I promise, pictures are coming soon! Unfortunately, my cord for my camera is hidden away somewhere in a box, so probably until I move into my new apartment, I won't be able to upload anything. Just trust me, I'VE BEEN BUSY!
I've had the pleasure this summer of being a summer live in nanny for my good friend Jen and her 2 lovely children. Ivan is 10, and Miranda who is 5. We have done some amazing things, and I've had a blast hanging out with them all summer! We've gone to the "turtle pond" on campus, a local train station, baked things, gone to a miniature museum, and done so many other wonderful things that I've completely lost track! (That's what the pictures are for). Now, I'm sure you're thinking, 'Sam, these seem like things that mostly a 5 year old girl would like, what about the 10 year old boy?' Ah, not to worry dear friends. He has actually been traveling a lot this summer, so I haven't spent a whole lot of time with him. Quite honestly, most of these were for a 5 year old girl.... and let's face it, that's perfect since I am also a 5 year old girl!
In addition to all of the fun Nanny stuff I've gotten to do this summer, I've been working out. Like hard core. I've gotten a little discouraged along the way, since I've only lost mostly inches and I've been doing it ALL SUMMER, but I'm trying to hang in there and have faith that it will work the way it's supposed to soon enough. Easier said than done on some days. I've officially reached the point that I've decided I need to be healthier, and I've had a great support system along the way. Jen and Paige have been right along side me through the whole process, working out with me, eating right... the whole 9 yards. My family has been super supportive as well. When I go home, they work out with me, so I don't loose my momentum.
I've also had the pleasure of conversing with a close friend of mine while he was away in Spain. I was able to send a little piece of home to him every week (in letter form) and I got a nice taste of Spain and abroad as well (in postcard form). I am still SUPER jealous that he was able to go to Spain, since that is where I would go first, if I could afford to go abroad; but I'm happy that I was able to live some-what vicariously through him. :)
I promise, this post would be SO much better if I had pictures! We have done so many cool things this summer, I wish I could share them all with you. Fear not, they will be posted soon, maybe I will have a blog post that is purely pictures. After all, a picture is worth 1,000 words right?
Until next time,
xoxo,
Sam
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
It's been a while...
I know, it has been forever since I've posted anything to the world wide web bloggosphere. Unfortunately, my busy end of a semester was not conducive to blog writing free time. So allow me to fill you in on all of the major events.
SPRING BREAK
For spring break, I went on 2 trips. This was the most eventful spring break of my life! I went home first. It was really nice to hang out with my sisters, especially nice to see Katie, who has been away at school just like me and I hadn't seen since January. On the Tuesday of spring break, we all loaded up in my dad's truck and hit the road for Albuquerque, New Mexico. I know what you're thinking, "What on earth could be in Albuquerque, New Mexico?" Well, only the home of the largest violin shop in the country- Robertson's and Sons Violin Shop. Katie and I both got new instruments, and Allison inherited Katie's old cello. Being all new-instrumented up we hit the road back home to Scottsdale.
It was a really great road trip with my family- something we haven't done together in a while. :)
A couple days later, I hit the road yet again, this time with my good friend Paige to drive to Lake Havasu for another good friend of mine's birthday- Jen. Paige coming with us was a huge surprise for Jen, and we had a grand old time. We spent our days hanging out on the lake, or exploring town and our evenings we went out and explored the night life. I have never had a college spring break experience like this one, so it was nice to be a 'real' college student for the first time ever!
And, yes, for any one who's wondering- that little spot on my nose is most definitely a nose piercing! I got it done while in Havasu. :)
MY BIRTHDAY
A month-ish later was my birthday! I love birthdays, always have, pretty sure I always will. I love my birthday, other people's birthdays- I just LOVE birthdays. So for my birthday, I got double celebration. I went home Easter weekend (also the weekend before my birthday) and celebrated Easter and my birthday with my family. I was so lucky that Katie had found a ride home to celebrate with us! This made me very happy. :) Then my family made the Saturday before Easter my day. My mom made green chili burros for my birthday dinner, my sisters made me beautiful presents- Katie made me a charm bracelet that she has a matching one of, and Allison made me a beautiful picture that I will be able to hang in my new apartment! Then, we had Angel food cake with strawberries and whip cream and SPARKLE SPRINKLES (!) for dessert! It was delicious and a beautiful way to spend time with my family. A week later, I celebrated with my friends. We went to Applebee's for dinner, which was delicious and then had a country themed bar- hopping experience. I had a great time, and I love my friends! :)
SPRING BREAK
For spring break, I went on 2 trips. This was the most eventful spring break of my life! I went home first. It was really nice to hang out with my sisters, especially nice to see Katie, who has been away at school just like me and I hadn't seen since January. On the Tuesday of spring break, we all loaded up in my dad's truck and hit the road for Albuquerque, New Mexico. I know what you're thinking, "What on earth could be in Albuquerque, New Mexico?" Well, only the home of the largest violin shop in the country- Robertson's and Sons Violin Shop. Katie and I both got new instruments, and Allison inherited Katie's old cello. Being all new-instrumented up we hit the road back home to Scottsdale.
It was a really great road trip with my family- something we haven't done together in a while. :)
A couple days later, I hit the road yet again, this time with my good friend Paige to drive to Lake Havasu for another good friend of mine's birthday- Jen. Paige coming with us was a huge surprise for Jen, and we had a grand old time. We spent our days hanging out on the lake, or exploring town and our evenings we went out and explored the night life. I have never had a college spring break experience like this one, so it was nice to be a 'real' college student for the first time ever!
And, yes, for any one who's wondering- that little spot on my nose is most definitely a nose piercing! I got it done while in Havasu. :)
MY BIRTHDAY
A month-ish later was my birthday! I love birthdays, always have, pretty sure I always will. I love my birthday, other people's birthdays- I just LOVE birthdays. So for my birthday, I got double celebration. I went home Easter weekend (also the weekend before my birthday) and celebrated Easter and my birthday with my family. I was so lucky that Katie had found a ride home to celebrate with us! This made me very happy. :) Then my family made the Saturday before Easter my day. My mom made green chili burros for my birthday dinner, my sisters made me beautiful presents- Katie made me a charm bracelet that she has a matching one of, and Allison made me a beautiful picture that I will be able to hang in my new apartment! Then, we had Angel food cake with strawberries and whip cream and SPARKLE SPRINKLES (!) for dessert! It was delicious and a beautiful way to spend time with my family. A week later, I celebrated with my friends. We went to Applebee's for dinner, which was delicious and then had a country themed bar- hopping experience. I had a great time, and I love my friends! :)
Saturday, March 5, 2011
I'm going to be a jazzer
I love playing my instrument. I love it even more lately, since I've been improving and making progress in my playing. I even found myself more than once procrastinating on homework with practicing. Since when does that happen?! I assure you, almost never. But lately, it's been something that I look forward to. Don't get me wrong, I still have days where I just don't wanna, but those are usually days I don't want to do anything at all.
When I was in Elementary/Middle school, I went to a music camp put on by the community college by my house. I loved going to that camp, especially when I made it into the top chamber orchestra. The last year that I was there, we played a piece called Skylife by the Turtle Island String Quartet. I loved every second of that piece, and even got to play the improv solo for the concert for the rest of the campers. I recently rediscovered the piece thanks to a reminder of jazz strings from a friend of mine in the music department. He was doing an impromptu lesson with my String Project kiddos when he asked them if they had ever heard jazz violin. The kids were so excited by the idea of it, and I was reminded of Turtle Island. After researching more, I (and my friend Jen) decided we were going to be in a jazz string quartet. I have so much fun playing non-traditional music on my instrument-- I always have. I get in this groove, and I have a blast. I decided it's something I really want to do at some point in my life... possibly as a side job while being a teacher.
Music has been my life since it entered it. I had a brief lapse in judgment when I thought I wanted to be a CSI ( but after those TV shows, who wouldn't want to be a CSI?!), but really being a musician and a teacher are the only two things that I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. I think that's a sign I need to stick to that plan. ;)
In your spare time, take a listen to The Missing Parts, a Tucson local acoustic quartet. They have some awesome instrumentation and I've been grooving to them lately.
<3's
Sam
When I was in Elementary/Middle school, I went to a music camp put on by the community college by my house. I loved going to that camp, especially when I made it into the top chamber orchestra. The last year that I was there, we played a piece called Skylife by the Turtle Island String Quartet. I loved every second of that piece, and even got to play the improv solo for the concert for the rest of the campers. I recently rediscovered the piece thanks to a reminder of jazz strings from a friend of mine in the music department. He was doing an impromptu lesson with my String Project kiddos when he asked them if they had ever heard jazz violin. The kids were so excited by the idea of it, and I was reminded of Turtle Island. After researching more, I (and my friend Jen) decided we were going to be in a jazz string quartet. I have so much fun playing non-traditional music on my instrument-- I always have. I get in this groove, and I have a blast. I decided it's something I really want to do at some point in my life... possibly as a side job while being a teacher.
Music has been my life since it entered it. I had a brief lapse in judgment when I thought I wanted to be a CSI ( but after those TV shows, who wouldn't want to be a CSI?!), but really being a musician and a teacher are the only two things that I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. I think that's a sign I need to stick to that plan. ;)
In your spare time, take a listen to The Missing Parts, a Tucson local acoustic quartet. They have some awesome instrumentation and I've been grooving to them lately.
<3's
Sam
Monday, February 7, 2011
Missing some of my best friends
There are a couple of people I'm missing dearly lately. I always miss my Mom, Dad and Allison, but since I just saw them- my missing them isn't as strong as the other two ladies below.
Katie is in Flagstaff,and I really miss her. I haven't seen her since winter break- January 6th to be exact. She and I are so close, and enjoy being silly together. I really miss being able to just hang out with her right now. It was especially enforced with the rest of the family coming to visit this past weekend, and not getting to see her. And this weekend, they all get to see her, and I have to stay here. :( I miss my sissy.
I'm also really missing Bethany. She is my best friend and because she is student teaching right now, I don't get to see her as often as I would like to. I feel spoiled on the weekends I get to see her more than once, and then disappointed on the rest of the days when I go through Bethany withdrawals. I know she's busy, and right now finding a time that works for us both to see each other is virtually impossible with both of our schedules. I can't imagine how I'm going to handle student teaching next spring- I really won't see anyone! :(
For now, I just have these memories to keep close to my heart so that the times I do see these wonderful women in my life I can cherish them that much more. <3
<3's,
Sam
Katie is in Flagstaff,and I really miss her. I haven't seen her since winter break- January 6th to be exact. She and I are so close, and enjoy being silly together. I really miss being able to just hang out with her right now. It was especially enforced with the rest of the family coming to visit this past weekend, and not getting to see her. And this weekend, they all get to see her, and I have to stay here. :( I miss my sissy.
I'm also really missing Bethany. She is my best friend and because she is student teaching right now, I don't get to see her as often as I would like to. I feel spoiled on the weekends I get to see her more than once, and then disappointed on the rest of the days when I go through Bethany withdrawals. I know she's busy, and right now finding a time that works for us both to see each other is virtually impossible with both of our schedules. I can't imagine how I'm going to handle student teaching next spring- I really won't see anyone! :(
For now, I just have these memories to keep close to my heart so that the times I do see these wonderful women in my life I can cherish them that much more. <3
<3's,
Sam
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Eat, Pray, Love... In the literal and figurative sense
Let me start this post by apologizing to any avid readers I may have for going months without posting. I'm terrible at this regular posting business- I get busy and then forget to share my life with the blogging world... or at least the friends and family who may read my rantings.
I've been reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert for some time now. I started it in August when my best friend, Bethany, recommended it to me. Being a college student however, I don't have as much time as I would like to read for pleasure. Or at least, that's what I told myself last semester when I got to chapter 8 and then stopped reading all together. This semester I'm taking a literacy class that is supposed to be teaching me how to teach literacy in a content area class- more specifically my content area classroom of music. I'm going to be honest- I hate the class. The professor is less than helpful, and extremely rude. I can't ever get a word in edgewise when asking a question, because she's so quick to cut me off. But that's neither here, nor there; because I have actually been inspired to read again. It's pretty much the only thing I've gotten out of this class so far. I've started making the time to finish the book. It's been an inspiration as well. Thus, I went to bed and started reading... then with my own thoughts running away decided to blog instead.
I've had an extremely interesting turn of events lately. Trying to decide how I feel about religion and love. Coincidentally, these are common threads between my life and the book I'm reading. Love has been the forefront of my mind. I don't usually try to share my inner most thoughts with the internet community, but I feel that this is an exception. As a 21 year old female- I have been kissed only twice. That seems so unusual to me. I have never understood why the constant in my life is that I'm a "great friend", but never anything anymore. Recent events have had me thinking about this even more. Maybe some people are just meant to have one great love and that's it, while others date many many people before finding their "one" and sometimes that "one" isn't even actually their "one." I would like to think that maybe I'm in the group of people who only have one great love- and mine just hasn't entered my life yet. It's a hard concept to hold onto though. Being turned down and denied a chance at love over and over again takes a toll on your emotional well being and self confidence. I try to stay positive- but there's only so much positive I can radiate after being informed yet again that I'm a great friend. I suppose it's just something to ponder for a while. Maybe I'll give up on letting my feelings run my life for a while... maybe I can shut down my attractions to people for just a little while and be happy being just me. It's a hard thing to do when everyone around you is not longer just them, but maybe I can be strong enough to do it.
I mentioned religion as a recent contemplation of mine as well... we'll leave that can of worms for another post though. It would bore you right now... I don't really know what I think about the subject yet.
In other news, I've been working on writing some songs... They're still major works in progress; some are just lyrics- others are just music. I don't have anything concrete yet. Once I have something workable, I'll post it here in case you decide you want to listen. For now just trust me that they're nothing special yet.... ;)
Recently, I'm obsessed with the Frank Violin Sonata. And by recently, I mean as of a few hours ago. It's beautiful and definitely not something I would mind playing on my recital... it's a little long though- so maybe just the 4th movement. If you haven't heard it- you should look it up and take a listen. :)
For now, I leave you with this thought that will haunt me for a few more days before I figure out exactly what it means:
"So be lonely, Liz. Learn your way around loneliness. Make a map of it. Sit with it, for once in your life. Welcome to the human experience."- Eat, Pray, Love (65)
<3/ Sam
I've been reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert for some time now. I started it in August when my best friend, Bethany, recommended it to me. Being a college student however, I don't have as much time as I would like to read for pleasure. Or at least, that's what I told myself last semester when I got to chapter 8 and then stopped reading all together. This semester I'm taking a literacy class that is supposed to be teaching me how to teach literacy in a content area class- more specifically my content area classroom of music. I'm going to be honest- I hate the class. The professor is less than helpful, and extremely rude. I can't ever get a word in edgewise when asking a question, because she's so quick to cut me off. But that's neither here, nor there; because I have actually been inspired to read again. It's pretty much the only thing I've gotten out of this class so far. I've started making the time to finish the book. It's been an inspiration as well. Thus, I went to bed and started reading... then with my own thoughts running away decided to blog instead.
I've had an extremely interesting turn of events lately. Trying to decide how I feel about religion and love. Coincidentally, these are common threads between my life and the book I'm reading. Love has been the forefront of my mind. I don't usually try to share my inner most thoughts with the internet community, but I feel that this is an exception. As a 21 year old female- I have been kissed only twice. That seems so unusual to me. I have never understood why the constant in my life is that I'm a "great friend", but never anything anymore. Recent events have had me thinking about this even more. Maybe some people are just meant to have one great love and that's it, while others date many many people before finding their "one" and sometimes that "one" isn't even actually their "one." I would like to think that maybe I'm in the group of people who only have one great love- and mine just hasn't entered my life yet. It's a hard concept to hold onto though. Being turned down and denied a chance at love over and over again takes a toll on your emotional well being and self confidence. I try to stay positive- but there's only so much positive I can radiate after being informed yet again that I'm a great friend. I suppose it's just something to ponder for a while. Maybe I'll give up on letting my feelings run my life for a while... maybe I can shut down my attractions to people for just a little while and be happy being just me. It's a hard thing to do when everyone around you is not longer just them, but maybe I can be strong enough to do it.
I mentioned religion as a recent contemplation of mine as well... we'll leave that can of worms for another post though. It would bore you right now... I don't really know what I think about the subject yet.
In other news, I've been working on writing some songs... They're still major works in progress; some are just lyrics- others are just music. I don't have anything concrete yet. Once I have something workable, I'll post it here in case you decide you want to listen. For now just trust me that they're nothing special yet.... ;)
Recently, I'm obsessed with the Frank Violin Sonata. And by recently, I mean as of a few hours ago. It's beautiful and definitely not something I would mind playing on my recital... it's a little long though- so maybe just the 4th movement. If you haven't heard it- you should look it up and take a listen. :)
For now, I leave you with this thought that will haunt me for a few more days before I figure out exactly what it means:
"So be lonely, Liz. Learn your way around loneliness. Make a map of it. Sit with it, for once in your life. Welcome to the human experience."- Eat, Pray, Love (65)
<3/ Sam
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