Temporomandibular

Say that five times fast...

I have this little dysfunction with my temporomandibular joint. Sometimes; and I mean sometimes, it becomes inflamed, painful, uncooperative, and the all around bad guy.

Behold the bad guy of our story:



There hasn't been any pain in the joint for about three years, but it started a couple days ago.

I'm wondering if I'm just aging at an accelerated rate. It seems that as soon as one thing is better another rears it's head.

Well, that's the news for this morning... I'm going to find some ibuprofen.

Of Strings and Sweets

Ladies and gentlemen. It is my pleasure to announce a successful Valentine's Day weekend. There was dinner and swing/ballroom dancing to a 16 piece band, all with the finest friends. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea--Kirk Douglas was quite a stud. There were two versions of Jane Eyre (yes I do appreciate the book and countless remakes.)

Of course, what the day be without gifts? Yes friends, sometimes the best gift is the one you give yourself.



It's a handy-dandy brand new little giant 12-string. Perfect for those performances where six strings just won't cut it and anything more would just be crazy.

I also made a stop by the local See's for yet another thoughtful gift.



Ok, I know what you're thinking... just a step above pathetic. I understand, but must respectfully disagree. I rather like my gifts to me... they're so much better a flaming bag of used dog food.

And now a word to the wise:

Oh, remember young men, flowers and other sincere gestures are to be used sparingly, lest you find the above mentioned flaming bag on your doorstep.

Death of a Businessman

It was fall 2006. I started school as a business major and a first time freshman. I'd been out the the game for a while, but wanted the college experience. I knew I'd never be able to discover what it was like if I didn't try it for myself, and it has been one of the best decisions of my life.

I auditioned for the Symphony because it had been 7 years since I'd played in high school and I actually missed playing with an orchestra. It only snowballed from there. More music classes, more opportunities to play. More skills built, scholarships awarded and now I'm graduating with a music degree. Cello/vocal performance and choral conducting. I'm the principal cellist in the Chamber Orchestra, student conductor in the Chamber Choir, member of the honors vocal double quartet, and a participant in many other projects and performing groups.

It's not bragging, it's just an insight. I've been incredibly blessed to be able to study what I love and earn a living too. (I absolutely love my job which, has almost nothing to do with my studies.)

What a time I've had. I studied this last year for the LSAT. I did well in my studies, but was guided to music yet again. Funny how that works...

Not performing or teaching anymore would be like death. Music is an inextricable part of my life now... Who knew?

Anyway... Masters in cello is coming up soon; I can't wait.

Sitcom a Day

I was considering the fact that there are far too many stories for this little neglected blog, so there will be a new home for them here starting today.

Sitcom Moments

Here is the sitcom story of the day.

I suppose I should explain... A dear friend once "accused" me of having a movie life. I do try my best to excel in whatever I'm doing so I suppose that makes for some interesting stories-especially when I fall flat on my face. Metaphorically speaking of course.

Anyway...

Here is her sitcom/movie moment:

Our dear friend was looking for a parking spot at UVU; of course, anyone who has ever parked there knows what a nightmare trying to find a stall can be.

Often, it becomes necessary wait like a vulture for some unfortunate creature to expire/leave campus. There are even those who wait by the doors, and follow people as they walk from the building to their cars.

On this day, my friend was following a man to his car. Everything was just swell, that is, until a black beast of a car came up to the spot, flashers glaring. The dear fellow motioned to the waiting car, and indicated that there was already someone waiting for the spot... No response... so he placed his bag in his car, walked away, and hid behind another car.

Still no movement from the black car. My friend gave up, drove away and then decided to come back for one last shot at that particular parking lot. Sure enough, the fine fellow was still crouched behind another car. Upon seeing her, he smiled, walked to his car and surrendered the in-demand stall.

Looking up, I see that this may not be the best writing of all time, but it's late and I'm not exceptionally worried about public opinion at this point. Feel free to put into a Seinfeld perspective if it helps...

Happy reading