Perhaps Fame and Fortune

I got back from North Jersey and New York City late last night, and I'm happy to report that both states did wonders for my flagging self-esteem.

Sunday morning was my friend Nicole's bridal shower. Now, I don't know how you all out there feel about showers, but I'm not such a fan. They seem like a relic from an ancient past that has no place in today's feminist society. "Let's throw all the men out so we can finally drink tea and coo to each other about women things like babies and wedding dresses, because the rest of our time is spent cooking meals and cleaning the house and ironing." (actually, I like talking about babies and wedding dresses. I like tea too. Crap). They're generally not much fun, due to a lack of alcohol.

But the girls at this shower turned out to be mega-awesome. They strongly seconded my desire to hit the mimosas right away, which boded well. Later, when I started talking inappropriately about various races, they thought it was funny. The odious present-opening segment of the shower, which is the most feared and hated portion of the afternoon, was undertaken with a lightness of spirit and a general sense of making fun of the whole process. There was banter. At a shower. This is unheard of. So thanks, awesome girls, for making this particular shower a memorable event and for making me feel entertaining and worthwhile! I can't wait to hang out with you again-next time in our bridesmaid dresses!

Plus, there were copious amounts of cake, which makes any shower worth going to (check out my sister's various odes to cake on her blog, if I can figure out how to link it up).

Whoops, I realize that I've strayed far away from the actual point of this blog, which is to chronicle my anxiety-ridden singing career! So let's move on. Yesterday morning I took the train into the city for a lesson with Sherry Overholt, goddess of voice teachers. First of all, it felt good to be back in the city again, and I wasn't scared at all when it actually came down to it. I attribute this to a certain level of comfort with the city that I've finally attained (after going there how many times?!). Second of all, the subway spit me out at Lincoln Center and Julliard, and my lesson was right down the street. When you're having a voice lesson down the street from these places, it makes you feel pretty awesome and sophisticated. I got a sophisticated iced coffee to walk the streets with. It just felt right.

Third of all, and most importantly, my voice lesson was AWESOME. This wonderful woman got sounds out of me that I had never heard. She told me I was a contender. People, it felt so good to get some positive reinforcement! She also told me I was a lyric soprano, which is sort of a surprise but makes me very happy. Lyrics get all the good dramatic parts. And I'm no good at hitting the real high notes anyway (Those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about and want to know, look up Opera Fach on Google).

So I have a list of exercises to do, a list of arias to learn, and a new lease on my singing life. I'd say that's worth $110 and a trip into the city! If you're looking for me today I'll be in the practice rooms at Cornell and up in the library making photocopies. Yay!