Today in the Big Apple

I would have to say that tonight was one of the most special evenings yet here in the big NYC. We were graced with the Metropolitan Opera. I'm not going to lie...studying opera in music history was painful. But after this evening, watching the beautiful performance of Don Pasquale, I have a new born love for opera. A love I never thought would be apart of my musical palette. This piece was premiered in Paris in 1843 written by Gaetano Donizetti. The opera in very very short was about Don Pasquale and how he wants to punish his nephew, Ernesto, for not marrying who Pasquale wants him to marry. Instead Ernesto is in love with the beautiful Norina. The Dr. Malatesta tricks Pasquale into marring his 'sister' Sofronia (aka Norina). Norina pretends to be Sofronia, 'marries' (it was fake) Pasquale, then spends most of his money, drives him crazy to the point that he wants her out of his house. Then Pasquale allows his nephew Ernesto and Norina to actually get married. After 2 1/2 hours of wonderful music and beautiful voices I can say that my musical ear is content. During intermission I noticed a woman at the top of the stairs in a wheelchair. I was thirsty...everyone else was thirsty (this was 1.5 hrs into the show)...so I figured maybe she too was thirsty. I went over to her and said 'ma'am would you like me to get you a glass of water?' She was so surprised. :) I got one for her then proceeded to have a wonderful conversation with her. Her name is Shirley and she served 25 years in the service. She was stationed in Hawaii during WWII. She said that she has lived a happy life and that her time in the Army was 'fun!' I can say that I have NEVER heard the word 'fun' and 'Army' in the same sentence. She then said "You have the ability to make every situation what you want it to be." Such wisdom. I love it. We talked about Iowa, about my program, and about teaching kids. She then told me of a man who went to Venezuela and started a youth orchestra with kids there. I have yet to look up who this man is...but I plan on getting in contact with him, he's only 30. That in itself has shown me that much is possible over the next ten years.

Today has been a day where I came to realize that teaching and working with children is the most gratifying experience ever. I absolutely love working with the kids at PS 38. Second and third graders have such an energy and a passion for what they do. If they're going to try...they're going to try hard. If they're going to mess around...they're going to do it with vigor. If they're going to cry.....you guest it...they're going to cry. There is such a young spirit in this kids. They love coming into the classroom and saying "Miss Amanda...look what I can do!" or "Miss Amanda, can you fix this for me?" A little girl cried today (evidently she cries for attention all day everyday...) but I took her out of the class and asked what was wrong, talked with her in a quiet voice...and said "hey! it's ok!!" Her attitude changed after about 5 minutes and after a couple more reassuring smiles. I learned a piece of advice from a very wise person in my life (my sister) and she said that "You are in complete control of your children's happiness" Granted I have no children of my own...but I've applied that directly to the kids that I'm working with. I feel that it is absolutely necessary to take each child's home life into consideration. School is supposed to be a safe, fun, learning environment. I feel that the instructor/teacher has complete control of the attitude in the classroom.

So I believe that it is safe to say that I am in the process of learning a lot. We are exactly 1 month into the program. With exactly 2 months left. Needless to say I'll be working all summer to pay off these darn credit card bills!!! :-) but that's ok. I believe that it's all totally worth it. I have met so many wonderful people. I have seen so many beautiful things. And one other thing that I'm learning here...is.... Who cares what you do?! Who cares where you do it?! Who cares how you get there?! Who cares?! Be yourself...say hi to strangers (dont freak family...I only say hi to nice strangers...in public areas...like the opera) Take risks. Because what is the worst that can happen? Well...you could learn from it. Or...you could have an amazing story to tell the rest of the world about. So here is me telling the world about it. About what I've done. And what I have yet to do.

<3

A

PS

On a side note...please pray for the people and children who fight cancer every day. Please pray for strength in their everyday life. And pray that they continue to see the beautiful things in life.

Hey Big Apple! What's in store for tomorrow???

Chinatown

NYC Ballet

Museum of Moving Image

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

AND

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!

Interception Packers!!! Touchdown

Packers!!!

Haha... :)

Ok so I feel like it's time for an update! Let's start with today and move backwards.

Sunday:

I went to brunch with Isa at a little place in the East Village. Then walked around Chinatown and popped some confetti poppers. The streets were covered with confetti!! Little kids (including Isa and me) were popping those little things you throw on the ground and go 'POP!'. The shops were filled with people hustlin our money for scarves, gold, purses, hats, and sunglasses. Then we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. It was quite chilly but a beautiful day just the same. (the score is currently 21-10 Packers at the half and the Black Eyed Peas are going to do the 1/2 time show!....oh half time show...how you disappointed me.)

Saturday: I spent at the Museum of the Moving Image, in Queens, starting at 10am and leaving around 3pm. This was a very interesting museum because it started with how movies started out; as flip books etc. There was a ton of filming equipment. Lots of neat stuff. It was nap time around 3pm. I grabbed some food then the subway back into Manhattan. I got back and ended up having tea with a friend. I had to go into Brooklyn to see a my boss play with her group at a Jewish Synagogue. It was suuppper cool. Then we went down to the Brighton Boardwalk. (for all you midwesteners reading this...a boardwalk is an area right by the ocean) This was beautiful. Windy, cold and wet. I ran through the snow which was on top of the beach...went to the part that was beach, found a shell and was 5 feet away from the Atlantic Ocean. :)

Friday: I had a violin lesson which went quit well. Met up with Isa for some sushi and hookah. I then met up with Donnie at Ha! and spent some time at Hourglass and made lots of new friends. I was not in bed till 8am. :-) Life is good.

Thursday: This day was spent at the Whitney Museum.

Wednesday: We saw The Whipping Man. Beautiful production.

Tuesday: I spent the day in Brooklyn helping Rebecca Cherry (my boss) at PS 38, a public grade school. I helped her teach 2nd and 3rd graders how to play the violin. :) This was one of the best days I've had yet.

Monday: Relaxing day. Went to Black Swan with Ellen and Britt. We walked out of the theater and directly into Lincoln Center. If you've seen the movie think back to the part where she walks by a fountain...and then to the stage doors. And if you haven't seen the movie...do. Well, after the movie the 3 of us walked in the exact spot where she walked. It was surreal.

Sunday: Dizzy's Club Coca Cola to listen to an aaaamazing jazz group. The bassist was crazy good.

Saturday: I sat in the Pit of Lion King. This was interesting experience. The musicians were all very friendly. I was also back stage and got to see some of the dancers and costuming. Dinner with the group in Little Italy. Then out with Isa again. :)

Friday: NYC Ballet! Stunning. 'nuff said. The inside was beautiful.

Adjectives for the past 10 days: Beautiful. Stunning. Amazing. Awesome. I'd have to say it's be a great 10 days.