Running

Guess I’m a runner

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Today I definitely feel like a runner.  Why?  Well firstly, I went for a run this morning, the first one in two weeks.  But also because I MISSED it so much…I was getting really cranky, and now I feel like myself.  Running makes me feel like myself.  Ergo, I’m a runner.

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Look at us!  This was afterwards, hence the ridiculous smiles.  Six miles around Forest Park (well, almost 6)…easy peasy.  I’m ready to start running longer.  Seriously, I feel so ALIVE right now.  I suppose that’s the infamous “runner’s high” talking.

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The “runner’s high” is slightly different.

Last night Chris and I went to Vin de Set for appetizers and then met Melissa at Trattoria Marcella.  We had a great time, and had some FANTASTIC food.  I surprised myself by ordering the “Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad” and it was delicious!

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I think Chris and I have some room for improvement in our picture posing.  (Tonight, engagement photo session!)

Oh, and my Las Vegas souvenir:  a new “Gun Store” t-shirt.

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I must have been tired, I don’t see any bulging muscles?

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Oh yeah!

You know what else is making today awesome?

weather

This weather couldn’t be more fantastic right now.  I am feeling great, and I am ready to continue my half marathon training.

Random thoughts

Saturday link randomness

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Today’s blog post is dedicated to some fun/interesting stuff I’ve read or seen on the internet recently. 

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Cute Japanese Cat Doughnuts

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Bacon Truck! 

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Bacon Jam!

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Fashion and Classical Music:  Should Classical Musicians be judged by their attire?

Digital Media and Classical Music

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Preschool:  The Best Job-Training Program (funny, people keep getting surprised by how much young children learn!)

Make your own "Cliff Bars"

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That’s it for Saturday Link Randomness.  Enjoy the beautiful weather (if you are having beautiful weather like we are).

Random thoughts

Why didn’t we do this earlier?

Meaning, register for wedding gifts!  The doorbell rings, the FedEx or UPS man is there with a box.  He refuses to look you in the eye ever since that one time you answered the door wearing a terrycloth robe (fully covered!).  It’s also awkward because one time he was on the bluetooth and you thought he was talking to you. He never laughs at your jokes, and when you tried to tell him once you were getting married and would be getting lots of deliveries he was nonplussed because he assumed you already were (judging!).  Oh well.  PRESENTS!  WHEEEEEE!

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Complete with creepy expression!!

I’m playing for an anime convention in Collinsville tonight.  Wish me luck.

Random thoughts

More pictures from Pacific Music Festival

More pictures from my little sister Carrie, who was in Japan for a month this summer.

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She tagged me on this one.  Not sure why.

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Carrie and the Colonel.

She claimed she didn’t eat the chicken. 

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Soap, wash, and dry, all in one place! 

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Self explanatory!

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Mr. Rose with Carrie!  Hi, Mr. Rose!!  (He was Leslie’s teacher, and my rep class teacher for years.  Love him!)

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Spaceport in Osaka.  Or something.

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See, it’s not just Americans who are stupid!

Teaching

Summer memories

It’s hard to believe that for me, TECHNICALLY, summer is over.  I am now teaching three days a week at the St Louis School of Music, and their fall semester started on Monday.  And I couldn’t be happier right now with my schedule and my position.  I’m still adding students there (and at home as well) but so far it’s going really well.  I feel so decadent with my mornings free, but honestly, that is just how my schedule is going to be, and I will be SO much happier this way.  Last year was just crazy, and I spent most of the time stressed and unhappy with my students.  This year (and I know I say this every year, but this year really) is going to be great.

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Why?  One of my student’s parents last night asked why I teach at the St Louis School of Music when I live in South City (it’s about a 30 minute drive, no big deal).  I told him because the students and parents there are great, and because the school has a great reputation, cares about the product, and respects me as a person.  Plus I do teach out of my home and that doesn’t create any sort of conflict since people don’t drive that far to take lessons here.

I’m sure in a few months I’ll be more tired and rundown, and my new students will have lost all their enthusiasm, but for now, I’m thrilled and excited.

I’ll also add that some of my private students probably won’t be back until after Labour Day, so there are still several weeks of summer left.  It’s sort of half and half.  Plus some of the most exciting summer events are yet to come! (Sisters visiting, Bridal Shower.)

But…the title of my post:  summer memories.  Last night driving home I was reliving my summer in my head.  Since, like I said, it’s basically over.

I was thinking of some of my favorite summer moments…in no particular order…

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  • Wedding dress shopping…and finding the perfect wedding dress!

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(not my dress)

I’ll miss you, Summer 2011!  But you were a GREAT one.  Next summer I’ll be married and probably will be doing stuff like cooking and cleaning around the house rather than going out with friends and having fun.

(That’s a joke, of course.  I can’t clean.)

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Random thoughts

Car drives into Club Fitness

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My gym.  Somebody drove into it.  I wasn’t there but Mike was.  I’ll have to hear more next time I see him.

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http://www.kmov.com/news/just-posted/Car-smashes-into-Club-Fitness-building-127476688.html

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http://www.ksdk.com/rss/article/271249/3/Car-smashes-into-gym-storefront

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I know we’ve all done stupid things.  But I’ve never driven my car into a storefront before, thank goodness!  Seriously people.  Focus. 

That reminds me…frightening moments…I was on the phone with a friend yesterday.  We were chatting during our commutes (attention IRS:  I mean travel for work, not commute as home is my main location) and suddenly she says, "I just got rear-ended."  I started freaking out!  Yes, she was fine.  But still, scary. 

Speaking of scary:  My friends Alicia and Andrew are making progress (it seems?  Andrew for sure, it sounds like) but still have a LONG way to go.  The website reminds us this is now a marathon, not a sprint.  Please continue keeping them in mind.  It’s been a little over two weeks.  Unimaginable.  Life changes in an instant.  (oh don’t worry, I’m not getting wound up again…just saying!)

Watching this man on the Colbert Report right now:  Nassir Ghaemi, author of "A First Rate Madness." (link to NYtimes article) He seems to suggesting that leaders are better when they are mentally ill.  I’ll have to read the book.  It seems (potentially) controversial, but yet not perhaps that far from Kay Redfield Jamison’s writings either.  I’ve always said somebody would have to be crazy to run for president… (hyuk, hyuk)

thoughts about violin, teaching, running, life.