Hello to all...
I have been pretty scattered and busy, so I haven't had time to update in two weeks. I started my novel last week--brainstorming, at least, so that should be interesting. I am excited to start writing it!!
My Christmas was moderately enjoyable. I got a Utes Sugar Bowl sweatshirt (we are undefeated!!!!!), a Meg and Dia CD, Season 2 of House on DVD...and some other awesome stuff. Laura got me the Facebook Book, thus confirming my obsession with the internet social plaza.
But really, what I want to talk about is my trip to New Orleans.
The University of Utah football team has been, if you didn't know, undefeated, all year. In fact, now we are even more undefeated, if that makes any sense, because we beat the University of Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. It was amazing. The University of Alabama is 4th in the nation (we are currently 6th, though with our 13-0 record, we may now move up even further), and was actually 1st in the nation for much of the season until they were beaten by Florida. And, excuse my potentially crass aura here, but we smashed their southern asses!! Haha!
I got my stuff together VERY early on Wednesday morning. We had a pep band game on Tuesday night, so I got home at around 10:45 and got to bed at about 11. I got up at 3 a.m., and prepared to run on only 4 hours of sleep for the rest of the day. I knew I was going to be exhausted.
I wanted to leave the house at around 4, because I was under the impression that our flight left at 5:30 that morning but, as I found out after closer examination upon Brian's e mail, the call time was 5:30, but the plane was schedule to leave at 7 a.m. My dad and I left the house for MillionAir Airport at 5 a.m. to make call time.
I was really excited to take a charter plane to New Orleans!! Unfortunately, the plane ride was only a few hours, so I didn't get that much of a chance to get some rest. Lame sauce, I know, but that was what happened. I was so exhausted, and barely even functional. I sat between Sarah and Heather and barely said anything as we prepared for take-off. In fact, I think I slept for the majority of the flight, save a few minutes when I ate something (I think some Chex Mix and some Fiber One bar that was definitely not actually vegan).
We landed in New Orleans about 45 minutes late, due to lameness on the airport staff's part.Oh, well. It just decreased our free time from 2 and a half hours to just over an hour. And, as it turned out, we got even less time than that, which majorly sucked. As soon as we got off the plane, we piled onto the lovely buses and the supposed 15 minute trip to the hotel was initiated. However, we spent about 20 minutes just chilling on the buses for pretty much no reason. At least, the reason wasn't apparent to us. I was sitting with Heather and Dallan, and we were so eager to get to our hotel and relax for a little bit before we had to play fanfest.
We finally arrived at the Marriot Hotel on Canal Street at around 12:30 or so. We brought our luggage up to our rooms and grabbed our uniforms from the ballroom on the third floor, and prepared to load the buses again to go play at Fanfest. We were supposed to have time to eat, but inevitably, that didn't happen, and we started out on growling stomachs. Bitterness ensued at first, but eventually it subsided and we appreciated the fact that we were in New Orleans.
Fanfest was across from the Hard Rock Cafe, on Decatur Street. We played for about fifteen minutes after a quick warm up and sectionals, and then got back on the buses, changed out of our uniforms, and got into some lighter clothing for our two hour rehearsal at the Superdome.
We arrived at the Superdome about fifteen minutes later. Personally, I wasn't too excited, because we had to learn so much new material, and I was already cranky from the lack of sleep I had endured all morning. I didn't know if I had the mental or emotional capacity to really learn any new stuff.
Anyway,though,we all had to remove our shoes when we arrived at the Dome because the field was still being set and painted for the Bowl game. We started out in sectionals, and I ran sketchily through the unified-band tune, "Celebrate", which was a medley of "Celebration" and some song that I actually didn't recognize but sounded relatively amusing. We played "Celebrate" at halftime with Alabama's band and a few high school bands. It was sort of a celebratory dedication to the Sugar Bowl. There had to be a few thousand people on the field. The number 7,000 sticks in my head, but I don't really think that's possible.
Back to the rehearsal, though: after sectionals, Brian gathered us together and said that we were going to have to be ready to work a ton of stuff out because we were on a major time crunch. He sent us to set 9 of our halftime show, which was actually the first set of THIS halftime show, and the beginning of our dance feature, "Love for Sale".
We really got into it. We learned how to get on the field for the tune, and then we ran through the song. No problems there, really. Some dumbassery here and there, but nothing too drastic. Brian also said that, because of the fact that we were probably going to be on national television during our performance, we really had to sell it as much as possible. We needed to add some interesting movements--we needed to get into the song. The band did so. At first, the clarinets were really lame (we had our own pod, save Dallan, who plays piccolo but was the odd one out in our group; the band was separated into these pods all over the field), but Rico, Nick and Michigan (Mike) came up with a great and HILARIOUS idea that really revved us up. In the middle of the song, they got up and started basically going crazy. They danced around the front row of clarinets (me, Duchess, Cady, Bridget, and Melanie), exaggerating their horn angles and gesticulating wildly. It was about the funniest thing I had ever seen. It wouldn't have happened if Ariane (my band director at Northridge--she was a TA in the U of U marching band this year because she is currently working on getting her Master's at the U) hadn't come up to us time and time again and said, "You guys, you need to be SO crazy that Brian tells you that it's too much. Then, you'll be successful." Well, they took this to a new level. The first time they did it, I fell over laughing. Eventually, I calmed myself, and managed not to explode during the actual performance at the Sugar Bowl, but it was pretty hilarious. In the end, they got Melanie and Bridget to participate in the circular dancing, too, but those two weren't nearly as crazy as Nick, Rico and Mike. In fact, they were a little boring, but at least they moved. :)
We ran through "Ya Gotta Try", our closer, and practiced marching off the field. Then, we practiced the set for the combined band feature. That was the most complicated. We formed a huge U on one side of the field, and practiced playing "Celebrate" in this formation. We practiced getting on and off the field for the U formation, and Brian explained that the Alabama band (which is three times larger than ours) was going to form at the other end, and that the high school bands were going to form one collective block in the middle of the field.
After all that, we practiced our shortened pregame performance, which we had learned already, and then the revised tunnel, and then headed over to the other side of the field for a music rehearsal, which lasted only about twenty minutes or so.
Finally, we headed back to the hotel. I was surprised to see that it was dark outside when we exited the Superdome, but was exceptionally excited to get some rest and to maybe see some more of New Orleans that night, as it was, in fact, New Year's Eve! When I got back to the hotel, I went straight to my room with Sarah, Missy, and Heather (and Brian and Rico, by default), and we all discussed what we were going to do that evening.
At first, I really just wanted to stay in and chill all night, as lame as that might seem, because I really was tired. Heather went and hung out with Dallan and Shastaberry (Caleb) for a little while, as I remember, Missy left with Brian, and I remained in the room with Sarah and Rico. We watched some TV and I got into my pajamas and got ready for bed.
Eventually, Nick and Melanie came to our room, and I immediately did not wish to any longer be there. I know they are just friends, but it crushes me to see them together, just because I like Nick so much and he truly adores Melanie. There is more to that story (and to my douchebaggery), but I will tell that later. I found Heather in the hall, as she was about ready to leave with a giant group of people for Bourbon Street, and immediately asked if I could come with her. She was quite happy to have me there with the group because she knew how unhappy I was and knew that I needed a break.
I ran back to the room, threw on some jeans and my Sugar Bowl sweatshirt, put my ID, phone and a few dollars into my front jeans pockets, and left, hurriedly, just as Rico, Sarah, Melanie and Nick were putting in the Dark Knight. I felt kind of sad because they seemed disappointed that I was leaving and going out to party instead of watching with them, and even more so, because I knew my hurt was radiating from across the room. I got my stuff together as quickly as I can, mumbled some vaguely haughty phrases, and did not make eye contact. I just left.
In any case, I am glad I did, because I ended up having so much fun. The group was huge, and we just walked down Bourbon Street, calling out for people to toss beads down to us from the balconies, and observing the bars, gift shops, restaurants and clubs that made up this Las Vegas strip of New Orleans. Pretty much everything was x-rated, though, so we couldn't go into many places. Or rather, we chose not to. *shifts eyes* The bars, though, were partaken of by multiple of age members of our group, including Garrett and Dokos. Good times. Some members were more than tipsy by the end of the night, but not too hardcore smashed, as we had a rehearsal in the morning.
Eventually, it was just me, Heather, Michigan, Andrew, Dallan, CJ, and Erik left. We made our way to the waterfront and watched the fireworks herald the sky as midnight struck, all the while enjoying a brass band. It was gorgeous. Heather kissed Michigan at midnight, and gave small cheek kisses to the other guys in our group. Not that Heather and Mike are actually dating or anything. Really, they're just friends. But I'll bet he wanted that kiss more than she did. :D Anyway, I am sure it was enjoyed by both.
We headed back to the hotel, and Heather and I found that the Dark Knight was just ending in our hotel room. Subsequently, Nick and Melanie left (which was good, because I was really hoping that they would be gone by the time we got back), and we all got ready for bed when Missy arrived back. We pulled the beds together and made what Missy and Heather described as being a "Love Bed", a giant bed created for multiple people to sleep in. Heather, Missy and I squeezed onto one side of it, and Sarah and Rico took the other side (they're married, so this is legal). We talked for quite awhile, and didn't get to sleep until around 2 in the morning or so.
At 7:00, we all reluctantly awoke and began to prepare for our day, which, according to the schedule, only included an hour and a half Superdome rehearsal in the morning, and then a pep rally at 5:30, so it was going to be a fairly easy day.
For this, I was thankful.
*TBC*

Hello, everyone!!
I haven't updated in forever, I know. I would like to say that I haven't had the time.
Sadly, that wouldn't be altogether the truth.
Let's catch up: an entire semester has gone by this year, and I haven't written a thing in my livejournal. Honestly, there was a LOT to say. Unfortunately, due to my relentless laziness, much of this excitement will never reach Livejournal.
I am going to try to be better at writing here.
Anyway, I spent an entire semester as a Music Performance major and, I must say, I enjoy it, for the most part. I love music with all my heart. I am still an English Comp. major, but I am switching to Creative Writing at second semester. I am SUPER stoked.
Marching band was amazing this year. I don't think I held up too well as a section leader, but at least I got the experience. Our team was sensational: we ended up being one of only two undefeated teams at the end of the season, along with Boise State. :) I am so amazed by our football team. I have grown to better appreciate the intrinsic value of the sport of football. Here, here!!
We are going to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl!! The marching band leaves at 5:30 a.m. on December 31st. The plane ride is going to be short; however, I expect that from the arrival time in New Orleans to the time we go to bed in our New Orleans hotel, the palpable length of the trip will begin to ensue. :P We'll see. Our hotel is within walking distance of Bourbon Street, which is doubly exciting!!! And don't get me started on the fact that we will be in New Orleans for New Year's Eve!! AMAZING.
There is a lot more to say. There were definitely some trying emotional times this semester, and I will get to that later...but for now, I bid you adieu.
Cheers,
The Band Hermit

IRONY!!!!IRONY!!!!!IRONY!!!!!LOLLOLLOLLOL!!!ROFL!!!

You know, I wish I could just throw my dreams out onto paper. They'd be so awesome to read. I'd love to watch them, in fact. I wish they were real movies.
Hmph. The things I imagine would make great music videos, I think.

Erin's friend is over today, which I think is nice considering Erin never gets to have friends over. NEVER. It's sad, really.
Anyway, I will probably be working all day today. I already cleaned Erin's room for her, or at least I did essentially. She made her bed...
I think I'm such a loser.

So, I'm expecting a good week this week. We start practicing with the cast of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" on Wednesday, we've got a basketball game on Tuesday night, and to top it off, we DO NOT have school tomorrow or Tuesday. I start my CE Music Appreciation class on Thursday also, which is awesome! I'M SO EXCITED!
Just one more semester and I graduate. I guess that explains why I just joined the group "Senioritis" on Facebook... I mean, I am so excited for college. I wasn't, but certain recent events have led me to change my point of view. There's only one thing I'm afraid of, and I don't know how I'll get over it. Never mind, though.
Let's see. What do I have to do tomorrow and Tuesday? I have to finish my Stats assignment, study the sections in the chapter for my test this week so that I can PASS(!!!), practice my clarinet for the pit orchestra so that I don't look as bad as half of the musicians on Wednesday, start reading Chapter 12 in my psychology book and hope I did well on my test *cringes*, practice my band music and audition music (clarinet), read Act IV in "Othello" twice (for extra practice), review Act III and take that quiz on it, and do the rest on that English homework I have written down in my planner.
ARGH! I AM SOOO EXCITED FOR THIS WEEK TO START!!

SURVEY:::
1. Who are you?
2. Are we friends?
3. When and how did we meet?
4. Give me a nickname and explain why you picked it.
5. Describe me in one word.
6. What was your first impression?
7. Do you still think that way about me now?
8. What reminds you of me?
9. If you could give me anything what would it be?
10. How well do you know me?
11. When's the last time you saw me?
12. Ever wanted to tell me something but couldn't?
13. Are you going to post this in your notes and see what I say about you?

I was going to do something with Kelsey, but our plans gott muddled. Maybe I can do something with Liz and Laura tomorrow. I'll probably call them and get something together (they're pretty much my only Utah friends that aren't Mormon, so they can actually do stuff on Sundays...).
Anyway, I have to finish my college applications for USC and UU. PLUS, I have to practice 2 instruments this weekend (I have my Christmas concert next Tuesday--not to be confused with this Tuesday), and I have Stats, Theory and Psychology homework. AND...I need to get another solo for my clarinet. *sheepish grin*
Yeah, so. That's what's...going on.

"24" -- Switchfoot:

24 oceans; 24 skies.
24 failures in 24 tries.
24 finds me in 24th place
With 24 dropouts at the end of the day.
Life is not what I thought it was 24 hours ago.
Still, I'm singing 'Spirit, take me up in arms with you.'
And I'm not who I thought I was 24 hours ago.
Still, I'm singing, 'Spirit, take me up in arms with you.'
It's 24 reasons to admit that I'm wrong.
With all my excuses, still 24 strong.
See, I'm not copping out, not copping out, not copping out.
And you're raising the dead in me.
Oh, Oh, I am the second man.
Oh, Oh,I am the second man now.
Oh, I am the second man now.
And you're raising these 24 voices with 24 hearts.
And all of my symphonies in 24 parts.
But I want to be one today, centered and true.
I'm singing, 'Spirit, take me up in arms with you.'
You're raising the dead in me.
Oh, Oh, I am the second man.
Oh, Oh, I am the second man now.
Oh, I am the second man now.
And you're raising the dead in me now.
I want to see miracles; the see the world change;
Wrestle the angel for more than a name;
For more than a feeling; for more than a cause.
I'm singing, 'Spirit, take me up in arms with you.'
(And you're raising the dead in me)
(Oh, Oh, I am the second man)
(Oh, Oh, I am the second man now)
(Oh, I am the second man now)
(And you're raising the dead in me)
24 voices in 24 hearts.
And all of my symphonies in 24 parts.
Life is not what I thought it was 24 hours ago.
Still I'm singing, 'Spirit, take me up in arms...'
I'm not copping out, not copping out, not copping out...

...BAND TRIP TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TO PERFORM IN THE LOS ANGELES COLOSSEUM!!!!! SEE YOU WHEN I GET BACK!!!