Tired of hearing people complaining non-stop? Granted, in an uncertain world with an uncertain future, many people, deprived of basic human necessities such as water, food, shelter, oppressed and neglected by the governments who are supposed to represent the people, have every right to and should complain, seek justice for all the prejudice and hate which have no place anywhere in our world. I for one, in addition to getting visibly upset by prejudice and intolerance of any kind (I think Facebook - and the Internet in general - has politicized me, I've never been so vocal about politics as I've been in recent months), admit to having very little patience for people who constantly say FML. First of all, I am in general wary of people who swear profusely. Second, count your blessings and be grateful for what you have. I know it's a cliche and sounds over didactic to the point of moral superiority, but I don't intend to be. I know I'm not perfect, but I do know what I have: the love and support of my family and friends both here in Moscow and back in the States, my health, the gifts of writing and music, I could go on. Third, it seems to be "cool" to say FML every five minutes...it isn't, take my word for it. Nobody wants to read it; frankly, nobody cares.
I apologize for offending anyone, I didn't mean to start this post with a ginormous rant. What I intended to do was propose an alternative to all the negativity we see on TV and read about in the papers and online. The alternative is YML: Yay My Life. I don't claim to take credit for this acronym, I'm sure people far wiser than I have, if not used this in their speech, at least taken it to heart in their everyday lives. I say kudos to them. Yay My Life is an outspoken, direct attempt to show the world that, yes, life is difficult at times, but life is too short to dwell on the negative. Go out and live life to the fullest. If you're passionate for music, try playing an instrument or joining a choir. Incidentally, if you're a tenor living in Moscow and enjoy singing, do please consider the Moscow International Choir, or if you're a tenor who wants to grow in Christian faith (again , living in Moscow), do consider singing at the 11.00 service at St. Andrew's Church or at 2.00 with the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy (also at St. Andrew's). We need tenors!!!!! :D
As many of my friends will tell you, I'm always smiling. If I'm ever upset about something, it never lasts long. I try to chill, spent a few minutes in silent prayer, and move on. I am so the eternal optimist. I'm called to share my optimism with others. I remember back in 2004-05 when in the middle of Merrily rehearsals we had a pretty significant crisis: half the cast quit midway through the semester and we had to pretty much reblock the entire first half (we hadn't even looked at the second act at all before Christmas break). I think it was around then that amidst cast frustrations that I started sending out emails to the cast and crew encouraging them not to lose hope. Despite all the hardship, despite the financial difficulties, we managed to put on a decent show in February. I consider that a small victory, even though I am so the worst actor/dancer in the history of the universe. To those not in the know, that was the origin of my mass emails, which, I like to pretend to think (lol) achieved a certain level of popularity among HC folk. Now that I've started blogging, people all over can read my random opinions and agree, disagree, or outright mock me. Let them mock, they're entitled to their opinions. I will never stop being an optimist. I've been hurt several times in the past, but have each time gotten up and become stronger, a better person. I will likely be hurt again, but knowing that I'm not alone gives me strength to keep fighting day after day.
As June grows ever closer, so do exams, due dates for papers, and, alas, final farewells. I'm so totally not ready to leave. There have been several occasions in the past when I was totally prepared to just go home and not look back, but now I'm totally in a funk just thinking about it. Living in a different country, a different culture entirely from what I've grown up with has totally made me appreciate America more. At the same time, I've grown much more tolerant and appreciative of Russian culture (especially fairy tales and cartoons, yay))). Knowing that I'm going home soon fills me with deep sadness. I really don't know when I'll be coming back, nor in what capacity. I'll probably say this about 50000 times in the next three weeks, so bear with me, everyone. I have to say a profound thank you to everyone who took a leap of faith and became my dearest friends here in the Motherland. Не обижайтесь на меня, если что-то было не так. Не поминайте лихом! (Don't be offended, if something (I did or said) wasn't right, don't remember all the bad things, only the good...) I'll probably thank every person individually as we get closer to the due date. Get your hankies out, you who are prone to tears, it's gonna be epic. Having said all this, I have to remember all the upsides: first of all, I get to see my family and friends from home again for the first time in six months, in some cases over a year. Second, I love all of you very very much and there's no need to be too sad about my leaving, I will be with you in spirit, bowling, having a few laughs and telling the story in spirit. I am also determined to come back, think of all the reasons I have to return....i.e. you are the reasons. ;) You who laughed with me, gave me strength when I felt like giving up, embraced the geek that I've always been and always will be...there just aren't enough words to sum up all the experiences, all the happy memories of the past year and a half. Geez, if I'm saying all this now, what's gonna go through my mind June 18-19ish, the eve of my departure??? Better if I will be beautiful. ;)
To end on a positive note, let me express my deep gratitude to every single person I've met in Moscow and become close with. You are all unbelievably kind-hearted and special. I shall greatly enjoy your company these last few weeks and then sorely miss you and think of you often when at last I must say goodbye for the last time. But let's keep smiling, keep dancing through life, and most importantly, YL...Yay Life!!!!! :) Thank you and God bless, love you guys. Comrade Jon :)
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
С Днём Победы, Россия!
Здравствуйте, все! Ваня Кенгуруевич опять уехал на каникулы, но как раз с любовницей...между нами, его жена устроет ему скандал...
Anyway, I'm back online after taking a couple of days off to enjoy the beautiful weather. On Saturday I went to my favorite "prigorod" Dmitrov for the afternoon, just to walk around, check out the local shops and the Kremlin (not nearly as majestic as the one in Moscow but quite respectable and beautiful in its own right). The main square was closed off in preparations for the Victory Day celebrations. Saturday night I once again dominated in bowling (it should be said that not this past Saturday, but last Saturday I broke my old score of 168 with a solid 173, including four strikes to start the first game. I'm definitely getting better with practice, might be able to shoot for 200 before I go home and possibly never bowl again...:(
Sunday was an absolutely crazy day. Russians have every right to be proud of its veterans for the sacrifices they made in defeating the Germans. The massive costs were horrific and undeniable. What cannot be overlooked, no matter how some people may try, is the Allied effort. It truly was a joint victory for the Russians, Americans and British. Anyway, back to the craziness. I was on my way to church in the morning when I realized, to my chagrin, that the exits from the metro at Biblioteka im. Lenina had been blocked off. I was upset, but did think that many of the main streets would be closed to traffic and pedestrians because of the parade. I did ultimately make it to church, a few minutes late. The piano adventures began around 10:45ish, about 15 minutes prior to the start of the 11:00 Anglican service, when it became quite clear that our regular pianist wasn't going to make it. It also became clear that someone needed to step in to play piano, otherwise we were going to have to sing everything a capella. So I "volunteered" and managed to practice through all the hymns, with Father Simon mercifully starting the service late, because a lot of people were stuck because of the parade, or chose to simply watch the parade instead.
After church, we went out for Lebanese food, which was actually quite nice. I then went back to MPC (St. Andrew's) for the afternoon Protestant service, after which I met up with one of my friends from Middlebury (alas, I forgot to ask, whether or not she had been to any concerts featuring improvisation?) I then went out for dinner with Mike and Dan at Starlite before proceeding to Vorb'yovy Gory to watch a beautiful fireworks display. After that I went back to Starlite AGAIN lol and then returned home around 1:30 a.m, exhausted but content after an excellent day in the company of great friends.
It felt quite nice to sleep in this morning. Today was another gorgeous day so I took a book and sat in the Alexander Gardens near Red Square. Tomorrow we have our dress rehearsal for Friday's concert. As long as we "tell the story, sharp and hard, and that faces are without problems", we will be okay. I'm looking forward to singing the 3rd part of the classical piece, which seems a bit tricky. I'm looking forward to listening to our pianist play everything either slightly wrong but in time or not in time and completely wrong. No seriously, it'll all be okay. I'm reserving some tickets for our concerts on the 14th and 21st. I'm planning to get 4 seats for this Friday and one for next friday. Spread the word. If anyone else wants to come, let me know asap. Tickets are 450 rubles, available at the door or through me or somebody else in the choir.
That's all for now. Things are heating up, both in terms of workload and weather (it's been very warm the last few days, and today ias well). But I'm sure I'll come through with flying colors, and keeping my eyes on the prize, which is the receiving of my MA in August! Talk soon, everyone! Sending you all my love from the Motherland!
Peace and love,
Comrade Jon
Anyway, I'm back online after taking a couple of days off to enjoy the beautiful weather. On Saturday I went to my favorite "prigorod" Dmitrov for the afternoon, just to walk around, check out the local shops and the Kremlin (not nearly as majestic as the one in Moscow but quite respectable and beautiful in its own right). The main square was closed off in preparations for the Victory Day celebrations. Saturday night I once again dominated in bowling (it should be said that not this past Saturday, but last Saturday I broke my old score of 168 with a solid 173, including four strikes to start the first game. I'm definitely getting better with practice, might be able to shoot for 200 before I go home and possibly never bowl again...:(
Sunday was an absolutely crazy day. Russians have every right to be proud of its veterans for the sacrifices they made in defeating the Germans. The massive costs were horrific and undeniable. What cannot be overlooked, no matter how some people may try, is the Allied effort. It truly was a joint victory for the Russians, Americans and British. Anyway, back to the craziness. I was on my way to church in the morning when I realized, to my chagrin, that the exits from the metro at Biblioteka im. Lenina had been blocked off. I was upset, but did think that many of the main streets would be closed to traffic and pedestrians because of the parade. I did ultimately make it to church, a few minutes late. The piano adventures began around 10:45ish, about 15 minutes prior to the start of the 11:00 Anglican service, when it became quite clear that our regular pianist wasn't going to make it. It also became clear that someone needed to step in to play piano, otherwise we were going to have to sing everything a capella. So I "volunteered" and managed to practice through all the hymns, with Father Simon mercifully starting the service late, because a lot of people were stuck because of the parade, or chose to simply watch the parade instead.
After church, we went out for Lebanese food, which was actually quite nice. I then went back to MPC (St. Andrew's) for the afternoon Protestant service, after which I met up with one of my friends from Middlebury (alas, I forgot to ask, whether or not she had been to any concerts featuring improvisation?) I then went out for dinner with Mike and Dan at Starlite before proceeding to Vorb'yovy Gory to watch a beautiful fireworks display. After that I went back to Starlite AGAIN lol and then returned home around 1:30 a.m, exhausted but content after an excellent day in the company of great friends.
It felt quite nice to sleep in this morning. Today was another gorgeous day so I took a book and sat in the Alexander Gardens near Red Square. Tomorrow we have our dress rehearsal for Friday's concert. As long as we "tell the story, sharp and hard, and that faces are without problems", we will be okay. I'm looking forward to singing the 3rd part of the classical piece, which seems a bit tricky. I'm looking forward to listening to our pianist play everything either slightly wrong but in time or not in time and completely wrong. No seriously, it'll all be okay. I'm reserving some tickets for our concerts on the 14th and 21st. I'm planning to get 4 seats for this Friday and one for next friday. Spread the word. If anyone else wants to come, let me know asap. Tickets are 450 rubles, available at the door or through me or somebody else in the choir.
That's all for now. Things are heating up, both in terms of workload and weather (it's been very warm the last few days, and today ias well). But I'm sure I'll come through with flying colors, and keeping my eyes on the prize, which is the receiving of my MA in August! Talk soon, everyone! Sending you all my love from the Motherland!
Peace and love,
Comrade Jon
Saturday, May 1, 2010
A typical choir rehearsal...
Здравствуйте, ребята! Давно не виделись! Я только что вернулся из Австралии, где я с женой моей, Екатерина Кенгуруевна Капризова, провели каникулы на пляже...как мне хочется обратно...
Итак, обещал описать типичную репитицую хора. Готовы ли вы смеяться? Но опять же , над мной НЕЛЬЗЯ.
Let's depict a typical Saturday morning rehearsal. It's 11:30, I arrive at the church, head upstairs to the balcony where we typically rehearse. A few altos and sopranos have already arrived. As usual, I'm the first tenor to arrive, often the first man in general. I sit waiting, waiting, waiting. The awkwardness starts to set in, especially when Sergei randomly decides to start earlier than usual. There's nothing like being the only person in your section. Granted, I'm totally used to it, singing at MPC where I've been the only tenor since September. So we start with the Swedish songs. Apparently we aren't happy enough, because Sergei issues us one of his well-intended but inadvertently hilarious comments: "Your face must be without problems." Yes, I know he means well, and he definitely pushes us to sing our voice and look our part. Главное, что мы tell the story. Finally, after that torment has passed, my other tenors have decided to join me, one of whom, not mentioning any names, has "forgotten" to print up his copy of Mamma Mia. Far be it from Ваня Кенгуруевич to mention any names or publicly humilitate anyone. ;)
Fast forward to Monday, our first rehearsal with the orchestra. Кошмар doesn't even begin to describe that particular rehearsal. Yes, the first rehearsal with the orchestra tends to be tough, but to their credit, they did a decent job. As for the organist....no. As for the pianist...this kangaroo has not been privy to such a display of ужас. Я был просто шокирован. But it happens, and Wednesday's rehearsal was better, but I have to recall two brilliant moments from Wednesday:
1. Sergei, after I believe the first movement of the Gloria, or after the break, stood up on the altar of the church and said something to the effect of "You must play with me." Read into it what you will.
2. This may be the greatest quote I"ve ever heard in my life. In fact, this may even top "You're taking the train to Russia?" As rehearsal ended on Wednesday, good-natured Robert, who means well but has missed quite a few rehearsals said in response to singing the fugue, "The 3rd part of that classical piece seems a bit tricky." I love people, sometimes. :)
So yes, rehearsals are at times frustrating, at other times wicked hilarious. Never a dull moment at St. Andrew's, that's for sure. We are currently preparing for our first concert on Thursday at the Conservatory, whooooo!!!! We are singing as part of a choir festival! FREE ADMISSION. 7 pm, Rachmaninov Hall. Go. Our full-length concerts: May 14 and 21 (both Fridays) at 7:30. Tickets 450 rubles, available at the door. Or you can reserve by calling this number: 985-924-5581. Banya wants YOU to come and so do I! :D Bring a friend, bring many friends, come here the glorious glory of John Rutter's Gloria, songs from Russia, England, and Sweden, and dance to the driving pop rock of ABBA! You will thank us for the music, I promise. :D
Well, that's all for this week's blog. Stay tuned for more laughs, more reflections, and more rants about the difficulties of trying to define linguistic concepts. U-ra.
Пока всем! До скорой встречи! Отдыхайте! С праздником, Россия!!!
Итак, обещал описать типичную репитицую хора. Готовы ли вы смеяться? Но опять же , над мной НЕЛЬЗЯ.
Let's depict a typical Saturday morning rehearsal. It's 11:30, I arrive at the church, head upstairs to the balcony where we typically rehearse. A few altos and sopranos have already arrived. As usual, I'm the first tenor to arrive, often the first man in general. I sit waiting, waiting, waiting. The awkwardness starts to set in, especially when Sergei randomly decides to start earlier than usual. There's nothing like being the only person in your section. Granted, I'm totally used to it, singing at MPC where I've been the only tenor since September. So we start with the Swedish songs. Apparently we aren't happy enough, because Sergei issues us one of his well-intended but inadvertently hilarious comments: "Your face must be without problems." Yes, I know he means well, and he definitely pushes us to sing our voice and look our part. Главное, что мы tell the story. Finally, after that torment has passed, my other tenors have decided to join me, one of whom, not mentioning any names, has "forgotten" to print up his copy of Mamma Mia. Far be it from Ваня Кенгуруевич to mention any names or publicly humilitate anyone. ;)
Fast forward to Monday, our first rehearsal with the orchestra. Кошмар doesn't even begin to describe that particular rehearsal. Yes, the first rehearsal with the orchestra tends to be tough, but to their credit, they did a decent job. As for the organist....no. As for the pianist...this kangaroo has not been privy to such a display of ужас. Я был просто шокирован. But it happens, and Wednesday's rehearsal was better, but I have to recall two brilliant moments from Wednesday:
1. Sergei, after I believe the first movement of the Gloria, or after the break, stood up on the altar of the church and said something to the effect of "You must play with me." Read into it what you will.
2. This may be the greatest quote I"ve ever heard in my life. In fact, this may even top "You're taking the train to Russia?" As rehearsal ended on Wednesday, good-natured Robert, who means well but has missed quite a few rehearsals said in response to singing the fugue, "The 3rd part of that classical piece seems a bit tricky." I love people, sometimes. :)
So yes, rehearsals are at times frustrating, at other times wicked hilarious. Never a dull moment at St. Andrew's, that's for sure. We are currently preparing for our first concert on Thursday at the Conservatory, whooooo!!!! We are singing as part of a choir festival! FREE ADMISSION. 7 pm, Rachmaninov Hall. Go. Our full-length concerts: May 14 and 21 (both Fridays) at 7:30. Tickets 450 rubles, available at the door. Or you can reserve by calling this number: 985-924-5581. Banya wants YOU to come and so do I! :D Bring a friend, bring many friends, come here the glorious glory of John Rutter's Gloria, songs from Russia, England, and Sweden, and dance to the driving pop rock of ABBA! You will thank us for the music, I promise. :D
Well, that's all for this week's blog. Stay tuned for more laughs, more reflections, and more rants about the difficulties of trying to define linguistic concepts. U-ra.
Пока всем! До скорой встречи! Отдыхайте! С праздником, Россия!!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
