Emotion and Music

I will admit that I have the tendency to be overly emotional at times. Commercials, books, movies and television shows all have the power to make me cry. Last year, during the Olympics, the commercial Tim Hortons was running brought me to tears every time.

However, there is something about music that speaks to me, and it's not necessarily the lyrics. One piece of music that brings me to tears each time I listen is instrumental.

There is something about the beauty of Clair de Lune that touches something inside me. I could listen to it on repeat, for hours on end, and remain amazed by the simplicity and the beauty of this composition.

Nessun Dorma is another piece that brings me to tears. I haven't a clue what the lyrics mean, but the crescendo toward the end of the aria fill my heart with emotion and my eyes with tears.

Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera has fascinated me since the first time I heard it. I was 10, and PBS was showing a performance of Michael Crawford during one of their pledge drives. I heard the song, and immediately ran to my piano to pick out the melody. I've seen the show twice - in London and Toronto. Each time I am moved to tears by the end of the song. I listened to it again tonight, and sure enough, by the line "You alone can make my song take flight

Help me make the music of the night", there were tears rolling down my cheeks.

Am I the only one? Does this happen to other people?

Sunset

Despite the fact that I don't particularly enjoy living here, there is definitely something beautiful about this part of the province.

This photo was taken in the fall following a rainstorm. The rain stopped and the sky started to clear just in time for the sun to set.

How to Relax

I love my bathtub.

The only regret I have is that it isn't big enough.

At the end of a long day, there's nothing I love more than to fill the tub with steaming, hot water, and throw in a couple LUSH bath treats. I just sit there and soak, the scented water and the heat working their magic to relax my body, as well as my mind.

I need this little luxury at the end of the day. It's a little "me" time. It definitely helps with my sanity.

I Love Productivity!

I had an extremely productive day today. I manage to take care of a number of things that I had been putting off for months.

Today was a snow day, and rightfully so. We had the worst storm of the winter last night. Lots of horizontal snow and high winds. When I looked out the window at 1am the snow was halfway up the driver's side doors of my car. When I looked again at 4am, it was down to the bare pavement. The wind had obviously changed direction, and at that point the rest of the driveway was drifted in.

It took me a while to get out this morning. I waited until the driveway had been shoveled before I headed into the office. There was no one else at the school when I arrived. It was blissful. I was able to leave my office door open to work (a rarity for me). All those tedious paperwork tasks that I hate to complete on my own time are now done, and I'm even a little ahead. I have the sub plans done for the two days I'm away next week. When I'm at work tomorrow, I'll put together the folders for my sub for those days with all the worksheets, etc. that she will need while I'm gone. I organized my school tote, and have everything from each of my two half-time positions separated. The tote will be used solely for my special education position, while my vision teacher materials will all go into my lovely black leather briefcase.

My schedule for the month is complete and has been sent to those who need it. I'm caught up on emails. I have some copying and faxing to do, but that can wait until tomorrow.

All in all, I feel very accomplished.

Even if I wasn't able to sleep in and enjoy the day in my own way.