November to remember

The past month has been quite a whirl wind! I'm at mom and dad's right now, and it's hard to believe where life has taken me the past month (or so!) I've traveled to places I never even knew existed, met people that have changed my perspective on the world, and learned a lot about myself and my ambitions. The crazy schedule was:

Oct. 23-26: Nordplus Music meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania. Micke sent me to learn about exchange opportunities through a network that our school belongs to. Met some great colleagues, and learned a lot about the programing and opportunities for our students and teachers. Can't wait to share more info with the teachers and students up in Piteå!

Oct. 27: Fun day of rehearsals with Evolution, Anders and Dave Samuels. Ensemble Evolution (ensemble-evolution.com) concert debut in Piteå that night! It was a great concert!! woo!!

Oct. 28: Arvid and I drove to Umeå for my interview with the Migration Board (3 hour drive...and it was my only chance to pack for the 4 weeks of travel to come! I was a tad stressed...) We'd been calling and pestering them since June to extend my visa. I finally sent them a letter requesting priority for my case, since I would be traveling to China and needed my visa! They finally called, and Thursday was the only day we could go for the interview. But, we had a lot of fun :) And, I'm glad we got to spend the day together! the interview was easy, I just had to talk about my whole life and Arvid had to write it down while I was being interviewed. Then, they compared the answers...and we passed!

Oct. 29-31: Ensemble Evolution's debut in Stockholm! Left at 4:30am to fly to the city (bad planning on my part!), hung out, then met up with Anders, Dave, and Evaristo Aguilar for a great concert at Capitol. We also met two great women from Croatia that we may be able to work with next year. After the concert, I had a great mini-tourist-trip with Jake, Charles, and Anna...we wondered around the city, went to the Terracotta Warrior exhibit and had a ton of laughs!

Nov. 1-8: Teaching exchange to Hangzhou, China. I coordinated a trip for 4 of our teachers to travel to a sister school in Hangzhou to teach. It was a struggle to get everything organized, and I learned a lot through the process. We really impacted the students lives and made some lifelong friends. It was great to get to know my colleagues better and share a once in a lifetime opportunity with new friends! Much more on this trip later...

Nov. 9: travel day, going back in time 12 hours!

Nov. 10-14: PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention) in Indianapolis! I was super jet-lagged and battling a cold, but was determined to power through. Had a GREAT week networking and meeting with old and new friends. Anders, Evaristo, and Rolf (Swexican Trio) played the best concert of the convention, and gave Evolution a shout out (so nice, we are so lucky to work with Anders!) Two other highlights included great, long conversations with Bill and Ruth Cahn, and Robin Engleman. I was reminded that there are people supporting my crazy endeavors, and that my risky move abroad is respected. I talked a ton about Piteå, and there are a lot of people interested in the program or in collaborations. Plus, it was great hanging with like-minded, percussionists...even if our hotel room ended up being grand central station the last night (hahaha!)

Nov. 15 - present: Home Sweet Home :) well, it's hard to define "home" anymore. I really miss Arvid and Piteå! But, I have had a great time spending time with family and friends in Ohio. I know I won't be back for a long time, so I'm trying to suck up every moment! For the first week, mom and I had terrible colds (that we're still fighting), so at least we were sick together! I've been trying to get work done (and I have!) but, I'm bored of so much relaxing! It's been so hard being away from Arvid for so long, and I need to get back "home" and into my schedule!  I miss playing Jake and Charles too! But it will be hard to leave Cincy again...Thursday is Thanksgiving, and I definitely have a ton to be thankful for this year!

From Sweden to Lithuania to China to America...I can't complain about these opportunities! Now I just need to focus and make sure that this momentum keeps going!


on a deeper note...
My experiences abroad have given me such a new perspective on people, relationships and actions. Now more than ever,  I pick up on negative comments that put down specific types of people, or certain beliefs and ideals. I have even heard ignorant comments from those close to me, and at times it's hard to digest. I wish that more people would strive to see the world through a different set of eyes, or know how it feels to be unable to communicate and express yourself, or just be the minority for once. My experiences are so minute compared to those who endure prejudices and bullying everyday, but at least I feel like I have endured moments of frustration because of culture differences and language boundaries. Sometimes it just gets to me to hear such narrow-minded and negative opinions. I wish everyone could have seen some of the living conditions in China, or witnessed the religious warmth in Vilnius, or spoken to the wonderfully kind woman working at Starbucks in Indianapolis.  I'm always reminded of something that my percussion/jazz teacher in junior high and high school (Mr. Mitchell) said to me once: whenever you feel angry at someone or someone's actions, or just don't understand another person, imagine the words "created by God" on their forehead. I think about this idea all of the time as I meet new friends around the world...I know that it may sound silly, but it works for me. I don't really know the point I'm trying to make, other than the fact that I'm thankful to have seen the warmth and kindness of people around the world. I think it makes me a better and more accepting person, and I hope I can share the knowledge with people that haven't been blessed with the same opportunities I've had lately.

I think most of this rant was sparked by American culture at the moment (and what I've seen on TV!) Ellen DeGeneres has been talking a lot about bullying on her show lately, and I cry.  It's no secret that I am emotional and cry quite easily, but the stories are so sad, and so real. I have also been strangely moved by the messages on the show Glee. Behind all the silly characters and fun songs is an amazing message of acceptance. I hope that the message reaches a new audience through this hit show, but know that those who need to hear it, don't watch. Then, there is Dancing with the Stars and all of the drama that surrounds Bristol Palin. I feel bad that she has to live through all of the negativity and hate that comes along with her mom's campaign. I don't agree with how she has handled some of the situations, but I can't imagine having to deal with what she does. I don't understand the people that use such low and hurtful language just because they have different opinions or beliefs. She is just dancing for goodness' sake! Let the girl be, and don't vote for her just because you are a part of the Tea Party...it's not going to change how the government works...it's a show on ABC, people.


Well, that was a long rant, and more philosophical than most. But, at least I'm writing again! More pictures and stories from the travels will be posted soon!