Last weekend we had our first pre-Cana meeting. It was much easier than I thought--they basically just gave us these big bubble sheets of questions to fill out (we'll go over them in our next meeting, in a month or two) and booklets with reading/prayer choices for the service. The couple from the church were thrilled that we were both Catholic--I guess things are more complicated with interfaith couples. And the cohabitation thing wasn't that big a deal. When we told them we weren't having a Mass they were a little disappointed. I think the only reason we decided not to was because of my mother's vicious anti-Catholicism. She said that having a Mass wouldn't bother her, but I assumed she wasn't telling the truth. Mark and I both want one, so maybe we should just go ahead and have one.

I had an audition Monday night for the local volunteer opera company--it went pretty well. I think my interpretation could use some work, but vocally it was good, and I got positive feedback from the auditioners. I forgot to ask when they were making decisions... My mother is making reservations for the trip to Sarasota. I e-mailed the girl from my studio who did the program last year--apparently the artistic director is quite a character. I wish I didn't have my hopes so high about this thing...

The hurricane(s) didn't really make it here, but today's the first time since last Wednesday that it's not pouring. Now there's a HUGE poisonous-looking spider with yellow and red markings camped out on our sliding glass door. Last night I watched with horror as it immobilized a big moth. Mark needs to kill it. Generally I have no fear of spiders--they kill mosquitos, after all--but this thing is too big and too brightly colored to be benign.

The trip up north went well. We didn't spend enough time in New York (six hours!) to be able to visit anyone but my (large) family. Everybody has a huge new house up there. I don't think we saw a single trailer park while we were there. (I let Mark know that this was unusual.) The rest of the weekend was spend looking at old houses and cemetaries. I tripped getting out of a bus on Saturday morning, so I had to spend the next three days hobbling around Connecticut with a sprained ankle. My body is all out of whack from walking funny to favor it.

Have I mentioned that my beloved ten-year-old CD player finally died? I'm blaming Mark. So I have hooked up my six-year-old computer to my sixteen-year-old stereo, and am listening to The Black Crowes. Yay. I really would get a new stereo, but turntables are so expensive now...

Happy belated birthday to Margaret! Has anybody heard from her mommy? :)

I really ought to update more often.  Poet Laureate Todd is making me look bad.

Mark is in Boston this week, killing time at the convention.  It would've been cool to tag along, but he barely has time for six hours of sleep a night, let alone the Freedom Trail.  I think I would enjoy it more now than in eleventh grade.  Hey, didn't a certain person snort cocaine out of somebody's pen on that trip?  Wow, that was ten years ago...

And speaking of the old digs, Mark has this family reunion thing (he's descended from the founder of Connecticut, believe it or not) next week in Hartford, so I'll get to take him to Middletown!  I haven't been back in town in two years, so it should be interesting.  Let's see...we'll hit the mall, PBHS, Hawaii Fountain, possibly Alfonso's, maybe even The Cove Clam Bar!  I bet that place is even scarier in the daytime.  Perhaps we'll skip The Cove.  But it will be nice to show him where I grew up--I've been to Buffalo twice since I was last in Orange County.

Speaking of Orange County, you can now purchase Orange County Choppers hats and T-shirts in the malls down here.  Who knew a bunch of dysfunctional loudmouths would put us on the map? 

Also, in case you haven't heard, my mother and I did the big wedding dress shopping trip.  I for one would be happy not to go through that again.  I think we're down to two dresses, though...

I'm still seeking employment, by the way.  I temped for several days a few weeks ago (money in the bank--how novel!) and had two interviews last week, but things are moving slowly.  I think people are totally scared off by my resume, but what can I do?  I just want a part-time office job, I'm not asking for much money--and I can't hide the fact that I have a Master's degree, nor would I want to!  I think if I were in a bigger city employers would be a lot more understanding of the "day job" concept... I did just send off a resume for a voice teacher job.  Maybe that will turn into something.  That's what I really want to be doing, after all...

 

First off, this is for Cathy:

Pink Lady
1 1/2 oz Gin
1 tsp Grenadine
1 tsp Light Cream
1 Egg white

Shake ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.

(from drinksmixer.com)

No wonder I thought it was totally nasty...

I went to the Kerry/Edwards rally on Saturday. I stood in the shade (behind one of the huge banners, actually) but it was still way too damn hot. It was about 95 degrees and humid, and I was there for about three hours. I'm glad I went, though--it was so cool to be surrounded by people who are just as fired up as you are. There were representatives from every demographic. I stood next to this middle-aged gay couple, in front of some college girls, and next to a stroller. I bought a button to hang from my rear-view mirror (next to this one), but it had to be subtle so Mark can drive my car without being accused of bias... So I got one with a ketchup bottle on it. I suppose the DNC can't be accused of copyright infringement on this one.

I like Edwards a lot. I think he's pretty sincere, and seems like a good person. I'm not totally keen on Kerry--he seems like just another Democrat talking head to me--but I think he'd do the trick. At the rally, neither of them said anything your average moderate-to-leftie couldn't agree with, but I guess that's typical. The main feeling I got out of the experience (other than total discomfort) was that they really have a chance at this thing. North Carolina may even be a battleground state. It would be nice for my vote to count for a change... :)

Oh, and by the way, I saw no evidence of a "musical guest". Maybe it was too hot for Hootie. Oh, but their campaign theme song is apparently "Johnny B. Goode". Corny!

Okay, so we changed the date--it's going to be on April 16. (We realized that May 7 was UNCW commencement, the one weekend all year when there really are NO hotel rooms available...) All else is the same. And we've scheduled our first Pre-Cana meeting, though it's over a month away. The tastings went fine, though we still haven't received a quote from the one guy. And I did try on my grandmother's dress--it's too small, and while I could work on losing 50 pounds between now and April, I don't want to count on it. Plus it's just not ME...

The big news here is John Edwards, of course. Mark was on the phone all day Tuesday, getting the "local reaction" (as always). Tomorrow there's a big rally at NC State that Mark has to go to. I got a ticket as well, though we can't be together (there's a special press section). I guess I'll just get there early, bring my crochet and a score, and hang out. There will be a "musical guest"--rumored to be Hootie and the Blowfish or REM. I'd love to see REM, but I guess Hootie would be okay, too. Free live music, after all.

They haven't been showing John Kerry commercials down here, by the way--it was never deemed a battle state, and our primary is so late this year as to be inconsequential (July 20!)--but I saw my first one yesterday. It was exciting! Mark keeps saying the president is going to lose, that they'll never know what hit them, and I hope he's right. Then again, Mark predicted that Gore would win in 2000. Oh, that's right, he DID... ;)

The other news is that I have a part-time temp position for a few weeks, starting Monday. And it pays well. Finally I will have more than $85 in the bank--for a few weeks, anyway...

Oh, and this is from Erik, some time ago:

20 Questions to a Better Personality

Wackiness: 44/100
Rationality: 44/100
Constructiveness: 68/100
Leadership: 44/100

You are an SECF--Sober Emotional Constructive Follower. This makes you a hippie. You are passionate about your causes and steadfast in your commitments. Once you've made up your mind, no one can convince you otherwise. Your politics are left-leaning, and your lifestyle choices decidedly temperate and chaste.

You do tremendous work when focused, but usually you operate somewhat distracted. You blow hot and cold, and while you normally endeavor on the side of goodness and truth, you have a massive mean streak which is not to be taken lightly. You don't get mad, you get even.

Please don't get even with this web site.

We have picked a date: Saturday, May 7, 2005 at 2 PM. Hopefully that won't interfere with the high school reunion. ;) It will be at the church we didn't originally want, but we are satisfied, and it's probably better this way anyway. And the reception will be in the city council chambers/ballroom. Very pretty, right downtown, newly renovated. Next week we'll be meeting with our two caterer choices, and hopefully a decision about that will be made soon. Then we can relax a little bit. The dress situation is actually the least stressful thing of everything. A few weeks ago I went to this renowned bridal outlet and tried on a few dresses, just for fun. Alone, so there was no pressure. It was kind of fun. There was one I really liked, but for some reason I can't find the style number on the company's website. Anyway, I guess I'll be doing the big trip in September or so. But now my grandmother has offered her dress--fifty years old this fall--which would need to be restored (and might not even fit), but it would be pretty cool. Plus she said I could do whatever I wanted to the sleeves, neckline, etc., and she wouldn't be offended--and it wouldn't hurt her at all either if I decided against wearing it. So it's good to have that option. Bridesmaids: probably going with David's Bridal so y'all can get different dresses all in the same color/s. Haven't decided on the color yet--possibly periwinkle or lavender--but we have time to work on that.

Relations with my mother have gone surprisingly well since the engagement. At one point I said to Mark that I hoped the wedding-planning experience would bring my mother and I closer together. I suppose we can bond over swatches or something. There have been a few times where I've tried to get her off the phone lately, but mostly because she was talking about money and my employment prospects. I've sent off about eight resumes for part-time jobs, and I'll just keep trying. I really need to call these music schools, but for some reason I've been dragging my feet about it. Probably just fear of rejection. Whatever. What have I really got to lose here?

Aha! I am back. My computer is hooked up to the internet, finally, though I have an excruciatingly slow connection (and a Pentium 133, to make matters worse). It's been difficult to get things done.

Anyway, my father came through his surgery just fine, though they did have to take out almost his entire right tricep. The scar starts at his elbow and loops around his armpit (apparently to help with flexibility), and was originally held together with several dozen staples. He looked a bit like Frankenstein, which was scary. But he didn't take any of the prescribed Percocet, and is returning to work next Wednesday, only about three weeks after the surgery. He's not sure how much he can do yet--he's not supposed to lift more than 15 pounds with his right arm--but is very happy about getting back to work.

I, on the other hand, have spent the last two weeks on my ass. Watching Buffy reruns, mind you, but still not doing much of anything. I am in a very precarious financial situation--I won't even get into it. Mark is helping me (including paying for my gas!), and I don't need to pay rent or anything, but I do have lessons and cell phone bills and a credit card to take care of, plus some audition-related expenses coming in a few months. I know it's part of the whole depression-prone monster, but I'm tired of it. So Mark and I talked about it AGAIN last night (after a near-breakdown in Kmart on Sunday), and this morning I faxed off my first resume for a part-time job. I'm not really counting on any of the music schools in town to be interested in hiring me (or anybody) at this point--particularly in the summer--and I think working mornings is a great way for me to feel like I'm doing something. And I definitely will be able to pay my own bills this way. There's a program in Sarasota that I REALLY want to do in the winter (eleven weeks long, with only nine days off the whole time--now THAT is intensive), so right now I'm just trying to fill something in, to pay the bills. Plus I really don't mind administrative work--especially when it's part-time, because I don't have to stress over it. And I know I won't be doing it forever, of course. It will actually be nice to meet some new people.

I must go, but I have a question: how do people feel about April 16, 2005 for a wedding? Looks like it'll either be that or May 7th (which, incidentally, is the day Mark proposed, but we're leaning towards the former). We really wanted to get married on a Friday evening, but the church we're using (which was not our first choice, but will do just fine) only does weddings on Saturdays, before 2 PM. I think we're pretty sure about the reception site, as well; we just have to choose between two or three caterers. I think we're going to have a pasta station! Yay!

p.s. Helen, I owe you an apology for not getting back to you. As I mentioned, I've been sitting on my ass, and really have no excuse. How is Monday for you?

I know I haven't posted in a while--I have a lot going on. And right now I'm at the public library, so I have to keep this short.

Recital was fine, other than getting makeup in my eye and singing my whole Wagner set afraid I was going to go blind. Cathy and I had a good time here.

Moving was relatively stress-free. Sold the bed and the TV, so we didn't have to rent a truck or anything. Still getting settled in. Currently unemployed, therefore earning my keep by going to the dry cleaners, removing stains from white shirts and making meatloaf for dinner, in between episodes of BUFFY. I feel like June Cleaver. Actually, no.

But the big thing is this: my father has a tumor in his right tricep that the doctors thought was benign, but it isn't. It's a rare, slow-growing cancer currently the size of a fist, and they're operating next Monday. And Thursday they need to do a CAT scan of his lungs to make sure it hasn't spread. I found out Saturday, and I'm still pretty freaked out. I mean, I know my parents aren't invincible, but this is scary. And he's only 47. Everybody in my family who's had cancer died in their eighties. Anyway, I don't think they're very worried--or maybe my mother is making it sound better than it is. I mean, she said he'll probably only need to be out of work for six weeks or so, and they have to remove a bunch of his tricep muscle. (Traditionally they used to have to AMPUTATE, but thank goodness they won't.) There's a chance he might need radiation treatments as well, but they're not sure yet. In any case, I'm going down there next week to help out--my mother is working part-time, so I'll do what I can. He might be a bit too medicated to need much of anything for a few days, but what else can I do? I feel pretty powerless about the whole thing. The odd thing is that my mother still wants to go look at reception sites while I'm down there. Crazy...

From Erik:


You're My Little Pony!! Sweet and innocent and
happy, you make people want to spew burrito
chunks. Even a Care Bear could kick your ass.


What childhood toy from the 80s are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

I AM 35% GEEK! You probably work in computers, or a history deptartment at a college. You never really fit in with the "normal" crowd. But you have friends, and this is a good thing. Take the GEEK test at Fuali.com

Are you American Idol material? by madonnawhore
Name
Age
What are you singing?
Simon says:	You're charming.
Paula says:	Great job. Just wonderful.
Randy says:	I disagree with Simon all the way.
Success level:	Top 8
Created with the ORIGINAL MemeGen!

Ha!

I am dogsitting for my friend's slightly demented black Lab for the rest of the week. I'm looking forward to it, actually. I really don't have the time to devote to a dog, but I would love to have one.

Helen, you better call me back... :)

I know I haven't updated in a while, for various reasons (library being closed, logistical stuff, etc.), but the big news is:

I was right! Mark did propose at CASABLANCA on the battleship last weekend. In front of like 300 people. There was even a letter to the editor in the paper about it. The ring is gorgeous, of course. More importantly, I have my baby forever!

It's all still a bit of a blur, and sometimes I forget. And now we're starting to make guest lists and stuff, because we need to have a basic number in order to book a church and a place for the reception, so we can start sending out announcements and stuff. We're looking at next April (a good month in Wilmington, and it almost never rains). My mother is very excited, of course. I hope this becomes an opportunity for us to get closer, not less so. I think it will be a good thing. Anyway, more details about the whole thing will follow.

And in other news (yes, there is other news!), the first dress rehearsal for my recital was earlier this afternoon. I think it went pretty well--still some things to work on, but it's really coming together. It's a good thing I learn music quickly!

I only have a few minutes, but I must say something about the FRIENDS finale. I think it ended well, with the spirit of the series as a whole in mind. There were no surprise guests (eg. no Emily or Joshua or Paul the wine guy, though Janice was on a few episodes ago). And though they did give us what we wanted, there was some doubt along the way. I hated the show when it came out, but it really grew on me. Who can't identify with something there?

Anyway, I just did my observed lesson (not my idea of fun) and I turned in my portfolio. I have a rehearsal at 11, then it's off to the beach. And Mark's meeting has been canceled, apparently. They show classic movies on the battleship during the summer, and Mark wants to go tonight--they're showing CASABLANCA. How could I NOT be suspicious about this? Argh. Anyway, wish me luck...

BIG NEWS!

We have officially moved my recital to Tuesday, May 25 at 5:30 PM. You heard it here first. If you live within three states of me, consider making the drive. How often do you get to hear Wagner in recital, for free?

Oh, and yes, I still have music to memorize. We decided to move my recital two weeks ago, and in that time I have learned six new songs, but I only have two of them memorized. (Others are on their way to being memorized, but the two that I have committed to memory are a bit shaky...) Getting things memorized generally isn't a problem for me, but it's just that it's so MUCH, in such a short period of time. I know I can do it--after Friday morning (when my pedagogy portfolio is due) I don't have anything to do except pack and get my music in order.

And by the way, we're headed to the beach this weekend. I should be at Mark's by one, and then we're on our way. He has some sort of meeting planned, but other than that we can go to the beach (though the water will still be too cold, I'd think), go downtown and just relax. Yes, it has definitely crossed my mind that this may be THE weekend (i.e. a date with "precious"). I'm trying not to think about it, but the minute he mentioned it I got this feeling that it may be time. I don't want to get my hopes up, but how can I not?!

Oh, and did you notice my new banner ads? I'm so proud of myself. :)

Maybe more quizzes will make the ad go away...or maybe I'm just procrastinating...


Lady Fairy of the Rainbow


What Fairy Lady are you? (Ladies)
brought to you by Quizilla


Which Historical Lunatic Are You?
From the fecund loins of Rum and Monkey.


Which Survivor of the Impending Nuclear Apocalypse Are You?
A Rum and Monkey joint.


Raphael: The angel of healing. Raphael is drawn to
injured souls which cry out for kindness and
patients. You are a sweet and caring person,
and make a great friend.


Which Angel Lays Within You?
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Morpheus


?? Which Of The Greek Gods Are You ??
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you are the cute but psycho happy bunny. You
adorable, but a little out there. It's alright,
you might not have it all, but there are worse


which happy bunny are you?
brought to you by Quizilla


The Texas Chainsaw Massacre


What GOOD movie are you?
brought to you by Quizilla


You're Brigitte Bardot!


What Classic Pin-Up Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla


Wow, I feel really mindless now.

I noticed that the ad banner on my page had something about "family values" or something on it...I plan to remove it right now.


obsessive compulsive


Which Personality Disorder Do You Have?
brought to you by Quizilla

I've been working on the Wagner. Wagner. Wagner. The Wesendonck-Lieder. I love the Wagner. They're working so much better than the Strauss were. I can actually SING the Wagner, whereas with the Strauss I was just phonating in rhythm. :) Instead of doing the crazy-hard Mozart aria, I'm doing a few of William Bolcom's Cabaret Songs. They're really funny.

Oh, and I did the laryngeal-scoping thing this morning. According to the speech pathologist, I have an "extraordinary larynx". Isn't that cool? Wagner.

P.S. Wagner. Opera. Wagner. Wagner. Ring Cycle. Diva. Soprano.

Hopefully that will make the evil ads go away... :)

From Erik:

Abortion?:	a woman's choice (as I squirm...)
Death Penalty?:	no way
Prostitution?:	exploitative
Alcohol?:	in moderation
Marijuana?:	in more moderation, under controlled circumstances
Other drugs?:	dangerous and scary
Gay marriage?:	the government should grant civil unions to everyone--get rid of "marriage" altogether
Illegal immigrants?:	my grandfather was one...
Smoking?:	far away from me
Drunk driving?:	unacceptable
Cloning?:	creepy
Racism?:	evil
Premarital sex?:	probably a good thing
Religion?:	whatever makes sense to you
The war in Iraq?:	probably inevitable, but certainly for the wrong reasons
Bush?:	nitwit puppet of some far nastier characters
Downloading music?:	for individual use only
The legal drinking age?:	19? That's what it is in Canada...
Porn?:	for laughs, or if it's tasteful
Suicide?:	"don't do it"

What is your stand on..... brought to you by BZOINK!

Another Friday Five from the vaults...

1. As a child, who was your favorite superhero/heroine? Why?

Why, Wonder Woman, of course. Because she had big boobs and an invisible jet. And she could kick ass.

2. What was one thing you always wanted as a child but never got?

Ballet lessons! All my elementary-school friends took ballet, but I thought we couldn't afford them. I was probably right...

3. What's the furthest from home you've been?

Madrid, for several hours' layover.

4. What's one thing you've always wanted to learn but haven't yet?

Violin.

5. What are your plans for the weekend?

Many recitals to attend, and I'm working with a coach from New York Sunday. Plus I think we're washing the car. How exciting...

Sorry to be brief, but I have music to learn....

So everybody seems to be slacking on their pages lately... I will try not to let this happen here. I'm sure my entries will decrease a bit once I'm not in school anymore, but I'll do my best.

The big news here is that we've decided to postpone my recital for a few weeks. Things were just not going as smoothly as we thought they would, and (as you know) I've been freaking out since my rocky recital jury. Yesterday in my lesson my teacher brought it up (she assumed I was a bit too fragile to bring it up before, which was astute of her) and we had a serious discussion about it. As long as I do it before the summer sessions are over it's not a problem, but I'd like to get it done in May (my accompanist will be gone during June). So we're laying the really hard, scary Strauss aside and doing a Wagner set that I really wanted to do anyway. Now all I have to do is learn a handful of new songs in the next few weeks...

An archival Friday Five...

(December 7, 2001)

1. If you were to go to a movie this weekend, which one would you pick?

Perhaps the sneak preview of 13 Going on 30, if only because it's basically a remake of Big...

2. What movie would you like to rent this weekend?

I know they show them on TV a lot, but a Mel Brooks movie would be nice. High Anxiety, maybe.

3. What one TV show do you always try to watch?

I've been into watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns on FX lately...

4. If you (and your S.O.) were cool with it, what five celebrities (at the most) would it be 'ok' for you to have a fling with?

Yum. Okay. This is actually harder than I thought it'd be! In no particular order: the two Colins (Farrell and Firth), Jon Stewart (he would be really funny in bed), Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp (why not?). Subject to change.

5. How do you plan to spend your weekend?

I have three recitals and a Verdi Requiem to go to. My friend's mother is driving in tonight from up North, and a group of us is supposed to have dinner. Hopefully Mark will be able to make it.

And that's it. Yesterday was a crappy day for several reasons, but I'm trying to transcend that. Singing is frustrating right now because I have a $hitload of neck tension. Well, I think I always had it, and I'm just now really noticing how much it affects my singing. I guess that's sort of a good thing, but I'm annoyed about it...

I feel obligated to post, since I haven't done so in a week, but I really don't have much time. (Slept late--allergies.) The main news is that I found out last week that I didn't get into the certificate program I auditioned for--but I'm not too broken up about that, because it means Mark and I can finally live together! I think some tiny, puritannical part of me doesn't like the idea of "shacking up", but what have we been doing, anyway? I know it'll be a HUGE adjustment--I've never been good at sharing, you know. It's really exciting, though. Anyway, what this means is that I'll be getting a part-time job and will try to start a private studio (unless I can get a job with a private music school, which would be ideal). In the meantime, I keep studying (without the pressures of school to get in the way) and audition like mad in the fall. Plus one of these days I'll have to start planning a wedding, so that'll keep me busy. :)

I'm still a bit freaked about my recital, but things are better than they were. My first dress rehearsal is already next Thursday--scary, but I know I can do this. I just need to, um, DO it.

And this is HILARIOUS.