"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagnination, and life to everything." ~ Plato


Thursday, February 6, 2014

Ups and Downs

It's a natural thing in life to have ups and downs.  Even within a day, something can turn around (positively or negatively).  Especially when things don't go as expected, it can be really hard to escape from the negative head space, from that tiny, evil voice inside your head saying all the bad side of things you're thinking.  Shouting them, even.  The best way to conquer that little voice, I've found, is to, first, recognize that IT is the one talking, not your actual head and heart.  Then, fight back, struggle through, whatever it takes to just keep going in spite of that little voice.

Hope for the best and do the hard work it takes to get there.  Reach out to friends and loved ones when it's too hard to try alone and remember that you're never truly alone in your struggles.

Love&Harmony,
Erin

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

This Thing I Like 2

Today, I'd like to mention the music group The Wailin' Jennys.

They're a trio of women who sing in tight harmonies, with a folksy, bluegrass style that sometimes delves into British or Irish folk song.  I've been listening to them pretty much all day today - they're great for public transit (at least in my opinion.)  Arguably, a lot of their music can sound the same if you're casually listening.  However, their musical styling and - especially - the lyrics of their songs are both strong pulls towards their originality.

It's great music for winding down after a long day, or maybe mixed in as a part of a road trip CD.  They're everything that's good about "just a little bit country."  Read more here: The Wailin' Jennys on Wikipedia


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Montag

I'm working on catching up on Downton.  Monday night was episode 4 for me and I've still got to get episode 5 in before next Sunday!

I am so relieved for Anna and Mr. Bates.  But of course his attitude at the end of the episode is disturbing.  Of course he knows it was actually the valet... Maybe, though, he doesn't have murder in mind??

Yay for a new lady's maid who isn't crazy!  At least... I don't think so... It's hard to tell if she is keen on Thomas' demands for her knowledge/alliance or not.  She is certainly the most normal of the 3 that have been on the show though.  I like her sewing skillz, too.

Poor Alfred!  But Daisy sure was cute at the end of the episode - all smiley because he would still be around.  Maybe he'll start to see her worth since she helped him so much?

I feel for Lady Mary.  She really did have something stirring in her heart.  The sneak-peek for the next episode, though, possibly holds hope.  And Lady Edith -- something is going on there in London.  Is her man in Germany yet??  I'm confused...

And so many Maggie Smith quips!  Best!!

All in all, a pretty good episode.  Most of the Anna-Bates angst is resolved (thank goodness) and that was the truly heaviest part of this week.  Looking forward to another one later this week!


Love&Harmony,
Erinn

Monday, February 3, 2014

Getting Settled and SUPERBOWL

For me the harder part of moving is unpacking.  Until my bed made it here today, I was having the hardest time picturing the layout for my side of the room.  (Side note -- yay comfy new bed!!!)

I'm still not settled completely in, but it's much better than it was 12 hours ago.  It will likely be a process of several days.  And, you know, school.

Enjoyed watching the Seahawks CREAM the Broncos (really, were they actually at that game?) at Kristina's Superbowl party.  I mean, the game itself was mostly exciting because we got so many touchdowns.  But hanging with all the friends was what made it memorable.  The Bronco scarf shenanigans... that is all.

Matt is out of town for most of this week, auditioning for several different things.  The rain/low clouds out here screwed up his travels for a while, but he made it to KC by about 11pm.  I'll be thinking of him a lot this week.  <3

Love&Harmony,
Erin

Ch-ch-ch-Changes (Sat 2-1)

Change is so, so good.

At least in this case.  I am so happy and excited to be in my new apartment with James and Lauren.

Pros:
- Roommates//people I can talk to and be friends with!
- A big comfy bedroom where I don't have to store my dishes/food/bathroom stuff as well.
- A beautiful, airy, light living room.
- The rooftop balcony.
- Common spaces.
- Bathroom attached to bedroom.
- Friendship.
- Did I mention living with friends?

The only major con is that the kitchen is kind of odd - no oven (but I'm already used to that), and not a ton of storage space.  But there are solutions to that and everything else outweighs those details!

In other news, I have amazing, amazing, AMAZING friends at the Conservatory.  Moving out/in was done in less than an hour.  Mr. Reisenthel came to help me rent a truck and be the real adult of the situation.  But 7-8 school friends (plus my wonderful man Matt) came as helping hands.  The many hands make light work phrase is so incredibly true!  And it really goes to show that the people at this school are legitimately kind, caring people (I think I know one person who as said he actually enjoys the physical labor of moving things.)  I'm looking forward to throwing a post-moving pizza and beer party soon as a thank you!

Happy for changes!
Love&Harmony,
Erin

For Friday

I'm behind because of moving this weekend -- Friday night was literally just packing things up and trying not to panic about not feeling done.  I guess I was pretty successful because Saturday morning was a cinch.

Not sure why I feel the need to explain myself or be apologetic about missing posts.  That's the beauty of posting things to the internet; the off-chance that someone, somewhere is expecting to read this gives the illusion of accountability.  I think I also feel some sense of obligation to my past-self and resolutions list.  Is that a form of guilt?  Letting myself down via past expectations of success?  Aka disappointment, I suppose.  At least this is a mild case.  :)

Important Friday 1-31 Things:
- Signed the lease for the place with James!!!
- Walking really fast in not-great shoes led to a weird, large bit of rubbed-loose skin on my heel... wahh it kind of hurts.  Not sure what to do about it.
- Day off from teaching voice lessons.
- Attempted to watch Sherlock while packing - couldn't focus and had to turn it off.  :/
- Yep, that's it.


Love&Harmony,
Erin