Am somewhat recovering from my last post. I've made a little progress in my "procrastinations." Started working on the app, I think that I am about 50% done (I think) with about a week before the due date, so I'm okay. And finally called Rae regarding getting a copy of the Angeles Chorale letterhead so I can get a press release together for submission. She tells me she has 10 copies for me to use/scan whatever with my name and title on top. Whoopee! I feel all special now. I'm thinking of playing the Albert McNeil angle. Will think more about this later in the week. But I still need to have the dreaded conversation with EHD and RBG, but what to do, there's no avoiding it.

Next on the list--regain focus in the lab. The last couple of days of not doing labwork is good I think. Always gets me a little more relaxed to face the new day.

Did I mention that i like the website Bookins? So far it has been a good way for me to get rid of books I didn't like so much in exchange for things I do want. And of course, the Pasadena library system is a dream. I go through phases, now I am in the reading cycle, with like 30 books sitting around at home. How can one read that many books at one time I don't know, but you can renew them a few times, barring someone else want them of course.

My friend C is pregnant again. I'm so excited for her. I know she's apprehensive after everything that happened last time, but I'm sure things will be fine.

People who do too much

I think I am one of those. Inevitably I would volunteer to do things, but then come to feel stressed about them when the deadline comes up and then wonder why I signed up for them in the first place. I have to admit that part of it is my fault, i always like to wait till the very last minute before doing things. Don't understand exactly why, it's not because that I necessary really dread those tasks. Sometimes that is the case, but often I almost feel that I can't get my butt moving unless the deadline is looming. It was like studying for exams back in college, when I could never get started until at most a couple of days before the midterm or final. I don't really enjoy the stress and pressure, yet I feel that I can't function without it. Like at the present moment I have two rather pressing tasks that will have to be taken care of in the next week or so. One is the application for the teaching position. I have to put together a resume, list of references and statement of objectives. And I haven't started at all. The other is to publicize our Winter concert. I have compiled a list of local papers and the such, but I just realised how much work it entails. That I will have to call many papers to see how I can submit a listing (not entirely obvious from their websites) and then (with more research it appears that I have to do it) issue a press release to see if we can get a story. And since publicity is not exactly my forte (talking to professors no problem, but PR is quite another story) this is causing me some distress. I just have to take it all in stride I guess, and that my research is going to suffer this week. Oh yes, did I mention my research? After all, I do have a summer job in July, so that means I need to get as much done as I can before then, hopefully to the point when I can just write and EHD won't notice too badly if I'm hardly in the lab.

On top of all that, I have upped my practising schedule. I have been trying to get an hour or practice in a day, taking the time to vocalise, go through some repertoire and also learn music. I have found the most efficient thing to do is to go to the music house, even if it takes more effort to get there. Right now I am working on Barber's "Sure as the Shining Night", "Crucifixion", Mozart's "Alleluia", Puccini's "Quando Men Vo" and "O Mio Babbino Caro", Handel's "Rejoice, O Daugher of Zion" and Lloyd Weber's "All I Ask of You." Not to mention the many more songs I have to/want to learn. So the list is long, but thankfully, I still have plenty of time. And then with the piano class I need to get some practice time in for that too. So far my piano background has allowed me to get away with it, but I imagine not for long.

And after doing ALL these, I still have to find the time to get some exercise. I am not even remotely near the shape I used to be in, but then I am by no means willing to turn into a lardball. So that's frustrating, but I try my best to get in 2-3 workouts a week.

Of course there are still the mundane things in life to deal with, like cleaning, paying the bills etc. Definitely the part I enjoy the least.

Went to a self defense class today. It was an interesting experience, actually rather empowering. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to go for one. I think it's not so much about learning how to fight, but more to realise that you can do something to defend yourself, and also to avoid such confrontations in the first place.

Finally assembled the industrial sized pump for my turtles over the weekend. Whew! Now my turtles look really happy and hopefully I won't have to change the water as often (which would make ME happy).

What's new

1. Signed up for a beginner piano class. Starts next week. Am not sure if I am too advanced for it, but I could hardly play bass clef so...if not I can always move up to the next one up. Will be interesting, and I really need to work my musicianship and sight singing.

2. Experiments suck. A result that I had been hoping for didn't happen. So I won't be done as soon as I would have liked. But what to do, one thing you learn in grad school, data is data and there can be nothing done about that.

3. Still addicted to the Tivo. And I love the Olympics, though that winter games aren't remotely as fun as the summer ones.

4. Reading "what Einstein told his cook." The inner geek in me enjoys reading about the scientific basis of everything and anything, so when two of my favorite topics are put in one book...ha ha. But I thought the book is a bit goofy for me, ie not scientific enough. But I did learn many interesting things.

5. Going to a fondue restaurant for dinner tonight. never had fondue before so would be an interesting experience.

6. And before that, another trip to the optometrist. Perhaps they can FINALLY get my contact lens fitting right.

7. Working on putting together a recital in the fall. Kathleen suggested many songs, and there will be plenty of time to learn them and work on my technique.

8. Really need to get my arse in gear and start organizing the publicity for the chorale. And yes, also the application for that teaching position.

9. Whoo hoo and monday is president's day. Will take the day off and chill.

Now why would I be engineering if Biology has the same score?

You scored as Engineering. You should be an Engineering major! Biology 75% Engineering 75% Chemistry 58% Mathematics 58% Philosophy 58% Theater 58% Journalism 58% Dance 50% Psychology 42% English 33% Linguistics 33% Sociology 25% Art 25% Anthropology 17% What is your Perfect Major? (PLEASE RATE ME!!<3) created with QuizFarm.com

Lab Retreat 

Ung Concert

I have never been a big fan of modern music, but my voice teacher Kathleen was giving a concert with the Southwest Chamber Music this weekend and was able to get a comp for me. Of course, once you ask for, and successfully receive a comp, then etiquette says you must go to the show. I hate it when people get comps and then flake out. Big faux pas in my book. Second half of the concert was the premiere of "Aura" a work by Cambodian composer Chinary Ung. I have to say I thought it was really neat. He makes the singers play percussion, and make the instrumentalists sing, speak, hum, whistle. The effect was really really cool! And rather difficult I might add, for doing just one thing is difficult enough.

So far this year I have been making a good effort to see shows. Living in LA with a student ID, I have finally decided that I should take advantage of the many opportunities around town. So far I have seen "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "Madama Butterfly." Next week I go to "The Cherry Orchard", and 3/17 I go see "Swan Lake." Plus whaterver other operas that might come on sale at the last minute. Takes a lot of time, but is good fun.

And I signed up for "La Traviata." Rehearsals probably start in early July, I'm sure more details will come.