Busy start to the year

It's been so crazy busy already. School is of course back in swing and I'm gearing up for contest season. It won't be as phenomenal as last year, but they're starting to come along so I have high hopes at least. I'd rather have assurance. Symphony season is up and running, and we open this year with our Children's Concert on Jan. 29. We're playing one of my all time favorite orchestra pieces Hopak from The Fair at Soroschinsk by Mussorgsky. I was asked to write the program notes for this, so that was exciting. It has been so long since I've done any major report of any kinds that MUST be correct, since this is being published and will appear in something that people have paid for. I had to use my MLA handbook to cite my sources correctly. I'm sure it is out of date but according to how things were in 1996, it's fine.

I am on the artistic board for the symphony also, and have been busy planning out the next season. It's a very cool job, and I'm so pleased that I have such a major role in the direction this orchestra takes. I'm also making some cash doing side gigs that come my way via association with this group. Definitely like an extra hundred in my weekend. I'm already booked as far as May! :)

I've been playing Bordlerlands nonstop (after school) for a couple weeks. Man, I missed that game!! I got Claptrap Revolution--- that was fun, but over surprisingly quickly. Is it just me or are the colors in that one a bit more intense or vivid? I like it. Matt and I have teamed up on that and he totally loves the game. Next he's getting Zombie Island of Dr. Ned. That one rocked. My brother and I were talking about Red Dead's Zombie add-on. I'm thinking about getting it but don't want to until I finish Borderlands. I'm a completionist it turns out. I thought I was just an acheivement whore, but no... I want the whole thing done.

This week and part of last week I was ridiculously sick with a horrible cold, so I stayed home from school for three days (played BL pretty much the whole time), and now since I'm feeling betting, I'm making some kick ass chili to burn off the rest of this cold. Matt took really good care of me, making me food, bringing me medicine, listening to me bitch, and just feeling sorry for me. He's a sweetheart. Ohhh... he met my best friend, the one who was my climbing partner like 15 years ago.... she liked him!!! OMG she loved him. It was a VERY good sign. She hates everyone I date and always has something snide to say, but she couldn't find the problem with this one. (Erin: 1 point, Amanda: about 6). She could not have lobbied harder against me marrying my ex without affecting our friendship, so I guess I should listen to her more. I like that she likes Matt. She was reminded not to be overly sarcastic (Matt with his sensitive little feelings, you know)-- Amanda has the sharpest tongue and wit and most of the time I'm ecstatic that her barbed wit isn't aimed at me. In 7th grade a girl was making fun of her make up so Amanda got right in her face and said Oh yeah? At least I can go home and wash my face. You're FAT." (This is why I love her.) An adult version of Amanda: at a bar, a man walks up to her and gives her some stupid pick up line. She stares at him silently. He repeats himself. She says "I heard what you said. I'm waiting for you to get embarassed and walk off." LMAO!!!!!! I LOVE her! I'm so sad because she and her husband are moving to Italy at the end of March. I will miss her soooo much.

Another friend of mine  gave me some news: two days ago her sister (in Hungary) just had her first baby after YEARS of trying to get pregnant. Yesterday they took her to the hospital because the baby suddenly stopped breathing. She's now on her way to Hungary and I don't know what has happened since. :( Hopefully it's good news and now she can at least see the baby when she gets there. I'm really hoping it's not to console her sister.

I need a new game. A GREAT game. Suggestions are welcomed.

For Portal fans: Portal 2 is coming out in a few months!!!! Yayyyyyy!