Miss Shell Shocked

Well finals week is almost over. Only 3 more to go. That's what I get for taking music classes. I have to take a billion classes that are all worth like 1 credit. Anywho... I just thought i'd let you all know that I've made it through alive so far. So now you can all leave me encouraging messages, or send me packages of candy and/or homewoven handycrafts.

Today I went home only to find myself inundated with Christmas. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the tree. Who can resist the smell of pine? Ahhhhhhhhhhh....... pine....anywho....This year is going to be the best Christmas tree EVER. Why you may ask? Because of the extreme dedication of two individuals-- myself and my big sis.

Little did I know what would be in store for me today as I came home. Melissa was on her way to get white lights. We HAD to have white lights. That was key. After that I was somewhat thrust into the tree decorating process. Don't ask me how it happened because I don't know. I guess I just have the gift. I didn't ask for it but I do.

The process of getting all the necessary purchases for the tree was quite the ordeal. We showed no restraint and went crazy spending exorbitant amounts for fake flowers, foliage, ornaments, and bows. However, the color scheme, might I add, is genius beyond comprehension. Not only does it look AMAZING, it also matches the living room. Yes, yes it's true. The only thing left is putting it up. Unfortunately, I have finals so I won't be around. blech. So here's to my big sis--may the smell of pine be with you.

The coming of the holidays brings many a thing. Lights, good food, family, blah blah blah blah blah.... For me it has brought a plethera of CONCERTS. In the past 5 days I have had 3 Concerts and I also sang in church once. This is not the issue that we are discussing today.

Most musicians (mostly instumentalists) wear normal stuff. This is not true for harpists. Whenever we get together someone always feels the need for us to be matching or to have some connecting clothing item. This issue is most perfectly displayed when I went to Ireland for the World Harp Congress. Now let me clarify that not ALL harpists have to dress weird together... Apparently only my groups do. Let me describe the scene for you. We are dressed in black pants and shirts (normal you say but just wait) then we all have a swirly poncho/shoulder covering scarfy things WITH a matching flower in our hair. Now take in mind that none of our colors match (bright pink, golden brown, navy blue, sea green were just a few of the colors.) Now during my time as a harpist I have seen groups perform in horseback riding clothes, colorful broomstick skirts and various other "get ups".

Now why am I telling you this? While performing with my harp group in 2 of my 3 concerts we were designated to wear red ribbons around our waists. Now I'll admit that they weren't that bad. They looked ok, but whatever happened to concert black. You don't see the Utah Symphony with matching outfits and pink ribbons in everyones hair. It's not that I am against red ribbons-I am against the idea that is behind them. We are already connected by the harps! We are all harpists! Everyone is going to realize that we are in the same group together because we are playing together!

Keep in mind that I am refering to normal musicians-mainly instumentallists. I do think that large choirs do look good when they all look the same, and who can resist a guy in a tux? I mean come one! And many groups do wear matching outfits, and I do think it is important to be unified as a group. I would just prefer to not look like a fool while performing. Is that too much to ask?

There have been many complaints saying that I do not blog nearly as much as I should. Well guess what...i'm... busy...with stuff. Actually whenever I go to blog I get caught up in that music video by OK GO and never actually get around to doing anything but dancing around in my room like a madwoman. Also I already have Brooke to blog about anything that happens around here. I would tell you what I ate for dinner but Brooke has probably already blogged about it. Anywho... speaking about dancing like a madwoman--Brookie and I downloaded "Last Christmas" by Wham! We've been jammin' out to it all night. We even found the guitar chords so that we can sing it al de tim.

Last Christmas I gave you my heart, but the very next day you gave it away. This year to save me from tears i'll give it to someone special. (special).

If you can't tell, I am excited for Christmas. And Yes... I will treat you all with several more gems that are my blogs. Also... here is an excellent display of the kind of gracefullness Brooke and I portray while dancing to the above mentioned songs.