All I Can Do Is Laugh!!

May 2014

05052014 Instead of partying, I am
studying Las Amarillas

The Mother’s Day concert (Cantar) is twelve days away and we (I) still can’t sing Las Amarillas to save our lives…I see the look in the chorus directors' eyes, “YOU BIOTCHES!! AHHHHH!!!!! Are ya’ll really not studying this music on your own?!???!!!?????” Her quiet disposition alerts me to tread lightly; I have only been with the chorus half the year and I require time to "Figure" her out.  Can you say Narcissistic Personality - scarily familiar!

Index cards with Las Amarillas lyrics

Daily, I diligently studied all of the rehearsal tracks; I listened to each of our rehearsals I recorded on my tablet (I could only hear Virginia..a golden voiced blonde).  My co-worker thought she did something to me for me to not talk to her, I explicitly told her, “I am studying 4 foreign language songs and idle conversation is NOT what I need right now, unless you speak fluent Spanish or Arabic?” I didn't mean to curt, but it had to be said.

Las Amarillas written on my hand

I Tell You What, I don’t know if chorus director partakes in adult beverages before/after practice; but I bet I have had enough communion for everyone before/after each practice.  It seems like we would NEVER get it right.  I can hear her saying...THAT IS WHY WE PRACTICE LADIES, TO BECOME BETTER…OBVIOUSLY, Someone is being lied too – LOL!

Inside head rant: At times, I felt like I was singing the right notes but the constant stopping and starting of the music played with my psyche - then a slither of insecurity enfolded me and I began to lip-sync. Then I would say to myself, “Katina, you did NOT sign up with this great chorus to lip-sync, you signed up to become a better vocalist and have to have fun – Thanks Diane S.”  The latter I was true.

2 Reality checks:  1) I was pretty pissed that the good music wasn't downloaded until 2 weeks before our concert – just like at work, I just rode the wave of instability.  2) I was even more pissed that some of the more seasoned members showed up when they wanted, didn't participate much in practice, but maybe they worked behind the scenes…“I” just want to sing.

I stayed really nervous during each practice (since day one - audition), when something went awry, I felt all ears and the chorus director’s eyes were on me. She never smiled and has a soul piercing stare; she is too old/or young to be soo serious.  I am thankful she is committed wholeheartedly to the craft.  I have wandering eyes, a comment was made about that one practice as well as a lean was given to me -  I focus on the green velvety curtains...One thing I learned, “Never Apologize For Singing Off Key– it is a gift!” I hope someone will not come and reclaim my gift ..lol

05112014 TWCD - we set up and breaks
down our own sets.

05112014 My sister and I
on Mother's Day

May 11, 2014:  Our Mother’s Day concert was a success, there were some small hiccups, and do you want to know how we knew…the facial expressions and changing chameleon colors our chorus director displayed.  I don’t know if she used profanity but here is what I would have said, “Yeah, ya’ll F’d up! But imma let ya’ll slide today, some of ya’ll are mother’s and your family is in the audience who wants to see you alive when this is over.”  We performed exceptionally for our family and friends.  But who could NOT tear up or cry, singing great heartfelt songs, a butterfly release and seeing family watch and listen to your craft – Who could ask for more…My sister who NEVER cries - cried; I cried, I never cry.  My aunt, former boss and my sister’s partner all cried.  The BEST CRYFEST EVER!

Two if of the S2's I sing with.
#TurntUp from singing

Sammons Center

An inner group of singers - Vivacious

May 12, 2014:  Our end of season party was soo fun (this was my first) even though it rained cats and dogs and thundered and lightened.  There were copious adult libations, great food, great company and great fun.  I wasn't going to attend because the power was out at my house, I left the dogs in the dark and decided to attend the party, knowing the power MAY be restored upon my return.  I made the right decision to attend, THAT is something I would have regretted.

Turn of events

After being in excruciating pain for 7 months, I finally visited to my podiatrist to have my foot pain addressed.  After months of therapy and wearing orthotics, I will have Tarsal Tunnel surgery to relieve the pain.  I am looking forward to being pain free in the near future.  I had my last mani/pedi the last week May 21^st.  I am keeping this French manicure until after my cousins wedding on May 23, who has a wedding on a Friday???  It was soo much fun, a Happy Hour Wedding, it began promptly at 7pm and I left at midnight. I even danced off my toenail polish.

This past week leading to the end of May has been tumultuous, tenured employees resigning at work, rogue thoughts of being immobile for weeks; who is going to take me here, there, everywhere (I think of Will Varner's song Butterfly).  I know that I have a strong support system.  Normally my sister and her partner accompany me for procedures but this time, I will have my two brothers (one who is on crutches), will be my nurse maids for the first day or so – this should be interesting.

My mission in May was to perform any and everything I could do that involved using my feet; (biking, hiking, swimming [could NOT find a pool owner], walking barefoot [something I don’t like to do] because June 3^rd, I will become #RearWindow.  I teased my brother about being RearWindow after he had foot surgery and being immobile for several weeks; all I can say is read my blog in June, July, August and September…yeah, I will be off that long. 

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