Usage of Moolah from Fundraising Recital

     Well, a more imminent usage of donations from my community, rather than grad school, has come up--I was offered a $600 Career Development Grant from Peabody.  I proposed an idea of participating in 2 different singing competitions, both overseas, to develop my skills as a performer and singer, as well as for auditioning.  One of which in Marseilles, France.  This is the one that I can still apply for/go to.  Yadda yadda yadda... I asked for $3000, which would cover airfare, hotel for every night, food, etc... and they gave me $600.  WAH WAAAAAAH.  If I refuse this amount, because I am unable to come up with the rest for the trip, I cannot be awarded it again.  So, I pretty much have to use it.
     I decided, as well as part of my cycling trip, to couch surf--this way it's FREE.  :)  That saves me $1500+.  Not to mention, I'm sure I will meet some amazing people while I'm there.  Now, I just have to raise $1100.  I figure:

Bolt Bus & Amtrak to EWR airport-$42
Flight-$1064 [(per Expedia) it's $400 cheaper to fly out of EWR, NJ than BWI, MD airport]
Food-≈$30 (€20) per day x 12 days = $360 (€240)
Misc.-$250
--------------------------
     about      $1700
     (grant)      - 600
 -------------------------
                    $1100 (that I have to raise)

Hopefully my hometown sees this as a great opportunity to help me.  If I even make a few hundred dollars, I'll be happy.  I can attempt to make $1000 in July alone [(which is quite possible if I work my tookus off) 40 hrs/wk, every week will get me there], but then I still have to pay rent for August, which subtracts a decent portion of that, so I'm left with what I make in August (another $1000).  Then, rent will (hopefully) be paid primarily via a student loan, so I can finally start saving/paying on the interest that's accruing on my loans.
  
     If I think about this, it's a win-win for me.  If I get passed the first round, or even venture to say place in the finals or WIN the competition, I'll make some money.  If not, I've got almost 2 weeks to venture around Europe.

Oh sweet nectar.

... And So It Begins

     Oofdah!  Today I FINALLY did my first of many training rides.  Let's just say I got my ass handed to me in a pretty Easter basket.  My voice was cruddy from having to sing everyday except Tuesday last week for Holy Week at church, so I figured, "Hey, why not skip my vocal coaching and, instead, kick my tush into gear and train--it's going to be hot & sunny when I ride, so I better do it!"  I left my apartment around 9:45 and got to school around 12:50ish.  Man, oh man, was it a trek.
     I chose to go out of town on Fells Road, a relatively windy and studded with tough hills area.  What's better than training for mountains than riding on roads with really steep hills and curves?  Nada.  I did about 27-30 miles, in the BLAZING sun.  I even have beautiful new tan lines to prove it.  I wore my backpack, which had H2O, a grapefruit, and some almonds in it (along with tools in case anything went awry).  I went about 10 miles and stopped at a little gas station and got a VitaWater thingy, just because I knew I was losing more than water in my sweat, and I grabbed a cheap trail mix to supplement my almonds.  After a little break, I was back on the road.  Then, the big hill came...
     This is no ordinary hill.  Right after a road called Seminary Ave. is a HUGE, curvy and steep climb.  And, of course, there was a red stop light right before it, so I didn't get to use my momentum to help me get up it.  I had to stop 3 times on the way up because 1) I'm out of shape, 2) It was FRIGGING hot, 3) It's steep and curves.  I made it, eventually, to the top, and then just went slowly until I regained my breath & composure.  Sweat (I'm already a chronic sweater to BEGIN with) was pouring down me.  My backpack had sweat spots if that gives you any idea...  85 degrees, noon, and lack of physical fitness equates to a long, sweaty, trying ride.
     It took me about 3 hours for 30 miles (10 mph), which is what I anticipate I'll be doing when going through the mountains when I'm fully loaded (and in [better] shape from training).  My gear will be around 25-30 lbs tops, with my tent, sleeping mat, water/food, and extra pair of shoes being the heaviest things.  My tent is around 4 lbs, water and/or food, well that depends on how much I'm carrying, shoes are probably 2-3 lbs, and my mat is around 2 lbs.  Most of my clothes will be spandex or cotton, so they'll be light enough--5 lbs maybe.  After that, I've got a light propane burner, foldable stove, (need to buy) multi receptacle to cook food in, clothes/towel, fleece blanket, tools/spare parts and maps.  Then, there's my GD lock, which is HEAVY, but I'd much rather use a U-lock than a cable considering my Peugot was almost stolen when someone snipped the cable this winter.  A little weight for an extreme increase in security while cycling 900 miles is worth it in my book.
     One thing I didn't think about was eye protection.  When buzzing down the hills I had to squint because of debris--not the smartest thing because who knows (especially around a curve) what's going to be there.  Sticks, dirt, a rock, an animal, a retarded motorist--they all could be lurking ahead, so your eyes need to be OPEN.  That being said, clear & tinted eye wear are on the list of "To Get" things.

So much more work is to be done.

Safety Measures

     "I think it's a stupid idea--I've said my piece!"  This is what my grandma said to me when I was home in March and was telling her about my trip.  I completely understand and know why she is concerned about my ride from Baltimore to WI.  There are so many dangers to be faced, but the rewards, intrinsic or extrinsic, far outweigh the risks (in my mind).  I get to see a part of this beautiful country that I haven't yet, I get to kick my ass to (literally) get over the next mountain, I'll be strengthening myself physically and mentally, I get 10 days to meditate and think about life, myself, etc.. Overall, it's going to be an amazing trip and I am so incredibly excited to push myself to the limits.
     With my grandmother's mindset of imminent danger in the foreground, I've been planning--what a surprise.  Even before Gram expressed her displeasure for my decision others in the family showed concern.  "Are you going to have a pistol?" was what my little brother asked.  "Will you be staying in hotels?"  "What are you going to bring for protection?  You know there're a lot of weirdos out there!"  "You're going ALONE?!"  All of these questions are valid, through & through.  There are real dangers when doing a solo trip, bicycle or not.  With my bike, however, there are even more dangers, oddly enough.
     The first that comes to mind: MOTORISTS.  I can't tell you how many times I've only been left 6" on either side (parked cars on one side and/or quickly moving traffic on both).  It can be really scary, but I find myself looking farther ahead down the road when that happens so that I don't go sideways and I can prepare for the upcoming (possible) obstructions or gap in the cars--it's a good thing, I think.  I've been developing a pretty good sense of how to maneuver in sticky situations... more often than not the safest thing to do is just keep trucking on and have the cars get pissy and go around, then get over when you have a chance; the more predictable you are the better.  I normally ride on the skirt of the road and try to avoid having assholes ride my bum, beep, and then curse at me.  Sometimes, though, a jag-off bus driver will pull off the curb without looking and push me into traffic--no biggy, just wait til the red light (or if no one is behind me or the bus) and get over, then flick 'em the bird :)
     To help prevent any "I didn't see you!" comments, I'm DEFINITELY getting some neon and/or reflective gear.  I think one vest and one long-sleeved jacket will be sufficient.  My helmet is white, I have reflectors on both sides of the bike, and I have (to replace--dammit!) blinkies for the front and one to clip on my back/backpack.  I've also looked at the reflective bracelets for ankles and/or wrists--they're like the ones we had when we were kids that bend when you slap them against your body--and they just don't seem like they'd be comfortable.  I'm pretty sure there are Velcro versions too, so I'm going to look into that.  There's no point in being cool looking when cycling for amount of distance--safety should be the first thing in your mind.
     Next, dogs.  They love to chase us, it's inevitable.  I've normally been able to deter them with verbal commands, such as, "No!"  "Naughty!"  "Stay Down!"  "Get back in the yard!" etc.  I've been reading on a continual community blog, crazyguyonabike.com, about other tactics too.  Talking sweetly to them too, so that they remember that you're human/dominant and not prey is an alternative that works well.  I also have two whistles that I carry--a regular, old nasty one that was probably my gym teacher's in grade school, and I bought one with a compass, thermometer and little magnifying glass in it.  Not to mention, I have a REALLY LOUD whistle when I jam my fingers in my mouth and blow--it even hurts my ears sometimes.
     Then, I've got the creepy people with which to deal (hopefully not any more so than usual).  I'm going to get bear/pepper spray for that (not to mention it'll help if there's a really aggressive dog).  Also, for camping purposes, I'll always have my buck knife on me; this'll help if I get in a bind.  All I hope is that I have the smarts to use it to protect myself rather than having it being turned against me in the worst case scenario.  I'll also be texting my family every hour or so when I have to stop to rehydrate/snack so they'll know EXACTLY where I am/was.  My cell phone will always be charged and on me.
     As far as getting bit by a rattle snake or preventing hypothermia in the case of bad weather--let's just hope I get bit somewhere that I can reach to cut & suck, and I have a metallic safety blanket in my first aid kit :)

So, reflective gear, helmet, blinkies, pepper spray, whistles, cell phone, and a knife.  I think I'm set.

The Recital

     As of earlier this week, I was given the "GO AHEAD" from my old HS for my recital!  This makes me feel really good for many reasons.  Firstly, I get to show all of my friends and family (those who think it's worth their while) what I'm doing with my life and how far I've come in developing my talent and technique.  I'm just slightly better than when I played Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls and the Evil Stepmother in Cinderella :D  [If you couldn't get the sarcasm by the Italics, you need to stop reading this blog and get a life.]  Plus, I get to have the event hosted at the place where my education started and the majority of people who started me on this path called life... it truly is home for me, no matter how much I dislike spending more than a week there.  Secondly, I'll be giving back to Montello in the best way that I can--through music.  I plan on doing this recital thing there every year, but let's see how this one goes first.  Eventually I'd like to go back there and open a cafe that features local produce and only WI meats and cheeses, homemade goodness all around with baked goods, soups, etc. all made from scratch, you get the idea... but that won't happen for quite some time.  Lastly, but definitely not LEAST, is the donation aspect; having my supporters actually support me in a financial way (in whatever amount) is the main focus of the whole thing.
     So, onto figuring out a few main things that are pertinent to the recital.  The most important, I think, is finding a PIANIST.  I have a few colleagues who play piano in that area of the state, so now I just have to figure out which one can actually do it and how much they charge :)  Another big thing I have to do is, and this is using my Arts Mgt Degree knowledge, is create and increase my visibility, and create excitement about this event, within Montello and the surrounding communities through word of mouth, flyers, the newspaper, donation jugs w/a spiel on them, and utilizing "MHS Presents".  I already have a freelance writer's information who has done an article on me previously, so hopefully she'll want to write another one.  I've already created the posters for the event, now I just need to alter it to fit the time, date, and find my accompanist & tac their info on there.  Then, another big thing is PROGRAM NOTES.  I know relatively all of the songs & arias I'd like to sing; now, I just have to create translations, get composer's bios, and slap them together and print those off.  Lastly, baked goods.  I'm not going to charge for them, but I'll have a BIG jug by them saying, "Donations Welcome--If You Liked the Music, Toss in a Coin or Two," or something to that affect.
     I feel confident and am becoming increasing ecstatic about my recital at home.  I listened to the first recording of myself since I started Grad School this past week, and it was amazing to hear the difference that less than a year's worth of practice and lessons has had on my voice!  I sounded like me, or at least how I remembered myself sounding, but WAAAY better... it was so cool and made me feel really proud.
    I had to sing this past week for a few things at school (I sang the Presentation Duet from Strauss' Rosenkavalier and Stabat Mater by Rossini).  I got a lot of compliments from students, teachers, the head of the Voice Dept @ Peabody, etc., and it felt awesome.  It just reiterated that I'm doing the right thing for my life and career, and it was really reassuring :) 

Here's to enjoying your life and future career!