wiol pomnuria ilian

marching band

2011-08-19T00:14:00.006-05:00

I must say, things have gotten off to a great start here at St. Charles North. I've had a great time with their marching band camp, which is probably the easiest one you'll ever fine in the CONTINENTAL US! Seriously. Their camp was three days long, from 6:30-10:00 in the evening, so no crazy marching band tans for St. Charles. They are a non-competitive group, and the directors there have been trying to streamline and simplify the process as much as possible throughout the years. I feel that the majority of the kids don't mind how easy it has become, but there's a good chunk that probably is thirsting for something a little meatier.

And, come next week, my school day experience will begin. As far as relating with the kids, that's been going swimmingly. I just know that I have to brush up on the subject matter (alternate fingerings, technique for all instruments) throughout my experience. And it'll get better the more I do it. A lot of being a music educator is learning on the job, and I have a LOT of learning to do. At least I have a nice long weekend break to finish my room and relax before kicking off the school year next week!

harlequin

2011-08-17T11:05:00.004-05:00

On a somewhat random note, this new background totally reminds me of the harlequin trunks that we made for The Gondoliers:

In fact, if you peek under those two dapper gentlemen (yours truly in green) colliding, the green and purple Joker-esque trunk was the one that I worked on. Unfortunately, when they striked...stroke the set they destroyed two of the boxes. I would have liked to steal a piece of the trunk, because for some odd reason I like keeping physical pieces from productions that I've been in. I think I have a piece of the throne from Midsummer and a piece of wood from Les Mis. It's not that bad, though - there's a lot that I took away from the production in the way of memories and friendships, and I got to put my Venetian mask to (creepy) good use.

spontaneous

2011-08-14T09:31:00.007-05:00

spon·ta·ne·ous

adjective /spänˈtānēəs/

Performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus.

"Can I have a synonym?"
"Of course...pineapple"
"Really?"
"No, not really. No. Not at all."

vintage

2011-08-13T19:13:00.003-05:00

I've been inspired recently by vintage things. Whether it's in my wardrobe or on my walls, I love things with character and a story to tell. My mom said that it's bad feng shui to bring items into your house with a history that's unknown to you, but I think that that's part of the fun! Right now, I would totally love to find a scrap yard or a salvage yard and see what fun, reusable things that I can find. I particularly like reclaimed wood, which is weathered wood that has seen its share of days. There's just something about distressed wood that appeals to me. It's very organic and has lots of character.

To Do List for my room:

- finish paint details
- resurface ceiling fan
- stain dresser
- buy hardware for doors and drawers
- mount wall photos and such

transitions

2011-08-12T13:49:00.003-05:00

Today marks a milestone in the life of Michael Schwartz.

I'm finally painting my room! This process has been an ongoing battle for the last three years or so. If you've ever been in my room over that period of time, you would see a collection of blue paint samples spotting my walls.

But now it's official! My room is cleaned out, and my paint is mixed and purchased. No turning back now.

It's also a nice parallel to my life at the moment. Next Tuesday, I begin my student teaching at St. Charles North High School, where I take on my most adult role that I have ever held. I'm scared, I feel unprepared, but I think that it'll be a great experience. I feel unprepared because I haven't really done much in the way of preparation this summer for the gig, but I realize that if I don't have a regular schedule I function on a level akin to an amoeba (i.e. terribly unproductive and unmotivated). I've got to learn how to self-motivate myself, but stepping into the role of a teacher will be good for me and help me elevate to that level.

I'm excited. It's been a costly summer (with no job), but I've had a couple of great experiences. I'm hoping that I'll carry this momentum into this fall and finish out my college career on a strong, life-changing note.

Well, enough of that. Time to go paint my walls!

2011-04-01T17:09:00.001-05:00

is this real life?

fail

2011-03-09T04:14:00.002-05:00

These last few days of term...are utterly and completely ridiculous.

As always.

*sigh*

But I'm me, and I don't just survive. I strive to do the best that I'm capable of.

Which is why no sleep will come tonight.

bittersweet

2011-01-25T00:43:00.004-05:00

I just love her tender and eager voice.

home, let me come home
home is whenever i'm with you
home, yes i am home
home is wherever i'm with you

busy

2011-01-20T02:57:00.002-05:00

busybusybusybusybusy.

That pretty much sums up the last few days for me. It's really just coincidental that all of my classes had sizable projects due around the same time, so that just really suck hardcore. Alone, the projects aren't that bad, but like this they are unbearable! I think one of my friends earlier today actually had a mental breakdown due to the craziness that is occupying our lives now.

I'm trying to not be super, super stressed. I keep my vision on the horizon and keep telling myself that there are worse and more pressing issues and problems in the world than my Education assignment.

It's working out pretty well.

resolutions

2010-12-29T01:44:00.003-05:00

Resolutions are a funny thing. Going into it, we all have the best intentions when making them until they kind of sputter and burn a few weeks after we've entered the new year. In fact, I haven't really put much thought into making any the past few years (Lent is hard enough for 40 days; how am I supposed to last a whole year?!), instead just going into the new year with a feeling of anticipation and hope.

I think I'll try it again this year. Most are far-fetched ideas that sound good at the time but will never actually come to fruition. Like, working out or something ridiculous like that. But for me, I've been thinking about this particular thing for the past few months, trying to improve upon it as time goes on.

For my new year's resolution, I want to become a better communicator.

Personally, I enjoy getting quick replies to text messages I send out to people. I get a little anxious when I'm waiting for a response. So when I hear from my friends that I'm one of those people that never answers the phone or responds to texts, I feel bad and it makes me make a little frowny face in my soul, like this.

I promise that I'm not ignoring you! I swear, when I read each and every text message I, uh, read, nothing else in the universe is crossing my mind other than those little digital characters. I acknowledge the message! I comprehend the message! I think deep thoughts about the message!

It's just that when I get to the 'replying' part of the message, I kind of fail at life. See, as I get older I'm realizing that I'm partially a lot OCD. And along with OCD comes forgetfulness. I'll read the message, reply to it mentally and forget about said message. Until I remember in a flash hours or (days) later that I haven't replied yet.

Dear reader, you're probably thinking to yourself, 'Mike, I don't care. Just move on already!'. And to that I say, 'But I care!'. I want to be one of those people that can be trusted with a quick response to text or call, or Facebook or email or you name it. I want to be more like my dad...and less like my mom. It's a win-win for both you and me.

You - a response. Me - more responsive than a potato.

That's just one part of the communication side of things. The other one is more of communication when it comes to relationships, or life in general. Being able to talk candidly with someone, acknowledging and maintaining relationships...these are the kinds of thing I'm talking about. And I mean well. Honest to goodness, I mean well. But sometimes the execution side of things comes short. You can have the most fantastic treasure chest filled of wondrous things, but if you can't open it what good are they? I don't want to be that potentially awesome treasure chest that's as responsive as a potato. I want to be someone that you're better off knowing, and is actually worth some of your time.

I'm 20. I'm trying my best at this thing called life, along with everybody else. No one has the answers. We're all just figuring it out as we go, giving it the best that we've got. I like to think that I'm doing alright with my life and that I'm headed in the right direction. But I know that I have my rough spots (as we all do), so I'm going to try to clean up the spot that is communication this year. Hopefully, it's something that can become me, so people can consider me someone who does respond to texts in a timely manner, or a great communicator in the workplace, or a worthwhile relationship to have.

We'll see.

=)

christmaschristmaschristmas!

2010-12-23T14:44:00.002-05:00

Usually, it feels like I anticipate Christmas for the longest time before it finally happens. For some reason, that's the opposite of this year for me. Not that I'm not looking forward to Christmas, it's just that I'm finally getting into the spirit! Maybe it's because I've been cleaning the house for the past couple days in anticipation for our Christmas Eve party, but Christmastime is here and I'm ready to party!

^

2010-12-22T02:09:00.004-05:00

No place to go but up from here.

Guess I should have asked for a space helmet for Christmas.

me

2010-12-19T11:49:00.002-05:00

I need to start bringing the focus back onto me. Now more than ever, I need to find my passions and what I enjoy...and what makes me happy. I guess it's like 'trying to find yourself' or whatever, but it's true. I want to do things because I want to do them, and not for any other reasons. I'm happy, but just a little jumbled about (maybe more than I'm willing to admit).

The night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you, the dawn is coming.

writing

2010-12-13T00:15:00.002-05:00

Writing is good. Good for the soul. It's both a mental and physical cleanser, which purifies as it siphons your emotions through a pen and transfers them onto your medium of choice. Even if there isn't anyone to talk to at the moment, the blank canvas becomes a welcome listener.

The words don't have to be lofty or elaborate. They just need to be pure and true.

christmas

2010-12-08T01:41:00.002-05:00

My family always asks me what I want for Christmas, and I always have no idea. For me, I don't really need anything, so I don't just want to ask for random stuff that I don't quite need. But I definitely found something that I like, but wouldn't by myself.

I'd like to get back into photography again, and not just digital. 35mm, here I come!