- Tag Archives General Life
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“I learned to walk as a baby and I haven’t had a lesson since.” Marilyn Monroe
I went out yesterday and looked for guitar instructors. It’s a nice feeling knowing what questions I want to ask. (Essentially, I’m “auditioning” guitar teachers – since they’ll have to prove that they know what they’re talking about before I buy into the lesson) New students have no idea what to look or ask for – but I’ve done this long enough I know what I want. Mostly though, I wanted to check out the “vibe” of the places to see if they matched up with what would motivate me. For some reason, I can’t get my ass into gear and practice like I need to. I’m currently overwhelmed with options I suppose. Too much stuff to study from, and not enough thought about what I’m going to actually practice. That is not helping me in my quest to audition at UTA.
Most people who hear me play would say (and do say), “What? Lessons? You? Why are you taking lessons?”. Anyone who actually plays guitar for a living (whether it be a band, a teacher, what have you) quickly can see my weaknesses as a guitar player. I told the one guy (at the place I’m hoping to hook up with) that I’m really looking to increase my fluency on guitar. I need goals, and I need a taskmaster to get me to those goals. While I’m definitely better than a beginner, I’m man enough to admit I need help to get me to my next level.
Found a place conveniently located near that same little club that has an open mic night on Tuesdays. It’s a few miles from my house and while it did appear fairly disorganized, I liked the setup of the practice rooms. They remind me a lot of when I was taking lessons at Rockin’ Robin back in the 80’s from one of my best friends. I suppose that’s why I like it so much. That and it’s close by the house. Ha!
Still waiting on a response from the scheduling lady. *crossing fingers*
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“Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death” Dead Kennedys
I’ve got a new nephew.
Yes, it is a surprise, but only because they waited until the birth to find out what sex the baby was (which apparently is pretty rare these days). The instant-gratification society we live in can’t wait nine months for anything. LOL. Apparently all the nurses were shocked. Spent some time with the family this morning (first in – which is pretty unusual) and got to get some alone time with my first nephew. He’s now the “older brother” and I guess he and I can relate.
Not much else to report – I guess I still got a lot done. I think my daughter has bronchitis, so I’m taking her to the doctor tomorrow. Took some airborne and took a three hour nap to combat these feelings of fatigue I have. *crossing fingers*
Time to work out, then maybe do some reading. I have a lot of unread books right now.
*did forget to mention*
I have a really cool trip booked for September, but right now linkage to the site where I’m going is worthless, so I’ll wait to update with more detail.
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“While others may argue about whether the world ends with a bang or a whimper, I just want to make sure mine doesn’t end with a whine” Barbara Gordon
Okay, okay. I admit it.
I’ve been slacking……a LOT.
My weight has ballooned up, and now that I’m out of school for a while, I guess it’s something I should take care of.
Granted, I give myself a “pass” for last weekend – a friend came in from out of town and we managed to indulge in some culinary delights.
However! That being said, it’s time to crack the whip, and make things happen.
Here we go…….
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“You may have heard that a dean is to faculty as a hydrant is to a dog” Alfred Kahn
As I find myself navigating different situations that previously I might have over-controlled in order to pre-determine the outcome, but have more or less played by ear, I realize that like anything else the release of control gets easier with practice
I made the Dean’s list apparently. Which is pretty strange since I’ve never overshot my goals quite so spectacularly.
Well, good for me I guess.
In other news, I got to move my daughter’s piano into my music room – and I’ve started the learning.
One of my friends hooked me up with a guy who is looking for a non-singing guitar player…..hey! That’s ME! so we’re going to try and get together and play. Things are power drifting into the right direction. While I have been content to previously let these things fall in my lap (as they did this time) as of last week, I had decided that I was going to play a new open mic night around the corner from my house. I haven’t prepped for it yet – but I’m in slight vacation mode. Things are looking like they’re flowing in the right direction though.
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“In grade school, I was a complete geek. You know, there’s always the kid who’s too short, the kid who wears glasses, the kid who’s not athletic. Well, I was all three.” Julianne Moore
I almost can’t believe it.
I’ve done far better this semester than I ever have in my life. Let’s break it down:
Chemistry: Final Grade (B)
Government: Final Grade (A)
Concepts of Physical Education: Final Grade (A)
History – Civil War thru Present: Final Grade (B)
The only class that I have left is Music Reading – in which I currently have a grade average of 104. (Extra Credit) – so after I turn in my masterpiece of a tune, I should also have an A in that class.!!
I’m pretty proud of myself. I also looked up the text for the music appreciation class (RnR) that I’m excited about, it’s called: “Rockin’ in Time: A Social History of Rock and Roll” Here is the synopsis:
This well-organized, visually interesting book offers an in-depth examination of the social history of rock-and-roll. Rockin’ in Time emphasizes several main themes, including the importance of African-American culture in the origins and development of rock music. Topics covered in this comprehensive history are: the blues and racism; Elvis Presley and rockabilly; Dick Clark and Don Kirshner; the California sound; Bob Dylan; the British invasion; Motown; acid rock; campus unrest and militant blues; the 1970s; punk rock; MTV; Generation X; the rave revolution; hip hop; and nu-metal. An excellent reference work for rock fans, music industry employees, those employed by radio stations, and those in music and performer-related marketing.
I can’t wait! I’m also going to teach myself how to play piano during the break between semesters…..
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“At that point, we’d stop recycling.” Heidi Adams
I’d forgotten what a great exercise having someone over is.
Really, there’s nothing like saying, “Company is coming” and then realizing that you need to clean up your house.
Granted, my house is typically not that messy – it’s a matter of organizing the few things that “get away from me” like my computer desk. Recycling the mass amounts of junk mail that I get in my father’s name takes a while too. Of course, I vacuumed the house using the Dyson (hallelujah!) and I wonder how many cats I could build out of the loads and loads of hair I picked up. Is there a way to recycle cat hair? Does it make good wall insulation?
As always, my brain feels a lot better when my house is organized, so I naturally feel great today. LOL!
Also, I got a check for $.04 from the brokerage that was giving me a hard time. I’m not going to cash it on principle. Apparently it must be cashed within 180 days. I wonder if they’ll cut another check? Or write it off?
I have two more finals – well, three really, but I’ve written the song for my intro music reading class – it’s ready to be handed in on Thursday. So, the classes that I have A’s in, I have finals for tomorrow. I suppose I’ll study a little later. Maybe. I made a “B” in my Chemistry class (thank you curve!) and a “B” in my History class.
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“There is music wherever there is harmony, order, or proportion.” Thomas C. Haliburton
In general, I’ve always wondered what possessed my mother (or father) to buy the two main record albums that I remember receiving as a child. Yes, record albums. The big plastic discs….
I believe the first was “Meet the Beatles”
The second was “Surfin’ USA”. I can’t find the actual album, because for some reason the tracks I specifically remember (In My Room, Surfin’ USA, Little Deuce Coupe) don’t seem to appear on any one album. I’ll put the closest I can find:
I didn’t have Surfin’ USA album for sure – because I know that I would have recognized Miserlou and Honky Tonk later in life. I hadn’t heard those until late 90’s.
These albums were received as Christmas gifts in probably ’78 or ’79. Possibly 1980. So, which came first, my getting albums? Or my love of harmony (and minor progressions)? I picked up the “With the Beatles” which I think is the European version of “Meet the Beatles”. The Beatles disc is playing right now – and I remember all the times I listed to this record over and over and over. This is in the late 70’s. I didn’t have any idea who the Beatles were!
Obviously, I think that “In My Room” is one of the most haunting harmonies that Brian Wilson ever wrote. I once got busted for harmonizing in choir as a young lad. LOL.
I love the counterpoint I guess.
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“We have forty million reasons for failure, but not a single excuse.” Rudyard Kipling
Wow – I bombed the final in both my lab AND my chemistry class. BUT, my previous grades were high enough that I’ll pass with a C. Depending on the curve, I might even get a “B”. Whoooooo!!!!
Chemistry is DONE!!!!
Four more finals to go.
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“If it was a five year-old asking me to do “Road Runner” I would have done it easy. But the same people who asked for “Road Runner” asked for “Pablo Picasso”, they all had these sort of arty voices.” Jonathan Richman
It’s not like I live in the “Wilds of Texas” or anything, but there’s this roadrunner that I’ve seen before. Well, today he was hanging out at my neighbors house. Not sure exactly what he’s doing (except sunning himself and avoiding dogs) but he’s gained a lot of winter weight.
Hard to capture an “action shot” of a roadrunner (if you can believe it):
