adventures in babydancing

2011-03-29T21:27:00.006-04:00

I got off my ass and actually made dinner tonight, and to reward AJS for taking care of the huge amount of post-expiration date dairy products in the refrigerator I made pizza entirely from scratch :)

There was roasted asparagus,

home made sauce

pizza dough which had an extra teaspoon of salt, tj's roasted corn, onion and low fat mozzarella cheese.

Before oven time,

after :)

2011-03-15T20:49:00.004-04:00

There's a chicken in our refrigerator, waiting quietly to fulfill its delicious roasted destiny. This is significant for several reasons. One being a desire on my part to make and eat delicious healthy meals, (but I've promised myself to not whine about my weight-loss struggles on this blog, so enough about that) and the other being that my husband is kinda eating meat now. He got tired of leaving himself out of special meals and not ordering what he wants in restaurants (I'm sure it was easier being a vegetarian as a single guy living off your microwave and whole foods burritos). We also read this book:

Among other points, it talks about how consuming meat in moderation(as a garnish) and staying away from processed foods is better for you and the planet. Nothing too shocking there, but a reminder accompanied by recipes from a real chef certainly help me follow through on good advice.

2011-03-11T20:42:00.002-05:00

What I'd forgotten about getting a new computer is how psycologically freeing it is to start a new hard drive from scratch. All of the word files from my old laptop are safely backed up on an external hard drive and I pick and choose the ones I want. I'm not faced with deleting anything, nor am I cluttered by the endless word files from my website, lesson plans, etc. Kind of like moving in to a new house.

My task at hand now, while I am home and AJS is working hard at his temple, is to re-do my practicing talk for an upcoming guitar festival where I am not only participating as a teacher, but have a student competing. I won't say I won't be nervous, but I have faith in his abilities and look forward to hearing him play.

2011-03-08T21:18:00.002-05:00

Today is fat Tuesday, which was celebrated in our house by going to Taco Tuesday. This is not an infrequent occurrence at 3830, but one that we partake in regularly enough for the overly friendly waiter to recognize us and awkwardly inquire how we're doing. Tonight we were pleasantly surprised to meet up with some friends, one of which is our neighbor, and among other topics, talked about the idea of lent.

As one who is pretty much an atheist, I don't necessarily subscribe to the idea that you get closer to the sufferings of the historical Jesus by giving up some of the trappings of our modern society, but I do like the personal challenge of doing without something for a period of time. I also think its more beneficial to give back to society in the form of money or time rather than giving up chocolate or facebook. I think that for "lent" I will:

- do a creative access gig
- donate money to a charity
and track all my food until the 6th annual Great Friday party. I'm taking that day off.

2011-02-24T21:43:00.004-05:00

There are a zillion things I should do but right now, but I am blogging. I'm also easting too much garlic-broccoli pasta. And drinking wine. And watching Grey's Anatomy. All of these are fun things and perhaps regrettable tomorrow, but at this moment, are what I can focus on.

I've gotten some fancy material possessions in the last week. Sometimes I get a little nervous about my conspicuous consumption, but if its tax deductible its ok, right?

Here's the first exciting item:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNWXrpZbpII

If I were cooler, I could embed it, but I'm not. I haven't yet stood on top of my now un-godly expensive guitar. I also haven't thrown it off a roof or out the back of a moving car. Or driven the car on top of it. But if I have to do any of these things, it will be ok.

I've also just obtained a very fancy new computer. And just obtained means a few hours ago. My trusty previously-blogged-about macbook pro died three weeks ago and I've been sitting on pins and needles waiting for the new refresh to get a new one. And it is here :)

Running a "business" means I am on my computer ALL the time. I design posters. I update my website. I email parents CONSTANTLY. And I need to edit video and audio. So while I could get by without a 17" quad core 750GB hard drive macbook pro...its easier and cleaner to have the right tools.

I heart Weiner!

2010-03-07T11:07:00.001-05:00

2010-02-10T16:11:00.004-05:00

The snow situation is historic, and frankly scary. I keep wanting to post things on facebook about my fears about losing power, the deck/front porch roof collapsing, carbon monoxide poisoning, or eating the dog but I stop myself to not add to hysteria. That last concern is a joke. Or at least at this point it is. We will have almost FOUR FEET of accumulation when all is said and done. Its been my expereince that Baltimore can't even handle 8 inches well, so this amount is going to be ridiculous. Evergreen ave. had to dig the street by hand because there was no slow plow came by. See you all in May.
(I don't know exactly who took this photo, but I found it on "Charm City Mom" blog)

OMIGODITSSNOWINGHOLYCRAPTHERESALOTOFSNOW!!!

2010-02-05T23:08:00.007-05:00

The citizens of Baltimore and DC have been bracing themselves for a snowpocalypse. Although I'm irritated by missing ANOTHER Saturday of teaching, there's something undeniably exciting about over two feet of snow. To combat wine, risotto and peanut butter cookies I decided to do some shoveling.

I have fabulous winter footwear.

The scene on our block

2010-02-01T14:09:00.002-05:00

The extreme makeover was somewhat successful; office is 100% better and more functional, as is the bedroom. Today (after an extreme pig out this weekend) also marks the beginning of my return to weight watchers, so here's to new beginnings and clean living!

Not being able to consume anything I want to is particularly hard today. I don't want to go into details on the interwebs, but I finally addressed something with a partner organization that had been bothering me for a long time. Its the last possible instant to be bringing anything up, I know I should have done this sooner but shit happens...I am so very stressed and frazzled I can barely function. But life goes on, time to finish cleaning the house before my students come over. and then I can continue stressing out.

2010-01-31T11:39:00.002-05:00

Today I have no teaching to do...I canceled my morning MT class due to the snow and the apparent lack of any snowplows or salt in the city of Baltimore. So today is the extreme home makeover of 3830 Evergreen ave. Time to re-organize, and clean, maybe I'll take pics of the kitchen when I'm all done.

2010-01-22T18:50:00.003-05:00

Its been a long time since I've posted; I'm sure no one is reading this anymore, but I'll post anyway. I've reached the end of negotiations with my new baby-dancing location, and am ready to move. Haven't signed a lease yet, but I will. In retrospect, I maybe should have done a little more market research before presenting an offer because I think I should have gotten it for a little less money. I do think everyone is being treated very fairly though, and I'm certainly getting a good situation. This does mark the start of my little enterprise becoming a little more like a real business, which kinda frightens me. I remind myself though that what I want to do is make the BEST program, not the most PROFITABLE program. A better location where families aren't made uncomfortable by other groups using the building, that will be cleaner and in a better neighborhood, where I have the opportunity to schedule classes whenever I want to and I don't have to work around other groups...that will be great.

I don't know why this is, but its so easy to lose sight of what I want my career to be...I really want my program to be the BEST it can. I can't give into parent's misunderstanding and/or lack of cooperation. Maybe I have to fire some students to get the point across, but the theme of this week, or two weeks has been "taking control of your situation"

Time for some silly music and performance art.

2009-09-10T18:30:00.002-04:00

These past two days or so were more centered on electrical work...Oneil installed the high hats and wired new outlets...

This is going to be the bottom of the pass thru...

...and the dog got into some spackle.

Kitchen Project Day 3

2009-09-05T17:35:00.005-04:00

So, Friday was a day that started way too early. AJS and I enjoyed a little too much wine at Miss T's new digs to celebrate our parallel home improvements Thursday night and were awakened on Friday not only by the alarm so I could go dance with babies, but also the contractors showing up at 8:30 to start work. I certainly appreciate their punctuality so I can get back to a life without TV dinners sooner, but the mornings when you've just gotten out of the shower and see people coming into your house while you're wearing a towel is a bit awkward.

On Friday, the beautifully cut and laid tile was grouted.

Then rather than trying to strip the two layers (at least) of wallpaper and two or three layers of paint, Oneil made the call to sheetrock over it so we'd have a smooth wall texture.

The poor doggie has not taken well to all the uproar in the house. She cannot enjoy the new cabinets, floor, appliances, lighting, extra space, and general joyous-ness that a new kitchen (or even the promise of a new kitchen) provides. So she spends her days in the man-cave helping my husband make transcriptions on finale.

I believe that our awesome contractor recognized her strife and when the basement door had to come off of its hinges to allow for better grouting/sheetrocking, he allowed for her to supervise the operations.

Kitchen Project Day 2

2009-09-03T17:26:00.003-04:00

I realize that between facebook and babydancing there may be a redundancy of information about the kitchen but the fact is it has pervaded every aspect of our lives and will do so until its done. so.....more photos.

This is the tile that was laid today. Both Oneil and his assistant were cutting tile all day on our deck using some sort of table saw and a lot of water.

When I was a kid and my parents re-did the kitchen at 19 ridgefield ave, I walked on the tile while it set. I remember getting in a lot of trouble about it...and so those of us in the family that don't know any better must be prevented from doing so. That big ass box is a dishwasher btw....

Holes were cut into the ceiling to allow for 4 high hats. After some consideration we are going to get a fan (WITHOUT lights) to put in the kitchen for when I smoke the house out on stir fry night.

Kitchen Project Day 1

2009-09-02T16:03:00.003-04:00

The demo is done, I guess...I don't know what else can be taken out of this kitchen area. We had a little bit of trauma when the vents were discovered. That whole wall was supposed to be taken down and the doorway moved over to make room for the refrigerator. Because of these vents we can't. The decision was first to put the refrigerator against that wall which stressed me out completely. The sacrifice of a few cabinets and 24" of counter space was made to keep the fridge where it is now. So..we'll have a small wall in between the dining area and the kitchen. Any suggestions as to what to do with it?

The "before" photos. Sept 1st

2009-09-02T15:51:00.003-04:00

Hmm...I don't know how to rotate these photos properly, but I wanted to document the disgustingness that was our kitchen for these 4 long years I've lived here. The damaged linoleum was the final depressing straw that forced us to just call Oneil and do it.

I put these on facebook too, but have decided not to bog down the rest of the world with the sordid details. Hopefully I'll get it together enough to take photos every day its done.

2009-08-29T18:48:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is the first of the MT trial classes...and happily, I guess, Mom's groups around baltimore have been emailing each other the info, so I've just had a pretty big response. This coming week in many ways is very important, making a good impression on these perspective families is essential to my success this year...I'm not sure I'll have such a big chance to make a first impression. This is exciting though. I'm ready to accept whatever presents itself,and after a summer off from the scene more or less I feel refreshed and recharged....here's hoping

2009-08-25T23:18:00.001-04:00

While yesterday I was a wheeling and dealing baby-dancing businesswoman, making phone calls to guitar stores, making black bean burgers, emailing like crazy, making to do lists and crossing everything off. Today was not. There were a few slightly discouraging events that brought me down as well as a scrabble game involving shots of beer the night before that made me fuzzy and incapable...I am 30 after all and don't have the resiliance I used to.

I look forward tomorrow to resuming the Red Canoe Sing a Long, more wheeling and dealing, my favorite step class and 4tet sectional.

2009-08-21T20:37:00.002-04:00

Sorry for my absence. I know the world is waiting with baited breath to see what exciting twists and turns my life has taken *cheesy grin*. Seriously though, the summer is almost over...I am officially 30 now, which has ceased to be a little depressing to me, even though I've had almost a whole month to come to grips with it. I was going to create a blog post to celebrate my accomplishments and all the good things about getting older, but I couldn't do it without being braggy. I'm still a little chubbier than I would like to be due to my post-wedding eating blitz. I have begun to cut back and exercise, and the plan is pursue these healthy choice in a way that fits in to my life rather than taking it over. I'll be in touch with how that goes.

One of my projects this summer was to do at least one thing a day that I am scared of. Turns out I'm scared of a lot of things that really aren't that bad. Its amazing how much these silly apprehensions hold me back from actually accomplishing anything.

Another project that is slowly shaping up is re-doing the kitchen. AJS and I dreamed of moving into a single family house in one of the idyllic baltimore suburbs after the wedding...but that isn't happening due to the stupid economy. So, I rolled up my virtual sleeves yesterday and spent too much time at lowes.com and ikea.com figuring out cabinets, dishwashers and other appliances that might fit. One of the good things about a small house in a not-so-fancy-or-hip-neighborhood is that our kitchen is small and we might not have to spend a ton of money to make it MUCH nicer. So thats what we're going to try to do. We will happily kiss the painted over metal cabinets with doors that fall off, the disgusting fridge, the malfunctiong oven, and most of all the hole in the linoleum floor a happy good bye.

2009-07-06T18:27:00.003-04:00

ugg. After weighing myself today I see I have quite an impressive weight gain since the wedding. Since its only been 8 weeks, that is pretty bad for my health as well. Why can I not find balance? Must I either gorge myself all the time or torture myself dieting? I really am happier when I'm fit and healthy, and with the gains I'm making in my own self discipline, maybe SOME of that can transfer to my eating/exercising habits? I'm doing a pretty good job cutting back on my evening wine, as well as simply waking up to do the MUCH needed work on my website/4tet non-profit status. And I cleaned some rooms of the house today. I don't want to approach the big 3 - 0 in the next three weeks feeling crappy about my appearance, and worse that I'm doing nothing to help myself. So I will reluctantly climb back on the wagon. And then into my car to go to step class.

2009-06-28T10:21:00.004-04:00

I'm back from Virginia, and it really wasn't as painful as I expected it to be. I appreciate the incredible beauty of Emory & Henry College, the great wisdom, practicality and talent of my teacher trainer as well as prevalence of grilled cheese sandwiches in the cafeteria. I've come home to a happy husband, weeds in my flower bed and a disturbing scratching behind the kitchen wall (I think its one of the stupid birds that living in our gutter who has fallen down the chimney)

The time away has provided an opportunity to reflect. I truly want to be developing my programs to their fullest extent, not only because I think what I do is marketable and potentially profitable, but because I really think its good for the world for kids to play music well and enjoy it. I also truly enjoy it.

Nothing worthwhile has ever come without hard work and mistakes.

2009-06-09T23:01:00.002-04:00

I heart the wok we received as a wedding gift; its been used at least three times a week since it was bestowed upon us. My husband is maybe becoming slightly weary of my attempts to perfect my stir fry technique, but I can't help it. It makes a quick, sort-of-guilt-free dinner that doesn't heat up the whole house as June burns on. I really do want to cook as much as possible, not just for financial incentives but because its fun. I'm discovering it requires extra planning at the grocery store, as well as during day to day life while preparing said meals. My desire to be a responsible person is outweighing my desire to be lazy and eat Baja Fresh. For now.

2009-06-05T00:52:00.004-04:00

I've decided to practice again. Not solo guitar music, of course, but my quartet parts in earnest. Its embarrassing to even write this, as I suppose its assumed I was practicing furiously all along, but the fact is I wasn't. I would look over music when necessary, but the fact is, after being punched in the face two years ago by my inadequacies, it felt really hard to play the guitar without getting very angry and sad. Now, I'm working hard on my parts b/c its my JOB. We (1 east g q ) have new music by famous (only to guitarists) composers. We are on the brink (past the brink actually, and now tiptoeing nervously on the surface) of an opportunity that could really be great. And our CD is coming out soon. Not the greatest guitar quartet CD ever, but one that is actually recorded, edited, mixed, and professionally pressed with kickass artwork. Having attempted the process a few times before, I realize what feat that is in and of itself. I am truly proud of its mere existence.

2009-05-27T22:58:00.002-04:00

*sigh* what can I say. the wedding was fabulous. I am married to the best guy ever. I will begin the name-change process on Friday. I wanted to return to my silly blog before now but felt I needed to fully recap the events of the big day and the days leading up to it. Perhaps i will do so eventually, but I've decided that there are just too many amazing moments to of the best night of my life to report,and I just can't do a half-assed job.

So, back to reality. Summer has begun. After the organizing and putting away of wedding gifts, I have embraced the Evergreen Academy marketing plan. Website, print advertising, brochures, rewards for families that refer...its all part of my plot for world domination. The plan is to hit the ground running this fall.

There's the Peabody Guitar Day. I need to have an interactive presentation about Suzuki guitar. And team teach a masterclass for kids under 13.

Then I go to VA for nine days to live in a dorm room without my husband or doggie and learn more about Suzuki guitar. Its a depressing prospect, but a necessary part of my professional development.

Bright spots include the release of the 1egq CD, the nuptials of Bang-Krown (I'm a bridesmaid!!!!) and Rultz-Shouse, and of course our trip to Minnesota.

2009-04-17T11:33:00.003-04:00

Today we are finally getting engagement shots. Way to wait until the last minute...I wouldn't mind putting them off until after the wedding, but then of course, we wouldn't be engaged any more. It will be nice to have some photos for the wedding to display anyway, so I'm trying desperately to fight my cold and find some clean, decent looking clothes to wear.

AJS and I have coordinated our schedules on a google calendar to most effectively schedule crap (dance lessons, booking the mini-moon, getting the guest book printed, etc..) We have a google document list to which we are constantly adding and crossing off tasks.

I've also made the first of many hydrangea buckets.

2009-04-08T22:07:00.002-04:00

I got my shoes!!!! I lurve them very much, and they were decided upon months ago; I don't know what took me so long.

Things are slowly slowly coming in to focus for our big day. One by one, we're checking things off the list or simplifying plans to make things easy and do-able. Its been pretty fun planning the wedding, but I'm looking forward to beginning a new married life.

2009-03-19T18:22:00.002-04:00

wheeeee! I made a stunning realization that Flower Mart will be happening during our wedding weekend. This fact was acknowleged previously with accompanying curses and dissapointment due to the fact that it makes our very favorite Mount Vernon neighborhood with all of its fun bars and restaurants inacessabile. (aka no parking because of everyone and their tent). However, some people who actually read my blog regularly (despite the inconsistant posting) remember the idea of hydrangea buckets. What if instead of buckets of flowers filled with flowers and floral foam that I have to pay for and will die later, are replaced with living flowers in pots! That I can give away after the wedding! Brilliant!

2009-03-18T14:18:00.002-04:00

We have been receiving wedding gifts! I will admit I've been slightly unprepared for the influx of home and kitchen goods to our tiny semi attached townhouse. It used to be the plan that a short time after the wedding AJS and I would undertake the exciting and stressful task of selling this home and buying a new one. As the economic forecast became more and more depressing however, (and the fact that not a small amount of AJS's income has been affected by the recent dissolve of Baltimore Opera) that idea has been scrapped. We will stay here and pay our cheap mortgage until my my suzuki-guitar-baby-dancing empire takes off. How I longed to unpack the pristine white boxes into a gleaming new kitchen with tons of storage and counter space. As we receive them, our gifts are opened to obtain the identification of the giver, who is immediately noted our RSVP list, and the beautiful box is brought upstairs to the attic to wait quietly until we become husband and wife. After the wedding I look forward to the purge of the scratched and mismatched pots, pans, plates, and electronics with these tokens of our family and friends' generosity and love.

2009-03-17T15:26:00.002-04:00

I knew one of the problems with our date would be its proximity to tax time. I HATE tax time. Last year was more fun since I wasn't quite so self employed, I was able to get quite a nice refund. This year I wasn't quite as organized and have to do the very awful back tracking; going over credit card statements, bank statements, remembering what to look for, whats deductible, etc. Also, since AJS and I have completely combined our bank accounts as of January (besides my business account), I'll have to be extra organized about what I've spent and what he's spent for NEXT year. I'm certainly better at this then the first disastrous
H & R block situation of 5 years ago, but its so much easier to procrastinate on wedding blogs than figure this crap out.

2009-03-13T14:46:00.002-04:00

Stress! Six weeks! I just need to take this one step at a time I guess. How do people get married and have full time jobs? Maybe they don't procrastinate and actually make execute their decisions. Or maybe they go to city hall. Or vegas. These all sound like fabulous ideas. arg.

2009-03-02T20:56:00.003-05:00

Long time, no blog. Here's a quick update: as of today, our wedding is officially eight weeks away. The invitations are designed, printed, cut, glued, bows tied, envelopes stuffed, calligraphy attempted, stamps purchased, stamps applied, guest list cross-checked three times, and now sit peacefully in a box ready to be sent to our families. I lost about 10 pounds and subsequently am much better at step class. We have a great dj, photographer, food, wholesale wine and liquor, flowers and a designated professional to make sure things happen smoothly and I don't have to stress. This means, whatever happens, we'll have a great party.

On other fronts, I feel like everything else is in shambles. My blog was hacked. Its impossible to focus on anything while I'm home...only the tasks with the most pressing deadlines are completed. Simple responsibilities like doing dishes and walking the dog are huge events. I feel lazy and disorganized. Can I cut myself some slack as I enter this new chapter of my life? Is the big change distracting my already naturally scattered brain? Have I given myself too much to do? I apologize to anyone reading this if I've neglected a responsibility to you...space cadet symptoms have kicked in.

2009-01-25T15:48:00.004-05:00

I lied. In my last post, I stated that the invitations were underway. At the time, execution of this rather scary task was not...but now the are. I just got my order from the pocketfolder place and made a mock-up to make sure my design will actually fit in the envelope.

Not only do all the inserts fit in the pocketfolder, but the pocketfolder with all the inserts, the "map" (it is ajs' job to make a map on the computer to include with directions. He swears its been started and I am trying not to pester), fancy italian paper clip, rsvp card, and a ribbon around the front actually fit into the envelopes I purchased. This is very good news. Please excuse the wonky cutting skills: I plan to have kinkos cut all the cardstock so my wedding elves and I just have to print and glue.

2009-01-16T19:18:00.004-05:00

The invitations are well underway. I had a fabulous meeting with my artsy friend Miss C who made all of my little invitation dreams come true. Seriously, as long as I don't screw up the construction of them, the invitations will look amazing.

I now am sort of planning ceremony decor. The Evergreen garden is very lovely, but it is also kind of plain. I am thinking of obtaining an arch to decorate for the big day and then put in the back yard:

Also, so I can still kind of diy flowers, I am thinking of obtaining some shepherds hooks and doing something like this on the aisles.

I assume hydrangeas are relatively easy to work with and this design seems simple enough that any wedding helper can set it up without too much heartache. I REALLY don't want to spend too much money, but I also want the ceremony to be beautiful. I also don't want it to rain...

2009-01-12T16:29:00.002-05:00

I feel like I've had a relatively successful week facing my fears. Though I haven't tried to zip up my wedding dress again, I have opened a business account, fought with the state of Indiana via the MVA, and cleaned out the terrible moldy zero point soup. I think I've also made some headway in wedding planning, although its amazing how you can continue to obsess about details to the point that you'll never be finished planning. Or maybe thats me. Anyway, I am happy to report that the necessary components of our big day are coming together beautifully, and I'm getting pretty excited.

2008-12-31T17:31:00.004-05:00

Tonight, New Years Eve, AJS and I have the most fabulous of plans. We are going to a private, black tie optional event at the very schmancy engineers club. While I certainly love being fabulous, I have some concerns:

1. My shoes are not great. I thought about splurging on my fabulous potential wedding shoes but of course, I didn't get my act together in time. So, I have a kinda cheap pair that will do, but I certainly don't love

2. I have no jewelry. Again, this would have been a great excuse to buy some fabulous chandelier earrings or a sparkly necklace that could be worn at the wedding, but I did not do that.

3. My dress is my green recital dress. I haven't worn this in public in quite a while, and while its kind of pretty, its awfully plain and from a different time in my life. I guess its classy enough, but I don't feel 100% confident.

4. Worst of all, I decided that yesterday would be the day I started the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. To do this program, one needs only two hand weights. The only ones I have are 8 lbs each, which EVEN THE BUFF MODELS IN THE DVD did not use. They all had 2 or 3 lbs, tops. My legs and arms are KILLING me. The evening will begin with a dance lesson, which would normally be fun but may be excruciating. sigh... that's what I get for trying to shape up for May.

2008-12-27T20:19:00.001-05:00

update: my envelope from cardsandpockets.com arrived, but in a plastic bag with a heartfelt apology from the postal service. The envelope was ripped with no cardstock samples to be found. Sad. I am working to rectify the situation.

2008-12-21T18:41:00.002-05:00

I know there are people in the world who have a great deal more finesse and style than I do. I know that because for some reason, I am really stressed out about the paper for the invitations I'm going to make. Of course I'm not stressed out enough to pay premium for someone to help me (namely, a professional) even though I have no doubt it would be worth it. I ordered my "paper swatches" from a nice online retailer who can send me pre-cut panels to create the "layered pocketfold" invitations I so desire. I ordered about 19 different swatches in both metallic and smooth shades to create a perfect palate. I don't know why I didn't do this sooner, its a perfect example of my afore mentioned tendency to search endlessly for different options and not make any actual decisions. Regardless, I anxiously await the arrival of my little pieces of paper.

2008-12-17T14:59:00.002-05:00

My lovely friend L of http://jaimemadison.blogspot.com/ just sent a video that I simply must share. Happy holidays everyone.

BEEKER!

2008-12-14T16:39:00.002-05:00

omg!!! I think I'm biased b/c this puppy looks alot like our precious mocha, but come on! Can it get any cuter than Joe Biden's new doggie?

2008-12-10T16:35:00.002-05:00

This should be a skinny spring bride entry, but I'm putting it here instead...many thanks to those of you who took up the push up challenge. I am going strong (or as strong as my flabby arms will allow me) but somewhat burdened by the fact that I also have been attending some sort of fitness almost every day which culminates in push ups. My arms and abs are deliciously achy from this excess of physical activity...the way I imagine I'd feel if I had to do some sort of manual labor rather than sitting on my ass playing guitar with small children. I also can't help but also notice that my mood really is elevated. I feel so much more patient, my attention span is greater: in general I feel pretty good. Why can't I remember the good vibes that come from exercise in those weak moments I can't bring myself to go to the gym? Whats driving me now is the fear that I've gained a few pounds since I purchased my dress a few months ago, and the guilt of wasting money on a new gym membership.

2008-12-04T21:38:00.002-05:00

Anyone in? I need a buddy.

http://hundredpushups.com/index.html

2008-11-21T18:42:00.002-05:00

I've been impressed with how well I've been able to go waste time. I suppose I did some good work today on stuff I need for my Suzuki guitar website, but that was after sleeping late and doing more unnecessary investigative work on cardstock. Am I really a lazy person? I used to be so driven and brainy, or at least I thought so...but now I seem to be unable to write with proper grammer, or have an attention span longer than 5 minutes. Am I burnt out from my years of crazy ambitious workaholism? Am I becoming soft in my old(er) age? Will I become less obsessed with finding the perfect patterned cardstock after the wedding is over? I hope so, these can't be the habits of a wealthy, successful baby-dancing guitar-teaching suburban housewife.

2008-11-09T16:12:00.002-05:00

So if making invitations was not enough heartache, I really want to make my own veil. I swear, if every single person on the internet did not say it was legitmatley easy and cheap to do so, I would never attempt such nonsense. The monetary investment so far was about $10, and I'll probably buy a comb for $4 or $5. I bought plenty of extra tulle in case I screw it up, and even if I do, I suppose I can pay retail.

2008-11-02T19:17:00.002-05:00

I sent my letter of "sort-of" resignation to Peabody. Well, not the whole school, but the Early Childhood Music department. I've spent alot of energy here and on facebook complaining about getting up so early on Saturdays, teaching classes non-stop for 5 hours, and being told to my face that even if I get enough hours, I probably will never be hired as a full time employee. In contrast, I have my slightly illegal Music Together Classes. To my surprise, it is highly profitable and very fun. I have a great group of families who LOVE class, and definitely want to continue next semester. I also make as much teaching one of those classes as about 2 1/2 or 3 Peabody classes. Of course, there is alot more work involved with my own thing: advertising, returning emails constantly, buying instruments, buying insurance, etc. Now that I'm quitting Peabody, moving to a space that is far superior than RC, working on my website, and buying liability insurance (a must have in these troubled times) I am very motivated and excited about the future of my baby-dancing career.

2008-10-29T23:08:00.003-04:00

Today has been a whirlwind of cleaning, emailing prospective partners-in-baby-dancing, teaching, emailing wedding vendors, and errands. My ambition in running a successful business waxes and wanes: and its probably because I really need another person's energy to inspire me. Anyway, I finally went to see the space I may lease from a nearby Methodist church (yay Methodists!) and it looks GREAT. They are in the process of re-doing the carpet and clearing out the furniture in the room, which is exactly what I need. I also get to give them a quote as to what I can "contribute". i was really impressed at how much more room was at the church than at RC, and it was so much more clean and professional-looking too.

Then I went to talk to someone in Perry Hall who runs a music studio. She was originally looking for a guitar teacher, but since I don't work for anyone anymore :), I politely declined. We are negotiating a deal for me to come in and teach Music Together, and I really hope it works out. It has also inspired me to draft an email of resignation to the head of the Peabody baby-dancing department. I haven't sent it yet, as I am waiting until some of these prospective places actually pan out. The idea of having an easier Saturday is so very sweet, and making more money for the teaching I do is as well.

2008-10-22T13:49:00.005-04:00

So, after much research I have come upon what I think will be the perfect compromise for our flower situation. As we know, I am a little on the cheap side and desperately wanted to keep the flower budget in the hundreds rather than the thousands. I also know that while being slightly crafty and resourceful, I am also a bit disorganized and stressful. The last two attributes are what I feared in my DIY flower idea...the day before the wedding is already scheduled from 11:30 on and I had no idea how the hell I was going to handle putting all this together. Then I found a truly down to earth florist in VA who ships pre made bouquets and boutonnieres; and for centerpieces, I'll receive the arrangements pre made which I need to arrange in a vase. She has relationships with flower farms, so manages to bypass the wholesalers. Best of all, I gave her a figure and and I got everything for the amount I quoted! She sent me a photo of a bouquet for another client thats similar to the one I want: mine will have sweetpea and peonies though.

It was a little hard to let the DIY thing go, but I think its for the best. I have the invitations on my plate though...

2008-10-15T15:42:00.003-04:00

I feel really off today. Some of it has been some intestinal issues that I blame Red Maple for (although who knows), and it includes a general sinking feeling. I just want to lie down and go to sleep. But I have so much work to do, but I want to lie down and go to sleep. sigh.

Even though everyone is busy tonight and cannot come for debates/PR finale I did manage to get some sqash soup in the slow cooker. This time I'm using acorn.

2008-10-14T15:17:00.002-04:00

For no good reason other than to have a fabulous evening, Andrew and I are going to Red Maple. The executive chef is a contestant in the new season of Top Chef, part of our Bravo reality TV obsession, and we plan to check the food out first hand.

2008-10-11T22:41:00.002-04:00

This is called a gocco. I had never heard or thought about such things until I began wanting to save some cash on my invites. Anyway, its a tiny ink printing press with which you can make relativley professional looking prints like this.

I have been harassing my artsy friends to find one that I can borrow to do the invitations. I would buy one, but we all know I'm not a girl who is driven to artistic visions without some sort of monetary savings...so if I did actually purchase one I would probably stash it in my closet starting May 3rd. Anyhoo, I've been scoping them out...and they're really hard to find. Goccos are made in Japan and were recently threatened extinction by the manufacturer. I've been on i-stock photo looking for nice flowery designs and have found about 100. Anyway, I worry that I'll be biting off more than I can chew with this but I really think with the time commitment it can happen and I'll save alot of money doing my very own thing.

2008-10-10T14:05:00.005-04:00

Here it is...the paint chip we've been waiting for so my bridesmaids can go shopping. Because they are all beautiful girls of different heights and figure types and I don't want to "match" on my wedding day when I haven't done so any other day of my life, I came to the decision that they should pick out their own dress. Then, when I got my dress that is not all white, that in fact has some blue on it, decided the color the bridesmaids would wear. Then...realizing how hard it will be to find nice dresses in the same exact color without having to resort to a bridal shop I came up with the brilliant idea (if I don't say so myself) of finding a paint chip from a hardware store that everyone could use as a guide for the color. The 2nd lightest shade is the one on my dress. My ladies can find any formal dress of any of the other colors. I think the overall effect will be extremely pretty, and I am thrilled and everyone (myself included) will wear a dress they feel fantastic in.

2008-10-09T17:37:00.003-04:00

So...after much stress and heartache we have arrived at our nearly perfect rehearsal dinner solution. We wanted to do the traditional "invite everyone who came from far away and the bridal party" but since thats about 75% of the guest list, it just wasn't going to happen. I then began the hunt for a location where we could have some beer, wine and light orderves so people can greet each other. Holy crap was that hard. We had to stay away from bars b/c of the amount of kids present, so I looked high and low at all sorts of alternative venues (the maryland fire museum, the hippodrome theatre) and found nothing that wouldn't completly break our budget. Until I actually considered hotels near the Evergreen House. I held the assumption that hotel "event" rooms tend to be depressing, poorly carpeted, and kind of stinky; however the Colonnade Hotel near Hopkins has a room that has a whole wall of glass that opens into a patio. Its perfect; convienent for people coming from out of town and not depressing OR stinky...although the carpet is still kind of ugly.

P.S.

2008-10-07T21:07:00.002-04:00

After reading my previous posts, I became sad that instead of clever commentary on subjects like my cooking, the dog, and baby-dancing I spend my blogging energy re-affirming my "commitment"to weight loss. So, I am pouring that energy into a different blog that people can view or ignore at will. I intend to get back to cooking and dogs here...the weddings stuff will continue until May.

2008-10-07T09:28:00.002-04:00

I feel stupid typing this but I suppose I have to: I am starting weight watchers again. I don't have the same intense drive to get back on track that I did at the beginning of the year...but I feel my waist expanding and my face getting fat: its not good. I was never one to really embrace long term: my innate impatience prevents me from digging my heels into a lot of projects but i HAVE to make this happen. its good for my health and my wedding.

2008-10-03T15:24:00.002-04:00

aaauugghh!! I just realized today that there are only 7 months left before the wedding! There is so much shit I have to organize its making my head spin. First, the save-the-dates. After more consultation with AJS than I originally planned, we agreed to send postcards: cheap postage, cheap printing, and custom options.

These are what I've come up with.

postcard A

postcard B

postcard C

If anyone out there has strong opinions about these fabulous designs and/or my fabulous design ability, I encourage you to share. But, these babies are going to print soon!

My other accomplishment is creating the wedding website. That will be a larger task than these silly postcards as I need photos of the bridal party, information about hotels, and to organize the martini poll. (more on that to come)

2008-09-28T13:10:00.003-04:00

I feel like I am spending tons of time perusing the internet and not enough making decisions. So, I will book our nice caterer, and start collecting addresses for Save the Dates. Its a little scary to start spending all that money, but it will be a nice feeling to get the ball rolling too.

In other news, we are getting sick here. There are alot of sniffles, sneezes and nose blowing. It started out being mostly Andrew, but of course I've caught it too, and am looking forward to a week of concerts, late night recording sessions, and crammed teaching schedules. I've also forgotten to change my strings...oy.

2008-09-24T13:07:00.002-04:00

I am becoming pretty damn sure that I want to do my own flowers at the wedding. Maybe not the bouquets and bouts, but it seems to me that with some practice, organization, help on the Thursday afternoon before I can make 10- 15 centerpieces happen.

One of my choices are to arrange the flowers. This entails ordering them online, cutting the stems properly, finding them a temperature where they are happy and plopping them in a vase (rectangular with stones to hide floral foam I think) I imagine something taller and skinner than this picture. And without those stupid leaves and brown ribbon.

Or grow them. I feel that if I grow my own centerpieces for my own wedding I can proudly take my place among the Johnstone hortaculturalists.

If the latter occurs, vistors to 3830 should be prepared for lots and lots of pots growning flowers. Please be sure to take your Zyrtec before entering.

2008-09-18T11:08:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow we choose a caterer. This will be a relief, as I have been worried about the cost and quality of the food at our wedding for weeks, and with a decision made at least it will be out of my control. Mrs. Zoe is coming down to Baltimore to offer her expertise and negotiating powers.

In other news, I am settling into a new schedule where I am driving ALOT less and spending way more time emailing and calling students in my office. Its peaceful I suppose rather profitable. My MT classes have great enrollment, and I am suprised at how much per class I am actually earning. Of course, I need to invest in some better instruments, advertising, etc. but it really is nice to work for myself.

2008-09-16T15:20:00.001-04:00

AND, speaking of wedding stuff, it is time to start getting serious. My success from Jan - March in losing weight on weight-watchers was set back by my "sort of keeping track". Now, I'm seriously worried about fitting into the beautiful dress I got. So...I actually made my zero point soup and am going to track my food today. and tomorrow. and every flipping day until I can really feel good about my progress. *sigh*

2008-09-16T14:46:00.003-04:00

Now that I found my dress, my new obsession is invitations. It seems silly to obsess so much over this with so much time before the wedding but some of the bridal party is wanting to buy their plane tickets now...we feel the need to send out Save the Date cards soon. And...how can I possibly send out Save the Date cards if they don't coordinate perfectly with the formal invitations/bridesmaids dresses and flowers? Anyway, I am spending an embarassing amount of time researching this stuff and found these . They are handmade (i.e. supporting a real person), unique, they are giving away an entire wedding suite for a lucky blogging bride-to-be. If anyone else wants a chance to win look at their blog: http://dingbatpress.blogspot.com/.

Maybe I'll win!

2008-08-19T10:54:00.003-04:00

I have reached a point of repose right now, and am worried that I'm forgetting something I have to do. AJS and I made a date: at 12:00 he will return from his basement piano dungeon and help me paint the baseboards in the living room. Right now he's practicing Beethoven. It sounds good.

In my panic of returning home I made a looong list of things to do. One of them is to open a business account. I learned this summer from a very successful and organized private studio owner that keeping your business and personal expenses separate is very important. And I can see why. No longer will I have to pore over all of my credit card statements at tax time to separate business expenses from personal ones. Also, people can operate with the "Evergreen Academy of Talent Education", a rather professional sounding organization in my opinion, instead of "Miss Zoe". There are several ways to do this however, and unlike what I believed before, you cannot simply walk into a bank and get a business account. You either need to set up a DBA (Doing Business As), or become an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) before you walk into the bank. I was previously thinking of incorporating but that is probably a more complicated endeavor that I need at the moment. Both the DBA and the LLC involve registering my name, business name, address, SSN etc. with the government, but the LLC protects my personal assets in case anyone wants to sue me when their small child gets his head stuck in a tambourine. (which actually happened to a friend of mine) Needless to say, the LLC takes longer to set up, costs more, requires a yearly fee to the state of Maryland. I've put a call into the accountant who did my taxes last year but I want a second opinion. Of course, I also want all of this settled in a week...probably not possible but a girl can try..

2008-08-18T14:43:00.003-04:00

We are back. On August 4th at 4:30 in the morning, AJS and I packed up the car and headed west and north. We reached Minnesota at about 9:30 CST and proceeded to enjoy 8 days of relaxing on the lake, board games, cooking and watching the dog splash in the water. Sadly, we did not think to charge the camera before we left so I was unable to document our beast discovering Lake Minnetonka. Somehow, she figured out how to leap into the water, come down splashing, then try to bite the splash. She would bounce along the shoreline looking like someone doing a butterfly stroke with terrible form.

Since arriving back on Saturday afternoon, I have been unpleasantly faced with a ton of work to catch up with. Its the kind of work with no real deadline, but since everything has been put off while I was trudging through Levine camp and then our trip, things have piled up to ridiculous heights. The 10 or so days I'm home with little to do other than teach the occasional guitar lesson out of the house are very stressful; as I am entirely responsible for scheduling my own activities and actually keeping track of everything. Today was re-organizing the office and filing the 20 pounds of mail I let pile up. Tomorrow is painting the front door and baseboard in the living room. And then there's the fact that I really need to practice the guitar. After my lessons today, I plan to settle into some scales and quartet music on the takemine with a diet coke. It actually sounds kind of fun at the moment.

P.S. Although the dog in the photo is out-dated, the photo is an accurate visual aid.

2008-07-19T13:14:00.003-04:00

I pledge to have an awesome weekend no matter how irritating my students, day job, or the hot weather is. We went to Baltimore Artscape last night. I was slightly concerned about walking around on my still sore but cast-free right foot that was broken two weeks before (I wish there was some way to post my x-rays for emi and any other medically inclined buddies, but alas, I cannot load them on my computer) but it turned out to be just fine. I bought myself a necklace for my birthday, we drank a beer, saw strange and marvelous exhibits, managed to not be tempted by strange and marvelous fair food, and I was even persuaded to ride the ferris wheel. That ride seems so innocuous from the ground, but for those of us who fear heights, the car gently waving in the breeze when you're stuck on top is pretty terrifying. We proceeded to have sushi at XS and crepes at Sofi's. Tonight is "Dark Knight". Sunday is recording with the band and subsequent Barbecue. Monday is more whining children, useless partner teachers, and stressful arts & crafts projects.

2008-06-24T21:20:00.003-04:00

Today was my second day as the Pre-K teacher at the Levine Summer Day Camp. This is a baby-dancing adventure unlike any I have had before. There are art projects, potty time, story time, music time, outside time, snack time, etc.... While it has its lovely moments, I'm beginning to regret my decision of turning down the guitar job in favor of Pre-K. For example, today, I escorted a sobbing 5 year old child who had diarrhea in his pants to the mens room, where I used every suggestion in my power to get him to calm down and clean himself off. This was the 2nd "accident" the child had that day and didn't have a change of clothes that is brought to camp. I was doing my best not to gag, when I finally gave up and ran to get the more experienced teacher to handle the situation appropriately. Thankfully, the child was cleaned off, calmed down and taken home while I held down the fort in the classroom. I'm sure after a while, I'll be able adjust to the amount of work and loud talking I have to do every day. Right now, I feel like collapsing. Then, getting up at 6 and doing it again.

Update part I

2008-06-21T17:07:00.005-04:00

I'm dividing my return to blogging into several posts so as to have a focused narrative. After all, plenty of exciting things have been happening in my exciting life; the first of which being I found my wedding dress. Thankfully, it is not the weird Vera Wang gown pictured above, (Though I will say that my friend Lauren whose wedding was previously documented by my fabulous photojournalism had an amazing Wang gown, so I don't know what Ms. Wang was smoking when she did this one) but I cannot post a picture since my man-friend does read my blog. All I can say is that its made by a fancy designer (Jim Hjelm for those who know and care), 100% silk, has BEAUTIFUL/TASTEFUL beading, embroidery and rhinestones, a sticker price of $2,795 and was obtained by yours truly for the "Betsy Robinson Bridal" Clearance price of $249!!! Did I mention that because I'm the size of the average american woman (not too skinny, not too large, and not too "gifted-in-the bosom") it needs NO ALTERATIONS?? I guess I will have to see a seamstress to bustle the train, but *whew* I was planning all this time to get some half-assed dress in polyester from Craigslist so I wouldn't have to pay full price...(not that there's anything wrong with that, I was just looking forward to recycling something that wouldn't add to child labor abuses)... but think I won this battle in the war of me & my budget vs. the wedding industry. Now, I'm getting ready to be screwed by the caterers.

2008-05-23T22:49:00.004-04:00

This evening, we went to the movies. I, as usual, have been a bit of a basket case for the past couple of days so tonight Andrew with the help of Joy and J gave me a pleasant diversion of the new Indiana Jones movie. J, always the best organizer for the finest social events, planned the diversion; he purchased tickets in advance, suggested we all meet at grand cru (the swanky wine bar I previously mentioned) before hand, snuck in a large bag of twizzlers, and even managed to secretly open the next bottle of wine amidst many random acquaintances (including a slightly obnoxious musicology professor from Peabody) in the theatre so we could continue our drinking during the film. While the movie had a little too much action and too many aliens for my taste, it was highly enjoyable for all.

2008-05-21T22:18:00.003-04:00

I had my last Wednesday morning baby dancing stint at the prep today. I was greeted by tiny pianists who were having an adjudication in my classroom. I had to wait until some small child wearing a soccer uniform finished playing 5 note scales to obtain my dancing scarves, eggshakers, sticks and triangles to teach my very important classes to the privileged young children affiliated with Johns Hopkins University.

This evening, due partly to a terribly aching left hand I decided not to practice and instead to make an elaborate dinner; namely, a potato, beet, mushroom casserole. I've made it before and had forgotten that it takes no less than five pots from start to finish. One must boil beets, boil potatoes, mash potatoes, saute mushrooms and shallots; and then make a tasty neon pink mix of beets, half & half, horseradish and mustard in a thickened stock of vegetable broth and flour. Then one is to compile afore mentioned ingredients into an appealing sundae - type design and bake for 30 minutes at 350. It is actually very tasty and ALMOST worth the effort, although I accidentally drank almost an entire bottle of wine during the process.

2008-05-18T18:25:00.003-04:00

I guess I should feel ready for my trial class tomorrow, but despite the fact I've done countless babydancing classes for the masses I am very much on edge about this one. Is it bad that I have not yet set up a business bank account? Do people not trust writing checks to individuals? Does my registration form look ghetto? What should I call my program officially? Why won't Music Together write me back about anything? Don't they know I"m freaked? Why are people trying to come to TWO trial classes? I can only imagine what this would be like for a new teacher...at least I've been dancing for the benefit of others for 5+ years and feel pretty confident about my teaching abilities. This better be worth it.

2008-05-13T13:13:00.002-04:00

I feel a slight paralysis at the moment...its so easy to sit on my ass and waste time on the Internet and so hard to get into gear and do what I have to. I wish I could be more consistent with these matters. I have a lot of cleaning to accomplish, I have paperwork to file, and I have work to do on both Music Together stuff and my website. I also have to practice and exercise. And read "History Boys" before Friday evening. Isn't it funny how almost every single blog entry I have is about this? The fact of the matter is, when I get desperate, I whine about my procrastination on the Internet and hope my friends and family who choose to read this are secretly holding me accountable somewhere in cyberspace. You all are, aren't you? Lucky for me, the new podcast of "This American Life" has just been delivered to my itunes. Here I go...

2008-05-02T21:23:00.002-04:00

Today, May 2nd is our future anniversary. It was an absolutely perfect day in B-more, a great contrast to the worrisome rain and cloudiness that occurred this past week. I am doing a little sun-dance in preparation for the weather a year from today (that our beautiful outdoor ceremony won't be rained out), and spending many hours looking at wedding dresses online (but naturally, not yet making an appointment to try anything on). I obsess about the wedding WAY more than I thought I would. Oh well. It will only happen once...

I will be meeting Andrew tonight at Grand Cru (pictured above), our slightly fabulous b-more wine bar after he is finished with his penultimate Peabody Renaissance Ensemble Concert. Currently, there are many aspects to my life that provide me with happiness and confidence. I secretly enjoy counting them one by one in my head and wonder how I deserved all of this.

2008-04-29T12:10:00.002-04:00

True to the name of this blog, I begin a new adventure in babydancing by officially becoming a Music Together Center Director. No longer do I have to deal with obnoxious Ukrainian ho-beasts or cheap, anal-retentive directors who secretly hate children. I work for myself. I do all the marketing, I buy all the instruments, I schedule all the make-ups and I keep every cent I make. Of course the plan is to start small; I want one class on Saturdays at the Red Canoe for six weeks, and then one week-day in the fall. I can see how things progress at the Prep...if they ever seem interested in hiring me full time I suppose I'd want to do that. Or maybe not. There is no doubt that If this were to take off it would be more profitable to buy my own damn insurance and stay part time...but the sweet convenience of having benefits from a job was so lovely. Only time will tell.

2008-04-23T17:55:00.002-04:00

Today was supposed to be a day of great productivity. I guess in many ways it was...I finally registered for the Suzuki Festival in Colorado, sent emails I had inexplicably been putting off for weeks, and settled matters with my health insurance. Had I practiced it would have been perfect..but I was sidelined by a mysterious hangover from too much beer last night that left me with only enough strength to look at bridesmaid dresses on the internet and contemplate napping. I'll try again tomorrow

madness

2008-04-20T16:24:00.003-04:00

It has begun. I am already stressed with wedding planning. Mom came down last Wednesday to help us hunt for ceremony/reception sites and after much consideration we decided on the Evergreen House Library and Museum. It fits the all of the criteria we have; its in Baltimore, allows me to have the ceremony in a magnificent garden, has the capacity we need (mostly), and the area where we'll have the reception (the carriage house) is both beautiful and air conditioned. According to the wedding guides I spend an embarrassing amount of time pouring over, it was good to take care of this now. The big day will be May 2, 2009. Here we go...

Happiness

2008-04-08T22:36:00.005-04:00

One week ago tonight, Andrew proposed. Mocha greeted me at the door with this note around her neck:

That led me around the house to other notes in other locations...and it ended with this note:

Then he gave me this:

And I have been walking on air ever since. Many times I've played the proposal moment in my head. I expected to cry, be nervous, or at least have butterflies...but I felt then and still feel very excited and happy. It all seems so right and so good. The more I know him, the more I love him; and I feel very lucky to have him in my life.

2008-03-18T09:48:00.003-04:00

Today I feel a quiet optimism. I will practice Bach. I will clean and re-organize the the bedroom. I will prepare and enjoy Zero-point soup. I will cross my fingers and do a little dance that to ensure that there is nothing really wrong with my plumbing. I will work on my taxes. I have few students coming over and no babies this week. I will slowly inhale and exhale

2008-02-19T18:10:00.003-05:00

I am having a hard time lately getting my practice time in. I used to use LOST episodes on abc.com as a carrot to get me to play scales at least, but now that I've finished all of them; my retinas feel permanently burned from staring at my laptop screen, and when I do watch and play I get annoyed that I can't concentrate properly on the guitar...although that doesn't seem to be enough to get myself to shut it off. I love the idea of practicing for many hours, but without a lesson or recital to prepare myself, I can't seem to do it consistently. I realize that this period after the DMA debacle is crucial to my future musicianship, that I need to get back on the horse and create good musical opportunities for myself that will heal me from my humiliation, but just I can't do it. My man-friend is perfectly happy descending into his lair in the basement and playing Bach and Beethoven for many hours, but I am more motivated to clean the bathroom. I am becoming a a suburban housewife...

2008-02-16T17:49:00.002-05:00

I am utterly exhausted...Saturdays have turned into a marathon of early-childhood music classes (5 in a row from 9:00 AM to 12:30) then teaching at the Music & Arts down the street for from 1:00 until 5:00. Of course it didn't help that I alone enjoyed most of our bottle of wine from our Valentine celebration last night; but I hope my stamina for baby-dancing increases, I have come to the realization that what was once a temporary gig has now turned into an actual component of my career. And I think that is actually ok.

P.S. Isn't my picture in this posting creepy?

2008-02-15T12:52:00.003-05:00

Tonight is the belated celebration of Valentines day for AJS and I. Yesterday was festive too of course, with some beautiful roses and the owl bar V-day celebration; but we weren't truly going to celebrate it as I had to work all night. So instead we are going the the Chameleon Cafe tonight; a low-key gourmet establishment in our neighborhood with a great kitchen and rather eclectic interior decorating. Andrew and I got out of bed much earlier than I wanted to to get in an hour of racquetball, as I need all the Activity Points I can get to prepare for tonight's dinner. I plan to wear a dress and have a fabulous time :).

2008-02-12T21:15:00.001-05:00

This is my Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield identification card. It has taken 165 days, two visits to the doctor, 15 hours on the phone, 3 conversations that made me cry, and the acceptance of the fact that no thyroid-related conditions will be covered for another ten months to obtain this card. My battle to be protected from bankruptcy if I get hit by a car was won; and the victory was a quiet arrival of a slim envelope containing this precious card. I feel relief and exasperation.

2008-02-11T14:55:00.000-05:00

What began my terrible mood this morning is still a mystery. I got furious at my helpless dog when she wouldn't heel on her walk, I had a meltdown when my computer went gray and wouldn't restart (its fine now), and am still angrily contemplating several life and career choices. I attempted to channel my rage into cleaning the downstairs; whether it was because of the soothing sounds of "the count of monte cristo" on audiobook, or my shiny and vaccuumed floors, or the fact that I got to record my weight loss again this week (13.5 pounds gone!), I feel slightly better. I will return from my long, and rather futile trip to annapolis and play a 9 pm game of racquetball with my man-friend. Physical activity will both allow me to sleep well and relax, and perhaps AJS and I will enjoy some tree hugging food and drink at One World.

I am better at racquetball than you

2008-02-04T22:11:00.000-05:00

actually, that's a lie. But, tonight the tables ALMOST turned for me in my battle to win a racquetball game against my man-friend. I had the lead for most of the game, and the end score was 18 -21. So close...I believe that if I was in better shape I would have had more energy to pull through the end. He was scared though, I could tell.

2008-01-25T10:00:00.001-05:00

This morning I am victim to the after-effects of either the "powerhouse" sandwich (a diet-friendly wrap with lettuce, cucumbers and sprouts) or the cole slaw. I had just started to work through my issues of the vermin and cranky service at the Owl Bar, but this possible exposure to e.coli has set back my progress quite a bit. Whats worse, is that I have a rather fabulous day planned with my man friend..to be followed by an hour of teaching, Wall Pu's rehearsal dinner, and then a girls night. I continue to work hard to overcome this setback...and am forced to sit in bed and watch LOST. Life is hard

2008-01-13T19:10:00.000-05:00

As of about 6:20 we are the happy new recipiants of a lovely new upright piano. After much bitching and moaning, both elderly ex hippie with a frizzy white ponytail and bad teeth and his strapping young hispanic helper brought the goddam thing under the deck, down the 4 concrete steps and steep stairwell, through the unfinished area of the basement and into Andrew's office. With the new futon, piano, and Andrew's computer...I've teased that he'll never leave that room again.

g-class

2008-01-11T12:06:00.001-05:00

The sun has just broken a dark and stormy day and my productivity has begun as a result. Today is the first of my six week guitar class I began at the bookstore down the street....and I must compile my little song books of Beatles, Weezer, and Green Day tunes with accompanying chord charts, as well as burn CDs of this wonderful music. It looks like I have a large group of interested people, which, surprisingly enough makes the class profitable, and also increases the chance that a few people will be interested in private lessons after its all over. I am optimistic going into this class today, and in other news, still eating way too many vegetables and rice cakes.

2008-01-06T17:51:00.000-05:00

2008 has been pretty good so far. It began with me ACCIDENTLY getting a little too drunk at a NYE party where the owl bar and guitar studio collided...Therefore the beginning of the year was actually a bit confusing and later painful, but for the rest of it I have been engaging in very skinny behavior. I have managed keep track of my food since wednesday, and I'm afraid to admit this, but have been feeling pretty good not eating so much greasy food and sugar. There is also a funny side effect of the food journaling that one has to do: the way I am held accountable for my actions on the internet modifies my behavior in real life as well. I'm finally on my way to finishing the fugue, I'm much better about taking my thyroid, and taking control of my future (vauge, I know but I'm afraid to include details at this point)

new year

2008-01-02T14:14:00.000-05:00

It seems to me that part of the reason the beginning of a new year brings new goals of weight loss is not only the concept of a new beginning, but also that many of us have binged so much during christmas that we are craving a detox. Today, I rejoined weight watchers, and am now counting my points AGAIN. Frankly, in the past that program didn't work for me; I gave up after about two weeks and have gained even more weight than my original max. I would however, lie to the computer about how much I ate or drank...I see the foolishness of my ways, and I'm hoping that my older age and improved culinary skills will help make things that actually taste good. The goal that the computer assigned me is 126 pounds. That is absurd...I might have weighed that much at age 10. I'm going to go for 10 pounds and see what happens. Now if only the damn hopkins gym would open.

eve

2007-12-24T15:08:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Zoe is here and we are furiously preparing a feast of delicious food and libations for ourselves and some close friends tonight. Personally, I am anxious to tear into some holiday punch, but will wait until a decent hour and pace myself. Mocha is also having the best Christmas of her young life, as she gets to be in the yard while Mrs. Zoe smokes a cigarette. The doggie has discovered how to jump over the fence and run around the neighborhood; and will do so if given the slightest opportunity to be outside and unattended. She also has been extremely interested in the packages her yia yia brought from NYC...as we all are I suppose.

back

2007-12-23T01:05:00.000-05:00

Many will know that my steak of productivity that was previously recorded was interrupted by a rather tragic personal event that occurred about six weeks ago. Of course, everything is now OK, I am OK, everyone else is OK and life goes on. I am however no skinner and still don't have the fugue memorized. I question my true desire to both be physically fit and learn solo repertoire. With the festivities of Xmas approaching, much of my spare time is taken up by cleaning and purchasing gifts. I have more or less completed those tasks, and will fight with my guitar to learn a complete piece. The skinny behavior will have to start after Jan 2. :)

11

2007-11-01T22:54:00.000-04:00

Perhaps because of a mild hangover from Halloween festivites, or PMS, or some sad but anticipated news: today was a bad day. It will end with pasta and a movie I stole from Paul Wu. I will try again tomorrow.

10

2007-10-31T17:16:00.000-04:00

Today is Halloween. I am proud of the fact that I have only eaten one piece of the trick-or-treater’s candy so far, and intend to keep it that way. AJS and I are hosting a very small get together for people who have nothing better to do tonight than watch scary movies and drink wine with us. We have a pretty fun crowd coming over and I am furiously cleaning the house in preparation.

9

2007-10-30T23:23:00.000-04:00

What began as a day filled with listlessness and halloween candy was salvaged by some students playing well, paying me to teach them, and raccquetball with Andrew. We played two actual games. In the first one he beat me 20 - 4 and the second 20 - 3. I'm improving.

8

2007-10-29T21:47:00.000-04:00

I figured this might happen and it has: I’ve lost my mojo. I have a lack of energy that cannot be fixed by caffeine, exercise, or positive thinking Of course it was only a matter of time before I was sick of clean living and daily blogging about how together I am. Therefore, I am accepting of this anticipated roadblock but will plow through as best as I can. I had a moderately productive day of 4tet rehearsal, an easy time at the gym, and teaching in Annapolis where my student didn’t bring her music to her lesson. Then Andrew took me out to dinner which, needless to say, perked me up a little.

P.S. For some of the results of the 4tet photo shoot in the freezing wind click here and check out 1EGQ. Although I have a little too much tummy and bad posture to be completely thrilled, I think some of them are pretty cool.

Must-see

2007-10-27T19:39:00.000-04:00

Andrew was absorbed for several days preparing for a gig of cheesy love songs. This was a jewel he came across in his studies on the genre.

Peter Allen

P.S. please be sure to watch at least until the trumpet solo

6

2007-10-27T19:15:00.000-04:00

Saturday is always my hardest day. It begins with baby-dancing at the Peabody prep towson campus, and then continues at Music and Arts where I get to listen to all of my wonderful students who don’t practice. Actually, that’s not really fair, some of them do practice and are doing a really good job. But some of them forget what rest-stroke is. Several weeks in a row.

I can officially say that I’ve done nothing healthy today. I did not practice, I did not exercise (unless you count the baby-dancing), I watched reality tv shows about wedding dresses and real-estate, and I plan to go with my man friend and his (and my) opera-singing buddy to our favorite wine bar. Tomorrow morning I have a photo shoot that BEGINS at 9:00am. But that’s ok. Its my night off.

P.S. I've just been informed by my man-friend that I'm selling myself short in reporting my healthiness. Today, I have eaten an inordinate amount of hummus, quinoa bread, and baby carrots. So there.

5

2007-10-26T21:46:00.000-04:00

Now on my fifth day I can say that I am utterly exhausted. The incessant rainy weather has dampened my spirits somewhat, and also made it hard to get out of bed this morning. Or rather, the gray skies AND a morning-after sense of poopiness brought on by drinks at the Owl Bar prevented me from jumping out of bed. I made it though, and managed to play guitar, racquetball (by myself again), and the elliptical machine. I also taught my guitar class which is comprised of two grown women and three teen-age boys that have a problem not talking every single minute they aren’t strumming in a group. It’s a good class though, and I’m hoping to get some private students out of it and make real money.

According to the forecast, it is supposed to rain again. In my imagination I can see the wood on my very old roof rotting away with each drop…maybe my next baby step should be summoning the courage to go into the attic.

Day 4...(thursday)

2007-10-25T21:38:00.000-04:00

...was also not as good as day 1 or 2 and gray and rainy. Also, again I found myself strangely drawn to bravo reality TV. I did practice though, and since I had to fortify myself for Music & Farts I allowed myself some free time. The best part of all of this is that after abstaining all week. I will finally allow myself to partake in some beer drinking tonight.

Day 3...

2007-10-24T22:12:00.000-04:00

...was not as good as day 1 or day 2. It began gray and rainy, progressed to grayer and rainier, and then finished dark gray and rainy. This caused me to sleep late and far too tempted by the "workout" marathon on Bravo. I did manage to change my strings and practice a bit. I also played racquetball by myself in preparation for games with Andrew. Racquetball is fun. Well, at this point it is. If I continue to be unable to score at least one point against my man-friend, I will probably feel differently. Right now though, running around like an idiot swinging at a tiny rubber keeps the heart rate up without being too dull.

Andrew and celebrated fitness and grocery shopping by making sundried tomato-spinach-chile pepper pizza. Three hours later, my fingers are still burning from chopping those little bastards.

Day 2...

2007-10-23T20:19:00.000-04:00

...on the path of righteousness(?) I went to the gym AGAIN. Let me take a moment to say how much I love my ipod. I can load it with all of the silly music I want to and secretly rock out and sweat profusely to top 40 hits from 2001. And speaking of music; the F of the P-F-A fame is underway. Well, maybe its fairer to say that exposition and first episode are beginning to sound recognizable. Not memorized of course, but without a large-headed man hovering over me and singing loudly I feel like I can take my time in that department and do it my way. Its hard to imagine being able to perform them, but frankly, I suspect that I'll learn them better if I don't stress out about that yet.

I am the real slim shady

P.S.

2007-10-22T21:25:00.001-04:00

I've logged in around 3 practice hours and not only joined, but worked out at very cool and very affordable (especially since I'm now "faculty") johns hopkins gym. I rule.

The Road To Wellville, day 1

2007-10-22T15:44:00.000-04:00

After an emotional meltdown last night brought on by demons in Bach, my guitar, and my DMA auditions I realize that I need to start investing more in my well being. Unfortunately for you all, I feel the need to document my baby-stepping in public. When googling myself recently I came across a blog of a former student who complimented me(aww...) stating my belief that he would learn how to sight read by playing just a little every day would bear results. Three years later he still plays 20 minutes a day and loves it. If I can inspire a 64 year old retiree to begin his studies in music, why haven't I been able to really stick to an exercise or scale-playing regimen? My current habits are not working for me; my lack of exercise leaves me flabby and low, my choice to play scrabble instead of guitar leads me to be even more depressed about my playing AND teaching ability, and a 28 year old home-owner should not be throwing her clothes on the floor like a teen-ager. These are simple things that should be possible do achieve. I plan on posting my daily accomplishments in the field of self improvement for 21 days. I would love to lose 15 pounds (which won't happen in 21 days, but thats ok), have the entire PFA memorized, (which absolutely should happen in 21 days), and create some better habits for maintaining the house. Feel free to skip ahead to when I get around to posting pictures of trips things I cook again.

:)

more vegas

2007-09-26T20:01:00.001-04:00

My trip back to Vegas wouldn't be complete without some touristy activities. Therefore, I stole 20 minutes to check out the bellagio.

the worlds largest chocolate fountain was also pretty damn impressive