Monday, March 15, 2010
Blech
Starting my "no cream in my coffee" regimen. Not enjoying it so far. I really need better coffee.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Panicked Call
Mother's Day in England produced this panicked call to my mother:
Me: Dad?
Mom: No, it's Mom.
Me: You must think I'm the biggest a#$hole ever!
Mom: Why would I think that??
Me: I missed Mother's Day!!
Mom: That's in May, hon. It's still March.
Me: oh.
Me: Dad?
Mom: No, it's Mom.
Me: You must think I'm the biggest a#$hole ever!
Mom: Why would I think that??
Me: I missed Mother's Day!!
Mom: That's in May, hon. It's still March.
Me: oh.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Weird Dreams
For years I never remembered my dreams. When people talked about theirs, I would listen with some measure of jealousy, since the last dream I remembered having was the night before an audition for a jazz group, which was horrible (the dream was horrible, although I didn't really enjoy the audition, either). I dreamt I was in a warehouse with a group of people and a priest with the weirdest eyes showed up, and everyone had to bow down to him. I won't say what happened, but it was bad. And Michael Stipe from REM was in the dream, too—although he didn't take part in the mayhem. In the dream, anyway.
I think after that I was scared to dream.
But lately I've been having lots of dreams, and, if I interpret them correctly, they're mostly dreams questioning my competence. A few weeks ago I dreamt I had moved to a new city and was really lonely, and Chris Eldin entered my dream and offered to be my pet turtle. So she turned herself into a turtle, only in my dream I knew NOTHING about caring for turtles, and had to start my research from scratch. Naturally I was under a deadline, since even turtles in captivity will eventually die without care, so I spent the dream racing around trying to keep her warm. I put her under blankets, wrapped her in towels and kept asking her if she was cold. Being a turtle and not being able to talk, she kept nodding. Eventually I found a heat lamp and put her under that in her aquarium. I don't think she'd mind my recounting the dream, as she said it should be a story. Perhaps someday it will be.
My last two dreams have been just as weird, as dreams are wont to do. In one, I dreamt I was waiting tables again, and the restaurant filled up and I felt woefully out of practice (not that I was ever a good waitress to begin with), and things kept going wrong. In the second dream I was an actress who forgot to study the lines for her play until the night before the performance.
I think it may just be graduation freak out time. But in a way, I'm glad I'm remembering my dreams. Makes life more interesting.
I think after that I was scared to dream.
But lately I've been having lots of dreams, and, if I interpret them correctly, they're mostly dreams questioning my competence. A few weeks ago I dreamt I had moved to a new city and was really lonely, and Chris Eldin entered my dream and offered to be my pet turtle. So she turned herself into a turtle, only in my dream I knew NOTHING about caring for turtles, and had to start my research from scratch. Naturally I was under a deadline, since even turtles in captivity will eventually die without care, so I spent the dream racing around trying to keep her warm. I put her under blankets, wrapped her in towels and kept asking her if she was cold. Being a turtle and not being able to talk, she kept nodding. Eventually I found a heat lamp and put her under that in her aquarium. I don't think she'd mind my recounting the dream, as she said it should be a story. Perhaps someday it will be.
My last two dreams have been just as weird, as dreams are wont to do. In one, I dreamt I was waiting tables again, and the restaurant filled up and I felt woefully out of practice (not that I was ever a good waitress to begin with), and things kept going wrong. In the second dream I was an actress who forgot to study the lines for her play until the night before the performance.
I think it may just be graduation freak out time. But in a way, I'm glad I'm remembering my dreams. Makes life more interesting.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Steak and Beer and Other Things
I just had a big steak and a beer, and it wasn't as much fun as I thought it would be. I don't know why I got a hankering, but I did. I didn't even like the steak much. And the chicken I fixed last week is now slowly turning to gelatin in the fridge. The truth is, I don't think I like meat much anymore. Yet I don't like veggies much, either. If I stop liking fruit, I am definitely screwed.
Going to start the new yoga DVD tomorrow. The fruit smoothies I've been drinking are great; I feel so much better! But I've not lost any weight, despite the copious amounts of yogurt I put into my smoothies. Maybe a little bit, but . . . see above. I've not really changed any of my other habits. I keep thinking once I get to L.A., I'll suddenly leap into this ultra-healthy lifestyle (counting on you, Sarah - heh). We shall see. It's hard to stay healthy in the city of the Deep Dish Pizza. Right now I'm getting on the treadmill for a half an hour about once every week and a half. That's not good.
But I've been doing a hell of a lot more composing, and that IS good. I just have to clean up my room and stop screwing around in the morning when I get up. Yeah, yeah, I "need" that extra cup of coffee. (Some mornings I do, but . . . )
And honestly, I think that's the biggest problem right there: caffeine. I don't know whether it can make you gain weight, but all the freaking cream I drink can't be helping matters any. I've thought about cutting it out, but I don't like black coffee, and the thought of going without coffee kind of scares me. (I guess that means I'm an addict? Caffeineaholics Anonymous, anyone?) I'm trying to either drink the soy or fat-free creamer, but more often than not, I find myself in 7-11 picking up the sugared, fatty sweet creamer just because it's conveniently available. What I might do is just drink the coffee black throughout the week and then on the weekends have the cream too, as a treat. Hmmm. Have I bored you enough???
I've been a little better about turning off my light at night when I sleep, but I'm still going to bed to take "naps." I'm looking into one of those alarms hard of hearing people have, where it zaps a finger or something. We shall see. And one of the contacts in my last set ripped, so now I'm wearing the glasses that have unremovable spots on them. Sexy.
Getting a few more samples here and there. I have one nearly mixed and it will go up on the website and in the libraries of which I'm a part. Some exciting things are happening, and when I know more I'll be sure to keep you posted. Just one of those "in the works" things.
Going to start the new yoga DVD tomorrow. The fruit smoothies I've been drinking are great; I feel so much better! But I've not lost any weight, despite the copious amounts of yogurt I put into my smoothies. Maybe a little bit, but . . . see above. I've not really changed any of my other habits. I keep thinking once I get to L.A., I'll suddenly leap into this ultra-healthy lifestyle (counting on you, Sarah - heh). We shall see. It's hard to stay healthy in the city of the Deep Dish Pizza. Right now I'm getting on the treadmill for a half an hour about once every week and a half. That's not good.
But I've been doing a hell of a lot more composing, and that IS good. I just have to clean up my room and stop screwing around in the morning when I get up. Yeah, yeah, I "need" that extra cup of coffee. (Some mornings I do, but . . . )
And honestly, I think that's the biggest problem right there: caffeine. I don't know whether it can make you gain weight, but all the freaking cream I drink can't be helping matters any. I've thought about cutting it out, but I don't like black coffee, and the thought of going without coffee kind of scares me. (I guess that means I'm an addict? Caffeineaholics Anonymous, anyone?) I'm trying to either drink the soy or fat-free creamer, but more often than not, I find myself in 7-11 picking up the sugared, fatty sweet creamer just because it's conveniently available. What I might do is just drink the coffee black throughout the week and then on the weekends have the cream too, as a treat. Hmmm. Have I bored you enough???
I've been a little better about turning off my light at night when I sleep, but I'm still going to bed to take "naps." I'm looking into one of those alarms hard of hearing people have, where it zaps a finger or something. We shall see. And one of the contacts in my last set ripped, so now I'm wearing the glasses that have unremovable spots on them. Sexy.
Getting a few more samples here and there. I have one nearly mixed and it will go up on the website and in the libraries of which I'm a part. Some exciting things are happening, and when I know more I'll be sure to keep you posted. Just one of those "in the works" things.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
It's Coming Along
So. Private composition lessons are going very well. I'm definitely experiencing some real growth as a composer, and I know that's due to Hummie's methods and his insistence that I make a sketch of my pieces by hand. "Make the sketch clear," he keeps telling me whenever put my chicken scratches in front of him.
I knew the first day he started teaching us that THIS was the stuff I had been looking for as a composer. He's uber-organized, and I'm taking a cue (no pun intended) from his song book about that. I still have a long way to go both organizationally and compositionally, but for the first time in a while now I'm making progress. I feel a lot more confident when I sit down to score a scene. It's like we're pushing that boulder of doubt out of the way. The only bummer is that I only have a couple of months left under his and Andy Hill's tutelage. I'm trying to make the most of it.
My biggest problem right now is my sleeping. I've gotten into the bad habit of sleeping with my light on. I go to bed with work unfinished, intending to "take a nap." Usually the nap last 6 - 8 hours, but I never really feel rested because I left my contacts in, my jeans (and sometimes shoes) on, and my light on. Hence I'm writing this post at 3:30 in the morning. Undoubtedly I'll be tired tomorrow, too.
I knew the first day he started teaching us that THIS was the stuff I had been looking for as a composer. He's uber-organized, and I'm taking a cue (no pun intended) from his song book about that. I still have a long way to go both organizationally and compositionally, but for the first time in a while now I'm making progress. I feel a lot more confident when I sit down to score a scene. It's like we're pushing that boulder of doubt out of the way. The only bummer is that I only have a couple of months left under his and Andy Hill's tutelage. I'm trying to make the most of it.
My biggest problem right now is my sleeping. I've gotten into the bad habit of sleeping with my light on. I go to bed with work unfinished, intending to "take a nap." Usually the nap last 6 - 8 hours, but I never really feel rested because I left my contacts in, my jeans (and sometimes shoes) on, and my light on. Hence I'm writing this post at 3:30 in the morning. Undoubtedly I'll be tired tomorrow, too.
post removal
I went ahead and took down my "Toxic People" post because my said cousin and I got things worked out, at least to an extent.
Family stuff. Gotta love it.
Family stuff. Gotta love it.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Recording
Recording went well last night. It was neat to see Hummie Mann conduct. I hope to have it on my soon-to-be launched website soon. (Technically the website is already up, but there's not much to view or listen to on it right now.)
The piece was to score a non-existent scene from O. Henry's short story "Gift of the Magi." My aim was to write something that showed two struggling people in love, but was also something they might hear on the radio in those days.
Anyway, today I'm taking my external drive to school to download the recording (and others). Today I need to turn my attention to a student film, so I might be able to mix the recording from last night tomorrow or Sunday.
The piece was to score a non-existent scene from O. Henry's short story "Gift of the Magi." My aim was to write something that showed two struggling people in love, but was also something they might hear on the radio in those days.
Anyway, today I'm taking my external drive to school to download the recording (and others). Today I need to turn my attention to a student film, so I might be able to mix the recording from last night tomorrow or Sunday.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Word Verification
Are you guys getting word verification when you comment? Reason i ask is I seem to be getting spam comments from time to time, and while my account says word verification is "on," it's not showing when I comment on my own blog. Thanks.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Being Human Season Two
I've not seen any of it yet, despite my love for this great, quirky little show. I've wanted to. The BBC in the UK is being very stingy about letting us Americans view it. (Well, not really; it's just not on BBC America yet.) If any of my British friends watch it, tell me: is it good? The evil professor thing seems really interesting.
Don't spoil it. Just tell me if it's good.
Don't spoil it. Just tell me if it's good.
Friday, February 19, 2010
New Routine?
Okay. I really love the yoga routine Baron Baptiste does, but the full routine is an hour and a half. I don't have that kind of time. I hear Jillian Michaels is coming out with a new yoga CD (three routines, 20 minutes each). Just how kick ass is she?
Also, any workout routines you guys love and want to share would be appreciated. I'm looking for something where I can get a lot of work done in a short amount of time. Michaels claims to do that. Thoughts?
Also, any workout routines you guys love and want to share would be appreciated. I'm looking for something where I can get a lot of work done in a short amount of time. Michaels claims to do that. Thoughts?
Monday, February 15, 2010
Coming Soon
Progress on the new site, but I'd like to get a few more samples up before I post the link here.
I saw The Wolfman and a little European film called The White Ribbon. I'm hoping my tiny epiphany in listening to Elfman's score in The Wolfman will help. The Muse was nowhere to be found yesterday.
In my humble opinion, the editing in TW was odd. And TWR was rather disturbing, but thought-provoking.
I saw The Wolfman and a little European film called The White Ribbon. I'm hoping my tiny epiphany in listening to Elfman's score in The Wolfman will help. The Muse was nowhere to be found yesterday.
In my humble opinion, the editing in TW was odd. And TWR was rather disturbing, but thought-provoking.
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Art of Having Fun
I feel a real pang of guilt if I'm not working on something for school or writing or just generally doing something creative when I'm not in class or working or teaching, but lately I've been feeling tapped out with pretty much everything.
Last night I was walking home from the train and it dawned on me that I honestly can't remember the last time I went to see a movie just for the hell of it, or sat in a coffee shop and read for pleasure, or went out for a drink with friends, or wandered around the Art Institute, or just ran down Michigan Avenue for no reason. In short, I can't remember the last time I had FUN. Lately I've felt almost literally chained to my computer.
What prompted this was that I ended up riding the train with my classmates, and it was real work to make conversation—while their conversation flowed as easily as water down a creek. And that sort of thing has been going on for so long I'm pretty sure I seem socially awkward. But you know, I think it's just I've forgotten the Art of Having Fun.
So this weekend I'm going to see The Wolfman for no reason at all. And maybe I'll wander around a few bookstores or something just for the hell of it.
Last night I was walking home from the train and it dawned on me that I honestly can't remember the last time I went to see a movie just for the hell of it, or sat in a coffee shop and read for pleasure, or went out for a drink with friends, or wandered around the Art Institute, or just ran down Michigan Avenue for no reason. In short, I can't remember the last time I had FUN. Lately I've felt almost literally chained to my computer.
What prompted this was that I ended up riding the train with my classmates, and it was real work to make conversation—while their conversation flowed as easily as water down a creek. And that sort of thing has been going on for so long I'm pretty sure I seem socially awkward. But you know, I think it's just I've forgotten the Art of Having Fun.
So this weekend I'm going to see The Wolfman for no reason at all. And maybe I'll wander around a few bookstores or something just for the hell of it.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Tweet Me
Got word on a couple of new projects, one related to school. Well, both related to school, as one might be my thesis project. And you know, one of my contacts was through Twitter. Just made almost 20 potential friends and contacts in the past couple of days. Don't tell me Twitter is useless!
Also, you may have noticed I added my Twitter feed. A new blogger site complete with music downloads will be up soon. Probably I'll just keep this blog as a personal "hey how ya doing" kind of thing. I'll still post a lot. Especially about books.
Also, you may have noticed I added my Twitter feed. A new blogger site complete with music downloads will be up soon. Probably I'll just keep this blog as a personal "hey how ya doing" kind of thing. I'll still post a lot. Especially about books.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Extra Shipping
Hah - just a fun post here.
Other guys for whom I'd pay extra shipping:
And this guy seems so sweet I'd totally pay premium shipping charges for him:
Other guys for whom I'd pay extra shipping:
And this guy seems so sweet I'd totally pay premium shipping charges for him:
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Why Hello There
If the author came with this book, I would totally pay extra shipping.
Also: possibly turned down a sweet temporary copyediting position with the company owned by the famous-billionaire-Chicago-talk-show-host-who-shall-not-be-named-even-though-I've-never-signed-a-confidentiality-agreement-with-her. I offered myself part-time and forwarded my availability to my recruiter—who, incidentally, after a year and a half, may just be fed up with my turning down job offers because of school.
Also: possibly turned down a sweet temporary copyediting position with the company owned by the famous-billionaire-Chicago-talk-show-host-who-shall-not-be-named-even-though-I've-never-signed-a-confidentiality-agreement-with-her. I offered myself part-time and forwarded my availability to my recruiter—who, incidentally, after a year and a half, may just be fed up with my turning down job offers because of school.
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