Soprano in the City

Two weddings & some funerals

2009-04-27T17:20:00.001-07:00

Greetings darlings, I am sorry to be so neglectful. So much has happened since I last wrote including my own wedding, a friend's wedding and some sad goodbyes and prognostics.

I promise to post more pictures and information, but in the meanwhile please enjoy an old favorite ( I especially love the chucks):

Fummer or (if you prefer) Sall

2008-09-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

There is something about smells that bring back memories.

Here are some Karen associations:

exhaust = New Orleans/childhood
freshly cut grass = summer
Freesia = show choir
paprika = Hungary (of course!)
bergamot coriander = Evan
dead fish = Venice

And the one related to now is...
burning wood + grass = Fummer or (if you prefer) Sall

I adore these days between summer and fall. When you grow up in the South it simply doesn't exist. So when you get to have it for only a short time the experience is savored.

It is an interesting mix and you must admit there is a smell and feel to Fall that is distinctive. But people have lost the appreciation of right now, where the sweaters start to come out at night and the air has a mix of seasonal smells.

Enjoy it while you can, my friends, it only last for a short time!

Porn in the Car?

2008-09-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

The airlines complain that free wifi on airplanes will cause people to look at porn, but did we ever think of it in a car?

Yes, my friends, 'tis possible. For I saw it with my own eyes.

Upon leaving work one day, day dreaming about going to my new apartment and eating with my hunny, I looked up at the car stopped in front of me. And noticed he was reading...wait, not reading, look at a magazine?

At first I thought it was an ad, but then he kept flipping the pages and on each one was a picture of a lady, usually scantily clad. Usually the page flip was followed by him taking off his glasses, wiping his forehead, and then putting them back on.

Gross.

And even when the line of cars started moving through the stoplight, he would look up to drive forward a little and then continue to look down.

More gross.

So, beware! Porn can happen anywhere.

Life's Twists & Turns

2008-09-06T05:44:00.000-07:00

Ah, my friends it has been too long! Forget the fact that I totally skipped out during the month of August, I have had so much happening that I go to sleep in the single digit hours! Aren't I suppose to be young and healthy?

Well, here is the the quick details of right now:

I got a new job! I teach music (K-6) in the Cleveland area (not in Cleveland, but the area) and it is draining my life. Besides the fact that I work 8+ hours writing lesson plans and teaching, there is all the hall duties and lunch duties and recess duties...and let me tell you the name "duties" describes how I feel about that.

I joined the COC again! We have a seven hour rehearsal tomorrow night that I am praying gets cut short because I need to get some sleep in...

MY NEW APARTMENT! Yes friends, I am moving out of the nest and to a new place. The big reason is that I currently live an hour+ commute away from my job and that is no fun. So Ev and I have found a lovely little place that combines the historical with the new kitchen that I want.

My very good friend Ashley got engaged! So now, two of my bridesmaids are getting married next year (after me, of course) and I am so thrilled for them. Plus, I get to go to Florida for the wedding!!!

So that is the basics, though there has been ever so much more. Life is just exhausting and right now I don't know if I am cut out for this teaching thing. I mean, I like it, but especially as the "music" teacher, I don't feel very respected. I know that I am training the kids, but it is like everyone things that a good music program means instruments and they just don't understand the value of being able to ::ahem, ahem:: read the music. Being told what to do by people that aren't professionals is like telling a architect how to build a house. TRUST THE EXPERT PEOPLE!

On that note (pun intended) I promise to write more in the coming month about all my shenanigans and how things progress. Just as soon as the Internet is installed at my new place:). Keep watching!

Two important things!

2008-07-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

C'mon did you think I wouldn't be mentioning this? The girl that listened to Mugglecast?!

On the Project Runway side of things...

And WHAT ARE THE JUDGES THINKING! Oye, they have to wake up. I definitely thought that there were much cuter, beautiful outfits that were totally overlooked. And I HATED the dress that won tonight. And what about last week's pick? Sigh, they best be starting to weed some people out and get their eyes in straight.

Rejected by email

2008-07-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

So I have been interviewing all over and for all different types of jobs. The process is excruciating and not only have I gone through a lot of mental strain but also a ton of gas. Meaning, I have also put in a ton of money.

But the worst part about the whole thing, apart from the rejection and that I still don't have a permanent music position, is getting it in an email. And it isn't even from the person who interviewed me. It is just a generic letter saying thanks for the interest, as if they didn't spend an hour with me talking about the school, my teaching and the position.

Ah my friends, it is rough to be professional with these people when they don't have the spunk to send personal letter. What a fracking joke.

Is this good for my inner wino?

2008-06-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

So, I have found a summer job! I am working part time for a wine distributor. That's right, if you buy wine in Ohio I probably sold it to the people who sold it to you...or one of my associates. Anyway, this doesn't mean I can buy cases and cases from them to feed the inner wino, but I am learning about all these different brands and how the process works.

But I believe the hardest thing of all was yesterday when I went up to the kitchen to have my break. Since there was a tasting earlier in the day, there were two carafes of wine (one white, one red with lots of tannins) sitting on the table and I knew that I couldn't touch them. Sigh, all that wasted yummy goodness!

I'm the diet coke of Christianity/Officially on my loathing list

2008-06-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, apparently I am not Christian enough. Ah, it is a sad sad feeling. When a woman has gone through life with emotional turmoil and has had a normal, rocky relationship with her Deity that makes people doubt her faith. Oh, then there is my second topic for this blog, people that suck.

So, I had an interview last week for a christian school. I came in amid a flurry of activity that I was told was track and field day. I was asked to wait in the office and while I was there, a boy with a bloody elbow and knee came in, looked at me strangely, then went off with the secretary to find a band-aid that would stick. After this I was led into the office to start my interview. The first question was:

"Tell me about how you came to know Jesus as your personal Savior?"

Not a typical question for an interview, but then I knew this wasn't a normal situation. I answered her question very honestly and it was a bit emotional for me since it is a very very personal topic. And got these comments about it. "Wow, you were quite young weren't you?" (I was entering high school) "So you don't remember the exact time it happened?"(Most people have a "moment", I don't remember a day, just a month and general realization) "Well, have you prayed for forgiveness?"(Obviously she doesn't believe me now.)

And so on and so forth. I didn't talk much about the music side of my teaching and what little I did say she didn't seem to keen on. In general, she told me what the current teacher did and could I be an exact replica of that person please (right down to finding a husband who would build a set for the annual musical since he was a carpenter)? Then there was a lot of little side comments and looks like I wasn't a good enough christian and I have never felt so judged in an interview in my entire life.

When I got home and reflected on the interview, I realised that I probably wouldn't get it.
1. Let's face it, christians like that can be the most judgemental people on the planet. Speaking as a christian, I think I can say that my number one problem with strong christians is there superiority while wearing a humble mask. Not being like that and my very "love everyone as you love yourself" and my respecting people of all faiths didn't match up with the christian bubble the kids needed.
2. I am a process teacher and that was a product environment. I have done the big shows with the dancing and the modern music and the "look at the little monkey's perform!" and I respect that. But my main goal with my students is to give them something they will learn, not mimic. While I was interviewing, I was to understand the most important event of the year was the spring musical and to me that is hypocritical for the school. I would think that Jesus would want us to learn and be the best students possible, not to have an event showcasing themselves while pretending to focus on God.
3. She seemed extremely fake. I have met and befriended many different types of teachers, including christians and this lady made me feel very awkward and not at all at ease.

A few days later I received me "thanks, but no thanks" letter and that was that.

In other news, it is has been hot as hades in my house after our air conditioner broke on Friday. The repair man came out, spend almost two hours trying to "cool down the compressor" then said it should work and he would come back to check it out in a week. An hour later, it was not working. After calling up and asking what was going on, we found out the compressor was broken and needed to be replaced. But, at the time of the call, it was too late for them to come back out and they wouldn't be able to do it till Monday. We found this out when we got patched through to the person that was at the house an hour earlier.

The jerk KNEW that it was broken and that what he did was a temporary fix that would last twenty minutes. How convenient that by the time we called and found out that information it was too late. It has been in the nineties this weekend and my poor cat looked like he was on death's door until I picked him up and kept him in the basement to cool him off. Thankfully, this evening it finally rained and has cooled into the seventies.

This hasn't been the best weekend for me. Basically, lots of people suck and I am trying not to generalize. Because, really, that would be very un-Christian of me.

Just for your Josie!

2008-05-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

i before e except after c...sound familiar?

2008-05-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I am being a bit hypocritical, but lately one of my biggest pet peeves is people spelling the word "receive" like this: "recieve". AHHHHHHH! People, I watched Charlie Brown and I learned this rule: i before e except after c. Besides the fact that a big red line should show up under the word "recieve" to indicate that it is indeed incorrect, I would hope that people would remember this simple rule.

Now, I have been known to misspell words on this blog where I have had to go back and re-publish it to make sure it was right. However, the majority of websites that I have seen this egregious error on were PROFESSIONAL websites where people are SELLING things. (once again) AHHHHHHH! I am not selling anything, except for my brilliant ideas and the price is free!!

So, we shall review this:
CORRECT :): RECEIVE
INCORRECT :'(: RECIEVE

Oh, just one more for a word I saw misspelled at a deli:
INCORRECT!
desert: "v. abandon in a way that is disloyal or trecherous..., n. a dry, barren area of land"
CORRECT!
dessert: "the sweet course eaten at the end of a meal"
(definitions from the dicitionary application on my Apple)

The rule for this? We always want more deSSert, thus it gets TWO "s's".

Thank you for your time!

Hannah's Graduation

2008-05-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the Grad & my future sister-in-law/bridesmaid Hannah!

Artistic photo by me at brunch.

Hannah walking to her spot.

Here comes the grad!

The expensive piece of paper is in there.

The Clan!

Evan, Hannah & I

The sibs.

You can see Hannah in the reflection.

You think I could resist taking a picture of the black squirrels???

Chillin' before dinner.

Sweet smell of success

2008-05-06T07:38:00.001-07:00

Ah yes, it is finished. I have done my Graduate recital and it was pretty good I think. It is very odd that it is done now and just a touch bitter sweet. So, with one final left (which happens tomorrow) I have to leave the world of student and enter the real world.

I will add more (how many times in the last month have I said "I'm going to totally blog about that" with no follow through) but this has been a very difficult month for me and the family. Now I have a single grandmother left since my dad's father died Thursday morning. The morning of my dress rehearsal. The creepy thing is that my mom's father died the morning of my opera dress rehearsal about four weeks ago. It is a sick, twisted thing.

So the tension of my recital is gone, but the tension in the family is choking me at times. Prayers would be much appreciated of course. Keeping my head above the emotional water.

On top of this, I am looking for a full time job, hopefully in teaching, for the fall. Most likely it will be something in the K-12 area since I won't be able to do the collegiate thing yet. It is looking more and more like I won't be able to graduate until the Fall due to testing conflicts. Sigh.

Stress, stress, stress, stress!

To the creeps that ripped down my recital posters:

2008-04-29T04:17:00.000-07:00

Dear creeps,

I would thank you not to rip down anymore of my recital posters. Apparently you get some sick jollies out of destroying other people's work and that there is a vendetta against me for some reason, seeing as you felt the need to leave up every other poster in the elevator. Perhaps it is because you are intimidated by my ability to sing in every language on the planet, to understand at least five of them by translating them on the spot in a basic form and to do all that in heels while not hiding behind my music. Yes, I can see how my ability to sing in any concert setting, in any style and genre and to enjoy working with voices and instruments makes me a person of whom to beware. Or could it be my ability to acknowledge my audience after I sing with a smile, the way I dress appropriately for all performing situations, that I am actually intelligent and and can sight read and find it highly enjoyable to teach my audiences while simultaneously entertaining them? Or perhaps you don't realize that I have the utmost respect for all instrumentalist, seeing as I have learned how to play every single instrument in the orchestra since I also have a degree in education. And for this reason I have sung with various instrumentalist throughout my vocal studies.

Ah yes, it is all so much clearer now! The fear is what drove you to do it of course.

Or perhaps you are just a :::insert expletive here:::.

Going a little crazy

2008-04-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, I haven't written for a while. In the mean time, I had a show and here is a pic to prove it:

Look at how creepy William looks! Ah, beautiful.

Anyway, so I had a 15 page paper that was due two days ago (just got that done,), program notes I have to send out this weekend and then my recital is in little over a week. I am going slightly crazy. Plus, this weekend is insanely busy!! I have a little break on Friday with not too much to do (just a concert to see!) and then..well... there is this:

Saturday:
12 - go pick up my wedding slip
1ish- take pictures at Springvale (my possible reception site)
3 - SIMONE's RECITAL! (I have the extreme privilege to have this very talented lady with me on my recital)
6 - Jen's Wedding...

Okay, so maybe it is more like my crazy Saturday. Simone will be fun. I don't know how Jen's wedding will go. I haven't seen her for over a year now and I haven't even met the guy she is marrying. I think I heard last summer that she was engaged, but she was usually too busy to meet up with me. Yup, it is one of those things. But we are invited, Evan, me and my parents, and I have known her for well over a decade so I will go and hopefully not feel too uncomfortable. If I do, I'll start running my recital music in my head. Maybe I should bring it along to review my music...jk!

A little laugh in a somber week

2008-04-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

I have just finished my time in the opera last night as a lead and it has been a very rough week for me and the family. My grandfather, whom we have called "Sir" for as long as I have been in existence, died early Tuesday morning. From there, I had to do a hearing for my recital a few hours later and my final, and only, dress rehearsal for the opera. He was the head of our family on my mom's side and it has been very strange to think of life without him. My mom was with him for the last two weeks as he was dealing with failing health and now most of the family is there too. So, it has been a bit lonely here for me.

But, I have wonderful friends and a fantastic fiance who has been so supportive and I thank you for all the love and prayers

Life has lots of little ways to perk me up as I keep moving. Such as...

I know this has been out since the Super Bowl, but I laugh every time I see it. If only it was that simple (and inexpensive)!

Top Ten Reasons to Watch the New Season of Battlestar Galactica starting TONIGHT!

2008-04-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

How hot is Apollo's English accent...VERY HOT!!!!!!

This is the last season. ::sniffle, sniffle:: Tonight folks. Here are the details.

Five Years with Evan & Jessica's Birthday Extravaganza!

2008-03-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday Evan & I celebrated FIVE (!!!) years of being together by going to Bucci's, one of our favorite Italian restaurants.

My view of Evan while cutting up his steak.

My FAVORITE meal from Bucci's, the homemade gnocchi in a blush sauce.

Evan's view of me while discussing politics.

Then, this past Friday Jessica turned a year older. It would be rude to tell a lady's age without her consent, therefore that information is for a privileged few.

First, we started off at Wooster's Acres of Fun to go roller skating & arcade playing. Except for the billions of tweens and teens that were there, it was lots of fun. Jess was in a sexy little number circa Florence Henderson and Josh even had a 'fro wig on. But while I was trying to skate backwards, I fell & hit my head :o(. It still hurts and my neck is killing me!

After racing Evan at the arcade and getting him a little toy solider and myself a tootsie roll, we went back to Jess & Jim's place.

A diva with wicked long legs.

Sexy ladies on a couch, an artistic photo by Evan.

The gang (I hate how I look in this, but it is the only one that has all of us in it!)

Birthday hat & tissue paper, an artistic photo by Evan.

Josh when he doesn't get his way.

Cups & empty plate, an artistic photo by Evan.

A picture of Sarah taking a picture.

Karen eating cake, an artistic picture by Evan.

Judgie with his ladies.

Poor Jess! What an evil trick to play.

Um...you'll have to ask Sarah to explain this...

The cutest thing ever with Josh & Thomas!

Prayers

2008-03-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

My weekend started off very well. I went to Brides Against Breast Cancer and got my wedding dress! (see my other blog for details). I found out I did awesome on my mid-terms and got to see Evan.

But, this past week my maternal grandfather, whom we call Sir, found out that he had a lump on his liver. We found out yesterday that is is cancer. He also has leukemia (this has been on going for the past two years) and diabetes. My grandmother is not handling it well and there is going to be surgery later on this week. The doctors are optimistic about the success of the operation, since it has shown to work in previous cases. My mother is wreck over it and probably will be going to see them later this week.

Then, yesterday evening, we received a call about my paternal grandfather. He had a stroke and is currently paralyzed on one side of his body. My uncle and aunt are on their way to see him. Everything is still up in the air about how his condition is and how he will be in the next few days. My dad will probably go out to see him as well.

Needless to say, this is becoming a difficult time for the family. If you could please keep us all in your prayers, that would be much appreciated. The suddenness and the timing is what makes this quite hard. I am thankful that my wedding dress has cause a little ray of sunshine in the household and everyone adores it, but it is still a tough. Thanks for any thoughts you can send my way.

This is for you Alisha!

2008-03-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

Today was spent studying...the rest of the time I heard Sarah and Alisha sing this song...

And here is another little skit about Hilliary and Obama that I love...is it wrong to put this after the other skit? Oh well!

ROFLMAO

2008-03-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, so if you watched Project Runway this season you probably also are obsessed with one of my favorite websites covering it in all its fabulous & fierce glory.

But if if you haven't seen this yet (from NBC.com), you should watch it. Even if you have seen this, you should just watch it again. I guffawed at it. And I don't always do that for SNL these days, but darlings this is spot on!

Apples & Oranges...in the end we are all sopranos!

2008-03-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

This week has been quite exhausting for me with the ice storm on Tuesday/Wednesday that made my poor Honda a car-cile. Oh yeah. Then there was several group rehearsals for my recital and of course two runs of the opera. I got home Thursday night and practically fell over.

So, I am at the point that I finally am in my own skin when it comes to singing. I am happy with how I sound and I don't feel the tension as much, though I am still having issues with posture. One step at a time. I also have had some AMAZING practices with my sax player, Nick, for my Laitman pieces. Those pieces are going to be HOT!

When it came time to do the opera, I was quite tired. But, being the good little solider I am, I did it. And, as usual, was not happy with it. The opening sits low at times and some of the entrances I have had limited times to do by myself that, after several weeks, I still feel unsure. So I felt like I pushed and forced some of the moments and overall was very unhappy. Plus, as much as I don't want to compare, Jessica (my counterpart!) was amazing as usual. Not that I begrudge her, it just made me beat myself up a little inside. While we are both sopranos, we are apples and oranges. I need to love my apple-ness, or orange-ness. Mostly, I have to stop being so hard on myself. Are we noticing a trend people?

Sigh.

Plus, this weekend C-land has been whooped by a HUGE amount of snow. I was going to go dress shopping with my mom tomorrow, but that isn't going to happen. I am bunkering down with my books to read the weekend away...I mean to study the weekend away. Did I mention I have two midterms on Monday??? Oye! Think of me darlings!

I love BSG, deal with it!

2008-03-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

I rebelled against the idea of watching BSG for a long time until I finally gave into Evan's wishes and watched it...and LOVED it! The plots and the actions sometimes mirror to our times, which it can be eerie and just the humanness of the whole thing is quite touching. And what would you do if you were forced to leave a life of comfort with all your memories and loved ones because of war? Perhaps we aren't dealing with it on a planetary scale, but some people face these choices daily.

Anyway, here is my result of who I would be:

Which Battlestar Galactica Character Are You?

More on Battlestar Galactica. Created by BuddyTV

Oh yeah, Kara. Not that I would cheat on you, Evan darling, and have two men dangling on a string. But perhaps I do have a greater purpose in life.

If you haven't ever seen an episode of BSG, you must watch the following trailer for the first season. Then you can find various websites and watch the full episodes. But start with the mini series that shows life leading up to the attack... I'll quit rambling now and just watch this:

One of my favorite episodes

2008-02-28T17:51:00.000-08:00

After listening to the classic Chicago song on American Idol (yes, every once in a while it ends up being on the television and I end up watching) I thought of one of my FAVORITE Sex and the City episodes, Boy Interrupted:

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part End

I adore David Duchovny (reminds me of X-Files) and he was great in this episode. Then how Miranda and Charlotte act like total girls, not watching the Knicks when they have court side seats but talking about her sexy neighbor. (I would have watched the game, then I would have done what they did at half time). Of course, Samantha being totally ballsy getting in the exclusive club by pretending to be someone else. I love the outfits, I love the drama but mostly, I love the ending prom scene and I ADORE the dress that Carrie wears. How she looks when she is just grooving by herself is so classy! Now I just have to wait till May to see the movie!

I would be cruel to leave this out...

Happy Leap Year!

2008-02-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

So, I should be in class right now, but Cleveland in general, particularly my town, is a winter wonderland. Once again, every school in Cleveland is closed since the roads are bloody awful, but classes at Akron are still on. I don't relish the idea of driving 20 mph with my heat full blast praying to God that I don't get run off the road. Thus, I stayed home instead of attending my morning classes. I hope to go in later for my lessons since the weather was suppose to clear up, however it hasn't yet.

But I digress. Happy Leap Year! In celebration, a little diddy from Pirates of Penzance:

Summer Graduation/What is happening with the world?

2008-02-15T07:34:00.001-08:00

Because only 11 credits can transfer from Longy, I am one (elective) credit short of being able to graduate this spring. Thus, I am having to take a course this summer and will graduate in the summer. I feel like I should be horrified. Why wasn't I informed? Should I have asked sooner if there was more I should have instead of finding out from word of mouth?

I should be mad or frustrated that I wasn't told I had to put together a committee to do testing questions that I must pass before I graduate. I should be mad for not being told that I was suppose to apply to graduated in the fall for a spring date. But, that would be "shoulding all over myself".

In reality, at least I don't have to rush the process and I guess I just got lost in the shuffle. Finishing 2/3 of a degree in one year (and a one credit summer now) is an amazing feat and I am proud that I am pulling this off. And I am loving my experience at Akron despite this.

Once we went though everything and the meeting was concluding I turned to the dean. I told him how I really was pleasantly surprised at how great the classes & teachers are at Akron's. I have learned so much and each teacher I have had thus far is so caring and genuine in their teaching. But, I mentioned that the damper on my experience was how so much information is by word of mouth and how hard it is to figure out what exactly I need to do to graduate. He then took my comment, thought about it and saw how even having a simple sheet with a checklist for transfer students would be so beneficial for everyone.

Perhaps that sounds like I'm being a bit of a brown noser, but I felt that he needed to know his teachers are great and that the downfall of the school is the lack of organization when it comes to class expectations.

On another note, while there is rampant crime at Akron (we have had several bomb threats, various muggings, a shooting over a robbery) between the gravel lot and the music building I haven't felt threatened. But you never know.

With yet another shooting at school, at another university, it has become such a scary world for people that simply want to learn. From the educator side of my life, it makes the idea of taking a teaching job a bit more risky than being cussed at by hormone driven teenagers. It is becoming a very scary epidemic and one that I hope our generation is not known for starting.

I GOT MY DRESS!!!!!! (my recital dress that is!)

2008-02-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

So, on a quite boring Friday I was driving to Evan's place to spend some time with him when I thought I would visit Catan's Fashion in Strongsville and see if I could find anything (as well and look at their bridal stuff).

I was quite bored and after looking at a whole lot of nothing, I visited a neighboring Borders, where the sales guy was really rude to me and I got a copy of Real Simple Weddings...which was way over priced, but I wanted it for too long and I didn't want to give the snotty sales clerk the satifaction of watching me walk away. (I guess I'm being vague about that story, but really it isn't anything to tell.)

Dejected and upset, with my coveted,expensive magazine in my car I saw a David's Bridal, remembered my friend Rachael bought her hot recital dress at one and stopped in.

After trying some dresses on with my consultant (you can't go in and just look, you have to be consulted) I told her that while I loved the dresses, I am a student and is there anything on sale that I could get???

VOLIA!

My dress is exactly what I wanted from the first moment I started grad school. It is pink, long and not strapless. And, of course, I look gorgeous in it! Now sweetlings, I would put a picture up of it, but that would spoil the surprize.

But you can just be happy that I got a wonderful gown for an insanely low price. Now I just need to learn the music and I'm all set!

WAY TOO MUCH!

2008-01-31T07:22:00.000-08:00

So I have been having trouble sleeping. It isn't that life is particularly hectic at the moment, more of a hectic year to come. There are two HUGE events that are going to be happening in the next 365 days or so that need careful thought and lots of planing.

ONE: My Master's recital.

TWO: My Wedding.

So I won't go into much detail about the wedding, you can just visit my other blog for that and know that it is on my mind.

The recital is another matter. I lay in bed and stare at the ceiling wondering what the heck I am going to do. Right now two of my selections have been cut due to another person singing them on her recital. Okay, one of the songs I just mentioned casually to the Lash who then told me, um, someone else is doing it.

But that isn't as upsetting as the first song. It was going to be a part of a beautiful set that I had planed and told her about IN OCTOBER!!!! But I realize that in the world of music politics, I am a rather quiet person that hasn't been favored since... The point is, even though the person who is now singing this piece just decided to do so last week, I cannot win this battle.

So, since this was the only fast song in the set, I have had had to cut two slow selections and find two faster pieces to "make it work". The worst part? It is the same person for both songs. Not that it is her fault, just really rotten luck on my part. Sigh.

Evan pointed out to me that I should do whatever I want, it is my recital and while I want my audience to enjoy it, it should be about what I want to perform and not too worry if they have heard the same song over and over again. But I do not enjoy being compared to other sopranos if I don't have to. Particually since I am not feeling so hot about my voice at the present moment.

Which brings me to my next point. I also lie in bed thinking "God, I hope that I can get everything together by May". The Lash also tells me that I cannot be too hard on myself and this attitude will get me nowhere. But, this isn't like a paper or a project or anything where if I put in a lot of time and brain power it will be beautiful. The voice is a funny thing. It takes years and years of careful practice just to get it almost right. And a cold, a break, a badly picked song can throw all of it off. And now I have no closer (for the reason, see above).

So this is where you come in my darling reader. Most of you are sopranos yourself (don't deny it) and probably have many ideas of what I can sing for my final piece. PLEASE SUGGEST!!! It would help me out greatly. Meanwhile I will pull a Stuart Smalley.

Because I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and, doggonit, people like me!

What is Sexy

2008-01-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

On the way home from class tonight I heard lots of boy band music circa all my high school homecoming dances. And they reminded me of several qualities I consider very sexy for a man to have.

1. The ability to sing (especially if it is to me). Nothing is sexier to me than being serenaded by a guy. It doesn't have to be in front of a hoard of people and I really like it more if it just the two of us. And I happen to LOVE the male voice. MMMM!

2. Playing the piano. There is something about watching a man's fingers glide along a keyboard. If a guy can't show emotions all the time, then it is there is Chopin or even Billy Joel.

3. Beautiful eyes.This doesn't have to be blue, though that is my preference. I have dated people with chocolate brown eyes. Any eyes can be beautiful if the soul is too.

4. A single long stem rose in your hand. I don't need a bushel. The thought of one perfect, long stem rose caressing me cheek is so nice.

5. A nice scent. Gentlemen, this does NOT mean to take daily (or multiple in some cases) baths in your cologne. But, to pick up a slight scent when you lean down to hug me or as you pass in the hall just does it for me.

6. An accent. (Sorry Evan) I love a good accent, particularly from overseas and particularly from England. Colin Firth, I could just sit and listen to you talk all day, every day!

7. A good sense of self fashion. While the J Crew guys are cute, it is when a guy feels comfortable in his own skin and his own clothes that is extra appealing. Perhaps it is a confidence thing and trust me it translates.

8. Don't be embarrassed to show some emotion. No woman wants a man that cries all day so stop thinking that is what I mean. It is when a guy isn't afraid to kiss me on the cheek or my hair in the middle of a party showing me (and subtly everyone) that he cares . It is when a guy gets so scared of life that it is okay if I am the person to hold him and say it will be okay. Don't be too stoic.

9. Chivalry. Some women vomit at this, something about equality, but I happen to love being put on a pedestal and getting doors held, chair pulled out, etc. for me. And all it is really is common courtesy. Sometimes, I do it right back.

10. Total adoration of me. Of course the sexiest guy is the one who is in love with me! When I can feel it radiating from his eyes, from how he holds me and how he looks at me it makes me feel sexy.

So, I didn't include some of the other things (i.e. nice butt, glorious hair, smart, funny, etc.) and it isn't based upon one guy. It is just a plethora of thoughts that came spewing out of my fingers and on to this blog. And, gentleman, I am curious. How do you rank with my 10 items?

Our trip to Cooperstown!

2008-01-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

My Christmas gift to my fiancé (OMG! Not boyfriend, fiancé!) was to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in Cooperstown, New York. I know, I am the best.

We started by driving to Syracuse where we stayed at the Embassy Suites on the east side of town. We were starving and I decided we should go out to Carrabbas but we didn't have free internet access! ($10 for 24 hours) So, we found our way the old fashion way and called and looked at a map to plan out our way.

When we got there, we saw a boy kicking the wheel of a car, he let out a explative, then ran way. It looked like a promising evening. There was a thirty minute wait so we went to the bar for a drink. Of course that was crowded too, but what pissed me off was a lady that had her kid (9 or 10 years old?) sitting at the bar with her entertaining himself with his video games while she chatted with a friend. We found a seat open and had a drink. At dinner we talked about our engagment and ideas and had a wonderful time!

The next day we woke up and had our breakfast (with lots of kids running around looking at the "fishies") and headed out to Cooperstown.

Evan & I in front of the museum!

Look at the parking spot I got!

Players advertising beer.

Evan with Lou Gehrig's locker

Me watching Jackie Robinson slam a ball out of the park.

Yeah the Indians are awesome!

What women want.

Mmm, hot dogs...

and popcorn!

Look, I put Slider together!

The program from the 1948 World Series, the last time the Indians won the World Series.

Have I mentioned that I love the Indians?

THE bloody sock!

Cal smiling for the camera while he throws the ball.

Evan's a baseball star...

and so am I!

The best locker of all the teams, the Indians' locker.

That night we went to Kitty Hoynes, an Irish pub where there was live music. I would recommend the kinsale calamari and the local beers!

The next day we went out to see the Christmas decor at a really old house that was decorated for the holidays. While we were there, we got yummy cider and peanut brittle. Mmmm! However, they wouldn't let us take pictures inside the house, so these are a few from the other venues.

Part of Lorenzo House.

Evan wishes he had the rule book that is in the upper part of this picture.

I love the color of the cloth here.

Evan with one of the many carriages.

Afterwards we were going to tour Ommegang Brewery, but that didn't happen since it was closed (though they said they would be open...grrr!). Instead, we went back to the hotel for the evening to relax. There was a wedding going on so the noise was very loud, but we still had a lot of fun.

Evan opening a bottle for our own tasting! We got a sampler of beers by the Middle Ages Brewing Company which was very nice!

How could I not love a beer called "The Duke"?

Watching the game with pizza & wings.

The perfect room service dessert!

Aren't we cute?

Zoo Lights

2008-01-12T13:42:00.000-08:00

The time: The weekend before Christmas.
The place: Columbus Zoo

It was an incredibly warm night for mid-December and Adriane, William (her brother), me and her mom went to dinner at El Vaquero that was yummy yummy! We then head to the Columbus Zoo and looked at the lights. Here are some of the pictures:

Smile ladies!

This has facebook picture written all over it.

Me petting the flamingo's bum.

Adriane with her boyfriend.

She is even ready for a trip!

Pretty blue lights!

The elephant got free...

AHHHH!!!

Caps for sale!

Cancer

2008-01-10T15:51:00.001-08:00

Even though I have about four post from before the New Year I feel like getting this out now.

I recall one meeting of Phi Beta (the co-ed fraternity I was in during undergrad) where we talked about this topic. The conclusion: Cancer sucks. And not only does it suck, it had affected many of our members. It was an emotional and memorable meeting that I still think about often.

Sometimes in life we ask God why. Why don't I have the job I wanted? Why did this relationship not work out? Why now? Why me? Why her? Why him? Why this?

I can't pretend to know the answers. The old saying "What does not kill us makes us stronger" might be true, but it doesn't help. The pain and the questions linger in our thoughts long after these events occur. It changes the person we are and how the world looks. It makes us numb and yet sorrowful.

With all the knowledge we have, why does this still plague us? There are so many mysteries.

But one thing that Phi Beta meeting taught me is that we are not alone. There are so many people in my life and the lives of my friends that keep praying and thinking and listening. And that is a comforting thought.

My Wedding Blog

2008-01-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

Okay peeps, I know that now that the news is out (!!!!) I will have lots to write on the subject. So I thought, why not make a new blog about it? Yes! That is the way!

So, all the wedding stuff and drama will be on my other blog Soprano (& Tenor) in a Wedding

No worries about this blog! I still have a recital to prepare and a job to find for the fall! So, with that, I will finish publishing the post from December and will continue while the school year rolls along!

I got a horcrux for Christmas!/I'm now a Sadie gal

2008-01-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

"You know what, the rumors are true. I do have a special fellow in my life..."

Here is the story:

It is Christmas Day in the evening. Karen goes to the door and lets Evan in. She is wearing pjs and they go to her to her room to exchange gifts. Evan hands her a packaged that looks like a wrapped dvd.

K: Oh, I wonder what this is...Harry Potter, how did you know! (I already found out that was what I was getting earlier when he called and I told him the family got it and were watching it at that moment. Sigh, oh well!).
E: I have something else for you too. He pulls out a small, silver bag. I made a horcrux for you. It is a part of my soul that you have to always keep with you.
K: Laughing. Who'd you kill to make it?
Karen is thinking this is the new necklace she has been hinting that she wanted. A ring falls into her hand. She looks up thinking two things :one-what's this? and two-this isn't a necklace.

E: Karen, will you be my wife?
K: Are you serious?
Evan smiles. Silence.
E: Do you want to try it on?
Evan slides the ring on her finger. Karen looks at it and him confused. More silence.
E: Um, are you going to say yes or should I go home?
K: ...Yes!
Karen gives Evan lots of hugs and kisses.

Some details:
The ring is white gold with two aquamarines and a colorless diamond in the center! I took these pictures that night after we let the family know. We don't know when it will be, but we want to have a winter wedding either November, December or January of '08 or '09.The whole thing was so unexpected and it is quite hard to surprise me.

Ah! I'm engaged!!!!

A Promise!

2008-01-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

Well my friends a whole lot has happened in the last few weeks over the Christmas season that I promise to report on soon! But not yet:o). Right now I have a lot of things to take care of first and then I will get back to this blog, hopefully by this weekend. At that time, darlings, you will be able to laugh and cry with my crazy adventures. Until then, have a safe and happy start to the New Year! - karen

Two more... one just 'cuz, and one more for someone special!

2007-12-18T19:52:00.000-08:00

Your Inner European is Irish!

Sprited and boisterous!
You drink everyone under the table.

Who's Your Inner European?

Can I really do that? Perhaps I am just hiding something from the world...hmm...

You Are Most Like Carrie!

You're quirky, flirty, and every guy's perfect first date.
But can the guy in question live up to your romantic ideal?
It's tough for you to find the right match - you're more than a little picky.
Never fear... You've got a great group of friends and a
great closet of clothes, no matter what!

Romantic prediction: You'll fall for someone this year...

Totally different from any guy you've dated.

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

I thought this should surprise me, but it really doesn't. Though I don't think I'm gonna be falling for someone totally different. So, who are you darlings?

I heart Project Runway!

2007-12-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

Le sigh! So, Jack is now gone and Chris is back. I am sad about that since Jack seemed to be a very talented designer. Chris seems not to have it all together and I don't think he will make it much farther, but I love his good spirit and his zest for life that spreads around the work room. And Steve too! Oh, he was so cute and adorable, but his outfit did really suck.

Well, here is a little something that I found on my favorite PR site (see my links!). Enjoy!!!

Thanks Tati!

2007-12-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

You should try these, very enlightening!

You Are a Werewolf

You're unpredictable, moody, and downright freaky.
You seem sweet and harmless, until you snap. Then you're a total monster.
Very few people can predict if you're going to be Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde.
But for you, all your transformations seem perfectly natural.

Your greatest power: Your ability to tap into nature

Your greatest weakness: Lack of self control

You play well with: Vampires

What Kind of Monster Are You?

You Are Fall!

Thoughtful
Expressive
Creative
Poetic
Smart

What Season Woman Are You?

People Envy Your Compassion

You have a kind heart and an unusual empathy for all living creatures. You tend to absorb others' happiness and pain.
People envy your compassion, and more importantly, the connections it helps you build. And compassionate as you are, you feel for them.

What Do People Envy About You?

Your Dominant Intelligence is Musical Intelligence

Every part of your life has a beat, and you're often tapping your fingers or toes.
You enjoy sounds of all types, but you also find sound can distract you at the wrong time.
You are probably a gifted musician of some sort - even if you haven't realized it.
Also a music lover, you tend to appreciate artists of all kinds.

You would make a great musician, disc jockey, singer, or composer.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Are you really surprised about that one?

Friendship & Confusion

2007-12-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

It is interesting the things that you find in common with people. Sushi, whips, shows, colleges, towns... the list goes on and on. And how history repeats itself and the cyclic nature of the world.

So, now I have a lot to think about. The semester is almost done and I have to look to the New Year. Revising the resume, renewing the license, figuring out possible places to work, learning music for my recital, studying Italian...AAAHHH!!!

For the moment, I will concentrate on the task at hand and finishing the semester up with a brilliant jury, stunning finals and spectacular journals. Good luck to all in the same boat. In one week I shall be free, free to worry about the next semester!!!

:::Sniff, sniff:: Usually I'm not such a downer. For some reason, all the Christmas music isn't putting me in the spirit of the season. And this is my favorite time of year! Perhaps it is that some of the people I love the most in the world are scattered across this country in C-bus, Dayton, Boston, Florida...To all of you, how I miss you and the joy you bring into my life!

But, on the positive side, I have a fun opera to look forward to in the spring and my kitty by my side. So bring on all my favorite corny holiday flicks!

(I know this blog is a weird mix of thoughts, it cannot be helped! Be patient, I will work through all this eventually!!!)

A little lesson on concert etiquette!

2007-12-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

Something has become painfully apparent to me as I have gone to four concerts in the last three days. Americans are stupid when it comes to concert etiquette at classical music events. So, here are some helpful tips for all of you that lack the understanding of how a person should act at a concert (or know people that do):

1. Please try to arrive early to read over the concert notes and to socialize. Talking during a piece is just plain rude.

2. If you don't arrive on time (which happens, I'm a late person sometimes too!), PLEASE wait until there is applause to enter. DO NOT ENTER DURING A SONG.

3. Turn off your cell phone. That does not mean put it on vibrate. Nothing is worse than a ringing sound during a song...nothing except hearing ::bbbuuuuzzz...bbbuuuuzzzz::.

4. Have darling little dears with you? Please make sure that if they get loud at any time, quickly and quietly take them out into the hall. It will only embarrass you and NO ONE (especially the performer[s]) will be able to concentrate on the music. May a suggest sitting in a place where you can make a quick exit? Like an aisle seat???

5. Okay, things happen that make you need to leave during a performance. Perhaps you have diarrhea? Or you just got your period? If you can, try to wait in between pieces. Not possible? Be as quiet as possible and when you enter, do it during applause (See #2).

6. This is not a dance club or a bar. Talking is a HUGE no-no. If you want to share something with your buddy, do it during applause (have you seen a trend?).

7. When a group of songs is pair together there is no spaces in between like this:

Der Mond __________________Felix Mendelssohn
Neue Liebe
Der Nonne _________________ Fanny Mendelssohn

Refrain from clapping until the set it done. With a choir, watch the conductor. As soon as his or her hands drop, it is time to applaud!

8. Speaking of applause..please do! Also, when the performers enter/exit it is polite to clap until the last person enters or leaves the stage. And, of course, when the conductor enters and exits.

I hope you found this helpful. Any suggestions for other things to add to the list? Ah, it feels good to get that out!

Oh Eloisa James, what a disappointment!

2007-11-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, I have a fondness for romantic novels. Not those gross ones that are quite distasteful, but historical romance with strong characters and story lines. This is exactly what was lacking in the latest novel I started titled "An Affair Before Christmas".

I have read a few of the author's other books and some are quite good and then there are those I can't finish they are so bad. This was one of them. I was looking forward to reading this book and I'm upset that I wasted time and money on it.

The characters are weak and boring. The main female character, Poppy, has become a duchess and while she claims to be in love with her husband, she doesn't even enjoy being intimate with him. She feels it is distasteful or something. In reality, it is her mother that is controlling her whole life making her feel (or rather not feel) the way a proper lady should. I felt sorry for her husband, "Fletch" (she doesn't even learn his true first name until the last few pages of the novel, how sad is that) who was so faithful to her and was blamed for loving her and wanting her to love and desire him back. Of course, Poppy finally lets herself feel things for her husband in the last few chapters of the novel, five years or so into the marriage. In the middle of this is another love story going on with Jemma, a duchess as well (an annoying trait for some of James' book where you don't know who the main character is there are so many stories going on at once).

A few chapters into the story, I was so frustrated with the stupidity of the characters I literally threw the book down in disgust. The only reason I know how it ends is because I flipped through it trying to figure out when the characters actually did more than complain about their lack of understanding. Also, the novel is filled with typos...and I didn't even read all of it to discover this. It is so sad since I really like her Essex Sister series. I hated the Duchess books I looked at. I guess I can't read anything that she writes in a series labeled "Duchess". I should have known it wouldn't be a sweet holiday novel. You live and learn. I'll stick with my Juila Quinn novels which are never a disappointment.

I tried to make lemonade out of lemons, but all I got was lemon juice in my eye...figuratively speaking.

2007-11-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

Negative: Getting stuck behind a truck going 35 in a 55 for miles when I was already late.

Positive: I eventually passed him!

Negative: Gas light went on, meaning I had to get my bum off the highway and be even later to pay for gas.

Positive: I used my credit card (see further down for details).

Negative: I couldn't find a parking spot in the student lot and had to pay to park.

Positive: The garage is right next to the music building & the lady that takes my money is always nice.

Negative: I was very, very late for class.

Positive: Dr. Toliver is so sweet, he totally understood when I apologized.

Negative: I had to conduct in my next class and I felt like I was flapping my arms with no results. Lots of problems and lots of awkwardness the whole time.

Positive: I didn't take up the whole class...at least he knows I'm trying. Oh, and I got to see my guys in class & I heart them!

Negative: I sang first in studio & I felt like it was really shrill.

Positive: It improved.

Negative: I didn't get butter on my baked potato at lunch!

Positive: It is healthier that way?

Negative: My voice lesson seems only to prove how much work I have to do to get good enough to do a recital. I leave feeling like my work has gotten me no where.

Positive: I have come a long way & I know that all that negative stuff is just in my head...even though I can't get it out!

Negative: I lost my credit card.

Positive: I knew the exact last purchase I made (the gas!), no one else has used it since and it is now canceled. Perhaps this will limit my spending till my new card comes.

UA Opera Scenes: Behind the scenes

2007-11-14T16:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, here we go kiddos. I don't make promises I don't intend the keep. Here are some hidden, special things to look for when you come to opera scenes on Friday night. The names in ( ) are the actor/actress that plays the role.

SCENE ONE: THE SECRET MARRIAGE...

I get to introduce it (thus the long explanation here)! It is an opera buffa by Domenico Cimarosa that premiere in 1792 in Vienna. It is about two sisters, Elisetta (the older sister) and Carolina(who is secretly married to her father's secretary, Paolino!!!). There is also the aunt, Fidalma, who is in lust with Paolino. At the beginning of the opera, their father announces that he has arranged a marriage with a count for his eldest daughter. The count is actually a friend of Paolino who was convinced to ask for her hand in order to get a titled husband in the family. The scene is before the Count arrives. When he shows up, he mistakes Carolina for his bride and is upset when he finds out he is wrong. He decides to try to pull a switcharoo and when Carolina finds out she freaks out and yells at her husband. In the end, all comes out and everyone ends up happy.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR: The book I'm holding is "Love Letter's From a Duke" with a sexy leg on the cover. I am wearing my "wedding band" on my right hand because it's a secret! Look at Elisetta's (Alisha's) jewelry and fun shawl. Also, Fidalma (Lauren) had a limp when we started the scenes and we decided to make it a permanent part of her character, thus the cane. Interestingly, Lauren plays the aunt while I am oldest really and I play the youngest person in our cast. But apparently I am cute and can pull it off ::wink, wink::.

SCENE TWO: MIKADO...

This is by Gilbert & Sullivan (the dream team!). This scene is at the opening of Act Two where Yum-Yum is getting prepared for her wedding by her friends. After they leave, she reflects on how beautiful she is and how wonderful her marriage is going to be in the classic aria "The sun whose rays".

THINGS TO LOOK FOR: The cute sashes they all have. Also, how they walk in small steps to fit their characters. The neato fan that Yum-Yum (Kelly) holds has different designs on the front and back. She is also going to be in the last scene, so look out! These girls are so cute in this scene I can't stand it. Sigh!

SCENE THREE: CARMEN...

Do I really need to explain this opera??? Think sex, smoke, stealing and love wrapped around Carmen.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR: The (fake) cigarettes that are labeled so each gal knows which is which. Each person also has some red somewhere on their person. SEXY. Carmen (Adrienne) is wearing my fishnets. The men then shimmy to Carmen and she does it back. Remember, these men have been lovers of Carmen at one point (the characters, NOT the actors).

SCENE FOUR: TALES OF HOFFMANN...

"Les contes d'Hoffmann" actually which is some stories about Hoffmann's many loves. At this time, Antonia and her father, Crespel, have moved to Munich to escape Hoffmann. Antonia has a beautiful singing voice inherited from her mother, and also an illness, also like her mother, which will not allow her to sing or she will die. This singing was inspired by Hoffmann, thus their move away from him. They have a deaf butler, Frantz, who likes to sing and dance. Hoffmann finds them and Antonia is overjoyed as they meet.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR: The rose that Anotonia (Amanda) picks up during her aria (which is flipping hot) is the same as the one in Hoffmann's (Kyle's) coat. Crespel (Spencer) & Hoffmann are actually younger than Amanda, but you wouldn't guess that. Fabulous! One of my favorite parts of the whole thing is Frantz's (Carl's) aria...you'll see why. It's pee-your-pants good. In the end, Antonia & Hoffmann pause, join together, swing around and then he kneels with purpose...not marriage purpose, but rakish purposes.

SCENE FIVE: TOO MANY SOPRANOS...

This is a fairly new opera about four sopranos that are trying to get into heaven, however there is only one soprano spot open in the heavenly choir. The scene involves St. Peter giving them the alternative to go to Hell, get some men and bring them back to balance out the choir so they can all join. This is almost satirical of the typical sopranos thus named and classified: Miss Titmouse-coloratura, Just Jeannette-lyric, Madame Pompous-dramatic soprano, Dame Doleful-mezzo-soprano.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR: Okay, this is the most funniest, especially if you are a singer and especially if you are a soprano. Notice the way each of them is dressed. Miss Titmouse (Jessica) is holding a bag with a dog in it. Madame Pompous (Sarah) has another huge ring similiar to Elisetta's in "The Secret Marriage". The immunity ashes are in a cup with a vampire on it. Gabriel is played by Kelly and is way cute. As I don't want to give anything else away, you may see the rest. Though, I have to say St. Peter (Spencer) does a fabulous job holding his own among all those sopranos.

FINALE! DIE FLEDERMAUS...

This is the end. Funny that I get to sing the role of Adele (with five other girls) when I sang it three years ago. Sigh! The memories.

LISTEN TO: The high note at the end. Hopefully we will all get off that note around the same time.

Thanks for reading and I hope this helps your viewing experience. See you Friday!!!!!!!!!

Trust...

2007-11-09T15:21:00.001-08:00

This week was going beautifully until...BAM!!! I received an email stating that the teaching I was planning on doing, and told I would be doing, this spring would not be happening. Oh, and thanks for my interest and I have a thank you gift in the mail. Very professional. It wouldn't be so bad except that I had put a lot of time and energy into the process of being trained for this position and been honest about my schedule from the first meeting we had. And, please, AN EMAIL? Beside the fact that the turnaround between giving me my schedule for the spring and my "thanks for the interest" letter was less than twenty four hours.

So the lessons learned: don't trust anything until it is totally finalized in writing, no matter the situation. How frustrating this day has been!

Seeing the world without glasses

2007-10-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

If you are a contact and/or glasses wearer as I am, then I am sure you can relate to this thought. When I wake up in the morning, or even when I just take off my glasses for a moment, the world has a tendency to blur. Normally it isn't something I recommend, until I looked outside my window today. With my glasses on I see this:

Quite lovely. But, without my glasses, I saw a beautiful mesh of colors something like this (Though the picture does not do it justice, the view is magnificent!):

My two favorite times to look at the world without my glasses on are definitely fall and Christmas, especially at the trees with the twinkling lights. Here are some more pictures that are of my backyard and in a few days I know that the leaves will fall and be barren. But for now, my world is beautiful with or without perfect vision.

If you were gay, that would be okay

2007-10-26T10:28:00.001-07:00

So, unless you have been living under a rock, here is a spoiler for you:Dumbledore is gay...gay!(Sorry, had to make a little Drop Dead Gorgeous reference). Shocking? Actually, in reflection, I think not. How dangerous love can be!

The Indians are not in the World Series right now but my surrogate team, the Bo Sox, are. However, I am a huge believer in the underdog and though I don't really feel they have a chance at this point, I am cheering for the Rockies.

In the news of my life, I have left my job at the 'bucks. What a different experience it was! I loved (and dearly miss) my store in Cambridge, and this experience was almost the complete opposite.

Also, opera scenes are finally coming together. Once again, I play a saucy girl (though not a maid this time) that enjoys teasing those in the room. Unlike my experience at Longy, I am only in one scene but I am getting almost a month to practice the staging (which was not the case before...what was it Bree? a week?). But like Longy, I will give a brief summary of the scenes prior to the night so you, my darlings that are coming, will know what to expect. And yes, there will be another romance novel on the scene! So, keep Friday, November 16th in the evening open (it is the Friday before Thanksgiving!). Hope to see you then. Oh, and check back soon to see pictures of the glory that is Ohio in the Fall!!!!

Bee Bee Bumble Bee

2007-10-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday I made a discovery...I am allergic to bees. When I got stung it hurt like...well, really bad. I told my manager and she asked if I was allergic and I had no idea. Well, once I got back into my store, I was going to put something on the sting when she told me I had to get on bar. I was about to explain and she left.

Twenty painful minutes later, I got to the back room and used some disinfecting wipes and hoped that was good enough.

The next day, my whole upper arm was throbbing and half of it was red, puffy, itchy and hot. And all day long I was also strangely lethargic and when I finally had the opportunity to get some pain killers and cortisone cream, I realize that this wasn't a normal reaction.

So, it is now Saturday night and my arm is still red, but not as red, and a little itchy, though the swelling started to dwindle (FINALLY) yesterday.

The weather is getting colder and I am missing a bunch of sweaters:o( This is very disappointing since I think they are currently residing in my old apartment in Boston. Thank goodness Beth and Eileen are still there. Though this is a good excuse to buy some new ones, I really loved the ones I got last year and I finally don't have make sure I don't wear my gray one the same day Bree does:o).

Assuming makes...

2007-10-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

Over the past month since my trip to NYC, my sickness seemed to spread not only to Adriane, but also to my family resulting to bronchitis and (in Adriane's case) pneumonia. Fabulous.

I have also started my new job at a drive thru Starbucks. At the present I will refrain from talking about my...er...interesting experience while I started my training and simply state that I have liked most of the people I have worked with thus far. As a vocalist, I can also say I like wearing a headset that does not require me to scream over steaming milk, grinding beans and crying babies.

Also, it is very exciting to see my Indians in the playoffs against the Yanks. Whatever happens, I am proud of them for making it this far and hopefully farther.

In about a week my grandparents with one of my favorite uncles will be coming into town. If you know my history, then you already know what I am thinking.

It is still warm outside in Cleveland and my classes are getting along. I will be doing opera scenes in November and it is suppose to be memorized by Thursday...but we have only gone over it twice, and one part of the piece ONCE! Why does it always have to be difficult?

A Weekend in NYC

2007-09-11T13:21:00.001-07:00

This past Sunday and Monday I spend in NYC with Adriane for an audition she had. All in all, it was incredibly eventful, even without getting the fake Prada I wanted. Since pictures are said to say a thousand words, I will let you join me on my weekend through photographs. Enjoy!

After landing (late) in NYC, we took a cab to the hotel that overlooked Jack's 99 cent store and these cute roof patios.

Once we were settled in, we walked to get tix for a show. To get those, we went into Time Square.

While we were wandering, we walked past Bryant Park & fashion week!!!!

After finding out where the audition was going to be, we walked back to the hotel where we changed quickly and walked (since it was rush hour and no cabs were going uptown) to Rosie's for dinner.

We went and saw "Legally Blonde:The Musical" !!!

It was lots of fun and very energetic. Here are two pix taken during intermission, since I like how I look in one and Adriane likes how she looks in the other.

After the show, Adriane hailed a cab to take us to the hotel. After earlier failed attempts, I was quite proud of her!

The next day I woke up with a cold, but Adriane was set to do her thang. She had her audition and she was fabulous! But between signing up for a spot and her singing, we saw Tori Spelling and her husband!!! (Unfortuantly, the sign blocks her face, but I PROMISE it is her!)

Since we weren't told we had to check out ASAP when we ordered a car to the airport (once again, rush hour and cabs were a no-no), we only had time to eat at the Dunkin' Donuts around the corner. Yum!

I got to have NY pizza since there was no line for security and we got to our gate on time.

Then we found out the plane was delayed by two hours. The good news? We got to have our cosmos!

Next to the restaurant was this, the closest we got to the "Sex and the City" experience.

The plane was so small we had to walk out onto the runway to get on it. By the way, there was a guy who had too much to drink behind Adriane while she was taking this, which is why I was laughing.

The guy was telling Adriane how he tried (and was unsuccessful) to get a margarita on the plane. He ended up sitting next to us (Adriane:" Oh hell no!"). He was loud and rude and then got escorted off the plane.

While he was walking off, he stumbled hitting his head on one of the overhead compartments.

And then he was gone.

By the time we landed and Bill came to pick us up, we were both tired and I was feeling horrible.

But, we certainly had an interesting time that was anything but boring.

And we both had good night sleeps.

"Zip" a dee do da

2007-09-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I just completed my first week at Akron and I have to say that I hate being the newbie. Sigh, that is the bad thing about change, there is always billions of new things to learn and everyone else seems to already know it all!

In that way, I found out about several classes and meetings that I was suppose to just know about through word of mouth. Fortunately, I am not alone in my thoughts as I talked with some other entering grad students and discovered they didn't have a clue about things either.

So, I had some interesting class and various mistakes trying to figure out my schedule, but at least I got to work out three times this week! YES! This happened between the bomb threats that were made on the building across the street from the music building. Welcome to Akron.

In other news, I finally have sturdy internet access 24/7 and I fully intend to utilize it. I am trying to find a job and I think I may have one, but no promises yet. I have to schedule my recital for the spring and I have auditions for opera scenes next Thursday. Any suggestions of what I should sing??? (Two contrasting pieces and I haven't a clue!)

Mostly, I am trying to get life sorted out and make sure that everything is running smoothly. And, as Evan said, just to have fun doing this major. It's performance, it should be jolly although the hard word and diva-attitudes are also a factor.

Life Decisions

2007-08-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

While I was driving by Capital, my undergrad alma mater, I couldn’t help but think about how much easier life was when I was starting college. All my worries were what I was going to wear the first day, did I have the right parking permit and would I know anyone in non-conservatory classes.

Now, school is starting again and I am filled with different thoughts. I decided that I could not go back to Boston, and looking at the amount I owe the government for one year of schooling there, it is quite justifiable. But, was it the right decision to even continue this seemingly selfish performance path?

My worries now consist of how I am going to pay for my insurances, the gas to travel back and forth, trying to get a hold of people to find out when I can register, what I am suppose to register for and to beg beg beg BEG for an assistantship or job that would allow me to not be in so much debt.

While this is going on, I can’t help but wonder about my relationships with friends and family. I feel torn in so many directions and while I have the best intentions, I feel like I am slipping away from some of the people I hold so close to my heart. To those of you that I have not contacted in a long time, I am afraid the cliché of “it’s not you, it’s me” fits the bill in this case.

And while life and seasons are starting to change, I find myself joking about where my future is going. Have you ever known that something was going to happen, but it takes so long that hope begins to die? I don’t want to believe because I have been waiting patiently and I feel like it will never come about.

Now that I have thoroughly confused you, I hope that life is fill with more certainty than mine at the present. Am I doomed to never be content? I suppose that is my family legacy.

the cat is out of the bag

2007-07-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

well, you may have heard the rumor and i am finally able to say it is true. i will not be returning to boston this fall to finish up at longy. there, there darling, don't cry. i shall visit of course. since i have cheap places to stay and people to see, why wouldn't i? so, i am in the process this moment of moving all my crap (how do i have so much when i lived in such a small space?) out and i have to drive back to ohio tomorrow.

why have i not said anything sooner? i have been a chicken about talking to certain people before i made it "official", such as rachael & jayne. of course, jayne's reaction was "oh no!...well, you weren't happy...do you have any of my books? when you are packing just double check...okay, bye". remember feeling like i was wednesdays at 11? yeah. i have also been EXTREMELY busy with classes at capital this summer and feel like i am failing folk song. i've never been good at it and having hours and hours of homework is not helping. but it has been incredible and i am learning so much.

okay, so what are my plans? well, i'm going to transfer to akron and see what happens. much of my reason to leave is financial, but i also wanted to do more performing of opera stuff which i can't do unless i join the opera department. i also miss singing in a choir. anyway, i am hoping to find a part time teaching job as well so i can continue that track, but i want to finish this performing degree.

so, my sweet darlings, this is the end of this chapter of my life. it is really strange, but i think it is the right decision to make. i will miss all the people i laughed & cried & worked with in boston. my starbucks friend, i am certain i will never find co-workers as wonderful as you.

please keep in touch and if you are ever in cleveland, let me know! - karen

Weddings, Relationships & Birthdays

2007-07-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

On the eve of my birthday celebrating my 24 years of existence I have come to think about all that has happened in this year to me and my friends. It seems that life changes come about it so many different ways. People die, they wed, they move, they change. The reflection of myself is fairly similar to the one I was a year ago. But is it?

A recent speaker said that when you are in your twenties every thing seems important. What you are doing, where you are going and how you are going to get there in life needs to be answered asap. But when you hit your thirties, these questions become less important, because you begin to look around and realize that life isn't that pushy.

So many of my friends have married and I am happy for them. When two people can bring out the best in one another they should be together. And there will always be little thing perhaps that may become bothersome, that is normal. But when are the "little things" really big things that we live in denial about. When should we start to take a step back and say "wait, this isn't right."

My life has gone all over and right now I am making some tough decisions. Teaching, singing, school...where do I want to go?
And after talking with tons of my old friends at a wedding this past weekend, I have found that I am not the only one to ask those questions and to make resolutions.

So, I may have made some errors, but it is how I fix them that show who I am.

On the eve of my birthday I am okay with life and glad I have the choice to make decisions for myself. I would never have seen myself as this studious a person. 24 years old. Erg. How weird is that?

Brien & Melissa's Wedding & Gang Wars

2007-07-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Evan and I got to go a beautiful wedding for Brien and Melissa, who I sang with summers ago at Blossom. Evan sang beautifully and I got to meet some of his friends and dance to "Baby Got Back". I always had a bad impression of Cincinnati, but it wasn't as ghetto as I remember.

What the groom does the morning of the wedding (watches ESPN)

Evan singing during the ceramony

So pretty!

Brien & Evan

Melissa & I

Evan & I

Zoey the cat

Brett & Evan

Speaking of ghetto, Adriane and I got to see some gang fights at the fireworks last night. Red, White and Boom has now taken on a new meeting.

Adriane & I in downtown C-bus...

...sitting here (look at the sign in the back, it says "Columbus")

Where we were standing to watch the fireworks

Me after the first round of fighting took place behind us (before a guy got tasered, after the girl was taken away by the police)

Fireworks! (Happy Fourth of July, the best month ever, everyone!!)

Spelling & my day in the ghetto

2007-06-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

It is nice to say that I (for once) feel totally confident and sure about my decision to come to C-bus and do this masters degree. This in spite of the fact that most people look at me like I have ten heads when I tell them that I am working on two masters at the same time. I get a lot of "so...what are you doing here?" when I tell them I am not teaching presently, that I am performing. Sigh.

But it is nice to be in classes where I am learning SOOOOO much and to feel like it all has a purpose. In my Educational Psychology class (taught by Torello who is possibly the most fun teacher I have ever had) we were talking about repressed emotions and learned helplessness. I was looking through some of my blogs noticing that I sometimes don't have the right word or I don't spell correctly. When I was a young gal in second grade, my dad tells me that some of my peers, while they were grading my spelling tests, would erase my correct answer and put wrong answers down. When my dad looked at my awful test, saw the handwriting and knew (having quizzed me and known what I knew) what must be going on, he had a chat with the teacher about the problem. She didn't seem concerned (bitch) and he used some choice words and she eventually cracked. Needless to say, I switched out of that school. But my point is, I have repressed that memory. I have very little recollection of my time at that school (apparently I played the drum there for a while...who knew? not me!) and I still detest spelling.

Anyway, I got to go past the Kroger on the other side of the tracks on Main St. today, and if you know Bexely you know that is ghetto land. It ended up being an ok experience when we went to the mental health facility for children today and I learned some tips for catering to those students who may have these problems. I am back home now and I have TONS of typing to do, but I wanted to catch up. Enjoy.

Beautiful day

2007-06-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

For the last few days the weather in Cleveland has been BEAUTIFUL. Unfortunately, I have had no one to share it with. Much sadness. My parents have left for a trip and Evan went home to do stuff (there went my dreams of a romantic dinner). I do have Sullivan for company, but he doesn't talk very much and I can't translate cat.

I am currently getting ready for my trip to C-bus for the summer where I will be starting my (second) masters in music education with a Kodaly emphasis. My attempt to figure out what I want to do with my life. And on that note, it seems that when I want things to move one way, I am usually halted not because of myself but because of others. Sigh. What to do, what to do, what to do!

I'm a whiner, aren't I? I'll just go back to eating my Dave's Comic Sub...mmm, one of the best parts of living here! YUM!

Old Man look at my arm, I have a bruise from you (think Neil Young)

2007-06-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

Since my dad has been traveling all over the place and was quite tired on Wednesday, Evan and I got to take my parent's tickets and see "La Traviata" at the Cleveland Playhouse. The soprano was quite good, especially since she had to sing in ridiculous stilettos with no backs, even though she had some jaw tension. The tenor was also great, but he seemed a little full of himself in my opinion and lacked love for Violette and loved himself. The chorus was great (except for this one annoying girl that looked like she was trying a bit too hard) and I just love Cleveland audiences and the enthusiasm for opera and classical music.

However, I had to sit next to this older man who, as soon as he sat down, took up both of the arm rest and invaded my personal space. He also stood to take off his coat and elbowed me quite hard on my arm AND DID NOT APOLOGIES. I don't care what your age is, you should acknowledge when you've hit someone and at least pretend that you are sorry. Also, even though I am small it doesn't mean that anyone has the right to take up my space. It happens on airplanes, in theaters and all over. Grrrr.

Massholes in Ohio

2007-06-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

As you can see, I have been busy doing absolutely nothing these past few days in Ohio. Well, that isn't entirely true. I am currently cat sitting for the sweetest tabby named Sullivan. He likes to curl up in the bathroom sink in the morning right as I try to brush my teeth. Also, for Father's Day I got my dad Risk, the Star Wars edition. It took my brother a half hour to find the emperor and end the game. Possibly the shortest Risk game ever played. My dad foolishly did not look to see where the emperor was and placed him in a weak spot. So is life.

Right now I am in a bit of a panic trying to figure out what will be happening at Capital. I haven't gotten a call, an email nothing and I have a feeling that I am going to have to become annoying to get results.

And, as my title suggest, there are Massholes in Ohio, or rather there are Ohioians that are Massholes and I haven't thought of a clever name for them yet. Suggestions?

Traveling is not my bag, baby.

2007-06-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome! So, I am in OH...IO right now and it took some effort to get here. I woke up at 5:30 in the morning and got my stuff together, threw out my trash and showered. Then I attempted to take two HUGE bags and my rolling little suitcase to the T station. Once I got all of my stuff down one escalator (on which I felt scared for my life that I was going to fall) a man helped me take it all back up and to a taxi. Once I arrived at the airport, I got charged more than I should have and, funny enough, I only had enough to pay the amount he asked for with no tip (which would have been the amount I normally would have paid with tip). So, without any cash, I got my crap into the airport and (miraculously) both bags were just under fifty pounds and I got myself to the airplane.

We arrived early and I got home and discovered I was locked out of the house. My brother didn't have the keys for the new lock, so I put my bags on the front porch and went to the back where I finished a new book in the beautiful 70 degree weather. Evan came over and we went and saw Pirates III and I have to say that I was...upset about the ending. It was too sad for me and I would elaborate, but I don't want to ruin it for anyone.

So, tonight is game four for the Cavs and I do hope they win. I am going to go to a bar and cheer them on. Sigh. Meanwhile my beautiful cat, Jake, is doing quite well and I am incredibly glad to see his friendly, furry face again. I am going to set up a Croquet game and I will take some pics for you.

Cheers!