#1: Being DONE forever with my first concerts ever!!!!
They were pretty amazing. Dress rehearsals--crazy, crazy, crazy. But that's how it goes, right? Although next time, I would like to have a stage for my dress rehearsal; let's not double book it with a music dress rehearsal and H1N1 vaccinations next time, ok? Thanks. But seriously, I could not be prouder of my kids! They were so professional and definitely delivered all those invitations we wrote out because there were LOTS of parents at each concert (my principals were all surprised, that's a good thing!). And my teachers and supervisor all seemed impressed with the performances. Also a good thing!
Other things that are awesome, in no particular order:
Sing Off
A nationally televised acapella singing competition with Ben Folds as a judge? Neat. Don't spread this around, but I may or may not believe it to be a far more legitimate operation than a certain other seasonal, singing-based reality show... Mr. Lachey, however, is no Seacrest.
Listening Lessons with 4th Graders
They're really astute listeners--it's so interesting to hear them communicate what they hear in a piece of music. Also, when you are told that Usher is singing when it is, in fact, Clay Aiken, that's always a fun time.
Purchasing a week-long Metrocard instead of a month-long pass
Because a week from today, I WON'T NEED ONE!!! ...for 7 days. =)
Homemade pizza: Half-White, Half-Caprese edition
Delicious. Although, I must add that baking pizza and pumpkin muffins in the same sitting makes for some interesting flavors licked off of one's fingers...
The smell of pop-up Christmas tree vendor fences
Mmm, pine.
Celebrating the conclusion of concert week with apple strudel and Chardonnay
Self-explanatory.
=) Kate
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
End in sight!
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel... and it's a string of Christmas twinklers =)
I'm actually really getting into the holiday season this year... In college it seemed to get lost in finals and CWW (burning out on endless rehearsals and interdirector passive agression does not exactly put one in the holiday spirit), but now in full-on concert mode and all of New York decorated, I've been given the opportunity to embrace the season. The pinnacle may be tonight, when I decorate my apartment while watching Elf. Now if I only had the energy to make cookies...
The Week in Review
The catalyst for my newly discovered holiday cheer would have to have been the Christmas Spectacular Day on the Town in which Meghan and I partook Saturday. Though the Radio City show was as cheesy as I'd imagined, it did have some nifty special effects and nostalgic musical offerings of the Christmas variety. After the (9am) show, we hustled ourselves around the city for the rest of the day--in the rain. I think for about 10 minutes it was snow... that's kind of festive, right? Anyway, we walked our way through many a holiday market and bookstore and surprisingly made a number of satisfying gift purchases. Best part: entertainment and food ALL paid for by my lovely grandparents. Good times =)
It's cold here. Winter accessories cold--but I do love winter accessories! Regardless of the temperature and wind though, it has yet to compare to Midwest winter. Every time I feel my thighs start to numb, I think, "How much colder would it have to be for my eyelashes and/or boogers to freezy?" The answer is always "Tens of degrees," so we're good.
I learned that the simple act of visiting a doctor cures most ailments. Well, that and getting a prescription for Z-pak (it's like my very own interactive Advent calendar!). But the ear thing DID solve itself. Thanks, ear. Also, thanks Duane Reade (think New Yorker Walgreens/CVS) for providing a walk-in doctor's office for those of us who don't have real roots. Yet.
I've consumed 2+ seasons of 30 Rock (for the second time, of course) in about as many weeks. I do have to say, the brilliant show is even better once you live in New York. So many geographically oriented inside jokes.
99 Cent Stores are a waste of time. I went to 3 today looking for stickers, construction paper, and non-religious wrapping paper (for my classroom door) with no results. Then I went to Target and got all of them for 99 Cent Store prices. Suburban-oriented amenities: 1. Urban-oriented amenities: 0.
Concerts this week! I do have an accompanist (that happened Monday--it's generally been a very good week!) and my kids seem excited and adequately prepared to perform. And that's the most I could ever ask for my very first concert endeavor.
The next door neighbors just began to belt Tiny Dancer. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night. =)
Kate
I'm actually really getting into the holiday season this year... In college it seemed to get lost in finals and CWW (burning out on endless rehearsals and interdirector passive agression does not exactly put one in the holiday spirit), but now in full-on concert mode and all of New York decorated, I've been given the opportunity to embrace the season. The pinnacle may be tonight, when I decorate my apartment while watching Elf. Now if I only had the energy to make cookies...
The Week in Review
The catalyst for my newly discovered holiday cheer would have to have been the Christmas Spectacular Day on the Town in which Meghan and I partook Saturday. Though the Radio City show was as cheesy as I'd imagined, it did have some nifty special effects and nostalgic musical offerings of the Christmas variety. After the (9am) show, we hustled ourselves around the city for the rest of the day--in the rain. I think for about 10 minutes it was snow... that's kind of festive, right? Anyway, we walked our way through many a holiday market and bookstore and surprisingly made a number of satisfying gift purchases. Best part: entertainment and food ALL paid for by my lovely grandparents. Good times =)
It's cold here. Winter accessories cold--but I do love winter accessories! Regardless of the temperature and wind though, it has yet to compare to Midwest winter. Every time I feel my thighs start to numb, I think, "How much colder would it have to be for my eyelashes and/or boogers to freezy?" The answer is always "Tens of degrees," so we're good.
I learned that the simple act of visiting a doctor cures most ailments. Well, that and getting a prescription for Z-pak (it's like my very own interactive Advent calendar!). But the ear thing DID solve itself. Thanks, ear. Also, thanks Duane Reade (think New Yorker Walgreens/CVS) for providing a walk-in doctor's office for those of us who don't have real roots. Yet.
I've consumed 2+ seasons of 30 Rock (for the second time, of course) in about as many weeks. I do have to say, the brilliant show is even better once you live in New York. So many geographically oriented inside jokes.
99 Cent Stores are a waste of time. I went to 3 today looking for stickers, construction paper, and non-religious wrapping paper (for my classroom door) with no results. Then I went to Target and got all of them for 99 Cent Store prices. Suburban-oriented amenities: 1. Urban-oriented amenities: 0.
Concerts this week! I do have an accompanist (that happened Monday--it's generally been a very good week!) and my kids seem excited and adequately prepared to perform. And that's the most I could ever ask for my very first concert endeavor.
The next door neighbors just began to belt Tiny Dancer. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night. =)
Kate
Friday, December 4, 2009
We'll call the glass half-full...
Let's take a look at the week... Through BRIGHT rose-colored spectacles...
At least some songs on my concert will be accompanied... by children on bells and percussion...
Lost my accompanist on Tuesday due to some switching around of teachers at ETM. T-minus 10 days until the first dress rehearsal and I am totally without pianist. I have many inquiries out but no bites yet. Trying very hard to avoid panic...
The human body adapts well to a 50% reduction in aural capacity.
That's right, deaf in one ear. Sinus congestion? Wax? Infection? Hard to tell. But I can still hear things moderately well, so that's a plus...?
I could pretend that the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is attempting to be ironic and/or satirical in its zealous presentation of holiday consumerism and outdated gender stereotypes.
The grandparents have surprised me with tickets to the leggy, saccharine-filled production and I have no way out of it. A detailed review will be forthcoming with contributions from my colleague in viewing, Ms. Meghan Smith.
Feces on the floor... I'm going to chalk this one up as a teaching rite of passage.
Much thanks to Ms. Brewster's Kindergarten class (I'm looking at you, Priest) for facilitating my induction into this privileged circle of educators.
Ufda.
Program polishing and concert procedures today, much Christmas fun with Meghan tomorrow (after Radio City we're hitting up pretty much every outdoor holiday market in the city!), and errands on Sunday... Well wishes for my sanity--and an accompanist!--are greatly appreciated. =P
KP
At least some songs on my concert will be accompanied... by children on bells and percussion...
Lost my accompanist on Tuesday due to some switching around of teachers at ETM. T-minus 10 days until the first dress rehearsal and I am totally without pianist. I have many inquiries out but no bites yet. Trying very hard to avoid panic...
The human body adapts well to a 50% reduction in aural capacity.
That's right, deaf in one ear. Sinus congestion? Wax? Infection? Hard to tell. But I can still hear things moderately well, so that's a plus...?
I could pretend that the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is attempting to be ironic and/or satirical in its zealous presentation of holiday consumerism and outdated gender stereotypes.
The grandparents have surprised me with tickets to the leggy, saccharine-filled production and I have no way out of it. A detailed review will be forthcoming with contributions from my colleague in viewing, Ms. Meghan Smith.
Feces on the floor... I'm going to chalk this one up as a teaching rite of passage.
Much thanks to Ms. Brewster's Kindergarten class (I'm looking at you, Priest) for facilitating my induction into this privileged circle of educators.
Ufda.
Program polishing and concert procedures today, much Christmas fun with Meghan tomorrow (after Radio City we're hitting up pretty much every outdoor holiday market in the city!), and errands on Sunday... Well wishes for my sanity--and an accompanist!--are greatly appreciated. =P
KP
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