend. Eep! We're going to be performing in a brand new theatre, which we will see for the first time on Tuesday when rehearsals resume. The theatre seats 900. I'm a bad guess-timator about number of people and sizes and seats, but I do know that most of the theatres I've been working with seat about 250, give or take. So, that's a bit scary, but hopefully will be thrilling... if I don't trip down the stairs in my costume. Another scary/exciting bit is that Patrick Healy is flying in from Ireland this week to whip us into shape for the performances. He is a world renowned G&S specialist, and I'm shaking in my boots. It will be incredible to learn from him and to work with an expert in this genre, but I already feel my inadequacies adding up. But, it will be fine and amazing and everything will go well. Right? Right. No, it seriously will be. The cast and directors have been incredible to work for, and I hope to do more shows with Woodbury. They're a great group and I've had a wonderful experience. The talent in this show is incredible. There are soprano divas extraordinaire, beautiful song bird tenors, earth quaking basses, and luscious altos. The cast is amazing. I love listening and learning from all of these people and it's going to be a dynamite show, so if you're around, you should go. And if you're not around, you should come back and come to the show.
Onto the next role! What? Yes, another role. This is another first for me, a show overlapping another show. I auditioned for Annie with Ashland Theatre Company, and I have been cast as Lily St. Regis. I'm very excited to play yet another sassy female. (My current role Angelina is rather a handful as well.... and I was a sassy Bird Girl before that.... hmmmm. Pattern?) So, I will miss the beginnings of Annie rehearsals for the performances of G&S. I've never missed rehearsals before, and I have a trip planned in the middle of rehearsals too, so I feel like I'm going to be missing out on so much. It will be interesting to see if I'm the girl lost on stage while everyone is doing a big dance number which they've all perfected. Could be a new comedy sketch. Hilarity might ensue.
So, that's what's been going on with all of that. *whew* No details, because the days all blur together for me now: work, teach, rehearsal, sleep, work ,teach, rehearsal, sleep. I can't really tell you what day it is on any given day, but no work or no rehearsal today! That is something I do know.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Tireless Theatre
Wow. I just read my last post that was published before the Kennedy Administration. The good news is, is I think I'm "back" in the theatre world. Since doing the Sound of Music, I finished a run of Seussical the other weekend. It was fantastic! I met so many amazing people and I love the theatre company. I had an extremely positive experience and will audition for that company in the future. I also have had an audition and decline my first role. I felt bad, but I had to stick to my guns. My next project is to audition for a Gilbert and Sullivan production. *crosses fingers* I think that I have given up on my Minnesota Opera ambition. I love doing musical theatre, and if I can get some legit roles, that's where I'd like to stay. So that's what I've been doing every night and weekend since my last post. (Okay okay, there was a break in between performances, but shhh, I had to catch up on sleep and other obligations.)
So, I'm going to bust out the ol' blog and give it some use. I will admit that after my last post, I joined Facebook and that has consumed my life and free-time. But who says I can't have another vice? Plus, on my blog I can write more than a sentence.
That's all for now, I don't want to overwhelm the viewers who might not believe their eyes when this new post appears on my blog. I'm sure they've left this screen up on their computer since last August and clicking refresh every 10 seconds. You're computer doesn't have a virus, I'm really posting again. *gasp*
So, I'm going to bust out the ol' blog and give it some use. I will admit that after my last post, I joined Facebook and that has consumed my life and free-time. But who says I can't have another vice? Plus, on my blog I can write more than a sentence.
That's all for now, I don't want to overwhelm the viewers who might not believe their eyes when this new post appears on my blog. I'm sure they've left this screen up on their computer since last August and clicking refresh every 10 seconds. You're computer doesn't have a virus, I'm really posting again. *gasp*
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Yay!
So, I am not Baroness Elsa Schraeder in the Sound of Music (which is the part I was called back for), but I am Sister Sophia. I accepted the role last night. Yay!
Now that my 4-year ice breaker audition is done and went well, I feel like more auditions are in my future and they seem far less daunting. I'm excited to get back into the theatre world. :-)
Stay tuned for more about the Sound of Music and it's director Bob Neu.
Now that my 4-year ice breaker audition is done and went well, I feel like more auditions are in my future and they seem far less daunting. I'm excited to get back into the theatre world. :-)
Stay tuned for more about the Sound of Music and it's director Bob Neu.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
No Nunsense
Well, I had my first musical theatre audition this week since college. It went very mediocre I thought, but I have rarely felt awesome about an audition. Then I was asked for callbacks. So, yay! Since there were 3 days of auditions, and I was asked in the audition to come back, I thought that there was going to be about 100 people at callbacks. It turns out there was only between 2-4 for each lead. So I was very excited. I don't think that I'll get the part because my callbacks didn't go spectacularly, but it was a good chance to get back in the saddle again.
I auditioned at the Phipps for the Sound of Music. The director is Bob Neu and he's fabulous. He was so nice and made the audition-ers feel at ease. I suspect that maybe I'll get a nun role. I was called back for the role of the Baroness Elsa Schraeder. In the stage productions she is a complex character and has 2 songs. She and the Captain also decide not to wed because Elsa becomes a Nazi supporter, unlike in the movie where she leaves because he falls in love with Maria. I'm not sure how well a brown lady, such as myself, could convince an audience that she's a Nazi supporter, but we'll see.
The callbacks went by short and sweet. After waiting for over an hour and a half in the arctic lobby area, I went in for a quick sing and a short read that lasted about 5 minutes. Then I was dismissed along with a couple of other people. And that was that. It goes by so quickly it's hard to remember what happened in there.
At least it's done, and maybe I can get something to fill the resume gap after college for stage performances.
I find out the verdict within the week. So, hopefully I'll get a phone call! Until then, it's just waiting and waiting.
I auditioned at the Phipps for the Sound of Music. The director is Bob Neu and he's fabulous. He was so nice and made the audition-ers feel at ease. I suspect that maybe I'll get a nun role. I was called back for the role of the Baroness Elsa Schraeder. In the stage productions she is a complex character and has 2 songs. She and the Captain also decide not to wed because Elsa becomes a Nazi supporter, unlike in the movie where she leaves because he falls in love with Maria. I'm not sure how well a brown lady, such as myself, could convince an audience that she's a Nazi supporter, but we'll see.
The callbacks went by short and sweet. After waiting for over an hour and a half in the arctic lobby area, I went in for a quick sing and a short read that lasted about 5 minutes. Then I was dismissed along with a couple of other people. And that was that. It goes by so quickly it's hard to remember what happened in there.
At least it's done, and maybe I can get something to fill the resume gap after college for stage performances.
I find out the verdict within the week. So, hopefully I'll get a phone call! Until then, it's just waiting and waiting.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Bankrupt Bennigan's
So word just came out that the Bennigan's all over Minnesota are closing. I really don't know where to turn.
I think that they have about 0.01 ounces of alcohol in their drinks and the waitresses are more moody than a teenage girl with acne. BUT, I still love to go there because of 2 items they have on their menu. Their baked potato soup makes me cry a little into it because it's so good. It's creamy and never has that old soup taste (even though I'm sure they just save the vat and re-use it everyday) and the topping that joyfully sit atop the delicious dish are perfect in every way. I would literally eat that soup for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and second dinner... and second lunch. I know, I'm like a Hobbit, I like to eat about 5 meals a day.
I always get the Ultimate Baked Potato Soup to start things off right, but then I order the ultimate entree. It's obscene and huge and has about 6871384849 grams of fat, but I don't care. It's the only dish that leaves me writhing in pain for literally 2 days afterwards. My husband tries to talk me out of it every time we go because he has to listen to the moans of agony for 48 straight hours, but it's all worth it. It is the only dish that I will endure a whole weekend of gut-busting pain for. I love it. It's the Monte Cristo. I know that there are plenty of other Monte Cristo's available out there, but never has any even shed a light to the Bennigan's Monte Cristo. My mouth is watering and my stomach is trying to make a break for it as I type about it. It's a triple decker stuffed full with ham and cheese then dipped in batter and deep fried. It's served with raspberry sauce and sprinkled in powdered sugar. Yum! It scared me a little the first time I ordered it, but once I had that first bite, I knew I could never order anything else again.
I would say that you all should try the soup and sandwich and let me know after the pain passes how it was, but now they're closing. :-( Actually, I heard that there's an independent Bennigan's that's still going to be open in Coon Rapids. I'm not sure how far that is, but a road trip might be in order. Times are tough my friends. Make the best of the last one standing. And if you can eat both the soup and sandwich in one sitting, let me know! I have yet to accomplish such a feat. But I do recommend an oven for the re-heat of the sandwich, otherwise it's just all mushy and spongey. I love it!!!
I think that they have about 0.01 ounces of alcohol in their drinks and the waitresses are more moody than a teenage girl with acne. BUT, I still love to go there because of 2 items they have on their menu. Their baked potato soup makes me cry a little into it because it's so good. It's creamy and never has that old soup taste (even though I'm sure they just save the vat and re-use it everyday) and the topping that joyfully sit atop the delicious dish are perfect in every way. I would literally eat that soup for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and second dinner... and second lunch. I know, I'm like a Hobbit, I like to eat about 5 meals a day.
I always get the Ultimate Baked Potato Soup to start things off right, but then I order the ultimate entree. It's obscene and huge and has about 6871384849 grams of fat, but I don't care. It's the only dish that leaves me writhing in pain for literally 2 days afterwards. My husband tries to talk me out of it every time we go because he has to listen to the moans of agony for 48 straight hours, but it's all worth it. It is the only dish that I will endure a whole weekend of gut-busting pain for. I love it. It's the Monte Cristo. I know that there are plenty of other Monte Cristo's available out there, but never has any even shed a light to the Bennigan's Monte Cristo. My mouth is watering and my stomach is trying to make a break for it as I type about it. It's a triple decker stuffed full with ham and cheese then dipped in batter and deep fried. It's served with raspberry sauce and sprinkled in powdered sugar. Yum! It scared me a little the first time I ordered it, but once I had that first bite, I knew I could never order anything else again.
I would say that you all should try the soup and sandwich and let me know after the pain passes how it was, but now they're closing. :-( Actually, I heard that there's an independent Bennigan's that's still going to be open in Coon Rapids. I'm not sure how far that is, but a road trip might be in order. Times are tough my friends. Make the best of the last one standing. And if you can eat both the soup and sandwich in one sitting, let me know! I have yet to accomplish such a feat. But I do recommend an oven for the re-heat of the sandwich, otherwise it's just all mushy and spongey. I love it!!!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Mr. Coffee's Demise
Mr. Coffee 4-cup brew master is no longer with us. He was a loyal friend and rarely treated me poorly. There were only a few times where he vomited scalding coffee on my legs, but I'm sure I deserved it. He has been my trustee side-kick on my various desks over the past 3 years. I demanded much from him. Sometimes I yelled that he wasn't brewing quick enough, but he never said a word. He would just continue on percolating happily by my side.
He started showing signs of giving out not more than Monday. I just thought he had a case of the Monday's. So I excused the cold coffee that he produced... because hey... it was still coffee. And I will say that the first cup was fairly warm.
Then yesterday he was not his usual bubbly self. :-( So, I gave him his first day off in 3 years thinking he just needed a rest. Alas, this morning, his condition was no better. He did not brew, he did not even cough out a little coffee.
It's a dark time for me now without Mr. Coffee by my side.
He started showing signs of giving out not more than Monday. I just thought he had a case of the Monday's. So I excused the cold coffee that he produced... because hey... it was still coffee. And I will say that the first cup was fairly warm.
Then yesterday he was not his usual bubbly self. :-( So, I gave him his first day off in 3 years thinking he just needed a rest. Alas, this morning, his condition was no better. He did not brew, he did not even cough out a little coffee.
It's a dark time for me now without Mr. Coffee by my side.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Woo-Hoo!
We won!! We crushed them! The curse has been lifted! I feel like a zillion pounds have left my aura. Weee! Granted Washington was pretty lousy, but I will admit that it was pretty tense there in the beginning. I thought I might have to step out from the game a few times, but we did it!
HUZZAH!!!
HUZZAH!!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Rejection & Ejection
Tonight I am off to another Twins game! I am revved up and I have my jersey laid out on the bed.
We're taking our father's as a continuation to the father's day festivities. The Twins had a win last night (thanks Mor...yes) and I'm hoping that they can win again. I haven't been to a winning Twins game since the very beginning of the season. Maybe it's me. They have to win tonight or I might never go to a game again because I cause them to lose. It happened that way last year too, I took my dad for his birthday and it was just a massacre on the field. This year I think the first game I went to of the season we won... but not since then. Lose-lose-lose-lose-lose. Hmmm maybe I better get a new jersey or bring salt and a rabbit foot. I don't know if I can handle another live loss. It's bad enough when they lose on TV, but I feel far less invested without paying hundreds to watch them. I can angrily turn off the TV and stomp off to bed and feel fine about it. A live game loss just hurts.
We have amazing seats and we're playing Washington. I've never seen Washington play live before, so that's exciting. Plus Guuuuuuuuuzman plays with them so that'll be fun to see. I think Guuuzy and Cargo (Gomez) should run bases together. Just for fun. Just to see. :-)
I have a rule about going to games though. I don't understand why people would leave early... erm.. hm.. Hubby. I have never left a game early. There's been some game ending tears as I watch our team being scraped off the field, but I stick it out. But tonight the pressure to leave early will be at least 70% amidst the crowd. The significant other likes to "beat traffic" and so does his father. My dad is a people pleaser, so I'm sure he wouldn't be adverse to going. And I will stand there among the spilled beer, shattered peanut and with cotton candy in my hair from the little devils (that will no doubtfully sit behind us) until the last out. I can't do it. I can't leave early. Beat traffic? I know a way. Maybe you all aren't as lame as I am, but I think that the post-game coverage is hilarious. I watch and laugh at it often. My favorite is when Burt and Anthony and "Coom" all re-enact a play. It can't get much better than watching an old pitching star not be able to hit somewhere on the baggie that's about the size of Minneapolis. Or watching a large man in a suit with a windbreaker pullover (because that makes him look sportier... hehe) try to field a mis-thrown ball. It's just quality enjoyment. If we stayed to watch all of that hoopla, we'd definitely miss traffic. I think that's why the fans all jump up and run out after the game. Nobody wants to see that sight.
Well, off to start my Summoning a Win Dance.
We're taking our father's as a continuation to the father's day festivities. The Twins had a win last night (thanks Mor...yes) and I'm hoping that they can win again. I haven't been to a winning Twins game since the very beginning of the season. Maybe it's me. They have to win tonight or I might never go to a game again because I cause them to lose. It happened that way last year too, I took my dad for his birthday and it was just a massacre on the field. This year I think the first game I went to of the season we won... but not since then. Lose-lose-lose-lose-lose. Hmmm maybe I better get a new jersey or bring salt and a rabbit foot. I don't know if I can handle another live loss. It's bad enough when they lose on TV, but I feel far less invested without paying hundreds to watch them. I can angrily turn off the TV and stomp off to bed and feel fine about it. A live game loss just hurts.
We have amazing seats and we're playing Washington. I've never seen Washington play live before, so that's exciting. Plus Guuuuuuuuuzman plays with them so that'll be fun to see. I think Guuuzy and Cargo (Gomez) should run bases together. Just for fun. Just to see. :-)
I have a rule about going to games though. I don't understand why people would leave early... erm.. hm.. Hubby. I have never left a game early. There's been some game ending tears as I watch our team being scraped off the field, but I stick it out. But tonight the pressure to leave early will be at least 70% amidst the crowd. The significant other likes to "beat traffic" and so does his father. My dad is a people pleaser, so I'm sure he wouldn't be adverse to going. And I will stand there among the spilled beer, shattered peanut and with cotton candy in my hair from the little devils (that will no doubtfully sit behind us) until the last out. I can't do it. I can't leave early. Beat traffic? I know a way. Maybe you all aren't as lame as I am, but I think that the post-game coverage is hilarious. I watch and laugh at it often. My favorite is when Burt and Anthony and "Coom" all re-enact a play. It can't get much better than watching an old pitching star not be able to hit somewhere on the baggie that's about the size of Minneapolis. Or watching a large man in a suit with a windbreaker pullover (because that makes him look sportier... hehe) try to field a mis-thrown ball. It's just quality enjoyment. If we stayed to watch all of that hoopla, we'd definitely miss traffic. I think that's why the fans all jump up and run out after the game. Nobody wants to see that sight.
Well, off to start my Summoning a Win Dance.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I'm An MPR Mooch
So MPR is doing their "annual drive". I say "annual" because I swear they just had one like a month ago. And I am an avid MPR listener. All day everyday. That's me.
I've been listening all week to their plugs for why you should be a member and give them money. It's starting to get to me. I can feel John Birge, Jeff Esworthy, Brian Newhouse, Mindy Ratner, and Steve Staruch fingers all pointing right out of the radio at me. You're not a member! You're a mooch! Listening, and dare I say, enjoying public radio without giving us your first born child. Shame to you and your household!
Well, how would they like it if I just stopped listening all together?! Huh?! Would they prefer that? I think not! I just can't contribute. Then I'm funding something for which I have no control. What would I do if they switched to an all Copland station?! Blech. I know, I know, everyone loves Copland.... everyone but me. Blah blah, heard it all. I still say boo. I don't know, I'm too selfish and poor. Those combinations and not being Mother Theresa pretty much sums up why I'm not a "member".
I feel their wrath of guilt laying it on me! Help!
I've been listening all week to their plugs for why you should be a member and give them money. It's starting to get to me. I can feel John Birge, Jeff Esworthy, Brian Newhouse, Mindy Ratner, and Steve Staruch fingers all pointing right out of the radio at me. You're not a member! You're a mooch! Listening, and dare I say, enjoying public radio without giving us your first born child. Shame to you and your household!
Well, how would they like it if I just stopped listening all together?! Huh?! Would they prefer that? I think not! I just can't contribute. Then I'm funding something for which I have no control. What would I do if they switched to an all Copland station?! Blech. I know, I know, everyone loves Copland.... everyone but me. Blah blah, heard it all. I still say boo. I don't know, I'm too selfish and poor. Those combinations and not being Mother Theresa pretty much sums up why I'm not a "member".
I feel their wrath of guilt laying it on me! Help!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Cookie Monster
So it's been over a month since I've posted. What motivates me enough to grease up the old blog? Cookies. Yes, cookies. I looooove me some good cookies. Lately I've been loving them more due to a recent mediocre audition. I'll write more about that later.
I love love LOVE cookies. Cake? Blech. I didn't even have a bite of cake at my own wedding, but if we would have had cookies.... ooooo.....
So, I went to Kowalski's (for the 3rd time in 4 days) to pick up some cookies. They have an amazing M&M cookie. Normally not so fond of M&M cookies because they're usually hard and the M&M's are usually old and kind of gross and it's mostly just a sugar cookie with like 3 M&M's. Well folks! These cookies are the best. They're soft in between the zillions of M&M's that are fresh and jammed so close together it's really just a pile of M&M connected by delightful cookie. Oh, and they're like the size of my head. *sigh* It pains me to think about it because when I went in there last night, I couldn't find them. They only have a table of cookies and they had 2 packages of half crushed chocolate chip cookies that looked hard and they were broken. Everybody knows that broken cookies taste different than whole ones. All I see are the same kind of cookies swarming this table. So I catch a glimmer of false coloring in one of them and my hope goes up. I pick it up thinking it would be a lame substitute, but it's called "Trail Cookie". What the heck? It looks like something you'd find on a playground after fiestata lunch day. What are we, hiking through the mountains munching on our gorp and our "Trail Cookies"? Lame. I don't eat cookies to be healthy, I eat it for the sugar and the pound of butter in every cookie. So I settled on the sugar cookies. They're pretty awesome... but they'd be better with 6 cups of M&M's in them. ;-)
I've had a chronic stomach ache for the past 4 days, but it's worth it. I definitely would not go through the pain if it were from gorp cookies. I think I have to bake today. :-)
I love love LOVE cookies. Cake? Blech. I didn't even have a bite of cake at my own wedding, but if we would have had cookies.... ooooo.....
So, I went to Kowalski's (for the 3rd time in 4 days) to pick up some cookies. They have an amazing M&M cookie. Normally not so fond of M&M cookies because they're usually hard and the M&M's are usually old and kind of gross and it's mostly just a sugar cookie with like 3 M&M's. Well folks! These cookies are the best. They're soft in between the zillions of M&M's that are fresh and jammed so close together it's really just a pile of M&M connected by delightful cookie. Oh, and they're like the size of my head. *sigh* It pains me to think about it because when I went in there last night, I couldn't find them. They only have a table of cookies and they had 2 packages of half crushed chocolate chip cookies that looked hard and they were broken. Everybody knows that broken cookies taste different than whole ones. All I see are the same kind of cookies swarming this table. So I catch a glimmer of false coloring in one of them and my hope goes up. I pick it up thinking it would be a lame substitute, but it's called "Trail Cookie". What the heck? It looks like something you'd find on a playground after fiestata lunch day. What are we, hiking through the mountains munching on our gorp and our "Trail Cookies"? Lame. I don't eat cookies to be healthy, I eat it for the sugar and the pound of butter in every cookie. So I settled on the sugar cookies. They're pretty awesome... but they'd be better with 6 cups of M&M's in them. ;-)
I've had a chronic stomach ache for the past 4 days, but it's worth it. I definitely would not go through the pain if it were from gorp cookies. I think I have to bake today. :-)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Spring Is In The Air!
Finally some warm weather! This feels like a heat wave compared to what it was just days ago. I love the snow and I love winter, but now that I've had a taste of spring, I really want the sunny days and warm breezes back. But instead I predict about 3 more months of half melted brown dirty snow and frigid mornings and warm beautiful days while I'm working and then frigid evenings when I leave work. :-(
It makes me want to retire. Do people do that at 25? I suppose they do if they're worth 8 figures, not -5 figures. Well, actually I can't say that I'm -5, because I am debt free now, so I'm riding high at an even $0 and I'm happy!
When we were out walking our too-cute-for-words-and-I'm-not-just-saying-that-because-she's-mine dog yesterday, it felt like spring all over. A young teen was playing basketball in his shorts and T and other people were out standing and chatting without jackets, and the true sign of warm weather, we smelled dinner being cooked on grills. Yum!
Well, even if I can't be out to enjoy it, at least I have windows I can look out of. That's a first for me at a place of employment! :-D
It makes me want to retire. Do people do that at 25? I suppose they do if they're worth 8 figures, not -5 figures. Well, actually I can't say that I'm -5, because I am debt free now, so I'm riding high at an even $0 and I'm happy!
When we were out walking our too-cute-for-words-and-I'm-not-just-saying-that-because-she's-mine dog yesterday, it felt like spring all over. A young teen was playing basketball in his shorts and T and other people were out standing and chatting without jackets, and the true sign of warm weather, we smelled dinner being cooked on grills. Yum!
Well, even if I can't be out to enjoy it, at least I have windows I can look out of. That's a first for me at a place of employment! :-D
Monday, February 25, 2008
A Gem
Solveig's Song is on the radio. What a great piece. It's from Peer Gynt. YouTube it, if you haven't heard it. *sigh* It touches the soul. Just thought I'd share.
I've Hit A New Low
My caffeine addiction has hit a new low. Now it's just not the entire pot of morning coffee with a pick-me-up Dew at lunch. Or the massive headaches that immediately start an hour after I've been awake if I haven't downed a good 4 mugs of joe.
Last night at about 11pm I was feeling sleepy and winding down before bed by playing a little rock and roll on Guitar Hero. I went upstairs to get a water from the fridge, when my right arm independently moved from my body to grasp a beloved Mountain Dew. I watched in horror as my single arm tried to open the can for a guzzle-fest. I would not have it. If I had a Dew at 11, no doubt it would kick in about 11:30am and I would be up scrubbing the grout in our guest bath or re-trimming the carpet. Not like I've done a weird thing like that before... but now that you mention it... Regardless it took all my effort (along with the help of my left arm) to turn my head away and put back the dew. Then I had to sit against the fridge and cry a little because I really wanted that dew. But I got over it and went to bed. However, I was up half the night thinking about the little dew can in the fridge taunting me. So maybe it wouldn't have been that bad to have a little before bed. hehehehe
Last night at about 11pm I was feeling sleepy and winding down before bed by playing a little rock and roll on Guitar Hero. I went upstairs to get a water from the fridge, when my right arm independently moved from my body to grasp a beloved Mountain Dew. I watched in horror as my single arm tried to open the can for a guzzle-fest. I would not have it. If I had a Dew at 11, no doubt it would kick in about 11:30am and I would be up scrubbing the grout in our guest bath or re-trimming the carpet. Not like I've done a weird thing like that before... but now that you mention it... Regardless it took all my effort (along with the help of my left arm) to turn my head away and put back the dew. Then I had to sit against the fridge and cry a little because I really wanted that dew. But I got over it and went to bed. However, I was up half the night thinking about the little dew can in the fridge taunting me. So maybe it wouldn't have been that bad to have a little before bed. hehehehe
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Puppy Love
Exciting news! We're going to be parents! Not of actual children, but of a very cute little Shih Tzu. We were on the list to adopt a puppy from this dog, but after a big long whoo-haw, turns out she wasn't "with puppy".
A big disappointment at first for us because after our beloved fish Kipu passed, there has been a void and we were excited for a little mongrel to fill it. Then even better news came. Because the situation was full of a big case of the crazies, they offered us first say on the "mom" not-mom. She is incredibly cute. She's just over 10 pounds and she's all black with a very cute face. Doesn't she look like a little fiesty Ewok?
I am so excited!! She's coming a couple months earlier than we anticipated getting a floor mop, but we couldn't be happier. Now come the preperations, because she arrives in just over a week!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Bonjour mon ami!
Well, since I've been posting daily since I started this blog you must have missed my short absence. What? You didn't notice? Oh right, because I'm about as regular as an old man who lacks fiber. But I'm back and ready to wow you with my exciting life.
The holidays were a sea of crazy this year. The stars aligned this year and every friend, family, and foe was in town and wanted to get together. Why is it that everyone is always in town for only 2 days around the holidays? It makes it very difficult to plan. But nevertheless I got out my 27x34 flip chart and my laser pointer and set to work diagramming the holidays. Fortunately it all worked out. I saw every family member and friend and rescheduled all the foes for the day after never.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of spreading holiday cheer I was still taking lessons with my new instructor. And as of late, I have decided to throw myself to the mercy of the MN Opera directors. Yes folks, I am auditioning this spring and receiving a rejection letter in the summer. I can hardly contain myself. Now just to decide which aria to sing. Oh and how to convince them that I would be a great mezzo for them while singing Bester Jungling or Batti, batti. Ha! *sigh* If only sopranos were slightly less common than a dandelion in spring. *cue violins*
I'm still working and trucking along and gearing up for my best friends wedding. Speaking of, I better start working on my toast!
The holidays were a sea of crazy this year. The stars aligned this year and every friend, family, and foe was in town and wanted to get together. Why is it that everyone is always in town for only 2 days around the holidays? It makes it very difficult to plan. But nevertheless I got out my 27x34 flip chart and my laser pointer and set to work diagramming the holidays. Fortunately it all worked out. I saw every family member and friend and rescheduled all the foes for the day after never.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of spreading holiday cheer I was still taking lessons with my new instructor. And as of late, I have decided to throw myself to the mercy of the MN Opera directors. Yes folks, I am auditioning this spring and receiving a rejection letter in the summer. I can hardly contain myself. Now just to decide which aria to sing. Oh and how to convince them that I would be a great mezzo for them while singing Bester Jungling or Batti, batti. Ha! *sigh* If only sopranos were slightly less common than a dandelion in spring. *cue violins*
I'm still working and trucking along and gearing up for my best friends wedding. Speaking of, I better start working on my toast!
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Busy Times!
I have finally decided on a voice teacher!! Woo! I had my first lesson with her on Saturday. We didn't sing a stitch, but rather peeled through my book collection for potential pieces. It's still overwhelming to pick from 50, but it's a little less daunting than thousands. The question now, is how many, which language, variety or submersion and still figuring out which fits my fach. Too much! Do I go all French and immerse myself to really delve into French literature? Or do I have a variety of languages to get back in the groove of things? I'm like a kid in a candy store.
Yes, you're probably right, I should just do a variety of languages that I'm more familiar with to get my chricothyroid and cricoarytenoids stretched and strengthened. OK, so a variety it is... hmmm now back to the piles of books to decide which.
Oooo! And I got a fun new gadget for my lessons. I used to drag out the old tape cassettes to record my lesson, but what a pain that is! So, I recently invested in a mini-microphone that plugs into my iPod. So, now to I can save them on my computer and they're all digital and ready to go. I'm so excited! I love technology.
Yes, you're probably right, I should just do a variety of languages that I'm more familiar with to get my chricothyroid and cricoarytenoids stretched and strengthened. OK, so a variety it is... hmmm now back to the piles of books to decide which.
Oooo! And I got a fun new gadget for my lessons. I used to drag out the old tape cassettes to record my lesson, but what a pain that is! So, I recently invested in a mini-microphone that plugs into my iPod. So, now to I can save them on my computer and they're all digital and ready to go. I'm so excited! I love technology.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
This Is My Quest
... Only without the whole man of La Mancha part.
I am on a quest to find a new voice instructor. Now that life has settled down to a dull roar, I really am feeling the bug to get back to performing. I have thought about long and hard what I wanted to do. I have sung in choirs after college and have even applied for graduate school. At the end of last years' season, I really knew that I wanted to get back on the stage singing and dancing my little heart out. I guess I always knew it, but was more scared and lost about where to start.
I was fresh out of college and bright eyed and bushy tailed and had music in my heart. So I audition for the 2 heavy hitting choirs of MN. Woo! Got into both of them... of course that meant rehearsals over in Minneapolis at least 3 times a week, and when there were performances it was a non-stop commute-sing 'til your voice box drops right out on the floor-drive home at an ungodly hour-and get up and work. *repeat daily* I cut back here and there with one of the choirs and it seemed to be okay, and then the wedding planning was in full swing and my sanity was in limbo. So, last spring was my ending for a spell. Then this summer was filled with wedding planning and a new job. Now the honeymoon is over and life is peachy.
So the past couple of weeks I have contacted a few voice instructors. Now I'm in the midst of interviewing them. Then my goal will be to study and get into some auditions and get shot down 99% of the time, but hopefully get into an occasional something here and there. If I start studying now, I think I will bug the MN opera again. My past auditions have been horrible with them... well, I guess just one out of 2 was horrible. It was right after I graduated and I was bed ridden for about 5 days and felt like I had 83 heads and they were all congested. I pulled myself out of bed and showered for the first time in eons and trucked it over to my audition. Blech. I kept sniffling during the interludes and when I sang my head was so congested that it rang around in there and I wanted to grab my head and cry and nap on the floor. The second time I hadn't been studying, but I had been singing and I just wasn't ready. They also probably remembered my monstrous self from last year and thought I was Jekyll and Hyde. Or, probably more just like Hyde.
So off I go into the scary world of rejection, divas, divos, and long commutes. I'll keep you posted.
I am on a quest to find a new voice instructor. Now that life has settled down to a dull roar, I really am feeling the bug to get back to performing. I have thought about long and hard what I wanted to do. I have sung in choirs after college and have even applied for graduate school. At the end of last years' season, I really knew that I wanted to get back on the stage singing and dancing my little heart out. I guess I always knew it, but was more scared and lost about where to start.
I was fresh out of college and bright eyed and bushy tailed and had music in my heart. So I audition for the 2 heavy hitting choirs of MN. Woo! Got into both of them... of course that meant rehearsals over in Minneapolis at least 3 times a week, and when there were performances it was a non-stop commute-sing 'til your voice box drops right out on the floor-drive home at an ungodly hour-and get up and work. *repeat daily* I cut back here and there with one of the choirs and it seemed to be okay, and then the wedding planning was in full swing and my sanity was in limbo. So, last spring was my ending for a spell. Then this summer was filled with wedding planning and a new job. Now the honeymoon is over and life is peachy.
So the past couple of weeks I have contacted a few voice instructors. Now I'm in the midst of interviewing them. Then my goal will be to study and get into some auditions and get shot down 99% of the time, but hopefully get into an occasional something here and there. If I start studying now, I think I will bug the MN opera again. My past auditions have been horrible with them... well, I guess just one out of 2 was horrible. It was right after I graduated and I was bed ridden for about 5 days and felt like I had 83 heads and they were all congested. I pulled myself out of bed and showered for the first time in eons and trucked it over to my audition. Blech. I kept sniffling during the interludes and when I sang my head was so congested that it rang around in there and I wanted to grab my head and cry and nap on the floor. The second time I hadn't been studying, but I had been singing and I just wasn't ready. They also probably remembered my monstrous self from last year and thought I was Jekyll and Hyde. Or, probably more just like Hyde.
So off I go into the scary world of rejection, divas, divos, and long commutes. I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Morning Coffee
There's nothing else than a hot pot of coffee to wake you up. It just wouldn't be a good day unless I guzzled down at least 4 cups. Since I go through it at a mind blowing rate, I thought I better look into some cheap, but passable, coffee. So I came out of the grocery the other day with a drum of dark roast called Black Silk hoping to up my caffeine intake a bit.
So I'm sitting here, eyes half closed, listening to the lovely brewing sounds of my coffee with my mug of sugar in hand waiting for the coffee to stop. I'm looking forward to getting a nice pick me up by switching to a darker roast. It's finally done. As I pouring my beloved coffee, things are in a sudden chaotic state, I must have poured too fast, there's coffee spewing out all sides, and about half the pot ends up on my leg. Nothing wakes you up faster than 3rd degree coffee burns on your thigh in the morning. I nearly cried. Not because of the burns, but because of all the wasted coffee.
So I'm sitting here, eyes half closed, listening to the lovely brewing sounds of my coffee with my mug of sugar in hand waiting for the coffee to stop. I'm looking forward to getting a nice pick me up by switching to a darker roast. It's finally done. As I pouring my beloved coffee, things are in a sudden chaotic state, I must have poured too fast, there's coffee spewing out all sides, and about half the pot ends up on my leg. Nothing wakes you up faster than 3rd degree coffee burns on your thigh in the morning. I nearly cried. Not because of the burns, but because of all the wasted coffee.
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