Ramping Up for the Journey

     Well, well, well.  The preparation, as far as planning, has begun.  Many steps have been checked, others, well, I'll get to them soon.  Here's where the project stands:
1) Call Dr. to set up appointment for knee--this evening
2) Map out route--tentative one done
    I need to make it more concrete, but I'm waiting on #1 to happen first to see what my options are.
3) Choose repertoire--HA!  I'll pick the vocal stuff a few weeks before.  The instrumental stuff I have to get    
    cracking on...
4) Create promotional posters (& maybe postcards?)--rough draft done
5) Ask school board if they'll let me host it at the school again--soon
    If not, a local business had agreed to let me use their space
6) Get people EXCITED about this--in due time
7) New panniers--JUST SHIPPED and should arrive soon.  These are some hardcore bad boys!
    http://www.t3multisport.com/images/library/large/axiom_403002_01_12_z.jpg 
    Normally they're $150, but I got them for $90
8) Bike tune-up & new tires--closer to trip
ETC!  Phew!  I still have to perform my Master's recital, graduate, sing for a friend's wedding, finish planning this whole shenanigan, organize moving to Minneapolis (happening in September), and so much more!  (That sounded like a really bad commercial: it slices, dices, and so much more!)
   
     I've been trying to appreciate everyday that I am still here in Baltimore, since I won't be coming back all that often once I leave.  I had initially thought that I should ride no-handed as I leave on my bicycle this summer so that I could flip off this city with both hands, but I won't.  This town is just not for me--the crime is disgustingly high and too close for comfort: several classmates have been held-up at gun point, some hurt, etc.  It's simply not right.  Baltimore, as a city, has a lot to offer in the way of history, architecture, the arts, etc.  But, I no longer want to have to constantly look over my shoulder, make sure that I take my dog with me on nighttime walks, and/or fear that I'm going to get mugged while waiting for the JHU shuttle to arrive as I stand less than 100 feet from my grad school.  It's RIDICULOUS.  Yes, I know that Minneapolis is a city too, but its "hood" is like the baby ghetto out here; I've walked, cycled and driven through it all here and survived, and I'm wiser for the wear.  If I can handle Bmore's hood, Minne's should be a walk in the park.

     Speaking of journeys, life has been one, and will continue to be one.  I've had quite a bit of what some would call "bad" luck this year, but I've learned to view it in a different light.  Don't get me wrong, initially I was angry, devastated, embittered, etc., but I've always had a way of dealing with certain situations; I view them as things that I cannot change, so there is no use in crying for too long, or dwelling.  Life is about learning, enjoying, and experiencing.  None of this can happen in a perfect little bubble, where no one gets hurt, grandpa doesn't die until he's said all of his goodbyes, little Jimmy gets straight A's and studies hard, Rover doesn't ever wander into the street or eat food you've left out--this is called Hollywood or being sheltered, not living.  Life is always in motion, ever-changing and evolving.  It introduces us to new people, places, and most importantly (I think), IDEAS.  I am SO excited about all of the ideas I've had this (and last) year, and even more anxious to share and implement them because, even if altered by others' good input, they will be amazing and really help my hometown.

I've got too much to do...

Here's to great ideas and planning ahead!