Ah Summer

Time of Rain, humidity, and Cold weather- or maybe that is just MN this year.

For the past few months I have been in the grips of a early/mid-life/existential crisis. What should I be when I grow up? What does it all mean? How does one measure success. Is success in one market (the twin cities) less meaningful than other markets- Boston Perhaps.

Can someone write me some letters of recommendation, fill out grad school aps, take the GRE and pay for my school...Please.

Thus ends the whining.

PS- I got a line on some more evangelizing. My name has been passed off to 5 dif. people. It would be fabulous if something came of that.

Look for a new and improved Bill in a few months.

Chipped tooth

So, I went to the Dentist today, and got some bad news. I have a cavity on one of my bicuspids, and the one on the other side is chipped. That means that I have 40 minutes of dental work in my future. My dentist asked me if I realized that my tooth was chipped.

I said, "No. Is it really bad?"

She said, "No, I didn't notice it until I looked at the ex ray. I don't know how you would ever notice it."

Then, why ask? Oh, well, not a big deal. I wish I would have gotten some coffee before the cleaning though. I hate to stain them up again. Oh well, the things we do for our caffeine addictions.

In other news, this weekend, I am decluttering, and perhaps thrift storing for some vintage clothes (I realize one negates the other), and tonight I have to decide what to make Mom for dinner on Sunday. My sister and I are going to make dinner at Mom and Dad's since they have more space than we do. I think Grandma is coming too. David is working. We thought about going out for Brunch, but since Angie has 4 kids, it gets expensive, and they might be rowdy- Best to stay at home.

funeral

So... there was no running yesterday. In fact, there was nothing. After work, I stopped at Byerly's, and Mrs. Byerly cooked me dinner (read, "I got take out"). I then went home and cleaned out my desk and did some laundry until I had to go to church. I am going to tackle my closet tonight, and then the bookshelves this weekend. I bet I have a whole shelf of books that I will donate, or bring to half priced books. How long do you keep reference books from college (conducting, Jazz Studies, etc...)?

As we speak, I am listening to the funeral of the police officer that was killed in Maplewood last weekend. The Cantor, Nick, has a beautiful voice, but it really sounds like he went to a Lutheran College, (he did, I know him). I wish I had and hour with him to play around with his voice- supporting from the bottom up, and covering. Not covering in a bad baritone/hook sort of way, but covering in a round warm sort of way. It could add years to his singing. Not that I think that I know that much about singing, or that I am better than anyone else, I just know what I want to hear, and I can hear potential in others, and it excites me.

Early Morning.

I didn't sleep much last night. I tossed and turned, and then the cat woke me up...repeatedly. There is a positive to this though. For the Second day in a row, I have made it to work BEFORE 7 in the morning. That means, I can leave early.

In efforts to come back strong to the world of running, I am slowly phasing myself back in. Yesterday, I ran 2 miles, and walked 4. Today, I think I am just going to run a mile or two and then lift weights, and then some yoga. I need to get that runner's body back, and remain injury free.

Last night, I sang for a Confirmation at the Basilica, presided over by the Archbishop. All I can say is wow. It was the worst homily I had ever heard- he discussed the movie, "Ratatouille", Bernie Maddoff, Denny Hecker, and then....Then... he said, "Planned Parenthood has a hidden agenda to sexualize our youth."

Wow. Today I wrote a check to Pro Choice Resources. Its a local group that addresses issues, like STDs, Sex education, counseling, and the A word.

Early Music

I am about to go for a mid-day run. wish me luck.

A couple things that are going on in my life.
1. I am enamored with an early music group "le Poeme Harmonique". I wish we could have that group here.
2.I wish there was an early music community here that offered daring yet HIP programming.
3.I wish the Lady from CBI would stop sending me boxes of conference proceedings.
4.I wish I could get used to not double tapping the space bar after a sentence.
5.I wish I could get my brain to count 32nd notes while holding a dotted half tied to an eighth note.
6.I wish the oil industry could be accountable for the disaster that has happened.
7.I wish I remembered to put my watch on this morning.

That is all

70 miles of ass pounding goodness.

So I took Gigantor, My bicycle out to enjoy the good weather. Saturday, we went 40 miles, around town and the Gateway Trail. I met my friend, B, for part of the Gateway. It was really slow- but, its all good. Anything to encourage people to do things they like, and I really enjoyed talking to him. I like riding at a faster pace too, but I like the companionship. I am excited to hit the trail with him again- but we need to get his bike adjusted better for him. Maybe by the end of the summer we will do a 40 mile ride together.

Sunday, after church and breakfast, Gigantor and I went for a 30 mile jaunt. First, to the Library to return a couple of books- then an impromptu visit to ironmarie. I feel guilty when I stop by peoples' homes uninvited, but it hasn't stopped me from doing it! from there, I went up the diagonal trail to the U of MN, up to East River Road to Summit, and then Lexington to Mom and Dad's for Sunday Dinner.

This all leads to a sore saddle. I need to get in better shape, and form a butt callous. Biking goals this year: The Century. Biking to Stillwater for the day (I've done this before), hill workouts in Mendota, The Munger trail. I would also really like to get to know the Grand Rounds this year.

This weekend, I am going biking with Diane. (I hope she doesn't kick my ass)

I think I am going to make my triumphant return to running today. Ugh.

ALSO- I saw "Clash of the Titans" this weekend. Very Corny, and some of the special effects are lack-luster, but it was really entertaining, and I would not hesitate to see it again

yea, for balloons!

So, it was my birthday yesterday. it was good. When I got to work, Libgyrl presented me with a box containing 2 cupcakes and 1 macaroon. We shared one of the cupcakes, (and I ate the other one later). These cupcakes were delicious-with all of the substandard cupcakes in the world, these were a joy. After sitting at my desk for a couple hours doing minimal work, (hey, it was my birthday!), I got a card from KB, and I met Alyssa for lunch. Not only did she pay!, but she gave me a bag that had a mn hiking manual, a road biking manual (I guess they aren't manuals, rather guides to trails), and the MN biking map- which I have always wanted but have been too cheap to purchase. I returned to work, and was slightly more productive.

On my way home, I stopped at Party City to get some balloons for David, my twin brother. I figured, after dinner, he would be going to the bar, and if he carried balloons around, everyone would know it was his birthday and buy him drinks. So, I stopped at Mom and Dad's, played with the nieces and nephew, picked up David, and went to dinner with some friends/family at Little Szechuan. You get a free Entree on your Birthday! While there, I got a card, and an awesome new rolling pin.

Good Birthday

Long time no speak

I turn 29 tomorrow. For some reason, I find that horribly depressing, yet hey- I made it this far, time to move on.

Yesterday, I was in a funk, and took myself out for a sandwich at the Holy Land Deli- I highly recommend the Falafel Combination Sandwich. It is Falafel, lettuce, cucumbers, and deep-fried mixed vegetables in a pita with your choice of sauce. I picked the hot sauce. This sandwich is so large, that it could serve two as a meal, yet, being my Birthday week, I ate the whole thing- by myself. It was worth it.

Music Recap-
My Bach Passion went pretty well. I made a couple of flubs, but the story came accross, and that was the goal. Also, I made it through another Holy Week at "The Little French Church". Good Friday, I had to do the Intercessions with one of the priests, and Saturday, for the Vigil, I had to sing the Exultet (Easter Proclamation). What a beautiful Piece of Music, and Liturgy. Currently,
I am planning a couple of concerts- Airs de cours with Tom Walker, French Baroque Contemplative Music (Charpentier, Campra, Couperin) perhaps, at the "Little French Church" for next Spring. I also just found some Dufay, and Machaut (Macho, Macho Man), that I am itching to do, but I need to find another smart, clear-voiced, high tenor to sing it with.

I am working on some Bach for a concert in June, and I am having issues getting it in to my voice, but it will get there. It is very strange, as it is an aria, and a motet. I sing arias all the time, but I have spent so much of the last few months on Recitative, that an aria seems like it is a foreign musical language to me. Time to jump back on the cantabile band wagon.

I have been out a few times on my bike this season, and finally measured. It is four miles to the public library, 5.5, or 7 to get to the coop (Hampden Park, or Mississippi Market), and 11.8 to get to work. I really hope that I can reduce my driving once the singing season slows down.

Lots of Randomness, Hopefully I will have more to say in the coming months.

OOH- I am going to Little Szechuan for my Birthday with my Twin Brother tomorrow. It is possibly my favorite restaurant in the world. Not a bad way to spend a Birthday.

Cold ugh

i have a cold. i can't sing. I might go home early to rest.
that is all

Broken Toe

So, I decided to help a friend move on friday. All was going well until I neglected to pay attention and had a box hit my foot so hard, I got sick. Finally, I am fitting back in to my shoes, thankfully the swelling has gone down. With an injury though that means no running- ugh. I did go for a couple short bike rides though.

Sunday, I cleaned my apartment and made a lasagne. no recipe, I just made it up as I went. Possibly the best lasagne Ive ever made.

Awesome rehearsal.

I had the most awesome Bach rehearsal today. I just thought I would share.

Actually, I felt rather dejected after my last rehearsal and completely unprepared; this rehearsal was a bit of vindication. I think it put my mind to ease, and definitely Jere's mind at ease. Come Palm Sunday, I am going to be the best Evangelist that downtown Minneapolis has ever seen.

I want some Poutine. I am willing to bring a flask of gravy in to a bar to create it.

Run, Yoga, Beer

So last night there was no vegetable hotdish making, but there was running (3 miles), yoga (75 minutes), and then Subway. I noticed that my warrior one keeps getting better and better, but one side is definitely stronger than the other. I guess I will have to work on that.

This Morning I registered for the Surly Brewery Tour. I am totally excited. Mar. 19 6-8!

must keep positive outlook

It is sunny today- did you know that? did you know that the coffee tastes good, not burnt for once. I have pictures of my family at my desk, (well, most some of them), and they are smiling. I went running last night, and I am not sore yet. I am going again today, and then perhaps to yoga. Maybe I'll make a vegetable hotdish tonight, Maybe.

My plans for the weekend are still flushing their way out. Saturday Morning, I need to get my oil changed and take Gigantor in to be tuned up. She needs new bar tape, and I want orange. I do hope the Chain has Orange. I am getting together with D and then maybe I will take Mom and Dad's Dog for a run or to the park.

Sunday, I have church, and then I will go to a spin class or something, all the while, trying to invoke the spirit of St John. Maybe Ill make something to eat this weekend. Tomorrow will be a sunny day.

Holy Land Deli

Deliciousness abounds in the lunch buffet at this NE Minneapolis Establishment. I believe, along with libgyrl, my counterpart, that the highlight was an eggplant dish, followed closely with the gyros. MMMMMM. I can justify this trip to the buffet because I am preparing the Gospel of John for an upcoming concert. What better place to find Jesus and his Homies than the Holy Land?

While we were there, we bought some really fresh pita, and I bought a giant container of dates. I foresee many trips to the Holy Land in my future, yet I need to cook at home.

Tonight, before church, I plan a 5mile run and some much needed core work. I plan on being sore for the rest of my life due to the sad state I have let my body fall into. The bright part is that I can change it.

The feeling of being overwhelmed.

First of all, let me just say that not all young adults are ready to go to college when they graduate highschool. Furthermore, College is not appropriate for everyone, which is where apprenticing and trade school comes in. This came to mind once again during a meeting this morning. Perhaps I can trade in my student loans and become a cabinet maker.

Peanut Butter Krispie Treats are the bane of my existence. How can they be so delicious. How.

I got my ass handed to me in a Hatha Yoga class today.

So much Singing!!!! yeah?
This weekend I have Prairie Home Companion with VocalEssence, and Witness with VocalEssence, plus Church. Next week, I have Witness on Tues and Wed., a St John Passion rehearsal Tues., Ash Wednesday on Wed., and a MN Chorale project/concert Thursday night, Sat. Morning, and Sat. Evening. Church on Sunday. Lots of money for me, but not much "wellness" time.

I am really struggling with the Bach Passion, that is learning the Evangelist role...I fear that I am not ready to take on such a role. oh well, no turning back now.

Monday

Rehearsals! I have so many rehearsals these days it is not funny. Since I've been busy, I've been trying to eat simple to prepare food. A couple things to note- Sandwiches are almost always better toasted. Sriracha is good on anything. Pineapple and olives can survive in a salad together- salty, sweet, earthy, sour, delicious. I had some ripe oil-cured seasoned olives, and a can of pineapple in the fridge, along with some greens, onion, and blue cheese. it is pretty good.

I have some buffalo chicken sauce in the fridge- I need to find a way to use that.