So, on the mornings Chad and I wake up before it gets too hot or too muggy, we go for a 2.5 mile jog around Mt. Lebanon. It has a quaint, homey and boutique-y downtown area that we enjoy passing through. You can smell the biscotti being made in the bakery on the corner, the coffee being brewed by the two mom & pop coffee shops, see the local dentist office turning on its lights and the small music store putting its clearance rack of old guitar books out on the sidewalk and propping the door open. It makes me feel at home.
My favorite part? Seeing the water bowls the shop owners set out for the many dogs that get walked during the day. That makes me smile.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
here's to summer
I'm about to encounter my first Pittsburgh summer. Here comes the heat and humidity!
I'm doing a bit of traveling this summer: CT, Dallas, NY, SC.
I'm working six days a week at a summer theater workshop, directing one show and vocal directing another.
I'm going to visit all of these Pittsburgh classics: Kennywood, support the CLO and see lots of shows, The Science Center, The Pittsburgh Zoo, the aviary, a Pirates Game, and Ohiopyle.
The last seven summers were foundational. If it weren't for that place I would never have met and married my husband, grown as a person or as a professional musician.
But it's time. Bring on some more new beginnings.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
it's the little things...
Yesterday, I was on the couch in the living room, doing some work on my laptop. I left the room for a little while and when I returned, I noticed my screen saver had turned on, but it was different than the default one I usually see.
Chad had changed the screen saver to a text block that swirled around and said, "I love you, Elissa!"
Even though he's a goof, really stubborn and sometimes leaves his socks on the floor, it's those unexpected, heart-warming surprises that remind me what an awesome guy I married.
:)
Chad had changed the screen saver to a text block that swirled around and said, "I love you, Elissa!"
Even though he's a goof, really stubborn and sometimes leaves his socks on the floor, it's those unexpected, heart-warming surprises that remind me what an awesome guy I married.
:)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
I came. I had to go. I squatted.
So I'm having this amazing time in Beijing. Lots to say. No time to write all that I want to write. No worries though: I'm doing lots of journaling! (obviously "journaling" is not a word because it's showing up red on here)
But a quick story.
As you know from my previous posting, I was really afraid of the whole squat and pee/poop situation. I was told that because I was going to downtown Beijing in a nice fancy hotel I wouldn't have to worry about it. They were right.
However, we traveled 3 hours north of Beijing on Wednesday to visit a remote area of the Great Wall. After trekking through desolate villages (and my bladder starting to become uncomfortably full from the water and coffee I was drinking) I began to hyperventilate, anticipating the inevitable 'squat-n-pee' I was bound to endure.
Needless to say, before making the climb toward the great wall, I went to the room marked "toilet" and there it was: my nemesis... the hole in the bottom of the floor. With shaking limbs I got into position, hanging onto the door with my fingers for dear life (fearing my balance was off and I'd fall back INTO the hole) and did the deed. I then proceeded to use about 40 baby wipes (they don't have toilet paper) on any part of me capable of receiving "sprayage," zipped up and went outside. There was a sign on the toilet that said "please save water" so I assume they meant that unless it's number two you aren't supposed to flush... I flushed anyway. Who wants to pee on top of pee?
So I did it. I faced a fear and I overcame it. Or at least squatted on it.
But a quick story.
As you know from my previous posting, I was really afraid of the whole squat and pee/poop situation. I was told that because I was going to downtown Beijing in a nice fancy hotel I wouldn't have to worry about it. They were right.
However, we traveled 3 hours north of Beijing on Wednesday to visit a remote area of the Great Wall. After trekking through desolate villages (and my bladder starting to become uncomfortably full from the water and coffee I was drinking) I began to hyperventilate, anticipating the inevitable 'squat-n-pee' I was bound to endure.
Needless to say, before making the climb toward the great wall, I went to the room marked "toilet" and there it was: my nemesis... the hole in the bottom of the floor. With shaking limbs I got into position, hanging onto the door with my fingers for dear life (fearing my balance was off and I'd fall back INTO the hole) and did the deed. I then proceeded to use about 40 baby wipes (they don't have toilet paper) on any part of me capable of receiving "sprayage," zipped up and went outside. There was a sign on the toilet that said "please save water" so I assume they meant that unless it's number two you aren't supposed to flush... I flushed anyway. Who wants to pee on top of pee?
So I did it. I faced a fear and I overcame it. Or at least squatted on it.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
into the woods
So... since working on Into the Woods, I've been contemplating my fears...
Going "into the woods" is a metaphor for facing your fears in life, getting what you "wish," etc. The writing is superb and full of depth, the music (Sondheim) challenging and fun... go see it somewhere. Every high school is attempting it.
I'm the type of person who freaks out about stuff... and if I start thinking about one fear, I start thinking about all of them. And then I really freak out.
So I put my fears in categories so as to relieve some of the overwhelming feelings I get. Here's an example:
Small fears:
- in my rush in getting ready to leave the house, putting on two mis-matched shoes. (this is especially probable because I have some shoes in the exact style in black and brown)
- locking my keys and cell phone in the car at the same time, therefore giving me no way to call a tow truck.
- worrying that my gums will recede so much that I'll have teeth as big as julia roberts (and that would look really weird with my face)
- i get nervous every time I go to a restaurant that they won't have low calorie dressing available for my inevitable salad.
Medium fears:
- spiders or other creepy crawly things living in my house; seeing them, killing them, etc.
- that I am a lousy teacher
- falling when I run
- being so fat that I won't fit in an airline seat
- saying something without thinking to someone that hurts their feelings
Big fears:
I'm not going to trouble you with any of these. They are typical fears in the death and love categories.
Fear of the day:
The whole "bathroom" situation in China. I'm told in public places they have "the hole." No seats... lots of spray. I'm really freaking out about this. So much so that I went to walmart and bought 2 lbs. of baby wipes.
I want to know exactly what they look like, what I'll have to do, and how to do it over there. And I can't really practice here in the states. Unless it's outside. And I'm pretty sure I'll get arrested for that.
My fear cannot be conquered until I go there. So until then I am doing lots of visual therapy, deep breathing and praying that my bladder will become the size of a small swimming pool so I can hold it until I come back to the good ol' U. S. of A.
:)
Going "into the woods" is a metaphor for facing your fears in life, getting what you "wish," etc. The writing is superb and full of depth, the music (Sondheim) challenging and fun... go see it somewhere. Every high school is attempting it.
I'm the type of person who freaks out about stuff... and if I start thinking about one fear, I start thinking about all of them. And then I really freak out.
So I put my fears in categories so as to relieve some of the overwhelming feelings I get. Here's an example:
Small fears:
- in my rush in getting ready to leave the house, putting on two mis-matched shoes. (this is especially probable because I have some shoes in the exact style in black and brown)
- locking my keys and cell phone in the car at the same time, therefore giving me no way to call a tow truck.
- worrying that my gums will recede so much that I'll have teeth as big as julia roberts (and that would look really weird with my face)
- i get nervous every time I go to a restaurant that they won't have low calorie dressing available for my inevitable salad.
Medium fears:
- spiders or other creepy crawly things living in my house; seeing them, killing them, etc.
- that I am a lousy teacher
- falling when I run
- being so fat that I won't fit in an airline seat
- saying something without thinking to someone that hurts their feelings
Big fears:
I'm not going to trouble you with any of these. They are typical fears in the death and love categories.
Fear of the day:
The whole "bathroom" situation in China. I'm told in public places they have "the hole." No seats... lots of spray. I'm really freaking out about this. So much so that I went to walmart and bought 2 lbs. of baby wipes.
I want to know exactly what they look like, what I'll have to do, and how to do it over there. And I can't really practice here in the states. Unless it's outside. And I'm pretty sure I'll get arrested for that.
My fear cannot be conquered until I go there. So until then I am doing lots of visual therapy, deep breathing and praying that my bladder will become the size of a small swimming pool so I can hold it until I come back to the good ol' U. S. of A.
:)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
the chaos cumulates...
So here's the rundown:
- 2 days: I finish blocking two shows with 40 kids
- 3 days: first run through with middle schoolers who are at a very awkward age, are clumsy, feel embarrassed to "act" in any way and therefore will end up crying, sure that parents are going to want their money back
- 4 days: first run through with my 5&6 year olds in which I will be either assured that kids are wonderful or that I never want any of my own
- 5 days: weekend from hell in which I will endure 20 hours of rehearsal in 3 days... for 3 different shows
- 7 - 10 days: tech week: need I say any more?
- 11 days: move entire studio to remote theater venue, lose 4-11 props on the way there, commence in flipping out at people on whom my anxiety and frustration transfers in the form of screaming and crying
- 12 days: dress rehearsal (more crying), first show (hopefully less crying)
- 13 days: last show
- 14 days: leave at dawn for China.
- 2 days: I finish blocking two shows with 40 kids
- 3 days: first run through with middle schoolers who are at a very awkward age, are clumsy, feel embarrassed to "act" in any way and therefore will end up crying, sure that parents are going to want their money back
- 4 days: first run through with my 5&6 year olds in which I will be either assured that kids are wonderful or that I never want any of my own
- 5 days: weekend from hell in which I will endure 20 hours of rehearsal in 3 days... for 3 different shows
- 7 - 10 days: tech week: need I say any more?
- 11 days: move entire studio to remote theater venue, lose 4-11 props on the way there, commence in flipping out at people on whom my anxiety and frustration transfers in the form of screaming and crying
- 12 days: dress rehearsal (more crying), first show (hopefully less crying)
- 13 days: last show
- 14 days: leave at dawn for China.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
mediocre reigns supreme
This Susan Boyle woman is the poster child for everything I hate about reality tv, the “get famous fast” mentality and the world's increasing desire to glorify the amateur and mediocrity instead of the educated and talented. It's not that dear lady's fault at all, really. It's us! Society, media, our culture, take your pick. Let me be clear: I have nothing against her and the reason I “don't get” all the hype is NOT because I'm a snob. I'd be the first in her fan club if she was actually good!
Side note: I think it's funny that everyone today is an expert on music. The general public start thinking they're experts because of shows like American Idol where they have the power to act on an uneducated opinion of what sounds good, instead of trusting experts and/or time honored ways of judging what quality music actually is. This is another subject all unto itself, and really isn't the main problem.
Mediocrity
We as a culture accept mediocrity for greatness, especially when a touching story or underdog is involved. We do not demand excellence and we value the tug on our heartstrings more than quality of sound. What the heck is going on with this nation glorifying the amateur? I get so upset about this! Is it now wrong to go out and spend and sacrifice the time and money in order to perfect your craft? What do you say to those who were once like Susan Boyle, were "decent" and had the desire and motivation to take their talent and make it more. Should they have just "buried" their talent instead if doing all of that work? That's what shows like Britain's Got Talent and American Idol say to me: “Don't try to improve on yourself. If you just sit around, one day you'll just get discovered and you'll never need to do any work to perfect your craft.” This is preposterous. What a slap in the face to the many who study, get the education, and push themselves to perfection.
Whatever happened to us saluting the ones at the top? I look at the colleagues I've been fortunate to work with for seven summers at COTW, many of whom have multiple degrees and have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to get a CHANCE to audition for a major symphony orchestra. Because the competition is so severe, even though these musicians may be highly qualified and talented, many of them will never get that dream job. This is the problem with the world today: instead of news stories about the person who has given time and treasure to have a chance at success, we have news stories about Flo the Nobody who just really isn't that impressive.
A Good Story
When you looked at her, you judged her by her looks and age. When I listened to her, I judged her by her musical talent, because that's what I am trained to do. I can separate the physicality, the circumstances, from the quality of voice. I saw an individual with mediocre musical talent. You saw a 47 year old virgin who had never been kissed. You chose to make her a victim. Why? That doesn't do her any favors.
Be honest with yourself. She's not that good. Her talent is not what amazed the judges. It was her charming story. Has this world stooped THAT low?? Everyone was in awe SIMPLY because they judged
her on her appearance and thought she would sound like complete poo! Instead, she was decent. Not great. Average.
Shame on them and the rest of our culture! For judging her like that! You (our culture) just CHEAPENED any talent she could of had for putting her looks and life situation into the balance. Because you were shallow and you pitied her! She has fame now because of how she looks! Is she supposed to be thankful for this kind of attention? This is good press? You laughed at and ridiculed her and now you're exaggerating her level of talent.
You secretly judged her and are now trying to ease your own conscience by singing her *average* praises.
If she had been as mind-blowing as YouTube fans and the crowd that night so desperately wished she was, then I would be jumping on the Susan Boyle bandwagon. I'm all for breaking down social stigmas and stereotypes. But don't fool someone into thinking they're better than they are... because of the good story. That's cruelty and victimization. Don't settle for decent when there is magnificence elsewhere. And let's cheer for those who have busted their butts, perfecting their art form for the pleasure of our ears in concert halls and coffee houses across this world.
Side note: I think it's funny that everyone today is an expert on music. The general public start thinking they're experts because of shows like American Idol where they have the power to act on an uneducated opinion of what sounds good, instead of trusting experts and/or time honored ways of judging what quality music actually is. This is another subject all unto itself, and really isn't the main problem.
Mediocrity
We as a culture accept mediocrity for greatness, especially when a touching story or underdog is involved. We do not demand excellence and we value the tug on our heartstrings more than quality of sound. What the heck is going on with this nation glorifying the amateur? I get so upset about this! Is it now wrong to go out and spend and sacrifice the time and money in order to perfect your craft? What do you say to those who were once like Susan Boyle, were "decent" and had the desire and motivation to take their talent and make it more. Should they have just "buried" their talent instead if doing all of that work? That's what shows like Britain's Got Talent and American Idol say to me: “Don't try to improve on yourself. If you just sit around, one day you'll just get discovered and you'll never need to do any work to perfect your craft.” This is preposterous. What a slap in the face to the many who study, get the education, and push themselves to perfection.
Whatever happened to us saluting the ones at the top? I look at the colleagues I've been fortunate to work with for seven summers at COTW, many of whom have multiple degrees and have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to get a CHANCE to audition for a major symphony orchestra. Because the competition is so severe, even though these musicians may be highly qualified and talented, many of them will never get that dream job. This is the problem with the world today: instead of news stories about the person who has given time and treasure to have a chance at success, we have news stories about Flo the Nobody who just really isn't that impressive.
A Good Story
When you looked at her, you judged her by her looks and age. When I listened to her, I judged her by her musical talent, because that's what I am trained to do. I can separate the physicality, the circumstances, from the quality of voice. I saw an individual with mediocre musical talent. You saw a 47 year old virgin who had never been kissed. You chose to make her a victim. Why? That doesn't do her any favors.
Be honest with yourself. She's not that good. Her talent is not what amazed the judges. It was her charming story. Has this world stooped THAT low?? Everyone was in awe SIMPLY because they judged
her on her appearance and thought she would sound like complete poo! Instead, she was decent. Not great. Average.
Shame on them and the rest of our culture! For judging her like that! You (our culture) just CHEAPENED any talent she could of had for putting her looks and life situation into the balance. Because you were shallow and you pitied her! She has fame now because of how she looks! Is she supposed to be thankful for this kind of attention? This is good press? You laughed at and ridiculed her and now you're exaggerating her level of talent.
You secretly judged her and are now trying to ease your own conscience by singing her *average* praises.
If she had been as mind-blowing as YouTube fans and the crowd that night so desperately wished she was, then I would be jumping on the Susan Boyle bandwagon. I'm all for breaking down social stigmas and stereotypes. But don't fool someone into thinking they're better than they are... because of the good story. That's cruelty and victimization. Don't settle for decent when there is magnificence elsewhere. And let's cheer for those who have busted their butts, perfecting their art form for the pleasure of our ears in concert halls and coffee houses across this world.
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