I played the flute for a long time, but could never whistle. Ironic, isn't it? I did a tiny bit of research to see what the general consensus of the Google community was in regards to whistling being of the genetic skill set. Apparently, it is not genetic. So, I have no excuse but to try to learn. I have actually been practicing off and on for a few weeks. But today, I searched "how to whistle" and the following sites were two that were actually somewhat helpful:
1) http://www.natwilson.com/stuff/whistle.html
I love that in the instructions, the writer tells you to wash your hands first. Classy.
But I tried the first kind and gagged repeadtedly, so I tried the second kind of whistle and had a bit more sound and a lot less gagging.
2) http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A1986654
This is through the BBC. So, it automatically gets 1,000 extra cool points.
And just for entertainment value, this video is a) British and b) uses the techniques described on the first website listed above.
I still cannot whistle like a pro or even an amateur, but I can now finally get what ever-so-slightly resembles a tone. I'll keep practicing.
So, there! Task #43 is done!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Yelling is good for the soul. Just be careful where you yell.
As promised, I will now finally reveal how I completed Task #40: Go somewhere secluded and yell at the top of my lungs. But first, the backstory.
I do not yell or scream. It is almost virtually impossible for me to do either. When I ride rollercoasters, I laugh. If I'm mad, I raise my voice, but I don't yell or scream. If I'm scared, I gasp or hyperventilate. I don't yell "Marry me" to celebrities (although I might ask them politely). I just don't yell. I think some bad experiences with cheerleading scarred me for life.
I also tend to be bottled up when it comes to intense emotions. I find that I'm often afraid to let them out. Catharsis is a scary process. So, this task was actually one of the few that I was dreading the most, believe it or not.
Okay, now for the story.
Finding a secluded place, even in the middle of nowhere, is more difficult that I originally thought. My operational definition of "secluded" just meant it had to be away from the main town and I could not be able to see any buildings or people. I decided to go northwest-ish from town and came across roads like Snake Nation and Chug-a-lug. (Yes. I'm completely serious.) After getting myself lost and into what I later found out to be a dangerous area (that's another story...), I finally found a dirt road that seemed to lead nowhere. There were some houses near the entrance, but just a little further down, I could see only road (which was only wide enough for one mid-sized vehicle) and fields and forests.
So... I got out of my car, yelled as loud as I could make myself, which was probably about 75% volume, because, as I mentioned previously, this was rough country and I was afraid of getting shot. Seriously. So, I didn't want to disturb the residents. I actually yelled about 2 or 3 times, because once I got back into my car, I felt that I could yell louder so I did.
Oh, did I mention this was the day after my birthday? I decided if there was a perfect day for a cathartic experience, the first day of a new year of life would be it.
Anyway, I did it and it was a challenge, but I felt better afterward.
Does anybody else have difficulty yelling? Or am I just strange?
I do not yell or scream. It is almost virtually impossible for me to do either. When I ride rollercoasters, I laugh. If I'm mad, I raise my voice, but I don't yell or scream. If I'm scared, I gasp or hyperventilate. I don't yell "Marry me" to celebrities (although I might ask them politely). I just don't yell. I think some bad experiences with cheerleading scarred me for life.
I also tend to be bottled up when it comes to intense emotions. I find that I'm often afraid to let them out. Catharsis is a scary process. So, this task was actually one of the few that I was dreading the most, believe it or not.
Okay, now for the story.
Finding a secluded place, even in the middle of nowhere, is more difficult that I originally thought. My operational definition of "secluded" just meant it had to be away from the main town and I could not be able to see any buildings or people. I decided to go northwest-ish from town and came across roads like Snake Nation and Chug-a-lug. (Yes. I'm completely serious.) After getting myself lost and into what I later found out to be a dangerous area (that's another story...), I finally found a dirt road that seemed to lead nowhere. There were some houses near the entrance, but just a little further down, I could see only road (which was only wide enough for one mid-sized vehicle) and fields and forests.
So... I got out of my car, yelled as loud as I could make myself, which was probably about 75% volume, because, as I mentioned previously, this was rough country and I was afraid of getting shot. Seriously. So, I didn't want to disturb the residents. I actually yelled about 2 or 3 times, because once I got back into my car, I felt that I could yell louder so I did.
Oh, did I mention this was the day after my birthday? I decided if there was a perfect day for a cathartic experience, the first day of a new year of life would be it.
Anyway, I did it and it was a challenge, but I felt better afterward.
Does anybody else have difficulty yelling? Or am I just strange?
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Proof! Aaaaand, I'm done. No more celebrity madness.
Confession: I'm not usually this celebrity-crazy. I don't care about tabloids or who's dating who or who gained 75 pounds in 2 weeks. It is none of my business. There are actually only a few celebrities (mostly musicians) who I atually like. Gavin DeGraw is on that short list. And it is very rare that I actually meet a professional musician. So, humor me for one more post while I post evidence.
So, here is proof that I met Gavin DeGraw (Task 6). He was so cool and easy going and agreed to take this picture even though nobody was supposed to be taking pictures with him. I was afraid the policewoman was gonna kick me. It's nice to know there are famous folk out there who aren't jerks to us commonfolk.
This is Mr. DeGraw's guitarist, Billy Norris. If I were friends with him, I'm pretty sure I'd call him Babyface Norris. He was really cool, too. The other band members weren't being social, so I guess they just missed out. ;)
I will now return back to the real world, where swagger is a myth, good music is difficult to find, and instead of concerts, lectures will reign supreme.
So, here is proof that I met Gavin DeGraw (Task 6). He was so cool and easy going and agreed to take this picture even though nobody was supposed to be taking pictures with him. I was afraid the policewoman was gonna kick me. It's nice to know there are famous folk out there who aren't jerks to us commonfolk.
This is Mr. DeGraw's guitarist, Billy Norris. If I were friends with him, I'm pretty sure I'd call him Babyface Norris. He was really cool, too. The other band members weren't being social, so I guess they just missed out. ;)
I will now return back to the real world, where swagger is a myth, good music is difficult to find, and instead of concerts, lectures will reign supreme.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
"And every once in a while, I wanna sit back and enjoy the view"
Well boys and girls, it's been a while. Blame it on grad school, as usual. I'm currently reeling from a Gavin DeGraw concert I attended tonight (2nd row!). That man has some serious swagger. And his band was fantastic. The focus on and passion for the music was evident, which is so uncommon nowadays. Two twitterpated thumbs up, for sure.
I know I already technically completed Task #6 (Meet a celebrity) about a month ago while I was in the musical, BUT
a) the goal of this list is for me to force myself to get out of my proverbial box and live and
b) making myself walk across the front lawn of my grad school to meet Gavin DeGraw seemed worth it. (It was.)
After work today, I saw that the band was doing a soundcheck, so I grabbed some books and nestled down for some good music/reading/Vitamin D time. I didn't time it right weather-wise, because I was brilliantly dressed in a long-sleeved black shirt and jeans, with no way to put my massive hair up, so I fried. But an opportunity like that, so laid back and just plain cool, was too amazing to pass up. After a while, I heard, "Hey! I'm Gavin!" and there he was, for his soundcheck. After he about beat up the poor piano (he can PLAY) and the band played a reggae version of "I'm in Love with a Girl," he came offstage to meet the handful of people out there. I decided at the last minute to go meet him. He was really cool and laid back. He asked me my name and asked if I'd like a picture. My brilliant reply? "No thanks." Really?? Hi, my name is Jessica and I'm an idiot. However I did mention this list and that I had now completed a task. I think he thought I was odd.
Fast forward about 4 hours later...
Went to the concert, stood in the 2nd row, loved it. The atmosphere was INSANE, with a bazillion screaming girls, the loudest of whom seemed to work their ways up to stand directly to my left. Afterward, my friend S. and I decided to wait it out in the line for autographs. I'm not into autographs, but I decided to beg for a picture, since I was too shy the first time I met him.
Y'all, he remembered me. It must've been the big hair. But that was cool. And he let me take a picture with him (if you count leaning over the signing table as a picture WITH him, but I'll take what I can get). The policewoman working crowd control was yelling at me, but Gavin (Mr. DeGraw?) was so nice about it. So, once S. posts the pic, I will post it on here as proof that I met him. But for now, this picture will have to suffice.
In other news, I also completed Task 40 (Go somewhere secluded and yell at the top of my lungs) a few weeks ago. The day after I turned 24, actually. I decided the beginning of a new year would be the perfect time for a cathartic experience. But I'll write more about it later. It's late. This entry is getting waay out of hand. And frankly, I'm too old for this.
So, goodnight. Sleep tight. Don't let the bedbugs bite.
(Title lyrics by Gavin DeGraw, "Free")
I know I already technically completed Task #6 (Meet a celebrity) about a month ago while I was in the musical, BUT
a) the goal of this list is for me to force myself to get out of my proverbial box and live and
b) making myself walk across the front lawn of my grad school to meet Gavin DeGraw seemed worth it. (It was.)
After work today, I saw that the band was doing a soundcheck, so I grabbed some books and nestled down for some good music/reading/Vitamin D time. I didn't time it right weather-wise, because I was brilliantly dressed in a long-sleeved black shirt and jeans, with no way to put my massive hair up, so I fried. But an opportunity like that, so laid back and just plain cool, was too amazing to pass up. After a while, I heard, "Hey! I'm Gavin!" and there he was, for his soundcheck. After he about beat up the poor piano (he can PLAY) and the band played a reggae version of "I'm in Love with a Girl," he came offstage to meet the handful of people out there. I decided at the last minute to go meet him. He was really cool and laid back. He asked me my name and asked if I'd like a picture. My brilliant reply? "No thanks." Really?? Hi, my name is Jessica and I'm an idiot. However I did mention this list and that I had now completed a task. I think he thought I was odd.
Fast forward about 4 hours later...
Went to the concert, stood in the 2nd row, loved it. The atmosphere was INSANE, with a bazillion screaming girls, the loudest of whom seemed to work their ways up to stand directly to my left. Afterward, my friend S. and I decided to wait it out in the line for autographs. I'm not into autographs, but I decided to beg for a picture, since I was too shy the first time I met him.
Y'all, he remembered me. It must've been the big hair. But that was cool. And he let me take a picture with him (if you count leaning over the signing table as a picture WITH him, but I'll take what I can get). The policewoman working crowd control was yelling at me, but Gavin (Mr. DeGraw?) was so nice about it. So, once S. posts the pic, I will post it on here as proof that I met him. But for now, this picture will have to suffice.
In other news, I also completed Task 40 (Go somewhere secluded and yell at the top of my lungs) a few weeks ago. The day after I turned 24, actually. I decided the beginning of a new year would be the perfect time for a cathartic experience. But I'll write more about it later. It's late. This entry is getting waay out of hand. And frankly, I'm too old for this.
So, goodnight. Sleep tight. Don't let the bedbugs bite.
(Title lyrics by Gavin DeGraw, "Free")
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Of Basket Cases, Jane Austen, and Why Catharsis is Good for the Soul
"Oh, send your armies in of robbers and thieves
To steal the state I'm in. I don't want it anymore."
-Basket Case (Sara Bareilles)
Maybe it's because I'm about to face another birthday, or because I'm overly analytical, or because I've been uber-nostalgic and sentimental these past few months, but I feel as if I've been experiencing the world through a different pair of eyes than I used to.
I've been working on reading a book this week (Task 5). "The Jane Austen Book Club." I decided to read something light and fluffy this time. As it turns out, I find it rather hits human nature square on the head at times. I somewhat remember the movie, liking it, being intrigued by the concept of an actual Jane Austen book club. But the book is, as they usually are, better, different, more thought-provoking. I'm not sure if I'll actually finish it by my deadline (this Saturday night), but I plan on making myself finish it regardless.
I've always been an emotional, even empathic book reader, movie watcher, and song listener. I get very involved in the emotional processes and lives of the characters/singers. I guess this fact explains why I cannot handle thrillers, horror movies, really heavy metal, or screamo (emo music with lots of screaming). It also probably explains why I'm pursuing a degree in clinical counseling psychology.
As I've been reading this book, I have found myself identifying with one of the characters in particular more than the rest (so far, as I haven't even reached the halfway point yet). Jocelyn is a 50-something year old woman who raises dogs, has never been married, and has a profound respect for Jane Austen and tidiness. Maybe I should be alarmed that I most relate to a character twice my age, but then again a classmate told me I swatted away a bug that flew in front of me like an elderly lady today, so maybe it does make sense after all (not that I'm saying 50-something is elderly, but you get my point, right?).
Last night, I watched that movie "Remember Me" with Robert Pattinson and Pierce Brosnan. I hadn't heard much about it except I wouldn't like the ending. I was thinking, "They probably just don't end up together and decide to go their separate ways." Not quite. I don't want to give away the plot, but I will tell you that a) I am not sure if I have ever watched a more emotion-provoking movie and b) I had a cry-fest for a while after the movie ended. And I'm not talking Nicholas Sparks tears. I'm talking cathartic tears. Even today, I've still felt really moved and somewhat shaken up (but not necessarily in a bad way). See? I get overly empathic when I watch movies.
What is the most emotional and/or cathartic movie you've seen?
To steal the state I'm in. I don't want it anymore."
-Basket Case (Sara Bareilles)
Maybe it's because I'm about to face another birthday, or because I'm overly analytical, or because I've been uber-nostalgic and sentimental these past few months, but I feel as if I've been experiencing the world through a different pair of eyes than I used to.
I've been working on reading a book this week (Task 5). "The Jane Austen Book Club." I decided to read something light and fluffy this time. As it turns out, I find it rather hits human nature square on the head at times. I somewhat remember the movie, liking it, being intrigued by the concept of an actual Jane Austen book club. But the book is, as they usually are, better, different, more thought-provoking. I'm not sure if I'll actually finish it by my deadline (this Saturday night), but I plan on making myself finish it regardless.
I've always been an emotional, even empathic book reader, movie watcher, and song listener. I get very involved in the emotional processes and lives of the characters/singers. I guess this fact explains why I cannot handle thrillers, horror movies, really heavy metal, or screamo (emo music with lots of screaming). It also probably explains why I'm pursuing a degree in clinical counseling psychology.
As I've been reading this book, I have found myself identifying with one of the characters in particular more than the rest (so far, as I haven't even reached the halfway point yet). Jocelyn is a 50-something year old woman who raises dogs, has never been married, and has a profound respect for Jane Austen and tidiness. Maybe I should be alarmed that I most relate to a character twice my age, but then again a classmate told me I swatted away a bug that flew in front of me like an elderly lady today, so maybe it does make sense after all (not that I'm saying 50-something is elderly, but you get my point, right?).
Last night, I watched that movie "Remember Me" with Robert Pattinson and Pierce Brosnan. I hadn't heard much about it except I wouldn't like the ending. I was thinking, "They probably just don't end up together and decide to go their separate ways." Not quite. I don't want to give away the plot, but I will tell you that a) I am not sure if I have ever watched a more emotion-provoking movie and b) I had a cry-fest for a while after the movie ended. And I'm not talking Nicholas Sparks tears. I'm talking cathartic tears. Even today, I've still felt really moved and somewhat shaken up (but not necessarily in a bad way). See? I get overly empathic when I watch movies.
What is the most emotional and/or cathartic movie you've seen?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Overachievers are overrated.
In recent years, especially since becoming a psychology major/grad student, I have come to think of myself as fairly self-aware. This in and of itself shows how truly self-unaware I actually am. However, I am learning to identify, modify, and when appropriate, accept my faults because they make me who I am. So...
On this, the 31st day of August, in the year 2010, I proclaim that I finally agree with everyone else that I am an overachiever.
Upon discussion with my thesis advisor, who does not let me get away with any kind of shenanagan or irrational thought (that's what I get for choosing a clinical psychologist as a thesis advisor), I realized that being involved in a Master's thesis, three other research projects, 2 jobs, and 2 graduate-level classes, makes me a pathological overachiever. Or maybe just plain stupid.
However, my overachiever-ness has really kicked into high gear recently and had proven beneficial because I have now completed 4 more tasks. I am now exactly halfway done with my to-do list!
13. Smile at a stranger: Completed tonight. I was reading an article in the student union when I looked up to see someone looking directly at me. Instead of my usual "What? Is there something in my teeth?" look, I actually smiled at them. Yes, it was a closed mouth smile, not a toothy grin or a Deschenes smile for your psychology nerds out there, but a smile nonetheless. If you know me, you probably find this shocking.
16. Teach someone how to do something: I was not going to include this instance, but after some persuasion by a friend from the musical, I will include it. I taught a bunch of nondancers how to dance this summer while working as the choreographer for "Joseph and the Amazing, Technicolor Dreamcoat." All but a small handful of folks had never danced a day in their life (except maybe the Chicken Dance or some equivalent). The cast was such a pleasure to work with and most of us seem to be having withdrawals from hanging out with each other. By the way, they all learned the dances beautifully, including a 1960's go-go dance, a Country Western hoedown, a French apache (pronounced: a-pah-sh), and a calypso number complete with Conga line.
29. Show someone appreciation by more than just saying, "Thank you." Upon a fantastic suggestion by a friend in the cast, the cast sang the Glee rendition of "To Sir, With Love" for our Musical director and Stage Director (and other members of the production crew). I had a small solo (Kurt's part in Verse 2!). One of the guys in the cast played the guitar, about 10 of use sang small solos or duets, and the rest of the cast sang and/or clapped along to the choruses. The directors had no idea and I think they appreciated it. Way to go, Joseph cast and great idea, Brandon!
32. Win: My uncle and I beat my grandmother and aunt in a round of Hand and Foot. At first we thought we lost (#33), then tied (#34), until we realized they had hidden some extra negative points (more than 500!). So, we won. But what shocked me the most was that my darling, innocent grandmother cheated. She CHEATED. Innocent my foot.
26 down. 26 to go. Anybody want to ride in a grocery cart with me?
On this, the 31st day of August, in the year 2010, I proclaim that I finally agree with everyone else that I am an overachiever.
Upon discussion with my thesis advisor, who does not let me get away with any kind of shenanagan or irrational thought (that's what I get for choosing a clinical psychologist as a thesis advisor), I realized that being involved in a Master's thesis, three other research projects, 2 jobs, and 2 graduate-level classes, makes me a pathological overachiever. Or maybe just plain stupid.
However, my overachiever-ness has really kicked into high gear recently and had proven beneficial because I have now completed 4 more tasks. I am now exactly halfway done with my to-do list!
13. Smile at a stranger: Completed tonight. I was reading an article in the student union when I looked up to see someone looking directly at me. Instead of my usual "What? Is there something in my teeth?" look, I actually smiled at them. Yes, it was a closed mouth smile, not a toothy grin or a Deschenes smile for your psychology nerds out there, but a smile nonetheless. If you know me, you probably find this shocking.
16. Teach someone how to do something: I was not going to include this instance, but after some persuasion by a friend from the musical, I will include it. I taught a bunch of nondancers how to dance this summer while working as the choreographer for "Joseph and the Amazing, Technicolor Dreamcoat." All but a small handful of folks had never danced a day in their life (except maybe the Chicken Dance or some equivalent). The cast was such a pleasure to work with and most of us seem to be having withdrawals from hanging out with each other. By the way, they all learned the dances beautifully, including a 1960's go-go dance, a Country Western hoedown, a French apache (pronounced: a-pah-sh), and a calypso number complete with Conga line.
29. Show someone appreciation by more than just saying, "Thank you." Upon a fantastic suggestion by a friend in the cast, the cast sang the Glee rendition of "To Sir, With Love" for our Musical director and Stage Director (and other members of the production crew). I had a small solo (Kurt's part in Verse 2!). One of the guys in the cast played the guitar, about 10 of use sang small solos or duets, and the rest of the cast sang and/or clapped along to the choruses. The directors had no idea and I think they appreciated it. Way to go, Joseph cast and great idea, Brandon!
32. Win: My uncle and I beat my grandmother and aunt in a round of Hand and Foot. At first we thought we lost (#33), then tied (#34), until we realized they had hidden some extra negative points (more than 500!). So, we won. But what shocked me the most was that my darling, innocent grandmother cheated. She CHEATED. Innocent my foot.
26 down. 26 to go. Anybody want to ride in a grocery cart with me?
Friday, August 20, 2010
Celebrity Status
I very unexpectedly met a celebrity tonight (Task #6)!!!!!! We had just finished our second to last show of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and had gone out to the front of the theatre to shake the audience's hands, when someone so kindly pointed out to me that I had an opportunity to meet a celebrity and thus complete a task. The one and only Sonny Shroyer was standing less than 15 feet away from me, talking to the guy who played Joseph. He played Enos in the Dukes of Hazzard television show.
One of the stage crew/moms of one of the kids in the show saw me creep toward him and offered to introduce me to him and take our picture. I was like a 13 year old girl who just saw Justin Beiber or something, only minus the crying and screaming. He was very nice and personable and commented on how much he enjoyed the show (and choreography!!).
So, there we are, me and Sonny, chillin'. Yeah...
Also, I have now completed Task 20 (Secretly make someone's day brighter) and Task 36 (Babysit). I actually "babysat" back in June or July, but had forgotten about it because it was not in the traditional sense. My cousins came to visit and I took them off my aunt and uncle's hands for a while by taking them grocery shopping with me, which totally constitutes babysitting in my book when you're trying to push a grocery cart and keep an eye on three girls.
22 down. 30 to go????
How has your summer been?
One of the stage crew/moms of one of the kids in the show saw me creep toward him and offered to introduce me to him and take our picture. I was like a 13 year old girl who just saw Justin Beiber or something, only minus the crying and screaming. He was very nice and personable and commented on how much he enjoyed the show (and choreography!!).
So, there we are, me and Sonny, chillin'. Yeah...
Also, I have now completed Task 20 (Secretly make someone's day brighter) and Task 36 (Babysit). I actually "babysat" back in June or July, but had forgotten about it because it was not in the traditional sense. My cousins came to visit and I took them off my aunt and uncle's hands for a while by taking them grocery shopping with me, which totally constitutes babysitting in my book when you're trying to push a grocery cart and keep an eye on three girls.
22 down. 30 to go????
How has your summer been?
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