9 degrees and 20 mph winds

It is amazing to me how one event, or a collection of people, can really change an outlook on life.

This past week, I have been really happy. It is not my usual, "Blake-always-has-a-smile-on-his-face." It is more of a "this-is-the-awesomeness-that-life-should-be" kind.

Without tests/assignments/grades getting in the way, this quarter has started off with some positive occurances (what a STARK contrast to the beginning of fall...enough said):

1-I am the violist for A Little Night Music. Check--on my list of scores to play before I die. Also, the production is going to be very well done with an excellent cast, apparently. I saw some of the wigs today, and they are just breathtaking. So stunning. I cannot wait to see the costumes (poor Anna...) and the set (go Ryan!). Should be great.

2- Durocher.

3-I am playing for Le Nozze di Figaro. Granted, I have already performed Mozart's crazy, too-many-notes bravura, but it will be nice to play it with a crazy budget and even crazier singers.

4-I am taking intro to makeup with Hannah. Kelly (Kaitie's mother) is teaching the course. Let's see how awful I am--hopefully I will not be written in the books like Fran.

5-I had an amazing first lesson with Kawasaki. Since when does he crack jokes and smile the whole lesson? Also, one lesson on Ligeti's Hora Lunga and he says move on to the next movement. QUOI!?!

6-I picked up Don Juan and, after some hard practicing and a little bit of luck, am now taking the Aspen Fellowship Audition. Christopher Koelzer, why do you influence me to make decisions that stress me out? Thanks for always having faith in me.

7-I have great friends.

8-Durocher. This deserves another iteration.

So, that is basically my life in the first week. I am really hoping that my optimism and euphoric state continues. It is so great when things are, well...great. It is something to look forward to when times are like the weather, bleak.