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!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
What is Sexy
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?
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?
Monday, January 14, 2008
Our trip to Cooperstown!
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?
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?
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Zoo Lights
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!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Cancer
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.
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.
Monday, January 7, 2008
My Wedding Blog
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!
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!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
I got a horcrux for Christmas!/I'm now a Sadie gal
"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!
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
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