(no subject)
I've been meaning to write, just failed to. Repeatedly.
Since I last wrote:
- Celebration for my Middle School band director. It was kind of fun, but overdone in the wrong ways. The pushy stage parents celebrated their own behavior several times through halfhearted mockery. I wondered if the money spent on props (such as cowboy hats and multimedia karaoke, don't ask...) wouldn't have been better spent, for example, repairing or replacing antiquated school instruments? On the other hand, there were a few (although not nearly enough) excellent speeches recognizing our director's unparalleled dedication.
- Recording sessions that I shouldn't say anything specific about in an unlocked entry. Very interesting though.
- Played with a gay jazz combo during Portland Pride. We were presented in a very unfortunate manner (preceded by drum n' bass, followed by art rock.) I couldn't tell whether the correct response was to laugh at the almost parodic circumstances or shrink in uncool despair when "Summer Samba" was called. My observation about our audience was that half of them were stereotypically attractive, and the other half were similarly repulsive. I consider myself to be somewhat average, or at least somewhere in between the two groups, and apparently if anyone else like me exists they avoid Pride celebrations altogether. A shame. They missed one of the most mood-killing renditions of "Summer Samba" ever. Still a fun experience overall.
- The Astoria Music Festival: Rehearsals in Portland, Performances in Astoria. Week 1 down, week 2 still to go. So far, so good. Astoria is a nice place, and they've done a great job restoring an old theater for performances. Community members with extra rooms are housing the musicians. The woman who is housing me is terrific, and has a great place. Also, a surprising amount of good food. This one Bosnian restaurant floored me - some of the most incredible comfort food that I've ever had.
Anyhow, that's what I've been up to. Unfortunately, I haven't been sleeping well, and I've remained busy. Eh. No rest for the weary? Wicked? How does the saying go? Does it even apply? Too tired to care. Sleeping until Noon tomorrow.
P.S. - Murakami's The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles was awesome.
Since I last wrote:
- Celebration for my Middle School band director. It was kind of fun, but overdone in the wrong ways. The pushy stage parents celebrated their own behavior several times through halfhearted mockery. I wondered if the money spent on props (such as cowboy hats and multimedia karaoke, don't ask...) wouldn't have been better spent, for example, repairing or replacing antiquated school instruments? On the other hand, there were a few (although not nearly enough) excellent speeches recognizing our director's unparalleled dedication.
- Recording sessions that I shouldn't say anything specific about in an unlocked entry. Very interesting though.
- Played with a gay jazz combo during Portland Pride. We were presented in a very unfortunate manner (preceded by drum n' bass, followed by art rock.) I couldn't tell whether the correct response was to laugh at the almost parodic circumstances or shrink in uncool despair when "Summer Samba" was called. My observation about our audience was that half of them were stereotypically attractive, and the other half were similarly repulsive. I consider myself to be somewhat average, or at least somewhere in between the two groups, and apparently if anyone else like me exists they avoid Pride celebrations altogether. A shame. They missed one of the most mood-killing renditions of "Summer Samba" ever. Still a fun experience overall.
- The Astoria Music Festival: Rehearsals in Portland, Performances in Astoria. Week 1 down, week 2 still to go. So far, so good. Astoria is a nice place, and they've done a great job restoring an old theater for performances. Community members with extra rooms are housing the musicians. The woman who is housing me is terrific, and has a great place. Also, a surprising amount of good food. This one Bosnian restaurant floored me - some of the most incredible comfort food that I've ever had.
Anyhow, that's what I've been up to. Unfortunately, I haven't been sleeping well, and I've remained busy. Eh. No rest for the weary? Wicked? How does the saying go? Does it even apply? Too tired to care. Sleeping until Noon tomorrow.
P.S. - Murakami's The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles was awesome.