One thing I like about the new years is the idea of a fresh start. A new calendar, a new season, and so on. Even though it isn't "officially" a fresh start, it always feels a bit like one to me.
2007 has been a fairly typical year for me- some disappointments and some successes. Some things have changed, while others have stayed the same. As I said, pretty typical.
Although I'm not a big New Years' resolution person, I am working on some resolutions that I'll probably post soon. Nothing earth-shattering, but hopefully not the typical "losing weight" resolution that a lot of folks make.
The number one thing that I want to do in 2008 is find a house. So, hopefully by this time next year, I'll be in one!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Holiday Highlights
I head back to Annapolis tomorrow. Some highlights from my trip:
- Waking up at 7 AM and turning back over until 7:30- then staying in bed until 9
-Eating food that I didn't have to make
-Catching up with family
-Christmas Dinner at the 5 star restaurant at Woodlands Resort in Summerville
-Visiting friends in Summerville on Christmas Day
-Making it through my a cappela solo on Christmas Eve
-Staying at my cousin's beautiful contemporary mountain house
-Playing for 4 hours straight with my 2 1/2 year old cousin, Jin (including playdo, cars, fire department, and just wrestling)
-Dinner with my family
-Sleeping on an air mattress with Orbit the cat cuddled up next to me and purring
-Wandering around downtown Asheville
-Chocolate souffle made by my cousin-in-law Aris
I didn't feel like describing each moment of the past week, so I thought I'd just hit the highlights.
- Waking up at 7 AM and turning back over until 7:30- then staying in bed until 9
-Eating food that I didn't have to make
-Catching up with family
-Christmas Dinner at the 5 star restaurant at Woodlands Resort in Summerville
-Visiting friends in Summerville on Christmas Day
-Making it through my a cappela solo on Christmas Eve
-Staying at my cousin's beautiful contemporary mountain house
-Playing for 4 hours straight with my 2 1/2 year old cousin, Jin (including playdo, cars, fire department, and just wrestling)
-Dinner with my family
-Sleeping on an air mattress with Orbit the cat cuddled up next to me and purring
-Wandering around downtown Asheville
-Chocolate souffle made by my cousin-in-law Aris
I didn't feel like describing each moment of the past week, so I thought I'd just hit the highlights.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Roots and Wings
"You can have roots and wings, Mel" -Josh Lucas as Jake in Sweet Home Alabama
This quote really resonates with me, especially having been visiting my hometown in SC for the past few days. Roots keep you grounded, and coming back to SC often does that for me. Wings allow you to fly, to have new experiences, to learn new things and see the world.
I love SC. I love being from SC. I'm just not sure if I can ever live here again. As a friend of mine originally from the Mid-Atlantic said in an email the other day, " Here in South Carolina, it seems as though nothing exists outside of SC, maybe because so many people stay here and never leave. In the Mid-Atlantic area, you have D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and are closer to New York, etc. It just seems as though the world is bigger up there." I agree. However, there is still a bit of excitement as I drive over the state line into SC. Suddenly, things slow down. Some of the traffic that I've been fighting all the way from Virginia disappears. I even feel myself relax.
I realized something very important on Christmas Eve. In the past, I've always felt very at home singing in the church I grew up in on Christmas Eve. It felt right and natural. This year, I looked out at faces I've known my whole life. I saw people I went to high school with and had no desire to speak to them. I felt like a guest, not a part of things. The reason? I wanted to be with my friends in Annapolis. I absolutely love spending time with my family, but 90% of me is more at home at my "adopted Episcopal" church in Annapolis (I actually attend a PCA church on a regular basis) than the church where I grew up. I was receiving voicemails and texts from my Annapolis friends and it made me a little homesick. I've never really felt that way before.
Yet, at the same time, being at my parents' house is so comfortable and familiar. I know where everything is, and I can still find my way around Columbia. Being here still feels right- but I think it feels right to the part of me that wants things to be easy. Last night, a thunderstorm came through about midnight and I was lying in bed being quite reflective and loving the sounds of rain in an old house. Something about listening to a thunderstorm in our townhouse is not quite the same. Now, don't get me wrong- the South has fine culture! My family and I had our Christmas dinner at a 5 star restaurant in Summerville, SC. While I know DC has equivalent restaurants, I doubt they have the charm that I experienced yesterday. I also love the people in the South. They are eccentric, odd, lovely, and charming all at the same time.
The next question is whether or not I'll ever come back to the South. It's definitely not one I can answer now. Right now, I can't see myself leaving Annapolis for any reason- especially not to move back to SC "just because". I always wonder if I fall in love with someone in the South, would I move back? I don't know the answer to that one either. I don't think I've really ever been enough in love to drastically change my life. If that right person came along, I think I'd be willing to give up the life I've built in Annapolis...but I can't be sure. I guess it's good that I clearly have plenty of time to think about what I would do in that situation!
All in all, I think you can have roots and wings. Actually, I think you need both to be successful. I also think that somehow, we always come back to our roots in some fashion. So if I'm back in SC 20 years from now I don't think that should surprise anyone....especially me.
This quote really resonates with me, especially having been visiting my hometown in SC for the past few days. Roots keep you grounded, and coming back to SC often does that for me. Wings allow you to fly, to have new experiences, to learn new things and see the world.
I love SC. I love being from SC. I'm just not sure if I can ever live here again. As a friend of mine originally from the Mid-Atlantic said in an email the other day, " Here in South Carolina, it seems as though nothing exists outside of SC, maybe because so many people stay here and never leave. In the Mid-Atlantic area, you have D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and are closer to New York, etc. It just seems as though the world is bigger up there." I agree. However, there is still a bit of excitement as I drive over the state line into SC. Suddenly, things slow down. Some of the traffic that I've been fighting all the way from Virginia disappears. I even feel myself relax.
I realized something very important on Christmas Eve. In the past, I've always felt very at home singing in the church I grew up in on Christmas Eve. It felt right and natural. This year, I looked out at faces I've known my whole life. I saw people I went to high school with and had no desire to speak to them. I felt like a guest, not a part of things. The reason? I wanted to be with my friends in Annapolis. I absolutely love spending time with my family, but 90% of me is more at home at my "adopted Episcopal" church in Annapolis (I actually attend a PCA church on a regular basis) than the church where I grew up. I was receiving voicemails and texts from my Annapolis friends and it made me a little homesick. I've never really felt that way before.
Yet, at the same time, being at my parents' house is so comfortable and familiar. I know where everything is, and I can still find my way around Columbia. Being here still feels right- but I think it feels right to the part of me that wants things to be easy. Last night, a thunderstorm came through about midnight and I was lying in bed being quite reflective and loving the sounds of rain in an old house. Something about listening to a thunderstorm in our townhouse is not quite the same. Now, don't get me wrong- the South has fine culture! My family and I had our Christmas dinner at a 5 star restaurant in Summerville, SC. While I know DC has equivalent restaurants, I doubt they have the charm that I experienced yesterday. I also love the people in the South. They are eccentric, odd, lovely, and charming all at the same time.
The next question is whether or not I'll ever come back to the South. It's definitely not one I can answer now. Right now, I can't see myself leaving Annapolis for any reason- especially not to move back to SC "just because". I always wonder if I fall in love with someone in the South, would I move back? I don't know the answer to that one either. I don't think I've really ever been enough in love to drastically change my life. If that right person came along, I think I'd be willing to give up the life I've built in Annapolis...but I can't be sure. I guess it's good that I clearly have plenty of time to think about what I would do in that situation!
All in all, I think you can have roots and wings. Actually, I think you need both to be successful. I also think that somehow, we always come back to our roots in some fashion. So if I'm back in SC 20 years from now I don't think that should surprise anyone....especially me.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Wofford vs. Purdue (or Perdue...if I'm being mean!)
I had the privilege of watching the Wofford vs. Purdue basektball game on ESPNU with a Purdue grad and the only other Wofford grad in Annapolis on Wednesday night. We went to a Steakhouse/sports bar with giant tv screens to watch it. My roommate Maureen went to Purdue, and she was supposed to watch the game with us, but ended up on a business trip in PA. She always makes fun of Wofford, but no more!
You see, Wofford beat Purdue! I was ecstatic! The game was so close until the last few seconds, when Wofford hit a 2 pointer to go up by 2. Then, they hit a free throw, and it was over! I didn't hear from Maureen for awhile...
Anyway, I am a terrible roommate and am enjoying the win...knowing it will probably never happen again! Maureen has a piece of the floor in the old Mackey Arena (Purdue's basketball venue) hanging on the wall. I stuck a post-it on the plaque that says "Wofford Owns This". I don't think she's found it yet because it's still there. :)
You see, Wofford beat Purdue! I was ecstatic! The game was so close until the last few seconds, when Wofford hit a 2 pointer to go up by 2. Then, they hit a free throw, and it was over! I didn't hear from Maureen for awhile...
Anyway, I am a terrible roommate and am enjoying the win...knowing it will probably never happen again! Maureen has a piece of the floor in the old Mackey Arena (Purdue's basketball venue) hanging on the wall. I stuck a post-it on the plaque that says "Wofford Owns This". I don't think she's found it yet because it's still there. :)
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Importance of Diction in Choral Singing
Even those of you have never sung in a chorus will get a kick out of this video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-ZnPE3G_YY
Once you have watched it and tried to make sense of it, then check out the words below:
1. Blessed city, heavenly Salem,
vision dear of peace and love,
who of living stones art builded
in the height of heaven above,
and, with angel hosts encircled,
as a bride dost earthward move;
2. from celestial realms descending,
bridal glory round thee shed,
meet for him whose love espoused thee,
to thy Lord shalt thou be led;
all thy streets and all thy bulwarks
of pure gold are fashioned.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-ZnPE3G_YY
Once you have watched it and tried to make sense of it, then check out the words below:
1. Blessed city, heavenly Salem,
vision dear of peace and love,
who of living stones art builded
in the height of heaven above,
and, with angel hosts encircled,
as a bride dost earthward move;
2. from celestial realms descending,
bridal glory round thee shed,
meet for him whose love espoused thee,
to thy Lord shalt thou be led;
all thy streets and all thy bulwarks
of pure gold are fashioned.
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Chorus, Episode 1-Christmas Festival
***My chorus friends and I have decided that the "drama" that goes on in our chorus would make a great reality show...like The Hills or some other such real-life drama. :) So, I've written out our first episode based on last week's concert week. Names have been changed to protect the innocent and the notorious.***
Monday night in the State Arts Center rehearsal space
Scene 1:
180 singers sitting in metal folding chairs in a semi-circle around podium and piano. The mood is jovial and light.
"The Magician" begins to conduct "O Come All Ye Faithful". The chorus is beginning to look bored. "The Quacker" comes in dressed in a light-up Christmas sweater, a denim skirt, complete with knee high Christmas socks and clogs.
"Sweets": Well, I guess Christmas is more her holiday than Halloween.
"Ariel": Clearly. Giggles.
Magician: Well, back when I was traveling with the Czechs, there was this man named "Opera Mafia" who....
"She-who-sings-lovely" <looks towards "Roquefort-hater" in the alto section and mouths>: Number 32.
Roquefort-hater: <mouths>: No, 56!
Ariel gets out her phone and sends a text to "B'rich hu" that reads, "Storytime with Uncle Bert."
B'rich hu gets text and giggles. Sends text back that says "Zzzzzzz".
Cut to Tuesday night onstage at the State Arts Center about 9:00 PM, 2 hours into the dress rehearsal
Magician: Ok, I need the "Grown Up Christmas List" ladies to stay.
Groan sounds from the ladies of the small chorus.
The rest of the chorus exits stage right and left.
The ladies sit in the middle. 15 minutes pass while the orchestra and soloists rehearse. B'rich hu is beginning to get antsy. Sweets and Ariel compose new Christmas Carols titled "O Hallowed Animal" and "O Come All Ye Faithless". One of the hallowed animals storms off the stage in a huff. B'rich hu, Sweets, and Ariel look at each other with smiles.
15 more minutes pass. Finally, the Magician decides it is time for "Grown Up Christmas List".
Cut to Thursday night (night of the concert) onstage at the State Arts Center, 5:30 PM.
Magician: Ok, I need the GUCL women in the middle. Where is everyone?
Murmuring from the 30 chorus members onstage
15 ladies get up and attempt to move into the middle. A few "older" ladies seem offended as they move to the outside. They continue to shoot glaring looks at some of the taller women who have moved to the middle.
As the chorus and orchestra rehearse, chorus members begin to trickle onto the stage.
"Crazy lady" comes in and makes her way down an already full row. She reaches the place where she sat Tuesday night.
Crazy Lady: This is my spot
"Uber-vibrato": We've moved. The GUCL ladies are now in the middle.
Crazy lady stands in front of the seated ladies who are now in "her spot". She stands and stands, and looks as if she is going to sit on Uber-vibrato. Finally, she moves to the end of the row and sits down in a huff.
Uber-vibrato: I thought she was going to sit on me!
Sweets: So did we!
End of Episode 1. Stay tuned for Episode 2- Messiah Week!
Monday night in the State Arts Center rehearsal space
Scene 1:
180 singers sitting in metal folding chairs in a semi-circle around podium and piano. The mood is jovial and light.
"The Magician" begins to conduct "O Come All Ye Faithful". The chorus is beginning to look bored. "The Quacker" comes in dressed in a light-up Christmas sweater, a denim skirt, complete with knee high Christmas socks and clogs.
"Sweets": Well, I guess Christmas is more her holiday than Halloween.
"Ariel": Clearly. Giggles.
Magician: Well, back when I was traveling with the Czechs, there was this man named "Opera Mafia" who....
"She-who-sings-lovely" <looks towards "Roquefort-hater" in the alto section and mouths>: Number 32.
Roquefort-hater: <mouths>: No, 56!
Ariel gets out her phone and sends a text to "B'rich hu" that reads, "Storytime with Uncle Bert."
B'rich hu gets text and giggles. Sends text back that says "Zzzzzzz".
Cut to Tuesday night onstage at the State Arts Center about 9:00 PM, 2 hours into the dress rehearsal
Magician: Ok, I need the "Grown Up Christmas List" ladies to stay.
Groan sounds from the ladies of the small chorus.
The rest of the chorus exits stage right and left.
The ladies sit in the middle. 15 minutes pass while the orchestra and soloists rehearse. B'rich hu is beginning to get antsy. Sweets and Ariel compose new Christmas Carols titled "O Hallowed Animal" and "O Come All Ye Faithless". One of the hallowed animals storms off the stage in a huff. B'rich hu, Sweets, and Ariel look at each other with smiles.
15 more minutes pass. Finally, the Magician decides it is time for "Grown Up Christmas List".
Cut to Thursday night (night of the concert) onstage at the State Arts Center, 5:30 PM.
Magician: Ok, I need the GUCL women in the middle. Where is everyone?
Murmuring from the 30 chorus members onstage
15 ladies get up and attempt to move into the middle. A few "older" ladies seem offended as they move to the outside. They continue to shoot glaring looks at some of the taller women who have moved to the middle.
As the chorus and orchestra rehearse, chorus members begin to trickle onto the stage.
"Crazy lady" comes in and makes her way down an already full row. She reaches the place where she sat Tuesday night.
Crazy Lady: This is my spot
"Uber-vibrato": We've moved. The GUCL ladies are now in the middle.
Crazy lady stands in front of the seated ladies who are now in "her spot". She stands and stands, and looks as if she is going to sit on Uber-vibrato. Finally, she moves to the end of the row and sits down in a huff.
Uber-vibrato
Sweets: So did we!
End of Episode 1. Stay tuned for Episode 2- Messiah Week!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Semi-Exhaustion
Well. I survived one of the busiest 48 hours I've had in awhile. Between Thursday night and Saturday night, I had 2 Christmas Pops concerts, a full day of work, a Messiah performance, and I helped clean and prepare food for a party of 50. That, folks, is a recipe for exhaustion. I suppose that's why I spent 3 hours in bed yesterday afternoon. As tiring as it all was...it was great fun, and I'd do it all over again if I could! Oh wait, I will be doing it again this weekend...minus the party for 50!
That's the beauty of having things in your life that you love. No matter how tired I am from singing and performing, when given the chance I will continue until I drop. It's the same for all my friend who love singing. After a long day of 3 peformances (I missed the last 2 due to the party), they all dragged themselves over to our house at 10PM for the party. They were exhausted, and had essentially been singing all day. But you know what? As soon as the piano began to play, they all gathered around and a raucous round of carols ensued. So, even though you'd think I wouldn't be able to sing another note, I'm gearing up for a week of Messiah performances and rehearsals. If this weren't fun, there is no way I could continue doing it!
I hope that everyone can find a "hobby" that is as fulfilling and fun as singing in a chorus is for me.
That's the beauty of having things in your life that you love. No matter how tired I am from singing and performing, when given the chance I will continue until I drop. It's the same for all my friend who love singing. After a long day of 3 peformances (I missed the last 2 due to the party), they all dragged themselves over to our house at 10PM for the party. They were exhausted, and had essentially been singing all day. But you know what? As soon as the piano began to play, they all gathered around and a raucous round of carols ensued. So, even though you'd think I wouldn't be able to sing another note, I'm gearing up for a week of Messiah performances and rehearsals. If this weren't fun, there is no way I could continue doing it!
I hope that everyone can find a "hobby" that is as fulfilling and fun as singing in a chorus is for me.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Fa la la la la
Christmas singing season is in full swing. I'm having fun. The house is decorated. The party for Saturday night is planned. I have a rehearsal or concert every night this week. I ran during lunch today (and incidentally 35 mph winds and 35 degrees...yes I'm crazy). This week is all take-out, all the time. No time to cook, and we need the fridge space for the party. I'm trying to see how many choppy sentences I can squeeze into a post. Next week is the Messiah. Hope you all are well.
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