Oh my lordy loo...where has the year gone? I know I've been absolutely terrible at documenting my year but you have to give me a break. I took a full 19 credit schedule, volunteered, worked part time, babysat, sang in Symphonic Choir AND was an officer of a few clubs.
Currently I'm sitting in an airport in Detroit waiting for my flight to PHX with the whole Flagello clan. Getting here was quite the production but honestly every day is a new freaking adventure with this crew. For the past few days we've all been huddled, far too closely, in a small one bedroom apartment in NY (according to my G-Ma its a two bedroom), sleeping on air mattresses and drinking our fair share of wine. While I love each one of my family members dearly, and appreciate their quirks and habits, I am counting down the minutes, nay, the SECONDS until I can shut myself in my room for a bit and enjoy some quiet leisure time. Too much togetherness would bug the crap out of even the saintliest of saints.
We were in New York for my Grandmother's 80th birthday party (invite count = 110 ppl) as well as Christmas celebrations with about 50 members of my family. Christmas Eve was literally one of the greatest nights of my life. Let's just say that my dad's fantastic cooking+ cousins that i love + wine + aunts and uncles + drunken Italian/Sicilian songs + my mom, sisters and bff + drunken interpretive dance + one giant, slightly awkward family photo = complete and utter happiness.
Moving forward into the new year, I will be collecting myself and my belongings (or as my generation so eloquently puts it - "getting my shit together") for my semester in Italy. The semester will start in February and I will not be back to the good ol' US of A until July. I can't believe it's so soon. I almost can't wrap my head around it. I solemnly swear to document as much and as frequently as possible.
Write more tomorrow.
Peace, Love and Delta,
Geni
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Top 5 Things Learned During Summer School
Giant Cats LOVE Shoes
They also like to lick them....and they like to eat human hair.
Albino Guinea Pigs make angry chattering noises
"I want my damn cucumbers NOW!!!!"
Picking locks is not as easy as it looks on TV
Don't ask
Republicans and Democrats don't get along because we're all afraid of death
It's a long story
Being vegetarian makes you feel lighter
but sometimes you really miss chicken
Obviously not all of these things were learned in the classroom but knowledge is knowledge none the less.
Something else I've been thinking about lately... I'm going to be such a bad-ass old person. Think Betty White and Cloris Leachman. I'm totally gonna be that hippyish grandma who goes to rallies, drinks her weight in Arnold Palmers and steals food from the buffet by putting it in her purse. Oh wait...I do that already.
Peace, Love and Bean Sprouts,
Geni
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
I kid you not
Alien whales. How awesome would that be? Did you know that Jupiter's moon, Europa, is covered in ice? Underneath said ice is an ocean and within that ocean is the possibility of life. Holy crap pants! ALIEN WHALES! Does that not excite anyone else?
See what summer school does to me? I take one astronomy class and then *BAM* alien marine life.
In other news, my roommate's cat is approximately the size of Texas. I swear by all that is holy that he should be named Garfield. He's already downed 2 lasagnas, a big mac, and a circle K slushie.
That is what's crackalackin' over here in T-Town. Update soon.
Peace, Love and Moby Dick (the E.T. version),
Genevieve
See what summer school does to me? I take one astronomy class and then *BAM* alien marine life.
In other news, my roommate's cat is approximately the size of Texas. I swear by all that is holy that he should be named Garfield. He's already downed 2 lasagnas, a big mac, and a circle K slushie.
That is what's crackalackin' over here in T-Town. Update soon.
Peace, Love and Moby Dick (the E.T. version),
Genevieve
Sunday, July 18, 2010
AZ
Well what a summer it has been so far! I am well aware that I dropped off the planet of cyberspace but life just caught up with me I guess.
Leaving NYC was interesting this time around. Usually I leave with a sense of longing, wishing I could understand and appreciate the city for what it is. This time I left without that longing. Not because I lost my love for it, but because I felt like I was leaving home. And when you leave home, you always come back. Hand to God, my friends, this time next year I will either be 1) In NYC or 2)on my way there.
The day after I got back to AZ, a dear friend of mine flew in from London. She and I have known each other since we were flailing around our dutch ballet class at the ripe old age of four. We haven't seen each other in over eleven years and it was as if not a day had flown by. Well, we were a bit taller but unfortunately both of us never lost the art of flailing.
With the lovely O by my side, I was able to travel around the great state of AZ. I've been here for eleven years and it still amazes me how beautiful my state is. Yes politically and socially we have a LONG way to go but nature wise...you can't hold a candle to us. Sedona, The Grand Canyon, Tubac, Tucson... splendor in so many forms.
O was a big hit here in the states. Every time she opened her mouth and let that British accent escape like velvet, the boys dropped like flies. I could not introduce her to ANY of my guy friends without each of them coming up to me and gushing about her. For many of them, she was the "honey from across the seas" that they never had. Personally, I just miss her making fun of my american, consumer-ish ways.
For now, I'm working, going to summer school, applying to grad school and canvassing for my close friend D. Oh, and I moved into a new place with a cat the size of Venus and a guinea pig who thinks he's a human. No big deal.
Peace, Love and Cacti,
Geni
Leaving NYC was interesting this time around. Usually I leave with a sense of longing, wishing I could understand and appreciate the city for what it is. This time I left without that longing. Not because I lost my love for it, but because I felt like I was leaving home. And when you leave home, you always come back. Hand to God, my friends, this time next year I will either be 1) In NYC or 2)on my way there.
The day after I got back to AZ, a dear friend of mine flew in from London. She and I have known each other since we were flailing around our dutch ballet class at the ripe old age of four. We haven't seen each other in over eleven years and it was as if not a day had flown by. Well, we were a bit taller but unfortunately both of us never lost the art of flailing.
With the lovely O by my side, I was able to travel around the great state of AZ. I've been here for eleven years and it still amazes me how beautiful my state is. Yes politically and socially we have a LONG way to go but nature wise...you can't hold a candle to us. Sedona, The Grand Canyon, Tubac, Tucson... splendor in so many forms.
O was a big hit here in the states. Every time she opened her mouth and let that British accent escape like velvet, the boys dropped like flies. I could not introduce her to ANY of my guy friends without each of them coming up to me and gushing about her. For many of them, she was the "honey from across the seas" that they never had. Personally, I just miss her making fun of my american, consumer-ish ways.
For now, I'm working, going to summer school, applying to grad school and canvassing for my close friend D. Oh, and I moved into a new place with a cat the size of Venus and a guinea pig who thinks he's a human. No big deal.
Peace, Love and Cacti,
Geni
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
We're Jammin'
I've come to the realization that I'm really bad at this posting thing. My updating skillz need a little sharpening. Since it's been a while I will outline my week for you.
Friday-Saturday
I spent the better half of my weekend in Tolland, CT with my cousin,Ali, her husband, Jeff, and their two adorable kiddos. I learned a few things about myself while staying with them: 1) I definitely want to have kids some day 2) It will NOT be anytime soon. Their three year old is a whirlwind of energy and really enjoyed playing mind games with me. One second he'd be hugging you, so thankful that we were spending time with him and next he'd slap you across the face and laugh maniacally just because he could. God, it must be nice to be three.
Sunday
Spent the day with Grandma Dianne (also known fondly as "Grianne"). We went to see a concert at Carnegie Hall. A family friend, Marc, was in the orchestra so that was crazy cool and we happened to run into another good friend of ours who magically had the seats right next to ours. Couldn't have planned it if we tried. Anyways, after the concert we went to say hi to Marc and his family. His wife, Terry, is one of my favorite people in the world. She called me "Bubbi" and totally made my day. Then her son, Adam, who just happens to be associate producer of the Colbert Report asked me if I wanted to see a taping. To which I replied, "Hell to the Yes".
Monday
Had the greatest performance of my life. I have never sung that well or that passionately. Sang the trio, "At the Ballet" and a solo "I will be loved tonight". I'll upload the videos when I can.
Tuesday
COLBERT REPORT!!!! V.I.P. tickets and a hilarious show. After the taping Adam gave us a tour and got to pose in front of the desk. EPIC WIN. Afterwards my peep, Joanna, and I dropped about forty bucks each on a bottle of wine, a tappas platter and two different types of fondue. Worth every freaking penny.
And now we're back to today. Got to meet an old friend for lunch which was wunderbar and am headed to little Italy tonight for a birthday celebration. Little Italy lives up to its name these days as it is only a block long . China town just keeps growing and is eating little Italy alive. What are you gonna do?
Peace, Love and Melty Cheese,
Geni
Friday-Saturday
I spent the better half of my weekend in Tolland, CT with my cousin,Ali, her husband, Jeff, and their two adorable kiddos. I learned a few things about myself while staying with them: 1) I definitely want to have kids some day 2) It will NOT be anytime soon. Their three year old is a whirlwind of energy and really enjoyed playing mind games with me. One second he'd be hugging you, so thankful that we were spending time with him and next he'd slap you across the face and laugh maniacally just because he could. God, it must be nice to be three.
Sunday
Spent the day with Grandma Dianne (also known fondly as "Grianne"). We went to see a concert at Carnegie Hall. A family friend, Marc, was in the orchestra so that was crazy cool and we happened to run into another good friend of ours who magically had the seats right next to ours. Couldn't have planned it if we tried. Anyways, after the concert we went to say hi to Marc and his family. His wife, Terry, is one of my favorite people in the world. She called me "Bubbi" and totally made my day. Then her son, Adam, who just happens to be associate producer of the Colbert Report asked me if I wanted to see a taping. To which I replied, "Hell to the Yes".
Monday
Had the greatest performance of my life. I have never sung that well or that passionately. Sang the trio, "At the Ballet" and a solo "I will be loved tonight". I'll upload the videos when I can.
Tuesday
COLBERT REPORT!!!! V.I.P. tickets and a hilarious show. After the taping Adam gave us a tour and got to pose in front of the desk. EPIC WIN. Afterwards my peep, Joanna, and I dropped about forty bucks each on a bottle of wine, a tappas platter and two different types of fondue. Worth every freaking penny.
And now we're back to today. Got to meet an old friend for lunch which was wunderbar and am headed to little Italy tonight for a birthday celebration. Little Italy lives up to its name these days as it is only a block long . China town just keeps growing and is eating little Italy alive. What are you gonna do?
Peace, Love and Melty Cheese,
Geni
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Time flies
So last Tuesday I went to visit NYU for their social work program and also did some research on some CUNY schools. I think the programs at NYU and Columbia are pretty much on par with each other. They both seem to allow for the same level of experience and opportunity within the field. So I guess the only option is to apply for both and see who wants me :)
I haven't gotten to see any shows this week but I will be making up for it starting Tuesday. Next week is the last week of the voice program and I want to cram as much in as I can before I leave. It is a definite guarantee that I will be coming back but it won't be until after I graduate next May (well I guess technically next July since the semesters in Italy are a tad bit different).
Not much else to update on. No crazy dreams. No spectacular shows. A few interesting construction workers, however. Oh and if you haven't tried Pinkberry...you haven't lived. I'm salivating just thinking about it. http://www.pinkberry.com/
Peace, Love and Pavlov,
Geni
I haven't gotten to see any shows this week but I will be making up for it starting Tuesday. Next week is the last week of the voice program and I want to cram as much in as I can before I leave. It is a definite guarantee that I will be coming back but it won't be until after I graduate next May (well I guess technically next July since the semesters in Italy are a tad bit different).
Not much else to update on. No crazy dreams. No spectacular shows. A few interesting construction workers, however. Oh and if you haven't tried Pinkberry...you haven't lived. I'm salivating just thinking about it. http://www.pinkberry.com/
Peace, Love and Pavlov,
Geni
Monday, June 14, 2010
I am what I am
There is nothing like a going to a Broadway show and having a man in drag make you cry like a baby, because the words he is singing shoot directly into your heart and cause it explode in glitter and sunshine. I saw "La Cage Aux Folles" yesterday with Kelsey Grammer and Douglas Hodge and it was probably the best $30 I ever spent (besides the $30 I spent on Jersey Boys last Thursday). And it was a good thing I saw it yesterday because it won three Tonys last night. No one will be able to get tickets now!
There is one particular song that has just stuck with me and I've been singing it all day, "I am what I am". While it is sung by a gay man in drag I think its applicable to anyone, especially if they are trying to stand up for what they believe in or who they are. Lyrics below...
There is one particular song that has just stuck with me and I've been singing it all day, "I am what I am". While it is sung by a gay man in drag I think its applicable to anyone, especially if they are trying to stand up for what they believe in or who they are. Lyrics below...
I am what I am
I am my own special creation.
So come take a look,
Give me the hook or the ovation.
It's my world that I want to take a little pride in,
My world, and it's not a place I have to hide in.
Life's not worth a damn,
'Til you can say, "Hey world, I am what I am."
I am what I am,
I don't want praise, I don't want pity.
I bang my own drum,
Some think it's noise, I think it's pretty.
And so what, if I love each feather and each spangle,
Why not try to see things from a diff'rent angle?
Your life is a sham 'til you can shout out loud
I am what I am!
I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses.
I deal my own deck
Sometimes the ace, sometimes the deuces.
There's one life, and there's no return and no deposit;
One life, so it's time to open up your closet.
Life's not worth a damn 'til you can say,
"Hey world, I am what I am!"
In other news, i went to Columbia on Friday to look at their Master's of Social Work program. Now that I know what I want to get my degree in, I just have to apply to schools and be accepted :). Since I'm basically obsessed with this city, I'm sticking to schools in the Manhattan area. The program at Columbia looked very promising and I'm taking a trip down to NYU tomorrow to look at their Silver School of Social Work.
I'm very excited about pursuing a career in social work. VERY EXCITED. I feel like I will be able to have a certain level of freedom and flexibility and also be able to help multiple groups of people. With a degree in social work I can work at an adoption agency, I can work at a hospital, I can work at a rehab center...you name it. It may not make me much money but it's a career I can be passionate about.
Peace, Love and Glitter,
Geni
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The length we go for ladies night
How far will 6 fabulous female voice students travel for free, unlimited wine and authentic Italian pizza? From 122nd and Broadway to 12th and University. That's how far. It took three separate trains and some walking in the rain but ,man, it was more delicious than Taylor Lautner's abs. Downtown ain't too bad either. While walking back to the subway, we serenaded other pedestrians with "Singin' in the Rain" and ON the subway we performed various arrangements of "O mio babbino caro" with some slight accompaniment from a man walking through the subway trains playing guitar. I love it here.
That's all. Stop thinking about Taylor Lautner's abs, you perv.
Peace, Love and Werewolves,
Geni
My psyche is trying to kill me
Do you ever have dreams where your unconscious is at war with itself? The side of you that wants to live in lala land feeds you fantasies while your more rational side is trying to take down lala land with a machete. Meanwhile you're trying to psychoanalyze yourself and what this dream means when all of a sudden the first dream disappears and you're being slapped across the face by a Thai woman who thinks you're trying to steal her clothing line by stuffing dresses into a pillow case.
Just something to think about.
Peace, Love and Carl Jung,
Geni
Just something to think about.
Peace, Love and Carl Jung,
Geni
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sangria, Bridget Jones and a brand new pair of lungs!
My computer battery is completely dead, hence the five days between posts. J'excuse!
The past few days have been a complete whirlwind. "Lend Me a Tenor"n on Friday was absolutely fabulous. The seats were so close to the stage that we got spit on by Tony Shaloub (Monk). Funny, funny, funny especially if you like Opera humor or anything to do with screaming Italians. Saturday, I spent the day sleeping and got myself a fancy schmancy (and surprisingly cheap) pedicure and then headed to the NY philharmonic for the evening. Filled with culture and beautiful music I ended my weekend by spending my Sunday with family in New Jersey. Now here's the best part. My cousin, who has (had) cystic fibrosis, has been waiting for a new pair of lungs for eons. I was just about to head back to my dorm in NYC when he got THE call. While he was headed out the door, my cousin turned to me and said, "Well, Gen, you're either good luck or bad luck. We'll see". I'm hoping that I'm good luck. Surgery went well and today his breathing tube was taken out so he was able to breathe from his new lungs for the first time!
In other news, I had some delicious sangria with dinner this evening at the most wonderful Cuban restaurant. Note to self: while vegetarian paella is delicious, meat and seafood is always a better decision. Also, Bridget Jones marathon + friends + popcorn = one happy lady.
More updates to come. Working on a scene from "Chorus Line" for acting class. Check out the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cPBWzsQ5zo . I play Maggie, the third woman to sing. Enjoy :)
Peace, Love and Paella,
Geni
The past few days have been a complete whirlwind. "Lend Me a Tenor"n on Friday was absolutely fabulous. The seats were so close to the stage that we got spit on by Tony Shaloub (Monk). Funny, funny, funny especially if you like Opera humor or anything to do with screaming Italians. Saturday, I spent the day sleeping and got myself a fancy schmancy (and surprisingly cheap) pedicure and then headed to the NY philharmonic for the evening. Filled with culture and beautiful music I ended my weekend by spending my Sunday with family in New Jersey. Now here's the best part. My cousin, who has (had) cystic fibrosis, has been waiting for a new pair of lungs for eons. I was just about to head back to my dorm in NYC when he got THE call. While he was headed out the door, my cousin turned to me and said, "Well, Gen, you're either good luck or bad luck. We'll see". I'm hoping that I'm good luck. Surgery went well and today his breathing tube was taken out so he was able to breathe from his new lungs for the first time!
In other news, I had some delicious sangria with dinner this evening at the most wonderful Cuban restaurant. Note to self: while vegetarian paella is delicious, meat and seafood is always a better decision. Also, Bridget Jones marathon + friends + popcorn = one happy lady.
More updates to come. Working on a scene from "Chorus Line" for acting class. Check out the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cPBWzsQ5zo . I play Maggie, the third woman to sing. Enjoy :)
Peace, Love and Paella,
Geni
Friday, June 4, 2010
Polka, anyone?
The Polka is the greatest dance ever. Lots of hopping and knee lifting. At one point I asked my dance partner, "Our we supposed to be hitting our knees together?" which resulted in laughter on both of our parts and lots more knee knocking. I may not be the most graceful dance partner but I'm definitely a kick in the pants...or patella.
This morning I woke up early to make a trip to mid town. If you wait at the box office of the show you want to see you can get crazy cheap rush tickets. I got a tickets that usually go for $112 each for $26. Pretty sweet, huh? "Lend Me A Tenor" is supposed to be fantastic and I'm pretty thrilled to be seeing it tonight. After we bought tickets we decided to eat breakfast in Times Square because...why not??
This morning I woke up early to make a trip to mid town. If you wait at the box office of the show you want to see you can get crazy cheap rush tickets. I got a tickets that usually go for $112 each for $26. Pretty sweet, huh? "Lend Me A Tenor" is supposed to be fantastic and I'm pretty thrilled to be seeing it tonight. After we bought tickets we decided to eat breakfast in Times Square because...why not??
Is the humane society a scam?
What did you get to look at while you were eating breakfast this morning?
"Nom nom nom"
Feeding people like the good Italian that I am
Guess what show I'm seein' next???? OBSESSED!
Peace, Love and Broadway,
Geni
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Hello, Voice! Nice to meet you!
Currently I am under strict orders not to talk for the next 30 minutes. Probably one of the most difficult tasks I will ever have to accomplish. You'd think being alone would make it easier not to talk. No cigar. I talk to myself, out loud, all the time so this is quite challenging. Why am I not supposed to talk right now? In the past five days my voice has grown so much and I have worked so diligently that I need to take it easy. Take a break while I'm ahead. Work hard, rest harder.
The reason I haven't updated in forever is because I have been so busy with classes, practicing and study that by the time I get back to my room all I want to do is sleep. But it's not exhaustion. It's working as much as it is playing. I am bettering myself as a vocalist, an actress, a dancer (who knew?) and because of that I am bettering myself as a human being.
In my voice lessons I'm opening up my chest and my throat so that sound can travel more freely, but its allowing my spirit to travel more freely as well. In coaching, I'm commanding my songs and pieces so that I can convey my message to my audience which also allows me to convey my message to the world. In acting, I'm relating music and scenes to my personal life and adding raw human emotion to my pieces. This is also allowing me to be more honest and true when interacting with my fellow men and women. Finally, in dance I am carrying myself with grace so I can walk across a stage with ease but I am also being shown how to treat my body with respect and to everyday carry it like the miracle that it is.
The first day of acting class, after I sang "I Will Be Loved Tonight" (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change) my teacher gave me one of the greatest compliments I have ever received. She said, "Girl, you've got FIRE in you". I think that's something I will carry with me always. I do have fire in me, and I refuse to apologize for it. I've realized that I have been blessed with passion and I am so thankful for that. I'm am thankful to be able to wake up in the morning, excited for my day. I'm thankful that I can find something to be hopeful for even on the shitiest of days.
In other, not so crunchy granola news, I went to go see a FREE concert given by the New York Philharmonic at St. John the Divine on Monday. When you put the words "free" and "concert" together in New York City, you better be ready for a loooooooong ass line. The line to get in stretched from the entrance on Amsterdam, all the way around 110th, and around the corner again to Morningside. Insanity but well worth the wait.
Alright peeps. I solemnly swear to update sooner and to post photos.
Peace, Love and Fuego,
Geni
Thursday, May 27, 2010
She walks in beauty...
After the daily scratch of the belly and gargle of the mouthwash this morning (not to mention the feeding of the hungry beast within and clothing myself) I walked into a beautiful, white hallway on the second floor of Manhattan School. I was surrounded by a gaggle of my peers, all equally anxious about what the day was to bring and who we would meet. In true musician-like fashion none of us had received anything resembling a schedule. "Does anyone know what the hell is going on?" was my meek and humble question to the dapper gentleman next to me. "Hell no. This is a hot mess", he replied. And that, ladies and gentleman, is how you find your gay man friend.
It was so refreshing to be around people who truly and deeply love the same thing you do... MUSIC. Every single friend or acquaintance I have made is so down to earth and personable. Musicians can be the greatest friends to have because nothing is off limits, laughter is mandatory and life is lived openly and freely. Every now and again you get your musician/singer who is a total pain in the ass. I haven't personally met any diva/prima donnas yet but I've heard rumor of a few. I'll steer clear.
For the placement audition this morning I sang "She Walks In Beauty" with lyrics/poem by Lord Byron and music by my grandfather, Nicolas Flagello. It was so appropriate for me to sing that in so many ways. My grandfather walked these halls years ago and now I'm walking them today. Simply by being here, in this crazy-wonderful city, this magnificent school, with these incredible people, I am walking in beauty just as I suspect he did. Oy! Now I'm all verklempt.
Peace, Love and Beauty,
Geni
It was so refreshing to be around people who truly and deeply love the same thing you do... MUSIC. Every single friend or acquaintance I have made is so down to earth and personable. Musicians can be the greatest friends to have because nothing is off limits, laughter is mandatory and life is lived openly and freely. Every now and again you get your musician/singer who is a total pain in the ass. I haven't personally met any diva/prima donnas yet but I've heard rumor of a few. I'll steer clear.
For the placement audition this morning I sang "She Walks In Beauty" with lyrics/poem by Lord Byron and music by my grandfather, Nicolas Flagello. It was so appropriate for me to sing that in so many ways. My grandfather walked these halls years ago and now I'm walking them today. Simply by being here, in this crazy-wonderful city, this magnificent school, with these incredible people, I am walking in beauty just as I suspect he did. Oy! Now I'm all verklempt.
Peace, Love and Beauty,
Geni
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
WOWZA!!
At this moment in time I am sitting in my dorm room in the fantastic Manhattan. HOLY CRAP PANTS! I'M HERE!! The school is beautiful, the dorms are new and clean and everyone I've met so far is just as excited to be here as me. One block up from where I'm sitting (second star to the left) is the famous Riverside Church where MLK Jr. gave sermons. Directly across from me is the tomb of Ulysses S. Grant. Our neighboring universities are Columbia and Barnard and a mere skip and a jump away is the great Broadway.
HOLY CANNOLI, BATMAN! ROBIN IS ABOUT TO LOOSE HER MARBLES!!
2 feet away from me there is a practice room where I will be rehearsing (after my nap that is) the pieces I'm going to perform for the art directors tomorrow. It's not an audition but more of a placement thing so the directors can see where you are in your progress and what type of repertoire you have. To show off a range of pieces, I've decided to sing "The hours creep on a pace" by Gilbert and Sullivan (which is somewhere between musical theatre and opera. It's a comic piece about a girl who doesn't know whether she should marry a sailor for love or another suitor for money), "Can't Help Lovin' That Man of Mine" (a classic from Show Boat), "Danza, Danza fancuilla gentile" (an Italian art song) and a classical English piece but I haven't yet decided which one.
Music and hyper-excitement aside, this morning I was in Rhode Island. I cannot express enough what wonders the sea does for the soul. I was only there for about 48 hours and I feel completely cleansed and rejuvenated. I could have spent weeks on that beach burying my feet in the sand, letting the sun kiss my face and filling my lungs with the magnificent scent of salt water. I immediately regressed back to my 5 year old self when I saw the waves rolling like thunderbolts across the water. It wasn't very long before I dove into the water with reckless abandon...and then realized it was FREAKING FREEZING...wonderful, blissful, joyous...but FREEZING. All the same, I swam, I rode the waves and I felt at home.
Huuuum. I'm kinda jonesing for a NY slice of pizza. Look out world! Here I come!
Peace, Love and NY!
Geni
HOLY CANNOLI, BATMAN! ROBIN IS ABOUT TO LOOSE HER MARBLES!!
2 feet away from me there is a practice room where I will be rehearsing (after my nap that is) the pieces I'm going to perform for the art directors tomorrow. It's not an audition but more of a placement thing so the directors can see where you are in your progress and what type of repertoire you have. To show off a range of pieces, I've decided to sing "The hours creep on a pace" by Gilbert and Sullivan (which is somewhere between musical theatre and opera. It's a comic piece about a girl who doesn't know whether she should marry a sailor for love or another suitor for money), "Can't Help Lovin' That Man of Mine" (a classic from Show Boat), "Danza, Danza fancuilla gentile" (an Italian art song) and a classical English piece but I haven't yet decided which one.
Music and hyper-excitement aside, this morning I was in Rhode Island. I cannot express enough what wonders the sea does for the soul. I was only there for about 48 hours and I feel completely cleansed and rejuvenated. I could have spent weeks on that beach burying my feet in the sand, letting the sun kiss my face and filling my lungs with the magnificent scent of salt water. I immediately regressed back to my 5 year old self when I saw the waves rolling like thunderbolts across the water. It wasn't very long before I dove into the water with reckless abandon...and then realized it was FREAKING FREEZING...wonderful, blissful, joyous...but FREEZING. All the same, I swam, I rode the waves and I felt at home.
Huuuum. I'm kinda jonesing for a NY slice of pizza. Look out world! Here I come!
Peace, Love and NY!
Geni
Saturday, May 22, 2010
What a day this has been..
It is one of the greatest feelings in the world to walk into a room and have it explode in laughter, happiness and love just by you being there. It is also one of the greatest feelings in the world to jump up and down while being hugged so tight you can't breathe because you're embracing one of your sassy, gorgeous Italian aunts you haven't seen in forever. Even better than that? Not being able to sit down for 20 minutes because you're spending so much time jumping up and down,hugging and loving each additional family member. Most find this exhausting. I, however, feel energized.
I have only been in New York for 2 days and already I've done things and seen things that I never thought I would. Get your mind out of the gutter, it's not that. Today (well I guess yesterday since it's about 2 am here), within a span of 12 hours I have 1) Seen a rainbow ring around the sun. 2) Shouted my heart out at a roller derby tournament. 3) Had an incredible dinner with an Italian man who doesn't drink (he is, indeed, an enigma) and finally 4) found my new drink of choice at an Irish pub.
1. Rainbow ring around the sun? WHAT?
You heard me. You know how sometimes the moon has a ring around it? It's usually incredibly beautiful but sometimes a little spooky? Well this was just like that but instead of the moon it was the sun and instead of a ring of light it was a rainbow ring. The reason i was able to see this was not because I was stuck inside an air conditioned room in hot AZ. No. I was on a SAIL BOAT on the Hudson river. A SAIL BOAT!!! Thank God! I needed my boat fix like Richard Simmons needs to shake it. And you know what? Being on that boat with the wind blowing through my hair, the smell of salt water in the air and looking at a rainbow ring in the sky was the greatest "sign" I ever could have been given. I'm on the right path, I'm doing the right thing, I know where I'm going.
2. ROLLER DERBY
My cousin ,Annie (aka: R. Sovertits...think about it), is a kick ass roller skater. Not only does she skate but she gets to expel some anger in the process by, ever so gently, beating somebody up. Don't worry, it's all very controlled and regulated but oh so BAMF. While her team unfortunately did not win this evening, we all most assuredly had some fun. I'm looking up the local roller derby team as soon as I get back to T-Town.
3. Italian senza alcohol?
That's right! This Italian man does not drink alcohol but instead has his strawberry juice (virgin daiquiri) and plays DD for everyone else. He's not a random guy, he's my Zio Pino. He, my aunt, her friend and I all had a fantastic dinner tonight which included (but was not limited to) stuffed clams, stuffed mushrooms, stuffed artichokes, marinated clams, shrimp, muscles, little potato bites of heaven etc. Seriously, I think I'm going to move here just for the food.
4. My new drink?
An Amaretto sour. Tastes like a Shirley Temple except with booze. Bellisima!
Peace, Love and Sailboats,
Geni
I have only been in New York for 2 days and already I've done things and seen things that I never thought I would. Get your mind out of the gutter, it's not that. Today (well I guess yesterday since it's about 2 am here), within a span of 12 hours I have 1) Seen a rainbow ring around the sun. 2) Shouted my heart out at a roller derby tournament. 3) Had an incredible dinner with an Italian man who doesn't drink (he is, indeed, an enigma) and finally 4) found my new drink of choice at an Irish pub.
1. Rainbow ring around the sun? WHAT?
You heard me. You know how sometimes the moon has a ring around it? It's usually incredibly beautiful but sometimes a little spooky? Well this was just like that but instead of the moon it was the sun and instead of a ring of light it was a rainbow ring. The reason i was able to see this was not because I was stuck inside an air conditioned room in hot AZ. No. I was on a SAIL BOAT on the Hudson river. A SAIL BOAT!!! Thank God! I needed my boat fix like Richard Simmons needs to shake it. And you know what? Being on that boat with the wind blowing through my hair, the smell of salt water in the air and looking at a rainbow ring in the sky was the greatest "sign" I ever could have been given. I'm on the right path, I'm doing the right thing, I know where I'm going.
2. ROLLER DERBY
My cousin ,Annie (aka: R. Sovertits...think about it), is a kick ass roller skater. Not only does she skate but she gets to expel some anger in the process by, ever so gently, beating somebody up. Don't worry, it's all very controlled and regulated but oh so BAMF. While her team unfortunately did not win this evening, we all most assuredly had some fun. I'm looking up the local roller derby team as soon as I get back to T-Town.
3. Italian senza alcohol?
That's right! This Italian man does not drink alcohol but instead has his strawberry juice (virgin daiquiri) and plays DD for everyone else. He's not a random guy, he's my Zio Pino. He, my aunt, her friend and I all had a fantastic dinner tonight which included (but was not limited to) stuffed clams, stuffed mushrooms, stuffed artichokes, marinated clams, shrimp, muscles, little potato bites of heaven etc. Seriously, I think I'm going to move here just for the food.
4. My new drink?
An Amaretto sour. Tastes like a Shirley Temple except with booze. Bellisima!
Peace, Love and Sailboats,
Geni
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
"My bags are packed, I'm ready to go..."
3:45am. That's what time I have to get up tomorrow morning. And I am NOT, I repeat, NOT a morning person. Joy of joys.
While the early morning hour is not ideal I am thrilled to be going to New York tomorrow. I remember the moment I convinced myself to audition for this program and I am so happy I did. I won't be moving into my dorm at Manhattan School of Music until the afternoon of the 26th so in the meantime I'll be kickin' it with mia familia of the greater New York area. I will also be navigating the mysterious world of the Amtrak (or train for those of you who are not familiar) for a much needed trip to Rhode Island with my cousin. Living in a land locked state is painful sometimes. As soon as I see that beach I'm running towards the water faster than Elton John chasing down a sensible pair of platform glitter boots. But more on that later...
Most awkward thing I did today : Lift my suitcase onto my weight watchers (TM!) scale to find out the weight in order not to be charged extra at the airport. That mother was heavy!
Most boring thing I did today: organize seven years of vocal repertoire in various forms.
Most awesome thing I ate today: cheesy bagel with veggie shmear and turkey slices
That'll be all for now. In order to get my much needed 8 hours of sleep I should have been asleep 10 minutes ago.
Peace, Love and Economy Class,
Geni
Monday, May 17, 2010
To bravely swim where no fish has swum before...
I have been swimming all my life. My parents practically took me right out of the womb and plopped me into the ocean and said "swim, baby, swim". So thrashing amidst the waves and currents of life, I used my chubby baby arms and feet to support me, and swam.
So maybe the way I learned to swim didn't happen quite like that, but that's how I like to tell it at parties.
I am a Pisces and a passionate one at that. I love to swim, I love the ocean and I most definitely love those crazy swimming caps with tons of bright, in-your-face, fake flowers (I'm pretty sure my Grandma has about five). Though cheesy and perhaps contrite, I love life and don't apologize for it. I started this blog so that I could muse about life, love and travel and I plan to do just that.
From May 2010 through July 2011 I will be experiencing one of the most amazing adventures of my life, my senior year of college. During this year I will be spending a month in the boisterous city of Manhattan, singing my heart out at the Manhattan School of Music Summer Voice Festival. I will also be spending the months of February through July in Verona, Italy to finish up my Italian minor and happily spend my last semester of college. In between, in the great city of Tucson, I will be performing feats that are nothing short of epic...so stay tuned.
Originally, I wanted to use this blog as a way to stay connected to my friends and family while we are apart. Due to the high likelihood that the only family member reading this on a regular basis will be my Grandma, I will now use this blog as a way to organize some of the blessed chaos happening in my head while I am experiencing the wonder that is the world.
So stay sassy my friends and get excited. You're in for a wild ride. I mean swim.
Peace, Love and Calamari,
Geni
So maybe the way I learned to swim didn't happen quite like that, but that's how I like to tell it at parties.
I am a Pisces and a passionate one at that. I love to swim, I love the ocean and I most definitely love those crazy swimming caps with tons of bright, in-your-face, fake flowers (I'm pretty sure my Grandma has about five). Though cheesy and perhaps contrite, I love life and don't apologize for it. I started this blog so that I could muse about life, love and travel and I plan to do just that.
From May 2010 through July 2011 I will be experiencing one of the most amazing adventures of my life, my senior year of college. During this year I will be spending a month in the boisterous city of Manhattan, singing my heart out at the Manhattan School of Music Summer Voice Festival. I will also be spending the months of February through July in Verona, Italy to finish up my Italian minor and happily spend my last semester of college. In between, in the great city of Tucson, I will be performing feats that are nothing short of epic...so stay tuned.
Originally, I wanted to use this blog as a way to stay connected to my friends and family while we are apart. Due to the high likelihood that the only family member reading this on a regular basis will be my Grandma, I will now use this blog as a way to organize some of the blessed chaos happening in my head while I am experiencing the wonder that is the world.
So stay sassy my friends and get excited. You're in for a wild ride. I mean swim.
Peace, Love and Calamari,
Geni
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