The Laura Experience

Day 1 of Our Colombian Adventure 7/27/11

2011-07-28T08:31:00.008-05:00

6:30AM to 11AM

We were guided from building to building and office to office on a wonderful scavenger hunt.

We were required to pay money and/or go find a place to make copies after almost every visit. We dealt with three or four very friendly people, several very indifferent people, and one person in customs with an attitude problem and on obvious hatred of dogs from the United States.

Our grand prize was a very tired dog name Nika who had been in her crate since 1:30 pm the day before. That is 24 hours of her frantic and wondering if we had abandoned her.

She still loves us.

2010-05-16T22:42:00.000-05:00

Just completed the Finale concert of Sinfonietta's Inaugural Season.

Wheeeee!!

Updated Concert Dates

2010-01-21T21:44:00.000-06:00

I've updated my concert dates.

Concerts!

2009-11-16T14:02:00.003-06:00

I've been playing with two orchestras, and a woodwind quintet. It's pretty rockin'.

I've added a list of upcoming concerts to my blog, so check 'em out!

Hopefully I'll be adding more concerts soon!

animals!

2009-09-21T21:20:00.004-05:00

I've been teaching the kiddos again! I like them.

No not this kind of kid! You know...bassoony kids!

I still want a dog.

Or a large elk thing.

My bassooning is getting more consistent, and I'm enjoying it.

I'm ready -and excited- for Christy to get on down here. Almost as excited as this guy was for a few bitty fishes.

Sorry for the delay of update. I have more pictures to post soon!

Slow and steady wins the race, right? Although this lil' dude was truckin' it pretty impressively for a tortoise.

Bye Bye !!!!!!!!

P.S. I'm pretty sure that baby goats prefer paper bags to the actual food inside them.

fotos!

2009-07-01T20:00:00.008-05:00

"Happiness!"

"The Escape"

"A Wednesday Afternoon Drive"

Chewy

2009-06-24T16:16:00.003-05:00

We had a big dog in today at work.
His body had been recently sheared for summer. I don't know if dogs are sheared or just shaved, but I like sheared.
Anyway. Big dog. Super fuzzy head.
His name was Chewy. And he looked just like... Chewy.

Ok, after seeing this... I suppose he was cuter than Chewy.

My first result on google image search was scandalous. I guess it was the second one. "Chewy." It was a funny picture,
but the blog it was in was actually about how much the blogger hates redheads. Great.

strange new readings

2009-06-23T10:12:00.003-05:00

I've always loved reading. Always. And I do read. Always.
I think it's a problem- If there was a readers' anonymous
I would probably need to join.
One day I listened to an interview
with an author on NPR, and he was talking about being a writer.
He said the main requirement is that you have to read.
A lot. He said he always has a book with him- because you never know when
you're going to be stuck in a long line. I'd always wondered if other people felt like that- and I'd assumed that they did, but it was great to hear.

So, I often go through phases when I read everything-or most things-
by an author that I've just discovered, or that someone has told me about.
This has happened with kurt vonnegut, garbiel garcia marquez, barbara kingsolver,
isabel allende, and the other standard sets, of course-Pullman's his dark materials, harry potter, the chronicals of narnia. (Do you italicize sets? I think so, but I'm not sure.)
While many of those are full of fantasy realism, and maybe some, vonnegut, are a bit science fiction-y at times, I've never really gotten into science fiction novels. I've tried, and haven't really enjoyed them. And then Brad gave me Ender's Game to read. and I did. Then Songmaster. And I did. Then, Dune, and I really liked it. Now I'm going to have to read so many books just to get caught up on all of these that I never thought I would enjoy.

Sigh.

Shelties, Corgis, and the Never Ending Stream of Shit-tzus

2009-06-16T22:15:00.001-05:00

Hello, Summer.

I love you for your sunshine and offerings of swimming and roadtrips.

I love you for your lack of middle and high school students.

But, I need them. Can I have them back please?

I enjoyed teaching this year, the end of the year was a bit of a let down, because every school finished lessons at different times, and I never knew if that week would be the last lesson for a student.

I have some really talented students, and a few of them are taking lessons this summer. I'm happy to teach them, it's good money and I'll keep up my skillz, as well as improve theirs, but I wish I had a few more. I think the economy right now is hurting my chances there. Most parents right now do not want to pay $16 for a half hour music lesson. And I understand. Music really does just work for some kids, and for those kids, and the parents who understand that, I am happy to be teaching.

To make up for the lack of students in the summer, I got a job. As a pet nurse!
I hold down dogs, run blood work, and generally follow people around asking them to show me how to do stuff. They aren't really interested in that, but I have to keeping pushing or I'll never learn how to do things on my own. Often, I find myself feeling really out of my element- for so many years of my life I have been completely immersed in the music world. At a very high level. It is strange to be at an entry level again, interesting to learn something completely new. The best part, after the dogs, which I love, is that I get to monitor and/or observe surgeries! I didn't know I would be excited about that until I was in the room for the first one. Would I pass out? Would I find myself nauseous- and embarrassed? It was fascinating. Who would of thought?

Next post will be chock full of pictures and tales of glory. Until then, a bit of the story, haiku style:

waters cool and strong
the mass of people floats on
spf 80

Back in the Saddle Again

2009-06-05T11:51:00.004-05:00

Howdy Folks!!

If you will be in the DFW on June 20th, I'm playing a concert with
the New Texas Symphony. http://www.ntso.org/concerts Ticket price is $15, and you order them through the website. If you don't want to do that, let me know and I can get them for you at a rehearsal. I think. Thanks!

Lol cats. yes. I like them.

2009-05-26T22:33:00.000-05:00

it's the shape you found me in.

2009-05-21T01:13:00.003-05:00

i can't sleep.
my tummy hurts.
yes, tummy.
my apartment is clean.
er.
I don't like the songs on
my sleep playlist.
tonight.
too much cleaning.
changes my taste in music.
i think i'll listen to bob.
it's 1:15.
a.m.

42 Days

2009-05-12T10:37:00.006-05:00

42 Days Since My Last Post. So, to make up for it, some randomness.

Easter! Haven't had a post about Easter yet. I spent it in Madill. I wore a big hat.

Birthday: I fed Giraffes! Brad has a picture somewhere of this. I'll have to track it down. Went to Oklahoma, Charlestons, and Frontier City.

School is almost out. I've been applying for jobs, and hoping that I'll still be able to teach a few lessons this summer.

Those of you who have been a part of "the laura experience" for a while know
how much I've wanted a slanket, despite their ridiculousness, for quite a while now.
My dreams came true, and Christy got me one for my birthday!! Yay!

The song In the Aeroplane Over the Sea is one of those songs that make me happy and sad at the same time. If you don't know it, you should. I shouldn't be stingy with it. You can't listen to it here, but you can listen to some other songs on the album, which are also really great.

I'm taking a class this summer at UTA. I guess I'll be a Maverick for a while, but always a Sooner at heart. Sorry Seminoles. You were good to me, too.

Hm... My hair is getting really long again. It's time for a trim.

I need to see Christy soon. I think it'll happen.

2009-03-30T16:34:00.004-05:00

At Laaaaaaast. My love has come along. My lonely days are over, and life is like a song. Thank you Etta James.

Alright, I'll admit I'm that dramatic at times, but I just know that all of you been wondering what's going on with my new apartment, so here ya go! This is all you get.

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

2009-03-27T11:00:00.003-05:00

My nephew is just so freakin cute I don't know what to do with myself. Check him out.

Some updates!

2009-03-23T23:34:00.003-05:00

I've been enjoying bassoon a lot lately, although not enjoying the joint pain that I believe is the result of the repetitive practice I've been doing.

I've become addicted to this blog about vet school in Melbourne. Australia.

I had a really great weekend with Brad and his brothers and sisters(in-law).

If Brad and his oldest brother would quit accidentally dressing alike maybe it would have been slightly less confusing.

I went to an actual real live orchestra concert on Friday night! Not a high school orchestra! yay!

It was the Dallas Symphony- and they were great. They played Candide, which I absolutely love. I think I might love it because it takes me back so quickly - I can think of all of the times I have played it. Or most of them. Okay at least four of them. And I love it.

Also, it was an Idol concert. Yes, american idol. The second half was the DSO accompanying four american idol people. It was suprisingly good. We went crazy. There might have been some scandalousness involved. Or, perhaps just some cheesy dancing on their part. They sang quite well though, and as I said to Amy, I think in the future I will only go to concerts that involve orchestra accompaniment. I dont want to type myself out of a good future concert here, but it was neat.

If you're curious, the singers were Gina Glockson?.. Phil Stacey, Melinda Dolittle, and Chickezie. I liked Gina the best, even though I'm not sure of her last name.

This has been the longest update I've done in quite a while. Maybe I'm back in the swing of blogging. Only tomorrow will tell.

Sorry for the lack of pictures, I'm workin on it.

Sleep time!

Feelin Happy.

2009-03-23T15:48:00.000-05:00

2009-03-13T14:12:00.000-05:00

HELLOOOOO SPRING BREAK!

Spring break means:

That I dont get paid for a full week of lessons.

I guess I should enjoy every second, just to make it worth the loss.

Whoop!

Worst Weather Ever

2009-03-11T19:34:00.003-05:00

This is the worst day in HISTORY. Alright, maybe recent history. Instead of going into that, I think I would rather channel The Sound of Music and list a few of the things that would be better than being here right now.

1) Hanging out with Bradley.
2) Sitting in front of a fireplace, or anywhere with a working TV.
3)Chillin' with Paige. Or any member of her extended family.
4)Kidnapping Parker
5)A phone call from my sister. Or Ava.
6)Talking to adults, or anyone older than middle school age.
7)drinking Moroccan Mint sweet iced tea at All Saints. Preferably with Christy.
8)Enjoying happy hour at the Library, a la 2004
9)Purchasing a microwave
10)researching gardening techniques for the vegetable garden I can't have because I dont have a yard.
11)browsing petfinder.com
12)driving to portland
13)catching the subway in NYC
14)downloading music. legally.
15)eating girlscout cookies
16)singing. loudly. somewhere sunny.

Okay.

I feel better. Even though I'm not foing any of these things. So...maybe I feel worse?

A Week Lost

2009-02-07T17:05:00.003-06:00

This has been a long week of nothingness. No money, no clothes by pajamas, no hanging out with Brad, no apartment hunting. No reed making and practicing. No donuts. Barely any reading.

Why? Ooooh sickness.

But I say NO MORE. I am DONE. Well, at least that's what the doctor says. Monday morning it is BACK TO WORK. I can not afford this sickness business. I'm going to start teaching in a mask. No, Bradley, not a Spongebob or Frankenstein.

Feelin Blue

2009-01-29T10:36:00.004-06:00

Beautiful Blue on the Great Stirrup Cay Beach.*

*Question: When referring to an island, is "Cay" pronounced "kay", or "key"? An intelligent source has pretty much convinced me, but I thought I would see what the masses think.

25 Things.

2009-01-26T13:07:00.004-06:00

This is from a facebook tag. Yay!

1. I like clothes, very much, but they stress me out so much that I've always wanted to work somewhere that I could wear scrubs. Every day.

2. One of my favorite outfits is concert black. It just looks good. I miss the days of weekly concerts when I didn't have to worry about an outfit for at least one evening.

3. I have high hopes for myself.

4. I love reading. If I don't read at least one book a week, I must be reading a pretty big book. Or maybe I'm on a cruise.

5. I'm slightly wary of people who don't like to read.

6. Many of my favorite authors have been recommended by friends, and I love them more for it. The friends and the books.

7. I have plans to eat better and to work out daily. I'll let you know when that starts.

8. I like over sized coffee mugs.

9. I'm not sure that I have a favorite color any more. My stock answer is pink, but then I feel like I'm cheating on all the oranges, blues, purples, browns and pinks that I love as well.

10. I'm scared of crickets. And grasshoppers. They might be pretty at times, perhaps in a picture, but not when they are near me.

11. I want a dog. Right now.

12. I enjoy teaching most of the time, and that surprises me.

13. I want to be an incredible cook for my family someday. I can't make an omelet. Most of the time my grilled cheese turns out alright. Sigh.

14. I like being an aunt. I like saying "Owen."

15. I wish I lived close to my sister. Like next door.

16. I miss my friends! They are toooooooooooooo far away.

17. Because of that, I daydream about moving to Portland, Wisconsin, Florida, France. I wish I had a job that made enough money to travel anywhere I wanted on any weekend.

18. I just went on my first cruise. It was really pretty exciting. Pictures to come soon. VERY soon.

19. I loved snorkeling, and I was worried that I wouldn't. It was awesome.

20. I've never been water skiing, and the pictures of my boyfriend's family skiing might terrify me a bit.

21. I like warm weather, but I also burn too easily, and really like cold weather clothes. it is a dilemma. I don't believe that this is how you spell dilemma, even thought I looked it up in the dictionary.

22. I would like to live in Colorado in the summer, and Florida in the winter, and have my family and friends nearby year round. Can someone make that happen?

23. I know more silly songs than anyone else I know, and could make a CD of girl scout camp songs if I thought anyone would be interested.

24. klok. I like nonsense sounds and the people that share them with me.

25. I need to started blogging regularly again. NEED. I enjoy it.

Future Travels to be talked about soon. As soon as I get back. From the future.

2009-01-15T14:34:00.002-06:00

There is a blog that I came across, called Pioneer Woman. And I like it.
That is all.

The weather outside is frightful.

2008-12-23T20:11:00.010-06:00

It's quite cold here in Wisconsin, but I like it. It's a bit like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. I wonder if these tabletop-gumdrops taste as good as they look...

I really like being at my sister's house, I get to play with the kids, and the dogs, there really is
never a quiet moment.

Me, Ava, Jenny and Owen, with the kids dressed up for their Santa visit.

Side note: I can't get enough of Elf. Man that movie is good.
Anyone have big plans for new year's eve? I have no idea at this point where I will be, but it better be fun!

I suppose I'll post some pictures now, until I have some more fun stories. Really it has been so long since i've posted that I have a lot to say, but I think I'll keep it in Christmas mode for now! More pictures to come soon! Until then, I'll just be hanging around holding my precious new nephew! Yay!

Ahhhhhhhhhh

2008-12-16T06:34:00.002-06:00

It is COLD out. Which, when it isn't windy, I don't mind. Unfortunately, it usually is windy. I guess I'll find out for sure when I head out to teach this morning.

Getting ready for Christmas has been fun this year. I will post pictures soon. Yay!

Book Club

2008-11-25T13:09:00.002-06:00

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence along with these instructions in a note to your wall.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

"In October, when the town was still talking about nothing else, they were attacked by pirates."

Zorro by Isabel Allende

Oh, Wisconsin.

2008-11-22T07:52:00.013-06:00

It was really great to see my sister last weekend. Or...I guess now it was two weeks ago. Time is flyin by. Teaching every day, almost, has been pretty good, I still like my students, and I really like most of the band directors. And apparently it makes time go by really fast.

Anyway, back to the weekend in Milwaukee. It was absolutely beautiful with all of the trees in their fall colors!! Even as it gets colder here in Fort Worth, and the trees are changing a bit, the colors are nowhere near as extreme. If I had a picture of the view from the plane, I would post it.

I think instead I'll put up a few pictures from the weekend.

Where to start? How about with a beautiful

picture of Owen and sister?!

Then, Owen and Aunt Laura:

Ava Loves books and it is adorable.

Ava all prettied up for church. Isn't she awesome?

Yes.

My favorite picture.

I love my sister's dogs. Callie is apparently terrifying though.

But not really, I guess dog yawns are pretty scary, especially when they are being sat on by a two year old.

My Rhymes Are Bottomless

2008-11-09T21:49:00.001-06:00

Ain't no party like my nana's tea party.

Expect a lovely update about my weekend in Wisconsin very soon!

Please?

2008-11-04T23:27:00.004-06:00

It's so ugly it's beautiful. I can't decide if I want one, or want to laugh at one. Both I think. Yup. Pretty sure I need one.

Oh I forgot! # 2 of the day...

2008-10-30T17:51:00.002-05:00

Thanks to everyone (all two of you) who participated in my "guess what we're sitting in contest."
Close, Dave. But, it was peanuts!!
yay Shannon!

So...shannon gets a poem:

there's a lovely girl
who answers
to "Noodle."

she has two cats,
but sadly,
no poodle.

while the kitties play
she works hard all day

teaching kids a song called
FunkyTown
(oodle)

(huh?)
is that age appropriate?

FIN

Stop, hey what's that sound?

2008-10-30T16:02:00.007-05:00

This is the sound of me sitting on the couch in the living room, and writing a blog. The sound of of something I haven't done in a long time! My feet are up, and there is a cold Dr. Pepper within arms reach. Happiness.

I've been contemplating many things lately, mainly about what I want to do professionally, and where I want my life to be heading in general.

A few ideas that have been rollin' around up in the ol' noggin':

I really like teaching, and have thought about getting certified to teach middle school and/or high school band. Even if I choose to go back to school to continue bassooning, this would probably be a positive, and lucrative, endeavor.

I really like playing and teaching bassoon, and will attempt to get an adjunct position at the community college here if I see one come up again.

I wish I had pursued the Theory Pedagogy certificate while I was at FSU, because that would make me more attractive for college positions, and would make me feel more qualified, but I have been looking around for an alternative to that. If I go back for my doctorate, I will definitely try to get one!

Yay!

Time for cleanin up, Reese is coming to town tomorrow with my cousin, so maybe I'l lhave some interesting pictures for my next post!

Oh yeah... Brad had a beard for a while. Whoop!

AVA

2008-10-29T19:31:00.001-05:00

Ahhh I have the cutest niece ever!

Not Much of a Contest

2008-10-27T15:28:00.003-05:00

Whoever guesses what Brad and I are sitting in gets a "prize"! Yay!

Please don't let the fact the prize is in quotes deter you.....

You are not welcome here. (Get outta my head.)

2008-10-20T20:09:00.003-05:00

Sickness is not my friend!

I keep saying it's allergies, because I really thought it was...but this head thing isn't going away yet.

I have many students to teach this week, and no teaching means no paying, so I must not be sick when I wake up tomorrow.

I needed to get some reeds ready to sell to students, but I'm pretty sure they don't want any from me right now. I could rinse them w/ disinfectant, but I'm not sure that is good enough. Don't want to risk getting kids sick, and then they'd get me sick again when I saw them next week, creating a perpetual cycle of sickness. It could happen.

I had a really great weekend in Oklahoma with Brad, my parents, and his brother. His brother and sister-in-law have some really adorable kids, and it was really fun to spend time with them.

I really need to get up to Milwaukee soon, I miss my sister! And need to see Owen!!!

Goodnight, Moon.

2008-10-18T00:17:00.003-05:00

I'm in Oklahoma for the weekend.

I'm no longer on Tallahassee time, apparently, for I am very tired right now.

There is a pleasant mix of Obama/McCain supporters around me.

Over the past few days I've started noticing the comings and goings of the trains in Fort Worth.

Something about their double stacks of faded blue, green, and red boxcars makes me feel a bit sentimental, perhaps for a life that I had no part in. I guess I feel like they have been around for a long time, and I like them. I like them even when they make me late for a lesson I'm supposed to be teaching. I like them the most when they are on bridges, slowly rolling by, and not interfering with traffic at all. The contrast between this antiquated looking transportation and the hurried, shiny, and often oblivious traffic around me heightens the sentiment.

Insert something HERE about a sentimental heart.

Is it called a trestle when talking about train only bridges, or is that only if it is going over water?

A-Ha!

2008-10-12T15:50:00.003-05:00

So OU lost yesterday, but I still love them.

And..here is an awesome video :Remember the take on me video? Here's a new 'take' on it. har-d-har. Right here.

Weeks go by so fast now with actual working going on!! Up to about 30 students now, and really am enjoying it.

Anything new going on? Hm... I think it's time for some reader participation.

New Game

2008-10-10T22:35:00.002-05:00

So my new favorite game is phone tag. I must laugh about it, or it might start to upset me.
Not really.
It is always fun.

That is all.

Happy Monday, Folks!

2008-10-06T17:25:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday, Folks

haiku:

and where have i been?
sun shines even in the rain
the world is rosy

news:
1) OU is still #1
2) At Petsmart, saw a kitty fitting the requirements of Shannon, called her, and she has a new kitty now! yay Bean! I'm sure I'll post a better picture as soon as possible. Kitty not so happy at Petsmart, but is very happy at Shannon's.
3) It actually is raining today. I like it.
4) Yesterday was my mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Owen!

2008-10-02T16:12:00.007-05:00

I know all of you are dying to see pictures of Owen, my new nephew! I haven't seen him yet, but I stole some pictures from my sister's blog, and my dad's facebook. Yay!

Fair Part Two: The Awkward Years

2008-09-30T22:06:00.010-05:00

Concert, Fair, Still Have a New Nephew!

2008-09-30T10:52:00.009-05:00

The concert was really great last night!! Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova, and the Frames played together, and Iron and Wine opened for them.

Glen said he really enjoyed our crowd, especially our singing, and I think responded well by playing many of the songs requested- some not even his (i.e. Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake) and pretty much all of the songs from the soundtrack to Once. Yay!!! So good!!
No picture because it was too dark... but here are some fun ones from the fair on Saturday!

On the way to the fair!!!!

Howdy Folks!!
Big Tex says hello.

I found my new car!

Got my cotton candy fix.....

Rockin' out in the aviators. Think I'm gonna have to go back and get those.

I got a free hat for filling out a survey about chevy. They asked if I was 18.

Tex says "See you next year!!!!!" A pretty good time was had by all!!

Welcome Owen!!!!!

2008-09-30T06:46:00.001-05:00

http://stevensandjenny.blogspot.com/

Happy Monday! (It's Baby Day!!!)

2008-09-29T14:46:00.003-05:00

My sister is having a baby. RIGHT NOW !!!!!
I want to be in Milwaukee....

Road Trip!!

Tonight I'm going to see Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova with Brad and Shannon!!!!! It is gonna be amazing! Not as amazing as the miracle of birth, I'm sure, but I'm pretty excited about it.

Hopefully I'll have some pictures to put up tomorrow of the concert, as well as some of the Texas State Fair adventure that we had on Saturday.

Oh yeah... I had a terrifying car experience yesterday- my car totally freaked out and the accelerator was stuck down- even while I was trying to brake. I...um....it was scary. Turn her back on , and she just revs right up. Whaat? Brad, Johnny and Sharon all came to my rescue. It was quite the caravan. Luckily I had made it off of the highway and onto an access road before I completely lost control.

I feel like Scarlet O'Honda betrayed me, I'm not sure how I'm going to feel driving her, assuming everything gets all fixed up.

Ok. So there is a lot going on. Baby, car, fair, concert. Busy busy!

2008-09-26T14:48:00.004-05:00

So there I was, driving along in a pretty ordinary neighborhood in the suburbs of Fort Worth, when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted it. It, of course, being an almost life-size giraffe in someone's front yard. I was already half way down the street when it registered...and I had to back up and take a picture. People are so freakin' weird. It's great. Yes, You will probably need to click on the picture to get the bigger view.

I'm like that rat in Charlotte's Web that doesn't know when to stop.

2008-09-25T19:42:00.003-05:00

I'll say this, I'm not messin' around when it comes to pizza buffets. Don't mess with me.

hmm... sleep...

2008-09-25T06:54:00.003-05:00

To continue my series of super short statements.

I don't want to work today.... even though it is one of my favorite teaching days. I think I say that every day..... anyway. Let's skip work! yay!

ok bye!

Off to work....

2008-09-24T22:07:00.002-05:00

Hello.

Goodbye.

I heart several of my students. a lot. they practice! and giggle.

yay!

Maori

2008-09-22T09:40:00.000-05:00

Go Listen.

PhotoHunt

2008-09-21T22:54:00.006-05:00

So...not really a photohunt!

Suckers!

Just a photo update.

Me and my chicken and wine. I'm a classy, classy girl.

Out of the window of the Allgood Cafe

Brad spotted the elusive djembe tree. Might need

to click on the pic for a closer look.

An action shot of me talking to Ty. I don't think I sounded stupid, but her head tilt might say otherwise. She is either very interested in what I'm saying, or slightly confused by my rambling.

Me Girlyman. I look like a giant next to Ty and Doris. An awkward, happy giant.

MADLIB!

2008-09-20T06:17:00.004-05:00

It's early and I'm awake.

And I'm going to Six Flags today. (For real this time?)

Girlyman last night was amazing.

It was a much smaller crowd then when I saw them last in OKC, but they performed just as well.
Yay!

My sister is having a baby.

Very soon. Yikes!

Anyone want to fly me to Milwaukee?

I haven't been posting many pictures over the past few days, and it's because my lappy is still at the doctor, getting three of its four components replaced. If you get a Mac, I defintely recommend getting Apple care. It has paid off big time.

The cat slept by me again. And my eyes are itchy.

I had a really weird dream. I can't tell you what it's about, because even though it seems like a good idea right now, when I'm still half asleep, I think when I get up again in an hour or two I might regret telling the "world" (hello world) that I ____ in the _________ and you _______.

There. It's a madlib. Verb. Location. Verb. Fill 'er up.

OK well it's time to try to sleep some more. It might not happen, but I'll at least lie convincingly in bed for a while.

Byebyeeeeee

Go check out... "the shape i found you in" by girlyman. They played it last night, and I just really like it. Gets ya right there, ya know? Is my face leaking again? Must be allergies...

Thought(s) of the day.

2008-09-17T22:05:00.006-05:00

Some random insights into my crazy head. (Based on actual thoughts I had today.)

Maybe I should have gotten a music ed degree. I actually like working with middle schoolers. And high schoolers. So weird.

I can actually play the bassoon. Yay!

11 year olds are funny.

Sometimes, when I see a newborn, I actually tear up. Why is my face leaking?! Am I going to want one of those some day? Scary.

I need a shower. Right now. Goodbye!

So so sad.

2008-09-17T22:05:00.003-05:00

Hello!

My poor little Lappy McLappytop is at Doc Apple for a few days, so I'm a little behind on the updates. But, I'm still here! Had a long day of teaching today, which went pretty well.
Tonight caught up with an old friend from high school, and it was awesome. Also, I heart caramel apples. A lot. And I shouldn't try to drive home without using the GPS. Oops.

Bassoony-wise: I need to figure out how to make awesome reeds, every time.

I wish.... I lived in New York. Or Portland. But, the Dallas/Ft. Worth area is treating me alright so far.

Also:

Girlyman Friday night!!!!!!!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wedded Bliss

2008-09-14T11:52:00.007-05:00

More on one of the best weekends ever!!!

Shannon finally got her professional wedding pictures in! Yay! I had fun helping her pare it down from 1300 to closer to 300.

I'm stealing some for my blog!

This one is me and Nicole, very serious about helping her into her petticoat. Being a bridesmaid was pretty much awesome.

The photographer caught all of us girls admiring Shannon's beautiful ring. 100% natural- no posing at all.

Love this picture. Shannon looks like a pretty little doll in her gorgeous poofy dress.

Go team go!! Every good bridesmaid cheers hard throughout the wedding. yeaah!!

Gettin' down on the dance floor!

So happy!!!! The newlyweds smiling big- really it was an amazing weekend. Shannon and Jeff are awesome!

Bassoonery

2008-09-12T22:35:00.012-05:00

It's finally Friday!

For another hour and a half....

This week has been incredibly long!
I'm adjusting to working a bunch again, and it is nice to have some cash coming in.

It's been well over a year since my master's recital, and I listened to it when it came up on my ipod in the car today. I'm happy that I'm still proud of it! I know there are things that weren't perfect, but overall, i think I can play bassoon. I wish I could perform more. I should!

Who wants to come to my recital?And play piano for me!

Me and Yukari Playing Sicilienne et Allegro Giocoso by Grovlez:

Here, Llama, Lama.

2008-09-11T16:56:00.005-05:00

With all of this political discussion going on lately, I've realized that I dont know exactly where my beliefs put me on the political spectrum. So, I did the obvious thing and I took an online quiz.

And the results!

Of course I realize that the internet doesn't know everything, but it is interesting to know that I'm politically aligned with the Dalai Lama. Whoop!

fork.

2008-09-10T23:08:00.005-05:00

So many note-worthy things happened today.

The day started off a bit rough when I dropped a fork into the trash can- and thus ended up with my arm in a trash can, digging around. Gross!! And hilarious.

Then... I taught 9 students, and enjoyed it! Got a little practice in, and ate breakfast at a nice little ma and pop type breakfast place.

Towards the end of my last lesson, around 6 pm, it was pretty much just me, my student, and the cleaning crew in the middle school. This horrible buzzing started, and my student said, "um.. thats the fire alarm!" Great. My first thought is, I'm not leaving my bassoon. Then I realized that I was an adult.. (yeaaah)..and somewhat responsible for this young person, so we went to check it out. It was going off for quite a while, and about 7 other people were out trying to see what was going on. I told lovely student to wait outside (just in case). After turning off the alarm (and not checking for fire, I might add) the cleaning crew let us back into our room, and we finished up the lesson and headed out of the school, where about 5 or 6 dashing young firemen were waiting to be let into the building. Haha. I wondered if they would come. And they did. Awesome. And no one was there to let them in. It was a false alarm, but if it hadn't been, I had a plan. Shove kid outside, run back to room, put bassoon up, run away. Probably not the smartest thought I've ever had, but bassoons are expensive!

I guess that story isn't really that exciting. But I thought it was pretty entertaining.

Since fire is funny...?

Finished up the evening hanging out with Shannon, instead of on the couch watching TV. Even got to fold some clothes! yay!

You asked for it!

2008-09-08T22:50:00.005-05:00

No one actually asked for this. But, I guess I almost promised that I would put up a picture of the water fountain in downtown Fort Worth. So here it is!

Okay. Here it is really.

I was a little scared walking down the magical floating squares, but I think my fear of heights/falling has calmed itself over the past few years and I made it down and up without serious incident. Yay!

More new students tomorrow! I'm actually using my degrees! Miracle!

yearbookyourself.com

2008-09-08T12:01:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago, Melynda sent me to this site, which is rather useful in procrastination, and also rather entertaining. Yesterday John Mackey posted some pictures of himself yearbooked, and it seemed like a good idea, so I thought I'd go ahead and post my favorite too. It was a really awkward year for me.

Spoiler Alert

2008-09-07T23:19:00.002-05:00

Judging on the fact that there were only nine people in the entire theater this afternoon, there's probably not much of a chance that any of you were planning on seeing House Bunny.

... but... yeah.

My favorite line was:

I want you to be my boyfriend more than an electron wants a proton.

Hahah!!! Yay!!! Nerds!

I'll admit that I did laugh out loud quite often, but definitely wasn't a good movie. So, yeah. Unless you have a big crush on Tom Hanks kid, who is kind of cute, then don't make any big plans around it.

that is all.

I have tomorrow off. no make-up lessons because most kids haven't started taking them yet. So someone call me and lets play!!!

I want a kitty, too!

2008-09-07T10:29:00.002-05:00

The story of Christian the Lion. I know it is 35 years old, but... if this doesn't get you, don't call me. :)

For Zach

2008-09-06T21:23:00.002-05:00

Dear Zach,

Don't stay away! Please come and rescue us!!! We NEED you. We want to support and encourage you in your quest for new "reeds" for that pretty thing you call a "bassoon." Let us come home with you!!

Love,

The Cutest (Homeless) Boxers at your local Boxer Rescue Website.

Halloween! I mean... September 5th!

2008-09-06T00:43:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,
If you recently moved to Portland, and your name is Christy, I miss you.
Also, I went to downtown Fort Worth today, the coolest parts were a huge empty room at the convention center, and the fountain with the crazy steps in the fountain park. Maybe you'll get to see pictures if I can get my hands on them. Whoop!
And, It is almost Halloween!
Ok...so it isn't even almost October, but they did put the Halloween candy out at Wal-Mart, so we must be getting close.

Lets have fun!!! Yay!!!! Halloween!!

do de do

2008-09-04T17:36:00.007-05:00

When you read poetry, or anything someone has written, unless you know exactly what they are talking about, because it is about you, or because you have talked to them about it, it really can be about whatever you want it to be. This allows us to take some things really personally, that really just aren't. But it's not fun if we don't, at least sometimes! And doesn't satisfy the ego.

When I write something, usually I just put it out there, and never know what other people think about it, or if they even read it, but, it was really cool when recently a friend told me his translation of "translation." It might have been about very specific things to me, but I really liked his take on it too. Maybe even a little more than my own personal translation. Neat!

I taught some more students today, and I still think that middle school kids really are fun to teach. So eager! So excited! I really enjoyed teaching the kids today. This is a huge relief- I really had absolutely no idea if I would like it or not, and I was leaning towards not. I think out of anxiety, but I guess being grown-up Laura isn't as scary as I thought it would be.

I still miss being on Tallahassee Time though. More to come on that subject later. :)

The pictures are... me... and some of the people I miss and want to see soon!!

Who can really say for sure?

2008-09-03T21:26:00.004-05:00

I think it's time.

To say it like it is:

These national conventions are getting crazy.

I taught two lessons today.

Scheduled some more.

I needed a nap but didn't take one.

I sat on the couch in the dark, until my aunt asked me if my stomach hurt, because

"You look funny." hmm...

Maybe it does.

I stocked up on some supplies for reed making.

Played with the cat.

Oh man. Its been a full day.

Six Flags Friday? Yay!

It's finally time!

2008-09-03T09:52:00.003-05:00

Teaching my first two lessons in Fort Worth today!!! Yay!!!! I'm pretty exited to get started.
I'm sure I'll update later.

hm

2008-09-02T10:50:00.003-05:00

Wow. It's been a few days!

I'm still here.

I've been busy! Well.. not really that busy.

Practicing, making reeds, and trying to figure out this private lesson business. I'm not exactly sure what is going on, I'm afraid I'm going to miss an opportunity somewhere. I'm pretty sure the teachers that I've been in contact with are going to let me know what is going on. I hope so at least.

Yikes.

I think I need a night-time/weekend job. It wouldn't give me a lot of time to practice, but it might offer some regularity in income

Any suggestions? I guess the obvious is waitressing... what other jobs are there for nights/weekends?

There has been so much craziness going around with the presidential nominees! Can you

believe it? Palin's baby, her daughter's baby? Should we even care? Can we leave them alone? She did allow herself, and her daughter, to be in the national spotlight, so it was bound to come out. Did McCain know? I know so little!!

haiku for you

2008-08-30T23:58:00.005-05:00

Usually I leave this kind of thing undone, or on a myspace blog, but... why not. In Haiku form?or..narrative haiku. I realize that haiku is about much more than syllable counting, but it is fun to try to fit a form anyway.. ok. .. nerd.

Ten Things I Wish I Could Say to Ten Different People Right Now:
1. you are beautiful

your booty is not too big

don't even worry

2. for this i'm sorry

i never knew what to say

but i did love you

3. if i had a room

reed table lamp light and chair

i would be happy

4. tall dark and handsome

but do you know that you are?

seems you like to hide

5. i say that i wont

but it is impossible

phone rings, i answer

6. soft black and furry

the cat licks my face and hair

i'd rather have you

7. i'll be that gi-irl

and you would be right over

if i were a field

you would be in clover

(ok.... stolen from...Barenaked Ladies)

8. just pack up your things

and live in fort worth with me

whoopwhoopwhoopwhoopwhoop

9. wish i were moving

to that other coast with you

a year is too long

10. ...

There are 9 more little sections to this. Maybe I'll bust out some more haikus tomorrow.

Boomer Sooner!

2008-08-30T23:01:00.004-05:00

Pretty exciting.

It's football season!

Why am I excited?

I think it's part nostalgia, part pride, part... just... that I like OU football.

I never got that into it at FSU, although I did enjoy the tailgating environment there, but Norman on a game day is just incredible. Everyone should get to experience it.

Hopefully I will get up to campus sometime this season! Yay!

Wow. I dont even like sports that much. Haha.

I've been spending a LOT of time in the car lately. Being trapped in a car for hours a week is a great opportunity to listen to a lot of music! The driving / highway time was the main reason I didn't want to move here, but I'm taking full advantage of a bad situation. I suppose I could do the same thing in a place with public transportation, and an ipod, but I think I might be more caught up in people and environment watching if I was on a train or bus full of people than I am in my car. Just sayin.

fuller, wiser. nonsense.

2008-08-29T14:48:00.003-05:00

I really like collaborations. I've had a few in writing lately.

As a writing exercise, pretty much every day I'll use something someone says to me as a line in a poem. It really is pretty fun.

Collaborations in music, writing, art, and ..conversation.. all feel pretty good.

Tangent: I realize that conversation should automatically be counted as a collaboration of sorts, but it isn't really. Many conversations are really just two people talking at each other. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? True collaborative conversations seem to often end in laughter or ridiculousness. Sometimes haikus. Sometimes just.. getting caught up in one random idea, thought, or sound with another person is enough to carry a conversation for quite a while. It's like..performance art. (That at least two people appreciate! haha!)

This seems to happen with Shannon quite a bit. And it is always exciting and surprising when you find it with other people as well. Sometimes it requires sacrificing where you wanted the conversation to go, or thought the conversation was going to go, and really letting it go where it wants to!

Listen. Talk. Converse. Collaborate!

This is a shout out to my collaborative conversationalists. *klok*

First day of school! (As a grown up....)

2008-08-28T21:11:00.003-05:00

Roaring Canyon

2008-08-28T17:07:00.007-05:00

Welcome to Fort Worth!

Today was a happy day.

4 Things:

1) I played for students, and talked to them about the bassoon, and I enjoyed it! I think middle school is a really great age, the kids were curious and excited about music.

2) I finally got to drive on one of the crazy bridges in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area. Highways in this area are often actually, very high. Exciting! The smallest roads here have more lanes and faster speed limits than the biggest roads in Tallahassee. Here are a few examples of the Bridges. A neat one from 1959.

3) I've had quite a few questions about cowboy hats this week, from non-Texan friends. I don't have a cowboy hat, and I haven't seen that many, HOWEVER, there are horses. Driving through Fort Worth, or somewhere in the mid-cities area(which is where i live- the area between Dallas and Fort Worth), you're likely to see houses, houses, apartments, places of business, small corner lot with grazing horses, apartments, major intersections. Crazy! I guess the city limits thing doesn't apply to farm animals here like it does in Oklahoma City.

4) Two interesting street names: Roaring Canyon. (In Texas? Really? Haven't seen any roaring anything.) And my favorite, Fuller Wiser Road. It sounds like a very content, intelligent street to live on. My kind of place. I'm gonna keep my eyes peeled for Fat Happy Lane. I'm sure it's out here somewhere.

p.s. I've been writing in my sleep. I'll wake up in the middle of the night with an idea, and can't sleep until I write it down. Its a bit of a problem, because it wakes up the cat, who then needs several minutes of attention before I can sleep again. Its totally worth it though.

Holy 6:30 AM

2008-08-28T06:45:00.003-05:00

There is a good chance that I'm actually up right now.

Hopefully I am, because I'm going to go to schools today to play bassoon for kiddos! Yay!

And maybe tell them what a concerto is... and that a bassoon uses vibrato. Can play very low. Can play FOUR different B-flats, in one piece. Three octave range! Wow!

And also... can play very very short notes. Oh that silly bassoon!

I'll let you know how it goes. I'm sure you're all incredibly interested.

Oh, those night-time blues

2008-08-27T08:39:00.005-05:00

Nothing beats the night-time blues like waking up to a new day. Especially if it's six in the morning, and a cat is licking your face. again. haha.

So far it seems like Girlyman's Easy Pearls is going to be in my head all day, again. I couldn't find a link to it, but another great girlyman song is Everything's Easy. Enjoy.

Left vs. Right

2008-08-26T12:20:00.009-05:00

I found this on another blog,

a food blog actually, and thought it was really interesting. It is about 18 minutes long. I watched it while I cooked and ate lunch today. Mmmmm Tortillas, cheese, and green olives. I'm so fancy. But, really. Watch as a scientist talks about watching herself experience a stroke. She cries a little. I maybe did too.

It is time for the world to see how freakin cute my niece is. Cute pictures of Ava! I need some current ones. If you're reading this (Jenny) send me some new pictures!

2008-08-25T20:52:00.001-05:00

Buddha says. Turn your mind away from things which are not permanent. Good advice, but it is easier said than done.
What is permanent, anyway?

You can call me Al

2008-08-25T17:25:00.002-05:00

Sometimes it just feels good. Even if it is jibberish.

School in Fort Worth started today, which means by the end of the week I should have some idea about how many students I'll have this semester. I'm heading out to the various schools this week, to meet and greet the students and/or their parents, and talk them into taking lessons. And dazzle them with my fanatical bassooning.

But really, if you play bassoon, or want to, you need to take lessons. Preferably from me.

And perhaps a reed lesson or two wouldn't be bad, just to give you an idea of what your future might look like.

I miss my bassoon friends. I know I'm not alone in the world, and I'm glad I'm not the only one who blogs. Yay! Zach, TJ, Dave, Brett. Keep it up.

Speaking of Zach... I have to do it.. sorry. This is true bassoon love right here:

the funniest text

2008-08-25T11:12:00.003-05:00

the funniest text

i've received in quite a while

came today.

i'm still laughing.

"Had a dream last night that you turned me in for trying to kidnap orphans. I hate you."

Well stop freakin kidnapping orphans and we wouldn't have a problem!!

Mmm...

2008-08-24T13:02:00.009-05:00

Ventured over to Dallas yesterday for the first time since the big move. Only got lost once!

Yesterday was a really happy day. All day. I didn't do anything different, no new meds or more or less sleep or more or less productivity. Just, happiness in the head. Yay! Residual happiness feels a little like heartburn, but I am still in a pretty good mood. I guess it could actually be heartburn.

So, Alan posted pictures from Shannon's wedding! I stole them. Of course my eyes are closed. But, what a fun day that was! Me and Chris, then Shannon, Me.

It does taste blueberries!

2008-08-23T00:42:00.016-05:00

I think perhaps I meant to say that, "it does taste like blue berries!"

But, yes. Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat is a very tasty beer.

And it tastes a bit like blueberries.

I really am happy to be here in Fort Worth, it is awesome to live by Shannon and Jeff!

Shannon and I went to Spiral Diner again, and it was loveliness and laughter, as usual.
We also... harmonized a little, whistled a little, and watched some iffy youtube videos with Jeff and sang some more songs.
The evening even inspired a bit of poetry.

At the Container Store today, my uncle Johnny and I came across some old cameras that were out as decorations. Things got a bit sentimental for him, he remembered his dad using one of them! They were pretty awesome though.

2008-08-22T07:11:00.003-05:00

Ugh. I'm up because that cat was lickin' my hair. Gross.

A Sentimental Heart

2008-08-21T21:34:00.002-05:00

My cousin was at the eye doctor today, getting his eyes checked, and new contacts.
While he was in the restroom before checking out, a woman in the waiting room paid for his visit.
She asked that he not know who had paid.
He was in uniform, on a lunch break from his job at Tinker.

smile.

2008-08-20T20:36:00.006-05:00

I was on the couch today, playing the guitar and attempting to sing, and I had two thoughts.

1) I write what I know.

2) The cat likes music. Look at the picture.
She likes me, too. Little Jumper is her name.
Sometimes she looks like an owl.

Back to writing...so what do I know? I guess I know what it is like to miss people, to work together, to make music, to laugh out loud, to be ridiculous and silly, to be lied to, and to want something I can't have. I need to write more about those things. What I actually write about is... love, unrequited love, and the act of writing itself. Ridiculous. No one wants to read that same stuff over and over. How do I pull myself out of this trend? Perhaps ... writing daily haikus about concrete objects will help. Read this site. Write haikus with me. Do it! Just.. yes. Do it. Seriously. You can post them here, or e-mail them.

I attempted to use garage band on my macbook today to record a song. Anyone want to start a folk band with me? Just say yes, and mean it. Preferably you willing to be a bit goofy, write creatively and/or play guitar or some stringed instrument reasonably well, or even a little bad might be ok.

Also, I like.....miss Christy.

Problem.

2008-08-18T11:32:00.007-05:00

Realized today that in at least half of the pictures of me that I come across on myspace and such, I'm making a ridiculous face. I just can't seem to help myself. Perhaps I should learn to control that. Keeping my mouth closed might help. Here are a few examples... at least i'm not alone in the hilarity..some of the time.

What is that thing?

2008-08-17T23:09:00.000-05:00

I will play my bassoon tomorrow! And like it.

bassoon is a thing
that can make a grown man cry
tears of frustration

a bit o my heart (a la 1999)

2008-08-17T01:52:00.000-05:00

I wrote a lot of poetry in high school.
And, curious, did some searching tonight.
When I choose to, I remember everything about high school. Or at least most of it.
Good thing I don't choose to very often, apparently I was very angsty.
I can share it now without embarrassment, because anything older that 7 years
might as well have been written by someone else, right? No editing here, although I think 2008 me might want to change some things that 1999 me did. I'll leave it alone for now.

"Like A Fool" (maybe 1999?)

My heart was carried away
 And i was left behind
 Looking perfectly like a fool
 To wander 
Blushing and stumbling
 Through a cruel world 
Without a heart to guide me

that girl is CRA-AZY.

2008-08-15T21:10:00.000-05:00

I drove up to Oklahoma today, and it was an easy drive. This was big news; usually I find my head nodding within the first forty-five minutes or so, and have to constantly be sucking down cherry coke or snack food in order to make it. I'm not sure if I've just gotten used to driving, or if I was distracted enough by working my way through a new playlist of music that I didn't even think about driving. I wasn't ready to get out of the car, I was only on song 47 of 294! Yikes. I guess I better road trip it again soon.

I think another distraction was the view: I was sure I was going to miss the afternoon rains of Tallahassee, and I do I suppose, especially when dealing with the 105 degree heat in Texas, but the sky here is just amazing. I'm constantly in awe, and must look ridiculous peering out of my car windows as I'm driving, leaning in every direction to get the best view, all the while bustin' out in song, usually with the wrong words or awkward harmony, to whatever is on the radio. What do other people do in the car? What are they thinking about? Maybe in a week or two I'll be numb to the flat horizon and enormous sky again, but I hope not.

Picture from today: It's just a street view, but look at the blue sky! And all of the pretty contrasting clouds! You can see the storm clouds in the foreground, too. The sky is just... huge. Tall. Expansive.

You can click on all of my photos to get larger views, if you ever care to.

This is a picture my dad took yesterday in Edmond. It looks like a UFO sighting, or the second coming, but it's really just another amazing example of the Oklahoma sky.
This one, as well as most of the others in my blog, are taken with a cell phone. A Samsung 707. Crazy, huh?

2008-08-14T22:42:00.000-05:00

I've been feeling way too melodramatic to post anything of substance lately, at the risk of embarrassing myself, but I think I'm ready for an update! Did anyone actually miss knowing about the ridiculousness of my life? Probably not.

Um.. my aunt is awesome. I can't seem to keep her away from power tools.

We spend a lot of time laughing, and a lot of time eating. Two of my favorite things!

I'm still pretty solidly on a girlyman kick, but have been enjoying some Badly Drawn Boy, Magnetic Fields, and the old standby, Paul Simon. Can't really go wrong there.

Girlyman is coming to Dallas in September! So are Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.. Pretty pumped. I need to meet some people around here who like my music, and are willing to spend some money sometimes in order to go see them. Not a lot of money! Just some.

Girlyman is amazing live. Do it.

When I get in an emotional funk, it seems like everything i listen to or read is about my life. And it isn't. I need to go back to my Four Agreements enlightenment again. They really made life seem pretty great, until I got caught up in my own stupidness again. For those of you who haven't read The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz, I highly recommened it. Its basically just a feel good book about how to live life. The "agreements" are with yourself, and they are not necessarily easy, but are something to strive for. Here are the four agreements, from his website:

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Well there you have it.

Pictures of Life from the Phone, from top to bottom: Kitty-Pig, CrazyAss cousin, Power Tools!, Too-Long-At-HomeDepot-Face, and Singin"What the hell have I" in the car.

Maybe I'm just a child who needs to throw a fit

2008-08-13T09:44:00.000-05:00

I can be frozen, I'm no salt water lake
Maybe I'm broken, can't be blamed for my mistakes
Maybe I'm cruel just like I seem to be
How I can't stand to see you in front of me
Maybe I'm just a child who needs to throw a fit

Maybe I'm mad and wild underneath all I try to fit

Sometimes someone else says it best. In this case, girlyman.

Happiness and Sadness

2008-08-11T23:17:00.000-05:00

Wow no post for a day and a half! Nothing too interesting, but:

I'm enjoying watching the Olympics, mainly swimming and gymnastics. Those gymnast guys have the craziest arms.

Feeling good about taking some action towards teaching this semester, and excited about bassoon.

And..the amaretto sour I just drank was rather tasty.

Soon, sleep and listening to some music I got today!

You're the Best!

2008-08-09T23:13:00.000-05:00

My aunt and I had a rather fun afternoon eating and shopping today...

We were talked into getting makeovers at the "benefit" makeup counter. Pretty exciting way to spend an hour or four.

Afterwards, I headed over to Shannon's to see her family-in-law's fluffy puppies... no pictures, but it was a good time. They lick a lot though, blech.

We had Vietnamese food for dinner, ate way too much goodness, and on the way back saw a ferris wheel!

We felt more excitement than is probably warranted by the sight of a traveling carnival, but it was pretty spectacular!

Luckily, considering the previously mentioned vietnamese food, there was no vomiting, but almost. It all started with a ride called "Bear Affair."

Might not be Splash Mountain, but Shannon approved.

2008-08-09T10:30:00.000-05:00

goodness

2008-08-08T13:42:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Haiku

beanie, bowling shirt

check. it looks like i'm ready

where's my cake and beer?

What I Learned Today

2008-08-07T23:25:00.001-05:00

Panda Express is not good.

Mid-afternoon naps are never long enough.

Being brave isn't easy.

5 year olds can be fun.

Especially when they are singing "dont you wish your girlfriend was hot like me?"

I freakin' love the song In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. Good song.

Actually I learned that last week, but I haven't really gotten over its newness yet. And apparently it's just new to me.....where were you people hiding this goodness?!

I'm an Idiot.

2008-08-07T08:33:00.001-05:00

How long do you let someone lie to you

to keep up a charade that suits you well?

On a lighter note, ever wonder what "ooh this one has a duck on it!" is from? I was just revisiting the wonders of the Sarah Silverman Show, and now you can too. Quotes from my favorite episode can be found RIGHT HERE. We are the same sometimes... at least in our randomness and excitement over things...not so much in some other ways..but.. still funny.

I got a MEOW in text form the other day, and it turns out that it was my friend Chuck! I posted a link to Chuck's blog from his first cycling journey a few days ago here, and it looks like he's at it again. Go check out his website at breakthemachine.net ! He has some amazing pictures of his journey, as well as some commentary on pretty much everything. Enjoy!

Cheese Cake!!!!

2008-08-06T17:31:00.001-05:00

Today Shannon introduced me to Central Market, home of fluffy gelato, mounds of fresh and beautiful produce, bulk bins, glorious cheese, and incredible desserts. As soon as I have a source of income, I'm going back.

BEAUTIFUL!

<3 of the non-cohesive variety

2008-08-05T11:09:00.000-05:00

"Love has nothing to do with what you're expecting to get- only what you are expecting to give- which is everything. "

-Katharine Hepburn

There is so much talk about love, I know. Quizzes, self help books, poems, songs. Its all around. Any statement you make about love sounds like plagiarism*. But what if its true? If "all you need is love" do I still need to acknowledge that someone else had the same though? Ahhhh.

I love people, do you?

Have you ever said I love you to someone and not meant it?

I know there are many kinds of love, and I'd rather have all of them in my life. Eros, philia, and agape. For those of you who missed that sunday school or mythology lesson, that is: erotic or romantic love, love based on friendship, and unconditional love.

Where does the love fit in that feels like someone is tearing you apart- a la Mrs. Coulter severing your daemon from you, or even just pulling a little too far? (talking about souls here, people). Don't get the reference? Go read His Dark Materials. Anyway.... I think most people have experienced that too. But where would we be without it? The world needs passion.

Wow. Well. There it is.

*Is this really how you spell plagiarism? Apparently it is, according to everything on the internet, but... it just looks so wrong. Weird. Plagarism? Yikes.

Cures What Ails Ya

2008-08-04T22:48:00.000-05:00

Apparently Laughter is all the rage now. Shannon and I practiced this afternoon quite a bit, and are planning on going to a Laughter Club sometime soon. They actually have one here in Fort Worth.

From the American School of Laughter Yoga:

The secret of laughter yoga is that our bodies are hardwired with some surprisingly powerful natural reactions to extended hearty laughter. These side effects include:

Blood & all major organs are fully oxygenated leaving us bursting with energy
Blood pressure drops, circulation improves and pulse rate drops
Depression is lifted, even chronic depression is often cured
High endorphin levels put us in a great mood and reduce any aches & pains
Immune, digestive & sexual systems that are switched off by stress are switched on
Self confidence is boosted, communication skills and creativity are boosted
Our lymphatic system is massaged and our immune systems boosted
Stress levels reduce by 75% or more and we become more stress resistant

So people the next time you're upset or angry or lonely, try laughing through it. Sometimes nothing beats crying into a pillow or oversized teddy-bear, but a good laugh really can make the world seem better.

How To Change a Life

2008-08-04T08:04:00.000-05:00

Step 1:

Shove the contents of your apartment into you car.

Didn't get a picture of the car, but here is my mid-move desk shot, pre car-loading:

Step 2:

Find a home for desk, bed, bookshelves, peanut butter, beans, and swirly couch.

Step 3:

Drive from old life to new life, through many storms.

Step 4:
Petition family members to help unload car, proceed to explode contents of car, formerly known as contents of apartment, all over the living/dining room of an overly generous aunt.

Step 5:

Enjoy new life and the pleasures of having family around.

Post a picture of a napping cousin online:

Step 6:

Introduce cousin's daughter to the joys of photo booth.

Step 7: Switch around sleeping/living schedule. Rather than sleeping from 3 AM to 11 Am, go to bed at 10:15 and wake up at 7. You'll be ready for bed, after spending your days swimming, eating, and watcing movies. Share bed with a five year old who hasn't gotten over the novelty of a new cousin. Wake up to small feet digging into your back, and spend another 15 minutes in the morning with photo booth before heading off to explore this new world.

Welcome.

Sad Eye

2008-08-03T16:00:00.000-05:00

One more pre-party pic- I got my hair cut that day, and I'm pretty sure it is uneven. I noticed at the salon, but never speak up about that kind of stuff. Ah, well. Oh-Blah-Di. Click the link- did you know that it supposedly actually means "life goes on"? Fascinating. And...I never really knew about the "list of songs deemed inappropriate by Clear Channel following the September 11, 2001 attacks", but apparently this one was on it. I always thought it was a song of ... hope... but I guess I don't know everything. Maybe I just I always thought "Life Goes On" was such a great show back in the day.

KLOK !! Wedding Weekend!

2008-08-02T11:23:00.000-05:00

So July 16th I flew home to Oklahoma for Shannon's Wedding!!!! It really was a crazy-fun weekend.

Before Shannon's "Last Fling Before the Ring" party, we got glammed up. Shannon had a trial hair/make-up run that afternoon, so she was fancy!

Winner of the "best butt" contest. There were only two contestants. Shannon judged.

Not sure what I thought, I'm sure my joy shows on my face. He was very nice though.

Shannon looks like a Barbie. I love it! We made her cart her balloons around all evening... we know how to start a party.

Ready for the Rehearsal dinner. I know it looks like it was me and Shannon getting married, but it's an illusion. She just couldn't see Jeff too much before the wedding... so I got to!

Shannon in her crazy-beautiful dress, me failing at catching the bouquet - I was bummed. All of the bride's maids in Tiffany blue. Guys, if you don't know what that means, you should be buying more jewelry for your women.