Watsup people? At this point in an Auckland conversation (or even before, in some cases) there is the some sort of handshake to do, whether its elbow to elbow or handshake with a finger click at the same time or the Auckland favourite - the 'mwah' - thats right, cheek to cheek with an air kiss. Golly. A hug just doesn't cut it. and i never know which option to do coz i certainly can't remember who does what!! Its the little things that take some learning....
Another little cultural learning curve is the pronunciation of polynesian names ( oh the joy of silent letters!) and learning what nickname goes with who - there is even another KJ!!! And because she is one of the 'cool' ones i have become the 'the other KJ' - not so nice, but even that has morphed into kajjj (cage).
It has been a while since i last wrote so i'll quickly summarise what has been going on in my neck of the woods. Lots of learning how to breathe again, to pronounce my vowels properly (to my alarm It was suggested to me just this week that my Southland 'r' is not as pronounced as it was when i arrived in Lincoln. This concerns me!!) and not to sing with so much vibrato - while apparently there are people that sing with no vibrato and they should. You really cant win! I have my practical singing test this coming tuesday when i have to sing 'Fields of Gold' to demonstrate my diaphragm breathing. As preparation for this and the rest of the year We are meant to do 25 situps every day to strengthen our support muscles. it is a trial. But an enjoyable one - well except when your tongue doesnt do what it is meant to when properly pronouncing the 'ee' vowel - then its just blimmen frustrating!
I have also had the pleasure of demonstrating to polynesians how a white girl cant hold a harmony part to save herself when she has to hold her own while in 4 part harmony. They just didnt get it. It comes so naturally to them, it still amazes me. I can hold my part when in the choir with the group of altos and i can sing my part along to the CD recording but do you think i could hold it in group?! no. This created quite a dilemma considering this was the group we had to sing in for assessment of vocal harmony. ON approaching the tutuor and explaining my dilemma he very kindly took an alto out of a group that had 3 altos in it and stuck her in our group. voila! problem solved - well for the group anyway. It doesnt solve my lack of skill. We were assessed today and we came out of it feeling quietly confident.
We have to perform all four routines for hiphop next week in our practical tests. This i am actually looking forward to. I have the choreography down
(tutor quote) but i have a tendency to look at my feet. which is a confidence thing for me. and that attitude hunt is still underway - i'm going to the Auckland regional hiphop competitions to see some of the Excel dance majors in action next Friday night. maybe i'll get some tips from there.... so watch this space!!
I have had the pleasure of quite a few familiar faces dropping in to see me in Auckland. I enjoyed a korean meal ( not as scary as it sounds!) with Bushby ( RIP west coast bushby- he's looking pretty city these days!)and Tim Hodge, followed by a dunkin donut and some english style beer ( not for me thanks...yick!, not to mention playing poker with Hails, Tony and some of their friends - tip if you have no money to gamble with (ie me..) - budget bulk candy hearts work very well indeed, and it will only cost 4 bucks all up.. This was followed by tea and scones with Silke on Sunday morning, Catching up with a miss Lyndy Broughton Sunday evening and Monday and then lunch with Jessie and Dazz on thursday ( who both looked very tough in their motorbike apparel. Good times all round. Apparently Auckland is the place to be! I am also looking forward to a visit from Luke and then My sister and her family ( including a nephew who is becoming quite the talker!) during my holidays which begin in a week.
I realise that wasnt a quick summary. one of these days i will stop writing that cos it just doesnt happen.
Things worth noting - i blitzed the field in Sound class - with my french coiling technique - for those of you who dont know what that is, ask craig stevens for a demonstration after Synergy, He would love to teach you! My tutor said he had never met a singer who tidied up after musicians before.
Barb ( the lady i board with) is heading to Christchurch for 2 weeks so i will be home alone- which i must say i am looking forward to. KittyKat is going to get real hungry if she continues to resist being my friend. In good cat tradition of picking the person who doesnt like cats, she decided to try and make herself comfortable on Lyndy. It didnt last long.
And one last thing. I had a run in with a real mosquito last night and i have a welt approximately 5 cm across to prove it. this was no sandfly of the south. I dont think i have ever seen a mosquito before and despite my best efforts, it evaded my ninja hands. its crazy. i've never had a mozzie welt before. sandflys are nothing on this sucker!
okey dokey, i'll say goodnight as i should really get going to bed!
righto, mwah!
KJ
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