The last two days have been packed, which means I haven't had time to write! Last night we recorded Hittade. I'm so excited to hear the final product. It took a really long time, and I was exhausted by the time we finished at 1 in the morning...but I know it was worth it! I'll post pictures and more details when I'm back from...
PARIS!!
I just finished packing (well, at least for now...) for the 10 day trip. I'm trying to keep my luggage light, but 10 days is a long time. Plus, I am taking nicer clothes than just "touristy" things because I'm helping out at the Zildjian booth in Paris at the marimba competition. I can't believe that this trip is finally here! I have a lot of fun things lined up for Stockholm as well...Tove (Anders' daughter) has promised to be a good guide!
I will write a lot when I get back...but you won't hear from me for a long time... :)
20.11.09
18.11.09
Palt coma
Too tired and full to write. I am experiencing what they call “palt coma”. I had PitePalt for dinner with Lou, Anna, Vanessa and Marcus. It was a lovely evening…a ton of laughs! I can really be myself around them, which is the best feeling in the world! Unfortunately now we all feel like poo! But, we had to have a palt night becuase it is a famous dish from Piteå...we will endure the pain!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitepalt
Tomorrow Daniel and I are recording Hittade! I met with my sound engineer “crew” this afternoon to talk through the process. They are really nice guys and I think it will be fun to work with them. More tomorrow...when I don't have lumps of flour and potatoe in my stomach!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitepalt
Tomorrow Daniel and I are recording Hittade! I met with my sound engineer “crew” this afternoon to talk through the process. They are really nice guys and I think it will be fun to work with them. More tomorrow...when I don't have lumps of flour and potatoe in my stomach!!
17.11.09
Jammin'
This morning I had a funny email in my inbox. It was from Sven-Åke, who is in charge of the music classes at Medbörgarskolan. Remember how I was hired there when I first got here to create the Junk Jammers class? Well, we’ve had a hard time getting enough people signed up because of the cost. So, the email this morning said “get your butt down here, we have some news”.
Fortunately, I was planning on going into town anyway to pick up a package sent from mom and dad. The package was filled with food, or course! Pumpkin pie mix, goldfish crackers, peanut butter, a smushed/exploded bag of Chex Mix, hot chocolate, tea bags, and Easy-Mac (although I don’t have a microwave, so I have no idea what I’m going to do with that! It’ll just be regular-amount-of-preparation-Mac!)
When I stopped in to Medbörgarskolan we first had coffee, of course. Then Sven-Åke told me that he figured out a way to offer the class FOR FREE!! I will still get paid (a smaller amount, but it’s better than nothing), but the students won’t have to pay. We are going to start the course on February 1, and hopefully do about 6 sessions a week. Teaching + good people + paycheck = happy me.
Fortunately, I was planning on going into town anyway to pick up a package sent from mom and dad. The package was filled with food, or course! Pumpkin pie mix, goldfish crackers, peanut butter, a smushed/exploded bag of Chex Mix, hot chocolate, tea bags, and Easy-Mac (although I don’t have a microwave, so I have no idea what I’m going to do with that! It’ll just be regular-amount-of-preparation-Mac!)
When I stopped in to Medbörgarskolan we first had coffee, of course. Then Sven-Åke told me that he figured out a way to offer the class FOR FREE!! I will still get paid (a smaller amount, but it’s better than nothing), but the students won’t have to pay. We are going to start the course on February 1, and hopefully do about 6 sessions a week. Teaching + good people + paycheck = happy me.
15.11.09
Hejdå helg
The theme of my life lately is; where is the time going!? Hejdå helg means ‘goodbye weekend’…I can’t believe it’s Sunday night. I have no idea where the weekend went...
Yesterday didn’t really feel like a Saturday because I spent more time at school that I usually do on the weekdays! The school was hosting an Open House for perspective students, and there was more activity in the halls than I have seen since I got here. I was asked to play for a few events during the day. The first two mini concerts were held in the small auditorium, called ‘Aula’. Five current students played solos for those interested in the music program. Not many people showed up for our presentations, so it was a low stress situation.
Martina came to hear me play (what a good friend) and afterward I went on a walk around town with her, Sarah, and Sofia. I had been at school since 10am, so I really wanted to get out of the building. It seems that people get together to go on walks a lot here, which is one of things I like about this place! We walked along the water, and through a part of town that I’ve never seen (haha, that’s so sad since it’s so small!)
I had to get back to school to practice, and prepare for another performance at 5pm. I was to play for the cocktail hour (in this case, half an hour) for a dinner in honor of a man who donated money to our media department for documentaries. So, I wheeled a marimba and xylophone into the lobby area of the Acusticum, and played some relaxing music along with one xylophone rag (to get the crowd in a good mood!). It was actually a fun little gig! Plus, I got a free meal out of it…which will suffice for a paycheck in my book any day!
I didn’t really have time to relax or go home because I had to go straight to Kåren…my barlåg (bartending team) was scheduled to work. The night was themed as a ‘Lounge’, and we didn’t expect many people to show up…but we still had to be there early. We were open from 8pm-2am. A total of about 30 people showed up, and everyone just sat around and played board games. Luckily, we didn’t have to do much and got to just hang around with our friends. I played a Swedish board game where you had to try and get your partner to guess the word on the card. Except, I couldn’t read the cards! We had a lot of laughs trying to get each other to say the right thing. Then, the whole group did a few rounds totally in English, and it was hysterical!
We were exhausted when we finally closed at 2 in the morning. The time went by slowly since there wasn't much activity. Thankfully cleaning up didn’t take too long and since it had been snowing all evening the walk home was quite lovely. We ran into Lou and Anna who had gone out in town, which was perfect timing…and they were really entertaining!
Today I slept in longer than I have in a few weeks. Usually this makes a person feel good and rested, but it just made me feel gross! The weather was horrible, grey and dark. Then it got so dark so early I felt that I wasted my whole day! I got some work done, planned for the upcoming weeks accomplished, went on a walk with Anna, and had Swedish class. I didn’t have a chance (or the motivation to get my butt in gear) to practice, which stinks! I’ll just have to wake up early tomorrow…
Although today was a bit of a waste, the evening was nice! Anna had Lou and me over for some non-alcoholic glögg and gingerbread cookies. YUM! As always, I don’t know what I would do without my Swedish “mom” and British au pair!
I am so anxious and excited about the next few weeks…recording in 3 days…Stockholm in 5 days...Paris in 10 days…home in 23 days...and so much to do (both work and for fun!) in between. I seriously have no idea where the time is going!
Yesterday didn’t really feel like a Saturday because I spent more time at school that I usually do on the weekdays! The school was hosting an Open House for perspective students, and there was more activity in the halls than I have seen since I got here. I was asked to play for a few events during the day. The first two mini concerts were held in the small auditorium, called ‘Aula’. Five current students played solos for those interested in the music program. Not many people showed up for our presentations, so it was a low stress situation.
Martina came to hear me play (what a good friend) and afterward I went on a walk around town with her, Sarah, and Sofia. I had been at school since 10am, so I really wanted to get out of the building. It seems that people get together to go on walks a lot here, which is one of things I like about this place! We walked along the water, and through a part of town that I’ve never seen (haha, that’s so sad since it’s so small!)
I had to get back to school to practice, and prepare for another performance at 5pm. I was to play for the cocktail hour (in this case, half an hour) for a dinner in honor of a man who donated money to our media department for documentaries. So, I wheeled a marimba and xylophone into the lobby area of the Acusticum, and played some relaxing music along with one xylophone rag (to get the crowd in a good mood!). It was actually a fun little gig! Plus, I got a free meal out of it…which will suffice for a paycheck in my book any day!
I didn’t really have time to relax or go home because I had to go straight to Kåren…my barlåg (bartending team) was scheduled to work. The night was themed as a ‘Lounge’, and we didn’t expect many people to show up…but we still had to be there early. We were open from 8pm-2am. A total of about 30 people showed up, and everyone just sat around and played board games. Luckily, we didn’t have to do much and got to just hang around with our friends. I played a Swedish board game where you had to try and get your partner to guess the word on the card. Except, I couldn’t read the cards! We had a lot of laughs trying to get each other to say the right thing. Then, the whole group did a few rounds totally in English, and it was hysterical!
We were exhausted when we finally closed at 2 in the morning. The time went by slowly since there wasn't much activity. Thankfully cleaning up didn’t take too long and since it had been snowing all evening the walk home was quite lovely. We ran into Lou and Anna who had gone out in town, which was perfect timing…and they were really entertaining!
Artsy pics by Martina on the walk home at 2:30am...
Running into Anna and Lou
Although today was a bit of a waste, the evening was nice! Anna had Lou and me over for some non-alcoholic glögg and gingerbread cookies. YUM! As always, I don’t know what I would do without my Swedish “mom” and British au pair!
I am so anxious and excited about the next few weeks…recording in 3 days…Stockholm in 5 days...Paris in 10 days…home in 23 days...and so much to do (both work and for fun!) in between. I seriously have no idea where the time is going!
13.11.09
What day is it?!
The last two days have been a whirlwind! I can’t believe time that time is going by so quickly…I only have 2 weeks left in Piteå (and a couple weeks in Stockholm and Paris!) before going back to the States for Christmas!
Yesterday began with a practice session, followed by a dance class that I accompanied. Niether the teacher nor the students had ever worked with a live drummer, so it was really rewarding to see how positively they responded! I could see that they were excited to be dancing to a new kind of music/time keeper. It was great for me to feel like I had creative freedom, and I was happy with the different grooves and sounds that I came up with. The teacher, also named Maria, wants to hire me on a regular basis!
Then, I changed to educator mode and met with 6 composing students to teach them more abou percussion instruments, and how to write for them. They are putting on a concert that I am playing for in February, so they volunteered me to teach them about percussion (haha). I wish some one was video taping me…it's common knowledge that composers tend to be quiet…but Swedish composers are even more shy! I was trying my hardest to be upbeat, but at times I swear I heard crickets! Phil (the American) laughed a lot because he could tell that I was frustrated that no one was laughing at my jokes. And, we all know that I’m pretty darn funny.
After a fun filled day at school, I came back to my apartment to prepare for an even more fun evening. Louise was staying the night (she had today off), and we planned to make a big dinner then go out for a drink in Piteå. That’s right…we wanted to brave the cold to see if people actually hang out on the weeknights.
Anna and Martina also came over dinner, which made it my first official dinner party! We had roasted chicken, veggies, and cous cous. Everyone needs a best friend au pair. Seriously! I had a great time hanging out with these girls; it was probably one of my favorite nights!
After dinner, Louise and I did exactly what we had intended…trekked into town to see if any pubs were open. We waltzed into a place called Kalles and were happy to see about 10 others there. The special of the night was Coors Light for 29 Kroner, which is actually quite a deal in Sweden (that is about $4, but a beer is usually about 50 Kroner). The bartender asked us if we wanted glasses, and I replied “I’m American, we drink out of the bottle”…I’m such a classy lady!
We took a seat and tried to look as friendly as possible. Everyone glanced in our direction, because we are not afraid to speak loudly and laugh! The only person that dared to talk to us was a drunken old man, who had had a stroke. He sat down with us, and at first it we thought he was nice, and it was interesting to try and talk with him (in broken Swedish and English) but then he kept touching Lou (who was sitting on his “good/working” side…I lucked out). It got to the point where it was uncomfortable, so we excused ourselves. I felt bad, but that behavior is just inappropriate no matter what country you are in!
Around 11pm we decided to leave and see if the hotel bar was “hopping”. It wasn’t. In fact, it closed at 11pm. So, we decided that we “came/saw/conquered” the Piteå weekday nightlife, and walked home. It was freezing, and the ground is still covered with snow and ice…Lou slipped and fell twice…and I laughed really hard (sorry for telling everyone, Lou…but it was hysterical! Don’t wear those boots anymore!)
It was nice that Lou stayed the night. I decided that I need to have a roommate in the next place I live. It’s just nice having someone to chat with, eat breakfast with, and get advice from!
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Today was eventful as well! We went to the Red Cross store this morning (they know us by name) because I needed to get some winter gear. We’re hoping to go sledding this week, and there is a ski trip on Dec. 5 (no, I will NOT fall and hurt myself!). I picked up some huge snow pants and a thick waterproof coat…and, I only spent $20!
After the errand filled morning, we went to a concert at school. Anna was singing with all of the first year musicians majoring in performance. It was wonderful to hear her! I love having talented friends!
I also did a lot of teaching today since Daniel is in the States. I really miss having private students (and teaching classes…having the composer’s forum yesterday made me miss teaching percussion methods at Eastman! Except, my students then actually laughed at my jokes…haha). I hope that I get to do more teaching here after Christmas It's a really good experiece and the students seem to be responsive to my ideas! Plus, I have to be really creative with how I explain things to make sure that the language is clear and articulate.
I really can’t believe that it’s already November 13. I feel like it was just yesterday that I almost teared up when I got off the plane in Stockholm and saw Anders! I wonder how emotional I’ll get when I get off the plane in Cincinnat in LESS THAN A MONTH!
Yesterday began with a practice session, followed by a dance class that I accompanied. Niether the teacher nor the students had ever worked with a live drummer, so it was really rewarding to see how positively they responded! I could see that they were excited to be dancing to a new kind of music/time keeper. It was great for me to feel like I had creative freedom, and I was happy with the different grooves and sounds that I came up with. The teacher, also named Maria, wants to hire me on a regular basis!
Then, I changed to educator mode and met with 6 composing students to teach them more abou percussion instruments, and how to write for them. They are putting on a concert that I am playing for in February, so they volunteered me to teach them about percussion (haha). I wish some one was video taping me…it's common knowledge that composers tend to be quiet…but Swedish composers are even more shy! I was trying my hardest to be upbeat, but at times I swear I heard crickets! Phil (the American) laughed a lot because he could tell that I was frustrated that no one was laughing at my jokes. And, we all know that I’m pretty darn funny.
After a fun filled day at school, I came back to my apartment to prepare for an even more fun evening. Louise was staying the night (she had today off), and we planned to make a big dinner then go out for a drink in Piteå. That’s right…we wanted to brave the cold to see if people actually hang out on the weeknights.
Anna and Martina also came over dinner, which made it my first official dinner party! We had roasted chicken, veggies, and cous cous. Everyone needs a best friend au pair. Seriously! I had a great time hanging out with these girls; it was probably one of my favorite nights!
My cute kitchen and pretty friends!
Lou and Anna (and the butter. which is seriously the best butter in the world...plus it's "light"!)
Me and Martina...attempt 1
Attempt 2
Attempt 3...this will have to do! haha
We took a seat and tried to look as friendly as possible. Everyone glanced in our direction, because we are not afraid to speak loudly and laugh! The only person that dared to talk to us was a drunken old man, who had had a stroke. He sat down with us, and at first it we thought he was nice, and it was interesting to try and talk with him (in broken Swedish and English) but then he kept touching Lou (who was sitting on his “good/working” side…I lucked out). It got to the point where it was uncomfortable, so we excused ourselves. I felt bad, but that behavior is just inappropriate no matter what country you are in!
Around 11pm we decided to leave and see if the hotel bar was “hopping”. It wasn’t. In fact, it closed at 11pm. So, we decided that we “came/saw/conquered” the Piteå weekday nightlife, and walked home. It was freezing, and the ground is still covered with snow and ice…Lou slipped and fell twice…and I laughed really hard (sorry for telling everyone, Lou…but it was hysterical! Don’t wear those boots anymore!)
It was nice that Lou stayed the night. I decided that I need to have a roommate in the next place I live. It’s just nice having someone to chat with, eat breakfast with, and get advice from!
--------
Today was eventful as well! We went to the Red Cross store this morning (they know us by name) because I needed to get some winter gear. We’re hoping to go sledding this week, and there is a ski trip on Dec. 5 (no, I will NOT fall and hurt myself!). I picked up some huge snow pants and a thick waterproof coat…and, I only spent $20!
After the errand filled morning, we went to a concert at school. Anna was singing with all of the first year musicians majoring in performance. It was wonderful to hear her! I love having talented friends!
I also did a lot of teaching today since Daniel is in the States. I really miss having private students (and teaching classes…having the composer’s forum yesterday made me miss teaching percussion methods at Eastman! Except, my students then actually laughed at my jokes…haha). I hope that I get to do more teaching here after Christmas It's a really good experiece and the students seem to be responsive to my ideas! Plus, I have to be really creative with how I explain things to make sure that the language is clear and articulate.
I really can’t believe that it’s already November 13. I feel like it was just yesterday that I almost teared up when I got off the plane in Stockholm and saw Anders! I wonder how emotional I’ll get when I get off the plane in Cincinnat in LESS THAN A MONTH!
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