Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sept. 30, 2010
Well, work is nice and hectic. And it is hard to make school academics match up with work realities all of the time, but at least I can spend time with super smart people!
Over the weekend I learned how to use Audacity to do a voice over for a school presentation. But I did it with music! Learned a good chunk and could probably become a podcaster now if I wanted to. Maybe once a month do a short rant or review of a song or something. We'll see.
More importantly I've started to do some jumping jacks and walking more. I haven't started with the weights. Mostly just scheduling - familia, homework, organizing, and playing music. Lots of challenging stuff.
I did figure out that if I do want to learn more about Esteban Jordan's music I'll have to start from the bottom and work my way up. Since I only review songs for the bands and don't go into them super deep - hope they aren't upset. I keep trying to improve, but much of the music doesn't drive me.
So back to EJ... if I REALLY want to understand it and get a grasp I'll have to be super slow. I'll start with the lyrics of a song. After that go to the intro and work out the bass as close as I can. Then go back to the beginning of the intro and work it out on the guitar. THEN go back and work out the acordeón. I know I'll work on the acordeón all along, but seeing how the harmony works along with the interesting rhythm changes will help it all make more sense and also allow me to arrange and compose with a different feel.
Wish me luck!
KEEP LEFTING!!!
Over the weekend I learned how to use Audacity to do a voice over for a school presentation. But I did it with music! Learned a good chunk and could probably become a podcaster now if I wanted to. Maybe once a month do a short rant or review of a song or something. We'll see.
More importantly I've started to do some jumping jacks and walking more. I haven't started with the weights. Mostly just scheduling - familia, homework, organizing, and playing music. Lots of challenging stuff.
I did figure out that if I do want to learn more about Esteban Jordan's music I'll have to start from the bottom and work my way up. Since I only review songs for the bands and don't go into them super deep - hope they aren't upset. I keep trying to improve, but much of the music doesn't drive me.
So back to EJ... if I REALLY want to understand it and get a grasp I'll have to be super slow. I'll start with the lyrics of a song. After that go to the intro and work out the bass as close as I can. Then go back to the beginning of the intro and work it out on the guitar. THEN go back and work out the acordeón. I know I'll work on the acordeón all along, but seeing how the harmony works along with the interesting rhythm changes will help it all make more sense and also allow me to arrange and compose with a different feel.
Wish me luck!
KEEP LEFTING!!!
Labels: 'Buelo Time, Grad School, Health, Musica y Musicos
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Happiness Makeover
I originally thought about complaining about my project partner who is upset that I don't have a cell phone so she can call me. It's a freakin online program! I send her an email and wait 3 days for a response, but she wants to lecture me about a cell phone... Of course there's more, but anyway.... I saw an article and did a little follow up below that will hopefully set me on a more constructive course.
As much as I appreciate the following advice I have to say it seems funny when someone calls themselves a "thought leader." Maybe that's a good goal. MJ Ryan has this advice to improve your happiness:
Ask yourself three questions at the end of the day, What am I thankful for today? What did I enjoy today? And what am I satisfied about today? And you can't say 'nothing.' You have to come up with something.
I wonder if she would admit that the following piece of news has any impact. The US Census is finding that the gap between the rich and the poor is at its widest. What doesn't get mentioned enough in this is that it also means that the "steps" between each level are also likely wider. So if you imagine a ladder - once the rungs between levels were closer together. Now those are wider apart. It's not just the "poor" losing out, its all of us!
KEEP LEFTING!!!
As much as I appreciate the following advice I have to say it seems funny when someone calls themselves a "thought leader." Maybe that's a good goal. MJ Ryan has this advice to improve your happiness:
Ask yourself three questions at the end of the day, What am I thankful for today? What did I enjoy today? And what am I satisfied about today? And you can't say 'nothing.' You have to come up with something.
I wonder if she would admit that the following piece of news has any impact. The US Census is finding that the gap between the rich and the poor is at its widest. What doesn't get mentioned enough in this is that it also means that the "steps" between each level are also likely wider. So if you imagine a ladder - once the rungs between levels were closer together. Now those are wider apart. It's not just the "poor" losing out, its all of us!
KEEP LEFTING!!!
Labels: Health
Sunday, September 12, 2010
9/12/10
Today - figure out some flier delivery, homework, and rehearsal. At least I'll get some walking in.
Had an interesting gig on Friday. Right before I left there was some drama at the house and I ended up rushing late to the gig. I left my mics at home so played keyboard most of the gig. I realized how little I want to be a keyboard player - people seem to like my keyboard playing, but it doesn't interest me much.
And I still don't play the acordeon to my standards. What a pain that is. But it makes me think that if I had my own band I would play mostly rancheras and would play the English music on the acordeon as well.
Now only if there was more time! But lamenting doesn't help. On to the homework!
Keep Lefting!!!
Had an interesting gig on Friday. Right before I left there was some drama at the house and I ended up rushing late to the gig. I left my mics at home so played keyboard most of the gig. I realized how little I want to be a keyboard player - people seem to like my keyboard playing, but it doesn't interest me much.
And I still don't play the acordeon to my standards. What a pain that is. But it makes me think that if I had my own band I would play mostly rancheras and would play the English music on the acordeon as well.
Now only if there was more time! But lamenting doesn't help. On to the homework!
Keep Lefting!!!
Labels: Grad School, Musica y Musicos
Thursday, September 09, 2010
9/9/10
Need to figure out some better ways to keep on top of everything. Feels like a lot of expectations are thrown at me with minimal support offered.
Got some walking in. Still trying to get my yoga teacher to commit. Might have to go out to a commercial place.
Gonna keep working at it.
KEEP LEFTING!!!
Got some walking in. Still trying to get my yoga teacher to commit. Might have to go out to a commercial place.
Gonna keep working at it.
KEEP LEFTING!!!
Saturday, September 04, 2010
9/4/10
A nice mellow day. I have gigs out of town tomorrow and Monday. Listening to some Esteban, and finished reading for one class. One more to go.
I asked a musician friend if he would pick out the chords to some Esteban Jordan music - he wouldn't even try it for money! I don't have lots of time for practicing, so maybe that will be my project for thanksgiving and X-mas.
It is nice that my health disparities book FINALLY got to social and economic factors that influence health, health disparities, and "minority" health.
Keep Lefting!
I asked a musician friend if he would pick out the chords to some Esteban Jordan music - he wouldn't even try it for money! I don't have lots of time for practicing, so maybe that will be my project for thanksgiving and X-mas.
It is nice that my health disparities book FINALLY got to social and economic factors that influence health, health disparities, and "minority" health.
Keep Lefting!
Labels: Grad School, Musica y Musicos
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Sept. 1, 2010
Trying to keep up with everything. Definitely a challenge. Tonight will be homework, and if there is time some practicing and clearing out the weight area. Going to gym ain't been happening.
Keep Lefting!
Keep Lefting!
