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Monday, 01 February 2010
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Symphonie Fantastique
- Hector B. - composition assignment -
I. It's hard out here for an artist, all these emotions and nowhere to put them... until I meet this girl and she is hot! She makes me laugh. She makes me cry. She makes me mad. Wonder what would happen if I ever had an actual conversation with her. I couldn't stand it.
II. Dance time and she won't dance with me. I see her everywhere, even when it's only someone who looks like her. Usually with other men. Darn it. I need some air.
III. Out in the country - that's a good idea, wonder if she'd respond to one of those cattle calls. That cow. I told her to meet me out here, but it's past time and she's nowhere to be found. And she gave me a fake number. And it's starting to rain.
IV. Can't stand it, must go home and get stoned, really stoned... (waits for drugs to take effect) That's it, I'm going to kill the b!tch. (dreaming, rather really tripping) Just did it, that was quick, now they're going to cut off my head. Give me a little more time please, I can explain. They're all laughing at me. Fine, I'll use these last few seconds to think about her. Off goes my head, hear it bounce.
V. How many people get to watch their own funeral? OK guys, this isn't Halloween, take off your costumes. Never mind, they're real ghosts and demons. Guess my friends don't go to funerals for murderers. It's some sort of black mass... oh look, she's here! She finally feels for me... wait, how come I never noticed she was just a cheap trashy wh@re? And she's joining her devil worshipping friends, laughing at me. THAT WITCH.VI. Wake up with a huge headache, on top of a pile of blank staff paper, must write something... end on a hopeful note, maybe she'll appreciate me if I write a symphony for her... but maybe she really is just a little witch, it's not like we know each other very well... never mind, this is weak. End with movement V instead, it sounds cool.
Friday, 22 January 2010
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Much ado about skating
In the middle of AMEA and all that goes with it... I miss TMEA of course, but at least you've got your music ed. right here. Loved the Alabama A&M Choir, especially, and the Muscle Shoals High School Percussion Ensemble. Either of these would have amazed the Texas audiences.
As usual - today's "AMEA haul" - a bag and three refrigerator magnets. I'll probably spend more time at the exhibits tomorrow.
Figure skating nationals are going on this week. I have to stay off the discussion boards from now until Saturday since they're not airing the women's short programs for a couple of days after they happen. Well, that's one less distraction. Sasha Cohen actually did show up and practice, with a real program. Sigh. If she does get picked for the team, I hope she earns it with a decent program (remember not to get too excited if she does a good short, her short programs were always great, it's the long she had problems with and that requires being in shape). Though I would rather someone else - Alissa or Ashley, someone who has been working hard and in the game the whole time - get the chance to go. This is assuming that Rachael Flatt's spot is secure.
(you never know about spot security, though. Look at pairs skaters McLaughlin and Brubaker. In all sorts of commercials for the Olympics. You will not see them compete. They did not make the team. Feel bad for them after they had expected to, but they weren't skating up to it and I'm glad they were not selected with that kind of performance. The other team that got "their" spot has been working hard under the radar for many years and this is a great opportunity for them.)
The men's team went as expected - can't deny any of them, especially with Jeremy Abbott earning it the way he did. I do feel for Ryan Bradley, he would have made it most years, if the competition wasn't so intense. He still almost beat Johnny Weir, who is the relatively weak link in this team. He can be frustrating to fans; it's interesting to watch him and see what he'll say, do, or wear next. I miss the confident skating he used to have (like back in 2005, and for a little of 2008), though, and am not impressed that he's appearing at two live film premieres between now and the Olympics. There is not much time. I feel that he's more interested in developing a celebrity persona than winning an athletic competition, and that's what separates him from his teammates. For some reason I've always rooted for him anyway. This pre-Olympic distraction thing is not looking good, though.
Plushenko winning European men's... nooooo, your time is over, go back... the good news is that Lambiel pulled up to second even with the chronic injuries. Can it be possible that he shows up as a decent contender at the Olympics? (I can root for him and not Plushenko; he only sat out one year, plus he's not doing "look at me" poses and number one fingers.) Joubert appears to not be recovered from that blade slicing through the foot thing. (well, duh... still I hope this doesn't affect him next month. How sad for all his hard work and great performances if he doesn't get an Olympic medal in his life.)
My laptop screen background is six men's skaters - Lysacek, Weir, Joubert, Takahashi, Oda, and Lambiel - with a little "circle slash Plushenko" in the center. Hey, I rooted for him enough before he got his gold in 2006 (in a very uninspiring fashion, made me wish Lambiel could have won, at least he cared). He sat out three years. He can go away. I want someone else to have a turn.
Right now, it is my turn to go to bed, and to shut up about this. Go Alissa... tonight (even retroactively) and Saturday... no spoilers here please...
Monday, 11 January 2010
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Completely random
The Kerrville and surrounding areas food count: 2 Mamacita's, 2 Chili's, 2 Culver's, 1 "Bamboo" Chinese buffet, 1 Taco Casa, 2 Taco Bueno, 2 Taco Cabana, 1 Fuddrucker's, 1 Billy Gene's, 1 IHOP, 1 Chuy's, 1 Coyote Canyon. Really make that New Year's Resolution tough on yourself by giving yourself lots that needs to be burned off.
School starting tomorrow. In complete denial. Wind Ensemble (auditions), recital class/forum, High School Methods, Music History, String Ped. The other days of the week, or other times, will bring that Measurement and Evaluation class, piano lessons, accompanying, and hopefully I can still fit in University Chorus. Still only working at Troy but should probably find something else.
Figure skating Nationals starts at the end of this week. More drama for those of us who couldn't get enough when watching the college football championship.
And that is all, but at least I'm actually using this xanga. That's a good sign.
Sunday, 29 November 2009
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Costco FTW...
(first of all, it will just be a little bit but at least I'm blogging. Got to keep this up!)
Thanksgiving - over too soon. Awesome Costco run even though, between this one and the previous one, that's almost one month's paycheck from Shelton State. I love that store. Ravioli... party mix... new printer/scanner... went back in the early evening, hopefully a little later than most of the Thanksgiving travelers. Highway 78 usually isn't bad anyway.
The week - starting too quickly. Putting off the reality until tomorrow morning. I have to do a mini-teaching for class... not a huge deal... a real teaching at night of course... go to a bunch of classes, find out what all I have to do, watch recital class, and memorize the rest of the Debussy. The next concert is Wind Ensemble. I guess I'll get Geoffrey to come watch us rehearse in Palmer since he has a rehearsal during our concert (which I am technically supposed to be at also, but obviously can't). Speaking of rehearsals, I am fairly sure there is an additional "mandatory" dress rehearsal tomorrow night which I also cannot make. Fortunately everyone realizes that my job is not the most flexible for that sort of thing, and lets me be excused from things that are not actual performances. Oh, and I need to start looking for one new job. I turned down all my teaching offers for spring except for Troy-Montgomery, because the others only wanted classes taught during the day and I can't do that with my music school obligations. Probably shouldn't try to live on my one remaining job alone, though I wish I could. Of course, I still have my fall stuff right now which is plenty.
I was sick - mostly over it but still some head congestion/ ear problems. Weird stuff. Surely it's not permanent. I can mostly sing but it sounds funny to me. When I pop my ears I hear crackling but they don't stay normal.
In the middle of Christmas decorating - did some at the mom's place. The tree is up here but need to do the other stuff.
Here's a little survey:
LAST NAME GAME .... Don't spoil it for others!
Rules: It's harder than it looks!
Erase my answers, enter yours and send it on to 10 people, including me.
Use the 1st letter OF YOUR LAST NAME to answer each of the following questions.
They have to be real places, names, things, nothing made up.
Use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial. You can't use your name for the boy/girl question.
ONE WORD ANSWERS ONLY!
Have Fun!!
1. What is your last name? - Rabson2. A 4-Letter Word - rice
3. A Boy's name - Ryan4. A Girl's name - Rebecca
5. An occupation - realtor6. A color: - red
7. Something you wear - ribbon
8. A beverage - RC Cola9. Food - raisins
10. Something found in the bathroom - rust
11. A place - Roswell
12. A Reason for being late - rain
13. Something you shout - Roll Tide!!!
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
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A few surveys for the beginning of the week.
[Weird Questions]
EgoOverdose @ Xanga1. When you look at yourself in the mirror, what exactly is it that you are looking for?
weight loss… hoping… double chin effect going away, hopefully… hoping I look young2. Was the last scratch you sustained made by an animal or an object?
hmmm… it’s been a while… got one from a cat a few weeks ago but probably some other one since?3. What do you typically bring with you when you stay overnight at someone else's house?
clothes, toothbrush & personal stuff, something to read or work on, hidden stash of food in case they don’t feed me anything or anything I like :)4. Have you ever cancelled plans with someone simply because you didn't want to go?
probably, though I explained more to it… like being tired or busy (which no doubt I was anyway, so it’s not a lie). I remember one time a long time ago I just did not want to have to face something… but we’ve all had that.5. Have you ever ditched plans with someone for (better) plans with someone else?
not really… if it’s just social stuff I won’t. The most I have done was cut out early to go meet the someone elses, or do the above if the original plans were a work related side activity and not something truly social anyway.6. What is the longest amount of time you have spent alone, without human contact?
wow… can’t be more than a day or so and probably talked to someone on the phone7. If you are the type that likes going to the movie theater, what makes it fun? If you are not that type, why would you prefer to stay home?
I like to go because of the bigger screen, lounging in the seats and just getting out of the house/’Vallo. It is expensive though. Usually I go to the Carmike in Hoover - $1 all shows.8. How do you know whether or not you "have a life"? Has anyone told you to "get a life"?
if you do these surveys, you either have no life, or you are desperately trying to avoid yours. j/k. People who have no life don’t have anyone to talk to, don’t have anything to do but work, or have their entire personal universe contained in, say, some online game. I don’t get told to get a life often, but my mom has told me to occasionally, mainly when the amount of time I spend sleeping during breaks, or on facebook, is something she doesn’t understand.9. What is one of your weirdest habits - the type that you generally try to keep to yourself, or perform in private?
well, now. Why would I be putting something like that on my xanga all of a sudden?1o. Do you like to type things a certain, unique way ( ie. "&" or "+" for "and", or using brackets instead, etc )?
not really… I can’t stand the way pEoPle Do thiS. .. you get what I mean. I used to think there was some secret code in the capital letters but I guess not.11. If you are bothered by Twilight, what is it about the series that irks you so much? Or, if you like it, what are the qualities of the tale that you enjoy(ed)?
It sounds stupid. I suppose I should try reading a bit of it sometime before I go judging, though. A 100-year-old (no matter how young he looks) who has to restrain himself from drinking my blood isn’t my idea of a fun date. For starters.12. If a good friend asked you to go with them to see concert featuring a band you did not know of ( or disliked ), would you choose to go with them, or would you decline?
I’d probably go if I didn’t know the band, as long as it was inexpensive and fit with my schedule. If I couldn’t stand the band, then probably not.13. When was the last time you and someone else said the exact same thing at the same time? What did you both say?
Geoffrey; can’t remember what it was we said14. Is there anyone whose sentences you are able to complete without them finishing?
Geoffrey… he has trouble sometimes finding words and I’ve gotten good at it. He also knows me well. This morning I said, “Geoffrey, next time there’s a commercial” and he knew to finish the sentence: “clean out the coffee maker and make some coffee.” Psychic.15. Which direction does the window in your bedroom face, approximately ( if you have one )?
east. Hey, at least oversleeping’s not a problem.16. How would you describe your room's general set up?
my bedroom is mostly a big bed, with small tables at each side, a dresser, and a pile of stuff. But we have the whole apartment so it’s not like our room is our only personal space.17. How long have you gone without cleaning your room? Was it a mess when you finally decided to clean it?
many months, I’m sure, in the past18. Do you keep your school supplies in good shape throughout the year, or are they trashed by the time summer comes around?
dunno… notebooks get used up. Folders I never intend to last more than one semester. Pencils get used up. Bag, etc. are usually OK but might need replacing every couple of years.19. What color and style of belts ( if you wear them ) do you prefer?
don’t usually wear belts. If I do, they go with a skirt and are the loose cloth kind.2o. In the past month or so, which song have you listened to most often?
lately… New Divide – Linkin Park21. Have you ever seen anyone pick their nose? Do you pick / have you picked yours?
saw a friend doing it once when I don’t think he was aware of himself. Picking/cleaning it out is one thing, but do it behind closed doors in a place, like the restroom, where you can immediately wash your hands. I am assuming here, if you are over elementary age, that you do not eat the boogers. :)22. When was the last time you were in a public restroom?
I guess at work Thursday… that’s a while but I haven’t been anywhere much in the last few days23. Have you ever caught anyone snooping through your room/belongings? How did you react?
hmmm… not that I remember, maybe my mom24. Do you have dating expectations or standards? In general, what are they?
I’m married, but before: the guy needed to be a Christian. Appearance – not important, but severely different cultural backgrounds might have caused too much strain for my family. I probably wouldn’t have considered it. Age – as long as he looked/felt young. When I was single again, probably not over 40. Decent personality, not too much baggage, little or no alcohol/drugs. Then again, I used to say “no smokers” and Geoffrey smoked when we started going out. We were friends so long that I broke my rule about that, and he ended up quitting so all turned out well. :)25. If you encountered a lost child while shopping in the mall, would you stop to help him or her, or wait for someone else to come along?
not sure how well I do with kids. I’d probably just go report it to security, unless the kid asked me something. Then I might help.26. Is there anything that just makes you feel like you want to die?
food poisoning27. How about anything that makes you feel so happy and alive?
singing in choir. Playing music with an ensemble, if it’s a decent part and it’s a bunch of people I like playing with. Swimming in cool clear water. Laughing with friends. Cuddling with my guy.28. Do you act differently around certain people, or are you nearly the same in terms of personality no matter who you are around?
I’m mostly the same, but put on the professional side at work.29. Do you text or listen to music in class? Why or why not?
no, for goodness’ sake… I may multitask but not to that extent. I just work on other work or make to-do lists.3o. Who is your oldest ( aged ) friend? How about youngest? Which one are you closer to?
I have friends in their 50’s and 60’s, though it’s more casual. My youngest friends start around 19. I’m a little closer to the younger end because there’s not as much general power difference.31. Are you typically friends with older or younger people?
younger32. What is your strongest or most obvious personality trait?
I use too many big words, throw out too much trivia33. When was the last time you tried to get out of doing something? Did it work?
Thank you for reminding me, actually. I thought about a meeting I’m supposed to go to for work, since it messed up my weekend plans, and wondered how important it was. I think I’ll go anyway though.34. If you could know, today, whether or not you would have a happy rest of your life, would you want to know?
no. If the answer was “no” I couldn’t stand living the rest of it.35. Which celebrity/famous person death has affected you the most?
Princess Diana. That freaked me out for some reason.Complete this sentence...Share
Fri at 8:44pm(where did 1 go?)
2. Maybe I should...... buy my textbooks tomorrow
3. I love... food way too much
4. People would say that....... I am some sort of nerd or something
5. I don't understand....... why girls wear uncomfortable shoes that will destroy their feet
6. When I wake up in the morning… I like to take it slow and drink coffee and listen to music
8. Life is full of............ surprises
9. My past taught me......... to be strong and not let your life get bogged down by other people
10. I get annoyed when.............. stuck behind someone slow on a two lane road with no passing opportunities
11. Parties are......... freaking loud. Not really a good way to have a conversation.
12. I wish........ I was a few years younger
13. Dogs... are kind of loud and messy
14. Cats... are interesting creatures, and fun to play with the friendly ones
15. Tomorrow is.......... not a work day!
16. I have a low tolerance for.......... bull$**t.
17. If I had a million dollars........... I wouldn’t worry, wouldn’t need student loans, and would go ahead and have a baby
18. I'm totally terrified of....having something horrible be my fault
19. My last kiss....... was with my husband
20. I am listening to....... the air conditioner. Nice to have it relatively quiet.
21. I talk........ weird.
22. My best friend...... is special.
23. My first REAL kiss..... I’d like to only count the ones with Geoffrey.
24. Love is....... found in many places
25. Marriage is...... not bad this time
26. Somewhere, someone is thinking....... Calgon take me away
27. I'll always.......care about special friends
28. The last time I really cried was because....it was late at night and I was thinking too much
29. My cell phone is...my lifeline
30. Before I go to bed...... I make sure everything is off downstairs
31. Right now I am thinking about......whether or not I should go to that work dinner thing, especially since I lost my RSVP letter and can’t find the information anywhere.
32. Babies are...... messy. But on the other hand, they can’t run around and get into stuff yet.
33. Today I.... didn’t get enough done
34. Tomorrow I will be.... getting more done, I hope
35. I really want to be....a person with the energy to do what I need, and the right kind of charismatic personality[made @ acoustic_surveys]
How many people can comfortably sleep in your bed?
let’s cap that at twoDo you ever make the first move?
No. I am female, it’s not for me to do that. Say what you will about equality, and it’s a free country, but it just seems to work better when you leave it up to the guy. At least you’ll know you get one who wants to be there. I didn’t make the rules of nature, it just seems to be how it works.Have you given up on anything lately?
probably something or otherIn school, do you/did you work better by yourself or in a group?
depends on the situation. Often it’s easier to just do it yourself, quickly and efficiently. But you learn a lot from others too.When is the last time you ordered from a catalogue?
it’s been ages. Usually I use online catalogs.What do you usually get on your pizza?
pepperoni & mushroomsDo you know anyone who has a collection of old records?
my mom probably still has hers. I assume you mean vinyl.What's the name of the gas station you last stopped at?
Wal-MartIs there a piece of jewelry that holds any sentimental value to you?
my wedding and engagement ringsWhat was the first song you heard today?
honestly, I’m not sure… it’s way too late in the day to ask that… “Sunshine Of Your Love” (Cream?) was in a movie and that was one of them.Have you ever gotten a magazine subscription as a gift?
yes.What was the last video you watched on YouTube?
people playing Debussy – Prelude from Pour Le Piano. To see how it’s done so I can theoretically do it.Is there a topic that gets you really heated when it's brought up?
the current political debate is starting to… I always hated to be too strongly on one side or the other because of fear of alienating people/relationships, and there’s certainly a such thing as being too conservative, but it’s the ones who are too liberal I’m worried about right now. :(Say 'Happy Birthday' in another language:
(darn it can’t remember, forget it)Have you ever sacrificed something for someone you love?
yesDo you go on any forums often?
yesWhat does your Facebook status say right now?
it still has yesterday’s, about being glad Montevallo isn’t starting yet. I have not had one all day today, nothing new enough to report.Do you forget to flip the page of your calendar at the start of each month?
no, I don’t use a paper one right nowHow many people are subscribed to you?
I don’t go and lookWould you ever agree to an open relationship with someone?
no, eewwwIs the TV on right now?
noWho is your least favourite actor?
can’t think of oneDo you have an alarm system on your house?
noHave you ever locked yourself in your bedroom for hours?
not since I was a kidWhen is the last time you had a cigarette?
neverWas babysitting your first job?
noDo people always say you're too thin?
heck no. Not a problem.Is there something that you could never give up?
oh yeah, lots of things, you know, caffeine, junk food, fast food, sugar, whatever. Cut down, sure, but not give up entirely.Could you design an whole web page yourself?
I’d rather not. I used to back in the Frontpage days, and before that when they were very simple. Now – ummm, no.Have you ever cooked an entire dinner for your family?
yes.Do you prefer piano music or violin music?
piano FTWWhy were you in a hospital last?
visiting Geoffrey who was having brain surgeryWho do you tend to get in fights with the most?
Geoffrey just because we’re both here with each other, heheHave you ever had your picture in the newspaper?
yes, I won the Memphis spelling bee onceDo you know how to read guitar tablature?
mostly yesWhat kind of bread do you prefer?
multigrain; liked white forever but have trained myself otherwise for health reasonsHow old were you when you started wearing makeup?
13Do you have a friend that is old enough to purchase alcohol?
most of my friends are. Hehe. (of course, I know I’m on the older end of survey takers. I know older people do surveys, I’m just trying to find good survey sources.)Can you say today's date in a different language?
probably not anymoreWould you prefer a small, intimate wedding proposal, or a big-scale, over-the-top proposal?
small and intimate. That’s really a couple moment, not the business of the whole football stadium.[made @ acoustic_surveys]
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I have an album of wedding pics up! It's at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=59219&l=40159&id=657575813
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first set of pictures up! at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=55548&id=657575813&ref=mf
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no time to blog; on the way back to Texas (slowly), getting on the road before it ices over...












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