not this time

I am back in Toronto, after a great (although too short) trip to Vancouver. I flew in on Friday, and my Mom also flew in to Vancouver to meet me there for the weekend. Unfortunately my flight was delayed- and I was 3 hours late. We still had a great evening shopping, and then relaxed back at the beautiful Wedgewood Hotel where I did a bit of a warm-up.

Sunday morning I was up bright and early (the time change is great doing auditions going west!) and got to the hall nice and early. I was in the first round, and played second. I felt pretty good about my audition- but it was only 3 piccolo excerpts (and not my best ones). I didn't advance, but I wasn't upset- I'm just not mean't to be in Vancouver right now I guess. So I went back to the hotel and we checked out and stored our bags there for the day.

My mom and I had a really, really great day in Vancouver. We shopped and talked and walked and walked and walked. We made it to the edge of Stanley park before it started to pour rain, and even in the rain, it was beautiful. We ended the day by having a glass of wine back in the hotel restaurant before heading to the airport.

Flying back was fine. I switched flights in Calgary- where I ran out of the airport to say a quick hello-goodbye to my Dad, said bye to my Mom, and ran back to board my overnight flight back to Toronto. It was pretty hard being in the Calgary airport........ so close to home and friends and my sister and my dogs....... I'll be there in August though, and I know time will pass quickly until then!!

So, although I din't win a job this weekend, I had a really great time in Vancouver with my amazing, supportive Mom. Lucky me!!!!

I know that the audition is getting close because I really want to go shopping and colour my hair! It's been over 2 years now since I've dyed it, and especially when something big is on the horizon, I get the hugest urge. Not that I'm unhappy with my natural colour, it's just that sometimes I want the luminous blonde, or the sultry dark brown. ah well, probably not this time.

Anyways. Does anyone else find that practicing while watching the Olympics is incredibly inspiring? (Well, not counting the crappy games the Canadian Mens Hockey team played this past weekend. And they did slightly redeem themselves yesterday with their 3-2 win.....) Just for kicks I'd be curious to see our womens team play the men.

The electrician came yesterday to fix our heating in the bathroom........ which is heated tiles. Ahhh. It is SO luxurious having heated tiles. I love our place. Small but wonderful- and I can't wait until the summer to put flower boxes infront of our windows (if we are still here.....).

I guess it's time to get back to practicing. LOST is on tonight, and I have to teach this afternoon. So I have to get in a good practice now so I can veg guilt free infront of the tv later.

Well it's the middle of February and finally it feels like winter! Yesterday was crazy with rain, snow, freezing rain and thunderstorms. And since I LOVE crazy weather, it was great!!

In the midst of the crazy weather, Jeremy and I braved the conditions and went to see the TSO play- Shostakovich Cello Concerto #2 and Shostakovich Symphony #11. I didn't know Shosty 11 very well, but I loved every single second of it (4 continuous movements, insane) - at one point Jeremy looked over at me to see tears rolling down my face! I haven't felt so overwhelmed by a live performance in a long time, and it was absolutely exhilarating!!! It's tied for the best orchestral concert I've seen live (the other number one is Firebird and Carmina Burana played by the Royal Philharmonic in London). A close second was Emmanuel Pahud with the TSO last year.

Today in preparation for my audition in Vancouver, I had an awesome lesson with Camille, who plays in the TSO. And after last nights concert, I was totally ready to play the pants off my excerpts. Yay for inspiration. And, (as if I needed more inspiring) I'm going to hear Lorna McGhee play a recital tonight with a percussionist- if you haven't heard her before, she is awesome, so I am looking forward to hear her tonight!! And if the concert ends in time, I might join a bunch of the guys and play some poker. Poker and live music- a great start to the weekend!

So, I guess it's my turn to have a kick at the blogging! More to come later as I figure this all out!!