Always Learning

As each year passes, I am grateful that I learn more and more about myself. There are so many things that I want to learn and I don't know how to fit it all it. If I could afford it, I'm pretty sure I would be in graduate school for the rest of my life. For you new readers, I have my masters degree in Music, Flute Performance. I would love to go back and learn the subjects I find interesting now that I didn't "back then." I never would have thought that I would be so enthralled with American history, foreign policy, sociology, languages, American classic literature, chemistry, and psychology.

Being a musician, I didn't have the open space in my college or high school schedule to take classes that weren't required for graduation. Even taking IB classes proved difficult, not including the extra work load it added.

What subjects do you find interesting that you didn't 10 years ago?
Do you guys have any suggestions for great websites/ books to read on the above subjects?

Here are a couple of my favorites:
Foreign Policy

Greek/ Latin Roots

15 Day Challenge: Day 8

So, one of my IRL friends Sarah is hosting a 15 Day Challenge. There is a different question each day and I was out of town when it started so I didn't think I'd participate. She's come up with some great prompt questions and the question from yesterday, day 8 seemed very interesting. I'm also stealing her note about the question:

Please note: This exercise is to celebrate ourselves but still recognize our faults, not to be self-deprecating! So be nice to yourself! That being said:

[Day 8]: Describe the good, the bad, and the ugly about yourself. 

[THE GOOD]

I am dedicated to my craft, I will do anything I can to become the best flute player.

I'm organized, self-motivated, and I love helping other people get organized.

[THE BAD]

If I don't want to do something, I have a hard time motivating myself to do it... at all.

I have no skills when it comes to doing my hair.

No matter how hard I try, I cannot get my body to the shape I want it.

[THE UGLY]

I worry, a lot. I'm working on having faith that everything works out but it's hard sometimes. I'm not good when the "transitional" part of life lasts for a long time.

Trip to Washington

I was lucky enough to go to Washington this past weekend. My sister got married and we had the memorial for my Grandma.

There are a few things I love about going home:
1. the smell of Seattle salt water from my parents' house
2. the view of the Puget Sound from our hill
3. the vast amount of trees (even though I've since learned I'm allergic to almost all of them)
4. being able to see my friends and family!
5. Mt. Rainier
6. the excitement of going over Snoqualmie Pass and knowing the landmarks along the way
7. stopping at places along the drive from west to east side and seeing people you know.

Interesting Happenings

Interesting parts of today and the past week:

• I work at Santa Barbara City College and we are doing the musical Avenue Q. I have been working on headshots (for the last show and this one) and had the fun, yet odd, experience of taking headshots of the puppets. Here is Nicky, a unedited photo, but so fun!

• One of my youngest flute students is so innovative and cute. We're working on Mary Had A Little Lamb and she started singing new words to it. Our favorite one from today was "Mary Had A Goofy Good" and just watching her and her sister laugh, giggle, and smile made my day :)  I wish I had a picture to represent the cuteness.

Moneyless World

I'm not sure about this "Moneyless World" idea but it is an interesting point of view and article:

http://gma.yahoo.com/going-without-money-hurt-economy-one-mans-quest-211049892--abc-news-topstories.html

And here's a link to the man's blog:
http://zerocurrency.blogspot.com/2006/03/my-summary-of-why-i-live-moneyless.html

What's In A Name?

I'm a true believer that what you name your child is important.

Interesting CNN Article:
http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/02/do-names-affect-who-we-are-how-others-perceive-us/?hpt=us_t4

Levels of Skeeviness

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