Another Year

It's my birthday tomorrow, and I'm waxing nostalgic, so I thought I'd do a year in review for myself. I realize this is self-indulgent, but if there's any day you can get away with that, it's your birthday. So, enjoy my life people!

NOVEMBER:

Wow, looking back, I really did this month right. Actually, I'm kind of jealous of myself right now. I spent my birthday performing with my mariachi band, with my parents there, after church, the day after my quartet's first concert in our series here. Well done, Megan. I then flew to Southern California, where I celebrated Disneyland-style, walked on the beach, played with my nephews, went to a knights and princesses birthday party (and I have the crown to prove it), and ate at Crab Cooker. Next on the agenda was a performing trip to the other happiest place on earth (for me), NYC. True lurve. If that wasn't enough, I spent my first Thanksgiving at home since leaving for college. That's six years, people! It was great, although I have amassed some seriously hilarious stories from Thanksgivings spent in MI and NYC.

DECEMBER:

was also good. I got a new viola!!!!, celebrated National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day, and out-Martha'd myself by planning a no-holds-barred international festival of New Year's Eve fun. Did you know that in some parts of the world they throw buckets of water on each other to celebrate the new year? Hooray for google.

JANUARY:

First winter residency for the Tesla Quartet in Aspen. Weird first impression, because the town was deserted! They had some snow issues, but things picked up towards the end of our stay. Our lovely, elderly hosts were another story. The husband kept mixing Kim up with the dog, and the wife let us know in no uncertain terms that we were not invited to dinner. Bless their souls. We did get in a great concert at the Basalt Library, which was broadcast on local tv.

FEBRUARY:

It may only have 28 days, but I swear, it felt like 29. I soloed with the CU Orchestra, had more quartet concerts in Boulder, then headed off to another winter residency, this time in Vail and Snowmass. The best story there was the woman who hired us and was in charge of shuttling us around. One day we had an early lunch at a local Italian (pronounced eye-talian) restaurant. We arrived before they opened, so we sat there in the car, waiting. As the minutes ticked by, we watched a Domino's pizza delivery guy pull up. Then walk up the door. Then actually deliver a pizza inside! I lost all my faith in our host right there. Of course, this loss was compounded when she ditched us the last day to go skiing. Super.

MARCH:

Disneyland, again.
Trip to Michigan.
Orange County Mormon Chorale concert, with a bunch of my buddies... so cool.
Oh yeah, and Frozen Dead Guy Days.
Need I say more? Probably, but I'm going to leave you to ponder that one. It was a month that rivaled November, which as you've already seen is pretty hard to do!

APRIL:

November was my first Thanksgiving with family in a while. April was my first Conference (and Easter) with family. I was still in California, which also produced another first... my first big earthquake! It was nutso! There was a huge boom, like someone dropped a wrecking ball on the house, then the glass started waving, chandelier started swaying, and my two-year-old nephew got really freaked out. So weird. So, I can now cross that off my list. And good riddance. Actually, since there wasn't any damage, it was pretty cool, in an unsettling nauseous kind of way. We also did another Aspen residency, which was lovely other than the fact that we got a foot of snow during the last week of April. Not cool Mother Nature, not cool.

MAY:

I examined the culinary delights and aeronautical wonders of South Bend, Indiana while my quartet competed at Fischoff. Let's just say, I was hungry. I have previously posted the restaurant motto that summed the trip up, "It's a meal." South Bend, "It's a town." I would have been okay, except that they were determined not to let me out of the state! We flew out of the South Bend airport, but they canceled our flight, and of course there wasn't another one until much, much later. Luckily, my persistence paid off, and I was able to get us rebooked on a flight that same day. Ladies and gentlemen, tears work. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's even more effective if you go down on both knees, wring your hands together, and wail, "Why me" at the top of your lungs. If you can get past the thought of everyone staring, it's so worth it. I did eventually get home to Utah, and it was a rocky month there. We sadly had two funerals, but I got to see everyone in the family, which was an unexpected pleasure. I also reconnected with my PT buddy, Steve. He and I bonded all summer, but he did his job right! At the end, we were actually kind of sad to say goodbye.

JUNE:

I got to do two of my favorite things in combination: road trip + see my nieces. My parents and I drove up to Minnesota, then my mom and I took my four delightful nieces on a road trip up to Lake Superior. Beautiful vistas and lots of laughter. It was so great getting to know these wonderful girls better! At the end of it, I drove back to Colorado and Aspen, which is where I spent

JULY and AUGUST:

These two months are together, because I spent them living it up Aspen style for the Aspen Music Festival. Kim and I lived in a great condo with an amazing pool and hot tubs in Snowmass Village. Oh, the delightfulness of it all! It was relaxing, but we got a lot done, learned, made some excellent contacts, learned the beauty of Aspen bar menus, and made some important decisions concerning the future. All in all, a worthwhile summer. August does need special mention, though. I learned that I'm "mouthy" and that this is a good thing for radio, and I hosted the family reunion, which was fantastic. We spent time at Garden of the Gods, the Airforce Academy, and Boulder, and my mom stayed a couple extra days. It was great to have the time with her before going back to school.

SEPTEMBER:

was not nearly as exciting as I'm realizing the rest of my months were, although I did host a pretty epic 90's party for my roommate's birthday. And in so doing, I realized that no party stores have 90's decorations yet, although they should. It's okay, I just made my own. In other news, Colorado had a gigantic, scary fire that rivaled California, so we all spent time trying to help. It actually changed my view somewhat of Boulder, seeing everyone pitch in and donate whatever they could. The other view changing came when I met my first Freegan. He opened my eyes to the wide world of dumpster diving. Not that I could ever bring myself to do it. Ew. Germs.

OCTOBER:

I went back to NYC! So delightful, although it started out as kind of a rough trip for me. See, they managed to lose my bag on my one-way flight, so I ended up in Long Island for two whole days without anything. Luckily, Kim's mom took care of me. Unluckily, my contacts had to stay in, as I had no case or glasses, and my eyes flipped out. I spent a day crying my eyes out (much like South Bend, only less actual emotion), while Kim laughed at me. No sympathy, in that one. However, I got my fix of my city, which was fantastic, and I spent three hours in Strand Bookstore without spending money! New record on both counts.

which brings us to...

NOVEMBER:

So far, it's been a less than stress-free month. My solo doctoral recital is coming up in four days, so there will be no birthday celebrating until then. But, my folks are coming, and I've heard talk of the Denver Zoo for Saturday, so I think it will shape up to be a pretty good month.

Thanks for indulging me in this. I realize that probably this is all less interesting to you than to me, but it's been quite a year! It was really the first year of my quartet life, and it's been interesting and wonderful and horrible and inspiring and discouraging and worthwhile. Sometimes all in the same day. I don't know right now what the future holds for that or any other aspect of my life, but no complaints. I'm excited to see what happens next.

The Look, the Feel of Autumn... the Seasons of Our Lives

I haven't blogged much lately. This is because, although there is, ahem, an awful lot going on in my life right now, I'm not at liberty to tell you all about it. Mysterious, right? Well, sorry. You'll know soon.

Meanwhile, it's getting to be fall, and I'm waxing poetic. I LOVE FALL. I love the smell and feel of the air, how the wind changes, crunching leaves, drinking apple cider, wearing sweaters, and starting the Megan Mason calendar year. Yes, my year still revolves around the fall, because as a friend pointed out, I haven't had a fall without school since I was five. Possibly four. So even though I'd love to be done with my institutional learning at this point, I still am filled with excitement when I walk back onto a college campus for the first time that year. I love the anticipation of each holiday, each semester ending, and each degree I work towards. I've had good years and bad years, but none of them have ever been boring. And I think this will be a good one. I have a lot to look forward to, and I can't wait to see how things sort themselves out. Little (and big) frustrations aside, it's good to be here.

One good piece of news I can tell you is that my quartet was invited to stay at CU for a third year. Certain imminent events will determine the outcome of that invitation, but it's great to have it. Yay for a place to be, plus health and dental and Takacs.

I hope you're all enjoying the late summer/early fall. I'm missing Michigan right now, because it's the scene of cider mills and Halloween parties for me, but I'm trying to create that upper-midwestern friendliness right here in the mountains. And if any of you feel like visiting, cider and donuts are on me.

Freeganism, and Other Ridiculous Boulderisms

The other night I went out to dinner with some friends. We were in two cars, and my group arrived a little before the other. We waited for what seemed an extreme amount of time, and then my friend Jen came bouncing in, waving what appeared to be a flag of some sort. In reality, it was a scrap of fabric with Freegan mottos written on it in black magic marker. Freegan, you ask? No worries, I'm getting to it.

From my Boulder posts, you probably know by now that it is often appropriately called "the People's Republic of Boulder." In the words of my sister-in-law upon a recent visit, "Wow, I've never seen so many granola people gathered in one place." I concur, but even I didn't know the extent of it until Jen told me what happened when she parked her car. Apparently, as she was turning off the engine, she saw a man pop his head out of a nearby dumpster. If it were me, I would have gone out of my way to avoid eye contact, but one of the girls in the car recognized him for what he was... a freegan. So, we return to freeganism. A freegan, you see, is someone who dumpster dives for foods and only eats what others throw away. The idea is that we humans have a tendency to trash perfectly good food, and freegans want to eliminate all that waste.

Dumpster Dan was thrilled that someone knew what he was doing, and he spent the next twenty minutes explaining his rules for picking out food. He never takes fruit from the bottom of the pile, he never takes meat, and he only takes canned/bottled goods that are less than a few days past their expiration date.

Fascinating. I have to give the guy props, although I find his lifestyle shudder-worthy. If I weren't such a germaphobe, I might even test it out. But, seeing as how I'm nervous to eat a piece of fruit from the local farmers' market without soaking it first, I don't think I'll be taking up freeganism anytime soon.

Viva la Boulder!

Discompliment

A long time ago, I blogged about what I like to call "discompliments." Basically, these are backhanded compliments like "Wow, you look so much better than usual today," and "You are so much better at that than I thought." Last night, I got a great one...

My quartet played a concert in the small town of Salida, CO. Before it started, we had a q and a session, where we were asked questions by the organizers and by the audience. Apparently my brand of humor worked on them, because I had them laughing a few times.

Anyway, after the concert, we went to the reception, and I was pulled aside by two men from Colorado Public Radio. They said they'd love to have us come down to play on their respective shows. Then they said they unanimously decided they wanted to have an interview with "that mouthy violist."

Mouthy?

Really?

Who'd a thunk.

Awesome

According to Sylvia Rosenberg, I am a "cracking good" violist. That's really cool if you know her.

I saw a Lotus on the street the other day. Oh. My.

The drive from my condo in Snowmass Village to Aspen takes me along one of the most beautiful roads ever... Owl Creek. It is home to mountain glens and dales, horse farms, and an elk preserve. The other day, I had to stop for several minutes while a herd of elk mommies and babies hopped a fence. One of the babies couldn't get over and was crying. It was heartbreaking and oh so adorable.

XM Radio. 'Nuff said.

I just fell back in love with "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." It is just so full of truth, light, love, and innocence. What an amazing masterpiece.

I've also discovered that Aspen's fancy restaurants have amazing bar menus. Yesterday's masterpiece was scallops to die for. The other day? Alaskan King Crab Legs for $14!!

Like I said, Amazing.

I Guess He Didn't Like the Concert

Yesterday, my quartet played on a street corner for two hours. Seriously. It is a little classier than you may think, though... we were actually asked to do it by the owners of Paradise Bakery. Well, things were going really well. We had about forty or fifty people watching for a good long while, and they were really getting into it. We tried to mix Mozart with some good old-fashioned classics like The Killers, and people appreciated our fine endeavors. So, imagine our surprise when, in the middle of a particularly beautiful strain of Schumann's "Traumerai" we hear a major crunch behind us, followed by a collective gasp by our audience. We turned around to see that a big hotel van had just nailed a (parked) Escalade. But, the show went on without so much as a pause in our music. Later, my friend congratulated me on stopping traffic.

This incident (super embarrassing, I'm sure, seeing as how it happened in front of the largest collective group on the street) brought up a discussion of our most memorable concert experiences. I have several doozies, but I think the most bizarre was the concert I attended last year at Manhattan School of Music. My friend was conducting the "Pines of Rome," and the last movement begins very quietly, builds up in energy and then blows the roof off. Well, the music began, and the audience leaned in to just make out the sounds of the off-stage brass. Suddenly, the principal second violinist keeled over, hit her head on her stand, and lay there on the stage. The conductor wildly grabbed for, and thankfully caught, her violin, but let's just say the mood was spoiled. Eventually, paramedics arrived, the girl was revived and escorted off stage, and the music began again. There really is no recovery for that, though.

I thought this was a pretty good story until a friend told me hers. Apparently, she was playing trombone in an orchestra concert when a woman got up and ran toward the front of the audience. She began to wildly wave a paper over a man's face. Then she tried shaking him. Then she called an ambulance. Then the paramedics came. Then they took the newly-deceased man out on a gurney. And the music never stopped!

This tale has put things into perspective for me. And given me a new paranoia. I'm sooo not sleeping the night before my next concert.

Just So You Know, I Think You're...

Yesterday, on my way out of town, I stopped at a gas station to fill up before reentering the enormously overinflated price zone that is the Aspen/Snowmass area. I was standing at the pump when a man rode through on his bike. He was super tan, tattooed, and wearing a knit cap with no shirt. He was also late-thirties to early-forties. He looked at me and said, "You have beautiful hair. You also have a beautiful smile." Then he left without another word. I have to say, it made my day.

While living in NYC, I got hit on... a lot. Now, this has absolutely nothing to do with my looks. It has everything to do with the fact that I am female and alive. When I first lived there, the whistling and catcalls were a bit disconcerting, but over time, they became a welcome dose of self-affirmation. I learned to love New Yorkers for the very trait that upsets most of the rest of the world- their tendency to say whatever pops into their heads.

It definitely wasn't all catcalling, either. One of my best friends came for a visit one time. We dropped her luggage off at my apartment, and then we walked outside. When we reached the first corner, a woman began ranting and raving about how I invaded her personal space (although you'll have to trust me when I say I had absolutely NO desire to enter her personal space bubble). We crossed the street accompanied by the dulcet tones of her shouting, and we came to another corner. This time a truck full of men honked and whistled at us as we crossed. I turned to her and said, "Welcome to the Big Apple."

Lately I've been thinking about my friends past and present. I've noticed that those from my religious background are much less likely to pass along both compliments and critiques than those who are not. This phenomenon, I believe is brought on by the desire in our culture to always be kind but not to lead people on. I'm thinking, though, that the New Yorkers have discovered an opportunity to move past the obvious into actually getting to know a friend. I've decided to take a page out of their book; I'm hereby dedicating myself to a new goal-- be more emotionally honest. It's not that everyone off the street needs to know my current state of mind...chaos would ensue in most states. But, I'm going to be more forthcoming with compliments, more aware of how things affect me and others, and discuss more readily things that upset me so as to actually work them out rather than bottling them up inside, hopefully culminating in a better balance and more zen-like frame of mind.

So, here's to all those New Yorkers who believe in letting people know exactly where they stand (and where they should and should not be standing).

I Just Found Out There's No Such Thing as the Real World

A couple of years back, my high school sent an "alumni follow-up questionnaire" to assess how well (or poorly) I felt prepared by Olympus High School for the "real world." I did nothing about the form, but somehow it was magically filled out for me. Upon reading the answers, it was painfully clear that my oldest brother had taken the initiative. I'd like to share his answers with you today.

DIRECTIONS: Please read the following questionnaire and respond honestly. We want to improve our school's programs and we need your valuable input. Your help will be greatly appreciated. All information you provide will be kept confidential. Thank you.

PART I-The Preparation You Received at OHS
1. Did you feel adequately prepared by OHS in the following areas:
Language Arts__Not at all, Im fixin to learn soon
Math__Not really, 1+1=4?
Science__Not at all, I learned about gravity, but I don't like it
Social Studies_______

2. Did you feel adequately prepared by the Counseling/Guidance Department at OHS?
__Yes, definitely
**For the Most part
__Not really
__No, definitely not
Comments: My councilor never wanted to date me though :(

3. Did you ever visit the Career Center at OHS?
Career?

4. Did you feel adequately served by the Career Center and Career Planning Services at OHS?
Career?

5. When you left OHS, did you have the skills you needed for your post-high school job, training program, college, or military experience?
**For the most part
Comments: They wouldn't let me join the military. I'll make them pay!!!

6. What skills did you lack that OHS should have helped you develop?
I lack the ability to say no, and I lack small motor skills.

PART II--Your Experience When You First Left OHS
1. When you first left high school, what did you do? Check all that apply.
__Worked
__Job Training
__College/University
__Military
**Other- please specify: Sweat Shop Overlord--Cheap t-shirts!!! Call for rates!!!

2. WORKED. Name of Employer: Granite School District
Job Title: Lackey
Salary or Hourly Wage: Yes
Main Job Duties: Sycophant
How did you learn about the job? MySpace
What was the MAIN reason you took the job? Needed to find myself, and the peace corps wouldn't take me.

3. JOB TRAINING. Name and State of Program: Spammer/ State=Despicable
What kind of job were you being trained for? Supreme ruler of all we survey
Did you finish your program? I am still being trained.
If NO, why did you leave before finishing? Those rats wouldn't accept my dominance.
How did you learn about the program? Telepathy
What was the MAIN reason you entered the program? Want to rule the world.
How did you finance your training? Slave labor

4.COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY. Name and State of School: Ohio State
Major Subject Studied: Remedial English
Did you change your program while in school? Yes, several times
Did you finish? No
If NO, why did you leave before finishing? I wuz smart enough to play football.
How did you learn about the school? matchbox cover
What was the MAIN reason you entered the school? My parole officer said it would keep me out of a career in high school counciling.
How did you finance your schooling? Petty larceny
How would you rate the school in meeting your needs?
Poor, should have gone to Michigan

PART III--Your Current Work/Education Status
1. What are you doing now? Check all that apply.
**Working
**Job Training
**College/University
**Military-state branch: Kansas Navy
**Other-please specify: I beat up old people for money and wrestle kangaroos at Circus Circus.

2. WORKING. Name of Employer: Granite School District
Job Title: Peon
Salary or Hourly Wage: 1 thimble of rice per week
Main Job Duties: try to avoid the whip
How did you learn about the job? the voices in my head
What was the MAIN reason you took the job? hit rock bottom
Do you enjoy your job? Yes, definitely. I've been hit so many times I enjoy it now.
If you would rather be doing a different kind of work, what would that be? Lawyer

3. JOB TRAINING. Name and State of Program: Immigration "Specialist", Mexico
What kind of job are you being trained for? hopping border fences
How did you learn about the program? Tijuana weekend
What was the MAIN reason you entered the program? Lucrative kickbacks
How are you financing your training? blackmail
How would you rate your performance? Excellent
Do you enjoy the program?
Yes, definitely. Border guards are cruel, though.
How would you rate the program in meeting your needs? Excellent

4. COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY. Name and State of School: Olympus Jr. High School, UT
Major Subject: Drama Geek
Have you changed your major? No
How did you learn about the school? State law
What was the MAIN reason you entered the school? The 7-11 clerk told me to get out or he'd call the cops again.
How are you financing your schooling? Voter fraud
How would you rate your performance? OK
How would you rate the school in meeting your needs? OK

PART IV--Your Experiences at OHS
1. What courses or programs at OHS have helped you the most in your life after high school?
swirlies, hazing, gym

2. How did the courses or programs help you?
Fear is a great motivator.

3. If any programs were particularly helpful, what were they and how did they help?
I got REALLY good at loitering.

4. How could programs at OHS have been MORE helpful?
Fire the truancy officers.

PART V--Your Evaluation of Your OHS Experience
1. What was the MOST BENEFICIAL part of your experience at OHS?
Graduation

2. In what areas would you have liked MORE support?
I only needed more support in gym.

3. In your opinion, what do current OHS students need to know that will help them most in life after high school?
Life is hard, and you won't be able to compete with your state-sponsored education.

4. When you were attending OHS, did you give your best effort to succeed in school and prepare yourself for the future?
No, definitely not.
Comments: Attend?

5. Could OHS have done more to motivate and involve you in preparing for life after high school?
Yes, definitely.
Comments: shock therapy

6. If you could go back to your time at OHS, what (if anything) would you do differently to better prepare for life after high school?
If I could go back in time I would go to 1748, not high school! DUH. Maybe 1511... that was a good year too.

7. Please rate your overall experience at OHS in terms of how well that experience prepared you to succeed in life after high school.
Excellent. You've made me what I am. You completed me!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. Please use the enclosed envelope to return your completed questionnaire to OHS. Also, if you have an up-to-date resume, please enclose it with your questionnaire.

I kind of want to send it in.

Just Some Thoughts

Tonight I had the great fortune of visiting my Great-Aunt Bertha. She is one of those people who typifies "salt of the earth," and I'm glad the opportunity of going to see her. She told some fantastic stories, and I learned more about my extended family than I knew before. I hope you'll indulge me while I share a couple that I think are worth repeating:

The first story she told was about her mother's family. Her grandmother died when her mother was very, very young...so young that her only memory of her is looking into her coffin. Soon afterwards, her father remarried, and life went on. Unfortunately, her stepmother didn't get along with one of her brothers, and her brother had a set of grandparents sowing seeds of dissent in his ear. Things really blew up one day when his father was away at work, and the stepmother told him to leave. He packed up his belongings in a red handkerchief, tied it onto a long stick, slung it over his shoulder and left. He was not even twelve. It was years and years before the family had any word of him, but apparently he went to California and made a good life for himself as a machinist in a factory.

Another story Aunt Bertha told is of her grandmother, Sarah. Sarah's mother too died when she was young, and Sarah was the oldest daughter in the family. She had to grow up very fast, and she spent her life taking care of her siblings, father, and eventually, her own family. Her brothers went to college, but she never went to any school. She never learned to read and write. She married a good man, and they had four small children when he was called on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served faithfully, and they communicated through letters read and written by one of their sons.

These stories have made me think about my place in the world. This all happened less than 100 years ago. I am only two or three generations removed from these stories, yet my life is so very different from theirs. I cannot imagine having to be a grownup at the age of 10 or 11. I cannot imagine my life without the ability to read or write, skills that have brought me no end of joy. The blessings of easy travel, instant accessibility to communication, and education have truly changed the world. Of course they bring their own sets of challenges, but I am so grateful for them. I am also grateful for a long legacy of faithful, hardworking people who love the Lord and love their family.

Memorial Day Fail

Happy Memorial Day, everyone. I guess it's a really happy Memorial Day for the local weatherman who last night showed a picture of people gathering around gravestones in a cemetary, commenting that "this is a picture of people celebrating and doing fun things with their dead relatives."

Here's hoping you all have an inappropriately good day.

Things I've Learned This Year

As I come to the end of another school year, I'm reflecting back on what I've learned. This has been a particularly interesting year, the first with my quartet, in a new state, with new responsibilities. So here are some pearls of wisdom I've come to know...

1. When life feels out of control, paint your toenails. Things seem just a little bit better when your toes are pretty.

2. Don't eat at restaurants which have what they serve in the title. To be honest, I've known this for a long time, but desperation really drove it home on a recent trip.

3. If you can't say anything nice, leave the room. It's okay to take breaks. Especially if there's a threat of physical violence or emotional abuse hanging in the air.

4. The viola rocks. This is obvious, but I thought I'd stick it in here.

5. If you run into someone you haven't seen for a decade, don't assume they're the same person they were 10 years ago. Let people grow up.

6. Accidents are just that. They're not the end of the world.

7. Road trips are not complete without 80's on 8 and 90's on 9. I love me some XM Radio.

8. If you live in the mountains, you may have to shovel a foot of snow off your car in May. Deal with it.

9. Kids have no concept of age. One kid guessed I was 80. One guessed I was 40. Guess which one freaked me out more.

10. My 20+ years of musical training mean nothing to the general population. For them, it's most exciting when I play Coldplay or do sound effects on my viola. This is okay. You never know who is going to take this and run with it. These things won two little boys over to my side recently. They now want to play the viola. It also makes people think I'm cool. Really, I guess this means fake it till you make it.

Cheers! To life lessons!

It's a Month

This was my mid-April to mid-May:

3 flight attendants yelling at me that I can't take my viola on the plane, 2 car accidents, 1 cancelled flight, 4 hours waiting for that cancelled flight, 1 failed competition, 5000 things I need to do, 3 things I have done, 1 bout of food poisoning, 1 boy trouble, 1 beloved dog death, 8 million verbal comments I have filtered in the last month, and 11 large boxes waiting for me to pack and move.

In other news, I ate here. This pretty much sums up South Bend cuisine. Sorry it's sideways, but I appreciated the truth in advertising just waaaay too much.

On the flip side: 2 little boys who want to play the viola after hearing me, 1 little girl who told me I'm pretty like a princess, 3 great colleagues, 2 days before I go home, 1 week spent in Aspen, 2 months to look forward to spending in Aspen, 1 beautiful tree outside my window, 2 new recital dresses for an amazing deal, 1 night of good sleep, and 3 amazing series of books to put things into perspective. The world isn't so bad after all, is it?

I would like to end this post with a note of confidence from one of my favorite fiction writers, L.M. Montgomery: "Isn't it wonderful to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?" Thank you, Ms. Montgomery, for your years devoted to enriching the human soul. You have inspired millions of little girls to use their imaginations, and you have spoiled us for anyone except Gilbert Blythe.

You're Welcome

Huckleberry Knickerbocker nicked knick-knacks in unique New York, picked a peck of pickled peppers, sold sea shells by the seashore, seized his knees and sneezed, because he really wasn't fuzzy, was he, at least so Moses supposes.

Hay-Yah!

Effective Birth Control

The names have been changed to protect the innocent:

"Jimmy, you can either go pick a book to read with Nancy, or you can go to bed." "I choose play games. Or watch a movie." "No, Jimmy. You only have two choices: book or bed." "Or the choices are to play games." "Jiiimmmmyyy..." "Okay, I choose to watch a movie." "Jimmy, it's either read a book or go to bed." "Fine. But I don't like this book. I'll go choose another one." Ten minutes later... "All these books are boring." "Fine, we can make up a story." "Oh, I have an idea!" So then the two read a book. Then he bargained his way into one more book. He was then carried to bed. Twenty minutes later... "Jimmy, why are you up"? "I ran out of juice." "Okay, I'll get you more juice but then you need to go to bed." He goes. Ten minutes after that: "My leg hurts." "Okay, Jimmy. Time for bed or no DS."

BAHAHAHA! People who say kids don't know what's going on have absolutely no idea what's going on. Mothers and fathers everywhere... I salute you!

Bond. James Bond.

It was a Jonah week. But, things got better for him, right? So, I decided to do something to cheer myself up... and then I was too tired, so I spent the night at home, eating Chinese food and watching Psych. Then, I started thinking about all my favorite tv shows and movies, past and present, and I realized that they definitely run in themes. All I'm going to say is, I may or may not have a hero complex.

I blame it on Psych, Alias, Burn Notice, Monk, Good Night and Good Luck, Hitchcock, Breach, Poirot, Miss Marple, Harrison Ford, and many, many others.

The effect this has had on me is interesting. Musician by day, international woman of mystery by nighttime wanderings. I have definitely been to the International Spy Museum, and Julia Child definitely became more interesting to me when I found out she was in the OSS. I love suspense in all its delicious forms, and if I can predict the ending to a movie or book, it's dead to me. I also may or may not have had upwards of 10 dreams one summer in which I was a spy. Some of you have heard songs from a musical I partially wrote called "How to Be a Villain."

Since I'm actually kind of an open book (or am I), a life of espionage is probably beyond me (or is it?), and that is probably for the best. So, for now I'll pick up one of my favorite Agatha Christie novels and bury myself deep in other people's problems. It will, as always, pleasantly distract me from real life when I read a book in which the person who dies is nearly always universally disliked, people are quirky but loveable, and you never liked the villain anyway.

New Favorite Quote

"What, you can't be bald and confident?"

"Um... your scalp... is out all the time."

BAHAHAHAHAHA! Classic.

Shimmy, Shake, Make an Earthquake...

...is what I wanted to title this post, but then I realized I didn't want to quote Shania Twain. Ever. Oh well. It's been a while since I've blogged. I was thinking about this the other day. It's not that I don't have anything to blog about. On the contrary, I've spent the past month doing very blog-worthy things. Hmm.

But I'm back. As the title would suggest, I just survived my first California earthquake. It was a 6.9 down in Baja, and by the time it made its way to us, it was about a 4. Not huge, but kind of long. It was enough to rattle me, especially when we all went outside and watched the neighbors' glass windows rippling and the water sloshing around in the pool. It's definitely the biggest quake I've ever felt, but it was over quickly and didn't do any damage, thankfully. Interesting.

The rest of my time in CA was great. I got to spend Easter with family for the first time in many years, and it was nice to be with them. I also took my four-year-old nephew to Disneyland. We had a great time, and I taught him about April Fool's jokes. His parents can thank me later. :) I didn't, however, shatter any kids' hopes and dreams this time around. (See here.) So, it was a successful outing.

I also got to play in a wonderful concert. My friend Brandon called me to play in a new oratorio composed by his brother about the Savior's visit to the American continent. (This story is told in the Book of Mormon, for those who don't know.) It was a great opportunity, and I think we'll be seeing a lot more of Brett Stewart. Pay attention. He's amazing.

So, Happy Easter/Conference/April Fool's/Spring to all.

School of Rock

Once upon a time I was dancing with a guy, and he looked me in the eyes, all romantical, and said, "Wow, Megan. You're pretty normal for a musician." And I said, "Um... thank you. ? ." I have yet to decide whether or not that was a compliment, but it's given me something to cling to when I feel the strain of the life I have chosen. I am at least more normal than some people. Of course, this was several years ago, so who knows. Things may have gone down a different path since then.

Being a string quartet musician is a fantastic fate, but after several weeks of rehearsals that almost come to blows because one person thinks that "this cadence needs to expand," and another thinks that "it needs to get bigger," I find it entirely necessary to stop being a snob. And that brings me to my current project. I like to call it "String Quartet Hero." Move over Guitar. We've got moves you've never seen. To that end, I'm taking a blogging break from arranging "Hey Ya!" by Outkast for us to play. That's right... I said Outkast. The idea occurred to me long ago (like, at least two weeks) and it is now being brought into fruition. It is not the first song of its kind to make it into the Tesla Quartet repertoire, and it won't be the last. But seriously, it's freakin' awesome! I'm kind of excited about it.

I've also arranged "When You Were Young" by the Killers, and my 1st violinist arranged "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay. So my question to you, dear blogging buddies, is what would you like to hear the Tesla Quartet play? Here's a proposition for you. If I pick your song to arrange, then I will also arrange to have us play it for you personally. It may be over the phone, but it will be a private concert. So, tell me your ideas, please.

And Now For Something Completely Different...

If by "different" you mean "weird" and quite possibly "disturbing in a funny, can't miss sort of way..." Yep, you guessed it. I'm going to Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland, CO. That's this upcoming Saturday, so if any of you have been wanting to come visit, NOW is the TIME!

What the what!? you ask. Well. It all started with a Norwegian guy named Bredo, who is now affectionately known as Grandpa. See, he got really into the whole cryogenics thing and decided to wait on ice until people could reanimate him. So, he asked to be shipped after death to a cryo facility in CA. He stayed for four years until his daughter emigrated from Norway to the loverly state of Colorado in 1993. Grandpa went there to "live" with her. She promptly stuck him out in the Tuff Shed in the backyard. Well, due to some pesky visa issues and several zoning fights, the daughter was evicted. But they let Grandpa stay. (Goooo Colorado! Good priorities, I say.) So, a new guy named Bo Shaffer answered a want ad and has been trucking in 1600 lbs. of dry ice every month to keep Bredo "alive" ever since.

So, what do you do with this situation if you are living in Nederland (where all the hippies and weirdos go)? Why of course, you turn it into a festival! Duh. So, what do you do if you're me and you read about this festival in a book and then find out it's a mere 20 minutes down the road? Again, duh. You go!!! So, I'm looking forward now to a Saturday full of coffin races and obstacle courses, a hearse parade, frozen salmon tossing, etc. It really should be a, well, interesting time.

No Matter Where I Go...

So, I'm in Vail. In between the hours I'm staking out Lindsay Vonn's house, my quartet is playing in schools and performing. So, today the woman who hired us took us to lunch at this really great little Italian restaurant in Avon. We sat there waiting for the restaurant to open (yep, it was a bit early) and who should pull up but the Domino's Pizza guy. We thought for a second that he was lost, but no. He was delivering a pizza. To the Italian restaurant. Oh, the sweet irony.

Junkie

That's what I am... I get way too emotionally wrapped up in the Olympics. Seriously. I realized this was getting serious last summer olympics when Michael Phelps had that unbelieveable race, you know, the one where it didn't look like he touched first? When it happened, I jumped up, screamed my head off (and you know me... not a screamer), and ran around the house. Well, last night I had my worst fears confirmed when I took Evan Lysacek's win over that jerky Plushenko guy as a personal victory. When he was skating, my heart started racing, my stomach clenched up, and my hands were balled up into fists. Is this what actual sports fans experience on a game-to-game basis? I want to know. I also want to know how you're not in the hospital yet for bleeding ulcers.

Now I Know My ABC's

So, over Christmas, I was playing a game with the fam, and it turned... as it does so often... silly. But it got me thinking; children are our future, after all, and it's about time someone stepped up to educate them. And that person should (not) be me.

Since I've had this epiphany, I've put it into action. So prepare yourselves. I'm talking fuzzy slippers, roaring fire, and a mug of hot cocoa, because it's story time. Sit back and relax and read this fun and educational story I like to call...

Baby's First Political ABC's

A is for absolutism: the awesome exercise of complete and awesomely unrestricted power in government.
B is for Blagojevich: inspiring story really... you can be a total creep and still get a reality show, even if your political career goes down the tubes. Proof that it's good to keep your options open.
C is for California: lots of votes- keep in mind when choosing a spouse.
D is for Camp David: ka-ching!
E is for electoral college: though they say your vote counts...
F is for filibuster: worked for Mr. Smith, works for you. First rule of politics- you don't need to have anything to say. Just keep talking.
G is for gerrymandering: securing votes by changing electoral boundaries to your advantage.
H is for "Hiking the Appalachian Trail."
I is for impeachment: let us learn from Johnson and Clinton.
J is for juggernaut: a massive, inexorable force that seems to crush anything in its way.
K is for katie courick: she may seem innocent, but she has a dark side. Just ask Sarah Palin.
L is for lobbyist: morality is a tricky thing. So is taking favors.
M is for me: which is what politics are all about.
N is for North Korea and nuclear bombs.
O is for outlays: monetary expenditures. See "P."
P is for presidential perks: limo, airplane, helicopter, house, food, billiards, pools, parties, staff, protection, library, retirement... all this can be yours if the price is right.
Q is for quota: some things take precedence over being qualified.
R is for right wing: pick a side and stick to it, unless of course it becomes unpopular.
S is for speechifying: Can I get an Amen!?
T is for think tank- I always picture those guys with big foreheads.
U is for unaffiliated voter: the underdog's best friend.
V is for vice-president: because everybody needs a scapegoat.
W is for White House: Welcome to Pennsylvania Avenue. We've been expecting you.
X is for politics x: Danger, danger.
Y is for youth of America: they're our future. If only we could get them to pull up their pants.
Z is for zoo (a.k.a. DC): where the politicians live.

How Do You Say "I Love You?"

So, I've got XM Radio in my car. It is one of my most treasured possessions. Seriously. Huuuuge fan. On that XM, I've got the Old Radio channel, where I listen to "Fibber McGee and Molly," "The Shadow," "Burns and Allen," "Our Miss Brooks," and many other old radio gems. I am becoming such a junkie. Anyway, while I was listening the other day, they advertised for what, in my view, is the most ridiculous Valentine's Day website yet... bigplush.com.

I visited the site today, and I found out that you can say "I love you" with a 6-ft. rose that has a little teddy bear clinging to it, a 40 lb. smiling ape, or a 5 ft. tall t-rex wearing a shirt that says, "I ate the teddy bear. Happy Valentine's Day."

Now, don't those sound like heartfelt gestures. The thing is, I'm very, very tempted to buy that t-rex for my friend. I think it would be the funniest delivery ever. But, since you have to shell out serious dough, maybe I'll stick to the classics. I guess if you wanted to go along the same lines, you could buy a teddy bear, draw on some bruises and teeth marks, and put a t-shirt on it that says, "I fought off a t-rex to tell you that I love you. Happy Valentine's Day." Hmmm. Possibilities.

My Favorite Places In The World...So Far

I'm sitting in Aspen right now, waiting to go teach a bunch of middle school kids. Yesterday my fellow Teslas and I put on an assembly for the third grade class. It went great (other than the unfortunate faceplant by a little girl we asked to come up on stage... no worries, she's okay now), but I keep having to remind myself that I am an adult and old enough to do assemblies and teach middle school. I still feel like I'm ten years old most days. Anyway, this has brought on a wash of sentimentalism, and I've decided to make a list of some of my favorite places in the world. Some of them are more exotic than others, and they aren't in any sort of order, but they're all near and dear.

KUOPIO, FINLAND:

I spent a week here, eating fresh pea pods and strawberries at the amazing outdoor market, dancing down streets (seriously), and laughing. It was my first discovery of another country, and it opened my eyes to a whole new way of looking at the world. There were many other amazing stops on this trip, but I remember comfort and excitement here.

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NYC:

I went there (for maybe the 60th time) during the last week I lived in NYC. I cried because I had to leave my museums. So sad. I have spent many, many hours in this museum, feeling overwhelmed by the talent and spirit inherent in the place. I love it, partly because I still haven't been into every gallery, and I don't even know how many times I've visited. I have to mention the FRICK COLLECTION while I'm on this post. It is art the way art should be seen.

LUDINGTON, MICHIGAN:

Best. Trip. Ever. Katherine, Elizabeth, Doug, Jon, Jason. Love you all. I've been other times, but that time was priceless. Spooky graveyards, hiking beaches, lighthouses, House of Flavors, Sven the Austrian model, all good.

MY CAR:

Odd choice, maybe, but it is one of my favorites. Cars mean road trips. And those are the best. I have seen a lot of the country by car. Some highlights: the Spam Museum, the Badlands, Craters of the Moon, the Corn Palace, Church history sites from New York to Missouri, Alien Beef Jerky, Pacific Coast Highway, the coast of Maine... and the list could go on and on.

WASHINGTON, MAINE:

I have spent the last two summers here playing for the Medomak Conductors' Retreat. I've made lasting, meaningful relationships, learned a lot about music, and spent a lot of time on the lake. I learned that canoes are my favorites. It's pretty darn delightful.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WY AND MT:

Is that the abbreviation for Montana? Oh well. I love this park so much I lurve it. It was while there a couple years ago that I decided my new goal in life (besides becoming Queen of Bollywood): to visit all the national parks. I have barely made a dent, but it WILL happen!

So, these are just a few of my favorites. But they are meaningful favorites. What are some of yours?

Happy MLK Day

This was my day:

1) Let's Get It Started, Black-Eyed Peas

2) We Shall Overcome, Pete Seeger

3) Ms. Jackson, Outkast

4) Beat It, Michael Jackson

5) Girl From Ipanema, Stan Getz

6) Hip To Be a Square, Huey Lewis and the News

7) Ma Nah Ma Nah, The Mother Goose Singers

Tried to go to the zoo, found out that the entire population of the USA was there; tried to go to the Science Museum, found out that the entire population of Canada was there; ended up downtown where I really wanted to buy a dress, found out that it cost more than the net worth of the entire population of Dubai. Yet... still managed to have a fantastic day.

Reasons Why

So, I don't usually do these, but I found this one entertaining. I turned my itunes to shuffle, and whatever song came up answered these questions. Some of them are real thinkers...

IF SOMEONE SAYS, "IS THIS OKAY?" YOU SAY
You May Be Right

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Check Yes Or No

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Stardust

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Cocoon

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Play a Simple Melody

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
It Just Comes Natural

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU
Carried Away

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT MOST OFTEN?
Stop This Train

WHAT IS 2+2?
Magnificat

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
One

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Baby, It's Cold Outside

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
String Quartet in E-Flat, Adagio

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Stitched Up

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Don't Be Cruel

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Fix You

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Don't Stop Believin'

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Silver Bells

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Didn't Leave Nobody But the Baby

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Halloween

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
The Beauty of the Rain

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
It's Not My Time

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Sweetest Goodbye

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Farewell Andromeda

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Namouna

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Mexico

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Holdin'

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Sweet Afton

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
The Stranger

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Return to Sender

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Reasons Why

2010

So I know I'm a little late to jump on this train but...

It's time I make some resolutions for 2010. (P.S. I love saying 2010 because it feels like I'm in a sci-fi future movie.) I recently learned that people have been making New Year's Resolutions since Ancient Babylon, so who am I to buck 6000 years of tradition?

My sister and I decided to go co-resolution this year. We are both going to get over our physical injuries and take to the skies, glider-style. Yup, hang-gliding. I may also fulfill my quarter-life crisis requirement in the form of skydiving. Either one would be a huge achievement for me, as I used to be deathly afraid of heights. But I am bound and determined.

I promise pictures.

Stranger Than Fiction

Go here. Tell me that I'm not a horrible person for being soooo amused by this. I'm still laughing.