Crunch Time

Good morning to all,

So I woke up this morning and I had had the WEIRDEST dream. I had gone back to my old high school (after having received my degree) to do another year. It was so vivid. My best friend was there, the group that we used to hang out with was there and even teachers were there that I had learned from. I was even talking to people in the dream about how I had just graduated from university and was coming back. Then, a good friend that I was always double cast with in the opera productions at LAURIER walked in, saying she wanted to try another year of highschool. What does that mean? All I have to say is that when I woke up, I was SO thankful I was going back to do another year of University. Weird.

After thinking of all this, I also realized that I am moving back to Waterloo in 6 days! There is a lot to be done before I get back there, especially housekeeping things. I have to pack, continue to learn music, create a course for myself (an independent study...more on that later), go to the gym, AND see friends that are leaving already for school. It seems that no matter how prepared you are, it always comes down to the last few days.

So...this independent study. This year, my voice teacher, the illustrious Kimberly Barber, has suggested that I and my fellow Op. Dip. Krysta, do an independent study as part of our course work for our Opera Diploma. Basically, we are to design our own course based around a role study. Some of the assignments that we can assign ourselves (kinda cool) are things like a character analysis of said role (probably Pamina from The Magic Flute), a comparative essay on different CD recordings and DVD recordings of the Opera, an interview with artists currently working on said opera, and a presentation at the end of the year on all our findings. I couldn't think of a better way to get a full credit. Could you?

So, basically counting down the days until Waterloo and my first lesson with Kim. I promise I'll tell you all about her soon enough. She's amazing and warrants a large paragraph...but this post is already long enough. I'll post a pic below so you can see her.

6 days!

Stephanie

P.S. Mom, if you're reading this...I'm sad that 6 days means I'll also be leaving you in the Hammer. :(

From left to right: Christiane Riel (my amazing teacher during 4th year), Me, Kimberly Barber, and Elvera (coach and accompanist). This is directly after my grad recital in April 2010.