Victory is ours

Boccismo! reigns victorious. We won our game last night, bringing our stats to 2-4. We are on the winning streak and ain't NOTHIN gonna hold us down.

Starving Artist

Like most people in my situation, I have a ton of debt. Most of it is student loans, and a small percentage is credit cards; one of which will be paid off entirely by January (horrah!). Nevermind the fact that I'd like to be a homeowner someday- my student loans by themselves will take me about 25 years to pay off, but if I keep living in New York, it will probably take 40 years. Check out the articles in this week's New York Magazine to really get a glimpse at New York life. (For those who don't live here. For we who do, can you relate?) Notice the differences in "splurges" between teachers and business men.
Right now, I'm considering auditioning for the Army Field Band Soldier's Chorus in a few years. No kiddin'. It's a three-year commitment, and while it's not what I want to do with my life, it will eliminate almost all of my debt which will then allow me to move to Europe and live comfortably. And by comfortably, I mean without $48,000 in debt. It's just a thought, but reading these articles sure does put a lot into perspective.

The funniest thing I've read today

From today's Unethicist on Gawker:


I am a hospital physician. My department schedules us to work a few weekends a year. Like other doctors, I'm occasionally assigned to split a pair of weekends with someone who makes religious observance on Saturdays, so that he can work two Sundays, burdening me with two weekends of obligation. Is it O.K. to make me accommodate someone else's religious practices? Name Withheld

Oh, you are so cute! "I'm occasionally assigned to split a pair of weekends with someone who works as a dishwasher and has a lot of family living in the south." "I'm occasionally assigned to split a pair of weekends with someone whose children excel at math and science and who inverts his l's and his r's." "I'm occasionally assigned to split a pair of weekends with someone who has a great, seemingly innate sense of rhythm and eats a lot of chicken." So, you work with a Jew. On to your adorable question, Baby Hitler.

Man, you would sort of think that six years of medical school or whatever would kind of beat the bitch out of you, but I guess not. "I've been asked to come in and save lives ... ON THE WEEKEND!" I'm sure you've got an extra box of tissues in your BMW 335i for all your salty bitch tears.

Maybe instead of complaining about how some Jew has Jewed you out of your Saturday afternoons normally spent ignoring your wife and shopping on the Hammacher and Schlemmer website for The World's Best ball shaver, you should remember why you got into this business in the first place: all that fucking cash. Dude, how awesome is that?!

You could also get a hobby, like building your own synagogue and then burning it down in hateful protest.

Buckcherry? Seriously?

Bucket had to work what was, apparently, the worst rock show in all of Webster Hall History last night: Buckcherry.

Now, I've never actually heard a song by Buckcherry because I think the name itself is one of the douche-i-est band names of all times. Here's what Bucket has to say about his experience last night:

Bucket: if i had the option of slicing my balls off and being forced to watch as a bum ate them with mustard or ever listen to this band again. I'd choose balless death.
they had about 15 different shirts
in a thousand different sizes
me: HAHA
Bucket: and i had to count them all
let alone the 3 different size "crazy bitch" PANTIES
and the 5 different sized "CRAZY BITCH" briefs
me: i HOPE you got me a pair
me: or 6
Bucket: and they all were these jersey fools with sleeveless t-shirts or giant fake titties
they sang this one song
"crazy bitch"
it was beyond terrible
i wanted to die when they played this
more than i've ever wanted anything before in my life
i just had to watch the complete spectacle

Right on

Let's review Ipod etiquette, shall we?

I'm driving myself crazy...

...with this congestion. Tylenol DayTime did nothing for me. So I spent more money (I swear I should buy stock in cold medications), on Sudafed Sinus, and still- one side of my face is completely full of snot. I can't breathe out of one of my nostrils. WTF? Sudafed always does the trick. I know I'm annoying my co-workers with my constant sniffles. Hell, I keep telling myself to shut up already.

In other cold med news, has anyone tried the Airborne Gummi Lozenges? They work AND they made me high. Sort of. Maybe not. Where am I?

Here kitty kitty

My friend Bucket has graciously agreed to catsit for 3 weeks. Our friends John and Soren are in Russia (followed by Germany, France, and England), and while John is away, Bucket is watching his kitty. Apparently, the cat is straight from hell:


Bucket: it's just so fucking stupid
it's always knocking shit over
like...that's what it does
it shits
barely ever sleeps
ALWAYS WANTS FOOD
and then knocks over glasses and spills shit
he knocked over his carrying cage
off the top cupboard
at 2 in the morning
keeps me up all night
me: hahahaha
awww
Bucket: i want to open the door and let him escape
i dont think john would care
i hate him
the cat
not john
when you walk
me: hahhaha
Bucket: it walks with you
everywhere
but not beside you
NO
me: like a dog
Bucket: it walks back and forth in front of you
and between your legs
like he's purposely trying to trip you up
and kill you
me: hahahaahhahah
Bucket: im serious
me: i can't wait to see this cat
Bucket: it's so fucking annoying
i cant walk around my apartment without fear of death
i hate it
a lot
like...seriously hate the mother fucker
me: and you have to watch him for 3 weeks?
Bucket: yeah
me: man
does he poop in his litterbox?
Chris: yeah
he does
about the only thing he does right

Happy Holidays

Just when I thought New York couldn't be any more expensive.

Home Sick

I'm at home with a cold. I have nothing exciting to say. Oh, but be sure to check out Boccismo!'s site for some winning pictures.

Boccismo!'s popped the cherry!

Well bocce fans, last night was amazing, as Boccismo! enjoyed it's first victory. That's right, we won. It was a very intense game against one of the best teams in the league. It was pretty much point-for-point, coming down to some defining shots. My awesome teammates voted me MVP for the match. I'm not gonna lie: my fake chest hair and custom-made Boccismo! belt buckle pretty much sealed the deal. The other teams were jealous of my bling (and rightfully so!), and tryed to pry my Chinatown-buyin'-belt-buckle secrets from my ball-handlin' hands, but they failed. Foreshadowing, people.
Awesome winnings aside, the cherry on top of the night was the celeb sub of the night: the guitarist from the Scissor Sisters.
This guy.

He was subbing for a member of the opposing team, and was at my end of the court for the entire game. Yes, folks, he touched my fake chest hair and complemented my ball skillz. Bucket and I kept threatening to scream "I'm gonna take YO mama out!", but we figured that might be a bit tacky. So we played it cool; secretly freaking out inside, but acting like he was just another baller on the outside.

Aaaaaanyway, I'll have some pics up on Boccismo!'s site later, so check 'em out.

For those who are wondering...

I bought these, in brown:



I also got these, but with a splash of red:



You will now be able to sleep tonight.

See you in Hell

Brilliant.

Yeah, I know it's Stupid...

...but these are ridciulous things that annoy me.

1) People who walk in my "blind spot"- I can't see you, but I know you're there! Speed up and pass me, or drop back and chill. But for cryin' out loud, get the hell outta my blind spot, especially when you have an entire sidewalk.

2) Lots of commotion near my desk. I sit right in front of the receptionist. Thanks to the office renovations a few months ago, I actually have a tiny bit of privacy, but still- it's like a fuckin' stampede up in here. CONSTANT walking back and forth, talking, shuffling papers, and dragging feet.

3) Dragging feet- figurativly and literally. This really irks me, particularly when the foot dragger is wearing sandals. Honestly, is it THAT difficult to pick up your feet? Combine foot dragging with blind spot walking, and you have the ultimate annoyance. For me, anyway.

4) People who sit in the MIDDLE of two subway seats. Not because they need the extra room, but just because they are assholes. (OK, so this probably annoys a lot of people, but it needed to be said.)

5) "Sidewalk Swayers". These are people who can't decide on which side of the sidewalk to walk. (Could the words 'side' and 'walk' be used any more in that last sentence?) I hate this because if you're trying to walk past a swayer, you never know which way to go. Just when you think you're all set, they swerve and you nearly run into them. Being confronted head-on with a swayer is worse: you don't know until they've suddenly decided they want to be where YOU are, and then you have to hurry up and get out of the way. One of these days, I'm gonna keep walkin' and not move. I'm gonna clothesline all y'all bitches.


So there it is. Are these things silly? Yes. Is it stupid that I'm bothered by all of the above? Sure. Call me neurotic, or call me a New Yorker.

Check it

As if we weren't the coolest team in the league already, Boccismo! now has a website. Did I mention how awesome we are?

Sound all your instruments of war!

I'm happy to report that last night's performance went well, so you can all stop asking now. :)

BUT seriously folks, if you're interested in hearing it, check out Trinity's website for the webcast. I listened this morning, and the sound quality is great. It will also be broadcast on NYC Public radio, although I have no idea when that will actually happen.

On to the next thing!

Wish List

So, as you can probably tell by this post, I'm hard at work. Should I bite the bullet and spend some money on a nice pair of boots? I've decided that I'm asking my parents for snow boots (and a new winter jacket) for Christmas. I just can't make up my mind, so I've decided to include some photos of my favs. Beginning with second runner-up,

I like these in black:


These are awesome, either in the brown or olive. But not really dressy...


And my absolute favorite pair. They are classy, can be dressy or causual, but are the most expensive. I love this color, but if my black boots are going to kick the bucket, perhaps I should get them in black? Decisions, decisions.

Breakin' Off

In addition to the two nails I broke today, it seems my shoe wardrobe is in need of a tuneup. Now, unlike most women, I don't own a ton of shoes. I used to, but since I really don't have room for much of anything in my bedroom, I weeded big time before moving here. I do still have a few random pairs that match gowns, but besides that, I wear all of my shoes regularly. Needless to say, they need to be repaired or replaced more often.

The first disappointment is with my black boots. I LOVE these boots. I got them 2 years ago, and I wear them nearly every day in the fall and winter. They are the perfect height, look great with skirts and pants alike, and have a rubber sole. I had them re-tipped last month, but ever since I started wearing them daily, I've noticed the heels a'wobblin'. I feel like one (or both!) could break at any minute, which causes me to clench when I'm walking, which is probably why I feel like I sprained my ankle. Ouch.

The second disappointment are my black stilettos. I've had these buggers for 4 years now: re-tipped only once, they are the quintessential woman's shoe and every lady should have a pair in her closet. Pointy and fabulous, they started out as just "audition shoes", but quickly turned into "going out shoes" and have been worn in every season and every type of weather. I guess it should come as no surprise that now THOSE heels are feeling wobbly as well, and I really will sprain my ankle if one of them breaks.

And last, but certainly not least, are my black Diesels. Admittedly, they are not the best made shoes. I usually get a new pair every year. I've had my yellow Diesels for 2 years now, and they are holding up just fine. But being that they are yellow, I don't wear them every day. The black ones are more of a staple. And now they are bascially rubbed raw on the inside, which is giving me a little blister on my heel.

In short (or not so short), I need some new shoes. Normally, I would be estatic about buying new pairs of shoes. But mama don't really have the funds fo' all this at once. Not to mention the fact that I'm dying to get the perfect pair of brown boots- dressy, yet casual; not too much of a heel; looks good under or over jeans. What's a girl to do?

New York Debut

I spent the better part of the weekend rehearsing for what I like to call my "New York Debut"- a solo that lasts just a little over a minute. Baby steps, people; baby steps.

This performance completes my ringer stance with Trinity Wall St. choir..at least for now. I'm hoping they ask me back for future concerts (AKA, The Messiah), but for now, I'm glad it's coming to an end. It's really an amazing choir- superb musicianship, glorious sound, and discipline. Everything one wants in a performance situation. Unfortunately, it's also quite a commitment. I'm fairly certain that most of the choir members don't have 9-5 day jobs, so flexibility is not as much of an issue for them. While the money and experience is great, I'd rather keep my schedule a bit more open right now for auditions, lessons, coachings, and getting home before 10 PM.

At any rate, it's going to be a good concert. It's nice to feel like a singer again.

Truthiness

On November 1, Robert, Amanda, and I are going to a taping of the Colbert Report. I can't fucking wait. And here's why.

Quite possibly the biggest bullshit story of my life

I graduated from WVU 4.5 years ago. Let's just keep that in mind, shall we?

Parking on campus was always a GIGANTIC nightmare. There was not nearly enough parking for the number of cars, and given the fact that I lived too far from campus to walk, I had to drive every day. Needless to say, I got parking tickets. I could never afford a permit (it was something ridiculous like $160/year, and that's a lot of money to a college student.) I always paid my parking tickets, because if I didn't, a notice was sent home to my parents, who promptly screamed at me and refused to send me any money.

During my last semester, I racked up quite the bill, with something like $100 in tickets. I SPECIFICALLY remember paying $80.00 the week before I graduated, because I was worried that I wouldn't receive my diploma. And Lord knows I wasn't leaving that university without proof. I graduated- got my paper- and got out.

Cut to 2 years later. I receive something in the mail, saying that I owe the parking office of WVU $80.00 in back parking tickets. I kindly disregard it, remembering that I had paid my debt, and figuring that they are just complete idiots. It had, afterall, been 2 years since I left. A few months later, I received another letter saying that I owed $80.00 to the parking office. This time I called. I kindly explained to the woman on the line that I had paid these tickets prior to my leaving WVU and that this debt was not possible. Fine, no problem.

Cut to today...this morning...15 minutes ago. Yesterday, I requested that a copy of my transcript be sent to me, as I need this and my Peab. transcript for my Juilliard application. I got an email stating that WVU cannot process my request until the "hold on my account" is removed. Guess what? Parking office. ONCE AGAIN, I call. "Well, we don't have any evidence that you paid $80.00 worth of tickets."
"But, I did. I graduated. I have my diploma. I would not have received a diploma had I not paid the tickets. THAT WAS 4.5 YEARS AGO."
The lady on the phone was actually really nice; it's not her fault they are complete assholes.
"Well, in order to lift the hold, you have to pay these. I'm not sure what else to tell you. I can go over your payment history with you if you would like. Or, you can fax us a copy of your receipt for the $80.00."
Receipt? Right. I still have a receipt for 4 years ago, for a car I don't even OWN anymore.
"Well, looks like I'm screwed. Do you take Visa?"

Nip/Tuck Follow Up

If you don't watch it, you should. I love this show.

B'Choked

I know you're all dying to know how Boccismo!'s first round of games went last night. Well, not good, folks, not good. Boccismo! b'choked, and we lost. Big time. But it's all good- now we know what we're up against, and that talking smack the entire time probably doesn't equal us winning each match. From now on, we're in it to win it.

I never get the one I want anyway

A good weekend. Exactly what I needed! Things have been so busy lately, working/rehearsing/living; it's been a while since I've had an entire weekend of fun planned.
Friday night, I reunited with WVU friends. A lot of my classmates from undergrad live here, and a few of us get together from time to time, but we all felt the need to have one big night together. We had dinner, went out for drinks, and spent the night laughing about stupid things we did on choir trips and at parties. It was a great time. We even saw Dave Atell at the bar.
Saturday, I did my farmer's marketing and gymming, grocery shopping, then headed to Carnegie Hall to see Thomas Quasthoff with the Cleveland Orchestra. After he tore up some Mozart, he came back out and sang "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"- complete with a high b flat and low 3 flat. Amazing. Simply amazing. After intermission, Cleveland played Bruckner 5. A long symphony, but awesome. Lots of brass, lots of goodness.
Yesterday after church, I made some pumpkin chili- tis the season- then headed to the movies where Bucket and I saw Science of Sleep.SO good. I recommend it. Although it was a bit sad, it's totally worth it. Plus Gael Garcia Bernal is hottttttttt as usual. You get to see his butt.
After the movie, we headed down to the Knitting Factory, where my friends Brian and Soren were playing a show. It was my first time at the Knitting Factory- it sort of reminded me of a haunted house. There are 3 different stages, and it's very dark. Lots of staircases and just general haunted houseness. At any rate, they totally rocked the joint in front of a decent-sized crowd. Brian even gave a shoutout to Boccismo!. (Our first game is tonight).
Now it's back to business. Even though our building is technically closed today, my work is piling up so I best get to it. Oh yeah, and Viva Boccismo!

Take 2

I need to make a good recording. I'm tired of trying to get by with in-lesson mini-disc sessions. It just never really sounds good, and I end up passing on most applications that require a recording. But there is the itsy bitsy problem of it costing a ton of money. I don't have a ton of money. I also need to make this recording in the next few weeks because apps are DUE. Namely, the Juilliard Opera Center app which is really the main reason why I need something that sounds good.
So, my friend Soren, who is awesome at hooking me up with dinner reservations, show tickets, and boys (even though those boys may not know of my gigantic crushes), is trying to dig up a decent rate on a recording studio. I've met one of his friends, who has a recording studio in her basement, but alas- no grand piano. She can, however, take sound from a DVD and put it on CD for me. That means that I'll FINALLY be able to use something from Cendrillon. Yay!
So keep your fingers crossed that I can get this done in the next few weeks, and for under 100 bones.

Get off of me

Sharing a bed with another person is not easy for me. Now, it's been quite some time (Sigh) since I've had to worry about sleeping with someone regularly- and I do mean actual sleeping, you pervs- so I've gotten used to having my bed to myself. Generally, I sleep on one side of the bed anyway, but I do occasionally wake up and find myself sprawled out in the middle of the bed, using both pillows.
I think that a big part of a relationship is figuring out if you and your partner sleep well together. Everyone is different- some people don't move much (me), others kick and toss and turn (ugh.) Some people like to cuddle and sleep on top of their partner (yikes), others need breathing room and space. So what if you wind up with a kicker/cuddler, when you're a space-needer/stay-in-one-position-er?
Last night, after being extreme dorks by drinking beer and going through my friend Soren's iTunes citing which Justin Timerlake song is the best off of the new album and how that one John Mayer song sounds like that one Lionel Richie song, I decided to sleep at my friend Bucket's house. Getting around after midnight in the outter boroughs is a real pain in the ass, and usually involves a cab ride. Frankly, I didn't feel like shelling out $25 to get back to Astoria, so I just accepted Bucket's invite to crash in WillyB. Rather than sleep on the couch, I chose to sleep in Bucket's bed, with him. It was all very innocent, since Bucket likes the mens. Ironically, we passed out around 1:30, and I don't think either of us moved a muscle until the alarm went off at 7. (I had church this AM.) Figures- a man that I'll never actually "sleep with" is incredibly easy to sleep with.
So, in my infinite search for a decent man, I've added sleeping habits to the list. If I don't get a good night's sleep right from the start, chances are I'll be countin' sheep for the long haul.