rainy day project!

Me: "I think I want to paint the family room"
Matt: "OK. do whatever you want"
Me: "OK!"

I went to Home Depot and got everything I needed. I took a friend's advice and purchased some frog tape and an angled Wooster paintbrush. I chose what I thought would turn out to be a nice warm shade of grey and got to work. After finishing the room I realized that it looked atrocious and went back to Home Depot to get a different color paint. On the upside, painting the room 3 times (1 hideously dark gray and 2 coats of lovely gray/blue) has made me much more confident in my interior painting abilities.

scratching is not allowed.

Done Done andddd Done!

I was back in London Ontario for the end of October and entire 1st week in November preparing for my final recital. It was so odd being back as a music student. Daily rehearsals, lessons, practicing hours a day, going for coffee runs with friends... What a great life. Becoming a real person with a real job is difficult. I felt strangely all week and then fairly relaxed in my new routine and then I had to leave for home.

My recital went really well. I'm just so relieved that it's done. A few stressful things occurred while I was there like an impending faculty strike/campus shutdown. But, everything turned out well. I felt fairly at home on stage which is actually odd for me. I played my Bach with minor bumps and bruises and my contemporary piece was actually the best I think I've ever played it. The Brahms was a challenge for me all week because I am no longer used to playing out in my tiny apartment. I am also not used to playing with anyone else so my first rehearsal with Tim, my pianist, was exceptionally ear opening for me.

All in all, I'm really glad that I finished this all up and pushed myself through all of the pain. It helps that I had some amazing supporters. I miss all of my Canadian friends! It was great to have a much needed reunion.

Now back in New York, I still feel a bit unsettled. I decided to give myself a week off to rest and recoup. Next week, back to the grind. I have some upcoming auditions that I'm going to start prepping for.

Also, awhile back Matt and I attended Paul and Abby's wedding. My friend Cassie did all the photography. Look at this lovely picture that she took at the reception!

Go look at her truly inspirational blog:
http://cassiemarieedwards.blogspot.com/

I love:

Matt. He is my best friend. We live together and I still get butterflies when I see him.

one reason technology is bad.

The other day I dropped Matt off at the airport and didn't bring my phone with me. Do I know how to find a gas station and then get home? ...no.

I did alright getting gas because I found it on Matt's phone before he left. I thought I knew how to get home but failed miserably. Instead of staying in Brooklyn I accidentally drove over the RFK bridge into Manhattan. This bridge has a toll. Do I have any money with me? ...no.

I approached the toll booth and told the worker, "I have no money. And I'm lost." Luckily, my car still has WI license plates which just helps my case. He directed me to the Williamsburg bridge and from there I (semi-)successfully navigated my way home.

I am a complete idiot without my phone. I have no idea where anything is or how to get there without Google maps. I don't even have a mental map to refer to. Even when someone tells me to go a certain direction and I am sure of myself, I still double check my phone, partly to be extra sure and partly because in NYC I just don't have time to walk an extra block.

New thought: Learn the area that I live around.

happy october!

i heart brooklynyc

Although I moved awhile ago, we finally have internet set up! I can't imagine being without internet for a prolonged period of time. 3 weeks was torture. Our apartment is quite lovely, small but cozy and comfortable. Pictures will come soon.

Brooklyn is the best because most buildings have accessible rooftops. It's nice to have a place to go at night, look at the city lights, and think. On September 11th, there were lights shooting up into the sky where the twin towers used to be. The view was incredible and quite thought provoking. I can't imagine what being in NYC in 2001 must have been like. Absolutely devastating.

On a happier note, I love living here. I've decided. It's official. I love my job. I love the people that I know. I love the ability to do anything and go anywhere at any moment. I love it all.