I was on the phone with a friend of mine tonight, and though he is the most frustrating and vindictive human being I've ever met, often times what he says is honest and I can do nothing but listen. Because many a times, the honesty just strikes down anything else I was going to say. Maybe it is the delivery, but I think about it. Tonight we were discussing celebrities. We got into an argument about which ones appeal to us and he said "Nicole Kidman." I don't find Nicole Kidman remotely attractive, though I do find her beautiful and talented. She was fantastic in Moulin Rouge and a few semesters ago in makeup class, I tried to emulate her perfect face for a celebrity look-alike project. Needless to say, it looked really bad, because you can't put Nicole Kidman's face on a bone structure that rivals a kewpie doll(just kidding). But there is something about her. I saw it a lot when I studied how she moved, how she acted in public. She isn't personable. She is cold, and beyond what I see on television there is not much to go off of. So that is where the argument began. My friend asked me how I could judge her based off what I saw on television and in movies. He said that no one really shows their true selves, not even he did. Not even me. And it hurt, because I thought that the friend I knew was always the way he was. But it was one of those things where we understood each other. And it made sense. So many of our relationships are based off lies of what we want other people to see. He wants the world to see someone who doesn't care, so he acts that way. Maybe that is the person he truly believes himself to be...I guess I'll never know the real him. But that doesn't really matter, because he had touched a good point with me. He was right. I am a people pleaser by nature. Being the first child, I was bent on bringing home straight A's, getting the best parts in plays, being the winner, because making my parents and friends proud of me made me feel good. I am a nice girl; I don't like to hurt anyone's feelings, so I often lie about how I really feel, what i really want to make everyone else happy. For the longest time, I talked myself into a lie to make someone I really cared about happy because for that time it made me feel the same way to see him feel so great. We're just a bunch of liars, it's all an act. With the exception of my family, I just feel like I can't really trust or depend on anyone for the truth. Because in all honesty we are just a censored version of our true selves, and I'm guilty of that, too.
So, I am going to give something a try. I am going to shed my tough skin a little bit. It's become a habit hiding behind the nice girl, the people pleaser. I am going to step out of my comfort zone by being more honest with everyone. This could be fun.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
I Am Going to Europe!!!!
Hello everyone! It has been a busy past two weeks, so I am catching up on my blog while I have a chance. I have decided, rather quickly, to take a trip to Europe over Spring Break. It is an 8-day excursion, which I think will be fantastic and I plan on having a great time. I would say more about it, but just see for yourself! It's going to be a wonderful experience. My friend Morgan is the only one definitely coming so far. I am hoping to get a few more to come along with me. If you want to come, let me know by September 29, that is the day I am signing up. Morgan expressed how she wanted us to book together, so if you want to, let me know.
Day 1 Flight
Overnight flight to europe
Day 2 london
Arrival in london • Welcome to London!
Overnight flight to europe
Day 2 london
Arrival in london • Welcome to London!
After clearing customs, you’ll meet your full-time EFCB Tour Guide and the
rest of your group. Did you know that more than 200 languages
are spoken in London?
Walking tour of london • Get to know London on an
informal stroll with your tour guide. Walk along the banks of
the River Thames, and then head to Trafalgar Square, once
famous for its huge pigeon population. Continue to bustling
Leicester Square and on to chic Covent Garden.
Welcome drink • Get to know the other travelers in your
group over included drinks. Afterwards, head out on the
town, or go back to the hotel to catch up on some sleep.
rest of your group. Did you know that more than 200 languages
are spoken in London?
Walking tour of london • Get to know London on an
informal stroll with your tour guide. Walk along the banks of
the River Thames, and then head to Trafalgar Square, once
famous for its huge pigeon population. Continue to bustling
Leicester Square and on to chic Covent Garden.
Welcome drink • Get to know the other travelers in your
group over included drinks. Afterwards, head out on the
town, or go back to the hotel to catch up on some sleep.
Day 3 london
Hop-on, Hop-off double-decker bus tour • See
London at your own pace on a classic double-decker bus
ride all over town. For 24 hours you can get off and back on
whenever you want. Tour routes take you to all the big sights,
including the awe-inspiring St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tower of
London. You’ll also cruise by Piccadilly Circus, Whitehall and
Trafalgar Square, as live commentary tells you all there is to
know about this storied city.
Free time london (day) •
Hop-on, Hop-off double-decker bus tour • See
London at your own pace on a classic double-decker bus
ride all over town. For 24 hours you can get off and back on
whenever you want. Tour routes take you to all the big sights,
including the awe-inspiring St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tower of
London. You’ll also cruise by Piccadilly Circus, Whitehall and
Trafalgar Square, as live commentary tells you all there is to
know about this storied city.
Free time london (day) •
Top 5 suggestions:
1. Covent Garden • Seek out bargains at this bustling covered
market; souvenirs, clothes, crafts and much more.
2. Tower of London • Trace England’s bloody history in this
famous fortress and see the legendary Crown Jewels.
3. Abbey Road • Probably the world’s most famous crosswalk,
this spot is a must-see for any Beatles fan.
4. Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum • Be amazed as you
wander this huge gallery filled with frighteningly real wax
dummies of your favorite celebrities and historical figures.
5. Tate Modern • Visit one of the world’s premier modern
art museums.
1. Covent Garden • Seek out bargains at this bustling covered
market; souvenirs, clothes, crafts and much more.
2. Tower of London • Trace England’s bloody history in this
famous fortress and see the legendary Crown Jewels.
3. Abbey Road • Probably the world’s most famous crosswalk,
this spot is a must-see for any Beatles fan.
4. Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum • Be amazed as you
wander this huge gallery filled with frighteningly real wax
dummies of your favorite celebrities and historical figures.
5. Tate Modern • Visit one of the world’s premier modern
art museums.
Day 4 london
Optional excursion to Stonehenge and Bath
(extra cost) • Opt to head out into the English countryside,
and see the myst is still unknown, but most believe it was a temple and astronomical
observatory. Then move on to Bath, an ancient spa
town popular with early Romans and 18th-century English
aristocracy. See the ruins and check out the bath houses.
Free time london (night) • Top 5 suggestions:
1. West End Theatre district • Catch a play in London’s
version of Broadway.
2. Soho • This lively part of town is famous for its nightlife,
with pubs, clubs, live music—you name it.
3. Comedy Store • Laugh till you can’t anymore at this
beloved venue, the heart and soul of the UK comedy scene.
4. Fabric • This huge underground dance club has three
dance floors, plus some mellower spaces.
5. Astoria • This acclaimed concert venue has seen the
likes of Radiohead, Nirvana and Kylie Minogue.
(For more ideas and details, see our London city guide at
efcollegebreak.com.)
Day 5 paris
Eurostar train to Paris • The high-speed train whisks
you under the English Channel to Paris. Did you know that
the “Chunnel” was first suggested by a French engineer in
1802? He imagined travelers going by horse and carriage
with lanterns lighting the way.
Free time paris (day) • Top 5 suggestions:
1. Musée d’Orsay • This amazing museum built into an old
train station is a runaway favorite of many art lovers. Enjoy
masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and many more.
2. Champs-Elysées • The famous boulevard has witnessed
several major historical moments, but it’s best-known for its
high fashion shopping and unbeatable people-watching.
3. Arc de Triomphe • Built to commemorate Napoleon’s
Grande Armée, this famous arch has amazing views.
4. Père Lachaise Cemetery • Pay your respects to many
famous figures, including Marcel Proust and the legendary
Doors front man Jim Morrison.
5. Montmartre • Climb the stairs or take the funicular
railway up to this charming artists’ haven. Take in amazing
panoramic views and go inside the Sacré Coeur church.
Evening Seine cruise and Eiffel Tower • Float down
the river while the City of Light glimmers all around you. Then
ascend to the top of the most famous tower in the world, and
take in the dazzling views of the illuminated city below.
Day 6 paris
Sightseeing tour of Paris (local guide) • A professional
local guide will lead you on a panoramic bus tour and
teach you about the city. Witness Parisian life in action as
you drive down the always fashionable Champs-Elysées. See
the imposing Arc de Triomphe and the Conciergerie, where
prisoners of the Revolution passed their final days.
Eiffel Tower photostop • Your guided tour includes a
stop at the Eiffel Tower, where you’ll have a chance to take
those must-have shots of the famous steel structure. The
Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for the World’s Fair and was
supposed to be disassembled after the event. It was only after
authorities realized its usefulness for radio communication
that it was spared the wrecking ball.
Optional excursion to versailles (extra cost) •
Opt to spend the afternoon at the opulent palace of Louis
XIV. This is where French royalty reveled in its extravagant
lifestyle while the masses starved, leading to the Revolution.
Stroll through the well-manicured gardens along the river and
check yourself out in the Hall of Mirrors.
Day 7 paris
Louvre MuseuM • The world’s most famous museum is
a sprawling complex that was once a royal palace. One could
wander for days among its masterpieces. Today, you’ll hit all
the highlights, including the Venus de Milo and Leonardo Da
Vinci’s incomparably mysterious Mona Lisa.
Walking tour of Paris • Your tour guide takes you on
an informal stroll around town. Walk through the Latin Quarter,
an area packed with college students from the Sorbonne,
Paris’s most famous university. Make your way along the
Seine, and check out les bouquinistes, the little stalls that
sell old books, maps, art prints and postcards. It’s the perfect
place to pick up some authentic souvenirs.
Notre Dame Cathedral • Go inside the famous medieval
cathedral, built between 1163 and 1361. Admire the
stained-glass windows and seemingly weightless vaulted
ceilings. The amazing cathedral was the inspiration for Victor
Hugo’s famous book The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Optional excursion to Stonehenge and Bath
(extra cost) • Opt to head out into the English countryside,
and see the myst is still unknown, but most believe it was a temple and astronomical
observatory. Then move on to Bath, an ancient spa
town popular with early Romans and 18th-century English
aristocracy. See the ruins and check out the bath houses.
Free time london (night) • Top 5 suggestions:
1. West End Theatre district • Catch a play in London’s
version of Broadway.
2. Soho • This lively part of town is famous for its nightlife,
with pubs, clubs, live music—you name it.
3. Comedy Store • Laugh till you can’t anymore at this
beloved venue, the heart and soul of the UK comedy scene.
4. Fabric • This huge underground dance club has three
dance floors, plus some mellower spaces.
5. Astoria • This acclaimed concert venue has seen the
likes of Radiohead, Nirvana and Kylie Minogue.
(For more ideas and details, see our London city guide at
efcollegebreak.com.)
Day 5 paris
Eurostar train to Paris • The high-speed train whisks
you under the English Channel to Paris. Did you know that
the “Chunnel” was first suggested by a French engineer in
1802? He imagined travelers going by horse and carriage
with lanterns lighting the way.
Free time paris (day) • Top 5 suggestions:
1. Musée d’Orsay • This amazing museum built into an old
train station is a runaway favorite of many art lovers. Enjoy
masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and many more.
2. Champs-Elysées • The famous boulevard has witnessed
several major historical moments, but it’s best-known for its
high fashion shopping and unbeatable people-watching.
3. Arc de Triomphe • Built to commemorate Napoleon’s
Grande Armée, this famous arch has amazing views.
4. Père Lachaise Cemetery • Pay your respects to many
famous figures, including Marcel Proust and the legendary
Doors front man Jim Morrison.
5. Montmartre • Climb the stairs or take the funicular
railway up to this charming artists’ haven. Take in amazing
panoramic views and go inside the Sacré Coeur church.
Evening Seine cruise and Eiffel Tower • Float down
the river while the City of Light glimmers all around you. Then
ascend to the top of the most famous tower in the world, and
take in the dazzling views of the illuminated city below.
Day 6 paris
Sightseeing tour of Paris (local guide) • A professional
local guide will lead you on a panoramic bus tour and
teach you about the city. Witness Parisian life in action as
you drive down the always fashionable Champs-Elysées. See
the imposing Arc de Triomphe and the Conciergerie, where
prisoners of the Revolution passed their final days.
Eiffel Tower photostop • Your guided tour includes a
stop at the Eiffel Tower, where you’ll have a chance to take
those must-have shots of the famous steel structure. The
Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for the World’s Fair and was
supposed to be disassembled after the event. It was only after
authorities realized its usefulness for radio communication
that it was spared the wrecking ball.
Optional excursion to versailles (extra cost) •
Opt to spend the afternoon at the opulent palace of Louis
XIV. This is where French royalty reveled in its extravagant
lifestyle while the masses starved, leading to the Revolution.
Stroll through the well-manicured gardens along the river and
check yourself out in the Hall of Mirrors.
Day 7 paris
Louvre MuseuM • The world’s most famous museum is
a sprawling complex that was once a royal palace. One could
wander for days among its masterpieces. Today, you’ll hit all
the highlights, including the Venus de Milo and Leonardo Da
Vinci’s incomparably mysterious Mona Lisa.
Walking tour of Paris • Your tour guide takes you on
an informal stroll around town. Walk through the Latin Quarter,
an area packed with college students from the Sorbonne,
Paris’s most famous university. Make your way along the
Seine, and check out les bouquinistes, the little stalls that
sell old books, maps, art prints and postcards. It’s the perfect
place to pick up some authentic souvenirs.
Notre Dame Cathedral • Go inside the famous medieval
cathedral, built between 1163 and 1361. Admire the
stained-glass windows and seemingly weightless vaulted
ceilings. The amazing cathedral was the inspiration for Victor
Hugo’s famous book The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Farewell dinner • Share some last laughs (and maybe
shed a few tears) at a farewell dinner with the group.
Day 8 paris
Flight home
shed a few tears) at a farewell dinner with the group.
Day 8 paris
Flight home
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
List of Things I Am Going to Do Before I Die
Time to re-evaluate my life. Time to set some goals for myself and put things back in perspective. I lost sight of what I really wanted from life and it's taken me a while to get back to the person I was. But I am back and I am taking advantage of the clarity I have attained. My list of things I want to do before I die:
- Get my Master's in Music Performance at Belmont University
- Audition for Opera Carolina next Spring
- Get my pilot's license
- Go on a cruise
- Go to Italy, France (the country, not so big on the city scene), the UK, including Scotland & Ireland( i have to see my family's castle)
- Finish a damn novel. Don't know how many I have started and finished.
- Become a voice teacher.
- Gradually tackle the Appalachian Trail, state by state.
- Go to Australia, just because it looks like fun
- Audition for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Award
- Study Bel Canto in London for a "semester"
- Visit the Paris Opera House
This is a short list. there is more I want to do but for right now, this is a good list.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Calling Off a Wedding
To be honest, I don't know how this will go. I will also state that I do have my reasons and if I have not made them known to you, you don't need to know the details. So, please do not ask me what happened. All you need to know is that Andrew and I are not getting married. We are staying together, but we are no longer engaged. So, I thought it would only be customary to finish off the bridal section of my blog by detailing the many reasons for calling off an engagement and the proper etiquette to go about it.
As we know, the divorce rate in our country is 50%. This rate is increased for couples who live together before marriage. This also increases the younger you are when you get married. So, for whatever reason you decide to call off your engagement, you are more than likely doing the right thing. Marriage is not something to be entered into lightly. It is not a promise to be made and broken, which is what society has made it. It is a promise to love someone with all your heart for all eternity. If for any reason you have intense doubts about getting married, and this is basically anything beyond cold feet or wedding jitters, call it off. I'm serious! Yes, it will hurt your family, your fiance, your friends may hate you, your fiances friends will more than likely hate you, and it will hurt you too. If it doesn't hurt when you break it off, you have no soul. But, think about it. Those doubts will come back to haunt you and the more you repress them, the more they will build up until all you have is an unsalvageable marriage. I know it's unromantic to call off a wedding when really you should be the perfect bride or groom and have stars in your eyes through it all, but really...do not get married if you have doubts. It will save you tons of heartache and lawyers and alimony in the end.
So, etiquette. This is the hardest part, girls. But if you follow these easy steps you will do just fine.
1. Take the ring off your finger.
2.Return it to the rightful owner. If he bought it, give it back to him. If you bought something for him, ask him nicely to give it back. If it is from your family, give it back to the family.
3. By doing this you will save yourself many a brawl and court battle. It has happened.
Give yourself and your fiance time to talk about the situation. Talk about where you will be going from there. If you will still be dating, tell them so. If you are breaking up, tell them so. Don't leave anything up to interpretation. If you do, that could lead to even more heartbreak in the longrun.
Call your parents and break the news. Then you may call your bridesmaids and groomsmen.
If you have received gifts, send them back. You are not getting married anymore and you don't deserve them. Sorry about being brash.
If you have put out any news announcements, have the newspaper put out a cancellation announcement.
If you have sent out invitations, call your guests and notify them of the cancellation.
If you are severing ties with your fiance, do it in a civil manner. Don't finger point and fight. They are hurting as much as you, if not, more. Be nice, break things off clean. Take the fond memories you have.
It may be for the best that you attend counseling after the cancellation. You may think you don't need it, but having someone unbiased to talk to about your fears, your hopes, and your moving on. Just remember to take it a day at a time. It does get easier.
As we know, the divorce rate in our country is 50%. This rate is increased for couples who live together before marriage. This also increases the younger you are when you get married. So, for whatever reason you decide to call off your engagement, you are more than likely doing the right thing. Marriage is not something to be entered into lightly. It is not a promise to be made and broken, which is what society has made it. It is a promise to love someone with all your heart for all eternity. If for any reason you have intense doubts about getting married, and this is basically anything beyond cold feet or wedding jitters, call it off. I'm serious! Yes, it will hurt your family, your fiance, your friends may hate you, your fiances friends will more than likely hate you, and it will hurt you too. If it doesn't hurt when you break it off, you have no soul. But, think about it. Those doubts will come back to haunt you and the more you repress them, the more they will build up until all you have is an unsalvageable marriage. I know it's unromantic to call off a wedding when really you should be the perfect bride or groom and have stars in your eyes through it all, but really...do not get married if you have doubts. It will save you tons of heartache and lawyers and alimony in the end.
So, etiquette. This is the hardest part, girls. But if you follow these easy steps you will do just fine.
1. Take the ring off your finger.
2.Return it to the rightful owner. If he bought it, give it back to him. If you bought something for him, ask him nicely to give it back. If it is from your family, give it back to the family.
3. By doing this you will save yourself many a brawl and court battle. It has happened.
Give yourself and your fiance time to talk about the situation. Talk about where you will be going from there. If you will still be dating, tell them so. If you are breaking up, tell them so. Don't leave anything up to interpretation. If you do, that could lead to even more heartbreak in the longrun.
Call your parents and break the news. Then you may call your bridesmaids and groomsmen.
If you have received gifts, send them back. You are not getting married anymore and you don't deserve them. Sorry about being brash.
If you have put out any news announcements, have the newspaper put out a cancellation announcement.
If you have sent out invitations, call your guests and notify them of the cancellation.
If you are severing ties with your fiance, do it in a civil manner. Don't finger point and fight. They are hurting as much as you, if not, more. Be nice, break things off clean. Take the fond memories you have.
It may be for the best that you attend counseling after the cancellation. You may think you don't need it, but having someone unbiased to talk to about your fears, your hopes, and your moving on. Just remember to take it a day at a time. It does get easier.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
