Category: my life

  • Lessons Learned

    Earlier this week, I sat in the waiting area of the music studio anxiously awaiting my first guitar lesson and I instantly felt like a kid again, when it seemed like my schedule was constantly busy with lessons of some sort. I looked back on all of the random things I’ve learned by way of private instruction, and I felt really lucky to have experienced so many different things whether I stuck with it or not. When I was about four or five I think, I took gymnastics lessons and my parents have told me that I “quit” because I was too hot in the gymnasium. As a side note, I remember being fond of gymnastics (and I’m pretty sure I could do a mean somersault on the balance beam), but that’s okay, I’ve moved on. A few years later, I vividly remember taking swimming lessons, and being completely terrified of jumping into the deep end. Who isn’t afraid of getting sucked down that drain at the bottom?! Then there were oil painting classes, tennis lessons, and eventually flute and voice lessons. I’ve probably left quite a few things off the list, because it seems like I was always learning stuff. As an adult, I’ve taken crochet and sewing lessons, jewelry-making and ballroom dance classes, and I’ve even taken swimming lessons again! Most recently I attended a few cooking classes, and now I’ve signed up for recurring guitar lessons with no end date, might I add, because I’m dead set on mastering it. It’s going pretty well so far! I can play an extremely watered-down Ode to Joy, but I absolutely love the process of learning something new (even if I am really tired of Ode to Joy already).

  • Iris

    If you recall from my 101 in 1001 list, I attempted to fulfill #52 – Learn to play the piano or the guitar – by borrowing a friend’s keyboard last year. I taught myself a few songs, but ultimately decided that we just really don’t have room for a keyboard or piano. I also felt like I didn’t really have the time to dedicate to it. Well, out of all the items on my list, that is definitely one of the most deep-rooted wishes, and I’ve had this nagging feeling for a long time that I need to play music again. (For anyone that didn’t know, I played flute for about eight years in middle school/high school and I also took voice lessons for a while.) I miss music so much! It’s definitely something that I need to make time and room for, so when my brother was in town visiting this week, I took advantage of his expertise in picking out a (beginner) guitar! I figure a guitar doesn’t take up much space compared to a piano, so it’s a good fit for me right now. I’m signed up for lessons so that I’ll get into a good routine of learning and practicing. Meet “Iris” – my first guitar ever:


  • More Misheard Lyrics

    I love listening to music while I’m editing photos, and since editing takes up quite a bit of time at the computer, Pandora has been my go-to source for tunes. I even upgraded to Pandora One because I love it so much. The ability to ask it for music similar to something I already know is so fun. I sort of absent-mindedly listen and sing while I edit, and I also have a habit of singing incorrect lyrics if I’m not really paying attention to the song. (Sometimes I also do it on purpose if I just happen to think my lyrics are more entertaining.) So yesterday I was editing, listening to Pandora, and during this one song I realized I was singing, “How far do I have to go to get to you…Minnie the Mooooooouse. Minnie the Mooooooouse.” I thought, that can’t be right. So I looked at the Pandora app to at least see what the title of the song was, which turned out to be the hook that I was singing:

    Minnie the Mouse = Many the Miles. 😀 Come on, you know you’ve done it, too. What lyrics have you sung incorrectly?

  • It’s Almost Here

    You’ll have to forgive me, but I’m getting just a little bit giddy about the pending season change. My absolute favorite time of the year is fall – I absolutely love everything about it. I love wearing cozy sweaters and jeans and having the excuse to be a homebody. I love that Chris gets so excited about football season, and I enjoy curling up in the living room with him (although I’m much more likely to read a magazine while he watches the game). I love soups, stews, chili and other warm comfort food, and I’m excited to practice some fall recipes soon. Oh and let’s not forget “falling back” – who doesn’t want an extra hour of sleep?! I know, I know, the time change means shorter days, but that one extra bonus hour on a weekend is just something I’ve always looked forward to.

    And on top of all of that, Virginia totally spoils us with the breathtaking display of colorful fall foliage. It’s almost here.





  • Random Hello

    I don’t have a point in mind for this post – I just thought I’d say a quick hello without a specific topic in mind. Can you even believe it’s almost the end of August?! Where did the summer go? I think I’m ready to move onto cooler weather though. After a warm and humid day yesterday, I’m planning to spend the day indoors. Editing photos, shopping for groceries for the week, trying a few new recipes (tonight’s menu: peppercorn-crusted flank steak; asiago, potato, and bacon gratin; grilled asparagus) and maybe resting a little because I’m still kind of tired from yesterday’s wedding with Kate. And here’s a random image from yesterday, taken while I was hanging out waiting for the groom to shower after his nap. We ran out of time for taking pictures, or else I would have put each of the guys in front of different doors on a few floors, sort of to look like the opening credits to the Brady Bunch. Wouldn’t that have been fun? Have a good Sunday!