Ack!
B. the Sadistic Trainer is leaving! His fiancee got a job in Southern California, where they've been wanting to move, anyway, so his last day is April 17th. While I'm certainly happy for him and his soon-to-be-wife, I'm sad for ME because he's an awesome trainer. I suppose I'll have to find someone else at the gym who can work with me. If I can't, I am going to have to go this on my own.
I'm stalled at 16.5 pounds since last Thursday, too, but there's a simple explanation for that--water retention. It also explains why I've been craving chocolate.
In GOOD news, at last night's rehearsal, I noticed that I was able to stand for longer periods of time. While others (including those young whippersnappers from the colleges) were groaning in pain and sitting at every opportunity, I stayed on my feet. I know that a month ago, I would never have been able to do this, so I'm quite pleased with yet another small sign of my improved fitness.
That said, two crazy-schedule days down, two to go.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Good News, Bad News
The bad news first:
Hottie Cellist must've moved on in life, 'cause he was not there tonight. : ( Oh well, I guess I'll just have to find someone else to stare at during the rests.
Now, the good news:
I don't actually need someone to stare at--I'm so into this music, I find myself engrossed in it. In the past, as a performer, I'd be up on stage thinkging, "Heh, maybe I'll iron that blouse when I get home...litter boxes definitely need cleaning...hope my skirt isn't tucked into my pantyhose..." Tonight, I was so focused on the music and the conductor. It was awesome.
The only thing taking my focus away were two college girls behind me talking the whole damn rehearsal. We're combining with the choirs from University Of the Pacific (UOP) and San Joaquin Delta College for this performance. Most of the kids are great, but these two girls would not shut up! The death glares I threw at them over my shoulder didn't work, so I spoke to my director, and he said if they continue tomorrow, to just turn around and say, "Please be quiet, I'm trying to listen to what's going on." My only worry is that I'll be a little less...polite than that. They were talking when the director was talking, they were talking during the vocal rests, when the orchestra is playing. They missed cues because they were talking. Gah!
In other good news, my first day back was uneventful and even peaceful--and this was with 6B on my schedule (middle school class from hell). Tomorrow is my Hell Day. I just realized we have a staff meeting after school, which cuts into the time I need to do cardio. I'm going to have to go do my cardio at 6:00 in the morning, then go back at 4:30 in the afternoon for an appointment with B. the Sadistic Trainer. Then I'll have a little under an hour to un-stinkify myself and find a parking spot somewhere near the auditorium (no small feat, let me tell you--the parking, not smelling good!). Three hours of intense singing will follow--and it is intense. Brahms, apparently, liked the sound of a soprano in her upper range. We're up there a lot.
See ya'll on Wednesday, then. ; )
Hottie Cellist must've moved on in life, 'cause he was not there tonight. : ( Oh well, I guess I'll just have to find someone else to stare at during the rests.
Now, the good news:
I don't actually need someone to stare at--I'm so into this music, I find myself engrossed in it. In the past, as a performer, I'd be up on stage thinkging, "Heh, maybe I'll iron that blouse when I get home...litter boxes definitely need cleaning...hope my skirt isn't tucked into my pantyhose..." Tonight, I was so focused on the music and the conductor. It was awesome.
The only thing taking my focus away were two college girls behind me talking the whole damn rehearsal. We're combining with the choirs from University Of the Pacific (UOP) and San Joaquin Delta College for this performance. Most of the kids are great, but these two girls would not shut up! The death glares I threw at them over my shoulder didn't work, so I spoke to my director, and he said if they continue tomorrow, to just turn around and say, "Please be quiet, I'm trying to listen to what's going on." My only worry is that I'll be a little less...polite than that. They were talking when the director was talking, they were talking during the vocal rests, when the orchestra is playing. They missed cues because they were talking. Gah!
In other good news, my first day back was uneventful and even peaceful--and this was with 6B on my schedule (middle school class from hell). Tomorrow is my Hell Day. I just realized we have a staff meeting after school, which cuts into the time I need to do cardio. I'm going to have to go do my cardio at 6:00 in the morning, then go back at 4:30 in the afternoon for an appointment with B. the Sadistic Trainer. Then I'll have a little under an hour to un-stinkify myself and find a parking spot somewhere near the auditorium (no small feat, let me tell you--the parking, not smelling good!). Three hours of intense singing will follow--and it is intense. Brahms, apparently, liked the sound of a soprano in her upper range. We're up there a lot.
See ya'll on Wednesday, then. ; )
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Braids
I have my hair in five different braids, ready to go to bed. I washed my hair tonight (save time in the morning) and I'm hoping the braids will provide some cute/sexy waves...not a frizzy mess. We'll see, eh?
Also, keep your fingers crossed for me that the hottie cellist is there tomorrow evening at rehearsal. He wasn't there for the Symphony concert I went to a few weeks ago and I really, really, need something that hot to look at during the chaos of dress rehearsal this week!
Also, keep your fingers crossed for me that the hottie cellist is there tomorrow evening at rehearsal. He wasn't there for the Symphony concert I went to a few weeks ago and I really, really, need something that hot to look at during the chaos of dress rehearsal this week!
Miracle Mile
On Thursday, I took Rosie Pro for four new tires (yay), and, while I waited, I walked along the Miracle Mile of Stockton. There are lots of shops and restaurants. Some are more interesting than others.
Anyway, it was a gorgeous day, so I took some pictures.
Anyway, it was a gorgeous day, so I took some pictures.
Dear Neighbors,
I don't know who you are, or which apartment you live in, but I am still going to talk to management today. There is something really, really obnoxious about standing outside in the common area at 11:30 at night, talking and laughing at high volume. I'm glad you and your buddies are having a good time, but I was just falling asleep when you started your little outdoor party.
So I found myself wide awake, and kind of angry. Of course I called security! Turns out, I wasn't the first. He'd already talked to you earlier, and, bless him, he came out again. I watched from my bedroom window as you high-tailed it back into your apartment when his car approached.
Yes, it was Saturday night, and no, I don't work on Sundays. However, I'm trying to retrain my body to getting up early because I go back to work tomorrow after two weeks off. I also wanted to go to the gym early this morning. THAT didn't happen.
So I fell back to sleep and all should have been well, but no...you had to blast your music all over the parking lot at 1:30 this morning. There is NO WAY you didn't know that your music was too loud, which leads me to believe that you simply don't care. You don't give one flying rat's butt if your music is too loud and wakes up the entire complex. And that makes you, my dear neighbor, an asshole.
Before you puff up with pride, know that I don't mean this as a compliment. I hope, with all my heart, that karma kicks you in the butt sometime soon, and you find your sleep patterns disrupted by insomnia. When I drive by your apartment in the morning as I leave for work, I'll be the well-rested one cheerfully going about her business.
In the meantime, know that I'm definitely talking to management about this--I don't pay the rent I pay to put up with people like you. Also, know that if there is a next time--I will bypass the security people and call the police department.
Sweet dreams,
Your pissed-off, sleep-deprived neighbor.
So I found myself wide awake, and kind of angry. Of course I called security! Turns out, I wasn't the first. He'd already talked to you earlier, and, bless him, he came out again. I watched from my bedroom window as you high-tailed it back into your apartment when his car approached.
Yes, it was Saturday night, and no, I don't work on Sundays. However, I'm trying to retrain my body to getting up early because I go back to work tomorrow after two weeks off. I also wanted to go to the gym early this morning. THAT didn't happen.
So I fell back to sleep and all should have been well, but no...you had to blast your music all over the parking lot at 1:30 this morning. There is NO WAY you didn't know that your music was too loud, which leads me to believe that you simply don't care. You don't give one flying rat's butt if your music is too loud and wakes up the entire complex. And that makes you, my dear neighbor, an asshole.
Before you puff up with pride, know that I don't mean this as a compliment. I hope, with all my heart, that karma kicks you in the butt sometime soon, and you find your sleep patterns disrupted by insomnia. When I drive by your apartment in the morning as I leave for work, I'll be the well-rested one cheerfully going about her business.
In the meantime, know that I'm definitely talking to management about this--I don't pay the rent I pay to put up with people like you. Also, know that if there is a next time--I will bypass the security people and call the police department.
Sweet dreams,
Your pissed-off, sleep-deprived neighbor.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Harley Dude
It's been a while since I've blogged about my little dude. He's doing very well, and has settled into life in my apartment quite nicely. He's about seven months old now, and he's growing like a weed.
I've learned since adopting him that he was abandoned by his mama cat. He was found in an old car on someone's driveway, only two or three weeks old. The car owner knew his neighbor fosters kittens for Lodi Animal Friends, so he took the little baby to her. She was happy to take him in. He was bottle-fed and hand-raised. It shows--he's completely unafraid of people.
His shelter name was Kahn, but the second I picked him up, he purred like a Harley and licked my nose. I had no choice in the matter--this kitten adopted me.
He's quite spoiled, of course. An active kitten needs plenty of toys. His favorites so far are Mousketeers (the little fuzzy mice that rattle when you shake them) and Crinkles (a sort of ball made out of a foil-like stuff). He's also fond of his catnip cell phones.
I've gotten him used to having his nails trimmed, and, more importantly, I've gotten over my fear of cutting too close and hurting him. He has very light nails, so it's easy to see the quick and avoid it.
Millie is used to having him around, and while they sometimes go a few rounds, ears back, with Millie hissing, for the most part they just play-wrestle. He likes to ambush her one minute, cuddle the next. They've gotten quite good at sharing the Sweet Spot, and it's not uncommon to wake up in the morning with two cats on me.
He is definitely living up to his name--he purrs all the time, and he is quite loud about it. He's very affectionate and he follows me around. He might be curled up in the Sweet Spot, fast asleep, while I'm working on the computer, but if I get up to go to the bathroom, he's right there with me.
Today was a busy day for him. He managed to upset the glass top to my living room table (didn't break it, thankfully!) and pull down the shower curtain. Since December he's managed to scratch my sofa and chair into nice ragged pieces (when he's older, I'll get new ones) and shred his share of toilet paper and break a vase. Oh, and I had to pack my favorite Spanish sheepskin rug away for a while because it seems he likes the taste of it. As this is a rug that my parents bought in Spain in 1979, I'd like to keep it nice.
I couldn't love him more. I love having two, but I've learned that I don't have the Crazy Cat Lady gene--two is enough! Three would be way too much for me to handle.
He's a handsome little dude, with stripes going down his spine and markings on his tummy that look like he's got six-pack abs. He has rings around his tail and big feet. And a darling pink nose. As of January 5th, he weighed 6 pounds, but I'd put him at about 8 pounds now. He's got a bit of a tummy, but he's built like Millie was at his age. I think he'll be long, tall and lean when he's fully grown. For now, he's a growing boy, and he eats like one.
His full name is, of course, Harley Dude, but nicknames include Little Dude and Doodlebug. Oh, and let's not forget "Purrvert," because he likes to watch me shower and has been known to stick his paw down my shirt.
I've learned since adopting him that he was abandoned by his mama cat. He was found in an old car on someone's driveway, only two or three weeks old. The car owner knew his neighbor fosters kittens for Lodi Animal Friends, so he took the little baby to her. She was happy to take him in. He was bottle-fed and hand-raised. It shows--he's completely unafraid of people.
His shelter name was Kahn, but the second I picked him up, he purred like a Harley and licked my nose. I had no choice in the matter--this kitten adopted me.
He's quite spoiled, of course. An active kitten needs plenty of toys. His favorites so far are Mousketeers (the little fuzzy mice that rattle when you shake them) and Crinkles (a sort of ball made out of a foil-like stuff). He's also fond of his catnip cell phones.
I've gotten him used to having his nails trimmed, and, more importantly, I've gotten over my fear of cutting too close and hurting him. He has very light nails, so it's easy to see the quick and avoid it.
Millie is used to having him around, and while they sometimes go a few rounds, ears back, with Millie hissing, for the most part they just play-wrestle. He likes to ambush her one minute, cuddle the next. They've gotten quite good at sharing the Sweet Spot, and it's not uncommon to wake up in the morning with two cats on me.
He is definitely living up to his name--he purrs all the time, and he is quite loud about it. He's very affectionate and he follows me around. He might be curled up in the Sweet Spot, fast asleep, while I'm working on the computer, but if I get up to go to the bathroom, he's right there with me.
Today was a busy day for him. He managed to upset the glass top to my living room table (didn't break it, thankfully!) and pull down the shower curtain. Since December he's managed to scratch my sofa and chair into nice ragged pieces (when he's older, I'll get new ones) and shred his share of toilet paper and break a vase. Oh, and I had to pack my favorite Spanish sheepskin rug away for a while because it seems he likes the taste of it. As this is a rug that my parents bought in Spain in 1979, I'd like to keep it nice.
I couldn't love him more. I love having two, but I've learned that I don't have the Crazy Cat Lady gene--two is enough! Three would be way too much for me to handle.
He's a handsome little dude, with stripes going down his spine and markings on his tummy that look like he's got six-pack abs. He has rings around his tail and big feet. And a darling pink nose. As of January 5th, he weighed 6 pounds, but I'd put him at about 8 pounds now. He's got a bit of a tummy, but he's built like Millie was at his age. I think he'll be long, tall and lean when he's fully grown. For now, he's a growing boy, and he eats like one.
His full name is, of course, Harley Dude, but nicknames include Little Dude and Doodlebug. Oh, and let's not forget "Purrvert," because he likes to watch me shower and has been known to stick his paw down my shirt.
Back to the Drawing Board...and Then Some
Spring Break is (alas!) over, and it is time for me to go back to work. This week, especially, is going to be crazy-busy. Here's my schedule (so far):
Monday
8:00-3:00 Work
3:30-4:30 Cardio
4:30-6:15 Shower, have dinner
6:15-6:30 Look for decent parking spot at San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC).
6:30-9:30 Chorale Rehearsal with Stockton Symphony
Tuesday
8:00-3:00 Work
3:30-4:30 Cardio
4:30-5:30 Strength Training with B. the Sadistic Trainer
5:30-6:15 Shower, have dinner
6:15-6:30 Look for decent parking spot at San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC).
6:30-9:30 Chorale Rehearsal with Stockton Symphony
Wednesday
8:00-3:00 Work
3:30-4:30 Cardio
4:30-6:15 Shower, have dinner
6:15-6:30 Look for decent parking spot at San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC).
6:30-9:30 Chorale Rehearsal with Stockton Symphony
Thursday
8:00-3:00 Work
3:30-4:30 Cardio
4:30-5:30 Strength Training with B. the Sadistic Trainer
5:30-7:15 Shower, have dinner
7:15-7:30 Look for decent parking spot at San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC).
8:00 Concert
Friday
8:00-3:00 Work
3:30-4:30 Cardio
4:30-5:30 Strength Training with B. the Sadistic Trainer
Friday night: RELAX!!
We have another concert on Saturday, but by then I'll have had some time to sleep in.
Monday
8:00-3:00 Work
3:30-4:30 Cardio
4:30-6:15 Shower, have dinner
6:15-6:30 Look for decent parking spot at San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC).
6:30-9:30 Chorale Rehearsal with Stockton Symphony
Tuesday
8:00-3:00 Work
3:30-4:30 Cardio
4:30-5:30 Strength Training with B. the Sadistic Trainer
5:30-6:15 Shower, have dinner
6:15-6:30 Look for decent parking spot at San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC).
6:30-9:30 Chorale Rehearsal with Stockton Symphony
Wednesday
8:00-3:00 Work
3:30-4:30 Cardio
4:30-6:15 Shower, have dinner
6:15-6:30 Look for decent parking spot at San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC).
6:30-9:30 Chorale Rehearsal with Stockton Symphony
Thursday
8:00-3:00 Work
3:30-4:30 Cardio
4:30-5:30 Strength Training with B. the Sadistic Trainer
5:30-7:15 Shower, have dinner
7:15-7:30 Look for decent parking spot at San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC).
8:00 Concert
Friday
8:00-3:00 Work
3:30-4:30 Cardio
4:30-5:30 Strength Training with B. the Sadistic Trainer
Friday night: RELAX!!
We have another concert on Saturday, but by then I'll have had some time to sleep in.
The Rest
The rest of my favorite pictures.
At the American Cemetary overlooking Omaha Beach, Normandy, France
Sand on the beach at Santa Cruz, California
Apples at Ables Acres, Placerville, California
Pumpkin Patch
At an old Mill (converted into shops and restaurants) in Salt Lake City, Utah.
London 2012
Flying over Ireland
Riding a ferry through the early morning fog on the Puget Sound
The Japanese garden in Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
The best of both worlds in Victoria, British Columbia.
The Beggar of Kensington Gardens, London
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, Italy
Point du Hoc, Normandy, France--Nature takes back what man has destroyed.
Mosaic orca and the Empress Hotel, Victoria, B.C.
Driving through wine country, Napa, California
The view from Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, California
El Capitan and Half Dome from the famous Tunnel View, Yosemite
My first glimpse of El Capitan and Half Dome
Vegetables at Pike Street Market, Seattle, Washington
At the American Cemetary overlooking Omaha Beach, Normandy, France
Sand on the beach at Santa Cruz, California
Apples at Ables Acres, Placerville, California
Pumpkin Patch
At an old Mill (converted into shops and restaurants) in Salt Lake City, Utah.
London 2012
Flying over Ireland
Riding a ferry through the early morning fog on the Puget Sound
The Japanese garden in Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
The best of both worlds in Victoria, British Columbia.
The Beggar of Kensington Gardens, London
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, Italy
Point du Hoc, Normandy, France--Nature takes back what man has destroyed.
Mosaic orca and the Empress Hotel, Victoria, B.C.
Driving through wine country, Napa, California
The view from Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, California
El Capitan and Half Dome from the famous Tunnel View, Yosemite
My first glimpse of El Capitan and Half Dome
Vegetables at Pike Street Market, Seattle, Washington
Friday, March 27, 2009
Water, Bridges and Boats
Some more of my favorite pics.
Atlantic Coast of Ireland
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Near Half Moon Bay, California (just south of San Francisco)
Near Stinson Beach, California (just north of San Francisco)
The Bay Bridge of San Francisco, in the side mirror of Rosie Pro.
Ludlow Bay, Port Ludlow, Washington
The Atlantic Coast of Ireland
Ferry on the Puget Sound, Washington
The beach at Santa Cruz, California
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The marina of Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, England
Monet's water lily pond at Giverny, Normandy, France.
Sailboats on the River Crouch
Sunrise on the Puget Sound
Driftwood in Port Townsend, Washington
Boats docked in Port Townsend, Washington
Atlantic Coast of Ireland
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Near Half Moon Bay, California (just south of San Francisco)
Near Stinson Beach, California (just north of San Francisco)
The Bay Bridge of San Francisco, in the side mirror of Rosie Pro.
Ludlow Bay, Port Ludlow, Washington
The Atlantic Coast of Ireland
Ferry on the Puget Sound, Washington
The beach at Santa Cruz, California
+of+100_2540.jpg)
The marina of Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, England
Monet's water lily pond at Giverny, Normandy, France.
Sailboats on the River Crouch
Sunrise on the Puget Sound
Driftwood in Port Townsend, Washington
Boats docked in Port Townsend, Washington
Buildings and Structures
Going through my pictures again, and here are some of my favorites of buildings and other man-made structures.
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Bayeux Cathedral, Bayeux, Normandy, France
Bath Abbey, Bath, England
The Space Needle from below, Seattle, Washington
A cute church in Half Moon Bay, California
Parliament Building in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
The Louvre, Paris, France
Seattle from a ferry boat
Giverny, in Normandy, France--home of Claude Monet
The Empress Hotel, Victoria, B.C., Canada
Little Shambles, York, England
A cool building in San Francisco
A church near Chinatown in San Francisco
Reflection of an old timbered building in York, England
Pretty pink building in Victoria, B.C., Canada
The view from the ramparts of Warwick Castle in England
Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica at sunset, Rome
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Bayeux Cathedral, Bayeux, Normandy, France
Bath Abbey, Bath, England
The Space Needle from below, Seattle, Washington
A cute church in Half Moon Bay, California
Parliament Building in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
The Louvre, Paris, France
Seattle from a ferry boat
Giverny, in Normandy, France--home of Claude Monet
The Empress Hotel, Victoria, B.C., Canada
Little Shambles, York, England
A cool building in San Francisco
A church near Chinatown in San Francisco
Reflection of an old timbered building in York, England
Pretty pink building in Victoria, B.C., Canada
The view from the ramparts of Warwick Castle in England
Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica at sunset, Rome
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