Take Control

So I've found that when you sit in a chair for hours and hours a day that muscles start to show how unhappy they are. Its not that my muscles are suddenly becoming painful because I've started the new job, its just that it brings all the issues to the surface in a very quantitative way. My lovely MT Nancy has helped me realize that these issues need to be addressed, and so on the advice of Miss Amanda, I've started a new training program with Dax.

I'm very hopeful that this will help me gain control and take ownership of my well-being. I go for my 'lfestyle coaching' tomorrow, which I know will consist of urging me to cut out the icky prepared/canned foods and working out a method to get more wholesome goodness into my diet and exercise. I hope it all tastes good :)

I've also taken up some yoga at the Octopus Garden (I do feeling a bit lengthened and twisted at the end of classes). Things are looking good today. I had some hormonal craziness happen this weekend, but am glad that THAT has passed.

Still loving the orchestra and the peeps. My man's still enjoying our trevails in the new city and we even discovered a new haunt that serves some mean BBQ (hopefully it won't be banned from my new plan). Also still annoyed with family members sending political propaganda. US politics is so ugly sometimes, and I don't understand why all this money is wasted on advertising and gossip when it would go so far towards a new healthcare plan, getting soldiers home, or even looking at a real solution to our financial woes. yuck


Guess that's about it for now. Have a new book by "Adrian Tchaikovsky" that I'm itching to keep digging into. Can't possibly be a real name, can it?

Carnegie and other stuff

So our trip to Carnegie was a success on all accounts. The orchestra performed beautifully, and the acoustics were magnificent. The warm-up was a bit brief, but the intensity and concentration during the Shostakovich was quite moving. I was down about missing my bro's wedding. (I assume it will be the only one he'll have) But feel rather positive concerning the experience as a whole.


Back in the contrary universe that is my life outside of orchestra, I get more and more fed-up with the driving up here. Maybe I'm turning into a fuddy-duddy in my 20's, but people are more rude than they were in Chicago. Seriously. Not one, but three cars cut me off at the same intersection earlier when it was highly dangerous to do so (pedestrians, light posts, etc... things that hurt, you know). And some idiot squeezed themselves into a spot in front of my car that left them literally touching my front bumper and the rear of the car in front of them. I was highly entertaining the thought of keying the car, but decided to be a good person. Today anyway.

In 1st grade of public school in the states, you learn that you always walk on the right side of the sidewalk/stairs/hallway, so as to continue moving bodies in a timely fashion and economical use of space, while maintaining the personal 'bubble' of space. I always attributed this rule to how we drive on the right side of the road. If cars did what pedestrians did, I wouldn't be alive today. I guess that's a good part in Toronto: Stupidity on the sidewalks doesn't transfer to behind the wheel all the time. When not in a hurry, it is interesting to ponder what these people think is logical, reasonable, respectful, or even behooving to their chances of continuing to survive about starting to inch out on their walker accross the crosswalk when the light has turned yellow in their direction and cars are itching to drive accross their path.

As well, what's the deal with running me over with your shopping carraige in the grocery store, huh? I don't think I look TOO much like a recent immigrant from the US. I would understand if I was spouting off about how great GW is for our lives. But I'm smart. I can think for myself. And I don't stop in the middle of the isle (as many customers tend to do when I am at Loblaws). Interestingly enough, I never ran into this problem at Jewel in Chicago. Perhaps because the isles were wider? Certainly no one ever ran me over. Occassionally an elderly person would be taking their time in the cereal isle at Wegman's when I lived in Rochester. But in all honesty, I do occassionally too. Just not in everyone's way.

So, Canadia and those who live near me, please use your brain and survival instincts. Just freaking drive like you care about how much gas you burn when you floor it to cut me off and then break two seconds later. If you don't wish to walk on the same side of the sidewalk all the time, at least be aware that there are people who walk faster than you that would like to get around you. And stop running into my heals at Loblaws.

pooped

I am soooo tired. My everything hurts. Fingers, feet, neck, arms, back. I don't believe I've ever felt so worn out from sitting for 6 hours a day. Doesn't hurt things that I went to see my new savior Ms. Nancy after rehearsal today to get all my kinks worked out!

Seriously, I knew I'd have a lot of stuff to learn, but seriously? Seriously. SERIOUSLY!?! (those informed readers will know the reference) I have to stop practicing now not because I've accomplished everything I need to (not sure if that's even possible), but because my body will not let me get up in the morning if I don't watch it on the bench.

I love the orchestra. Things are super-friendly and while there are jaded individuals, most are genuinely happy. I've already learned a lot, and can't wait to see what the next 9 months bring!

Not bad

Well, had my first full day of rehearsal after having moved to Canada. Thought I did pretty well, and I love the rep and people. Exhausting have a double that starts in the afternoon and goes through the night though. By the end of the night, I was ready to pass out, and now when I get home, I can't sleep :-/ So, I'm studying recordings. I'll prolly have something better to write next time.

Now in Canada

It has been strange to get used to not seeing anyone other than Tony and occasionally Amanda since we moved in July. I miss everyone in Chicago and Rochester a whole lot, and suddenly, the season is starting already. The rehearsal schedule will distract me and the new job will (most likely) overwhelm me, but things are a bit lonely.

I call friends and family when they are available; Maeci and Bettie are wonderful listeners and cuddle-bugs! I've been able to get the symphony harp up and running after sitting most of the summer. Looking forward to seeing what Chris can do with it in a few weeks.

Mostly, practicing and organizing has ruled my life. Familial traumas still make their way into our life up here. Ry and Jess' wedding is a few weeks away, as is the federal election... two topics that elicit plenty of opinions. What I don't understand is how such a fundamentally Christian family can be so judgmental. I've caught myself in several instances where I am also making assumptions and accusations about others recently... trying not to be as often as I can thinking about it. rahr! Life can be so frustrating.

ONWARD TO CANADA

Wow, yeah I can't believe the last time I wrote was from Toronto. I'll be starting with the TSO next season, although I am up for a couple weeks this spring. I'm very excited about this new step in my career and Tony's and my life together. I hope all works out for the best, and love the orchestra members already. They were all super friendly at my trial and to boot, there's always food at the services! One night, it was cookies and crackers, the next, home-made chocolate cake! I'm going to be giving the health clubs some wonderful business.

I hope everyone's doing well and hopefully I will keep this more up-to-date in the future :)