I've had a bit of an up and down week the past week...some great things have happened...but a few disappointments as well. I'll stick to the positive updates here on the blog...why would anyone want to read my complaints when they're so much juicier in person? :)
I bought a new road bike! After a few months of training on Maureen's city bike, and going back and forth about whether to buy my own...I finally bit the bullet and test rode a few this weekend. The difference was amazing...and I was sold! I bought the Trek 1.5, and it's white, grey, and lovely all over! I'm amazed at how light it is...I can pick the whole thing up with one hand. I've had the money for it saved for awhile...so plus my tax rebate check...it didn't set me back on my financial saving goals too much.
Triathlon training is going well. At swim class last week, our instructor described my swimming as "relaxed, strong, and confident". I figure it can't get much better than that, so I'm looking forward to a little more open water swimming and really getting prepped for the race.
I think I'm caught back up on my "life after a summer operetta". Laundry is done, plants are watered, my room is clean...and I'm sleeping again. It's always a bit of a let-down for me, however, to go from non-stop moving to occasional socializing. I'm readjusting to a true summer lifestyle now.
Tonight, my running group is putting in a few miles on the pavement and then heading to the Purple Tooth for a post-run treat. I love their wines and their cheese plate...so it should be quite an enjoyable evening! My company's boat cruise is tomorrow night, so I suppose I'll have two nights of fun socializing.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Piano Bar
After a 1 month hiatus, it's time for Piano Bar at the Home For Wayward Chorus Girls again. I realized that a lot of my readers don't know about Piano Bar...so here is the long, short story.
A couple of years ago, my roommate Maureen was given her mom's Baby grand piano. To commemorate the occasion, she decided to host a party with a few piano-playing and singing friends. Since the party was all about the piano, she called it piano bar. A bunch of us were into drinking martinis at the time, so she decided to serve those at the "piano bar" as well. A few folks brought some show tune books along...and dramatic singing chaos ensued! Piano Bar became a staple at the HFWCG.
We try to have a Piano Bar party every month....but sometimes schedules prevent that. There is a core group of regulars...and other attendees come and go. It's now affectionately known as "Mo's Piano Bar". Some evenings we'll have 20 people...other times only 6 or so. Some nights we have a "late shift" of theater performers, and other nights it's a mix of lowly chorus members and non-singers. But whether it's a crazy, chatty piano bar, or an intimate sing-along...we always have fun! Mo has even gotten into trying out new martini recipes...which makes for some interesting drinks. My favorite time of the evening is always when Mario pulls out the "100 greatest love songs" book and we rock out to 80s ballads. :) A Disney song or two often find their way into the mix, as well.
Tonight seems as if it will be on the very small and intimate side...which is fine. That means I'll actually get to sing a few numbers without having an audience. When it's a big crowd, I prefer that the audience watch my interpretive dance skills instead of listen to me sing. It also means more time for "100 greatest love songs" and I won't feel as if I need to flit from group to group chatting with everyone.
If you're in the area and want an invite to any Piano Bar...let me know. If you're a singer....you'll love it! It's really just a bunch of people who love to sing getting together and having fun. If you're not a singer...you'll still love it! Come hear some very talented folks, enjoy a martini, and have great conversation.
A couple of years ago, my roommate Maureen was given her mom's Baby grand piano. To commemorate the occasion, she decided to host a party with a few piano-playing and singing friends. Since the party was all about the piano, she called it piano bar. A bunch of us were into drinking martinis at the time, so she decided to serve those at the "piano bar" as well. A few folks brought some show tune books along...and dramatic singing chaos ensued! Piano Bar became a staple at the HFWCG.
We try to have a Piano Bar party every month....but sometimes schedules prevent that. There is a core group of regulars...and other attendees come and go. It's now affectionately known as "Mo's Piano Bar". Some evenings we'll have 20 people...other times only 6 or so. Some nights we have a "late shift" of theater performers, and other nights it's a mix of lowly chorus members and non-singers. But whether it's a crazy, chatty piano bar, or an intimate sing-along...we always have fun! Mo has even gotten into trying out new martini recipes...which makes for some interesting drinks. My favorite time of the evening is always when Mario pulls out the "100 greatest love songs" book and we rock out to 80s ballads. :) A Disney song or two often find their way into the mix, as well.
Tonight seems as if it will be on the very small and intimate side...which is fine. That means I'll actually get to sing a few numbers without having an audience. When it's a big crowd, I prefer that the audience watch my interpretive dance skills instead of listen to me sing. It also means more time for "100 greatest love songs" and I won't feel as if I need to flit from group to group chatting with everyone.
If you're in the area and want an invite to any Piano Bar...let me know. If you're a singer....you'll love it! It's really just a bunch of people who love to sing getting together and having fun. If you're not a singer...you'll still love it! Come hear some very talented folks, enjoy a martini, and have great conversation.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Political Aspirations
Although my conscious mind has no political aspirations...apparently my sub-conscious does. I had a dream last night that I was trying to marry the governor of some Southern State (it wasn't clear which one...but we're talking DEEP South). That wasn't working...and then suddenly I was the governor.
I got to live in the mansion all by myself, and my friend Kathi was my personal assistant. She was in charge of helping me get ready for my inauguration...especially the Ball. She and my other advisors suggested that I wear a wedding dress, since most of the people of the State had been hesitant to elect a single female...and wearing a wedding dress might give them hope that I would one day get married (never mind the fact that they apparently voted for a 29 year old woman with no political experience...). I refused to wear a traditional wedding dress, but did get an ivory crocheted gown. When I type that...it sounds horrible...but in my dream it was beautiful. I gave a great speech and outlined my goals for the term which included saving the environment (understandable) and legalizing marijuana (no joke... I have no idea where that came from..definitely not on my political agenda!).
Then I woke up...and I was laughing. I have no idea where that dream came from, but it sure was entertaining!
I got to live in the mansion all by myself, and my friend Kathi was my personal assistant. She was in charge of helping me get ready for my inauguration...especially the Ball. She and my other advisors suggested that I wear a wedding dress, since most of the people of the State had been hesitant to elect a single female...and wearing a wedding dress might give them hope that I would one day get married (never mind the fact that they apparently voted for a 29 year old woman with no political experience...). I refused to wear a traditional wedding dress, but did get an ivory crocheted gown. When I type that...it sounds horrible...but in my dream it was beautiful. I gave a great speech and outlined my goals for the term which included saving the environment (understandable) and legalizing marijuana (no joke... I have no idea where that came from..definitely not on my political agenda!).
Then I woke up...and I was laughing. I have no idea where that dream came from, but it sure was entertaining!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Thomas Point Park
It was a great idea to head down to Thomas Point last night. What a lovely place....surrounded by water and unbelievably peaceful. There were a few people fishing while I was there, but other than that it was just me. I sat on a bench and read the Word, journaled, and prayed. It truly was just what I needed to renew my spirit. And I got a nice 8 mile bike ride in. :)
Thomas Point Lighthouse from the Point
The Bay Bridge (which I am no longer ready to throw myself off of)
My view while I was reading
The Rocks
The South River
All in all, it was quite a refreshing time. I'm ready to ride down there with a picnic soon...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Random Bulletpoints
- Apparently I've lost weight. I don't see it and the scale only shows about a 3 lb difference...but I've had 4 people comment recently that I look like I've lost weight. I'll take it...I suppose what people see is probably more important than what I feel anyway! Must be all the triathlon training.
-Now that the show I was in is finished, I feel a bit at loose ends. I can't remember all the things I put off "to do after the show is over". It's funny- when I don't have a lot going on, my to do list gets so long that it overwhelms me. Yet, when I'm busy, I don't have a to do list and my world doesn't fall apart. Makes me wonder if the items on my to do list are THAT important. Maybe I should do away with the to do list...
-Now that I have unstructured time again, I realized that I need some thinking, reflecting, and praying time. Just to recharge, re-evaluate and figure out what I'm doing again. As long as the storms hold off tonight, I think I'm going to hop on my bike and ride down to Thomas Point Park. I've never been inside the park, but I've heard it's beautiful...surrounded by the South River and the Bay. I love seeing a beautiful place for the first time, so I'm looking forward to getting down there. I'll probably take my journal and my Bible with me. So, I'll get an 8 mile ride in, as well as some good Page and God time. Nice.
-Now that the show I was in is finished, I feel a bit at loose ends. I can't remember all the things I put off "to do after the show is over". It's funny- when I don't have a lot going on, my to do list gets so long that it overwhelms me. Yet, when I'm busy, I don't have a to do list and my world doesn't fall apart. Makes me wonder if the items on my to do list are THAT important. Maybe I should do away with the to do list...
-Now that I have unstructured time again, I realized that I need some thinking, reflecting, and praying time. Just to recharge, re-evaluate and figure out what I'm doing again. As long as the storms hold off tonight, I think I'm going to hop on my bike and ride down to Thomas Point Park. I've never been inside the park, but I've heard it's beautiful...surrounded by the South River and the Bay. I love seeing a beautiful place for the first time, so I'm looking forward to getting down there. I'll probably take my journal and my Bible with me. So, I'll get an 8 mile ride in, as well as some good Page and God time. Nice.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
A Break, A Bike, and a Swim
The first two Gondoliers' performances are out of the way and I am glad! I've had a lot of fun with the show...but I needed a break! I thought both performances went pretty well, all things considered. Saturday evening was the Opening night cast party- lots of fun...but I always find it odd to eat midnight meals at cast parties! Yet, I am always starving by the time I get there!
After the show on Sunday, a few friends who had attended the show and I took Sharon to Petit Louis for her birthday. Yum, yum!
I've had the past few evenings with no rehearsal or show, and they have been lovely. Monday evening I met some of the girls for wine and appetizers on the deck at Severn Inn overlooking the river. We had our typical, fun girly time...chatting about life, music, and other interesting topics.
Tuesday evening I met some friends in Crofton for a very hilly bike ride! I was glad to have a break from the show so that I could actually get some good training in. We rode about 11 miles around 450 (especially the portion closed to cars) and my friend Jenny's neighborhood.
Last night was probably the best of the week so far...I finally got to try some open-water swimming! One of the other members of our running club lives on the Severn River, so we met at her house and swam off her dock. It wasn't half as gross as I expected- a bit of grass and a muddy bottom- but no McDonald's cups floating past! :) It took me a little while to adjust to the murkiness of the water and settle into my breathing pattern, but once I got there it felt like I could swim forever! I don't love open-water swimming, but I think I'll be fine for the triathlon.
After the swim, we sat on the deck eating fruit and watching the sun set over the river. If only we'd had some champagne or wine...:) So I headed home and joined another group of friends for a glass of wine and some dinner on our back deck. What a terrible evening...:)
The next four nights are back up in Baltimore. Should be fun, but I have a feeling I will be exhausted by Sunday!
After the show on Sunday, a few friends who had attended the show and I took Sharon to Petit Louis for her birthday. Yum, yum!
I've had the past few evenings with no rehearsal or show, and they have been lovely. Monday evening I met some of the girls for wine and appetizers on the deck at Severn Inn overlooking the river. We had our typical, fun girly time...chatting about life, music, and other interesting topics.
Tuesday evening I met some friends in Crofton for a very hilly bike ride! I was glad to have a break from the show so that I could actually get some good training in. We rode about 11 miles around 450 (especially the portion closed to cars) and my friend Jenny's neighborhood.
Last night was probably the best of the week so far...I finally got to try some open-water swimming! One of the other members of our running club lives on the Severn River, so we met at her house and swam off her dock. It wasn't half as gross as I expected- a bit of grass and a muddy bottom- but no McDonald's cups floating past! :) It took me a little while to adjust to the murkiness of the water and settle into my breathing pattern, but once I got there it felt like I could swim forever! I don't love open-water swimming, but I think I'll be fine for the triathlon.
After the swim, we sat on the deck eating fruit and watching the sun set over the river. If only we'd had some champagne or wine...:) So I headed home and joined another group of friends for a glass of wine and some dinner on our back deck. What a terrible evening...:)
The next four nights are back up in Baltimore. Should be fun, but I have a feeling I will be exhausted by Sunday!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
July 4th, A Sleepy Weekend, and What Feels Like Nonstop Rehearsals!
In the midst of a crazy week, I thought I'd take a moment to breathe and step into blogland. My July 4th was great...fun and relaxing all at the same time! Some dear friends had a few of us over for a Yoga brunch- a 1 hour yoga session with my friend Alicia and then what turned into a 3 hour (longer for some) brunch. I went home and slept for 2 hours. After my much-needed nap, some friends came over for an impromptu cookout, which turned into a cook-in. No matter. A lively game of charades ensued. Quote of the evening: "Sounds like amputee!" (I'm still laughing at that one...). Saturday involved a swim, watching the Wimbledon Ladies' Final, a shopping trip, and another nap. Sunday was dominated by rehearsal...and that has set the tone for this week!
The invited dress rehearsal for the show is this evening...and then only performances from here on out! It's always nice when the rehearsals are over...
So that is an update from me. Sorry that I have no coherent and interesting thoughts to present...that would require sleep- which seems to be in short supply in my world!
A quick aside: I saw a sign in a shop window the other day that said, "I'm lost in my own little world...but it's ok, they know me here!". That is definitely how I feel sometimes!
The invited dress rehearsal for the show is this evening...and then only performances from here on out! It's always nice when the rehearsals are over...
So that is an update from me. Sorry that I have no coherent and interesting thoughts to present...that would require sleep- which seems to be in short supply in my world!
A quick aside: I saw a sign in a shop window the other day that said, "I'm lost in my own little world...but it's ok, they know me here!". That is definitely how I feel sometimes!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Musical Musings
A non-musical person asked me the other day, "So when will I get to attend a concert somewhere and hear you sing a solo?". I laughed. "Hopefully never," I replied. You see, I hate singing by myself in front of a group in a non-casual setting. I hate auditions. Anything that requires me to sing by myself. I'm self-conscious that way. My non-musical friend was somewhat taken aback. "So you don't aspire to be a "real" singer and sing by yourself? Then why do you sing, especially in a chorus where you get no glory?" Why do I sing?? Ha! Why wouldn't I sing? I love to sing. I love music. I get to perform some of the most amazing music ever created without the nerve factor playing a part.
It never occurred to me that people don't understand the idea of choral singing. It's not about standing out or being a star, but making a beautiful sound with others. Sticking out is usually a bad thing.
I don't aspire to be anything more than a choral singer. Would I love to have the voice of Anna Netrebko and get the glory she does? Of course (and while I'm at it I'll take her face and non-pregnant body, too!). But, I know my limitations...and singing by myself is one of them. Not to say that I don't or wouldn't sound good singing by myself, but the nervous process of getting there is not worth it for me.
Some have suggested voice lessons to get rid of the nerves. That might help, but I still don't want to be a soloist. I think I would still enjoy making music with others rather than singing alone. I'd like to take voice lessons to improve my technique for singing in general, but not to sing on my own. Also, voice lessons require a thick skin (which I don't always have), and patience. Often when one begins lessons, there is an awkward transition where your voice sounds yucko as you are deconstructing bad habits to then build good ones. I'm not sure if I want to go through that...although I know the finished product will hopefully be worth it in the end. Maybe voice lessons should be my project for next summer.
For now, I'll enjoy singing in a chorus and having fun!
It never occurred to me that people don't understand the idea of choral singing. It's not about standing out or being a star, but making a beautiful sound with others. Sticking out is usually a bad thing.
I don't aspire to be anything more than a choral singer. Would I love to have the voice of Anna Netrebko and get the glory she does? Of course (and while I'm at it I'll take her face and non-pregnant body, too!). But, I know my limitations...and singing by myself is one of them. Not to say that I don't or wouldn't sound good singing by myself, but the nervous process of getting there is not worth it for me.
Some have suggested voice lessons to get rid of the nerves. That might help, but I still don't want to be a soloist. I think I would still enjoy making music with others rather than singing alone. I'd like to take voice lessons to improve my technique for singing in general, but not to sing on my own. Also, voice lessons require a thick skin (which I don't always have), and patience. Often when one begins lessons, there is an awkward transition where your voice sounds yucko as you are deconstructing bad habits to then build good ones. I'm not sure if I want to go through that...although I know the finished product will hopefully be worth it in the end. Maybe voice lessons should be my project for next summer.
For now, I'll enjoy singing in a chorus and having fun!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs
Trials
I've been watching the Olympic Trials for Diving, Gymnastics, Track, and Swimming for the past few weeks. It's put me in quite the athletic frame of mind. I've been thinking a lot recently about my gymnastics career- and then I started remembering how much I loved watching Olympic gymnastics as a young girl. My parents taped a lot of the '88 Olympic Trials and the Games in Seoul, and I'm pretty sure I wore the tapes out watching them over and over when I was bored. A little Youtube searching brought up the routines I remember vividly! I could still remember certain moves that certain gymnasts had in their routines (Kristie Phillips banging her fists on the floor, Pheobe Mills' cutesy dance, etc), as well as their floor music (I always loved Daniela Silivas' floor music). Anyway, I started watching videos talking about the physical, mental, and emotional cost that gymnastics can take on young girls. Kristie Phillips was a prime example- such talent, but her Olympic dreams were derailed by coaching changes and puberty. I'm not sure what I think about the sport anymore- I was lucky because my coaches were great- but I know those at higher levels often suffer from eating disorders and other emotional and mental issues. But, you have to be tough to get to that level, and if you want it bad enough then you might be willing to sacrifice some parts of life. Perhaps a thought to continue in another post. If I ever have a daughter, I won't push her towards gymnastics because of the tolls it takes, but if she wants to do it then I won't stop her.
Tribulations
Ok, so I haven't really had any tribulations in the past week or so- it just fit well with the title. I suppose my only tribulation-ish experience is that I feel very ready for a vacation. I'm a bit tired...I've been going pretty hard the past few weeks between training for the tri and rehearsals, so I'm glad it's almost time for a long weekend!
Triumphs
Swimming! I think I'm going to do ok in the swim part of the triathlon. If I swim fairly slow, I'm able to complete a somewhat long distance. I have to swim about 1100 meters for the race, and I think I can do it.
I'm officially headed back to Maine for a vacation in August. Maureen and I are headed to visit our friends Jean and John in Bangor. We visited them on our way to and from Prince Edward Island last year, but this year we are going for a cheap vacation and will stay with them the whole week. We are also driving- it's about 12 hours- so it will be a fun roadtrip! They live on a lake and have 2 adorable kitties...so it's sure to be a good time! I have a feeling we will make it out to Bar Harbor and Acadia Nat'l Park again, as well. Plus, the weather up there in August is usually quite lovely.
I've been watching the Olympic Trials for Diving, Gymnastics, Track, and Swimming for the past few weeks. It's put me in quite the athletic frame of mind. I've been thinking a lot recently about my gymnastics career- and then I started remembering how much I loved watching Olympic gymnastics as a young girl. My parents taped a lot of the '88 Olympic Trials and the Games in Seoul, and I'm pretty sure I wore the tapes out watching them over and over when I was bored. A little Youtube searching brought up the routines I remember vividly! I could still remember certain moves that certain gymnasts had in their routines (Kristie Phillips banging her fists on the floor, Pheobe Mills' cutesy dance, etc), as well as their floor music (I always loved Daniela Silivas' floor music). Anyway, I started watching videos talking about the physical, mental, and emotional cost that gymnastics can take on young girls. Kristie Phillips was a prime example- such talent, but her Olympic dreams were derailed by coaching changes and puberty. I'm not sure what I think about the sport anymore- I was lucky because my coaches were great- but I know those at higher levels often suffer from eating disorders and other emotional and mental issues. But, you have to be tough to get to that level, and if you want it bad enough then you might be willing to sacrifice some parts of life. Perhaps a thought to continue in another post. If I ever have a daughter, I won't push her towards gymnastics because of the tolls it takes, but if she wants to do it then I won't stop her.
Tribulations
Ok, so I haven't really had any tribulations in the past week or so- it just fit well with the title. I suppose my only tribulation-ish experience is that I feel very ready for a vacation. I'm a bit tired...I've been going pretty hard the past few weeks between training for the tri and rehearsals, so I'm glad it's almost time for a long weekend!
Triumphs
Swimming! I think I'm going to do ok in the swim part of the triathlon. If I swim fairly slow, I'm able to complete a somewhat long distance. I have to swim about 1100 meters for the race, and I think I can do it.
I'm officially headed back to Maine for a vacation in August. Maureen and I are headed to visit our friends Jean and John in Bangor. We visited them on our way to and from Prince Edward Island last year, but this year we are going for a cheap vacation and will stay with them the whole week. We are also driving- it's about 12 hours- so it will be a fun roadtrip! They live on a lake and have 2 adorable kitties...so it's sure to be a good time! I have a feeling we will make it out to Bar Harbor and Acadia Nat'l Park again, as well. Plus, the weather up there in August is usually quite lovely.
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