I Heart NYC June 24, 2011

2.5 days in NYC + 3 friends = so much fun!

A couple of weeks ago I hopped on the train to NYC for a girls trip to visit my friend Michi.  It’s a 7 hour train ride from here, and with a stroke of good luck it turned out that the other friend I was going with (who hopped on the train back in Canada) was on the same train!  We didn’t expect it because we had different train numbers and different arrival times…  But I was very happy to see her 7 hrs earlier than planned.  We kept ourselves busy doing touristy things while Michi was working, and had fun catching up all together when we could.  Here are some of the highlights:

Just after happily running into each on the train.  FYI: Train is my new favourite way to travel.  Most. Leg. Room. EVER.

As seen in Times Square:

Wait a sec.  Where are the giant-hip pants??  *a little Canadian humour – if you don’t get it, you’re probably not Canadian.

We had a lovely picnic in Central Park.  I think this was my favourite part of the trip!

We went to the Museum of Modern Art for the German Expressionism exhibit.  So interesting!  We also saw pieces by van Gogh, Cézanne, Picasso, Monet…  You know, whatevs…  ;)

We stopped at the Magnolia Bakery.  Twice.  They have DELICIOUS rhubarb muffins (more like dessert than breakfast), and though I didn’t try one, the cupcakes looked divine.

I was flabbergasted to see how much Sangria has changed – she didn’t scratch me once, and actually wanted to be pet!

And finally, Penn Station en route home.  You know you’re in ‘Merica when…

Canada Trips #2 & 3 May 16, 2011

I recently came back from my 3rd trip this year back home (I use home loosely, as I’m considering all of Canada my “home” at this point), and realized that I completely skipped over trip #2.  That trip was great but busy – I was helping my parents at a trade show so was working each day, finished both Chris’ and my taxes, stayed and visited with 3 friends at their apartment, and squeezed in a quick coffee date with another friend from school who I haven’t seen since last Spring.  I stupidly didn’t take many photo’s while I was there, but here’s one with my loving ‘rents:

My 3rd trip home was mainly to attend my cousin’s wedding, but I also spent much of my free time working on plans for my grandma’s upcoming 90th birthday (which will be my 4th trip home this year, and which I’m really looking forward to because my grandma is one cool lady).  The wedding was gorgeous!  The location was amazing, right on the water for the ceremony and under a beautiful tent for the reception.  It was funky, with lots of personal touches that made the wedding that much more special.  Check out this view!

How about one more of my bro and I.  He was confined to the corner the whole night for misbehaving err, due to his busted knee.  Poor Leonard…

Canada Trip #1 2011 April 4, 2011

I have wonderful friends back in Canada, and I was lucky enough to visit with many of them last week.  I went back for a good friend’s performance with the orchestra, and she was FANTASTIC!!  I stayed with another friend (AnaBanana), and got to catch up with many others who also came back into town to see the concert.

 

 

I also got to spend time with my sister and her pup, Bentley.  He needs A LOT of exercise, so I thought I’d post two pictures of him taken on the same day to illustrate his routine.

 

 

I’m feeling lucky – I have three more trips planned over the next few months to go back to both Ontario and British Columbia.  I have a little trip to Toronto to help my parents on a business trip; my cousin’s wedding in Vancouver, and my grandma’s 90th birthday party just outside of Vancouver.  I have two other super-exciting potential trips as well:  a possible wedding in the late summer, and the birth of my new niece or nephew in the fall.  Phew!  That’s a lot of travel!

Things I learned over the holidays. January 19, 2011

 

1. No matter how much extra it costs, never have more than one layover.  Especially on a red-eye. 
2. Bring earplugs.  Some people snore REALLY loudly on planes, and they’re usually sitting right behind you.
3. Even when you think you’ve packed lightly, you haven’t.
4. Bring an extra suitcase. 
5. Everyone (mostly) means well. 
6. Keep your mouth shut.
7. You will get sick the day before you travel, and it will last the whole trip.
8. There’s always family drama, from every side of the family.
9. Smile and nod.

I heart Chicago December 22, 2009

I spent most of last week in Chicago for the midwest orchestra and band conference.  I went to some awesome clinics, saw a couple of amazing band concerts (I know, not orchestra ), and had a great time with hubby, Chri, and some new friends that Chri has known for a while.  Fun!

Since we’ve been back, I’ve been working all day every day, but I now have until boxing day off.  The next couple of days will be filled with gift-wrapping, gingerbread house making, mulled wine (yum!), Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation, and some quality time with the pups and my hubby.  Aaaaahhh…  I love Christmas time!

BC :) October 19, 2009

I’m back in beautiful BC, and feel so lucky to be here.  I’ve only been here a few days so far, but I’ve been able to visit with my brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law, as well as the old gang from the Island.  What great friends I have!  We shared a lovely dinner at one of my favorite restaurants (Yum!), and had breakfast together by the ocean the next morning.  I love how with good friends it feels like no time has passed whatsoever, no matter how long its been since you’ve seen each other.  We are such a funny mix of people – I sometimes find it surprising how well we get along.  As individuals, there is a wide age range between us, we have some different professions and many different dreams, and different lifestyles and habits.  As a group, we get a long so well and laugh more than I laugh with any other group.  They are all such caring and supportive people; I feel lucky to have them in my life.  Ahhh, it was nice to be back and see them!

Now the week of wedding fun begins.  It was great to hang out with Leonard and Lori when I first arrived, and I’m hoping to see them again today or tomorrow as well.  After that, we have rehearsal dinner prep, then the rehearsal and the actual dinner, then the spa, and then the wedding!!  It’s going to be such a fantastic week!  I know I’ve said it before, but it’s not just the celebrations I’m looking forward to.  Lori has been a part of the family for close to 10 years now, and I’m thrilled that now it will be official!  She’s a caring and generous person, and my brother couldn’t have chosen better!

Well, I must head back to practice again.  I volunteered to play all of my Bach at a masterclass the morning after I arrive home, and I’d better be prepared!

PS – I miss my hubby!!  I can’t wait until he arrives for the wedding!

Aaah. September 26, 2009

Well, I’ve had a few rough days, but I’m feeling better now.  I have been avoiding the Bach a fair bit, but at least I’m practicing other pieces.    I’ve had a great time the last couple of days, and have a lot to look forward to in the next little while:

• I had a wonderful date with Chri last night   We went for sushi (YUMMY!) and relaxed at home afterward with a bottle of red wine.
• I worked yesterday, and enjoyed it.  Kinda lame, but I do like working.
• Today is a day off!!  I’m still in my pj’s (luxury!) and after posting this I am going to do some desperately needed vacuuming.  With two dogs, I should have done it DAYS ago
• My brother, Leonard (haha) and Lori’s wedding!!!!!  I can hardly wait   Lori has been unofficially a part of the family for about ten years now, and I’m really excited that she will soon be my sister-in-law for real.  I’ve been calling her that for years already, but I’m really excited for them and am really looking forward to seeing them again!
• While I’m out for the wedding (10 whole days of visiting   ), I’m going to visit my island friends too.  They’re great people and I miss them.
• I have a concertmaster gig coming up – I’m subbing in last minute for a community orchestra with hired section leaders, which will be great!  Lots of practicing to do…
• I’ve finally gotten into the counseling program at school, after almost a year on the waiting list.  I’m more than a little miffed that  it has taken so long, and that the resources were not there when I was originally in crisis (through the province & through school), but at least I am guaranteed help for the next 8 months or so.  Yay!
• I will be taking a trip to Montreal soon to continue on the search for a new violin.  I have always wanted to visit there, so I’m going to squeeze in some sight-seeing in my mini-trip.
• Rehearsal dinner:  I’ve kinda taken this over from my mum, cause she is so busy and won’t even be home much before the wedding because of work.  I’m sure we’ll still work out some details together, but I volunteered to do as much of the planning and work as she’d like.  I love this kind of thing, and am so excited to put it together for Leonard and Lori

Well, I have lots to look forward to and better get off my butt and get going!  Also, I’d better move my butt a bit so I look decent in my bridesmaid dress next month… 

The soon-to-be groom with Buddy and Abby's cousin Koda

I’m two, what about you? September 19, 2009

I’m a little tired of being treated like a two year old.  I really don’t feel like getting into details, but lets just say that I’m happy I only have a year left of this degree.  My teacher is a little obsessive, ok, maybe a lot obsessive over her students and often treats us like babies.  Aargh.  Even though I respond to her babying with sincerity and maturity.  Double Aargh.  Even though she forwards babying emails to me to the Dean and the Chair of Performance.  TRIPLE Aargh!!!

On a more pleasant and exciting note (though I’m sure you all love me ranting and not really explaining why…), I did the big drive to Toronto again with hubby Chri to look at more violins.  We went to Heinl, which was decent.  Terrible service at first (I ended up practicing on my own violin for a good chunk of time because no one came back to help me), but it got much better when I asked to see violins in a higher price range   I didn’t really find anything that I liked though, so now I’m planning a trip to Montreal!  I have always wanted to go to Montreal!!!!    

Speaking of being two…  There is a TONNE of construction along the 401, so Chri decided that every time we saw a construction sign on the way home that we should sing the “F-You Construction” song to make it fun.  We sang a lot of “F-You Constructions.”  We are mature.  Maybe I should be treated like a two-year old…

My day and Banff :) August 13, 2009

Today I did two of the things I listed earlier of my summer plans. I practiced, and spent time with my doggies and my hubby. Time with my fam was nice! Played fetch in the yard with the pups, and later with the pups and my hubby too. Actually, we had most of the day together. No gardening today though, as practicing comes first (usually..) and there was a slight emergency with our water heater… It exploded and flooded the basement. All is now well in the house, and hopefully my shower tomorrow will be toasty!

I have been super motivated to practice this summer, for two main reasons. First, my depression kept me from practicing far too much this past school year. Don’t get me wrong, I tried. I REALLY tried. and tried and tried. I think I am the strangest “depressed” person ever. Throughout it all, I still have maintained my goals and have attempted to achieve them. Unfortunately, that didn’t help like the books say. I would pick up my fiddle, begin a scale, and the tears would come. A scale! Something easy, that I’ve been playing for years. Now don’t start thinking that I’m just stressed over my degree, as the tears came all the time. On the bus, falling asleep, eating breakfast, you name it. Well, that’s over (for now, hopefully for ever this time!), so I’m determined to make up for lost time.

Secondly, I went to Banff for a month this summer to study and have learned sooo much and I don’t want to lose that information by not practicing! I had incredibly inspiring lessons and masterclasses, but that’s not what taught me the most. I learned that I need to practice more. I know, I know, that seems obvious, though most of my teachers have said “if you’re practicing more than 3 hours a day, you’re not practicing correctly!” Turns out that’s not enough. While in Banff, I asked the other musicians how much they practiced. The ones around my level all said about 3 hours per day. The ones a little better said 4, and the phenomenal ones said 5. So, my goal for the year is to do between 4 and 5 hours of practicing each day. I will still be happy if I get 3 in on a super busy day, but I will aim for at least 4, maybe 5 on most days. I’ll let you know how it goes!