I couldn't not mention the passing of President Hinckley, but didn't feel it fit with the last fluff.

There will certainly be more eloquent tributes, but I have a desire to add my bit to a man that, though I never met him personally, loved.

I found out via text message - I didn't even recognize the number. We were watching Masterpiece Theater, Mansfield Park. It was something that I didn't want to believe, so I didn't. This was 8:30.

I later received one from Auntie Marki, and Hammond, so it was time to admit it was truth. We've watched the rounds of tv tributes, and the impromptu singing, though admittedly changed the channel (Sarah was master of the clicker, but I was in full agreement) when they were to show the interview with BYU students.

I will miss President Hinckley. I do remember President Benson, and President Hunter, but President Hinckely has been the Prophet for more than half my life. 1995 was so long ago! I was living in Mesa, still, my hair was straighter, and the puppies were still truly puppies.

Before he was Prophet, I went to a rededication with the Baxters (this was a while ago, thus my memory is a bit sketchy). I think it was for the rededication of the Millcreek Building, near where he grew up. I remember standing on my chair in an attempt to see him, but I didn't have my glasses, so I couldn't see very well.

I remember when he announced the rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple. I was listening to conference at the McKays. It was a Saturday session.

I remember sitting in the Assembly Hall when he read The Family: A Proclamation to the World. I was with my mum and Auntie Marki.

I remember him, while I was at the MTC, I remember seeing his grief at the passing of his wife. I thought then, that we wouldn't have him much longer. That was a little less than four years ago.

I don't know at this time what I'll remember most about him. Maybe it will be his smile, the genuine love he had for people. Perhaps it will be the constant reminder to us all to "stand a little taller" and to "be a little better" always reminding us at the close of conference that we have learned, and that we should be better people in some way, no matter how small.

For now, what I will remember most, is the relationship that he and his wife had. You could not deny the love and respect that they had for each other. I remember an interview with Sis. Hinckley, she said to President Hinckley, "You have always given me wings to fly, and I have loved you for it." (Ensign, Nov 2004, 82)

There are no words sufficient to fully honor this man. I was once given advice on how to pay tribute to ancestors who have gone before, and I will now do my best to apply it here: live your life as a tribute to those who have gone before. May President Hinckley not have served in vain: Let us all strive to stand a little taller.

miss austen

I realize that there are more important things I should be writing at this moment. But I can't write right now, about them.

However, I couldn't help but find this lovely item quite, well, the adjective escapes me.

More to follow about Miss Austen.

not crazy. just, well, heidi.

I used to balk at the idea of fast food joints having wireless access.

So here I am in a McDonald's parking lot, blogging, and chatting with my mum and dad who are up super late in Qatar.

I had my auditions at UNLV this morning. I didn't play fabulously, but I at least played musically. There could have been more dynamics, but I think that's always the case. I wasn't given any indication one way or another, but, as my mom pointed out, he didn't say not to finish applying, so that's encouraging.

I was able to sit in a rehearsal with Itzhak Perlman conducting the orchestra playing Mendelssohn's Violin Sonata. I admit, I dozed a bit - give me a break, it was a rehearsal, and I was tired.

After the rehearsal, there was a Q&A session. Some of the questions seemed to be students trying to impress Perlman, but most were sincere, and he answered the very sincerely. He seems to be very down to earth. One question and answer that I will repeat is this: "If you could play another instrument, what would you play?" His answer, without any hesitation, I might add, was....(can you guess, huh, can ya?) ... the oboe. woo hoo. He mentioned that he was privileged to play in Philadelphia with Roger Woodhams, and Chicago with Ray Still and that he is all about sound, and he loved the sound of the oboe. My little oboe pride beamed, I must admit.

Side note: I hate parking in general, but around universitites, it's even worse because of all the parking restrictions.
I was of course nervous, because I do that, and like to be in control of situations. So I was driving around, having tried a couple of lots, without success, when, after seeing an In-and-Out Burger, and being excited, came across the Institute Building.

I admit I'm a dork, but when I saw The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sign, I knew that I was going to be okay.

I think that's all for now.

I head home tomorrow, via Cedar City. Next week, I'll be posting - the hotel says it has free wireless, so I won't need to stoop to McDonald's - from Greensboro, North Carolina.

Best Wishes from SIN CITY.

mahvelous

I did this a while ago, but since I finished Eclipse this Sunday, I figured I should finally post this.

Which Twilight novel character are you?


You're Bella Swan - You are intelligent and kind but not quite sure what you want out of life yet. You have a feeling there's something more out there for you. You're attracted to those who are real and avoid the fake. Sometimes you're a bit accident prone, but your true friends will always be loyal to you and come to your aid when you need it.
Take this quiz!

i have six jobs. am i crazy?

Late last night I was chatting with a good friend, and looking towards this next semester. Yes, technically it has already started, but the add/drop deadline has now passed, so to me, that is the official beginning.

Winter semester is great, because you have MLK, Jr. Day to recuperate from the first two weeks.

In this conversation I related my jobs to my friend. She asked innocently enough, "Are you still at the Law School?"

The answer was yes, but... and I proceeded to name off the others.

There was a pause from the other end, ending with an "Oh, hermana...." (Former companion)

I believe she thinks I am crazy.

But, I love all the things that I do, and don't know what I could give up.


1) Law School
I have had this job the longest: I started the end of my senior year in high school (Mar 2001), and minus a reprieve during my mission, I have been working there since then. I freely admit that the job itself is the least favorite of my jobs, but my boss and coworkers, plus the fact that I have been there so long make up the difference.

2) Oboe 160R
I teach non-music majors the oboe. Fabulous job. This semester there are eight (up from four last semester) and have met them all, and know this will be enjoyable. I do have to mention that one of them is a plant biology major - we chatted about arundo donax, and our Living With Plants classes. A kindred spirit, I must say.

Another student is related to a Senior Couple from Florida.

And there are two beginners - one having one semester of study, and the other just beginning, just for fun!?

The rest played oboe all through high school, and have a desire to regain their skills before they graduate.

All of them want to be there, learn, and have fun - this is their fun class. Much different teaching this group than those who have to be there.

And all who have previously played oboe before are interested in improving their reedmaking skills. Hoo-RAH!


3) Reed Class
I have four scheduled hours of reed class a week. This class is not taken for credit, but is a resource for oboists to come and receive advice on their reeds. I love making reeds, what can I say. And I (usually) seem to be able to make other's reeds better than my own, so it's a great combination.

4) SightSinging
I am probably least qualified to teach this class. I volunteered because my SightSinging teacher, Dr. Jessop, really helped me through, and I wanted to repay the favor, and perhaps have a similar impact. (Very idealistic, I know.)

It always takes a week or two before I again feel comfortable in front of the group. Before this happens I have to readmit that most of the students can sightsing better than I, and I need to focus on the musical aspects of the class in which I do have credibility.

5) Chamber Coach
This is my newest BYU job. I was asked to coach a WoodWind Quintet. I'm excited for the experience, and because my friends are in it. And, admittedly nervous. I hope they're not disappointed that they don't get a faculty member. And, I haven't played the pieces they want to play.

But, as the professor who asked if I would help out said, in response to the above concern, "Music is music" I feel/hope that I will have valid input in their rehearsals when I meet with them weekly. And I know they are wanting to work hard, and give a recital in April. It's a new and marvelous experience being at a performance on the teaching end.

6) Snow College Adjunct
I was afraid, because of the above responsibilities, I would need to let this job go. However, last Friday, I talked with the woodwind person and we worked out a solution. Hooray. There's one student down there, and I dearly wanted to continue to teach her, and now I can.

Part of the deal is teaching four hours of pedagogy to the music education majors.


Class wise I have a recital, lessons and my scholarly paper to write.

No 75 pages. Twenty for me. Though others would gladly do the seventy-five in return for not doing the recital. I wouldn't mind doing the 75 (before those who have done this say anything: this is only because I am naive) I love giving recitals, and so won't miss the extra 50 or so pages. Maybe it's the researching I don't mind. Come to remember, I do very much dislike putting my findings together in an "I don't sound like an idiot" way. I finalized the direction my paper will go: to talk about the zamr/zurna/mizmar - an oboe relative from the Middle East area. I really don't much at all about the instrument, other than it's a double reed.

My recital is coming together now that I have it programmed, and the people asked. The main difficulty is the coordinating of people's schedules to rehearse.

For lessons, I just need to practice. And show up.

Non class commitments include orchestra (no breaks for the English Horn player this semester) and Honors WoodWind Quintet. And three weekends of auditions, when sometimes I don't know if I want to go to more school. Well, I do. I just doubt I'll be accepted most days. But tickets are bought, cars are rented, hotels are secured. I'magoin.

Okay, I'm done 'oh woe is me-ing'. It's a holiday, all my syllabi are out, and my life is scheduled for the semester.

I know I'll be busy, and there will be moments of extreme stress, but there really isn't anything that I could drop.

I do have a request from you, though... please be a bit understanding. March looks to be a marvelous end to many things. And I'll try to not implode like poor Mr. Krook.

[ooh, poor Guppy.]

i am lame. oh well. at least i know.

So, I'm sitting here at my faithful macbook, doing anything but what I need to do. Then, to help me procrastinate further, I receive a comment wanting to know the stories behind the few pictures I posted. What do you think I decided to do? Was it get off the computer and go practice? Nope.

Picture 1: This is the sand dune that we climbed near Doha. When the wind hits it just right (or when your cousin slides down it on his bum) it 'sings.' Of course we picked the sheer face to climb up. Nevertheless it was quite exhilarating.

I've also included now a sand angel. It was fun till I found all the sand in my pocket. I guess that's better than a wocket.



And here's a view from the top.



Picture 2: Well, we were definite tourists. Paul (cousin) and I loved the native signage, and had to have pictures. Seriously, how often do you see camel crossing signs? I've also included other favorites from Qatar.

I think their crosswalking sign is much more exciting compared to CA (scroll to bottom), don't you?




Picture 3: This is from inside St. Peter's. We arrived early, beat the crowds, and were able to see the sunlight shifting throughout the basilica. Quite awesome (in the, full of awe, sense) I might add.

Picture 4: It was Christmas, and the streets of Rome were quite festive.

Picture 5: St. Peter's Square, with a view of the basilica.

Well, I'm done putting off the inevitable - off to practice. I have lessons on Monday now, you know!

Never fear, though. I shall post more pictures, and not neglect the stories next time.

travels abroad

I intended to keep track of my daily doings whilst on an adventure of a lifetime, and I did, but in rereading them - ick. And the moment is lost. Oh well.

Many times during the week I'll think of something that has happened, and I'll think of interesting and exciting ways of writing it down, but I'll get home and want to go to bed, or I'll forget more likely. And then, when I do remember, or have time, it's not as exciting or dramatic.

I will however recount a few of my adventures on my first ever trip abroad, and thoughts I had while travelling.

But to begin with: pictures!