We have the most unpredictable and inconsistent weather in the world, except the first week of class.
RAIN, RAIN, RAIN. NO STOPPING.
*sigh*
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
I should be practicing...
As usual.
I just glanced at the last thing I posted, and it was hellaciously long. I DID try to condense the summer into one post...I think I failed a bit there.
BUT! I am now the problem child in the trumpet section. Mwuahaha...I now have no idea why I was EVER a section leader. Seriously, it's WAY more fun to just cut up in the back and not be responsible for anything. I just know my part and don't worry about anything else. Pretty awesome.
Auditions are in a couple days--I'm having a hard time caring. I guess I care abstractly, but it's hard to really care that much when you don't like ANY of the pieces they're playing. So what happens, happens.
Being back in Boone is really nice--coffee shops and cool weather, great friends and practice rooms. Hopefully I won't get sick of it too soon. It is my last semester, after all.
Currently reading: Smack, Melvin Burgess.
Read over the summer:
Twilight Saga
Reading Lolita in Teheran
What Was Lost
Four Spirits
I'll update when I can recall the rest.
I just glanced at the last thing I posted, and it was hellaciously long. I DID try to condense the summer into one post...I think I failed a bit there.
BUT! I am now the problem child in the trumpet section. Mwuahaha...I now have no idea why I was EVER a section leader. Seriously, it's WAY more fun to just cut up in the back and not be responsible for anything. I just know my part and don't worry about anything else. Pretty awesome.
Auditions are in a couple days--I'm having a hard time caring. I guess I care abstractly, but it's hard to really care that much when you don't like ANY of the pieces they're playing. So what happens, happens.
Being back in Boone is really nice--coffee shops and cool weather, great friends and practice rooms. Hopefully I won't get sick of it too soon. It is my last semester, after all.
Currently reading: Smack, Melvin Burgess.
Read over the summer:
Twilight Saga
Reading Lolita in Teheran
What Was Lost
Four Spirits
I'll update when I can recall the rest.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The Woman Formerly Known as Ms. Amanda
Summer...camp...is...OVER!!!
There are no words to describe this awesomeness.
So now, in true YA style, I'll do a summer update in list form!
Five things I will miss about this summer:
1) Mom and Shirley
How many people are lucky enough to have a family that they actually LOVE hanging around? Or a mom who's willing to play DDR with you on the boardwalk? C'mon, that's straight-up AWESOME.
2) Geocaching
The permanent end to the, "What do you want to do?" debate. Treasure hunting--high-tech style.
3) Seeing Dani frequently.
More than once a year is "frequently." So I'll definitely take what we've gotten this summer, and it's been great to spend more than three "HIBYE" days with her.
4) Kicking major ass at Egyptian RatScrew.
I spent most of my freshman year getting beaten into obliteration by Seth Carson at Egyptian Ratscrew in the Vortex. Seems that I absorbed some of that greatness, though. I completely dominated everyone at work on it. (No, not just the ten year olds, thank you smartasses.)
5) Not having to practice so hard-core.
OK, I know I really shouldn't be happy about this one, but it was so nice. I could just go do my own thing after work and not have to worry about having a trumpet on my face three hours a day. It will kill me in about a week, but for now, I'm comfortable floating down Denile River.
Five things I will NOT miss about this summer:
1) Band-aids.
Band-aids are badges of honor. They are not just blood-stoppers. They are a seven year old's Purple Heart. No matter how small the injury, any child will swear on their mother's honor they need a Band-aid. And guess who has to stop what she's doing to explain WHY the bruise doesn't need a Band-aid?
2) Driving a 15-passenger van full of kids begging me to turn the radio to 102 JAMZ.
3) Having NO internet.
Seriously, there's a reason I haven't posted lately. I've been a terrible friend via Facebook AND Blogger AND Absolute Write. We just got wireless in my house--right in time for me to leave.
4) Writing total for this summer: 3.5k.
'Nuff said.
5) High-strung parents.
Your child flung four scooters across the gym at another kid and you want to know why the OTHER kid didn't get suspended? You want us to ignore your child's punishment because it's his birthday and you brought cupcakes? You think I told your child to pick up a stray cat? The list goes on and on and on.
Five wonderful memories from this summer:
1) IRELAND.
No post I ever make will do that trip justice. I've never been somewhere with no family ties and been positive I'd be going back.
2) Meeting Jamie.
Jamie was a friend Dani brought from working at TIP. I clicked with her almost the fastest of anyone I've met in the past few years, which was wonderful.
3) The Fourth of July in Ocean City, Maryland.
Talk about a PARTY. The fireworks were awesome, the boardwalk was always crowded, and the weather was great (except the downpour imediately after the fireworks. But you know, we'll take what we can get.) Also I had my first experience of gorging myself on crab. Blue Crab, to be exact. AMAZING. First time--but NOT the last.
4) Having Mike, John, Kathryn, and Marie over.
OK, so the bonfire ended up a bust, but it was still great to have everyone over. It was just a very chill, good time. Even though nothing really striking happened, it was just a very nice time.
5) Finding the skunk Geocaching.
That was really TOO funny. I pulled back a bush to grab the cache, and WOW! Pepe le Phew was HOME! I don't think I've ever moved that fast in my life.
Finally, the most satisfying part of Summer 2008:
Turning in my City Employee's badge and saying, "Nope. I'm not coming back next summer."
"Are you su--"
"Yes. I'm positive."
On to Band Camp.
There are no words to describe this awesomeness.
So now, in true YA style, I'll do a summer update in list form!
Five things I will miss about this summer:
1) Mom and Shirley
How many people are lucky enough to have a family that they actually LOVE hanging around? Or a mom who's willing to play DDR with you on the boardwalk? C'mon, that's straight-up AWESOME.
2) Geocaching
The permanent end to the, "What do you want to do?" debate. Treasure hunting--high-tech style.
3) Seeing Dani frequently.
More than once a year is "frequently." So I'll definitely take what we've gotten this summer, and it's been great to spend more than three "HIBYE" days with her.
4) Kicking major ass at Egyptian RatScrew.
I spent most of my freshman year getting beaten into obliteration by Seth Carson at Egyptian Ratscrew in the Vortex. Seems that I absorbed some of that greatness, though. I completely dominated everyone at work on it. (No, not just the ten year olds, thank you smartasses.)
5) Not having to practice so hard-core.
OK, I know I really shouldn't be happy about this one, but it was so nice. I could just go do my own thing after work and not have to worry about having a trumpet on my face three hours a day. It will kill me in about a week, but for now, I'm comfortable floating down Denile River.
Five things I will NOT miss about this summer:
1) Band-aids.
Band-aids are badges of honor. They are not just blood-stoppers. They are a seven year old's Purple Heart. No matter how small the injury, any child will swear on their mother's honor they need a Band-aid. And guess who has to stop what she's doing to explain WHY the bruise doesn't need a Band-aid?
2) Driving a 15-passenger van full of kids begging me to turn the radio to 102 JAMZ.
They simply don't understand why I won't let them listen to the almost unedited version of:
She getting crunk in the club I mean she working
Then I like to see the female twerking taking the clothes off BUCKEY nakedATL.
Hoe don’t disrespect it
Pa pop yo pussy like this cause yin yang twins in this bitch
Lil Jon and theEast side boys wit me and we all like to see Ass and tities
Now bring yo ass over here hoe and let me see you get low if you want this Thug
Now take it to the floor (to the floor) and if yo ass wanta act you can keep yo ass where you at
Yep. I'm unreasonable.
3) Having NO internet.
Seriously, there's a reason I haven't posted lately. I've been a terrible friend via Facebook AND Blogger AND Absolute Write. We just got wireless in my house--right in time for me to leave.
4) Writing total for this summer: 3.5k.
'Nuff said.
5) High-strung parents.
Your child flung four scooters across the gym at another kid and you want to know why the OTHER kid didn't get suspended? You want us to ignore your child's punishment because it's his birthday and you brought cupcakes? You think I told your child to pick up a stray cat? The list goes on and on and on.
Five wonderful memories from this summer:
1) IRELAND.
No post I ever make will do that trip justice. I've never been somewhere with no family ties and been positive I'd be going back.
2) Meeting Jamie.
Jamie was a friend Dani brought from working at TIP. I clicked with her almost the fastest of anyone I've met in the past few years, which was wonderful.
3) The Fourth of July in Ocean City, Maryland.
Talk about a PARTY. The fireworks were awesome, the boardwalk was always crowded, and the weather was great (except the downpour imediately after the fireworks. But you know, we'll take what we can get.) Also I had my first experience of gorging myself on crab. Blue Crab, to be exact. AMAZING. First time--but NOT the last.
4) Having Mike, John, Kathryn, and Marie over.
OK, so the bonfire ended up a bust, but it was still great to have everyone over. It was just a very chill, good time. Even though nothing really striking happened, it was just a very nice time.
5) Finding the skunk Geocaching.
That was really TOO funny. I pulled back a bush to grab the cache, and WOW! Pepe le Phew was HOME! I don't think I've ever moved that fast in my life.
Finally, the most satisfying part of Summer 2008:
Turning in my City Employee's badge and saying, "Nope. I'm not coming back next summer."
"Are you su--"
"Yes. I'm positive."
On to Band Camp.
Monday, May 12, 2008
"POMP AND CIRCUM..STAAAAAAAAAAANCE"
If I hear Pomp and Circumstance one more time, I'm going to poop on someone's car.
ASU Commencement Ceremony Hoopla nonsense always has brass ensembles playing (for every graduation EXCEPT the school of music...go figure.) Anyways, of course I was a member of this esteemed group. (By "esteemed" I mean "poor kids who will subject themselves to twelve hours of graduation ceremonies for 60 bucks a pop.")
So...yeah. If I never hear Pomp and Circumstance again, I will not cry. It will be a stretch to even go to my kid's graduation. I guess I could purchase those ridiculous sized headphones they sell at NASCAR races, and hope the band director doesn't get offended.
Oh, shit. What if I'm the band director?
OK, well, hope my students aren't offended.
Anyway I'm currently in the middle of my highly-efficient, organized country-leaving preperation. This looks a little more like, "Oh, shit! I'm leaving TOMORROW!" (throws everything in sight into a suitcase.)
I have no idea what internet will be like in Ireland (but rest assured, I will NOT be spending much time on it even if it's availible.) So have a lovely 2 1/2 weeks, and I'll be updating again before long!
ASU Commencement Ceremony Hoopla nonsense always has brass ensembles playing (for every graduation EXCEPT the school of music...go figure.) Anyways, of course I was a member of this esteemed group. (By "esteemed" I mean "poor kids who will subject themselves to twelve hours of graduation ceremonies for 60 bucks a pop.")
So...yeah. If I never hear Pomp and Circumstance again, I will not cry. It will be a stretch to even go to my kid's graduation. I guess I could purchase those ridiculous sized headphones they sell at NASCAR races, and hope the band director doesn't get offended.
Oh, shit. What if I'm the band director?
OK, well, hope my students aren't offended.
Anyway I'm currently in the middle of my highly-efficient, organized country-leaving preperation. This looks a little more like, "Oh, shit! I'm leaving TOMORROW!" (throws everything in sight into a suitcase.)
I have no idea what internet will be like in Ireland (but rest assured, I will NOT be spending much time on it even if it's availible.) So have a lovely 2 1/2 weeks, and I'll be updating again before long!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
CONCERT!!!
OK, I'm going to say it quick--I rocked that shit OUT.
I flubbed a couple spots, but you know what? I jumped right back on like nobody's business. And I kept a good sound and it was fairly musical...yeah. I am OK with a couple flubs, because it still went really, really well.
And most importantly, IT'S OVER!!!
In other news, I have nine papers to write by Wednesday.
I might do one or two today...you know. Don't want to stress myself out, here. :).
Besides, yesterday John, Mike and I went wandering and engaged in our usual deep discussions (when/if the world will end, what would happen if we ran out of oil tomorrow, whether X sin is really a sin or not, the place of religion in goverment, the nature of evil...you know. Usual college conversations.) and another novel has been born in my mind. Doesn't that sound much more interesting than Psychology research write-ups?
I flubbed a couple spots, but you know what? I jumped right back on like nobody's business. And I kept a good sound and it was fairly musical...yeah. I am OK with a couple flubs, because it still went really, really well.
And most importantly, IT'S OVER!!!
In other news, I have nine papers to write by Wednesday.
I might do one or two today...you know. Don't want to stress myself out, here. :).
Besides, yesterday John, Mike and I went wandering and engaged in our usual deep discussions (when/if the world will end, what would happen if we ran out of oil tomorrow, whether X sin is really a sin or not, the place of religion in goverment, the nature of evil...you know. Usual college conversations.) and another novel has been born in my mind. Doesn't that sound much more interesting than Psychology research write-ups?
Friday, April 25, 2008
COUNTDOWN
T minus 2 hours and 16 minutes!!!
Holy crap, I'm excited. I'm like, can't-sit-still, peeing-my-pants-a-little excited.
(For those of you totally lost right now, I'm performing a concerto with the wind ensemble this evening. In--checks watch--2 hours and 15 minutes.)
(Well, actually more like 2 hours and 30 minutes, since I'm the second piece.)
For those of you who are halfway across the country or just don't like me enough to drive an hour, if you click here: www.music.appstate.edu there is a yellow button that says Rosen Hall Broadcast. If you click on that, you can get a live feed of the concert!
OK, I'm going to go start to get ready a little...send lots of prayers around 8:15!!!
Holy crap, I'm excited. I'm like, can't-sit-still, peeing-my-pants-a-little excited.
(For those of you totally lost right now, I'm performing a concerto with the wind ensemble this evening. In--checks watch--2 hours and 15 minutes.)
(Well, actually more like 2 hours and 30 minutes, since I'm the second piece.)
For those of you who are halfway across the country or just don't like me enough to drive an hour, if you click here: www.music.appstate.edu there is a yellow button that says Rosen Hall Broadcast. If you click on that, you can get a live feed of the concert!
OK, I'm going to go start to get ready a little...send lots of prayers around 8:15!!!
Monday, April 21, 2008
A decent assignment, for once
So, for a change, we are reading an excellent and relevant book in Foundations of American Education, Walking on Water by Derek Jensen. It's absolutely amazing, and I recommend it to anyone who is going to/is teaching.
Now, in addition to that (it's almost too good to be true!) we have a wonderful assignment for the class--to use any medium we wish to answer--what is the most important question we have to answer for ourselves?
Obviously, I'm writing. Here's the first few paragraphs:
Will you walk the labyrinth?
I freeze. It's a dingy billboard, posted on the wall of the subway station. I haven't walked a labyrinth in years--I've long since given up following winding paths, searching for feelings that aren't there. My mother cried, my father sighed, but in the end, it does nothing but wear down your shoes.
The tram in front of the sign pulls way, revealing the bottom. It's a movie add, some new torture-porn flick. I turn quickly, boarding the train back to my apartment.
My home--Queens Shithole. In some ways, I suppose it's fitting--my building is so similar to my cases' homes--but it's pretty bad when you consider I left behind a beautiful Georgia town and home for this. Now, the most glamorous thing I see is the subway.
Now, in addition to that (it's almost too good to be true!) we have a wonderful assignment for the class--to use any medium we wish to answer--what is the most important question we have to answer for ourselves?
Obviously, I'm writing. Here's the first few paragraphs:
Will you walk the labyrinth?
I freeze. It's a dingy billboard, posted on the wall of the subway station. I haven't walked a labyrinth in years--I've long since given up following winding paths, searching for feelings that aren't there. My mother cried, my father sighed, but in the end, it does nothing but wear down your shoes.
The tram in front of the sign pulls way, revealing the bottom. It's a movie add, some new torture-porn flick. I turn quickly, boarding the train back to my apartment.
My home--Queens Shithole. In some ways, I suppose it's fitting--my building is so similar to my cases' homes--but it's pretty bad when you consider I left behind a beautiful Georgia town and home for this. Now, the most glamorous thing I see is the subway.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
