Freedom from Addiction

My experience today in Communications 101 was a sobering experience. Usually, this class is relatively lighthearted, involving listening to debating presentations, learning vocabulary, and getting glimpses of the media. Today, however, was different--we spend most of class watching a video about how the internet affects our world today.

In this video, they took us for a brief look into South Korea, where the internet is a particularly popular form of media. They talked about the Internet cafes lining the streets of Seoul, and how young people there spend hours on end--sometimes all night--playing video games there. These kids spend 7 to 10 hours a day just playing video games. They just sit there and play without eating, drinking, or sleeping. Some kids have even died sitting in these internet cafes!

These kids are examples of people with an internet addiction. They live and breathe internet and video games. They literally couldn't live without them.

I'm so thankful that in the course of my life I've learned how to avoid potential addictions. I've been taught to just not even touch something that could easily lead there--drugs, alcohol, a knowingly addictive computer game. Because once you get into one, your life stops. Just slows to a complete halt as far as personal progress is concerned.

I'm unchained. And happy.

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Voice Lessons

Every Monday after Chem 102, I walk down to the RB music office for my voice lesson. Simply put, I love them! They RB music office assigns teachers pretty much at random, and I got a really good one. She's really helped me work on my voice so far this semester, and she's always cheerful when I see her on Mondays.

I also love finding and learning new songs. I love going to the fourth floor of the Library (The Music and Dance floor), thumbing through the scores, and seeing what they've got to offer. I also love going to the bookstore and taking a look at the music there. I guess you could say I'm a music nerd. And I'm proud.

It may sound strange but I also love practicing when I get to it. Singing is stress relief like you wouldn't believe. :)

I Love Voice Lessons!

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Online Ordering

Last weekend, I flew home to Portland to spend some time with my family. While I was there, I made a trip to the Washington Square Mall to do some shopping. I headed to Lucky Brand to pick up a pair of jeans. I needed a pair of extra-long length pants in order to fit my long legs, but alas, there were none in stock in the store.

I did the next-best thing--I went to the register and asked to order some online, to be shipped to my dorm in Provo, Utah. The transaction went quickly and easily, and I left the store satisfied with how it had gone.

February 27, 2011. I receive an email saying that my order has been shipped and that it will arrive within the next week. In the email is a link that takes me to a page that takes me to a tracking page. It's pretty sweet--I can see exactly where my jeans are and how many days are left in their journey to Provo.

So far, they've gone from Nashville, to Kansas City, to Commerce City (Colorado), to Salt Lake City. According to the tracking page, they arrive tomorrow. I'm excited.

So it took a few more days for me to get my jeans than I really planned. So what? I get a better deal, and in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter when I get them--I'll have them eventually either way. Win. :)

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Practice Rooms

There's a hallway on the second floor of the HFAC that's pretty much completely dedicated to practice rooms. Each room is about ten feet by ten feet, with a piano pushed up against one of the walls and a mirror on the door. You're probably thinking, "wow, that's horribly crampy!". But however crampy, I love the practice rooms.

Just going and shutting yourself away for a half hour to warm up your vocal chords or your fingers is therapeutic like you wouldn't believe. Practicing always makes my bad days good, and my good days better. I'm glad I can always go to that little hallway down in the HFAC and sing or play my heart out. :)

What a great building.

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Live Music

Today after Book of Mormon, I walked to the Wilk to get some food before my next class. Brigham's Square was booming with activity due to the impending BYUSA elections. There were booths, balloons, and--the best part--a live band. There was a good-sized flock of people gathered around the band, which was promoting Greenburg and Steele. And their music was good! So good, in fact, that instead of finding a table in the CougarEat like I usually do, I brown-bagged my lunch and went outside to join the listeners.

There's nothing like the awesome feeling of watching people make music, or doing it yourself! Sure, CD's are great. But nothing will compare to the live music that I know and love. From BYU Men's Chorus, to Acoustic Explosion, I love watching performances.

That's why the music video below is one of my favorite music videos. I love the creative way that they portray the live performance. The kids look pretty mystified too--and with good reason.

Good idea, Greenburg and Steele, setting up a live band during lunch hour for promotion. If you win the election as a result, I won't be surprised!

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