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