Going Away to College

Day Zero Project (Stolen from Kristen)

2012-03-01T10:35:00.014-06:00

Day Zero Project: 101 Goals in 1001 Days
Start Date: 03.01.2010
End Date: 11.26.2012

Music:
1. Apply to at least 2 stretch grad schools (San Francisco Conservatory, Juilliard).
2. Be able to conduct Rite of Spring.
3. Be on a judging panel to give a performer comments.
4. Research and compile a list of grad schools. 4.18.10
5. Enter a concerto competition.
6. Give a lesson to at least 10 different young trombonists.
7. Accumulate a score collection of 10. (5/10: Stravinsky Le Sacre Du Printemps, Franck Symphony in d, Bruckner 9, Mahler 1, Mahler 2)
8. Know all symphonies by Bruckner (4/9), Mahler (7/10), and Brahms (2/4)
9. Learn all of the excerpts in Kitzman's Orchestral Excerpt book.
10. Master Kopprasch #17.
11. Perform a solo/shared recital. (Next year)
12. Attend a studio party. 9.10.10
13. See one concert from each of the big five: New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Dallas. (3/5: Cleveland, Philadelphia, Dallas)
14. Take an audition for a job.
15. Hear Joe Alessi perform live. 4.11.10

Crafty Things:
16. Bake and decorate a cake by myself using mom's wedding cake supplies.
17. Bake cookies for someone. 5.15.10
18. Give someone a photo shoot.
19. Give someone a homemade gift when they are having a rough day. 4.09.10
20. Make a scrapbook. 3.19.10
21. Compile saved Postsecrets I like into a book. In progress as of 02-04-10
22. Send in a postcard to Postsecret. 5.01.10

Cutesy Things:
23. Beat a boy at a video game. 02.01.10
24. Own a piece of Western wear. 7.01.10
25. Have a wish made on 11:11 come true. 3.07.10
26. Hug all of my care bears. 5.17.10

Immature Fun:
27. Explore the roof of Meadows. 4.30.10
28. Explore the tunnels of SMU. 4.02.10
29. Figure out what Kenny says in all episodes of South Park. 4.10.10
30. Have a pillow fight. 6.03.10
31. Have a nerf gun war with a teacher.
32. Drive a big truck. 6.04.10
33. Sit in a tree and shoot at people with a squirt gun as they walk by.
34. Take a Whataburger number. 3.14.10
35. Watch all episodes of Sex and the City (Seasons 1-3 complete & both movies)
36. Watch all episodes of South Park. 4.10.10

Learning:
37. Figure out the three missing tracks on the Jeff Budin.
38. Hop a fence. 3.19.10
39. Lead a discussion of the multiple narrators in the Bible. 10.03.10
40. Learn how to drive a manual transmission car. 6.15.10
41. Learn how to walk in heels. 3.20.10
42. Read NVC. 3.03.10
43. Get a passport. 6.08.10

Organization:
44. Alphabetize someone's book/cd collection or their stuff. 6.02.10
45. Color coordinate Dad's ties three times. 8.27.10
46. Help plan someone else's party. 12.03.10
47. Organize all of the music in my iTunes library. (50GB/113GB)
48. Organize a surprise party.

Other:
49. Climb a rock wall.
50. Drive an old fashioned car.
51. Find 5 drinks I like. 12.03.10 (Chocolate Liqueur, Seagrams Exotic Berry, Verdi Spumante, "Pimp Juice" [Diet Mountain Dew, Kool Aid + Vodka], Rum and very cherry coke).
52. Go to a museum. 10.25.10 (Baltimore Hands On Science Center)
53. Sell my Music History book on half.com. 4.25.10
54. Purchase a new trombone case. 10.09.10
55. Put up a Christmas tree.
56. Vote in a presidential election.
57. Work at the Ritz-Carlton.

Outside:
58. Build a snowman.
59. Do homework outside on a nice day. 4.13.10
60. Go paint-balling.
61. Go star gazing.
62. Have a water balloon fight.
63. Have a snowball fight. 3.07.10
64. Jump in a puddle. 3.01.10
65. Look at real Christmas trees in the winter.
66. Go on a Christmas light drive.
67. Watch a storm. 5.21.10

Personal
68. Cut my own hair.
69. Dye my hair 15 times. 10.05.10
70. Get a manicure.
71. Get a massage. 3.04.10
72. Grow out my bangs. 3.31.10
73. Grow out my hair. (5" from my shoulders)
74. Have a girls night with close friends that includes facials, nail painting, gossiping and relaxing. 5.14.10 - 5.15.10
75. Own a bra of every rainbow color: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, Black. (7/8)
76. Stretch and meditate for an hour. 4.02.10
77. Successfully do my own highlights. 4.03.10

Travel:
78. Go to TMEA.
79. Fly on a plane 5 times. (DFW, CLE, ATL, CAK, DTW) 8.24.10
80. Go to Canada.
81. Go to the Harry Potter amusement park.
82. See George Bush's house. 4.17.10
83. See the Grand Hotel.
84. See the Statue of Liberty. 01.19.11
85. Take a vacation to somewhere I have never been. 6.01.10 - 08.20.10
86. Travel somewhere alone. 5.31.10-6.01.10
87. Travel somewhere with friends. 5.20.10 - 5.21.10
88. Visit Interlochen. 5.20.10
89. Visit Kristen in New York City. 01.18.11 - 01.20.11
90. Visit Mackinac Island.

Writing:
91. Fill a notebook.
92. Submit a story to MLIA. 3.20.10
93. Peer edit 10 papers. 4.28.10
94. Send 20 "just because" cards/letters to friends/family. 10.09.10
95. Send 25 letters to Grammy and Buta. (15/25)
96. Write a note to 5 random people that are uplifting. 10.01.10
97. Write 100 journal entries. (63/100)

Zach:
98. Kiss under a mistletoe.
99. Plan a romantic evening. 5.20.10
100. Send Christmas cards with Zach.
101. Visit Zach's mom. 7.17.10 - 7.27.10

2011-02-04T20:34:00.003-06:00

I have updated my day zero project. I may have counted incorrectly, but i believe I have accomplished 55/101 goals so far, and I started less than a year ago (it will be one year on March 1st). I still have a few goals that are easily do-able but others will take much more time.

I started work on Wednesday at the Wilder Information Desk. The first day got cut short because the college closed (yay snow day!) but today and yesterday were rather long days. Luckily, soon enough i'll have a pay check that will be well worth it, and i'll never that many hours in such a condensed time again.

Classes start Monday and i'm getting anxious. I'm not really ready, especially trombone-wise with all the dental work i've had done recently. I'm taking Intro to Psych and Music of the Romantic Era.

This seems like awhile ago now, but visiting Kristen and Corner in New York City was a lot of fun! Zach and I took the ferry and saw the statue of liberty, poked around Juilliard a little bit, saw Times square, went to the disney store (yay!), walked around the Hershey's store, went to an AMAZING apple store (and i really want an iPad!), and found a good inexpensive dinner! with milkshakes! It was fun hanging out with Kristen and Corner and it's always good to see Sir Nigel! Their place is really nice and New York City is amazing.

Time to go watch some Big Bang Theory!!

Rita Skeeter is irritating!

2011-01-12T17:26:00.005-06:00

My poodle! I want this one!

Zach and I are in Vermont and we're going out to dinner tonight in Montpelier with his cousin Ethan. We'll be here until after my birthday, and then off to see Kristen, Corner, and Sir Nigel in NYC. Not entirely sure everything that we'll do there, but we want to take the ferry to see the statue of liberty and possibly go to some inexpensive museums while we're there. We'll be there for 2 nights most likely and then off to Maryland to see his mom. I'm not sure what we'll do while we're in Maryland, we did a lot over fall break so i'm not sure what else there will be to see.

My future dog!

2010-12-21T21:13:00.003-06:00

I really really want one. I've been obsessing lately. I need a name for her though. It will be awhile though.

I'm not done with my Christmas shopping yet... but i'm going out again tomorrow to try to find some stuff, then the baking begins!

I sold another textbook on half.com! I have sold 4 of the initial 6 I listed, and since then I have added more that I found in the basement.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T11:56:00.002-06:00

Last Wednesday, I went to one class in the morning and then Zach and I left for the airport at 12:30. We got there and had no problems with a crowd or getting through security, which was nice after all the nightmares i heard from mom last week. We had a layover in North Carolina and ran into Zach's cousin, C.A., who I had met last year. It was cool to chat with her a little before getting on the plane. We had a late dinner at the Ritz once we got to Sarasota, which was about 10pm, such a long day!

On Thursday, we got up early to have a small breakfast with some of his family. It's really nice because breakfast is pretty informal, you can show up anytime between 7-10AM and a group of people will still be there drinking coffee and chatting. Afterward, we went to the room that Buta reserved for us to practice in- and there was a good amount of space with a nice piano, water pitchers and a fruit basket. I didn't bring my trombone, but Zach brought his so I could practice if I wanted. Zach's dad played some Chopin and we listened to him for awhile before getting ready for the Thanksgiving brunch. The food was on ice sculptures and there was live music- a piano with clarinet soloist- playing softly. There was so much to choose from and the food was really amazing.

That night, we went with a group of people to go see Harry Potter! It was really good. Zach and I have been listening to it on audiobook and finished 7 fairly recently, so it was nice to have it fresh in our mind. I still had to explain things to him though, that he had already forgot! :-)

Friday we went to the beach. It was 83 degrees and sunny. And perfect.

On Saturday, Buta arranged for us to meet with the principal and bass trombonist of the Sarasota Symphony. Zach auditioned to be on the substitute list and afterward, we played quartets with them and had a good time. Since I didn't have a trombone with me, the principal trombonist (who Zach and I met last year), brought his old trombone for me to play on, and I loved it! I told him if he ever wants to sell it, he should let me know. It's an old Bach, but it plays much better than mine.

We're back in Oberlin now and it's coldd!! Burr. Zach's birthday is this Friday though, so i'm throwing a party for him. I'm doing a lot of baking with my friend Cathy, and it should be a good time!

2010-11-18T19:17:00.003-06:00

I need Thanksgiving to come sooner. I'm playing in the opera pit and there have been far too many dress rehearsals and performances. Dad came yesterday which was fun, and we ended up eating at the Cheesecake factory, which was amazing.

The last performance is on Sunday, then I have two days of class, an exam and a paper due on Monday, and I leave Wednesday around noon. And Friday evening, we're going to see Harry Potter 7 with Zach's family! It should be exciting. I've been listening to a lot of Harry Potter on audiobook-- i've listened to book 5,6, and 7 since the middle of September. I wanted to read (or listen) to 1-4 but now I don't want to now that i'm done with 7. It seems to make less sense when you start in the middle. My friends and I are having a Harry Potter party at some point, so i'll actually get an opportunity to wear my Bellatrix Lestrange costume. It's pretty good, too. if I can make my hair really big and curly and a mess, i think my outfit is pretty perfect.

Tonight is South Park night and I'm sad that it's already the season finale, but definitely look forward to March when the new season starts. It just seems to soon for the season to be over already. The whole 3 parter Cthulu thing didn't help... I kept waiting for it to be over. Wasn't a fan at all. Wtf Mintberry crunch?

I have my official schedule for next semester. I'm registered for Psychology, Aural Skills, Music Theory, Music of the Romantic Era, Orchestra, Brass Rep and trombone choir. I think that's everything, or mostly everything.

I'm also semi addicted to stumbleupon at the moment. I've been stumbling during all of the breaks in the opera where I don't play for 25+ minutes at a time.

Day 29 & 30

2010-10-23T09:18:00.003-05:00

Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned? A lot of miscellaneous things from music history! :-)
Day 30- Who are you? You should already know me.

Zach and I are in Maryland visiting his mom for fall break. We're meeting his grandparents for lunch later and then going pumpkin patching (and apple cider shopping). Later this week, I think we're going to take a train into DC for a day and spend some time there. We wanted to take a tour of the white house, but apparently you have to schedule one at least a month in advance and we weren't thinking that far ahead. Oopsie.

Day 28

2010-10-21T19:18:00.003-05:00

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

I'm ridiculously out of recent photos... but i've posted at least 5 recent-ish ones of me in the last few posts of blogspot, so everyone should know what I currently look like. Here's one from last year around this time

I'm not in Texas anymore; my hair is not blonde. I used to be close with some of the girls in my sorority, and I only consistently talk to two people from SMU, neither of whom were in my sorority. My circle of friends has shifted for the most part. I'm practicing more trombone, I still dye my hair a lot, I take an entirely different approach to the Bible after taking my critical analysis of the Bible course last semester. I'm more interested in score reading and arranging things for solo trombone (even though I haven't taken the initiative to finish anything yet.) Oh, and i'm still addicted to South Park.

Day 27

2010-10-20T15:29:00.000-05:00

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

1. It's not really a challenge, and 2) i was bored.

Day 26

2010-10-19T17:01:00.002-05:00

Day 26- What you think about your friends

They're all so different; if I had a party with all of my friends, the'dy all fall into different crowds and not everyone would get along... but i get along with all of them and like all of them! :-)

Time to study for music history, then maybe some aural skills before going to bed.

Day 25

2010-10-18T14:31:00.003-05:00

Day 25- What I would find in your bag

Wallet, phone, lots of tissues, garlic, at least 3 different kinds of medication for whatever is wrong with me, and my binder for aural skills. And my Pooky bear is attached to my purse.

Luckily, I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow so I can get something to actually clear up my miserable-ness.

Day 23 & 24

2010-10-17T17:01:00.003-05:00

I spent the weekend at home and not much time online, so here we go!

Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Ghiradelli Chocolate. Or Blue Sky.

Day 24- A letter to your parents
I had fun this weekend! I'll see y'all at Christmas, or hopefully before if either come out for the opera performance. <3

Day 22

2010-10-15T06:41:00.004-05:00

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else

I name inanimate objects. I'm kinda childish. Carebears, Dora the Explorer, Hannah Montana and Blu's cules all make me smile. I'm also interested in weird things, like ancient history of the Israelites and finding passages of multiple narrators in biblical text. I have 112GB of music in my iTunes library, about 95% of it is classical.

And today, on my non-class day of the week, I woke up the earliest I've gotten up since the day I moved in (which was still only 7:30 or so). I love my class schedule!

Day 21

2010-10-14T17:33:00.002-05:00

Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy

Chocolate Milkshakes. From Marbleslab. Yum! And just chocolate in general. :-)

Zach and I are going home tomorrow! And tonight is South Park night.

Day 20

2010-10-13T08:58:00.002-05:00

Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future

:-)

Day 19

2010-10-11T08:20:00.001-05:00

Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them

KC: Karolyn Camille
KB: Karolyn Byers
Karebear: I like carebears and apparently when I yawn and sneeze, it sounds like a carebear.
Pookie: Mom.

I think that's all?

Day 18

2010-10-10T09:52:00.003-05:00

Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have

My Day Zero Project List explains most of these... Go to grad school (SMU, San Fran Conservatory, Baylor, Rice, UNT... something like that), maybe go to doctoral school, get a job, teach... that's about it.

Also, more short term focused, get an A on the music history exam that i'm about to take in an hour.

2010-10-09T18:07:00.005-05:00

I think I want to be Bellatrix Lestrange for Halloween.

Day 17

2010-10-09T09:52:00.003-05:00

Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Stravinsky. To really get inside his head to fully understand Rite of Spring. Or a professional conductor or trombonist. To play (or conduct) a really amazing orchestra.

I'm off to write a paper for my Jewish History class, and next weekend I'm going home! Friday, mom and I are going shopping for Thanksgiving. Saturday, we're going tux shopping for Zach, visiting Grandma, carving pumpkins, going to Starrs farm for the hayride/maze/whatever is still there, and maybe searching out some good Apple Cider! On Sunday, mom's leaving early in the morning but Zach and I want to check out Halloween USA while we're there before heading back. There's supposed to be one closer to here that we wanted to check out last weekend or so, but when I called the numbers to find out their hours, apparently the number was disconnected so we're not convinced they're there.

Dat 16

2010-10-08T11:47:00.003-05:00

Day 16- Another picture of yourself

Hmm this was me in Maine, I don't have any super recent ones.

Last night was our South Park night, where a couple of us got together and watched the episode that premiered on Wednesday evening (because no tvs around get comedy central, we had to wait until it was online). "Let's face it guys, i'm too smart for nascar... too smart and rich," - Cartman

Day 15

2010-10-07T18:54:00.002-05:00

Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on audiobook - Chapter 4E (The Seven Potters)
2. Berlioz, La Damnation de Faust - Marche Hongroise (Hungarian March); London Symphony: Colin Davis
3. Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4, I. Andante Sostenuto; Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Georg Solti
4. Wagner, Das Rheingold, Act 4 Scene 2; Vienna Philharmonic: Georg Solti
5. Handel, The Messiah, "The Hallelujah Chorus;"
6. Mahler, Symphony No. 3, I. part iii; Vienna Philharmonic: Claudio Abbado
7. Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhibition, Promenade IV; Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
8. Something Corporate: She Paints Me Blue
9. Strauss: Alpine Symphony - Nacht; Berlin Philharmonic: Zubin Mehta
10. Brahms: Academic Festival Overture; London Symphony: Colin Davis

Conclusion: I have WAY more classical music than not on my itunes, and also shuffle loves all the recordings that I don't listen to, like Chicago and London.

Skipping Day 13. Day 14

2010-10-06T12:11:00.003-05:00

Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Not going to post something like this on Blogspot... sorry!

Day 14- A picture of you and your family

Day 12

2010-10-05T18:30:00.002-05:00

Day 12- How you found out about Tumblr [Blogspot] and why you made one

I had a livejournal for awhile and stopped updating cause nobody really used LJ anymore, so I found blogspot and started blogging here.

Day 11

2010-10-04T13:55:00.004-05:00

Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends

Day 10

2010-10-03T15:03:00.002-05:00

Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

:-) Happy: Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Jason Mraz, disney music
:-( Sad: Nikola Sarcevik, Dashboard Confessional
:-\ Bored: Anything really... usually classical music to keep my mind occupied or Harry Potter on audiobook.
:-D Hyped: Bruckner, Mahler, Franck symphony in d, Lady Gaga
>:-O Mad: hm. dunno? Maybe My Chemical Romance? I haven't listened to them in forever though.

Day 09

2010-10-02T13:50:00.001-05:00

Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days

I've been practicing more and already have my lesson material learned for this week!

Day 08

2010-10-01T12:08:00.002-05:00

Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why

- Get a new trombone case... because my back is hurting and I've wanted one for three years.
- Clean my trombone, because it's really dirty.
- Find a job, because I could use the money.

Day 07

2010-09-30T18:03:00.004-05:00

Day 07- A picture of someone/something that had the biggest impact on you.

Interlochen, MI.
Without the music environment there, I would not have gotten into any of the 6 schools that I applied.

Day 06

2010-09-29T14:13:00.004-05:00

Day 06- Favorite super hero and why

Spidey! The movies are super entertaining... and he can crawl on walls! Also, I almost said Sailor Moon, but I didn't know if that counted.

As a side note, this 30 Day Project is helping Day Zero Project Goal #97: Write 100 journal entires, I believe this is number 38.

Day 05

2010-09-28T07:50:00.003-05:00

Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to

San Antonio, TX

Day 04

2010-09-27T11:19:00.002-05:00

Day 04: A habit that you wish you didn’t have

When I'm reading something for class, I'm usually really distracted, and if I come to a word I don't know, I usually skim over it and never look it up to fully understand the meaning. Because of this, I hardly ever retain what I read.

Also, during class lectures when I take notes on my computer, sometimes I'll zone out and check my email for a few minutes. Whoops.

Day 03

2010-09-26T11:52:00.003-05:00

I wasn't really on my computer yesterday, so I guess I'm a day behind.

Day 03: A picture of you and your friends

Day 02

2010-09-24T09:54:00.002-05:00

02. The meaning behind your Tumblr [Blogspot] name: KCByers. Pretty Self-explanatory. My initials, K = Karolyn; C = Camille. That wasn't so hard.
------------

Here is a copy of my schedule for fall, I know it says October, because right now I do not have a full schedule because I am not playing in the orchestra concert, but generally this is how it goes. I love Fridays. Basically, my classes are Music History, Aural Skills and Jewish History: From Biblical Antiquity to Spanish Expulsion.

Later, my friend Cathy and I are going to Sally's so I can figure out what to do with my hair next, then going grocery shopping! We went on a hunt to find caramel apples the other day, which was a huge success. We wound up at this ritzy chocolate shop that had a million different caramel apples.

Tomorrow, Zach and I are going into Cleveland to hear Rite of Spring, which is super exciting.

30 Day Project: Day 01

2010-09-23T22:06:00.006-05:00

I'm so creative I copied Kristen's Day Zero Project, and now Kathy's Tumblr Challenge (which, since this is not Tumblr-- and as a side note, i really do not understand the whole Trumblr and Twitter thing-- I will call the 30 Day Project. How convenient.

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Tumblr [Blogspot] name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Tumblr [Blogspot] and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have themDay 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned?
Day 30- Who are you?

--------------------------------------------------

Day 01: A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.

I'm not sure what qualifies as "interesting" but I guess we'll see.

01. I have slight OCD. I like making lists in alphabetical order and having my iTunes library organized in a very specific way. (Also, all of the numbers in this post are two digits).

02. I like listening to the Harry Potter audiobooks. I've been listening to Order of the Phoenix recently. It reminds me how much I despise Umbridge.

03. I made a website for the bakery I worked at this summer: www.magicspoonbakery.com
04. I believe I have more care bears than anyone you'll ever meet.

05. I like the sound of knuckle cracking... why do people think this is strange?!

06. I like talking about names with Laura, even if I never intend on having kids. My favorite name is Tzipporah.

07. That being said, Zach and I are naming one of our future cats "Tzipporah" even though Zach dislikes the name and insists on calling her "Zippy."

08. I hate Subarus. With a passion. I think they're the most ugly vehicles ever created, and honestly don't understand why they're so popular in New England.

09. I like traveling. Flying is fun, but stressful with a trombone. Going new places is exciting. I really want to go to Texas (again), Southern California, and Tennessee.

10. I want to live in the South. Ideally, probably around Tennessee, but Katy, TX is not out of the question either.

11. I'm taking a bunch of religion courses and hope to possibly end up writing some sort of historical criticism text eventually.

12. I love coloring. When i'm having a stressful day, I come back to my room and color in my care bear coloring book.

13. I like purses. Guilty pleasure. I currently have a Nine West bag and Betsy Johnson bag that I switch between.

14. I'm a multi-cleffer. I can proficiently read Bb treble, C treble, bass clef, tenor clef and alto clef.

15. I can drive a manual car. And I absolutely refuse to ever buy an automatic.

Oh, Oberlin!

2010-09-04T10:01:00.003-05:00

My dorm room is ten times better than I expected. No cinder block walls, no ugly carpet with stains in it from lord knows what, and no old mattress with a bed nailed to the ground. I'm living in German House. Conveniently, it was recently renovated and has the bed that quite a few colleges seem to be moving to- the ones that you can loft yourself! I love it because it creates more floor space when you can put your desk underneath it. The only downside is no AC, and still the ugly window blinds. But i'm working on something to make it look cute. Currently, my room has a black, white, hot pink, purple and teal theme. My comforter is black with white polka dots, and reversible! On the other side, it's white with black polka dots. How cool! I'll post pictures later. It's a little small only because there is no closet attached to the wall, all of the storage they give you are large dressers and drawer sets that take up a LOT of space. But I think I organized it in a way to get the most efficient use of space. If not, Zach and I can move things around in a bit.

Yesterday, I hung out with some friends that I already knew (and a few I didn't). We hung out at Will's apartment for awhile and I ended up leaving around 11. And Zach is coming today! Yay :-)

Our stay in Maine

2010-08-22T13:25:00.003-05:00

Zach and I are visiting Grammy and Buta in their cabin in Belgrade Lakes, Maine. It's a small cabin on a secluded island that's about 1 1/2 miles long and very pretty. We took a road trip here last night with Tim and Kate and got here around 8PM, where Buta took the boat to come retrieve us. We chatted in the front sitting room for awhile, celebrated Tim's birthday with Heath Bar cake, and went to bed around 11.

We got officially invited to Thanksgiving and Zach is looking at plane tickets right now. :-) I'm really excited and thankful they are so generous.

We're leaving tomorrow, and I'm flying home Tuesday evening. Mom is taking Wednesday off from work so we can go to the Verizon Store and hopefully go test drive some cars, Thursday I might do something with Grandma and Friday i'm at Dad's. Woo! And lots of cooking/baking, of course.

Yesterday morning, I got up at 5:30 to go grocery shopping, buy Tim a birthday card and a never-found toy car Jeep, and make challah and two different kinds of cookies. Crazzzzy.

Tuesday morning, Zach has to work so I get to pack up everything that he'll drive to school for me, and pack a suitcase for me.

I should start seriously practicing soon. Whoops.

I really like Vermont though :-) And clutch cars :-) And Zach :-)

Comics

2010-07-31T16:24:00.007-05:00

Zach and I have watched a lot of comic book movies recently. We started with Daredevil because it was in my dvd collection, followed by Spiderman (personally, my favorite besides the Fantastic Four), Spiderman 2, and Spiderman 3. We've both seen the Dark Knight and I'm pretty sure we're going to watch more soon. Anyway, I was at Walmart and got this super cute shirt. And if we have a trombone quartet at Oberlin, we're definitely naming ourselves the Fantastic 4.

I'm making a list of things to buy for school:

-bed risers

-comforter/decorative pillows

-throw rugs (hopefully 2)

-storage containers

-cozy chair

Colors: Black/White, Pink, Purple, Teal

I'm flying home August 24th (getting in late, around 11:30PM) and I move in on September 2nd. I'm hoping to spend time with everyone.

Also, KC's Nail de Salon now has a restaurant affiliate, KC's Ristaurante De Italiano. Stay tuned for a menu! (All this means is that I'm officially cooking meals for mom, dad, and grandma, so I had to create a menu to let tem know what I know how to cook). But I'll cook for Kristen and Corner! No cost, just pay for groceries :-P

2010-07-18T15:29:00.004-05:00

Not much to update, but I have two new pictures of my hair since I dyed it/got it cut.

Zach's mom is visiting from Maryland for 10 days so we've been spending time with her :-)

Starbucks is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly rainy day!

2010-07-16T13:57:00.005-05:00

I went shopping today! I spent too much money at Victoria's Secret, but apparently I outgrew all of my bras because they've been uncomfortable, so I decided to get measured. I got two new bras, a Very Sexy black bra and a teal bombshell. Super cute!

I got an outfit at Maurices, cute tops from Express and slippers from Payless. Big day! I got paid yesterday and the closest Chase bank is in Montreal (not even in the United States! Even if there wasn't one in Vermont, I figured New York would have one that's closer than Montreal) so I cashed my paycheck after work yesterday.

I got a hair cut and color the other day. It's pretty short, they took off three inches for it just to be healthy! Whoops. I decided to let her cut it because it was at an awkward length. I now have a longer a-line hair cut, but not too drastic of a height difference between the front and back. Also, it's very dark brown (almost my natural color!) and I have bangs again. I debated growing them out for awhile, but I decided I look awful without them. I got a good deal, too! JC Penney is a good deal to get hair done, especially with dad's discount.

Speaking of Dad's discount, I'm thinking about getting this comforter for going back to school. I did have Kristen's old one, but it was 7 or 8 years old and I left it in Texas because it wasn't worth shipping home.

Today is mine and Zach's 11 month anniversary and I'm taking him out to Applebees (also the occasion for me going shopping). Next month is one year :-)

I made a dream car list before, but I've been thinking a lot about my first car and here are some realistic possibilities (hopefully):

1) VW Beetle (my first choice, considering I'd LOVE the VW GTI, but I reallyyyy don't see it in my price range). Yellow or light blue, sunroof is a plus but a convertible is even better! :-)

2. Mitsubishi Eclipse

3. Ford Mustang - fourth generation, from '94-'04

4) Honda Civic Coupe - I love two door cars, and I almost refuse to buy a car that isn't.

5) Toyota Corolla

6) Chevy Cavalier Coupe

7) Pontiac Sunfire - I really don't want a pontiac car because honestly I think they're garbage, but the sunfire is too damn cute.

Cars to add to my reasonable eventual dream car list:

- VW Passat

- Audi TT Coupe

I think that's all for now. I'm drinking a black and white mocha from Starbucks and loving it.

The Vermont Life

2010-07-04T10:15:00.003-05:00

Today, I'm making a Mrs. Fields recipe for Chocolate Mousse Tart. Sooo amazing! I know it will be very good.

This weekend, our neighbors asked Zach and I to house sit for them. They have 12 chickens, 2 cats, a rabbit, a fish, and 3 horses (and 2 dogs that went with them on vacation). We're allowed to stay over there and watch tv at night (because we don't have one) so we've mostly been heading over there in the evenings to play with the cats and watch movies with the surround sound.

I can officially drive a clutch. I don't stall very much anymore (which is a bit of a miracle with all of the starting on hills around here!) and I drive an hour to work every day. I'm really into going car test driving to see how different cars feel (because after the long road trip weeks ago, I enjoy driving finally). And we all know, I really want a car. But even test driving would be a lot of fun. Maybe mom or dad will want to come with me, because let's face it, without them there's no chance they'll let me test drive anything, because they'll know I won't be able to actually afford anything... but if we can convince them mom's looking to buy a car for me (even though she's definitely not!) then they'll at least let me drive some :-)

I think that's all for now. I'm going to go make brunch!

It's starting to feel like summer

2010-06-30T15:36:00.003-05:00

My boss found out I am computer literate today and put me in charge of the facebook page and wants me to create a website for her bakery. Cool! I love being paid for being on the computer. My job is cool so far. Lots of wrapping baked goods and the occasional helping out in the kitchen when i'm needed. It's a long drive, but i'm getting better at driving Zach's car and not stalling too much... only once. i hate hills a lot.

In general, i've been doing a lot of cooking and baking. Zach and I usually end up cooking dinner for us and his dad on most nights. I guess I'm getting good at it :-)

I think most of the 4th of July celebrations are happening on the 3rd in Montpelier, and Zach is on call that night so I'm not sure what we're doing yet. But i love any of these ideas.

I'm excited to get my paycheck and head back to the chiropractor and then do some shopping in Burlington. I don't remember the last time I went shopping in a real mall. The mall that's 20 minutes away is just sad. I miss Texas shopping malls. I guess some things really are bigger in Texas.

I got an email recently from my first roommate (at Interlochen) who got married two months ago. Weirrrrd. (She's Mormon). It's so crazy that people my age (or anywhere near my age, for that matter) are getting married.

I'm trying to figure out travel arrangements for the end of the summer, because it looks like I want to be home sooner than Zach should leave. I'm aiming to be home (somehow miraculously...maybe by learning to apparate) on August 25th.

That's all for now, I dont think much else is new. I made curtains for our room, i'll post pictures later maybe.

Listen to the music of the moment

2010-06-22T14:24:00.003-05:00

I'm working at the Magic Spoon Bakery in Hardwick, VT. Perfect timing, because once SMU cashes my check, i'll have a grand total of $4 in my bank account. Today was my first day, and I didn't really do anything except wrap and label cookies. And stir something on the stove once. It's about a 50 minute commute and I'm only getting $8.50 an hour, but I think it might be under-the-table, and I believe it's only 2-3 days a week. I'm still waiting to hear back from McDonalds, JC Penney, Maurices, Bath and Body Works, Hallmark, Rue21, Claires, RadioShack, and Capitol Grounds (coffee shop). I'm pretty sure McDonalds is going to call me this week, and maybe then I can work both jobs!

Zach and I watched Shrek 3 yesterday,because we realized Shrek 4 is in theaters now, and neither of us had seen the third. Speaking of which, I don't believe I've seen Toy Story 2, so Zach and I are trying to find that so we can go see the third one.

I'm also watching Sex and the City, season 2 that Liz bought me. I'm probably a little more than half way through the season, because I only watch it when Zach isn't around and there isn't any cleaning to do.

Hmm, that's everything that's going on here. Kathy & Kristen need to update their blogs more!

Vroom Vroom

2010-06-17T13:46:00.016-05:00

I was never really interested in cars until recently. At SMU, every kid in Highland Park owned a BMW or a Mercedes, several mini coopers and Nissan 350zs. Even one kid had a 2010 Bugatti Veyron. The price average must be around $50,000, with many cars exceeding that price. After much "shopping" and looking around, there are 7 cars that I find cute and consider "reasonable dream cars" complete with pictures and everything! These are in order from lowest price to highest (no car exceeding roughly $32,000).

1. 2003 Ford Mustang

I love the look of the fourth generation Mustangs (1994-2004), and 2002-2003 is a good compromise. Ideally, I like the convertible, but I do like the looks of both. This year of Mustang averages around $8,000, but because it's a used vehicle, the price is flexible depending on mileage/condition. The gas mileage (city/highway) is 17/25 for an automatic and 17/27 for a manual, so not fabulous. But the car is so damn cute!

The next vehicles are all listed as 2009 and therefore have a heftier price tag, but I'm not opposed to getting an older model than listed.* (Does the fine print asterisk come before or after the period?)

2. 2009 Honda Civic 2-door Coupe

$15,000

Automatic: 25/36 mpg

Good gas mileage, and very cute in the two door. I especially love the blue!

3. 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Both images show the 2007, which would be cheaper.

$20,000

Automatic: 19/26

4. 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5S Coupe

(Pictured is a 2010)

$22,000

Automatic: 23/31

5. 2009 Ford F150

(I don't believe this is a 2009 pictured).

$22,000

Automatic: 14/19

Because who doesn't like the idea of a girl driving a truck? It's so fun! Except parking it. :-/ And buying gas for it. I love the blue, definitely. Though it gets horrible gas mileage.

6. 2009 Volkswagen GTI, 2-door

$24,000

Automatic: 22/29

7. 2009 Volkswagen Eos Convertible

Automatic: $32,000 Manual: $31,000

Automatic: 22/29 Manual: 21/31

I don't think all of the cars hold a particular ranking, but I know the Volkswagen GTI and Eos are definitely the top choices, followed quickly by the Mustang.

Conclusion: I cannot afford a car right now and spend too much time looking at them. The End.

:-)

*Except the Honda Civic. The older models aren't nearly as cute.

The overpriced and underqualified armchair

2010-06-15T13:54:00.003-05:00

The job hunt continues! I'm still looking for a job, still taking clutch lessons, but today I went out with Tim and drove around without stalling (which is seemingly difficult with all of the hills in Vermont). So I am crossing off #40 on my Day Zero Project list of learning to drive stick. Yay!

Yesterday, Zach and I went into Burlington to go to the chiropractor. I'd never been before but Zach insisted that I needed it, because my back and neck are always very stiff (yay being a musician and using too many back muscles). I'm glad he convinced me because I feel a ton better now.

Apparently I owe SMU $18.18 because some kid thought it would be funny to cut the chair in the lobby, and because nobody came forward, our entire floor was held responsible. Which is dumb because someone from another building could have done the damage. And because it's SMU, it of course costs $600 to repair two small cuts in an armchair. Our floor representative suggested the idea that you could buy a similar looking chair from ikea for only $300, or that the cuts could be simply repaired for next to nothing. But obviously the building director did not find this idea pleasing because the lobby chairs are "special chairs that are less flammable and more safe/sturdy" and also way more uncomfortable than any ikea chair. Hmm. Irritating.

I dyed my hair the other day, too. It's still blonde, but slightly less red and my roots match now. Yay!

I'm going to make a list of dream cars, coming soon. :-)

The big truck and the time I almost didn't get lost

2010-06-04T13:22:00.005-05:00

I'm in Vermont!

So far, I've been doing a lot of job hunting, unpacking and cleaning. Wednesday, I helped Tim build a wall, yesterday he taught me how to drive the truck (ford f250 shown beside), and today I'm starting clutch lessons. (And I believe next week is the tractor?)

Today, I drove into Barre to apply for jobs. It's only my third day in Vermont and I took the truck out there (maybe 10-15 minutes away) and made it without getting lost! On the way back, I took a different route and got a little lost though. I kept driving for a couple minutes, then decided to call Tim, considering the truck gets a whopping 8 miles per gallon, I didn't think it was the best idea to keep driving around when I wasn't sure where I was. However, it turned out I wasn't too far away from where I needed to be! I only missed the turn by a half mile. Yay :)

So far, I've applied for a job at Radio Shack, an ice cream parlor, and McDonalds. I plan on applying at Jo Anns and JC Penney soon, too.

Vermont is really pretty. and really hilly. At some point, Zach and I are going to test drive some cars. Definitely a GTI and maybe a stratus. I'm sure some others, too. I'll make a dream car list soon.

Also, I've crossed off a number of Day Zero goals, like organizing someone's stuff, having a pillow fight, taking a vacation to somewhere i've never been (Vermont), and driving a long distance alone.

I'm going to Strawberry Fields, where nothing is real.

2010-05-24T20:14:00.003-05:00

Two weeks ago, I visited the eye doctor for the first time in 11 years. Needless to say, my vision changed and now I have glasses. I don't have to wear them all the time, mainly for driving or reading, but it feels good to actually be able to see! My left eye is significantly worse than my right, apparently one is near sighted and the other far sighted, it always takes me a moment to adjust the first few seconds I put on my glasses.

Zach and I went to Interlochen last weekend. I saw some old friends and we met with Riccy for lunch before we left. It was nice to see everyone and weird going back.

After we returned from Interlochen, we stayed at the condo for a couple nights. We hung out with Liz on Saturday and she bought me hot pink sheets for my dorm next year, Sex and the City (The Movie), and the 2nd season of Sex and the City. Apparently she thinks I'm going to be bored out of my mind in Vermont with no internet or TV and wanted to help out. Very sweet of her :)

I'm back at Oberlin now and next week I'm driving to Vermont. Zach is borrow his dad's girlfriend, Kate's, car because it is an automatic (Honda Fit) and I'm driving the car back while he follows me on his motorcycle. I've never driven so far so I'm a little nervous but we're breaking it up into two days (which helps, but still around 6-7 hours of driving a day). I really like the car though!

It's been a very Beatley day. I can't seem to get the Beatles out of my head and I've been listening to them all day. (Currently "A Day in the Life")

Fenton, but not for long.

2010-05-12T23:44:00.003-05:00

I'm in Fenton! I spent last weekend in Oberlin with Zach, and we met up with Dad and Kathy a little north of Ann Arbor.

I got home Sunday and had to work on Monday, so much for taking a day to get situated? Oh well. I'm having a girls night with Katie Roan, Taylor and Karen on Friday and Liz and I are hanging out next week. And then Zach and I will go to Interlochen next week, too! Things are going well :)

I have Freddie too, Zach's stuffed animal shark. he's really cute.

Today, Dad and I went to B Dubs for dinner and i made brownies while we watched According to Greta with Hilary Duff. It was surprisingly okay. It reminded me of Girl, Interrupted but not quite so dark. Also, Dad and I watched an episode of South Park! His first episode ever, Dead Celebrities. he liked it.

It's the Climb

2010-05-01T23:31:00.008-05:00

I'm slightly addicted to stumbleupon.com (also where I found this picture, and I thought it was rather comical).

I'm going home soon! Only 3 exams and a jury.
I'm flying to Ohio and spending the weekend in Oberlin, and coming home on mother's day.

Zach and I are taking a trip to Interlochen! We'll check out Traverse City and hopefully perform a duet in studio class. I'm really looking forward to it!

My suitemate gave me a huge stack of magazines. I wish i had them sooner for collage-making purposes, but I'm prettty geeked i have them. Maybe i'll ship some of them home.

"Screw you guys, I'm going home" - Eric Cartman

2010-04-30T23:07:00.004-05:00

Side rant- Voice majors should not be allowed to sing outside a practice room. Why? Instrumentalists don't carry their horns around all day and start playing them all the time, or at obnoxious times. I'm really fed up. I hate sitting in my room and listening to music quietly, and then being invaded by people walking in who start singing loudly (and I like quiet spaces without noise). So after the song was over, I put on soft classical music thinking that there's no way they could start singing to something they're not familiar with. Wrong. They start singing something else entirely. Annoying.

End of rant.

Arrows of Time

2010-04-30T22:47:00.008-05:00

I'll be in Oberlin in one week, yay!

I have class tomorrow morning, ugh Saturday morning classes. It's the last brass rep class and Kitzman is coaching, but I wish we were playing something a little cooler than Franck.

I completed all the Day Zero Goals I had intended before leaving Texas, except purchasing Cowboy boots...but hopefully sometime in the next 2 1/2 years i'll have enough money saved to come back and afford a pair... or maybe when i'm auditioning for grad schools here.

Shane and I played some Call of Duty after the orchestra concert, and I got dominated. I am not skilled at cod. We also explored the roof of meadows, which was pretty fun. You could see downtown Dallas and the DFW Airport skyline. Very amazing view.

Last week, I performed the first movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata for my in-class piano performance and got an A+ yay! Maybe if I keep practicing piano as much as I practice trombone I can have a split recital instead of hoping my chops don't give out after the first solo.

Juries on Monday!

Oh, Apple.

2010-04-25T19:44:00.006-05:00

The iPad is really stupid. I think this comic says it all. A girl in my psych class was taking notes on it the other day, and she looked ridiculous.

I accomplished Day Zero Goal #53 today... my half.com order sold! :) Yay making money selling textbooks.

2010-04-18T13:23:00.002-05:00

I accomplished two day zero goals within the past two days. Shane and I went on a drive to go see George Bush's house and came close to success, the closest we'll get. It was a password gated community but we came close!

I also compiled a list of possible grad schools, to be continuously revised.
Baylor
Juilliard
San Francisco Conservatory
SMU
U of M

I need to go prepare a 10 minute presentation for my English class tomorrow.

Bubbly

2010-04-14T19:09:00.003-05:00

Just a quick update,

It's officially official. I'm going to Oberlin :)

I leave Dallas in 3 weeks and two days. I'll be back in a few years to apply for grad schools in the area ;)

The orchestra is accompanying some high schoolers tonight in their concerto concert. Very talented students. I hope the concert doesn't run too late... I want to catch the 200th episode of South Park at 9! (Speaking of which, I completed Day Zero Goals #29 & #36 last week).

El Fin! The end is near!

2010-04-08T00:59:00.005-05:00

30 days of school left!

My friend Jaco is teaching me random phrases in Afrikaans. It's interesting so far. I know how to say "girls who whistle get thrown out the door." (Meisies wat vluit word by die deur uit gesmeit, in case you were wondering) Which seems rather useless, but I think it's kinda funny.

To-do list before the end of the year:

- 3 papers: English, Psychology (4/22) , Religion (4/12)

- Juries (technically scheduled after my flight... whoops)

- 4 Exams: 2 psychology, 1 religion, 1 piano

- 4 private lessons

- 4 studio classes

- 4 rep classes

- Accomplish following Day Zero Goals

#27: Explore Meadows roof

#36: Finish South Park (7 episodes remaining)

#82: See George Bush's House.

From the front line

2010-04-03T01:58:00.005-05:00

I didn't have class today because of the "Methodist" in the title of SMU, today is a university holiday. I pretty much watched South Park all day. (176/197 episodes watched).

I went to Sally's and bought three colors or hair dye: Cinnamon Brown, Intense Auburn Deep Red, Aqua blue (and bleach). It's 2:00AM and I think I'm still going to dye my hair cinnamon tonight. The intention is to bleach highlights and then dye them blue.... not sure if it's going to work or not, but it's definitely worth a try, right?!

I've been listening to a lot of Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat recently, both have amazing voices. I also bought the Marriage Life track from Up! No wonder it won the award for best music... it's super fantastic.

I have a research paper for my English class coming up, and I think I'm going to write about something we've been talking about in my religion class: biblical criticism and how the credited authors of the books of the bible aren't believed (to critics) to be the actual authors. This religion class also seems to be the only class that is keeping my interest at the moment.

PS. The pictures are just random wrappers sitting on my desk and I liked how the pictures turned out.

Leaving Highland Park...

2010-03-30T10:22:00.005-05:00

Last night, a lot of the brass students from SMU drove to Denton for a Dallas Symphony Brass Quintet concert at UNT (University of North Texas). The concert was amazing, but the best part was probably seeing my friend Gauer that I went to Interlochen. He graduated my junior year and I haven't seen him since then. We've been meaning to get together for quite some time since now we go to school 45 minutes away, but it's difficult because neither one of us have cars. It was a lot of fun, and a fantastic concert.

As it turns out, UNT has a pretty nice campus. SMU kids are a bit...spoiled when it comes to that sort of thing because all of their money is spent on the looks of the campus, so no one had nothing nice to say about UNT but I thought UNT was pretty nice, too.

I got my official acceptance letter to Oberlin in my email the other day!

They took our jobs!!! Derkaa durrr!

2010-03-24T20:40:00.000-05:00

I was sitting on the ledge next to my giant window in my room, and who do I see walk into the school of music but George Bush. Accompanied by several men wearing suits and sunglasses, of course. Apparently he gave a closed speech in one of the auditoriums.

I sold an educational CD-rom on Amazon today and made $27. Now if only my textbook sells so I can make a little more money, that'd be fab!

I'm still waiting for my official acceptance letter from Oberlin (even though they called to confirm that I am accepted). Also, I heard through the grapevine that a rather generous financial offer awaits. I guess we'll see soon!

There is a new episode of South Park on tonight! And to celebrate, I bought some Pocky from Walmart (Thanks for letting me know they carry it, Kristen!) I do hope it is better than last week... I was a little disappointed.

I definitely want the iPhone 4g. I've been researching it a lot recently and it looks awesome. Apple's contract with AT&T expires soon, so they'll have the chance to offer the iPhone to other/more service providers. Keeping fingers crossed for Verizon, otherwise I just may switch services when my contract voids and hopefully at that point I will have enough money saved to buy the iPhone. I'll be working in Vermont this summer (as a hotel receptionist, hopefully?) and planning on saving up for this luxury.

Imaginationland, time to sleep.

2010-03-17T00:26:00.001-05:00

I've been back in Dallas for two days and it feels like two weeks. The next two months are going to be very long.

This weekend, I'm playing 2nd trombone in An American in Paris and we're performing in the Winspear Opera House. Because of this, there are extra rehearsals scheduled this week, taking up nearly 5 hours of the evening, and it is impossible to do homework and concentrate with many orchestra members sitting in a medium sized room. On the plus side, Kitzman asked me to play principal on Bruckner 4 in rep class this weekend.

I'm fixin to book a flight soon, looking at flights that fly into Cleveland and Akron to stay a couple days with Zach before heading home in May.

Zzzzz, it's bedtime!

Whataburger Time!

2010-03-15T08:56:00.000-05:00

Last night, Shane, Clint and I stopped by Whataburger on our way back from DFW Airport. Needless to say, number 34 of Day Zero Project is now completed. I was quite proud. Also, '13 is my undergrad graduation date, so it can't be too unlucky.

Season 14 of South Park starts on Wednesday. Just as I was catching up, more episodes are on their way. I like to think it's a good thing though.

My dorm room is 85 degrees, which might sound nice for an outside temperature, but it's really not okay for my dorm to be this hot. This has been a problem for three weeks at SMU's maintenance apparently doesn't think it's important enough to fix right away, so they're taking their sweet precious time to get around to it. I've emailed them twice. This is going to be a large problem when it starts getting warmer outside and can't open a window. It's already not doing much to open a window, it's rather difficult to sleep, and most of my carebears (and snuggles) slept on the floor last night because it was too hot.

Say Cheese!

2010-03-12T21:02:00.000-06:00

Zach and I just got back from the Cheesecake Factory, where we had a double date with our friend and Zach's suitemate, Will, and his girlfriend McKenzie. We were in this fairly ritzy shopping center and walked around for a bit, it was beautiful! I had a really good time. Now it's time to relax, I think we're fixin' to watch The Hangover.

Rite of Spring

2010-03-11T13:59:00.001-06:00

I've officially been in Oberlin for one week and still have three days left. Mom and Les are coming on Saturday to visit. It's nice being able to spend so much time with Zach, even if he's still in class this week.

Mom's thinking about getting a smartphone. I wanted a blackberry but decided that I'll wait until Apple renews/edits their contract with AT&T and might start selling the iPhone to other providers. Maybe I can get the new iPhone this summer after I start working and make some money.

Sunday evening, the brass faculty from Baylor visited and performed a quintet recital. Brent Phillips is the trombone instructor there, I've heard fabulous things about him. He played very well, I was quite impressed. Also, Joe Alessi is coming to Dallas in April to perform for a church. Get it!

The Cleveland Opera is holding auditions for a principal trombonist in late May. I'm considering submitting my resume and hoping they'll even let me audition.

I've been watching a lot of South Park recently in hopes to fulfill Day Zero goal number 36 . So far, I've seen 112/195 episodes. Yay!

I fly back to Dallas on Sunday. It's going to be a long rest of the semester with such an early Spring break.

Spring Break: Welcome to Oberlin

2010-03-07T19:51:00.000-06:00

I'm in Oberlin! I had a lesson with DeSano today and it went very well. I'm meeting with him later again this week and preparing excerpts for him.

Zach, James and I watched Up last night and went to Blue Sky (a 24-hour diner) afterward around 11pm, it was exciting!

Zach and I had a mini-snowball fight today so I crossed it off my Day-Zero project list. I decided that the high 30s was a fine temperature to wear flip flops, and managed to avoid most of the snow on the ground, but it was a bad idea to wear them for the snowball fight. My toes were cold. And muddy.

I still have a week left in Ohio :) Mom's coming down on Saturday and sending some homemade cookies on Tuesday.

Spring Break!

2010-03-03T10:13:00.001-06:00

Today is my last day of class. I got an A on my piano proficiency exam this morning. I get to wake up at 4:10 tomorrow morning for my flight to Cleveland!

I'm listening to the Prince of Egypt soundtrack. My roommate and I split the cost of the CD from eBay. An unopened CD for $1 each. Yay! We're both crazy about Disney.

Right now, 23 hours, an English quiz, a religion quiz, and a 3-hour rehearsal stand between me and Spring Break.

All three of the Byers sisters have blogs now!

2010-03-01T09:52:00.000-06:00

Ohh, yay. I finally figured it out. Except I have no idea what a "gadget" is, let alone if I should add one. I should probably be doing homework right now, but I was talking to Kristen last night and she convinced me to have a blog, since livejournal pretty much disappeared off the face of the earth.