HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! :)
I hope everyone feels the love today! :)
So I've decided I'm not going to write about anything related to Valentine's Day today. It's not that I don't like the holiday--on the contrary, I actually really think it's a fun one!--but I just have something else that made me even happier than the insane amount of chocolate I devoured today! Haha!
As a dance major here at school, they have us taking composition class (or choreography class); it's a full-year course as a freshman and a spring semester course in the second year. First semester we had improvisation in place of comp and I'll be honest with you...I was not too excited about the idea of switching back to comp at the start of the new semester. "Choreography" has always been something I enjoy, but something about the classes I've taken have caused me to stress out over accomplishing tasks more than actually discovering my own choreographic process that works best for me. I'm finding, though, as these weeks go by and we've been given the chance do just that--to explore the way we naturally approach the development of movement--the concept of "choreography" doesn't intimidate me as much. I'm realizing that each task we're given is simply a task...There's no right or wrong, it just "is." What "is" is able to change, movement can be thrown out as new movement develops...a set "5, 6, 7, 8" isn't necessary. I'm realizing that the development of choreography isn't concrete. How can it be, right?! I mean how can something be concrete before there's really anything to work with? That was always my biggest problem...Fearing what had yet to be developed due to premature judgements of what hasn't even come about yet, resulting in my holding back and tiptoeing around movement qualities and ideas that I may think to be uncomfortable or not "pretty." I've been able to choreograph up until now, but the pressure I've always felt to get it "right" is starting to fall away. And for that I'm very grateful and excited about delving even deeper into my artist's mind! (What would I do without comp class?!)
Today, real artistic exploration and development make me happy :)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Day 111: February 13, 2011.
I know it's early yet, but this morning has already started off wonderfully! I woke up again on the early side in order to get my morning under way as soon as possible...With rehearsal, church and rehearsal going on later this afternoon and into tonight, lots of things--like studying for tomorrow's Dance History test--have to get done before I head out! Thankfully the bulk of the studying has already been accomplished so now it's just rereading and reviewing! So with that under my belt, a nice morning chat with Mom and, again, some leisurely Food Network viewing (I'm telling you, it's the best!), I'm feeling good about heading into this day!
Also, I like to start my day off with one of two things for breakfast. I either like a nice mug of oatmeal (yes, a mug! For some reason I prefer eating it out of that than a bowl!) or a bowl of cereal. This morning was definitely a milk and cereal morning...Vanilla Almond Special K with banana slices? Can't go wrong! It's funny because I never used to like milk in my cereal growing up (Dad always got a kick out of that!). I'm glad to say I've grown out of that! In all seriousness though, as simple as it may sound, sometimes a good bowl of cereal in the morning really hits the spot! Why not set up the day on a good note?! :)
As today begins rolling along, beginning a long day with one of the best food pairings ever put together makes me happy :)
Also, I like to start my day off with one of two things for breakfast. I either like a nice mug of oatmeal (yes, a mug! For some reason I prefer eating it out of that than a bowl!) or a bowl of cereal. This morning was definitely a milk and cereal morning...Vanilla Almond Special K with banana slices? Can't go wrong! It's funny because I never used to like milk in my cereal growing up (Dad always got a kick out of that!). I'm glad to say I've grown out of that! In all seriousness though, as simple as it may sound, sometimes a good bowl of cereal in the morning really hits the spot! Why not set up the day on a good note?! :)
As today begins rolling along, beginning a long day with one of the best food pairings ever put together makes me happy :)
Day 110: February 12, 2011.
This was one solid Saturday :) The day as a whole made me happy, but before getting to the big "like"/story of the day I'm going to list a few of the things that kept the smile on my face!
I woke up at 7:50 this morning, well before my alarm. I was done sleeping and couldn't get myself to go back to sleep! I really enjoy early weekend mornings when I have nowhere to be immediately!
The Food Network was on for the majority of the day in our apartment. I'm loving this channel these days...It's great "background noise" for when I'm getting work done (I can't do work in complete silence!) and when I need a few minutes for a breather I can look up to learn something pertaining to the culinary arts, which I'm trying to become better educated in!
Eggplant was cooking in the crock pot all afternoon, so when I walked in from rehearsal the whole apartment smelled like delicious pasta sauce! It was really wonderful!
Took another fabulous Saturday night contemporary class at Broadway Dance Center tonight! The only thing I don't like about that class is having to wait until 7:30 at night to take it! It's such a nice breather from schoolwork and break from the usual classes I take during the normal school week!
What I really loved today though, was seeing this:
I actually pass by this Chevy's on 42nd and 7th every weekend when I go to Broadway Dance Center. Why is this so exciting? It's not, really. But the memory it evokes is one that I love remembering. I came to New York City for the first time in 6th grade during spring break. I was excited beyond words and remember being able to talk about nothing else for weeks leading up to the trip. I saw my first Broadway show that trip (42nd Street), we went to Central Park and rode the Merry-Go-Round, I ate my first street vendor pretzel (still my favorites!)...At one point we also ate at this Chevy's right off of Times Square. I don't remember when it the trip it was, but I do remember that it was one afternoon, we were getting sleepy and hungry, and it was time to eat! We sat on the upper level next to a window behind one of those neon letters...It was so awesome to me to be eating in a restaurant in Times Square, little did I know that this is simply a tex-mex chain restaurant that we have at home! (We're not usually Chevy's people, but it was perfect at the time!) It wasn't until one of my mom's more recent trips to visit me here at school did I find out that this was actually where we ate that one day eight years ago!
Passing by this restaurant every week and stopping for a split second tonight to think about the excitement I experienced during that trip made me think about how in life one never really knows what's going to happen! As a wide-eyed 6th grade vacationer I had absolutely zero idea that I would someday end up living in this place. That that "Tex-Mex restaurant in New York"--that one Chevy's that stuck in my memory for all these years--would be something I would see on a regular basis.
It may sound silly, I think it's very cool how that happens; how one seemingly small piece of everyday life conjures up recollections of years' past, connecting the dots between the then and the now :)
Tonight, re-experiencing youthful joy and remembering the importance of the little things and the memories they hold make me happy :)
I woke up at 7:50 this morning, well before my alarm. I was done sleeping and couldn't get myself to go back to sleep! I really enjoy early weekend mornings when I have nowhere to be immediately!
The Food Network was on for the majority of the day in our apartment. I'm loving this channel these days...It's great "background noise" for when I'm getting work done (I can't do work in complete silence!) and when I need a few minutes for a breather I can look up to learn something pertaining to the culinary arts, which I'm trying to become better educated in!
Eggplant was cooking in the crock pot all afternoon, so when I walked in from rehearsal the whole apartment smelled like delicious pasta sauce! It was really wonderful!
Took another fabulous Saturday night contemporary class at Broadway Dance Center tonight! The only thing I don't like about that class is having to wait until 7:30 at night to take it! It's such a nice breather from schoolwork and break from the usual classes I take during the normal school week!
What I really loved today though, was seeing this:
I actually pass by this Chevy's on 42nd and 7th every weekend when I go to Broadway Dance Center. Why is this so exciting? It's not, really. But the memory it evokes is one that I love remembering. I came to New York City for the first time in 6th grade during spring break. I was excited beyond words and remember being able to talk about nothing else for weeks leading up to the trip. I saw my first Broadway show that trip (42nd Street), we went to Central Park and rode the Merry-Go-Round, I ate my first street vendor pretzel (still my favorites!)...At one point we also ate at this Chevy's right off of Times Square. I don't remember when it the trip it was, but I do remember that it was one afternoon, we were getting sleepy and hungry, and it was time to eat! We sat on the upper level next to a window behind one of those neon letters...It was so awesome to me to be eating in a restaurant in Times Square, little did I know that this is simply a tex-mex chain restaurant that we have at home! (We're not usually Chevy's people, but it was perfect at the time!) It wasn't until one of my mom's more recent trips to visit me here at school did I find out that this was actually where we ate that one day eight years ago!
Passing by this restaurant every week and stopping for a split second tonight to think about the excitement I experienced during that trip made me think about how in life one never really knows what's going to happen! As a wide-eyed 6th grade vacationer I had absolutely zero idea that I would someday end up living in this place. That that "Tex-Mex restaurant in New York"--that one Chevy's that stuck in my memory for all these years--would be something I would see on a regular basis.
It may sound silly, I think it's very cool how that happens; how one seemingly small piece of everyday life conjures up recollections of years' past, connecting the dots between the then and the now :)
Tonight, re-experiencing youthful joy and remembering the importance of the little things and the memories they hold make me happy :)
Friday, February 11, 2011
Day 109: February 11, 2011.
A smile has been on my face today for one reason:
It. Is. Friday :)
This was one of those weeks where each day blended right into the next; coming home at night it's hard to remember if something happened this morning or yesterday because it seems so long ago! I actually really like schedules that are this packed. I like downtime when it's available (in moderation) but if I'm going to be busy I want to be BUSY! The more I'm going, going, going the less time I have to really realize how tired I may be...It's the second I sit down that the motivation drops and I almost immediately slow down! So I'm very thankful for the pace that this week--well, this semester--has kept so far, but the second Dance History ends on Friday afternoon, that breath of relief that comes with the knowledge that another school week has been completed is one that I very much appreciate! Heck, I love that feeling of going to bed Thursday night knowing that Friday is right on the other side of that sleep...For some reason, just like with snow days, Friday will forever be a day with a positive vibe from the get-go. That will never dwindle with age! No matter what's going on or how many things have to be done, it always seems okay, simply due to the day of the week it is. Okay, I'm sorry for the seemingly pointless ramble about my Friday joy, but that's all I've got for you today--that's all I've needed for this to be a GREAT day!! :)
Today, "just because" happiness makes me happy :)
It. Is. Friday :)
This was one of those weeks where each day blended right into the next; coming home at night it's hard to remember if something happened this morning or yesterday because it seems so long ago! I actually really like schedules that are this packed. I like downtime when it's available (in moderation) but if I'm going to be busy I want to be BUSY! The more I'm going, going, going the less time I have to really realize how tired I may be...It's the second I sit down that the motivation drops and I almost immediately slow down! So I'm very thankful for the pace that this week--well, this semester--has kept so far, but the second Dance History ends on Friday afternoon, that breath of relief that comes with the knowledge that another school week has been completed is one that I very much appreciate! Heck, I love that feeling of going to bed Thursday night knowing that Friday is right on the other side of that sleep...For some reason, just like with snow days, Friday will forever be a day with a positive vibe from the get-go. That will never dwindle with age! No matter what's going on or how many things have to be done, it always seems okay, simply due to the day of the week it is. Okay, I'm sorry for the seemingly pointless ramble about my Friday joy, but that's all I've got for you today--that's all I've needed for this to be a GREAT day!! :)
Today, "just because" happiness makes me happy :)
Day 108: February 10, 2011.
I'm going to be totally honest with you...I had a really difficult time today finding something to record on here. I actually had that thought as I was walking between classes at one point-What am I going to write about in my "Like" List tonight?! Thursday is a marathon day if I ever knew one. Ballet followed by Modern followed by Voice followed by Modern Art followed by Acting, then a quick break before good ol' 2 and a half hour American Musical class to top off the day. (Is that a run-on? I think it might be. Haha!) I'm not complaining, for I really do enjoy each of these classes and I really like being in each one! I guess my emotional reaction to Thursdays is more of a "I can't believe one day can hold so much school" kind of reaction!
Being the fifth class of the day, and depending on how much energy I really feel like exerting, acting class is either great or it's the last place I want to be! Almost always, though, I absolutely love it when I'm there. I learn a lot and have a ton of fun while doing so! Today's class was exactly what I needed in order to keep me at least somewhat awake for the final stretch of the day. Before getting to work on our work for the day our teacher has us start class with a few acting games. So far, all the ones we've played have been so much fun and more often than not we're all laughing by the end--yet still very concentrated in order to successfully accomplish the games. I'm not going to try to explain the game we learned today because I don't think I'll be able to get what the game entails into cohesive words, but it was called "Samurai" and it was a fun, fun effort meant to get us working together as a group (since working with other people/actors is really the most important part of scene work). After a few uncertain rounds of the game we got the hang of it and really got into it! After just running across campus from a lecture--and 75 minutes of frenzied note-taking--this was the perfect midday boost of energy! Gotta love THAT!! :)
So today, at the end of a long, long school day, smiles, laughs and silly (but not really!) games make me happy :)
Being the fifth class of the day, and depending on how much energy I really feel like exerting, acting class is either great or it's the last place I want to be! Almost always, though, I absolutely love it when I'm there. I learn a lot and have a ton of fun while doing so! Today's class was exactly what I needed in order to keep me at least somewhat awake for the final stretch of the day. Before getting to work on our work for the day our teacher has us start class with a few acting games. So far, all the ones we've played have been so much fun and more often than not we're all laughing by the end--yet still very concentrated in order to successfully accomplish the games. I'm not going to try to explain the game we learned today because I don't think I'll be able to get what the game entails into cohesive words, but it was called "Samurai" and it was a fun, fun effort meant to get us working together as a group (since working with other people/actors is really the most important part of scene work). After a few uncertain rounds of the game we got the hang of it and really got into it! After just running across campus from a lecture--and 75 minutes of frenzied note-taking--this was the perfect midday boost of energy! Gotta love THAT!! :)
So today, at the end of a long, long school day, smiles, laughs and silly (but not really!) games make me happy :)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Day 107: February 9, 2011.
My favorite times to be at the dance studio are when it's dark and rainy and when it's sunny. I don't so much enjoy walking to the studio in the rain, but for some reason I've always loved being there when rain is falling outside. Even all through high school my favorite days at the studio were rainy Saturdays! I also absolutely love it when the sun is streaming in through the wide windows, as it was this morning. On Wednesdays we have a "late" morning and start at 10. We start with somatics (bodywork), and then at 10:45 ballet class starts. Sometimes starting that late (seeing as ballet usually starts at 9) really throws me off. Some Wednesdays I can't help but constantly look at the clock and feel like we've been in ballet class since the beginning of time! That wasn't the case this morning though, and I'm giving credit for that to the beautiful sun that poured in from the sky above Second Avenue all morning! The studio was bright with gorgeous natural light! It was so inviting and just made me want to move! Class felt great (which is always something I'm thankful to be able to say!) and from there the rest of the day rolled along!
I love this city and I love this art. I know I say it all the time, but it's just so true :)
Tonight, sunny days, great dance classes, and how the combination of the two is able to take my mood from good to fantastic make me happy :)
I love this city and I love this art. I know I say it all the time, but it's just so true :)
Tonight, sunny days, great dance classes, and how the combination of the two is able to take my mood from good to fantastic make me happy :)
Day 106: February 8, 2011.
I was never a morning person as a kid. When I was younger, having to wake up early for anything frustrated me. I was a kid who could sleep in until 12 or 1 in the afternoon on the weekends (or weekdays, if given the chance!) without any trouble! Yet as wonderful as those days were, they rarely exist at this point.
Since coming to college, the tables have turned quite a bit and I've become more and more okay with waking up in the morning to start the day. Granted it's pretty much because I have no other choice and due to the early mornings every single day my body is unable to really sleep past 8:30 or 9 AM come Saturday morning! But while this really annoyed me last year as I made the transition into college life, I now actually really enjoy the earlier hours of the morning. (I also hate rushing out the door, so in order to make sure I have plenty of time to enjoy my morning before heading to class I usually wake up a good hour or so before I have to leave. That way I can eat breakfast, take my time getting ready, and I'm not thrown into the day without having time to process what has to happen!) Tuesdays, actually, are turning into one of my favorite early days of the week. I take pilates at 8 AM so I wake up around 6:30 on Tuesdays and Fridays. This morning I got out of bed, grabbed what I'd need out of my room and set up my spot at the table in the living area so my roommate could sleep. No one else is awake before I leave at 7:30 on Tuesday mornings, which means that for one full hour I'm able to breathe completely by myself. The apartment is still, there's no noise (unless I turn on music), there are no other things happening...Tuesday mornings between 6:30 and 7:30 AM is actually a time I find myself really looking forward to. Hearing my alarm going off isn't my favorite sound in the world, but once I'm up I'm definitely very thankful for the given moments alone!
It's so rare to find times and/or places to just be completely quiet these days. To not have to talk to anyone. To be able to simply think. But it's actually quite important to do so from time to time! Taking a few minutes for yourself--even if it's just 10 minutes here and there, whether it be before the sun is up, or in the middle of the day for a little cat nap, or even at night after everyone's gone to bed--is so necessary! We're all pushing a lot these days, trying to accomplish as many things as we can (and then some)...It's great to keep busy and moving but be sure to take some time from yourself as best you can! You will thank you for it :)
So tonight, quiet, serene mornings make me happy :)
Since coming to college, the tables have turned quite a bit and I've become more and more okay with waking up in the morning to start the day. Granted it's pretty much because I have no other choice and due to the early mornings every single day my body is unable to really sleep past 8:30 or 9 AM come Saturday morning! But while this really annoyed me last year as I made the transition into college life, I now actually really enjoy the earlier hours of the morning. (I also hate rushing out the door, so in order to make sure I have plenty of time to enjoy my morning before heading to class I usually wake up a good hour or so before I have to leave. That way I can eat breakfast, take my time getting ready, and I'm not thrown into the day without having time to process what has to happen!) Tuesdays, actually, are turning into one of my favorite early days of the week. I take pilates at 8 AM so I wake up around 6:30 on Tuesdays and Fridays. This morning I got out of bed, grabbed what I'd need out of my room and set up my spot at the table in the living area so my roommate could sleep. No one else is awake before I leave at 7:30 on Tuesday mornings, which means that for one full hour I'm able to breathe completely by myself. The apartment is still, there's no noise (unless I turn on music), there are no other things happening...Tuesday mornings between 6:30 and 7:30 AM is actually a time I find myself really looking forward to. Hearing my alarm going off isn't my favorite sound in the world, but once I'm up I'm definitely very thankful for the given moments alone!
It's so rare to find times and/or places to just be completely quiet these days. To not have to talk to anyone. To be able to simply think. But it's actually quite important to do so from time to time! Taking a few minutes for yourself--even if it's just 10 minutes here and there, whether it be before the sun is up, or in the middle of the day for a little cat nap, or even at night after everyone's gone to bed--is so necessary! We're all pushing a lot these days, trying to accomplish as many things as we can (and then some)...It's great to keep busy and moving but be sure to take some time from yourself as best you can! You will thank you for it :)
So tonight, quiet, serene mornings make me happy :)
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