Back at home, chilling out. Haven't found a job with the agency yet. But I'm fairly content to relax. Eagerly anticipating NMC music which is supposed to be in the mail.
Enjoyed last few days in Melbourne - Night Market, Lygon St adventures, airport rides, extended BBC viewing sessions, pizza-making.
Thanks to those who called me last week - really appreciated it.
Wish I could be there with you all.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Lots of stuff!
So, since my last post.....
It has been very busy (bus since when has it not?)
There was that week of a bajillion rehearsals. Fun fun. That week probably gave me a bit of a taste of what it was like to be a freelance musician. I have to say I quite liked it. You know, own practice in the morning, afternoon rehearsals (evening if necessary). Some performances here and there (afternoon and evening when necessary). Master's recital was lots of fun - I'd almost forgotten how much fun it was to perform with the sextet, and can't wait for more projects. At the moment, we might have a Lunchtime Concert at ACU lined up for next year - a lot of Mozart (as we did this year). And we're throwing up the possibilities and ideas of touring with the Mozart programme.
Concerts that week were also fun. St Matt's Prahan had a Violin-Viola extravaganza (with some piano thrown in as the orchestra!). And then rushed off straight after (I mean in the style of C giving me flowers, hug & kiss, then whispered "I'll see you next week!" and then ran out the door, down the road, and onto the train!). Got up to North Carlton to Gerald's Bar for some Schubert (hastily put together with our substitute clarinettist!). It went really well, and a few friends came, which was cool.
Had a few more rehearsals the next week, as well as two horn exams to play for, which were both great. Had lots of fun doing them! Then some page-turning 'gigs' - which was fun. And got to meet some cool people in the music industry, which is always cool. Met a couple of friends who were over in Melbourne for holidays - quite coincidental that I was free that day, and met them both! Went to recitals, practiced, hung out with friends. It was pretty cool.
Did the violin-viola extravaganza again, but at St Jude's in Carlton. Was much fun, though it was very tiring, as that day I went to and played at B & J's wedding in Weribee, which was just beautiful. Unfortunately couldn't go to the reception (which would have been very fun!) because of the concert that night, but that's cool - one definitely picks what they're going to do, I suppose!
Had Queen's Advent Service on Sunday ('wear a party frock' were the instructions, which A & I took seriously). It went really well, particularly as I had my first and only rehearsal for it that afternoon! Much fun. Profiteroles were delicious haha. And then rocked up to Prayer Meeting looking all dressed up, to be asked "Why do you look so nice?" Haha.
Monday involved some recital-going (in fact, four!!). It was great. And it's always fun to support your friends, and hear them play.
My own recital was yesterday. About 20 people came, which was cool. I kinda didn't expect that many people to come, even though I know I invited about 70 people! But it filled up most of Heinze Room, so that was a nice audience to play to. there were some parts of it (my recital) which I liked, some I didn't. But I'm taking Geoff's advice (considering he was one of my examiners!) that I wanted to come out of it feeling better than what I felt like going into it. I think I can say I am relieved it's over, but also a little sad that I don't have anything like that to practice for the immediate future (apart from you know, camp and AYO stuff, when I eventually get it!). I slept in this morning (something I haven't done for about the past three months!) which felt very luxurious and a little indulgent. And haven't touched piano at all today. Feeling a bit of withdrawal symptoms.
After exam, went to have some brunch and celebrate (fairly low-key!). Had to laugh at S's chai latte. Then spent the rest of the day, with A's amazing help, packing and moving out of my flat. I'm so glad I didn't do it before my exam - I think I would have gone mental! And probably hurt myself. But it took a very long time, and it was quite painful. But we finally did it. Thank you D, F and S, for letting me keep stuff at your places. And A, for your muscles and cheerful attitude throughout it all!
So, catching up with friends in these last few days, going to some recitals, chilling out, re-packing. Before I finally go home.....and will be separated from these Melbourne friends!
Thanks for another amazing year - I love you all, and really appreciate your friendship.
To another amazing year in 2009....
It has been very busy (bus since when has it not?)
There was that week of a bajillion rehearsals. Fun fun. That week probably gave me a bit of a taste of what it was like to be a freelance musician. I have to say I quite liked it. You know, own practice in the morning, afternoon rehearsals (evening if necessary). Some performances here and there (afternoon and evening when necessary). Master's recital was lots of fun - I'd almost forgotten how much fun it was to perform with the sextet, and can't wait for more projects. At the moment, we might have a Lunchtime Concert at ACU lined up for next year - a lot of Mozart (as we did this year). And we're throwing up the possibilities and ideas of touring with the Mozart programme.
Concerts that week were also fun. St Matt's Prahan had a Violin-Viola extravaganza (with some piano thrown in as the orchestra!). And then rushed off straight after (I mean in the style of C giving me flowers, hug & kiss, then whispered "I'll see you next week!" and then ran out the door, down the road, and onto the train!). Got up to North Carlton to Gerald's Bar for some Schubert (hastily put together with our substitute clarinettist!). It went really well, and a few friends came, which was cool.
Had a few more rehearsals the next week, as well as two horn exams to play for, which were both great. Had lots of fun doing them! Then some page-turning 'gigs' - which was fun. And got to meet some cool people in the music industry, which is always cool. Met a couple of friends who were over in Melbourne for holidays - quite coincidental that I was free that day, and met them both! Went to recitals, practiced, hung out with friends. It was pretty cool.
Did the violin-viola extravaganza again, but at St Jude's in Carlton. Was much fun, though it was very tiring, as that day I went to and played at B & J's wedding in Weribee, which was just beautiful. Unfortunately couldn't go to the reception (which would have been very fun!) because of the concert that night, but that's cool - one definitely picks what they're going to do, I suppose!
Had Queen's Advent Service on Sunday ('wear a party frock' were the instructions, which A & I took seriously). It went really well, particularly as I had my first and only rehearsal for it that afternoon! Much fun. Profiteroles were delicious haha. And then rocked up to Prayer Meeting looking all dressed up, to be asked "Why do you look so nice?" Haha.
Monday involved some recital-going (in fact, four!!). It was great. And it's always fun to support your friends, and hear them play.
My own recital was yesterday. About 20 people came, which was cool. I kinda didn't expect that many people to come, even though I know I invited about 70 people! But it filled up most of Heinze Room, so that was a nice audience to play to. there were some parts of it (my recital) which I liked, some I didn't. But I'm taking Geoff's advice (considering he was one of my examiners!) that I wanted to come out of it feeling better than what I felt like going into it. I think I can say I am relieved it's over, but also a little sad that I don't have anything like that to practice for the immediate future (apart from you know, camp and AYO stuff, when I eventually get it!). I slept in this morning (something I haven't done for about the past three months!) which felt very luxurious and a little indulgent. And haven't touched piano at all today. Feeling a bit of withdrawal symptoms.
After exam, went to have some brunch and celebrate (fairly low-key!). Had to laugh at S's chai latte. Then spent the rest of the day, with A's amazing help, packing and moving out of my flat. I'm so glad I didn't do it before my exam - I think I would have gone mental! And probably hurt myself. But it took a very long time, and it was quite painful. But we finally did it. Thank you D, F and S, for letting me keep stuff at your places. And A, for your muscles and cheerful attitude throughout it all!
So, catching up with friends in these last few days, going to some recitals, chilling out, re-packing. Before I finally go home.....and will be separated from these Melbourne friends!
Thanks for another amazing year - I love you all, and really appreciate your friendship.
To another amazing year in 2009....
Monday, November 17, 2008
More coherant?
We'll see about that. But I'll try my best.
So, have had a couple of exams and am waiting till December for my final one. Seems like ages away - I hope I don't lose motivation.
Orchestration exam was as expected - I though pretty straightforward. It was one of the classes I had this year that had the majority of my friends in it (though admittedly, so did Prac, where Thursday Concert Classes were a bit of a time to catch up; as too was Chamber Music, though the division of the class into instrument groups didn't really allow for that much social interaction. Anyway). So there were a bunch of us, sitting all in one row. The exam was held in Theatre A in the Old Arts Building - if you don't know it, I must tell you that this is a lecture theatre where the desks are those flip-out ones that flip out from a row in front of you. Therefore, it is very difficult to get in and out of the seats in the middle of the rows. Which is exactly where I sat. Silly me, because I was pretty sure I wasn't going to stay for the two hours. I left with N after an hour and a quarter, and made life difficult for myself and the four or so people we eventually disturbed in order to get out of the exam. And the whole time, I was wondering whether I should do a fancy leap-over-the-rows act, or perhaps be thrown to the front of the theatre by some friends to make it out, while the lecturer looked at us bemusedly as we pondered how to get out without affecting a maximum number of people.
K's exam was the next day - went pretty well, it was fun to do. I suppose she was very relieved when it was over, as it was her last exam for this year! So well done on finishing, K!
Then had Macroeconomics exam on Thursday. This was the one I was dreading the most; it has been the subject giving me the most grief in terms of study, and perhaps all this semester, although that is a little hard to determine because I don't think that I worked hard for it at all this semester. Until Swotvac. It went ok, I think. I hope. Not really sure. I definitely studied my butt off for it. (Though my butt is still in place, thank you very much.) Not really sure how I did - you know when you do exams and you think you do ok, because you can answer pretty much almost everything with a little bit of confidence, but then afterwards you start talking to your friends and they start talking about specific questions and how they answered it and you have no idea what they're talking about - the concepts are ones you don't even recall, or possibly have never heard of. That's when I decided to leave and go home, because the exam was done, and I couldn't do anything else. Oh well. We'll just have to wait and see, won't we? I do hope I at least pass though, because it would be very painful if I had to do the subject again. Plus, I kinda don't want to have to spend another semester at uni, just doing commerce stuff. What a drag that would be!
It was good to get out on Thursday night to celebrate S's birthday - almost like a mini-post-exams party (though not really post-exams just yet). Furthermore, there was a BBQ the following night to celebrate P's birthday which was earlier in the week. So that was fun. There were a couple of people that were at both, but even not so - there were good friends at both that made both evenings much fun and relaxed and definitely what I needed following some intense study.
Had a pretty chilled weekend - some rehearsals, some relaxing (though how much of REAL relaxation, without thinking about much else is debatable), some business to sort out. All good.
Got called by J for my piano debut at church that night. It was cool. I've always had a bit of a *thing* about playing piano in church, particularly since starting uni. Much too long to get into here, but anyway. Bottom line, it was pretty cool. Still not sure where I'm going with it next year and stuff, but there's definitely lots to think about.
This coming week sees about eleven rehearsals in the diary. Yes, you read correctly. And performing of sorts five times. I'm not sure how my wrist is holding up - I don't want to do any damage, but let's say today it's not doing so well. I know it's something I have to be overly cautious about, and eleven rehearsals in one week definitely won't help it. So please remind me to take it easy, and to be very careful!
Now, if somebody could just tell me exactly when the new James Bond movie comes out in Australia. I feel really stupid, as I have in my diary 27 November as the release date, but read somewhere (probably wikipedia....haha) that it's been shifted forward a week to this Wednesday. But I can't, for the life of me, actually find the date. Please enlighten me.
Wow, I should really go eat dinner. I called my mother up at work this afternoon to ask how to cook that broccoli and egg thing that my uncle does. I would have called him, but thought my mum might appreciate it more. I think she was in a meeting or something. Either way, she was definitely laughing at me.
So, have had a couple of exams and am waiting till December for my final one. Seems like ages away - I hope I don't lose motivation.
Orchestration exam was as expected - I though pretty straightforward. It was one of the classes I had this year that had the majority of my friends in it (though admittedly, so did Prac, where Thursday Concert Classes were a bit of a time to catch up; as too was Chamber Music, though the division of the class into instrument groups didn't really allow for that much social interaction. Anyway). So there were a bunch of us, sitting all in one row. The exam was held in Theatre A in the Old Arts Building - if you don't know it, I must tell you that this is a lecture theatre where the desks are those flip-out ones that flip out from a row in front of you. Therefore, it is very difficult to get in and out of the seats in the middle of the rows. Which is exactly where I sat. Silly me, because I was pretty sure I wasn't going to stay for the two hours. I left with N after an hour and a quarter, and made life difficult for myself and the four or so people we eventually disturbed in order to get out of the exam. And the whole time, I was wondering whether I should do a fancy leap-over-the-rows act, or perhaps be thrown to the front of the theatre by some friends to make it out, while the lecturer looked at us bemusedly as we pondered how to get out without affecting a maximum number of people.
K's exam was the next day - went pretty well, it was fun to do. I suppose she was very relieved when it was over, as it was her last exam for this year! So well done on finishing, K!
Then had Macroeconomics exam on Thursday. This was the one I was dreading the most; it has been the subject giving me the most grief in terms of study, and perhaps all this semester, although that is a little hard to determine because I don't think that I worked hard for it at all this semester. Until Swotvac. It went ok, I think. I hope. Not really sure. I definitely studied my butt off for it. (Though my butt is still in place, thank you very much.) Not really sure how I did - you know when you do exams and you think you do ok, because you can answer pretty much almost everything with a little bit of confidence, but then afterwards you start talking to your friends and they start talking about specific questions and how they answered it and you have no idea what they're talking about - the concepts are ones you don't even recall, or possibly have never heard of. That's when I decided to leave and go home, because the exam was done, and I couldn't do anything else. Oh well. We'll just have to wait and see, won't we? I do hope I at least pass though, because it would be very painful if I had to do the subject again. Plus, I kinda don't want to have to spend another semester at uni, just doing commerce stuff. What a drag that would be!
It was good to get out on Thursday night to celebrate S's birthday - almost like a mini-post-exams party (though not really post-exams just yet). Furthermore, there was a BBQ the following night to celebrate P's birthday which was earlier in the week. So that was fun. There were a couple of people that were at both, but even not so - there were good friends at both that made both evenings much fun and relaxed and definitely what I needed following some intense study.
Had a pretty chilled weekend - some rehearsals, some relaxing (though how much of REAL relaxation, without thinking about much else is debatable), some business to sort out. All good.
Got called by J for my piano debut at church that night. It was cool. I've always had a bit of a *thing* about playing piano in church, particularly since starting uni. Much too long to get into here, but anyway. Bottom line, it was pretty cool. Still not sure where I'm going with it next year and stuff, but there's definitely lots to think about.
This coming week sees about eleven rehearsals in the diary. Yes, you read correctly. And performing of sorts five times. I'm not sure how my wrist is holding up - I don't want to do any damage, but let's say today it's not doing so well. I know it's something I have to be overly cautious about, and eleven rehearsals in one week definitely won't help it. So please remind me to take it easy, and to be very careful!
Now, if somebody could just tell me exactly when the new James Bond movie comes out in Australia. I feel really stupid, as I have in my diary 27 November as the release date, but read somewhere (probably wikipedia....haha) that it's been shifted forward a week to this Wednesday. But I can't, for the life of me, actually find the date. Please enlighten me.
Wow, I should really go eat dinner. I called my mother up at work this afternoon to ask how to cook that broccoli and egg thing that my uncle does. I would have called him, but thought my mum might appreciate it more. I think she was in a meeting or something. Either way, she was definitely laughing at me.
Monday, November 10, 2008
very brief update - in ten minutes of furious typing!
It is been almost a month since I blogged. Primarily because term four has been super-busy (more than usual...is that possible?) and also because about two weeks ago, my computer decided to kick it. So, not having the distractions of checking my email and facebook every two minutes, as well as not having the need to update the readers of this blog on my weekly happenings.
But this will probably be fairly short, with more updates (ie. the whole of the last four weeks!) to come later, probably at the end of this week.
Done lots of playing, which may be summarised as such:
*Concert Class - solo (woo!) and the Khachaturian trio (yay!)
*Concerto Comp with a few friends
*Chamber Music Comp
*Chamber Music tutes
*Chamber Music exams
*Apollo Concert (my last as Choir conductor!)
*Concert at Queen's
*Composition Concert
oh, and rehearsals here and there for all the above, plus more.
It's been fun :)
A couple of 21sts, one themed as a jazz night and the other as a Spanish Fiesta. Both were enjoyable. Good chance to catch up with some friends, party for the last time till after exams (hah)
Been organising some AYO stuff on my side, getting forms in, chasing up people and bits and pieces.
Figured out that my late-night study regime is actually quite good - as in, I study fairly well at night (particularly with no MSN open to distract me now!). But this is also a bad thing, because I work well in the early morning too. And can't *really* afford to sleep in the afternoon given that my body should get used to being awake in the afternoon due to exams in the afternoon. What I need is to be able to survive on NO sleep. Or perhaps just a little bit of sleep. But unfortunately, that is not the case. Oh well....
Okay, it is time to depart. More to follow, if it is necessary.....
But this will probably be fairly short, with more updates (ie. the whole of the last four weeks!) to come later, probably at the end of this week.
Done lots of playing, which may be summarised as such:
*Concert Class - solo (woo!) and the Khachaturian trio (yay!)
*Concerto Comp with a few friends
*Chamber Music Comp
*Chamber Music tutes
*Chamber Music exams
*Apollo Concert (my last as Choir conductor!)
*Concert at Queen's
*Composition Concert
oh, and rehearsals here and there for all the above, plus more.
It's been fun :)
A couple of 21sts, one themed as a jazz night and the other as a Spanish Fiesta. Both were enjoyable. Good chance to catch up with some friends, party for the last time till after exams (hah)
Been organising some AYO stuff on my side, getting forms in, chasing up people and bits and pieces.
Figured out that my late-night study regime is actually quite good - as in, I study fairly well at night (particularly with no MSN open to distract me now!). But this is also a bad thing, because I work well in the early morning too. And can't *really* afford to sleep in the afternoon given that my body should get used to being awake in the afternoon due to exams in the afternoon. What I need is to be able to survive on NO sleep. Or perhaps just a little bit of sleep. But unfortunately, that is not the case. Oh well....
Okay, it is time to depart. More to follow, if it is necessary.....
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
So, term 4 really hit the ground running.
First day back, 8am tute. Nice. Lots of music-king, and I mean lots. In one day. Possibly 8am-4pm. Intense.
Rehearsals filled most of the first week, although it didn't feel like that many.
Didn't go to lots of other things, but probably a good thing.
Went for a long-awaited massage at the city baths on Saturday, courtesy of a bunch of friends who had pooled together for a very large group present (which amounted to a number of things including a couple of vouchers for massages at the baths) for my 21st birthday earlier this year. To sum it up, I was very loose but sore the next day.
This last week has been a week of soreness - apart from my back (which has been slowly recovering, though not all the knots are out...there's still some large ones!), a sore heel from practicing piano barefoot on a hard floor. That's my own fault. And the recovering wrist from an arm wrestle (silly idea on my part) which the massage did some good for. And a wonky knee on the other leg. I have to learn to take better care of myself. Particularly my back, which I neglect significantly.....
Had actually gone to the markets at 7am on Saturday morning - it was nice! Much fun. But I also kinda realised that I like going shopping by myself, largely. Or at least be at leisure to browse a bit. Didn't manage to go to the Chamber Music Australia/Melb Festival concert at BMW Edge that night, but I heard that it went well. Instead, at that time, I was at my own rehearsal, which was quite fun. Ended up eating dinner at about 8.20pm, and hung out with A, which was cool. Then came home to apparently work on my assignment. Which didn't work. I had done some work for it though, and J and I worked on it the next day. And admittedly, spent Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights working on it too, till late hours....which is why I really should be in bed now...haha
Anyway, this week has been (and is going to be, as it's not done!) a massive playing week. Played in Piano Class on Monday - I signed myself up about three weeks ago, because I was told that my pieces were well and truly ready to be masterclassed - my teacher gave me heaps of confidence when she said that. So, it was good to play for R, as he's very nice, and very helpful. It went ok - ppl told me afterwards that it sounded good, which I was a little surprised about, because I was so nervous! Oh well. The 3rd movt raced like anything, but that's why I have time before my exam to fix it, yeah?
More rehearsals this week, performances today in the Chamber Music comp - they both went ok - but approached from different sides for both trios. Oh well, we'll just see what happens. It was good to do, at the very least - getting performance practice, which is always a good thing. And an opportunity to work with some friends, which is often an enjoyable experience. Playing in Concert Class tomorrow - probably my last CC solo performance, and also with Kairos trio. I'm quite nervous about the Chopin, despite my teacher's reassurances (I asked if I could play it to her on Tuesday, but our times didn't match up, and she looked at me strangely and asked why I was so worried about it. Hah.) I'm a nervous solo performer...so hopefully there'll be lots of kind support tomorrow! It'll be the first time in 2 years that I've played solo in this class, but I am looking forward to it all. And that will be all the playing in Concert Class....it's kinda bittersweet!
K asked me last night "How are you going?" and as usual, I replied "Busy". But was there more to the question? She's very good at making me articulate things. And I realised that in the past two weeks, I didn't really spend time with anybody to just catch up. When I did, it was part of something else - mostly music rehearsals. I hope this is just a busy time and not a more regularly occurrence than occasionally - although I have a sneaking suspicion that it is more regular than I'd like to think. :(
This makes me sad. I do really love my friends' company - I suppose I have just been extra snowed under at the moment and so find it tight to do everything. But I think a lot about them, and often don't know how to just randomly, out of the blue, ask how it is all going without sounding so strange. But it's something I should endeavour to do more.
So, please forgive me for my absence of late, and if it seems like I haven't got time for you. I assure you that I haven't forgotten about you.
And please keep encouraging me re. relationships, and Strong Strong Love. Now there's something to be so thankful for!
First day back, 8am tute. Nice. Lots of music-king, and I mean lots. In one day. Possibly 8am-4pm. Intense.
Rehearsals filled most of the first week, although it didn't feel like that many.
Didn't go to lots of other things, but probably a good thing.
Went for a long-awaited massage at the city baths on Saturday, courtesy of a bunch of friends who had pooled together for a very large group present (which amounted to a number of things including a couple of vouchers for massages at the baths) for my 21st birthday earlier this year. To sum it up, I was very loose but sore the next day.
This last week has been a week of soreness - apart from my back (which has been slowly recovering, though not all the knots are out...there's still some large ones!), a sore heel from practicing piano barefoot on a hard floor. That's my own fault. And the recovering wrist from an arm wrestle (silly idea on my part) which the massage did some good for. And a wonky knee on the other leg. I have to learn to take better care of myself. Particularly my back, which I neglect significantly.....
Had actually gone to the markets at 7am on Saturday morning - it was nice! Much fun. But I also kinda realised that I like going shopping by myself, largely. Or at least be at leisure to browse a bit. Didn't manage to go to the Chamber Music Australia/Melb Festival concert at BMW Edge that night, but I heard that it went well. Instead, at that time, I was at my own rehearsal, which was quite fun. Ended up eating dinner at about 8.20pm, and hung out with A, which was cool. Then came home to apparently work on my assignment. Which didn't work. I had done some work for it though, and J and I worked on it the next day. And admittedly, spent Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights working on it too, till late hours....which is why I really should be in bed now...haha
Anyway, this week has been (and is going to be, as it's not done!) a massive playing week. Played in Piano Class on Monday - I signed myself up about three weeks ago, because I was told that my pieces were well and truly ready to be masterclassed - my teacher gave me heaps of confidence when she said that. So, it was good to play for R, as he's very nice, and very helpful. It went ok - ppl told me afterwards that it sounded good, which I was a little surprised about, because I was so nervous! Oh well. The 3rd movt raced like anything, but that's why I have time before my exam to fix it, yeah?
More rehearsals this week, performances today in the Chamber Music comp - they both went ok - but approached from different sides for both trios. Oh well, we'll just see what happens. It was good to do, at the very least - getting performance practice, which is always a good thing. And an opportunity to work with some friends, which is often an enjoyable experience. Playing in Concert Class tomorrow - probably my last CC solo performance, and also with Kairos trio. I'm quite nervous about the Chopin, despite my teacher's reassurances (I asked if I could play it to her on Tuesday, but our times didn't match up, and she looked at me strangely and asked why I was so worried about it. Hah.) I'm a nervous solo performer...so hopefully there'll be lots of kind support tomorrow! It'll be the first time in 2 years that I've played solo in this class, but I am looking forward to it all. And that will be all the playing in Concert Class....it's kinda bittersweet!
K asked me last night "How are you going?" and as usual, I replied "Busy". But was there more to the question? She's very good at making me articulate things. And I realised that in the past two weeks, I didn't really spend time with anybody to just catch up. When I did, it was part of something else - mostly music rehearsals. I hope this is just a busy time and not a more regularly occurrence than occasionally - although I have a sneaking suspicion that it is more regular than I'd like to think. :(
This makes me sad. I do really love my friends' company - I suppose I have just been extra snowed under at the moment and so find it tight to do everything. But I think a lot about them, and often don't know how to just randomly, out of the blue, ask how it is all going without sounding so strange. But it's something I should endeavour to do more.
So, please forgive me for my absence of late, and if it seems like I haven't got time for you. I assure you that I haven't forgotten about you.
And please keep encouraging me re. relationships, and Strong Strong Love. Now there's something to be so thankful for!
Friday, October 03, 2008
Holidays....or not?
Since the last update, there have been some exciting things going on.
Had a 21st to go to, so had to go shopping for a group present. Having gone shopping for J's, I was keen to be the shopper (or one of them!). Plus, I hadn't really been shopping for a while, so I pretty excited. So, shopping day came. It was exciting. There were delays, text messages flying back and forth, some bad news, some assurance and finally, two surprises. It was great to get out and do some walking of this city, in and out of here and there, with two friends that I don't really spend that much time with outside of the usual contexts. So it was fun to hang out with them then. It took about five hours to shop for the present (!!) and we finally decided on a couple of things that we thought would go down well (on behalf of the group). Oh, and there were obviously the obligatory lunch and coffee breaks, as well as the visit-person-you-know-is-working-in-the-city-to-get-his-opinion break. It was very good.
So, what did I learn on that shopping trip?
Girls who wear strapless dresses can expect to be hitching their dress up all night.
Which is what I did that night at the party. Hah. Oh well.
It was a fun night, speeches were great, enjoyment was had. Funny/possibly inappropriate photos (which were not intended to be so) were taken, awkward moments ensued....all in great fun.
And that was to kick the two week mid-semester 'holiday' off. It was a great start.
To that 'holiday' (otherwise known as 'non-teaching period' - where students are still expected to do assignments, homework, study............hah)
Had fairly busy first few days of rehearsals, practice and general figuring out what work I actually needed to do. Then it was off to Ballarat I was! Was going to visit P (crossover a day with A), and then stay with P while Apollo Camp was also there. It was a most relaxing five days - took a bit of work up with me to try get a bit done. Of course, I didn't do any hehe. Instead, I slept quite a lot, watched movies with the girls, ate so very well, played games, went on a picnic, went on a drive to Daylesford where we spent a beautiful afternoon wandering in the shops and having chocolate sensations. Apollo did well - successful rehearsals, fun times, and a good concert. Now onto Pops.....
Coming back from Ballarat was a bit of a 'back to the smoky haze' experience - jumped on an earlier train so I could make it back in time for music that night; on the way, had to stop by the Con to pick up some new music to learn for the following week, stop by home to dump my stuff and grab a fiddle, then off to Jude's. All in an hour. Of course, the train was a little delayed. As were the trams. And then running into church like a headless chicken...yeah, good look.. :S It was a great session that night, particularly enjoyed playing the organ :D
So, this music I had to learn for that week that I picked up on Sunday night......
well, it was very much "back to business", hit the ground running style. Had an interview for NMC Arts Admin programme last week (I thought it went weirdly; they called about 20mins late, that can't be a good sign....., then had some curvy questions that I wasn't really sure about...anyway..) and I found out the results of all AYO programmes last week while I was in Ballarat. Let's say there was some nervous waiting (I'm glad we went to Daylesford that day!), frantic jumping around, furious forwarding of emails, answering phone calls etc.
And also I'd gotten calls to accompany for some masterclasses during MIFB. Which I agreed to, not knowing what I was getting myself into. I got myself into some hard music (only some, some easy), very quick learning, and playing with instruments I haven't before played with, and playing for some very esteemed musicians. It was cool.
So, this week, I've been doing four to five hour sessions every morning (from breakfast to lunch) of practice in the basement...quite bliss! Except for the whole 'basement' factor - no windows, no sunlight, just a piano and me. And then I found out last night that my exam isn't for another two whole MONTHS. I can afford to take a holiday between now and then! Anyway, there was much trombone music to learn! I don't think I've ever learnt so much (not necessarily easy) music in such short notice for such an event. Anyway, masterclasses were cool - didn't play my best in all of them, but it happens. I get over it, move on, keep going. Met some cool people, particularly the teachers who were all really nice (apparently that is the common theme with them all, apart from them being AWESOME!). Went to a Wycliffe Gordon jazz concert last night - totally HOT!!! It was probably one of the concerts I'll be raving about for a long time. I'm not sure if I can really express in the written word just how awesome it was; it probably needs some action and crazy hand movements and very fast talking on my part to capture maybe about half the excitement and awesome-ness that it was! Go on youtube to find some stuff of him. Totally cool.
Also had a half-birthday picnic yesterday in the Botanic Gardens. I hadn't ever been before, and they were just STUNNING. It was a perfect day for a picnic yesterday, the weather was gorgeous and it felt like a holiday. A few people came by at some point to join us, which was lots of fun. Definitely a really good excuse for a picnic. And a really good time at it!
So, it'll be back to semester again once this weekend is over...where did my holidays go? I felt like this week was very go-go-go (well, it was....) and I haven't rested quite so well. I did while I was away, but it's amazing what I push myself to once I'm back in the city. I think I need another holiday...
Anyway, some things are looking great, some other things are looking a little shaky. And some things we just have to wait and see what happens...
Had a 21st to go to, so had to go shopping for a group present. Having gone shopping for J's, I was keen to be the shopper (or one of them!). Plus, I hadn't really been shopping for a while, so I pretty excited. So, shopping day came. It was exciting. There were delays, text messages flying back and forth, some bad news, some assurance and finally, two surprises. It was great to get out and do some walking of this city, in and out of here and there, with two friends that I don't really spend that much time with outside of the usual contexts. So it was fun to hang out with them then. It took about five hours to shop for the present (!!) and we finally decided on a couple of things that we thought would go down well (on behalf of the group). Oh, and there were obviously the obligatory lunch and coffee breaks, as well as the visit-person-you-know-is-working-in-the-city-to-get-his-opinion break. It was very good.
So, what did I learn on that shopping trip?
Girls who wear strapless dresses can expect to be hitching their dress up all night.
Which is what I did that night at the party. Hah. Oh well.
It was a fun night, speeches were great, enjoyment was had. Funny/possibly inappropriate photos (which were not intended to be so) were taken, awkward moments ensued....all in great fun.
And that was to kick the two week mid-semester 'holiday' off. It was a great start.
To that 'holiday' (otherwise known as 'non-teaching period' - where students are still expected to do assignments, homework, study............hah)
Had fairly busy first few days of rehearsals, practice and general figuring out what work I actually needed to do. Then it was off to Ballarat I was! Was going to visit P (crossover a day with A), and then stay with P while Apollo Camp was also there. It was a most relaxing five days - took a bit of work up with me to try get a bit done. Of course, I didn't do any hehe. Instead, I slept quite a lot, watched movies with the girls, ate so very well, played games, went on a picnic, went on a drive to Daylesford where we spent a beautiful afternoon wandering in the shops and having chocolate sensations. Apollo did well - successful rehearsals, fun times, and a good concert. Now onto Pops.....
Coming back from Ballarat was a bit of a 'back to the smoky haze' experience - jumped on an earlier train so I could make it back in time for music that night; on the way, had to stop by the Con to pick up some new music to learn for the following week, stop by home to dump my stuff and grab a fiddle, then off to Jude's. All in an hour. Of course, the train was a little delayed. As were the trams. And then running into church like a headless chicken...yeah, good look.. :S It was a great session that night, particularly enjoyed playing the organ :D
So, this music I had to learn for that week that I picked up on Sunday night......
well, it was very much "back to business", hit the ground running style. Had an interview for NMC Arts Admin programme last week (I thought it went weirdly; they called about 20mins late, that can't be a good sign....., then had some curvy questions that I wasn't really sure about...anyway..) and I found out the results of all AYO programmes last week while I was in Ballarat. Let's say there was some nervous waiting (I'm glad we went to Daylesford that day!), frantic jumping around, furious forwarding of emails, answering phone calls etc.
And also I'd gotten calls to accompany for some masterclasses during MIFB. Which I agreed to, not knowing what I was getting myself into. I got myself into some hard music (only some, some easy), very quick learning, and playing with instruments I haven't before played with, and playing for some very esteemed musicians. It was cool.
So, this week, I've been doing four to five hour sessions every morning (from breakfast to lunch) of practice in the basement...quite bliss! Except for the whole 'basement' factor - no windows, no sunlight, just a piano and me. And then I found out last night that my exam isn't for another two whole MONTHS. I can afford to take a holiday between now and then! Anyway, there was much trombone music to learn! I don't think I've ever learnt so much (not necessarily easy) music in such short notice for such an event. Anyway, masterclasses were cool - didn't play my best in all of them, but it happens. I get over it, move on, keep going. Met some cool people, particularly the teachers who were all really nice (apparently that is the common theme with them all, apart from them being AWESOME!). Went to a Wycliffe Gordon jazz concert last night - totally HOT!!! It was probably one of the concerts I'll be raving about for a long time. I'm not sure if I can really express in the written word just how awesome it was; it probably needs some action and crazy hand movements and very fast talking on my part to capture maybe about half the excitement and awesome-ness that it was! Go on youtube to find some stuff of him. Totally cool.
Also had a half-birthday picnic yesterday in the Botanic Gardens. I hadn't ever been before, and they were just STUNNING. It was a perfect day for a picnic yesterday, the weather was gorgeous and it felt like a holiday. A few people came by at some point to join us, which was lots of fun. Definitely a really good excuse for a picnic. And a really good time at it!
So, it'll be back to semester again once this weekend is over...where did my holidays go? I felt like this week was very go-go-go (well, it was....) and I haven't rested quite so well. I did while I was away, but it's amazing what I push myself to once I'm back in the city. I think I need another holiday...
Anyway, some things are looking great, some other things are looking a little shaky. And some things we just have to wait and see what happens...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
when you know things aren't as they seem...
Like driving for an hour out of Bendigo to come across a sign that says "Bendigo". We were about 7kms away. How did it happen? It was foggy, we didn't see signs, we didn't turn off.
At the very least, it was amusing. Particularly as we drove through Bendigo main street, approching it from the other side.
Long days prevailed through two weeks. Although I've slowly been shifting my practice over to uni. Which has been nice. Except for the fact that you have to sign up the previous week. And that it only opens at 8am and closes at 6pm. Plus there's a two hour limit.
Should have studied more for macro mid-semester. Am pretty sure I failed it. Probably only the second piece of assessment I have ever failed (the first being a diagnostic grammar test. I got a 50, which I thought was not so bad for somebody who's never studied grammar. And yes, the pass mark was 60. High standards are probably good standards, by and large..)
Anyway, going to be a nerd and re-do it, for myself.
So that I learn from it.
The couple of things that I felt were right included SepCon. Affectionately renamed "SexCon", it was a weekend to talk about relationships and everything that they may or may not entail. It was good to hear all the teaching again, and presented in such an honest and candid manner. Not that we didn't really already know the things that were taught - they were clarified, and we were told why we should or shouldn't do these things, and all from a Biblical perspective. The community over the weekend was also fantastic - I appreciated knowing that everybody was more than willing to engage in a real conversation, and were welcoming and accepting. There is much to think about as a result of the weekend and it's taking up a lot of brainspace that would otherwise be devoted to work, but I think this is something to consider very carefully.
Had a great music week (by and large). I was nervous about playing my entire programme through for my teacher by memory for the first time after being away (and therefore not practicing) all weekend. But I was determined to do it, so I could track my progress and see what I needed to work on. And she said two things that made me feel much lighter:
i) "I wish all my students played like you after not practicing for a weekend!"
ii) "You're at a stage where you could be three weeks before your exam." And it's about two months until my exams. So long as I don't peak too early....
So as a result, I have put myself down to play my pieces in Concert Class, as well as in Piano Class (masterclasses). And I just have to psyche myself up for it!
And then on Monday I think I came to a realisation about what I want to do after my undergraduate degree.
I have said for the past little while that I think I want to go into Music (and leave the Commerce for a rainy day, I think...) and hopefully do some more study. Wasn't sure where, or what exactly, or how, but I was pretty sure I wanted to pursue chamber music quite extensively.
So when Piano Class rolled around that afternoon, the guest teacher was the associate head of the keyboard department of the Royal Northern College of Music.
Who took the class - I was quite tired initially but I started waking up to all the things she said, which were quite amazing. And then after the class, I wanted to ask her questions about RNCM's programmes. I was introduced to her by K, who said some nice things about me (although I'm not sure if I deserved them all...) and was told that RNCM is one of the best schools in the world for my desired area of study. And not that I believe in fate in the way that it is usually quite flippantly tossed around, but I can't see why it isn't some happy coincidence that I applied to RNCM for undergraduate, was accepted, but couldn't go (due to it being terribly expensive, with little funding for international undergraduate students, particularly from Australia), but instead ended up in Melbourne where my studies in music have been quite well nurtured, and some amazing opportunities presented. Including now meeting this woman who was able to tell me about this school that I really didn't have much idea about even when I applied.
So, I would see RNCM as a serious possibility, and not sure how that will work out. But we'll see. Just one of the ideas I've had recently.
Opposite to that has been some greater disillusionment with some other things of life recently. I suppose that's not completely surprising, I've been over it since 2006. It kinda goes through phases though. And this is one of those times it's definitely on the downswing, probably not the best time for it given that emotions often play a large part in my decisions, but such decisions probably shouldn't be swayed so much by emotions, in the whole scheme of things.
I've given myself six ways to put into practice some of the key things I learnt from the weekend. And told a few close friends to keep me accountable to them. I think they're definitely some things that should take up brain space as they're very important.
Been weirded out by myself and moodes recently, but I think that's just me, going through phases. Hopefully some things turn for the better. I'm trying so hard not to disappoint myself with some things.
At the very least, it was amusing. Particularly as we drove through Bendigo main street, approching it from the other side.
Long days prevailed through two weeks. Although I've slowly been shifting my practice over to uni. Which has been nice. Except for the fact that you have to sign up the previous week. And that it only opens at 8am and closes at 6pm. Plus there's a two hour limit.
Should have studied more for macro mid-semester. Am pretty sure I failed it. Probably only the second piece of assessment I have ever failed (the first being a diagnostic grammar test. I got a 50, which I thought was not so bad for somebody who's never studied grammar. And yes, the pass mark was 60. High standards are probably good standards, by and large..)
Anyway, going to be a nerd and re-do it, for myself.
So that I learn from it.
The couple of things that I felt were right included SepCon. Affectionately renamed "SexCon", it was a weekend to talk about relationships and everything that they may or may not entail. It was good to hear all the teaching again, and presented in such an honest and candid manner. Not that we didn't really already know the things that were taught - they were clarified, and we were told why we should or shouldn't do these things, and all from a Biblical perspective. The community over the weekend was also fantastic - I appreciated knowing that everybody was more than willing to engage in a real conversation, and were welcoming and accepting. There is much to think about as a result of the weekend and it's taking up a lot of brainspace that would otherwise be devoted to work, but I think this is something to consider very carefully.
Had a great music week (by and large). I was nervous about playing my entire programme through for my teacher by memory for the first time after being away (and therefore not practicing) all weekend. But I was determined to do it, so I could track my progress and see what I needed to work on. And she said two things that made me feel much lighter:
i) "I wish all my students played like you after not practicing for a weekend!"
ii) "You're at a stage where you could be three weeks before your exam." And it's about two months until my exams. So long as I don't peak too early....
So as a result, I have put myself down to play my pieces in Concert Class, as well as in Piano Class (masterclasses). And I just have to psyche myself up for it!
And then on Monday I think I came to a realisation about what I want to do after my undergraduate degree.
I have said for the past little while that I think I want to go into Music (and leave the Commerce for a rainy day, I think...) and hopefully do some more study. Wasn't sure where, or what exactly, or how, but I was pretty sure I wanted to pursue chamber music quite extensively.
So when Piano Class rolled around that afternoon, the guest teacher was the associate head of the keyboard department of the Royal Northern College of Music.
Who took the class - I was quite tired initially but I started waking up to all the things she said, which were quite amazing. And then after the class, I wanted to ask her questions about RNCM's programmes. I was introduced to her by K, who said some nice things about me (although I'm not sure if I deserved them all...) and was told that RNCM is one of the best schools in the world for my desired area of study. And not that I believe in fate in the way that it is usually quite flippantly tossed around, but I can't see why it isn't some happy coincidence that I applied to RNCM for undergraduate, was accepted, but couldn't go (due to it being terribly expensive, with little funding for international undergraduate students, particularly from Australia), but instead ended up in Melbourne where my studies in music have been quite well nurtured, and some amazing opportunities presented. Including now meeting this woman who was able to tell me about this school that I really didn't have much idea about even when I applied.
So, I would see RNCM as a serious possibility, and not sure how that will work out. But we'll see. Just one of the ideas I've had recently.
Opposite to that has been some greater disillusionment with some other things of life recently. I suppose that's not completely surprising, I've been over it since 2006. It kinda goes through phases though. And this is one of those times it's definitely on the downswing, probably not the best time for it given that emotions often play a large part in my decisions, but such decisions probably shouldn't be swayed so much by emotions, in the whole scheme of things.
I've given myself six ways to put into practice some of the key things I learnt from the weekend. And told a few close friends to keep me accountable to them. I think they're definitely some things that should take up brain space as they're very important.
Been weirded out by myself and moodes recently, but I think that's just me, going through phases. Hopefully some things turn for the better. I'm trying so hard not to disappoint myself with some things.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
I'm not dead...yet!
Sorry about how morbid the title of this post is, but it probably captures best how the last two weeks have progressed.
After the Mozart concert, I thought I could have a rest. I was so mistaken.
It really was only rest from so much Mozart!
There was orchestra that following weekend - the intensive rehearsals. Admittedly, the celeste doesn't really have parts that could be labelled 'intensive', but of course, I still had to go. At least I got my reading done in the times I wasn't playing!
Again, I was told that the part had to be an octave lower. Again, I protested that the instrument didn't go that low. Then it was explained to me how we were going to solve the problem. So, I suppose I still am one of those few people who have told Sir Barry Tuckwell he's not talking sense. But it all worked out in the end.
Orchestra concert went ok, unfortunately the orchestra didn't play as well in rehearsals, which was a bit of a disappointment. Some things went well, some others didn't. It happens. Oh well. Some friends came along, which was cool!
Several rehearsals during the week, with three different soloists. Two were preparing for a competition on the weekend, 20 mins worth of music each. Some pieces easier than others...both at fairly short notice!
I keep scheduling things back-to-back. Which may account for business. And then when people try to re-schedule because things have come up, it is very difficult. For this, I feel bad. But at the moment, I think that's just how my life works. So, having rehearsals and meetings and classes back to back made me eat funny during the last two weeks - meals not in their regular times and what not. Very strange...
particularly as my day definitely is sign-posted with my meals. Sometimes you just forget about being hungry because you need to do things.
A got sick, which was unfortunate. And then wasn't sure whether he was going to compete on Sunday or not. It was all a little like being on call, ready to spring into action or just to do nothing. Either way, it was a bit of a waiting game. And I don't particularly like waiting, so it was pretty interesting to see how it all fared.
Met with W for breakfast, which was nice. Haven't seen her in a while. We talked for a while, caught up on all the news and thought about the future. Scary, but cool. Unknown but ready to face it and see what happens.
Went to T's 21st birthday celebration on Saturday night. It was cool to see a lot of people I haven't seen in a while. (This seems also to be a trend..) Good times. Painful shoes. I don't really learn from the pain caused by my shoes, because I'll wear them again....
Must have sounded very drunk when B took me home. Was not. I realise I don't really hold any drink of any sort, but surely a few sips of champagne would not have done anything. I think I was just delirious in general. Probably not the best state though!
Woke up early Sunday morning (I seem to be losing sleep-ins on the weekends...unfair!). Was waiting on confirmation or not about competition times. Got a 'I'm doing it' from A more than half an hour in advance (yay!) so was whisked fairly quickly to Hawthorn.
Drama occurred when the adjudicator didn't show up. Just didn't. They tried to ring lots of people, who all said that they were unavailable. Fair enough, considering they wanted them to be in within the hour!
They eventually found one in Andrea Katz who happened to be there, accompanying a string player. What luck.
So, we played about half an hour to forty minutes after our scheduled time. It was at the very least, amusing.
Rushed home. Wasn't sure why....I should have just stayed in Hawthorn, because then I had to come back out an hour and a half later for J. I haven't been thinking logically much these past couple of weeks either. Or I alternate through phases of clarity and confusion. Go figure...
Then realised that the Macroeconomics assignment that was due the following week was actually really hard. Uh-Oh. I will not leave things to such late notice again!!! Admittedly, we did hand it in online with 17hrs to spare. I'm one of those people who will finish it the night before, even if I have to stay up. But in all honesty, I've only ever stayed up to about 2.30am at the latest finishing an assignment. Yes, I'll admit, I am a nerd. A goody-two-shoes. So sue me.
Anyway, that was after having several group meetings to discuss the problems. Oh, having friends in economics is good; it seems weird, because I wouldn't immediately think of having so many friends in commerce over music. But yes, we have a group of five. It's nice :)
Had a tute with H with Kairos Trio, which was really good. Very helpful. Very ambitious schedule, but I think that's just the pressure we need.
Scuttled around on Wednesday, which included going to Medley Hall to play for the pre-formal dinner musical item with H. That went well. And I figured out I knew about 10% fo the population at Medley. Admittedly though, that is really only six people. Still...
Thursday morning: really felt the pinch of 'about to die' syndrome. That one that is brought on by extreme stress, overwork, lack of sleep and sheer exhaustion. So I had to cancel something (shock horror!) which was kinda disappointing, because I had wanted to see II for a while, and that was the only night I could go. But oh well, something's got to give, and that was the thing I decided could be let go. Had some urgent things to take care of, so there were about 10 text messages that morning from about eight different people. I felt loved but so dependant on my phone that morning! Again, was picky in Concert Class. People must hate my comments....I write essays on a lot of people telling them why their performance wasn't as succesful as planned. Even though I know almost all of those things are criticisms of myself.
Had vla trio rehearsal, with new repertoire. Sounded not bad for the first time. Probably sounded better than us plugging away at Francaix. P said it sounded good. To which I said "Ask M how long we've had it for." M: "About one week."
Not a bad attempt....
Not going out to watch II was probably a good thing that night - it means that I got to actually sit down and finish this assignment in a timely manner. Plus, get to bed at a fairly decent hour. Handy that, and very muchly needed. I did however, go out for about an hour to do some filming. I was a replacement in the kid-and-dad scene for the Love Actually themed SepCon promo video. I kept forgetting lines. But about five takes later, we had the one we really liked.
'Could you guys sit closer together?'
'Mmm, yeah, we have issues about that. Intimacy issues.'
'That's why we're going on SepCon.'
'Oh I see. To create the intimacy issues. And then resolve them. I see.'
Muchos fun.
Busy Friday, trekked all over uni and Carlton! Was at uni for 8am. Was going to be at M's audition to 11.30. But then there was a mix-up, and one of the panel wasn't there, so we had to reschedule. You remember what I said about me putting things back to back, making it very difficult to reschedule? Prime example.
Anyway, managed to do so, had to be late to something else, but that wasn't a huge drama.
Trekked across campus for class. Back across campus for rescheduled audition.
Found out that I missed Bartok contrasts in the class that I skipped (I don't normally!!) to attend original audition time. Poo bum. Oh well. What can you do?
Trekked to Carlton gardens to meet J, J and K for picnic lunch, as it was J's birthday. Had a lovely time relaxing, though admittedly was a little stressed, because it was instead of our trio rehearsal, and our next tute is in two weeks' time. Eeek! (Remember, I'm also paranoid!)
Anyway, then trekked for some more filming for promo video. Tried very hard not to laugh. Even though it was all in Spanish, and I couldn't really understand it all. There were those words that stuck out, and knowing what it actually said was kinda hard.
Did it one take, we were that good :)
Trekked back to uni to meet J to write a speech for the following night (J's 21st party)
Had much fun doing it. Got to sign up for basement rooms (scoring brownie points with L for helping).
Trekked back across uni to meet S to head to Chinatown for dinner.
Had too many bags, but what can you do?
Scored more points than S for knowing more people out that night. Hehe.
Stopped into Connect. Probably not the best idea, even though it was very good. Got home much later than anticipated....about 10.30 or 11.
Common theme: housemate not awake when I leave house. Housemate sometimes in room before I get home. Therefore, Housemate and I don't even see each other. Wow. Really though, it works quite well, living-wise.
Had to re-write speech and what not. Took a while. Got to bed at 1am. Bad idea.
So, P: "Well, if you die, at least we'll learn from it."
I hope so.
Said in context, it made complete sense. Said almost flippantly, to the general public, it sounds so bad! But it's pretty funny.
Went shopping for J's present on Saturday morning/afternoon. Much fun picking it all out!
Drove to Bendigo to attend the 21st party. Muchos fun.
Anyway, I'm running out of steam right now....
perhaps we'll leave stories from that till another time.....
After the Mozart concert, I thought I could have a rest. I was so mistaken.
It really was only rest from so much Mozart!
There was orchestra that following weekend - the intensive rehearsals. Admittedly, the celeste doesn't really have parts that could be labelled 'intensive', but of course, I still had to go. At least I got my reading done in the times I wasn't playing!
Again, I was told that the part had to be an octave lower. Again, I protested that the instrument didn't go that low. Then it was explained to me how we were going to solve the problem. So, I suppose I still am one of those few people who have told Sir Barry Tuckwell he's not talking sense. But it all worked out in the end.
Orchestra concert went ok, unfortunately the orchestra didn't play as well in rehearsals, which was a bit of a disappointment. Some things went well, some others didn't. It happens. Oh well. Some friends came along, which was cool!
Several rehearsals during the week, with three different soloists. Two were preparing for a competition on the weekend, 20 mins worth of music each. Some pieces easier than others...both at fairly short notice!
I keep scheduling things back-to-back. Which may account for business. And then when people try to re-schedule because things have come up, it is very difficult. For this, I feel bad. But at the moment, I think that's just how my life works. So, having rehearsals and meetings and classes back to back made me eat funny during the last two weeks - meals not in their regular times and what not. Very strange...
particularly as my day definitely is sign-posted with my meals. Sometimes you just forget about being hungry because you need to do things.
A got sick, which was unfortunate. And then wasn't sure whether he was going to compete on Sunday or not. It was all a little like being on call, ready to spring into action or just to do nothing. Either way, it was a bit of a waiting game. And I don't particularly like waiting, so it was pretty interesting to see how it all fared.
Met with W for breakfast, which was nice. Haven't seen her in a while. We talked for a while, caught up on all the news and thought about the future. Scary, but cool. Unknown but ready to face it and see what happens.
Went to T's 21st birthday celebration on Saturday night. It was cool to see a lot of people I haven't seen in a while. (This seems also to be a trend..) Good times. Painful shoes. I don't really learn from the pain caused by my shoes, because I'll wear them again....
Must have sounded very drunk when B took me home. Was not. I realise I don't really hold any drink of any sort, but surely a few sips of champagne would not have done anything. I think I was just delirious in general. Probably not the best state though!
Woke up early Sunday morning (I seem to be losing sleep-ins on the weekends...unfair!). Was waiting on confirmation or not about competition times. Got a 'I'm doing it' from A more than half an hour in advance (yay!) so was whisked fairly quickly to Hawthorn.
Drama occurred when the adjudicator didn't show up. Just didn't. They tried to ring lots of people, who all said that they were unavailable. Fair enough, considering they wanted them to be in within the hour!
They eventually found one in Andrea Katz who happened to be there, accompanying a string player. What luck.
So, we played about half an hour to forty minutes after our scheduled time. It was at the very least, amusing.
Rushed home. Wasn't sure why....I should have just stayed in Hawthorn, because then I had to come back out an hour and a half later for J. I haven't been thinking logically much these past couple of weeks either. Or I alternate through phases of clarity and confusion. Go figure...
Then realised that the Macroeconomics assignment that was due the following week was actually really hard. Uh-Oh. I will not leave things to such late notice again!!! Admittedly, we did hand it in online with 17hrs to spare. I'm one of those people who will finish it the night before, even if I have to stay up. But in all honesty, I've only ever stayed up to about 2.30am at the latest finishing an assignment. Yes, I'll admit, I am a nerd. A goody-two-shoes. So sue me.
Anyway, that was after having several group meetings to discuss the problems. Oh, having friends in economics is good; it seems weird, because I wouldn't immediately think of having so many friends in commerce over music. But yes, we have a group of five. It's nice :)
Had a tute with H with Kairos Trio, which was really good. Very helpful. Very ambitious schedule, but I think that's just the pressure we need.
Scuttled around on Wednesday, which included going to Medley Hall to play for the pre-formal dinner musical item with H. That went well. And I figured out I knew about 10% fo the population at Medley. Admittedly though, that is really only six people. Still...
Thursday morning: really felt the pinch of 'about to die' syndrome. That one that is brought on by extreme stress, overwork, lack of sleep and sheer exhaustion. So I had to cancel something (shock horror!) which was kinda disappointing, because I had wanted to see II for a while, and that was the only night I could go. But oh well, something's got to give, and that was the thing I decided could be let go. Had some urgent things to take care of, so there were about 10 text messages that morning from about eight different people. I felt loved but so dependant on my phone that morning! Again, was picky in Concert Class. People must hate my comments....I write essays on a lot of people telling them why their performance wasn't as succesful as planned. Even though I know almost all of those things are criticisms of myself.
Had vla trio rehearsal, with new repertoire. Sounded not bad for the first time. Probably sounded better than us plugging away at Francaix. P said it sounded good. To which I said "Ask M how long we've had it for." M: "About one week."
Not a bad attempt....
Not going out to watch II was probably a good thing that night - it means that I got to actually sit down and finish this assignment in a timely manner. Plus, get to bed at a fairly decent hour. Handy that, and very muchly needed. I did however, go out for about an hour to do some filming. I was a replacement in the kid-and-dad scene for the Love Actually themed SepCon promo video. I kept forgetting lines. But about five takes later, we had the one we really liked.
'Could you guys sit closer together?'
'Mmm, yeah, we have issues about that. Intimacy issues.'
'That's why we're going on SepCon.'
'Oh I see. To create the intimacy issues. And then resolve them. I see.'
Muchos fun.
Busy Friday, trekked all over uni and Carlton! Was at uni for 8am. Was going to be at M's audition to 11.30. But then there was a mix-up, and one of the panel wasn't there, so we had to reschedule. You remember what I said about me putting things back to back, making it very difficult to reschedule? Prime example.
Anyway, managed to do so, had to be late to something else, but that wasn't a huge drama.
Trekked across campus for class. Back across campus for rescheduled audition.
Found out that I missed Bartok contrasts in the class that I skipped (I don't normally!!) to attend original audition time. Poo bum. Oh well. What can you do?
Trekked to Carlton gardens to meet J, J and K for picnic lunch, as it was J's birthday. Had a lovely time relaxing, though admittedly was a little stressed, because it was instead of our trio rehearsal, and our next tute is in two weeks' time. Eeek! (Remember, I'm also paranoid!)
Anyway, then trekked for some more filming for promo video. Tried very hard not to laugh. Even though it was all in Spanish, and I couldn't really understand it all. There were those words that stuck out, and knowing what it actually said was kinda hard.
Did it one take, we were that good :)
Trekked back to uni to meet J to write a speech for the following night (J's 21st party)
Had much fun doing it. Got to sign up for basement rooms (scoring brownie points with L for helping).
Trekked back across uni to meet S to head to Chinatown for dinner.
Had too many bags, but what can you do?
Scored more points than S for knowing more people out that night. Hehe.
Stopped into Connect. Probably not the best idea, even though it was very good. Got home much later than anticipated....about 10.30 or 11.
Common theme: housemate not awake when I leave house. Housemate sometimes in room before I get home. Therefore, Housemate and I don't even see each other. Wow. Really though, it works quite well, living-wise.
Had to re-write speech and what not. Took a while. Got to bed at 1am. Bad idea.
So, P: "Well, if you die, at least we'll learn from it."
I hope so.
Said in context, it made complete sense. Said almost flippantly, to the general public, it sounds so bad! But it's pretty funny.
Went shopping for J's present on Saturday morning/afternoon. Much fun picking it all out!
Drove to Bendigo to attend the 21st party. Muchos fun.
Anyway, I'm running out of steam right now....
perhaps we'll leave stories from that till another time.....
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Magic of Mozart
Probably one of the most exciting projects I've worked on. Although admittedly, I get excited quite easily. But this was probably one of the most exciting concerts I've ever done.
It probably ranks up there with the Shell Youth Orchestra when I was 12, as well as the 2000-and-something CAS concert with John Bates conducting. Though I hope I haven't offended anybody now by not mentioning that project I did with them. I truly cherish and am thankful for all the opportunities I've had.
But this one is quite unique, in that this concept is not overly complex, but nobody else really in this city of this calibre (at such an age) is doing this sort of thing. So that makes it differentiated.
The audience yesterday at the hospital was appreciative and larger than expected.
The audience today at Trinity were captivated and rightfully so!
Thank you to the friends who came - I really appreciate your support and it was fantastic to play for you. For those who couldn't make it, another time, another time....
The creepy though amazing Domine Deus was phenomenal; the introspectiveness of the Recordare; the excitement, confusion and drama of the sextet; working on each of your solos...
To the sexy sextet, I love you guys. It was an honour and pleasure to work with you - I look forward to our next project, but remember, give me plenty of notice!
So, now that Mozart is over (well, for the sexy sextetters so far...), there are other projects to look forward to. First up is HM (MSV) comps with J and A - lots of very quick learning!
And I am very enthusiastic about working on the Brahms second cello sonata.
Of course, trios are there too, should be lots of fun!
Next year is already partially planned - it includes the Beethoven or Mozart quintet (perhaps both?!?!) and possibly the Janacek septet (just for fun!). I'm looking forward to it already!
I know, you're thinking "What? Two posts in one week? What is she doing???" but I am probably missing something right now......but in my defence, I am on duty tonight which requires me to be on call until midnight - so no rest for the wicked, though somebody told me "and less for the righteous"!
Just caught up on reading W's blog - wow, I have missed a lot! But glad to catch up on it all. Admittedly, it is my own doing that my friendship groups at any given time tend to centre on what I'm working on at the moment. This is definitely one of my weaknesses. With every intention of maintaining everything else, I have unfortunately not. And for that I apologise.
One question I have is.......do you, the reader, find this blog boring?
Is there anything you'd like to see on here? I would appreciate comments of all sorts (though perhaps leave the offensive out) - perhaps pose some questions or suggestions? Those I deem appropriate to address might make an appearance. I suppose I read other people's, and they seem far more interesting than mine, which range from ramblings on all sorts of things, vague thoughts, ventings, recounts of extended periods of time (due to busy-ness!), reviews of stuff (when I can be bothered...)
It probably ranks up there with the Shell Youth Orchestra when I was 12, as well as the 2000-and-something CAS concert with John Bates conducting. Though I hope I haven't offended anybody now by not mentioning that project I did with them. I truly cherish and am thankful for all the opportunities I've had.
But this one is quite unique, in that this concept is not overly complex, but nobody else really in this city of this calibre (at such an age) is doing this sort of thing. So that makes it differentiated.
The audience yesterday at the hospital was appreciative and larger than expected.
The audience today at Trinity were captivated and rightfully so!
Thank you to the friends who came - I really appreciate your support and it was fantastic to play for you. For those who couldn't make it, another time, another time....
The creepy though amazing Domine Deus was phenomenal; the introspectiveness of the Recordare; the excitement, confusion and drama of the sextet; working on each of your solos...
To the sexy sextet, I love you guys. It was an honour and pleasure to work with you - I look forward to our next project, but remember, give me plenty of notice!
So, now that Mozart is over (well, for the sexy sextetters so far...), there are other projects to look forward to. First up is HM (MSV) comps with J and A - lots of very quick learning!
And I am very enthusiastic about working on the Brahms second cello sonata.
Of course, trios are there too, should be lots of fun!
Next year is already partially planned - it includes the Beethoven or Mozart quintet (perhaps both?!?!) and possibly the Janacek septet (just for fun!). I'm looking forward to it already!
I know, you're thinking "What? Two posts in one week? What is she doing???" but I am probably missing something right now......but in my defence, I am on duty tonight which requires me to be on call until midnight - so no rest for the wicked, though somebody told me "and less for the righteous"!
Just caught up on reading W's blog - wow, I have missed a lot! But glad to catch up on it all. Admittedly, it is my own doing that my friendship groups at any given time tend to centre on what I'm working on at the moment. This is definitely one of my weaknesses. With every intention of maintaining everything else, I have unfortunately not. And for that I apologise.
One question I have is.......do you, the reader, find this blog boring?
Is there anything you'd like to see on here? I would appreciate comments of all sorts (though perhaps leave the offensive out) - perhaps pose some questions or suggestions? Those I deem appropriate to address might make an appearance. I suppose I read other people's, and they seem far more interesting than mine, which range from ramblings on all sorts of things, vague thoughts, ventings, recounts of extended periods of time (due to busy-ness!), reviews of stuff (when I can be bothered...)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
I need a Holiday
Somehow, I'm at Sunday having somewhat survived week three.
I didn't think this early in semester I'd have:
* those doubts about Commerce (yet! They usually only happen at Swotvac/exam period when it's too late!)
* so many rehearsals
* so much going out
* so little organisation (contrary to the usual me, I suppose)
It's been a busy three weeks, largely taken up by rehearsals of sorts. And going to uni, trying to figure it all out. There have been a few changes, such as Chamber Music, trying to decide which Macro tute I should really be in (the tutor I really want takes two tutes that I can't attend), new projects to embark on, friendships to cultivate in the rest of this year.
Since the last post there has been:
* one excursion to San Churro
* two 21st birthday parties I've been to
* one 21st birthday party I have missed
* one 22nd birthday breakfast
* one massive Olympics Opening ceremony dinner and party!
* one flight to Perth
* twenty-five and a half hours in Perth
* one concert which included me as part of five of the seven musical items
* one flight back to Melbourne
* one accompanying lesson
* one Music Ball
* nineteen rehearsals (yes, you read correctly)
* one chamber music competition
* one engagement party
* one Vision Launch
anyway, so that's the somewhat brief summary.
To elaborate a bit more on some of the above.....
I got a call from the Uni Orchestra manager(s) to play the celeste in the orchestra. This is a BIG DEAL for me, as there is usually only one keyboard player in the entire orchestra, and only if the piece includes one. And prior to this, there have been others ahead of me in the 'pecking order'. I've really wanted to do orchestral piano for a while, so this is it, with the uni orchestra! Of course, I said yes (even though I knew it meant more rehearsals) but the pieces are pretty cool, and the amazing Barry Tuckwell is conducting the orchestra. If you need to find out on Wikipedia who Barry Tuckwell is, please do, and you will understand why I couldn't bring myself to say no. Of course, the rehearsal didn't go well - I've never played a celeste before, it's a totally different experience, and it's exposed because it's got such a unique tone.
Played in the MSV Chamber Music Comp - we didn't come first or second, but we did get a prize, and encouragement prize with the reward of some MSO tickets. It's actually quite good - the monetary value is quite significant, and in this format, we are 'forced' to go to the MSO - which none of us go quite as much as we really should given that we are music students, musicians and possibly aspiring to be professional musicians.
Went home (yes, that's HOME) for 25.5hrs to play in a farewell concert for the now-retired deputy principal. It was amazing seeing old teachers again - I suppose when one is a student, we often tend to become a little alienated by our teachers, and forget that they're real people too! But it was so lovely to see them all again. The concert went well, I had a lovely time and really enjoyed working with those people. Kind words were said, which of course brought tears to mum's eyes - so too my playing, I think, because my family haven't really heard me perform (that is, rather than practice at the end of semester where I'm done with my pieces, or at the beginning of a semester where it sounds horribly painful while trying to learn notes) for about three and a half years, since moving away for university.
Mozart Miscellany stuff is going well, just lots of it. And I suppose rehearsals with six different people, plus a few more for the combined stuff just adds up. Theoretically, I was totally fine with playing about an hour's worth of Mozart for the concert - I expected this when I agreed to it. But realistically, I didn't really have any idea of how much music there was! I am really enjoying it, don't get me wrong, and I wouldn't say I bit off more than I could chew but it definitely is a lot. I'm finding working with the six very interesting - I suppose I didn't really know what to expect from each of them, having not worked with five of them individually. But it's been really fun - I said last year, "I'm really scared of singers....let alone six of them!" but it's been amazing. Went to Vocal Ensemble to workshop one of the duets, which was good.
The week gone by has been particularly bad - flying in on the red-eye wasn't particularly helpful. Nor was the lack of motivation to practice, and extreme tiredness and onsetting illness (long overdue....and just hanging around my eyes, ready to bear down on me once I stop doing stuff). Averaging two to three rehearsals each day for the past week has been quite intense - leaving not much time for my own sitting down for myself at the instrument. In all of this, I have become less organised (than usual), forgetting things, accidentally double booking, not replying to emails, not being myself, and generally not as happy and enthusiastic about everything as usual. There was the putting-off of thinking about more than 24hrs in advance, so transportation for getting to things was only organised at short notice. My email had been hacked/spammed and I had email troubles one morning, as it wouldn't let me send any more emails (to apologise) so that was a bad morning. Then there was the printing issues and not-understanding the material in lectures that added up and made me doubt why I was still in the subject. So for my down-ness and general not-feeling-myself; I apologise to those close to me who haven't been encouraged by this, and to those not as close who might have perceived me as unfriendly and closed. Perhaps next week when the massive concerts are over I will become less focussed on just one project at a time and bounce back in, me-style.
I didn't think this early in semester I'd have:
* those doubts about Commerce (yet! They usually only happen at Swotvac/exam period when it's too late!)
* so many rehearsals
* so much going out
* so little organisation (contrary to the usual me, I suppose)
It's been a busy three weeks, largely taken up by rehearsals of sorts. And going to uni, trying to figure it all out. There have been a few changes, such as Chamber Music, trying to decide which Macro tute I should really be in (the tutor I really want takes two tutes that I can't attend), new projects to embark on, friendships to cultivate in the rest of this year.
Since the last post there has been:
* one excursion to San Churro
* two 21st birthday parties I've been to
* one 21st birthday party I have missed
* one 22nd birthday breakfast
* one massive Olympics Opening ceremony dinner and party!
* one flight to Perth
* twenty-five and a half hours in Perth
* one concert which included me as part of five of the seven musical items
* one flight back to Melbourne
* one accompanying lesson
* one Music Ball
* nineteen rehearsals (yes, you read correctly)
* one chamber music competition
* one engagement party
* one Vision Launch
anyway, so that's the somewhat brief summary.
To elaborate a bit more on some of the above.....
I got a call from the Uni Orchestra manager(s) to play the celeste in the orchestra. This is a BIG DEAL for me, as there is usually only one keyboard player in the entire orchestra, and only if the piece includes one. And prior to this, there have been others ahead of me in the 'pecking order'. I've really wanted to do orchestral piano for a while, so this is it, with the uni orchestra! Of course, I said yes (even though I knew it meant more rehearsals) but the pieces are pretty cool, and the amazing Barry Tuckwell is conducting the orchestra. If you need to find out on Wikipedia who Barry Tuckwell is, please do, and you will understand why I couldn't bring myself to say no. Of course, the rehearsal didn't go well - I've never played a celeste before, it's a totally different experience, and it's exposed because it's got such a unique tone.
Played in the MSV Chamber Music Comp - we didn't come first or second, but we did get a prize, and encouragement prize with the reward of some MSO tickets. It's actually quite good - the monetary value is quite significant, and in this format, we are 'forced' to go to the MSO - which none of us go quite as much as we really should given that we are music students, musicians and possibly aspiring to be professional musicians.
Went home (yes, that's HOME) for 25.5hrs to play in a farewell concert for the now-retired deputy principal. It was amazing seeing old teachers again - I suppose when one is a student, we often tend to become a little alienated by our teachers, and forget that they're real people too! But it was so lovely to see them all again. The concert went well, I had a lovely time and really enjoyed working with those people. Kind words were said, which of course brought tears to mum's eyes - so too my playing, I think, because my family haven't really heard me perform (that is, rather than practice at the end of semester where I'm done with my pieces, or at the beginning of a semester where it sounds horribly painful while trying to learn notes) for about three and a half years, since moving away for university.
Mozart Miscellany stuff is going well, just lots of it. And I suppose rehearsals with six different people, plus a few more for the combined stuff just adds up. Theoretically, I was totally fine with playing about an hour's worth of Mozart for the concert - I expected this when I agreed to it. But realistically, I didn't really have any idea of how much music there was! I am really enjoying it, don't get me wrong, and I wouldn't say I bit off more than I could chew but it definitely is a lot. I'm finding working with the six very interesting - I suppose I didn't really know what to expect from each of them, having not worked with five of them individually. But it's been really fun - I said last year, "I'm really scared of singers....let alone six of them!" but it's been amazing. Went to Vocal Ensemble to workshop one of the duets, which was good.
The week gone by has been particularly bad - flying in on the red-eye wasn't particularly helpful. Nor was the lack of motivation to practice, and extreme tiredness and onsetting illness (long overdue....and just hanging around my eyes, ready to bear down on me once I stop doing stuff). Averaging two to three rehearsals each day for the past week has been quite intense - leaving not much time for my own sitting down for myself at the instrument. In all of this, I have become less organised (than usual), forgetting things, accidentally double booking, not replying to emails, not being myself, and generally not as happy and enthusiastic about everything as usual. There was the putting-off of thinking about more than 24hrs in advance, so transportation for getting to things was only organised at short notice. My email had been hacked/spammed and I had email troubles one morning, as it wouldn't let me send any more emails (to apologise) so that was a bad morning. Then there was the printing issues and not-understanding the material in lectures that added up and made me doubt why I was still in the subject. So for my down-ness and general not-feeling-myself; I apologise to those close to me who haven't been encouraged by this, and to those not as close who might have perceived me as unfriendly and closed. Perhaps next week when the massive concerts are over I will become less focussed on just one project at a time and bounce back in, me-style.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Eleven Hours
...is technically the number of contact hours I have this semester.
In my defence, it is three and a half subjects worth, having done four and a half last semester. (So we'll just credit my good planning hey?)
It was done for a reason......namely that I can have lots of time to practice for my Final Solo Recital, as well as lots of chamber music activities.
Piano itself takes at least 20hrs a week. So, that's more 'homework' for one subject than I go to uni for. I won't even mention the rest of the subjects.
Then there's the other projects, which aren't really 'for' uni per se, but uni is the reason they exist. Plus, they're good for me.
I've only been in Melbourne four days. And already it feels like much longer.
I've only just finished two days of uni for semester two. And I don't even know how I'm going to get through this week.
Let alone the rest of semester...
F: "G, I don't know how you can be so busy, but still have time to go out so much."
I don't know either....
"He does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us; just as the roof of a greenhouse does not attract the sun because it is bright, but becomes bright because the sun shines on it." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
In my defence, it is three and a half subjects worth, having done four and a half last semester. (So we'll just credit my good planning hey?)
It was done for a reason......namely that I can have lots of time to practice for my Final Solo Recital, as well as lots of chamber music activities.
Piano itself takes at least 20hrs a week. So, that's more 'homework' for one subject than I go to uni for. I won't even mention the rest of the subjects.
Then there's the other projects, which aren't really 'for' uni per se, but uni is the reason they exist. Plus, they're good for me.
I've only been in Melbourne four days. And already it feels like much longer.
I've only just finished two days of uni for semester two. And I don't even know how I'm going to get through this week.
Let alone the rest of semester...
F: "G, I don't know how you can be so busy, but still have time to go out so much."
I don't know either....
"He does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us; just as the roof of a greenhouse does not attract the sun because it is bright, but becomes bright because the sun shines on it." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Time flies
So, I made it through results coming out. Quite pleasantly so.
And I'm proud to report (besides my Technical Exam, as well as Chamber Music, as practice for that must be done in isolation, bar Chamber Music being with other people) that the communal study in Baillieu and Brownless must have worked, because that mark came out quite well! Compared to the one I thought I would fail, it was significantly higher. Must have been the people I was studying with :P Hehe. But don't worry, I didn't fail anything!
I have enjoyed chillaxing at home for the holidays. Three weeks is nearly up, and I haven't seen everybody I wanted to (okay, all of these are at least my fault..), caught up on as much sleep, done enough piano practice, planned enough for semester 2. Oh well. This happens all the time - why should I be so surprised?
So, you ask, what have I done?
Well, I got to spend some time with the family, which was good. This is when they're not all at work. This whole three-income household is good, I suppose, but also not very at the same time.
Went shopping several times to try capitalise on these end of financial year sales. It wasn't terribly successful, but I did do some shoe shopping. Not enough, but maybe it'll just take a longer time to find the right pair...
Disappointed I missed a Melbourne Adventure (wow, that's what we should call it!!!), finally they made it to Blue Train hehe. But on the flipside (also because you know, it was a little difficult to make it just for dinner..), I did have another dinner with another group of friends - the Perth-Melbourne traitors. It was much fun. We ended up playing Pictionary (probably my favourite board game!) which was amusing. Gee, A is competitive, though he did warn us haha. But it was fun. Then M had to leave because he had to be home in time to pack before he flew out to Melbourne that night. Hehe - hardcore, going out the same night that you fly out of town!
Have been organising a few things for the St Mary's August concert, (re-)learning some repertoire, organising money stuff and making sure all the arrangements are in place. Wow, August is filling up very quickly - weekends are getting booked very quickly, and I'm struggling to be able to confirm things that happen two weeks in advance, despite me being picky about booking well in advance! But we'll see how we go.
My timetable looks ok. I still have uni every day (I don't think that first semester/1st year freedome of two days off a week is ever going to happen again..!) - but it only amounts to about 13hrs of class. So, there are gaps here and there for coffee dates, rehearsals, practice, running around, meeting people, going places (to do uh...work-related stuff!). But hopefully lots of work will just be done during the week meaning those weekends are totally cool to do those fun things that have been booked in already!
Have quite a few exciting projects coming up (and by 'project', I usually mean musical..). I'm again collaborating with a few (several, perhaps more) people on several projects, which should be exciting. When concert dates/performances come up, I shall keep you posted (let me know if you'd like to be included on the email out).
I am very excited about getting back to Melbourne (my mum says it's because there's parties all the time haha), and seeing you folk again. But I have enjoyed being at home, relaxing. There is a certain element of removing oneself geographically that makes me anxious for about two days, and then really relaxed after that. It's nice :)
Anyway, now I'm rambling. I will stop now for fear of making you readers bored. Ciao!
And I'm proud to report (besides my Technical Exam, as well as Chamber Music, as practice for that must be done in isolation, bar Chamber Music being with other people) that the communal study in Baillieu and Brownless must have worked, because that mark came out quite well! Compared to the one I thought I would fail, it was significantly higher. Must have been the people I was studying with :P Hehe. But don't worry, I didn't fail anything!
I have enjoyed chillaxing at home for the holidays. Three weeks is nearly up, and I haven't seen everybody I wanted to (okay, all of these are at least my fault..), caught up on as much sleep, done enough piano practice, planned enough for semester 2. Oh well. This happens all the time - why should I be so surprised?
So, you ask, what have I done?
Well, I got to spend some time with the family, which was good. This is when they're not all at work. This whole three-income household is good, I suppose, but also not very at the same time.
Went shopping several times to try capitalise on these end of financial year sales. It wasn't terribly successful, but I did do some shoe shopping. Not enough, but maybe it'll just take a longer time to find the right pair...
Disappointed I missed a Melbourne Adventure (wow, that's what we should call it!!!), finally they made it to Blue Train hehe. But on the flipside (also because you know, it was a little difficult to make it just for dinner..), I did have another dinner with another group of friends - the Perth-Melbourne traitors. It was much fun. We ended up playing Pictionary (probably my favourite board game!) which was amusing. Gee, A is competitive, though he did warn us haha. But it was fun. Then M had to leave because he had to be home in time to pack before he flew out to Melbourne that night. Hehe - hardcore, going out the same night that you fly out of town!
Have been organising a few things for the St Mary's August concert, (re-)learning some repertoire, organising money stuff and making sure all the arrangements are in place. Wow, August is filling up very quickly - weekends are getting booked very quickly, and I'm struggling to be able to confirm things that happen two weeks in advance, despite me being picky about booking well in advance! But we'll see how we go.
My timetable looks ok. I still have uni every day (I don't think that first semester/1st year freedome of two days off a week is ever going to happen again..!) - but it only amounts to about 13hrs of class. So, there are gaps here and there for coffee dates, rehearsals, practice, running around, meeting people, going places (to do uh...work-related stuff!). But hopefully lots of work will just be done during the week meaning those weekends are totally cool to do those fun things that have been booked in already!
Have quite a few exciting projects coming up (and by 'project', I usually mean musical..). I'm again collaborating with a few (several, perhaps more) people on several projects, which should be exciting. When concert dates/performances come up, I shall keep you posted (let me know if you'd like to be included on the email out).
I am very excited about getting back to Melbourne (my mum says it's because there's parties all the time haha), and seeing you folk again. But I have enjoyed being at home, relaxing. There is a certain element of removing oneself geographically that makes me anxious for about two days, and then really relaxed after that. It's nice :)
Anyway, now I'm rambling. I will stop now for fear of making you readers bored. Ciao!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
I'm Alive!
Funnily enough, I made it through exams. I think so anyway. I guess now I just wait to see how they went. But for now, I can breathe easy.
The last week of exams almost torturous, largely because I didn't really do much music, and studied hard-core for International Trade Policy. I did go to a few recitals of some friends, which were a welcome break between study. Also had dinner with some friends, which was lots of fun (with carrot in the lasagna!), and delicious pudding.
Also went to a revision session, which turned out to be really helpful - one of the things I didn't previously understand (that somebody from my tute explained to me) came up on the exam, and I could write about it! So that was pretty lucky!
The actual exam went surprisingly well, I think (I hope!). When I read through the paper during reading time, I felt pretty confident that I could answer every question. So, doing the actual exam didn't kill me (phew!). Well, I suppose we shall wait and see how I did...
That night, I went out with F, K, T & S to the Docklands to see the Ignite fire show. It was pretty cool. And very nice of them, considering that two of them had exams the next day, one had to finish off the last essay and the other one had to work the next day! So thank you guys, for hanging out with me! S also joined us prior to that, where we had Vina Bar for dinner...mmmm....Vina Bar.......
Finally had a rehearsal/catch-up session with A on Friday (already postponed twice for various reasons, oh well). It was fun. Though possibly not very good because I had hardly practiced all week! So, tragic on my part. But we read through quite a lot of music (some funny stuff too! I joked, though not entirely untrue, that he could release a CD of obscure, unearthed musical treasures/miniatures for the instrument). Decided to keep some, ditch some. We'll see what happens. I suggested that we play every week in Concert Class, just a 3-minute or so piece every time (a new one) just so we could every week. It'd be funny. And yeah, we'd get lots of exposure, but not for very long periods of time. It could work!
On Friday night I volunteered for the opening concert of the 3MBS Chamber Music Feast. It was lots of fun! Basically, it was Z's idea and brought together the Who's Who of chamber music in melbourne (bar the Tin Alley Quartet, I think they are overseas....), in a celebration of chamber music across one weekend, and combining and 'sharing' players from various ensembles to perform. The opening concert was a surprise, the audience unaware of the programme until the actual concert; each piece was accompanied by a wine that was chosen to complement the music, which were little snippets (ie. one movement usually) showcasing a selection of the ensembles that played across the weekend. I was supposed to be one of the ushers/wine severs, but got roped in to page-turn! This turned out to be quite exciting, I mean, being on stage with these awesome ensembles and being part of it. And yes, page-turning can be a fairly stressful job (I know lots of musicians who don't enjoy it because it's so much pressure!), but I do enjoy it quite a lot.
One of the funniest things I heard that night went a bit like this:
S: Is somebody page-turning for me?
me: Yes, I am.
S: Oh, ok, great. Hang on, what was your name again?
me:
S: Oh,?
me: yes, that's me
S: I've heard lots about you! [Please note that we have met before, but I suppose he knows lots of people, so it's understandable that he wouldn't remember me].
me: [give funny look....]
S: I've heard you play very well!
Wow. People like him don't talk to people like me...! So I suppose I should take that as a compliment. Maybe things are going well, and maybe I am going ok....!
Anyway, it was a fun night, and just the thing I needed to spur me to practice again. And realise how much I enjoy music, particularly chamber music.
Went to Tassie the next evening.
Wow. Tasmania is BEAUTIFUL! If you want photos, you know where to look.....
The adventures of Doggy, Boggy, Licorice Legs/Juke, Darth and the girls were much fun. Keywords: Cows, rainbows, winding roads, poo.
We visited lots of great sights in NW Tasmania, went for great walks here and there (which may or may not have involved me being carried up the mountain by S because I couldn't do it myself..... :( ) There was chocolate and cheese to be had, poo to be stepped on, a huge bonfire to get warm (hot) by, games to be played, puzzles to be done, and that's just part of the fun we had.
Came back safe and sound, to an empty though welcome apartment. Had a late dinner with A to which F came along too; it was great to see her and retell our adventures!
Flew home the next night; A drove me to the airport, which was very kind of her.
Anyway, so now I am on the west side of the country, enjoying my holidays at home. getting sleep (now I think I only have a 52hr sleep debt!) and some practice done as well (only a 18hr practice debt now!).
The last week of exams almost torturous, largely because I didn't really do much music, and studied hard-core for International Trade Policy. I did go to a few recitals of some friends, which were a welcome break between study. Also had dinner with some friends, which was lots of fun (with carrot in the lasagna!), and delicious pudding.
Also went to a revision session, which turned out to be really helpful - one of the things I didn't previously understand (that somebody from my tute explained to me) came up on the exam, and I could write about it! So that was pretty lucky!
The actual exam went surprisingly well, I think (I hope!). When I read through the paper during reading time, I felt pretty confident that I could answer every question. So, doing the actual exam didn't kill me (phew!). Well, I suppose we shall wait and see how I did...
That night, I went out with F, K, T & S to the Docklands to see the Ignite fire show. It was pretty cool. And very nice of them, considering that two of them had exams the next day, one had to finish off the last essay and the other one had to work the next day! So thank you guys, for hanging out with me! S also joined us prior to that, where we had Vina Bar for dinner...mmmm....Vina Bar.......
Finally had a rehearsal/catch-up session with A on Friday (already postponed twice for various reasons, oh well). It was fun. Though possibly not very good because I had hardly practiced all week! So, tragic on my part. But we read through quite a lot of music (some funny stuff too! I joked, though not entirely untrue, that he could release a CD of obscure, unearthed musical treasures/miniatures for the instrument). Decided to keep some, ditch some. We'll see what happens. I suggested that we play every week in Concert Class, just a 3-minute or so piece every time (a new one) just so we could every week. It'd be funny. And yeah, we'd get lots of exposure, but not for very long periods of time. It could work!
On Friday night I volunteered for the opening concert of the 3MBS Chamber Music Feast. It was lots of fun! Basically, it was Z's idea and brought together the Who's Who of chamber music in melbourne (bar the Tin Alley Quartet, I think they are overseas....), in a celebration of chamber music across one weekend, and combining and 'sharing' players from various ensembles to perform. The opening concert was a surprise, the audience unaware of the programme until the actual concert; each piece was accompanied by a wine that was chosen to complement the music, which were little snippets (ie. one movement usually) showcasing a selection of the ensembles that played across the weekend. I was supposed to be one of the ushers/wine severs, but got roped in to page-turn! This turned out to be quite exciting, I mean, being on stage with these awesome ensembles and being part of it. And yes, page-turning can be a fairly stressful job (I know lots of musicians who don't enjoy it because it's so much pressure!), but I do enjoy it quite a lot.
One of the funniest things I heard that night went a bit like this:
S: Is somebody page-turning for me?
me: Yes, I am.
S: Oh, ok, great. Hang on, what was your name again?
me:
S: Oh,
me: yes, that's me
S: I've heard lots about you! [Please note that we have met before, but I suppose he knows lots of people, so it's understandable that he wouldn't remember me].
me: [give funny look....]
S: I've heard you play very well!
Wow. People like him don't talk to people like me...! So I suppose I should take that as a compliment. Maybe things are going well, and maybe I am going ok....!
Anyway, it was a fun night, and just the thing I needed to spur me to practice again. And realise how much I enjoy music, particularly chamber music.
Went to Tassie the next evening.
Wow. Tasmania is BEAUTIFUL! If you want photos, you know where to look.....
The adventures of Doggy, Boggy, Licorice Legs/Juke, Darth and the girls were much fun. Keywords: Cows, rainbows, winding roads, poo.
We visited lots of great sights in NW Tasmania, went for great walks here and there (which may or may not have involved me being carried up the mountain by S because I couldn't do it myself..... :( ) There was chocolate and cheese to be had, poo to be stepped on, a huge bonfire to get warm (hot) by, games to be played, puzzles to be done, and that's just part of the fun we had.
Came back safe and sound, to an empty though welcome apartment. Had a late dinner with A to which F came along too; it was great to see her and retell our adventures!
Flew home the next night; A drove me to the airport, which was very kind of her.
Anyway, so now I am on the west side of the country, enjoying my holidays at home. getting sleep (now I think I only have a 52hr sleep debt!) and some practice done as well (only a 18hr practice debt now!).
Saturday, June 21, 2008
a funny week
Went to Geelong last Saturday night, after a rehearsal that afternoon. The rehearsal went well, but we didn't want to exhaust K too much. Went to her parent's house first, hung out there for a little while, then the drive to Geelong..which wasn't so bad. Turned up to St J's early, which I kinda like. Had a little play; hung out for a while, met a few new people. We were announced out of order. That was weird......but we went on anyway. We were going well, but then the cadenza came, and there was some memory lapse. Oh well, these things happen. It's just what we learn from it, and how we learn to react. She wasn't too shattered by it, which was good. Although I think it would have been nice to get through to the next round. But that's ok. Like I maintain, it's about what we learn from it. How to improve for next time, and the time after that and after that; repeat ad libitum. We went out in Geelong that night with her parents and A and T (I finally met him! Yay!). I had been craving lemon meringue tart for about two weeks (in which I told K I had been for those two weeks), so we shared one. It just hit the spot. It was a lovely little place; if I came from Geelong, I think it would be a delightful venue for a 21st...! Or some other party....anyway, drove back to Melbourne that night, it was a pretty long day. But fun nevertheless. :)
We had two tables worth of people last Sunday night. It was most impressive.
And the person who's always gunning to break the record wasn't even there, poor thing..!
Then it was time to knuckle down for Micro study. I mean, I had already started studying for it and all, but Monday was the last day to cram it all in. I made some sense of it, I think. Well, it certainly felt like it before the exam. The exam was....HARD. I think everybody found it hard. Oh well, it's over, and there's nothing I can do about it now, is there? But I'm winging it on i) part marks for working/effort etc. ii) lots of people who don't know much about Micro. Right?
Had a rehearsal after the Micro exam. After stopping by the shops, of course (it's all about multitasking! Like now, studying for International Trade Policy, and blogging, and listening to Glenn Gould!). We were all pretty buggered, although I think I was the least so, even though I'd just exhausted my brain with an exam! Oh well. I was pretty excited that Micro was over, so that I could 'enjoy' the rest of the week of other high-pressure activities involving piano. Still enjoyable.
Went to the joint farewell party of H/G/D/V/A. It was much fun. And it was nice to see a whole bunch of Med friends that I hadn't seen in a little while. Good just to hang out with a cool bunch of people and enjoy their company. It's sad...I won't be seeing a bunch of them for a while; some are going overseas, some will be more busy/less time to devote to things like Apollo. :(
I have appreciated their contributions, and probably more touching, their friendship. I often think about my role in Apollo, and even though I head up the choir in an official role, becuase I'm about their age, I sometimes feel more like a friend rather than their director. Feels a little weird sometimes, but it's also a good thing.
Had a recording session on Wednesday for my AYO application. It didn't go as well as I'd hoped, but it was an interesting experience to do anyway. We'll see. I'm not incredibly hopeful of going to Adelaide over the summer, but I suppose I can only wait to find out the result. And yeah, there is only.....one pianist in an orchestra. The odds to start off with are fairly slim...
But I felt so privileged, I could have picked between the two Steinways on offer. That's not a luxury most people my age get....!
Worked that night at Melba (back to the Con!), at the Impressaria concert, which was fun. If there are jobs that I do like (that don't pay that well in comparison to playing piano), they'd preferably have something to do with music that I do enjoy. :) It's pretty exciting....
Had my tech exam on Thursday, which went alright. It was just super-loud, because the piano was. And the walls are thin. So the guy next door was playing a sombre Bach while I played scherzino-like Chopin, as well as dramatic Chopin. Must have been an interesting mix..! I thought in the middle of it, "Hang on, why aren't you nervous? This is the bit you have to concentrate extra on!" I hate having those dialogues in the middle of performances.....! But my examiner was really nice, he just let me do my own thing in my own time. The distracting part was when he was writing: I could hear the pen, but wasn't sure whether they were good or bad comments..! Gah...Oh well, that was a fairly non-traumatic exam, phew!
Went out that night with the girls for dinner, which was lovely. We haven't hung out all together in a while, we mostly do it in sub-groups, but you know, that happens. cool.
Then watched a movie at home (About a Boy, haven't seen that in ages...) which was amusing at the very least...!
Had chamber music exam yesterday. Now, this requires a bit of explanation.....
Practiced a bit in the morning. Then had to go to the shops to buy a ribbon to wear that afternoon. Thought I might do a bit of supermarket grocery shopping at the same time. I asked my housemate if she thought I was weird for "going to the shops even though I have an exam this afternoon". She replied with "Well, it means that you're pretty damn ready". Which I was. And also, chamber music is a group effort, yeah?!
We met for lunch, then warmed up. Left PLENTY of time to get there. Like, 45mins.
And one of the examiners was late. Because the office had told her that her lunch break was from 1-2pm, rather than 1-1.40pm. So the group that was scheduled to be at 1.40? They were pushed back till 2pm. Which was our time.
And the most amazing thing was that so many people turned up! I knew we'd invited 111 people (at last official count), and I knew some people were coming, but I didn't expect that many people to actually turn up! So, because we were running late, most people also watched the quintet before us (which they were very appreciative of, the audience I mean..).
Most chamber music exams and groups are lucky if they have five people (besides the two examiners) come and watch and listen.
We had about
THIRTY.
It was massive. It was like the size of the audience at the end of a super-long Concert Class that has run overtime.
It was so exciting. I was blown away. And I'm glad some people could make it, because i) some of my friends hadn't seen me play piano (even if they theoretically knew that I did...) ii) some people were very busy and took time out to come see us iii) some had never been to the Con/Melba for a performance.
I was listening to a (fairly good!) recording J's parents made from the performance.....and yeah, it was interesting hearing us play (I always have this thing where after a performance it tends to blur a bit in my mind), but the most heart-warming part was that at the end, there was a significant amount of people who applauded! Like a real audience! Unlike the awkward applause you get when there's only two people in an audience! It was so exciting.
Anyway, that was the chamber music exam. I was exhausted after it, because it's a fairly large work that needs a lot of energy. Which we gave. We went to Deep Dish afterwards to have something to eat and drink (muchly needed!) with some of our posse, which was fun. Then went out last night for dinner with the trio and some associated friends, which was lots of fun. And good to eat out! Which is kinda what I've been doing all week, but anyway.....Then had a rehearsal that started at 9.30pm. I know, weird, but it was the only time the majority of us could be there...I went home pretty tired all up.....
then today I had the funniest gig so far (ever?!)
See, on Wednesday, I ran into my teacher at the Con, and we were talking about all sorts of things, such as the fact that she was on the panel for YPA in Brisbane last week. And about the playing of those people. And how I'd sent her a message that she was quite touched by. And how she was in the middle of replying to me, but got distracted by her daughter...! (she even went into her drafts message folder to show me...!) And then after the recording, she saw me again, and complained that I didn't pick up my phone (It was on silent! I was recording..!) but asked me this weird set of questions...:
"what are you doing friday night?"
"Do you know melbourne storm?"
"do you read chords?"
Anyway, the gist was that a singer had called her up to play for her, as this singer had been asked to sing some pre-show entertainment at the Melbourne Storm (vs. Nth Qld Cowboys) match this evening at Olympic Park. Yes, that's right, classical musos at the rugby league. I had to laugh. So, I was picked up and taken to Olympic Park, was given a backstage pass (woo!), and then taken through to the changerooms. Then we had a soundcheck; we were positioned up on the little stage just in front of the field, set up with the sound system and what not. It was pretty cool. We were well looked after, there was plenty of food and drink; we were in the changerooms with the cheerleaders and mascots, whereupon I tried to study for International Trade Policy. A wanted to take a photo to send to my mum to show her that I was actually studying, and not just going out! (And just for the irony of the situation and all...!) We did get a photo with the Storm mascot though, which was pretty cool (we should have gotten one with Boom as well...). I felt pretty special, being led through by those management people who were called on to look after us (those ones with microphones and headpieces), and what not. And being taken to the corporate suite and all. I was amazed at how much detail goes into such an event (one football match..!), the timing of everything was down to the last minute (I kid you not..!), and everything rolls with all this communication in earpieces.
Anyway, much fun was had. The rest stayed to watch the match from the Corporate Suite, but I wanted to meet some friends for dinner, so I nicked off. Admittedly, I did need somebody to show me where to go; she was really nice, walked me out and showed me directions there, and gave me her number just in case I got lost (listed as 'Help' in my phone....!).
We met up, but wandered around Southbank for the longest time trying to find somewhere to eat! The lesson we learn from this is just to stick to the original plan.....or otherwise, just decide on something and wait. Particularly on a Friday or Saturday night, because everywhere is going to be busy. The thing that really struck me was that Melbourne is really busy on the weekend! I knew this was the case, but every so often, I see it again....particularly at restaurants. I see why they say it's Australia's food capital. As well as the shopping capital. And cultural captial. and Sporting capital. And piano city......haha is there anything Melbourne doesn't want to claim?
Anyway, we finally got food, wandered around a little more. Wanted to get cake. Then wanted to go get hot chocolate.
It was all a little complex, and we DEFINITELY learnt about sticking to decisions, and that we are all pretty indecisive. (remember, I sometimes make decisions for myself; I can fairly easily make decisions for other people though...!)
It was a fun night, even if it did involve much walking, hunger pangs and much indecisiveness. Oh well. :)
Maybe one time we'll actually get to go up Eureka tower....
right, I should be studying for International Trade Policy.....it's the last exam (finally!) but I don't quite know what's going on, and based on my mid-semester, I think I need to study a LOT..!!!
We had two tables worth of people last Sunday night. It was most impressive.
And the person who's always gunning to break the record wasn't even there, poor thing..!
Then it was time to knuckle down for Micro study. I mean, I had already started studying for it and all, but Monday was the last day to cram it all in. I made some sense of it, I think. Well, it certainly felt like it before the exam. The exam was....HARD. I think everybody found it hard. Oh well, it's over, and there's nothing I can do about it now, is there? But I'm winging it on i) part marks for working/effort etc. ii) lots of people who don't know much about Micro. Right?
Had a rehearsal after the Micro exam. After stopping by the shops, of course (it's all about multitasking! Like now, studying for International Trade Policy, and blogging, and listening to Glenn Gould!). We were all pretty buggered, although I think I was the least so, even though I'd just exhausted my brain with an exam! Oh well. I was pretty excited that Micro was over, so that I could 'enjoy' the rest of the week of other high-pressure activities involving piano. Still enjoyable.
Went to the joint farewell party of H/G/D/V/A. It was much fun. And it was nice to see a whole bunch of Med friends that I hadn't seen in a little while. Good just to hang out with a cool bunch of people and enjoy their company. It's sad...I won't be seeing a bunch of them for a while; some are going overseas, some will be more busy/less time to devote to things like Apollo. :(
I have appreciated their contributions, and probably more touching, their friendship. I often think about my role in Apollo, and even though I head up the choir in an official role, becuase I'm about their age, I sometimes feel more like a friend rather than their director. Feels a little weird sometimes, but it's also a good thing.
Had a recording session on Wednesday for my AYO application. It didn't go as well as I'd hoped, but it was an interesting experience to do anyway. We'll see. I'm not incredibly hopeful of going to Adelaide over the summer, but I suppose I can only wait to find out the result. And yeah, there is only.....one pianist in an orchestra. The odds to start off with are fairly slim...
But I felt so privileged, I could have picked between the two Steinways on offer. That's not a luxury most people my age get....!
Worked that night at Melba (back to the Con!), at the Impressaria concert, which was fun. If there are jobs that I do like (that don't pay that well in comparison to playing piano), they'd preferably have something to do with music that I do enjoy. :) It's pretty exciting....
Had my tech exam on Thursday, which went alright. It was just super-loud, because the piano was. And the walls are thin. So the guy next door was playing a sombre Bach while I played scherzino-like Chopin, as well as dramatic Chopin. Must have been an interesting mix..! I thought in the middle of it, "Hang on, why aren't you nervous? This is the bit you have to concentrate extra on!" I hate having those dialogues in the middle of performances.....! But my examiner was really nice, he just let me do my own thing in my own time. The distracting part was when he was writing: I could hear the pen, but wasn't sure whether they were good or bad comments..! Gah...Oh well, that was a fairly non-traumatic exam, phew!
Went out that night with the girls for dinner, which was lovely. We haven't hung out all together in a while, we mostly do it in sub-groups, but you know, that happens. cool.
Then watched a movie at home (About a Boy, haven't seen that in ages...) which was amusing at the very least...!
Had chamber music exam yesterday. Now, this requires a bit of explanation.....
Practiced a bit in the morning. Then had to go to the shops to buy a ribbon to wear that afternoon. Thought I might do a bit of supermarket grocery shopping at the same time. I asked my housemate if she thought I was weird for "going to the shops even though I have an exam this afternoon". She replied with "Well, it means that you're pretty damn ready". Which I was. And also, chamber music is a group effort, yeah?!
We met for lunch, then warmed up. Left PLENTY of time to get there. Like, 45mins.
And one of the examiners was late. Because the office had told her that her lunch break was from 1-2pm, rather than 1-1.40pm. So the group that was scheduled to be at 1.40? They were pushed back till 2pm. Which was our time.
And the most amazing thing was that so many people turned up! I knew we'd invited 111 people (at last official count), and I knew some people were coming, but I didn't expect that many people to actually turn up! So, because we were running late, most people also watched the quintet before us (which they were very appreciative of, the audience I mean..).
Most chamber music exams and groups are lucky if they have five people (besides the two examiners) come and watch and listen.
We had about
THIRTY.
It was massive. It was like the size of the audience at the end of a super-long Concert Class that has run overtime.
It was so exciting. I was blown away. And I'm glad some people could make it, because i) some of my friends hadn't seen me play piano (even if they theoretically knew that I did...) ii) some people were very busy and took time out to come see us iii) some had never been to the Con/Melba for a performance.
I was listening to a (fairly good!) recording J's parents made from the performance.....and yeah, it was interesting hearing us play (I always have this thing where after a performance it tends to blur a bit in my mind), but the most heart-warming part was that at the end, there was a significant amount of people who applauded! Like a real audience! Unlike the awkward applause you get when there's only two people in an audience! It was so exciting.
Anyway, that was the chamber music exam. I was exhausted after it, because it's a fairly large work that needs a lot of energy. Which we gave. We went to Deep Dish afterwards to have something to eat and drink (muchly needed!) with some of our posse, which was fun. Then went out last night for dinner with the trio and some associated friends, which was lots of fun. And good to eat out! Which is kinda what I've been doing all week, but anyway.....Then had a rehearsal that started at 9.30pm. I know, weird, but it was the only time the majority of us could be there...I went home pretty tired all up.....
then today I had the funniest gig so far (ever?!)
See, on Wednesday, I ran into my teacher at the Con, and we were talking about all sorts of things, such as the fact that she was on the panel for YPA in Brisbane last week. And about the playing of those people. And how I'd sent her a message that she was quite touched by. And how she was in the middle of replying to me, but got distracted by her daughter...! (she even went into her drafts message folder to show me...!) And then after the recording, she saw me again, and complained that I didn't pick up my phone (It was on silent! I was recording..!) but asked me this weird set of questions...:
"what are you doing friday night?"
"Do you know melbourne storm?"
"do you read chords?"
Anyway, the gist was that a singer had called her up to play for her, as this singer had been asked to sing some pre-show entertainment at the Melbourne Storm (vs. Nth Qld Cowboys) match this evening at Olympic Park. Yes, that's right, classical musos at the rugby league. I had to laugh. So, I was picked up and taken to Olympic Park, was given a backstage pass (woo!), and then taken through to the changerooms. Then we had a soundcheck; we were positioned up on the little stage just in front of the field, set up with the sound system and what not. It was pretty cool. We were well looked after, there was plenty of food and drink; we were in the changerooms with the cheerleaders and mascots, whereupon I tried to study for International Trade Policy. A wanted to take a photo to send to my mum to show her that I was actually studying, and not just going out! (And just for the irony of the situation and all...!) We did get a photo with the Storm mascot though, which was pretty cool (we should have gotten one with Boom as well...). I felt pretty special, being led through by those management people who were called on to look after us (those ones with microphones and headpieces), and what not. And being taken to the corporate suite and all. I was amazed at how much detail goes into such an event (one football match..!), the timing of everything was down to the last minute (I kid you not..!), and everything rolls with all this communication in earpieces.
Anyway, much fun was had. The rest stayed to watch the match from the Corporate Suite, but I wanted to meet some friends for dinner, so I nicked off. Admittedly, I did need somebody to show me where to go; she was really nice, walked me out and showed me directions there, and gave me her number just in case I got lost (listed as 'Help' in my phone....!).
We met up, but wandered around Southbank for the longest time trying to find somewhere to eat! The lesson we learn from this is just to stick to the original plan.....or otherwise, just decide on something and wait. Particularly on a Friday or Saturday night, because everywhere is going to be busy. The thing that really struck me was that Melbourne is really busy on the weekend! I knew this was the case, but every so often, I see it again....particularly at restaurants. I see why they say it's Australia's food capital. As well as the shopping capital. And cultural captial. and Sporting capital. And piano city......haha is there anything Melbourne doesn't want to claim?
Anyway, we finally got food, wandered around a little more. Wanted to get cake. Then wanted to go get hot chocolate.
It was all a little complex, and we DEFINITELY learnt about sticking to decisions, and that we are all pretty indecisive. (remember, I sometimes make decisions for myself; I can fairly easily make decisions for other people though...!)
It was a fun night, even if it did involve much walking, hunger pangs and much indecisiveness. Oh well. :)
Maybe one time we'll actually get to go up Eureka tower....
right, I should be studying for International Trade Policy.....it's the last exam (finally!) but I don't quite know what's going on, and based on my mid-semester, I think I need to study a LOT..!!!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Hermit Mode
Hermit Mode probably describes me best during SWOTVAC and Exams. Because I usually hole myself up in my room, in a practice room, or in the library trying to study (ie. cram) for exams.
But of course, not before the conclusion of the semester brings a flurry of appointments, deadlines, people to see, things to do and other busy-ness.
It would probably be fair to say that most of May (and I suppose, most of the semester) was like that.
A brief run-down of May/early June so far (which hasn't already been alluded to, hopefully):
7 performances (of varying sorts...)
1 camp
5 dinner appointments
3 birthday parties (I didn't make it to two)
1 return trip in the Wiggles van
1 church camp
1 ushering job
2 microeconomics assignments
1 minimalism assignment
2 exams (oh, there are 4 more to go...)
2 lessons with another piano teacher
3 chamber music tutes
1 musical theatre show
1 MSO concert
1 AYO application
2 AYO excerpts
2 AYO excerpts with errors
It has been an interesting month or two of late.
I swing between being unenthusiastic, indifference, to musing about random things, to psyched up about various things. It doesn't make sense to me.
The state of my room has degraded to the floor space being taken up by books, files and previous days' newspapers. Not that the state of the room started out at a very neat level but it was the intention. I haven't even started studying for ITP just yet (it's on the 26th) - and I know I'm not very good at it. It will take MUCH revising and reading......
Just like Microeconomics. I really am not enjoying commerce as much as I thought I would. I thought a few years ago, that I just had to get through that year, because I was taking pre-requisite subjects, compulsory subjects, and that it'd be better in the near future because then I could take things I really wanted to take. But now I'm taking subjects to fulfill a major requirement. I'm not sure it's what I expected.
And the things I really want to take centre around Music, particularly playing as much piano as possible, and other practical activities. With a healthy smattering of techniques (including orchestration and the like) and history.
I've been listening to much 'classical' music lately, out of choice. I always listened to a lot. But now I'm choosing the things I listen to, when I study. Or want to have something to listen to. Am I getting too involved?!
I don't really know what I'm doing. I don't really know where I'm heading.
I often don't really know what to say. I sometimes feel like I have nothing intelligent to contribute to discussion, so I let it wash over me. I hope people don't mistake it for ignorance or stupidity, I'm only trying to absorb it all.
I hate turning down amazing opportunities.
But sometimes I have to.
I'm trying to have no regrets - it can be difficult.
I can't wait to play my technical exam. I can't wait to play my chamber music exam. I'm excited (though nervous) about recording my audition. I'm also excited but also a little nervous about the competition (which isn't even mine...!). I get excited about working at Impresaria.
They all have piano in common.
I wonder if I will continue to grow in enjoyment of music, or whether it will fizzle out in the future. I hope it's the former.
I often struggle to define myself much past my faith and music.
I realise that my friends don't see me as boring. But I fear that I often come across as that. Because of the above statement.
There's something that needs to be physically filled. Many try though they don't realise it. But I'll know when it's done. I'm not sure whether my reaction will be to be relieved or an outpouring of emotion or a stupid grin on my face. Perhaps all of them, simultaneously.
enough soul-bearing.
back to being a hermit...(ironically??)
But of course, not before the conclusion of the semester brings a flurry of appointments, deadlines, people to see, things to do and other busy-ness.
It would probably be fair to say that most of May (and I suppose, most of the semester) was like that.
A brief run-down of May/early June so far (which hasn't already been alluded to, hopefully):
7 performances (of varying sorts...)
1 camp
5 dinner appointments
3 birthday parties (I didn't make it to two)
1 return trip in the Wiggles van
1 church camp
1 ushering job
2 microeconomics assignments
1 minimalism assignment
2 exams (oh, there are 4 more to go...)
2 lessons with another piano teacher
3 chamber music tutes
1 musical theatre show
1 MSO concert
1 AYO application
2 AYO excerpts
2 AYO excerpts with errors
It has been an interesting month or two of late.
I swing between being unenthusiastic, indifference, to musing about random things, to psyched up about various things. It doesn't make sense to me.
The state of my room has degraded to the floor space being taken up by books, files and previous days' newspapers. Not that the state of the room started out at a very neat level but it was the intention. I haven't even started studying for ITP just yet (it's on the 26th) - and I know I'm not very good at it. It will take MUCH revising and reading......
Just like Microeconomics. I really am not enjoying commerce as much as I thought I would. I thought a few years ago, that I just had to get through that year, because I was taking pre-requisite subjects, compulsory subjects, and that it'd be better in the near future because then I could take things I really wanted to take. But now I'm taking subjects to fulfill a major requirement. I'm not sure it's what I expected.
And the things I really want to take centre around Music, particularly playing as much piano as possible, and other practical activities. With a healthy smattering of techniques (including orchestration and the like) and history.
I've been listening to much 'classical' music lately, out of choice. I always listened to a lot. But now I'm choosing the things I listen to, when I study. Or want to have something to listen to. Am I getting too involved?!
I don't really know what I'm doing. I don't really know where I'm heading.
I often don't really know what to say. I sometimes feel like I have nothing intelligent to contribute to discussion, so I let it wash over me. I hope people don't mistake it for ignorance or stupidity, I'm only trying to absorb it all.
I hate turning down amazing opportunities.
But sometimes I have to.
I'm trying to have no regrets - it can be difficult.
I can't wait to play my technical exam. I can't wait to play my chamber music exam. I'm excited (though nervous) about recording my audition. I'm also excited but also a little nervous about the competition (which isn't even mine...!). I get excited about working at Impresaria.
They all have piano in common.
I wonder if I will continue to grow in enjoyment of music, or whether it will fizzle out in the future. I hope it's the former.
I often struggle to define myself much past my faith and music.
I realise that my friends don't see me as boring. But I fear that I often come across as that. Because of the above statement.
There's something that needs to be physically filled. Many try though they don't realise it. But I'll know when it's done. I'm not sure whether my reaction will be to be relieved or an outpouring of emotion or a stupid grin on my face. Perhaps all of them, simultaneously.
enough soul-bearing.
back to being a hermit...(ironically??)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Vue de Monde - 30 May 2008
a copy of my review from www.yetanotherreview.blogspot.com
"a dining experience that cannot be created at home, encompassing this through food, service and ambience"
My expectation was high - I had been told this was one of the most known restaurants in Melbourne, and one that was highly creative. From the moment I walked through the door, the service was impeccable and polite. We were being expected, shown to our seats, our coats taken.
I was a little surprised that we had a number of waiters throughout our visit, and all got to know us in the few hours we were there. We were first introduced to the concept of a degustation menu. Essentially, one does not order from a menu; instead, we specify what we don't eat, and let the chef create a dining experience tailored to our tastes. So, there we waited anticipatedly while nervously commenting that we weren't "that adventurous".
We opened with something to amuse the tastebuds.
Now, I must apologise in advance for being unable to remember exactly everything we dined on tonight - there was much to remember.....! And please note, I am using the website of this restaurant to help me out here....
So, to begin....the Amuse Bouche, consisting of a delicately balanced (on a champagne glass, no less!) lettuce leaf with a quail yolk (and more stuff I cannot remember!); inside the glass was a warm soup that was so full of flavour. But don't ask me what it was.....
The first course was Saumon aux Epices, which displayed three different ways of presenting and tasting salmon: salmon jerky with toasted brioche, smoked salmon vale, and sterling caviar with a fish emulsion. This was surprisingly interesting, with the same flavour being presented in three very different textures.
Secondly was their special dish, a Mushroom Risotto with White truffle sauce. This was like no other mushroom risotto, so rich, and made with brown rice. The white truffle sauce (though green.... :P ) added the extra tang to take away a bit from the richness of this dish.
The third course saw our table deviating from each other, as some of us preferred no game meat (or red meat). So, there was powdered (frozen) duck liver with a sauce of some description and we had a dish that explored the textures and flavours of cannelloni using different ingredients...
So, there was a mascapone roll wrapped in tomato jelly, more tomato bits..(wow, my memory is failing me...). But this dish really did explore the different textures, which was most interesting.
The fourth course was a visual feast, a Bouillabaisse 'en cinq minutes' et tartare d'ecrivisse, a 5-minute bouillabaisse with tartare of crayfish, buffalo milk skin, with rich flavours of saffron. This was made at the table in a coffee maker, which boiled the soup to 80 degrees celcius at which time the soup rose to the upper chamber, which contained flavours for the soup - crayfish, mussel, celery, saffon, more stuff I don't remember.......there it boiled for a few minutes, then cooled and then returned to the lower chamber, the soup now full of flavour and ready to be served. In our plates was a buffalo milk skin and crayfish with saffron, over which the soup was poured. The soup was tenderly light, but so full of flavour.
The fifth course, for those adventurous enough, was Eclinaison de boeuf, displaying different cuts and textures of beef - a checkerboard of white polenta and beef shin, crispy chilli intercostal, tataki of sirloin, and confit flank with a pumpkin and yuzu stuffed baby squash. For those of us not really into red meat, we had red mullet that was stuffed with crab meat, and wrapped in carrot spaghetti, accomapnied with a red mullet soup sauce, and a roasted fennel with some other dressing I cannot remember, and orange dust.
So, five savoury courses, but what restaurant would stop there?
A palette cleanser of golden kiwifruit in peppermint jelly (so infused with alcohol.....) on top of a champagne something with raspberries with lychee ice. And that wasn't dessert....
Then there was pre-dessert, some Pullet Eggs, which came delivered in a half-dozen egg carton per person (okay, three of the eggs were 'fake'), but the other three contained delicious flavours of white chocolate and orange mousse, pistachio eggnog and prune & some alochol thing...(don't ask me, I don't know differences...). This was probably one of the most interesting presentation modes, and most intelligent too!
Then there was dessert, whereupon we were asked what we preferred, and whether we "all liked chocolate". Again, differential desserts for our table were brought out...
a traditional French souffle, straight out of the oven,
and a chocolate mousse served on a bed of lemon base, with a white chocolate disc (to match the shape of the bowl...), with Tasmanian berries, all with a berry oil/coulis. The topping was hot, and poured on top of the white chocolate disc in order to make the chocolate melt in a pattern, which decorated the mousse beautifully. Again, another amazing feat of dessert presentation, and a dynamic one at that. This was incredibly rich, though a beautiful mix of different flavours.
Tea and coffee followed, as in most restaurants, served with petit fours, including interesting choices such as a nougat topped with a carrot salad, a mini pavalova with mango dressing, a pineapple and lychee creation encased in peppermint jelly, and a chocolate covered (almost salty) liquid caramel decorated with gold leaf.
Yes, I ate so many things I wouldn't in my normal life: fennel, gold leaf, caviar, berries, kiwifruit, truffles, boullabaise. Wow.
The service throughout the night was amazing - so attentive, yet with no feeling of being watched. Our glasses of water were constantly kept topped up, our plates cleared efficiently, our napkins nicely folded and replaced on our laps if we left the table. The waiters who served us were knowledgable and polite, catering to all our needs. The restaurant is really quite beautiful, and featured a mirror above the main preparation space to allow patrons to watch the assembly of their meal. The staff were helpful, well-presented and professional, attending to every detail of all the diners, with a particular focus on presentation of all things.
This was an incredibly satisfying yet adventurous meal, something that was definitely very unique and memorable. I would suggest taking your time with either lunch or dinner; the degustation menu is most interesting, and if you're up for a challenge and intriguing meal, this is definitely a good choice.
"a dining experience that cannot be created at home, encompassing this through food, service and ambience"
My expectation was high - I had been told this was one of the most known restaurants in Melbourne, and one that was highly creative. From the moment I walked through the door, the service was impeccable and polite. We were being expected, shown to our seats, our coats taken.
I was a little surprised that we had a number of waiters throughout our visit, and all got to know us in the few hours we were there. We were first introduced to the concept of a degustation menu. Essentially, one does not order from a menu; instead, we specify what we don't eat, and let the chef create a dining experience tailored to our tastes. So, there we waited anticipatedly while nervously commenting that we weren't "that adventurous".
We opened with something to amuse the tastebuds.
Now, I must apologise in advance for being unable to remember exactly everything we dined on tonight - there was much to remember.....! And please note, I am using the website of this restaurant to help me out here....
So, to begin....the Amuse Bouche, consisting of a delicately balanced (on a champagne glass, no less!) lettuce leaf with a quail yolk (and more stuff I cannot remember!); inside the glass was a warm soup that was so full of flavour. But don't ask me what it was.....
The first course was Saumon aux Epices, which displayed three different ways of presenting and tasting salmon: salmon jerky with toasted brioche, smoked salmon vale, and sterling caviar with a fish emulsion. This was surprisingly interesting, with the same flavour being presented in three very different textures.
Secondly was their special dish, a Mushroom Risotto with White truffle sauce. This was like no other mushroom risotto, so rich, and made with brown rice. The white truffle sauce (though green.... :P ) added the extra tang to take away a bit from the richness of this dish.
The third course saw our table deviating from each other, as some of us preferred no game meat (or red meat). So, there was powdered (frozen) duck liver with a sauce of some description and we had a dish that explored the textures and flavours of cannelloni using different ingredients...
So, there was a mascapone roll wrapped in tomato jelly, more tomato bits..(wow, my memory is failing me...). But this dish really did explore the different textures, which was most interesting.
The fourth course was a visual feast, a Bouillabaisse 'en cinq minutes' et tartare d'ecrivisse, a 5-minute bouillabaisse with tartare of crayfish, buffalo milk skin, with rich flavours of saffron. This was made at the table in a coffee maker, which boiled the soup to 80 degrees celcius at which time the soup rose to the upper chamber, which contained flavours for the soup - crayfish, mussel, celery, saffon, more stuff I don't remember.......there it boiled for a few minutes, then cooled and then returned to the lower chamber, the soup now full of flavour and ready to be served. In our plates was a buffalo milk skin and crayfish with saffron, over which the soup was poured. The soup was tenderly light, but so full of flavour.
The fifth course, for those adventurous enough, was Eclinaison de boeuf, displaying different cuts and textures of beef - a checkerboard of white polenta and beef shin, crispy chilli intercostal, tataki of sirloin, and confit flank with a pumpkin and yuzu stuffed baby squash. For those of us not really into red meat, we had red mullet that was stuffed with crab meat, and wrapped in carrot spaghetti, accomapnied with a red mullet soup sauce, and a roasted fennel with some other dressing I cannot remember, and orange dust.
So, five savoury courses, but what restaurant would stop there?
A palette cleanser of golden kiwifruit in peppermint jelly (so infused with alcohol.....) on top of a champagne something with raspberries with lychee ice. And that wasn't dessert....
Then there was pre-dessert, some Pullet Eggs, which came delivered in a half-dozen egg carton per person (okay, three of the eggs were 'fake'), but the other three contained delicious flavours of white chocolate and orange mousse, pistachio eggnog and prune & some alochol thing...(don't ask me, I don't know differences...). This was probably one of the most interesting presentation modes, and most intelligent too!
Then there was dessert, whereupon we were asked what we preferred, and whether we "all liked chocolate". Again, differential desserts for our table were brought out...
a traditional French souffle, straight out of the oven,
and a chocolate mousse served on a bed of lemon base, with a white chocolate disc (to match the shape of the bowl...), with Tasmanian berries, all with a berry oil/coulis. The topping was hot, and poured on top of the white chocolate disc in order to make the chocolate melt in a pattern, which decorated the mousse beautifully. Again, another amazing feat of dessert presentation, and a dynamic one at that. This was incredibly rich, though a beautiful mix of different flavours.
Tea and coffee followed, as in most restaurants, served with petit fours, including interesting choices such as a nougat topped with a carrot salad, a mini pavalova with mango dressing, a pineapple and lychee creation encased in peppermint jelly, and a chocolate covered (almost salty) liquid caramel decorated with gold leaf.
Yes, I ate so many things I wouldn't in my normal life: fennel, gold leaf, caviar, berries, kiwifruit, truffles, boullabaise. Wow.
The service throughout the night was amazing - so attentive, yet with no feeling of being watched. Our glasses of water were constantly kept topped up, our plates cleared efficiently, our napkins nicely folded and replaced on our laps if we left the table. The waiters who served us were knowledgable and polite, catering to all our needs. The restaurant is really quite beautiful, and featured a mirror above the main preparation space to allow patrons to watch the assembly of their meal. The staff were helpful, well-presented and professional, attending to every detail of all the diners, with a particular focus on presentation of all things.
This was an incredibly satisfying yet adventurous meal, something that was definitely very unique and memorable. I would suggest taking your time with either lunch or dinner; the degustation menu is most interesting, and if you're up for a challenge and intriguing meal, this is definitely a good choice.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
sometimes
the good things aren't always easy. sometimes it's because they're hard that they're good.
and sometimes we have friends because we find it hard to talk to God.
and sometimes all you have to do is ask.
and sometimes we have friends because we find it hard to talk to God.
and sometimes all you have to do is ask.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
up and down
....on an emotional shoestring
been running into a lot of people (mostly at uni) recently. it's nice. sometimes i stop for a chat. other times not, but that's cool too. it's the hi that's nice :)
went to the first part of a masterclass given by Bart van Oort, one of the world's most renowned fortepianists. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay as I had a lecture, but I should have just skipped it (I fell asleep anyway...), and listened to it on the web, and stayed for the rest of the class. Oh well, not much I can do now....
Had a number of rehearsals in the past few weeks. I suppose nothing new though...
last week, I counted that I had seven rehearsals in the week. Of all sorts. If these go for an average of 2hrs each, that's 14hrs! That is as much uni as I go to! No wonder I feel like so much of my week is given to uni activities (although not all of is uni related, admittedly...)
Actually spent one Friday night at home. A very rare occurence for me. But had an audition the next day - had to get out to Elsternwick for 9.45am. It was a pretty cool adventure, as I'd never been there. Then hung out for a little while, as I waited for the next audition. Then walked with J along the main street there, which was very cute. Stopped at a lovely bakery and this really nice girl served us. And by really nice, I mean that she wasn't pushy, but she was really helpful too. And just lovely. I like that kind of service. :)
I met somebody who knew a friend of mine, and got to act as an intermediary. It was pretty cool. I like that role, really :)
Had a 21st that night; it was pretty cool - Barbie themed. You can see the photos if you know where to look.....everybody looked fantastic, it was such a great (and funny!) idea. And the guys, I was impressed!
Missed Rowing Day, but didn't really mind about it. I figure, three years, plus had a 21st the night before. It was a good day to catch up on stuff, particularly as I spent the previous day running around Melbourne, getting ready for this party, and generally was quite unproductive.
Played in the soiree on Monday night with L. It went pretty well. She's preparing for the Geelong Advertiser Comp (regional section). It was a busy week....
Tuesday night: saw James Blunt at Rod Laver (the review can be found at Yet Another Review so I don't have to repeat myself..) Just got his new album from the network. Admittedly, some expletives in there, but overall, a good album. There are some really awesome songs! Not really sure what I think of him in general, but some of his music is not too bad!
Wednesday night: Queen's Ball. This was pretty good - I was pleasantly surprised by the music choices (in the previous few years, I haven't really enjoyed it....), and the venue was beautiful, though somewhat out of the way, but thankfully accessible by public transport). Came home that night fairly early (got home at about 12.30..?) and wrote my draft lead sheet for my jazz assignment. [I handed in the final thing today and my tutor was like "This is fantastic. The harmonies are well-thought out. As an assignment it's fantastic." (musically, there was one thing he didn't agree with, but that was a matter of opinion) I didn't tell him the basic harmony and melody were written at some unlikely hour....although I find in the past few years, I've had amazing creative ideas at such wee hours....mostly techniques ones, and have found the overwhelming urges to harmonise chorales, or write creative pieces for assignments, or had the overwhelming urge to transcribe parts at a weird hour...]
Thursday: well, I only had five hours sleep. Then woke up to do a little bit of practice and then head off to a 9.30am Melba Hall rehearsal. Then to play in Concert Class.....(probably not the best idea on my part, for the night before...). This was finally the chance we got to play the Sextet for All Years. Except that there were about 40 people who missed it because they were standing outside. I should have started later.. :( Oh well...it's the past now....
But there were good comments, and I had lots of fun doing it. One of the msot enjoyable collaborations, I think. Had dinner with K, M and J that night, because J and I couldn't go to M's going away thing the night before. We went Vietnamese - it was fantastic. Then we thought it'd be a good idea to get gelate. It was FREEZING! But so much fun. :) Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to M (like, for three months..! sniff..!). But then we had a Arutiunian rehearsal, which was good.
Had my first weekend off (in four weeks!) It was quite wonderful. Went out for dinner on the Sat with H and R to Stalactites, which was wonderful. I'd heard lots about the place, but hadn't actually tried it yet. We stayed for a while (ok, so we started late...), but that place is open 24/7, so I suppose it's easy to lose sense of time if you're having a good time and chatting, because they won't kick you out! But I had time on the weekend to clean, do some chores, and even to bake..!
Unfortunately, got sick this week.
So, cancelled a few social engagements, which makes me sad because I like social engagements :P
[As A said, "What do you mean a 'maybe'??? This is you, the 'I'm so social' one! How can you be only a 'maybe' for my birthday??!?!?!?" Hahaha...]
Felt pretty gross and snotty, but you know, had to go to some things eg. last rehearsals.....but otherwise, limiting myself to the very necessary.
Will be playing in class four times in four weeks. The more I think about it, the more intense it is. I hope people don't get sick of me! I hope that person that wrote comments like "Your playing is BEAUTIFUL" writes more of that. Or maybe that lots of people think that :) K made a comment last night "You're doing pretty well for youself, on piano, that is." I was a bit confused by this, actually. Because I think "There are heaps of people much better than me. I'm doing ok, but you know, just ok. It's good."
Unfortunately haven't had piano lesson for two weeks now. The first one was cancelled by me. The 2nd one by my teacher because she had the 'flu. Probably the best thing.....even though I also got sick. I'm just not sure how I'm going....but she always reassures me that I'll be more than prepared for my exam. I took great heart from her when I called her to cancel my lesson....I said that I hadn't had such a great week (which was true, mostly because I hadn't felt my practice was productive, nor had I had much time to devote to it...), and she asked all sorts of things like "Are you ok? How is piano going? Is it your practice that is getting you down? What are you working on now? How is uni going in general? How is commerce going?" and then she proceded to tell me that she had confidence in me, and that I was one of her best students. I worry, but smiled too. Worry because I know I'm not the best. But I don't mind not being the best - that's a tough call..!
Booked (well, not me, but S) tickets to Tasmania for after-exams. Yay! Besides music tour in 2001 (ok, which is slightly 'contrived', in terms of who goes), and exchange to USA with a friend (who initially was a girl I went to school with, but became a friend), I've never been on a trip with friends. So this will be lots of fun. There's 7 (possibly 8) of us hanging out for just under a week. It should be awesome. It's a good group of people, we'll get to spend time with each other - and I genuinely do enjoy hanging out with each of these people, and can't wait to get to know them even better. I think there could be something beautiful about these friendships!
Now I just have to get through the last two weeks (and one day) plus exams before then.......
there is much hard work to be put in......
been running into a lot of people (mostly at uni) recently. it's nice. sometimes i stop for a chat. other times not, but that's cool too. it's the hi that's nice :)
went to the first part of a masterclass given by Bart van Oort, one of the world's most renowned fortepianists. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay as I had a lecture, but I should have just skipped it (I fell asleep anyway...), and listened to it on the web, and stayed for the rest of the class. Oh well, not much I can do now....
Had a number of rehearsals in the past few weeks. I suppose nothing new though...
last week, I counted that I had seven rehearsals in the week. Of all sorts. If these go for an average of 2hrs each, that's 14hrs! That is as much uni as I go to! No wonder I feel like so much of my week is given to uni activities (although not all of is uni related, admittedly...)
Actually spent one Friday night at home. A very rare occurence for me. But had an audition the next day - had to get out to Elsternwick for 9.45am. It was a pretty cool adventure, as I'd never been there. Then hung out for a little while, as I waited for the next audition. Then walked with J along the main street there, which was very cute. Stopped at a lovely bakery and this really nice girl served us. And by really nice, I mean that she wasn't pushy, but she was really helpful too. And just lovely. I like that kind of service. :)
I met somebody who knew a friend of mine, and got to act as an intermediary. It was pretty cool. I like that role, really :)
Had a 21st that night; it was pretty cool - Barbie themed. You can see the photos if you know where to look.....everybody looked fantastic, it was such a great (and funny!) idea. And the guys, I was impressed!
Missed Rowing Day, but didn't really mind about it. I figure, three years, plus had a 21st the night before. It was a good day to catch up on stuff, particularly as I spent the previous day running around Melbourne, getting ready for this party, and generally was quite unproductive.
Played in the soiree on Monday night with L. It went pretty well. She's preparing for the Geelong Advertiser Comp (regional section). It was a busy week....
Tuesday night: saw James Blunt at Rod Laver (the review can be found at Yet Another Review so I don't have to repeat myself..) Just got his new album from the network. Admittedly, some expletives in there, but overall, a good album. There are some really awesome songs! Not really sure what I think of him in general, but some of his music is not too bad!
Wednesday night: Queen's Ball. This was pretty good - I was pleasantly surprised by the music choices (in the previous few years, I haven't really enjoyed it....), and the venue was beautiful, though somewhat out of the way, but thankfully accessible by public transport). Came home that night fairly early (got home at about 12.30..?) and wrote my draft lead sheet for my jazz assignment. [I handed in the final thing today and my tutor was like "This is fantastic. The harmonies are well-thought out. As an assignment it's fantastic." (musically, there was one thing he didn't agree with, but that was a matter of opinion) I didn't tell him the basic harmony and melody were written at some unlikely hour....although I find in the past few years, I've had amazing creative ideas at such wee hours....mostly techniques ones, and have found the overwhelming urges to harmonise chorales, or write creative pieces for assignments, or had the overwhelming urge to transcribe parts at a weird hour...]
Thursday: well, I only had five hours sleep. Then woke up to do a little bit of practice and then head off to a 9.30am Melba Hall rehearsal. Then to play in Concert Class.....(probably not the best idea on my part, for the night before...). This was finally the chance we got to play the Sextet for All Years. Except that there were about 40 people who missed it because they were standing outside. I should have started later.. :( Oh well...it's the past now....
But there were good comments, and I had lots of fun doing it. One of the msot enjoyable collaborations, I think. Had dinner with K, M and J that night, because J and I couldn't go to M's going away thing the night before. We went Vietnamese - it was fantastic. Then we thought it'd be a good idea to get gelate. It was FREEZING! But so much fun. :) Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to M (like, for three months..! sniff..!). But then we had a Arutiunian rehearsal, which was good.
Had my first weekend off (in four weeks!) It was quite wonderful. Went out for dinner on the Sat with H and R to Stalactites, which was wonderful. I'd heard lots about the place, but hadn't actually tried it yet. We stayed for a while (ok, so we started late...), but that place is open 24/7, so I suppose it's easy to lose sense of time if you're having a good time and chatting, because they won't kick you out! But I had time on the weekend to clean, do some chores, and even to bake..!
Unfortunately, got sick this week.
So, cancelled a few social engagements, which makes me sad because I like social engagements :P
[As A said, "What do you mean a 'maybe'??? This is you, the 'I'm so social' one! How can you be only a 'maybe' for my birthday??!?!?!?" Hahaha...]
Felt pretty gross and snotty, but you know, had to go to some things eg. last rehearsals.....but otherwise, limiting myself to the very necessary.
Will be playing in class four times in four weeks. The more I think about it, the more intense it is. I hope people don't get sick of me! I hope that person that wrote comments like "Your playing is BEAUTIFUL" writes more of that. Or maybe that lots of people think that :) K made a comment last night "You're doing pretty well for youself, on piano, that is." I was a bit confused by this, actually. Because I think "There are heaps of people much better than me. I'm doing ok, but you know, just ok. It's good."
Unfortunately haven't had piano lesson for two weeks now. The first one was cancelled by me. The 2nd one by my teacher because she had the 'flu. Probably the best thing.....even though I also got sick. I'm just not sure how I'm going....but she always reassures me that I'll be more than prepared for my exam. I took great heart from her when I called her to cancel my lesson....I said that I hadn't had such a great week (which was true, mostly because I hadn't felt my practice was productive, nor had I had much time to devote to it...), and she asked all sorts of things like "Are you ok? How is piano going? Is it your practice that is getting you down? What are you working on now? How is uni going in general? How is commerce going?" and then she proceded to tell me that she had confidence in me, and that I was one of her best students. I worry, but smiled too. Worry because I know I'm not the best. But I don't mind not being the best - that's a tough call..!
Booked (well, not me, but S) tickets to Tasmania for after-exams. Yay! Besides music tour in 2001 (ok, which is slightly 'contrived', in terms of who goes), and exchange to USA with a friend (who initially was a girl I went to school with, but became a friend), I've never been on a trip with friends. So this will be lots of fun. There's 7 (possibly 8) of us hanging out for just under a week. It should be awesome. It's a good group of people, we'll get to spend time with each other - and I genuinely do enjoy hanging out with each of these people, and can't wait to get to know them even better. I think there could be something beautiful about these friendships!
Now I just have to get through the last two weeks (and one day) plus exams before then.......
there is much hard work to be put in......
Thursday, May 08, 2008
A Closed Chapter
As of this afternoon, after the Music Students' Society AGM, I am no longer the Vice-President of the MSS. This is a decision I came to a while ago, that I would not run again for office. Essentially, I have little time as it is, and feel that these positions require time to dedicate to ensure the club runs successfuly. Today represents the end of two years on the MSS committee, a time I have greatly enjoyed. I started as the Combined Degrees Representative in the 2006-2007 term, after which the positions were constitutionally altered, and served as Vice-President in the 2007-2008 term. The most recent committee was one I enjoyed the most, with a healthy mix of mostly combined degree students who quickly became friends (if they weren't already).
This committee were enthusiastic, had ideas, ran events successfully and were incredibly active in promoting the presence of the student society throughout the faculty. It has maintained the strong financial position that it was left in (even better?!) and increased membership and awareness.
To all who formed the committee for 2007-2008, I am grateful for your friendship, and you have been wonderful to work with. I appreciate your enthusiasm, your organisation, willingness and sense of fun. I will miss the 'mofo', feeling popular with emails from various committee members replying all, knowing almost everything ;), cooking sausages, sitting in on things and learning the ins and outs of what's going on. I will smile at the memories - short meetings, feeling popular, buying $$$ of stuff, carting watermelons, wearing cool t-shirts, standing behind the BBQ, handing out pizza, knowing stuff.
This committee were enthusiastic, had ideas, ran events successfully and were incredibly active in promoting the presence of the student society throughout the faculty. It has maintained the strong financial position that it was left in (even better?!) and increased membership and awareness.
To all who formed the committee for 2007-2008, I am grateful for your friendship, and you have been wonderful to work with. I appreciate your enthusiasm, your organisation, willingness and sense of fun. I will miss the 'mofo', feeling popular with emails from various committee members replying all, knowing almost everything ;), cooking sausages, sitting in on things and learning the ins and outs of what's going on. I will smile at the memories - short meetings, feeling popular, buying $$$ of stuff, carting watermelons, wearing cool t-shirts, standing behind the BBQ, handing out pizza, knowing stuff.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
ridiculous
Some of these are,
some aren't.
Go nuts. Be amused.
I:
Want to marry a Scottish guy so I can have a wedding on a hill on Scotland, where he'll wear his clan's tartan, and have bagpipes to walk up a hill to. Hahahaha.
Enjoy my music degree much more than I thought I would.
Don't enjoy my commerce degree as much as I thought I would.
Wished I didn't look so retarded when playing (social!) soccer...
Once wanted to be a doctor, lawyer, marine biologist or architect.
Or a lecturer in something at a top uni like Cambridge, Harvard or Oxford.
[that is essentially quoted from the age of 12, my primary school year book..]
Hmmm....
Wished I kept playing violin.
Have a really weird body shape. I think so anyway.
Which surprisingly, doesn't include hollow legs. Well, I don't think so anyway...
Often feel disillusioned with lots of things.
Sometimes wonder why I'm doing what I'm doing. And whether it's all worth it.
Or whether I'm only doing it because I don't know what else to do. Or because I think I might be ok at it.
Because I fear that I won't be good at anything else.
Sometimes wish I smiled more just because. Not because I had something happen to me that made me smile, even though I appreciate those so much.
Worry a lot about that I don't think my life will ever take a path that I would like to imagine.
Love everything life is throwing at me.
.
.
.
.
.
But sometimes wish I could trade it in for somebody else's.
some aren't.
Go nuts. Be amused.
I:
Want to marry a Scottish guy so I can have a wedding on a hill on Scotland, where he'll wear his clan's tartan, and have bagpipes to walk up a hill to. Hahahaha.
Enjoy my music degree much more than I thought I would.
Don't enjoy my commerce degree as much as I thought I would.
Wished I didn't look so retarded when playing (social!) soccer...
Once wanted to be a doctor, lawyer, marine biologist or architect.
Or a lecturer in something at a top uni like Cambridge, Harvard or Oxford.
[that is essentially quoted from the age of 12, my primary school year book..]
Hmmm....
Wished I kept playing violin.
Have a really weird body shape. I think so anyway.
Which surprisingly, doesn't include hollow legs. Well, I don't think so anyway...
Often feel disillusioned with lots of things.
Sometimes wonder why I'm doing what I'm doing. And whether it's all worth it.
Or whether I'm only doing it because I don't know what else to do. Or because I think I might be ok at it.
Because I fear that I won't be good at anything else.
Sometimes wish I smiled more just because. Not because I had something happen to me that made me smile, even though I appreciate those so much.
Worry a lot about that I don't think my life will ever take a path that I would like to imagine.
Love everything life is throwing at me.
.
.
.
.
.
But sometimes wish I could trade it in for somebody else's.
Monday, April 28, 2008
happy times
I had a fantastic weekend.
I haven't been able to say that in a while, I think!
This is not to say I didn't enjoy my own 21st, but the general happy feeling wasn't prolonged over the entire weekend like this one was.
The thing I appreciated most about it was that I got to hang out quite a lot with a special bunch of friends (not that you're not special!) - some I see quite a bit, some not so, some who I know better, some who I don't, but would like to.
The roadtrip to Geelong was lots of fun. We stopped by McDonald's, dressed up to the nines...getting the sufficient stares that our outfits asked for. It was freezing, we endure it! We got a little lost in Geelong, looked for the Yacht Club, found it. Started the party (because you know, the party does really start when we get there!) Had a lovely night at the 21st - was heaps of fun. Enjoyed the speeches very much. Roadtrip back was also fun, highlighted by going through Drive-Thru at Macca's to get a number of ice-cream sundaes! It would have sucked if the person had told us "Sorry, our soft serve machine is currently out of order." Haha.
B refused to let anybody (especially me, by poking and a high whiny voice..) sleep because he couldn't. I see.....
Slept in on Sunday morning (kinda by accident; I did set an alarm, and hit snooze a couple of times, and then tried to reset the time, although it looks like that failed, because I was awoken by the Ormond bell at 9am..!!!) Did a bit of work (tiny tiny bit!) before going to the shops to get some food supplies. Went to Princes Park to have a picnic with some church friends yay! We were sufficiently picnic-food-stocked, which was good. Some people went to extravagant lengths, so impressive...the culinary delights did indeed delight...
Then was the soccer...
I really hadn't intended on playing. I maintained that I look retarded when I play....and was given the tip about diving, "an 'important' part of the game". But I somehow managed to be convinced to play soccer. Me. Play. Soccer.
Since when?!?!
Anyway, so there I was. Even prior to the match, I was doing my thing...and managed to fall squarely on my butt. Haha. It was pretty funny.
Until this morning, when I woke up with a sore back...not so funny.
But still amusing. Haha.
Anyway. Soccer.
I was probably worth about half a player, given my (lack of) skill.....thank goodness for some stars like 'Hog' (affectionately termed by T), and star H with good support from S. I must have been there for decoration.
So, the review of the match. The yellow team smelt (literally) because of the bibs they were wearing (they were actually really stinky...); in terms of their soccer though, they were quite good! They were dominating for the whole match. But we, the un-bibbed managed to put some strong defence in, and the occasional offence, drawing the match even. And for the highlight.....I even scored a goal! Admittedly, it was just a case of slotting it in....everybody else set it up, I was just an accessory. Remember? Don't play soccer....
I missed a couple of golden opportunities, just didn't really know what to do with my legs, I'm that retarded....! Oh well...
We all needed the rest after it (half time..?!?!)....whereupon I thought it'd be a great idea to play by myself again. Haha. At least I didn't fall on my butt this time...but S taught me some cool skills. Well, they're kinda basic, but you see, I was lacking in the basics, to they were pretty cool to me!
Anyway, some well-needed rest followed. Seriously well-needed. I was already a little sore, but not too bad. Church that night was great, our music team was on; we had a new song to learn, which was cool. Met some awesome people, who were a bunch of fun...there were some pretty funny quotes and moments from last night...
But the 'happy times' title comes from the fact that I got to spend time with some awesome friends. Again, some I know well, some I don't know as well. And they were good times. I smiled a lot. Even though it hurt a lot today. (Physically, that is!)
And I am so blessed to have friends like these. They're amazing. And I love them all so much.
I haven't been able to say that in a while, I think!
This is not to say I didn't enjoy my own 21st, but the general happy feeling wasn't prolonged over the entire weekend like this one was.
The thing I appreciated most about it was that I got to hang out quite a lot with a special bunch of friends (not that you're not special!) - some I see quite a bit, some not so, some who I know better, some who I don't, but would like to.
The roadtrip to Geelong was lots of fun. We stopped by McDonald's, dressed up to the nines...getting the sufficient stares that our outfits asked for. It was freezing, we endure it! We got a little lost in Geelong, looked for the Yacht Club, found it. Started the party (because you know, the party does really start when we get there!) Had a lovely night at the 21st - was heaps of fun. Enjoyed the speeches very much. Roadtrip back was also fun, highlighted by going through Drive-Thru at Macca's to get a number of ice-cream sundaes! It would have sucked if the person had told us "Sorry, our soft serve machine is currently out of order." Haha.
B refused to let anybody (especially me, by poking and a high whiny voice..) sleep because he couldn't. I see.....
Slept in on Sunday morning (kinda by accident; I did set an alarm, and hit snooze a couple of times, and then tried to reset the time, although it looks like that failed, because I was awoken by the Ormond bell at 9am..!!!) Did a bit of work (tiny tiny bit!) before going to the shops to get some food supplies. Went to Princes Park to have a picnic with some church friends yay! We were sufficiently picnic-food-stocked, which was good. Some people went to extravagant lengths, so impressive...the culinary delights did indeed delight...
Then was the soccer...
I really hadn't intended on playing. I maintained that I look retarded when I play....and was given the tip about diving, "an 'important' part of the game". But I somehow managed to be convinced to play soccer. Me. Play. Soccer.
Since when?!?!
Anyway, so there I was. Even prior to the match, I was doing my thing...and managed to fall squarely on my butt. Haha. It was pretty funny.
Until this morning, when I woke up with a sore back...not so funny.
But still amusing. Haha.
Anyway. Soccer.
I was probably worth about half a player, given my (lack of) skill.....thank goodness for some stars like 'Hog' (affectionately termed by T), and star H with good support from S. I must have been there for decoration.
So, the review of the match. The yellow team smelt (literally) because of the bibs they were wearing (they were actually really stinky...); in terms of their soccer though, they were quite good! They were dominating for the whole match. But we, the un-bibbed managed to put some strong defence in, and the occasional offence, drawing the match even. And for the highlight.....I even scored a goal! Admittedly, it was just a case of slotting it in....everybody else set it up, I was just an accessory. Remember? Don't play soccer....
I missed a couple of golden opportunities, just didn't really know what to do with my legs, I'm that retarded....! Oh well...
We all needed the rest after it (half time..?!?!)....whereupon I thought it'd be a great idea to play by myself again. Haha. At least I didn't fall on my butt this time...but S taught me some cool skills. Well, they're kinda basic, but you see, I was lacking in the basics, to they were pretty cool to me!
Anyway, some well-needed rest followed. Seriously well-needed. I was already a little sore, but not too bad. Church that night was great, our music team was on; we had a new song to learn, which was cool. Met some awesome people, who were a bunch of fun...there were some pretty funny quotes and moments from last night...
But the 'happy times' title comes from the fact that I got to spend time with some awesome friends. Again, some I know well, some I don't know as well. And they were good times. I smiled a lot. Even though it hurt a lot today. (Physically, that is!)
And I am so blessed to have friends like these. They're amazing. And I love them all so much.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Amazing
I should point out that the previous post was thanks to Gina, as I stole it from her....
So, this is the long weekend I've been looking forward to for a very long time. Probably since about the end of the Easter holidays. Really, I shouldn't be living holiday to holiday, or weekend to weekend - I should be enjoying every day that I have. But this week has been ridiculously busy. (Nothing's new, but it seemed more so, for some reason...)
I get this question: "Have you recovered from your 21st?" And to tell you the truth, I thought about it and the correct answer is "No." Not because I partied so hard that I feel so ill, but because since that night I haven't really had much sleep anyway. Nor did I have that much prior to it. So, no, I haven't quite recovered.
But as the brief story about it....
I have to begin with thank yous to everybody who helped make the night possible. From the professional staff at Coopers Inn, to everybody who pitched in with cake, speaker requirements, giving opinions, and to all my friends and family who helped me celebrate on the night. I feel incredibly loved, blessed, and oh-so-spoilt! Only yesterday did I clear and put away all my presents....they were sitting out on the couch before, until I had to move them into my room because we had people over. But sititng in my room can get messy...I could barely access one of my cupboards..! Thank you so much for making it a celebration to remember.
Unfortunately it was back into the swing of it after partying hard last weekend (two 21sts, one of them mine..!). Piano lesson: 9am Monday morning. I resisted the urge so difficultly to go out after church on Sunday night ("But you're 21 now! You can do whatever you like! You're grown up now!" Haha..)
Had mid-semester exam during the week.
Two assignments.
One I skipped....don't worry, there are 9 in a semester, of which only 7 count. And last week and this week, I'm missing my 'allocated' two. So I have to keep working hard after that. I think I can do that. Hopefully!
Going to another 21st tonight...should be fun. We're taking the Wiggles van woo!!! All the way to Geelong (well it's not really that far, but should be a fun trip!). With cool people hehe.
I don't know how I'm going to do tomorrow, but I suppose we'll see. I am already exhausted...!
Look out for upcoming performances in Concert Class.....
that didn't sound as busy as I thought it was.....
probably because I didn't do an assignment....would you look at that..?!
So, this is the long weekend I've been looking forward to for a very long time. Probably since about the end of the Easter holidays. Really, I shouldn't be living holiday to holiday, or weekend to weekend - I should be enjoying every day that I have. But this week has been ridiculously busy. (Nothing's new, but it seemed more so, for some reason...)
I get this question: "Have you recovered from your 21st?" And to tell you the truth, I thought about it and the correct answer is "No." Not because I partied so hard that I feel so ill, but because since that night I haven't really had much sleep anyway. Nor did I have that much prior to it. So, no, I haven't quite recovered.
But as the brief story about it....
I have to begin with thank yous to everybody who helped make the night possible. From the professional staff at Coopers Inn, to everybody who pitched in with cake, speaker requirements, giving opinions, and to all my friends and family who helped me celebrate on the night. I feel incredibly loved, blessed, and oh-so-spoilt! Only yesterday did I clear and put away all my presents....they were sitting out on the couch before, until I had to move them into my room because we had people over. But sititng in my room can get messy...I could barely access one of my cupboards..! Thank you so much for making it a celebration to remember.
Unfortunately it was back into the swing of it after partying hard last weekend (two 21sts, one of them mine..!). Piano lesson: 9am Monday morning. I resisted the urge so difficultly to go out after church on Sunday night ("But you're 21 now! You can do whatever you like! You're grown up now!" Haha..)
Had mid-semester exam during the week.
Two assignments.
One I skipped....don't worry, there are 9 in a semester, of which only 7 count. And last week and this week, I'm missing my 'allocated' two. So I have to keep working hard after that. I think I can do that. Hopefully!
Going to another 21st tonight...should be fun. We're taking the Wiggles van woo!!! All the way to Geelong (well it's not really that far, but should be a fun trip!). With cool people hehe.
I don't know how I'm going to do tomorrow, but I suppose we'll see. I am already exhausted...!
Look out for upcoming performances in Concert Class.....
that didn't sound as busy as I thought it was.....
probably because I didn't do an assignment....would you look at that..?!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I should be studying...
but instead, I am doing this quiz....
Seven (highly avoidable but always overlooked) Sins.
Gluttony
1. Do you think you eat more than you should?
Oh yes. I like food.....and I always grew up having to eat everything on my plate.
2. What is your favorite meal?
All of them! Wow, gluttony already at #2....
3. What did you have for dinner today (or yesterday)?
Pasta that I cooked (out of a packet) because Eakins dinner was bad.
4. What is your favorite dessert?
Anything chocolate...? I like dessert very much.....lemon tart wouldn't go awry either..
5. Can you cook well?
Not really, but muffins I can do. As well as that pasta...and those brownies...
6. Are you a fruit or veggie person?
Mmm, probably rather veggies. I'm such a picky (and very limited) fruit eater...
7. What is your favorite restaurant to go to?
Depends on what I feel like, and who I'm with...
8. Do you feel comfortable with your weight?
Mmm, not bad. Could possibly do with a bit less, but you know...
9. Are you vegetarian or vegan?
I'm a Queen's vegetarian some days....but I do like my meat
(I just don't particularly like preparing it)
10. Describe your normal eating habits.
Breakfast, morning tea/snack, lunch, afternoon snack,
dinner, supper...
Lust
1. How much do you find yourself thinking about sex?
Errr.....not much at all, thank you very much!
2. Are you a virgin?
I'll go with Gina on this one: "Who wants to know?"
3. If not, who did you lose your virginity to and when?
See Q2
4. Do you believe you should be in love to have sex?
You bet!
5. Have you ever cheated on your significant other?
Erm, no. If you know me, you'd know why :)
6. What the first thing you look for in a boy/girl?
Honesty and integrity. My bad, that's two. Surely we all look
at more than one thing first up?!
7. Do you have any special fantasies?
Erm...about what..? The rest of my life?
8. Have you been in lust more than love?
Not really sure...
9. Would you have sex with more than one person?
No diddly way! Err...husband..?!?!
10. Who have you lust for?
Jamie Cullum. Hah. Just kidding. I don't know.
Greed
1. What do you want more than anything right now?
Sleep
2. Does money play an important part of your life?
Yeah, it's important to be able to support yourself financially,
but it's not the most important thing.
3. What are your goals for the future?
Oh, there are so many. Did you mean the realistic ones?
4. Do you think money is more important than love?
I'm with Gina on this one. Definitely not. Love is greatest.
5. If you were given one million dollars right now, what would you do with it?
Spend it on my family and friends. Save a large proportion of it...
6. Has anyone ever called you spoiled or greedy?
Spoiled, due to the collection of presents in my room.
7. Do your parents have a lot of money?
Yes and no. (2nd that, Gina)
8. How much money do you spend in one week?
Depends which week. And how busy it is...
9. Do/would you share with people that are less fortunate?
Yep
10. Have you ever robbed someone?
Erm, no. I don't usually undertake such petty (or possibly violent) crimes...
Sloth
1. Have many people called you lazy?
Not many. Mostly me.
2. How much sleep do you get at night?
During semester, usually about 5.5-6hrs. On the holidays, depending on what's
going on, possibly up to 10..?
3. Do you often take naps in the middle of the day?
Ooh yes! That's how I keep going!
4. What was the most depressing time of your life?
Err, probably teenage years? Those times..!
5. What is the best way to relax?
Spend it with friends doing things you enjoy. Oh, and treating self, such as massage, or a nice bath. Or sleeping :)
6. Would you consider yourself more of a follower or leader?
Mmm, it depends. Both, in different situations. I still, however,
maintain that I am a highly independant person. I think that can work
in either a follower or leader position...
7. Would you consider yourself a caring person?
Yep - well, at least I try to be!
8. What time do you go to bed at night?
I aim for about midnight latest. Often that time is violated...
9. What do you waste most of your time doing?
These sorts of quizzes. Facebooking people. Looking at my photos. Sorting out music.
10. Would you rather go out somewhere or stay home?
Depends on the mood, the people who I'm with, my energy levels..
Wrath
1. Who was the last person you were upset with?
Probably myself.
2. Do you hate anyone?
Mmm, don't think so. Hate is a very strong word.
Dislike strongly - yes.
3. Are you angry a lot?
I'd like to think not. However, I get annoyed quite often.
4. What was the last thing that made you mad?
Mad? That's extreme...can't remember...
5. Have you even been in a physical fight with someone?
Yeah, my brother when we were little...
6. Has there been a time that you wanted to seek revenge?
Yeah, for sure.
7. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Biggest? Well, I have several. Yeah, hypocrites.
And inconsistency (particularly to do with character).
And bad manners/social graces.
Oh, and people that stop in the middle of streets/pathways
when there is a flow of traffic behind them. That's right - you're in the way!
It's not very hard to move to the side to talk to the person
you just saw, or to veer towards the side so that you
can stop! Or people that don't keep to the left when going slowly
(come on, gotta leave room for people to overtake!)
Mind you, this is mostly in reference to walking...
8. How do you express your anger and frustration?
Rant to a friend (sorry..!) or put it away.
9. Is it easy for you to forgive?
I suppose it depends on what. I try to forgive as much as I would like to be
forgiven myself, because I know I'm not perfect. And also because
I know I've been forgiven for the biggest screw-ups I've ever done, and will ever do.
Envy
1. Who are you most jealous of?
Ah, many people for many different reasons.
2. What is something you want that your best friend has?
Erm, not really sure. I suppose I'd have to define 'best friend' first, hey..?
3. What is one thing you think you are lacking in life?
Sufficient sleep
4. Do you think of yourself as an envious person?
Yes, to a certain extent.
5. How would you consider yourself lucky?
Mmm, I don't think I consider it luck. Again, thanks Gina, 'blessed'. Very much so.
6. Unlucky?
Not at all.
7. Have you ever felt sorry for yourself?
Yes, hasn't everybody?
8. Overall, do you think you have everything you need?
Materially? Yes. Otherwise? In theory, yes. In reality, not quite yet....
9. Is there anyone that has been envious of you?
I don's see any reason why so!
10. Do you want a better life than what you have?
I think we all dream about that. That's what dreams are, yes?
But who are we to keep dreaming and not living the life we have been given?
Pride
1. What is your best physical feature?
A consistent photo smile. Haha.
2. What do you like most about your personality?
I'm incredibly persistent, and also have this quirk called "organisational freakism".
It puts me in fairly good stead when doing a million
and one things simultaneously.
3. How much time do you take to get ready in the morning?
Including a shower and breakfast, and a sleep in...
could be as short as half an hour.
4. Do you wear a lot of make-up?
Not really. Most of it comes out when I have some reason for it, such as
going out or being photographed... :P
5. How often do you go shopping?
Grocery shopping? About once every two weeks? Perhaps
interspersed when something I need runs out...
6. Are your looks very important to you?
Yes, but only to a certain extent.
Of course, the minimum is to look presentable and decent!
7. Would you ever like to be a model?
No way.
8. What could be improved about your body?
Get some height. Reallocation of some
9. Do you think that you’re better than others?
In general? No. At a few things (eg. playing the piano? Over some ppl, for
example, those who aren't learning or haven't learnt, then yes.)
10. What is your most embarrassing moment?
Oh, there are a few, but definitely not hideously embarrassing, I think.
Highlights include...
crying in class in Grade 4 after being told off
and being so embarrassed in yr 7 during debating that I blushed
through the entire thing.
Highlights include...
crying in class in Grade 4 after being told off
and being so embarrassed in yr 7 during debating that I blushed
through the entire thing.
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