Updating

As I sit in my room, drinking Perrier Lemon, I have decided it is a good time to update this. It's been a while. So, what has been on my mind. Women, as usual. And band. Let's start with band. It's annoying me. Why is it annoying me? Because certain members of our section do not grasp the concept that being in the top band at Luther College is an honor, and requires that a certain level of responsibility to be taken. Translation: people need to be on time and learn their damn music. It's just so frustrating, especially considering all the work that I had to put in last year. Crap, I practically learned a whole new instrument (bass trombone). I mean, granted, we had a little more tangible incentive, being that whole going to Japan thing. I mean, a tour adds a certain urgency, and a big international tour doubly so. But as much as the tour loomed ahead of me, I mainly felt a need to learn bass and get the music down because I felt I had a responsibility, both to the section and to the band. I mean, especially in my position, jumping from Varsity to Concert, and playing in the midst of some incredible musicians. I was the guy with no experience in anything like that. I had to fight for everything, to learn the bass, to learn the music, to play at such a high level. And you didn't even think of not showing up to a rehearsal, or being late. Because people had honor and pride in themselves. And I guess, it's just insulting that some people are not taking it as seriously as I did. As I still do. I mean, granted, I don't play everything perfectly, but I am in the practice room working on it, and I am at every rehearsal and every sectional, on time. And it's a slap in the face, to me, to Benjamin (section leader), to our director, the band, and our heritage that some individuals don't even have notes and rhythms down, or don't feel the need to be on time. It's bullshit. Playing in the top wind ensemble at Luther College means you learn your stuff, you work hard, you take pride in what you do, and then you go out and do it. And that's not happening. I would be ashamed if Brad or Phil heard us right now. So, that's that. I talked to my French friend Camille last week. I believe I've mentioned her before in this blog. She's an individual who I spent 4 days with two years ago, and could barely communicate with her. Yet, for some reason, she stays in my mind and heart often. I attribute this to the fact that blocked by language, we had to communicate through a way that could not hide our true selves. Like, neither she nor I could hide behind words. I feel that by interacting in this way, I caught a glimpse of her "essence," or something. Like, instead of seeing her as she would like to project herself, I saw the real her. I'm sure I was the only one who felt this way, meaning, I don't know if she experienced the same. I doubt it. But we continue to communicate, so that is good. Every month or so we have a conversation via the internet. I mentioned to her the fact that I will be in Europe next year, and would like to come visit, and she said that I should. With all my hopeless romantic delusions, my love for French culture and quirkiness, I can't help but wonder if anything is meant for us. It is so ridiculous. A girl 3 or 4 years younger than I that I spent 4 days with 2 years ago, who speaks a language different than I. It is ridiculous, but it's a good thought. I can't wait to see her next year. Like I said before, she's a person who continues to influence me, in ways I really can't explain. I know I'm a better person because of my interaction with her. In more embarrassing news, tonight I was dancing with the blonde oboe girl, the one with the beautiful teeth. And of course, as usual, my emotions swelled, and I left thinking, "Wow, I danced with a beautiful girl who actually seems to think I'm cool." I went to go practice some piano, and looked at myself in the practice room mirror. Only to notice a disgusting piece of food in my teeth. It was just like, "Oh crap." That's how you make an impression. So, yeah. Life has been going pretty well. Birthday is in 6 days, hopefully that will go well. Hope everyone is well.