Earth2Laura » Andrew

Ukulele Lady

laura — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:18:39 +0000

This week, I’ve started a new hobby. I’m learning to play the ukulele.

Some people have been surprised by the news; others think it’s pretty cool. One thing I’ve found in doing my research before getting the instrument was that it is growing in popularity, particularly among young indie types.

Throughout my life, I’ve always had a bit of a struggle getting myself to learn an instrument. Generally, I just find every excuse to not practice. Right now, however, I legitimately have less time than I’ve had in quite a long time. Some people might wonder why I’m taking up an instrument at this point. I desperately need a new hobby that is just about me. I need something that forces me to take some time out for myself. And because of my personality, any time that is taken for myself needs to be used accomplishing something productive.

I’ve gotten really exciting doing research for the ukulele. Tabs or chords for most every popular song can be easily found on the Internet. There are several free resources for not only music, but lessons and tips for beginners. The community is extremely helpful to those who want to learn to play.

About a month ago, I got it in my head that I either wanted to finally perfect my ability to play the piano or take up the guitar. The guitar intrigued me because it would be a little different than anything I had done. I began researching what it would take. Robert and I went to Guitar Center, and I realized that if I were to get an instrument of any quality, I would likely be paying $150-$200, maybe more. We just didn’t have the money right at that time to start, so I filed it away as a possibility for later in the year or some sort of group birthday present.

A few days later, I talked about learning to play with my friend Andrew. He pointed at that really learning to play the guitar takes a lot of time; it’s not the kind of thing you can just pick up and be really good right away. He suggested I try the ukulele; it’s easier, much cheaper, has several resources online and is the hip thing to do right now.

I went home and started doing research. I spent about two weeks online looking over everything before I ordered the instrument off Amazon: a Lanikai LU-21 soprano ukulele, which is what I found on numerous sites to be perfect for beginners. It arrived on Tuesday, and I’ve so far had about two hours to actually play it. So far, I’ve successfully accomplished playing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” with two chords. The challenge in learning, I can tell already, is going to be transitioning between chords, the same difficulty I faced when trying to pick up the guitar a couple times.

I’m very excited about this new hobby. I’ve practically been talking about it nonstop all week, much to the annoyance of those who have been talking to me. I hope that I find the time to get to be pretty good so I can maybe start playing in church or simply as entertainment for my friends at parties. And, hey, I know a couple people in bands who might let me make a cameo if I’m nice!

I’m also taking requests for songs to learn, if anyone has suggestions.

365-Day Project: Oct. 16-Nov. 11

laura — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:46:06 +0000

This is the longest I’ve gone without updating. Part of it was self-fulfilling simply because after two weeks, I knew it would take me an insanely long time to download, edit and upload these photos. It’s almost a 1 and a half hour project now. I can’t let it get this out of hand again.

Jane smiles during Amie's rehearsal lunch the day before her wedding on Oct. 16.

It's probably weird I don't have a photo of Amie, but I was so busy doing stuff that I didn't actually get that many photos. My friend Abe hijacked my camera and took many photos, though, for which I am grateful. Jane gets her makeup done on Oct. 17.

Ardath cuts up carne asada for dinner at her house on Oct. 18. Ardath made mine and Robert's Halloween costumes.

My iPod on Oct. 19. Enough said.

"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" sits in the passenger seat of the Prius on Oct. 20. A very good book. I highly recommend it.

Robert grins during a surprise lunch with me at Cafe Ba-ba-reeba on Oct. 21. We don't get to go to lunch often, so this was nice.

Robert scans the field during his indoor soccer game on Oct. 22.

Andrew and Robert pose under a light pole after our Master Singers concert on Oct. 23.

I am so so so proud of this photo.... A boat glides on the water at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego on Oct. 24. Robert took me on a surprise trip to the beach because he knew I just needed to escape for a few days.

This is where Robert and I are going to retire: Coronado. On the beach, Oct. 25.

McMullan's on Oct. 26. That was an interesting night.

Andrew looks at his phone on Oct. 27. I'm not allowed to take any more photos of him on his phone.

Robert and Jonathan smile for my pitiful iPhone camera on Oct. 28 at BJs in Henderson after our Master Singers concert.

My celebratory martini with my parents on Oct. 29 after I was offered the position of editor at the Boulder City Review.

Robert models his Monarch costume on Oct. 30 before work. I had to stay home from the gym and help him put it on.

The main drag of Boulder City, where I start work on Monday. My office is on the right. I went there on Oct. 31 to check things out.

Robert shows off his facial hair he did for his Halloween costume on Nov. 1.

An unimpressive dish at Yardhouse on Nov. 2. Don't get the giant California roll thing. The ahi is good, though. Also, the martinis are good.

Robert sits at Mimi's Cafe on Nov. 3.

I have a pepper on my plant on Nov. 4! I don't know when I can pick it. It's little right now.

A fire burns at Brio on Nov. 5.

Pepper snuggles with a stuffed animal on Nov. 6. She just looked too cute.

Boats are docked at Fisherman's Wharf on Nov. 7. I love San Francisco.

The Titans intercept a pass by the 49ers at the game on Nov. 8. It was quite an experience wearing a Titans' jersey in the opposing team's stadium... Robert owes me!

A corner near Union Square in San Francisco on Nov. 9.

Life isn't like a box of chocolates, because it doesn't come with a map like this! Nov. 10.

The source of my addiction on Nov. 11.

365-Day Project: Oct. 11-15

laura — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:32:54 +0000

This weekend is Amie’s wedding. I’m heading out to her rehearsal lunch in a couple hours. Here’s a quick update.

Kristy stands in her very own apartment on Oct. 11.

Robert check out his iPhone on Oct. 12.

Weekly Andrew photo. Andrew sits in the Prius on Oct. 13 after rehearsal.

Ra Sushi on Oct. 14. I haven't actually ever eaten there. My friend Lauren and I went to Cafe Ba-ba-reeba, but she wouldn't let me take a photo of her.

Grammar Girl signs a copy of "The Grammar Devotional" for me on Oct. 15. She runs a podcast show about grammar that I listen to.

365-Day Project: Sept. 21-30

laura — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:18:52 +0000

My yummy bowl o fruit on Sept. 21.

Andrew stands in the choir room before Master Singers rehearsal on Sept. 22.

Andy shows off the device he made for Robert's Halloween costume on Sept. 23.

David examines his chicken nugget from McDonald's, trying to determine if it is, in fact, real white meat, before seeing "Working" at Spring Mountain Ranch on Sept. 24.

A cat sits on a rug on Sept. 25.

Robert shows off my glass of sangria on Sept. 26.

Jane shows off the back of the bridesmaids dresses we are wearing for Amie's wedding on Sept. 27.

Kerri tries on a veil for her wedding that will be next year on Sept. 28. I chose this one because you don't actually see her dress, which has to remain a surprise!

Andrew before choir rehearsal on Sept. 29.

Robert puts the dishes away on Sept. 30.

365- Day Project: Sept. 15-20

laura — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:37:05 +0000

Well, if you’re wondering why there’s a couple missing days… I think I accidentally deleted last Sunday’s photo in a mad dash to free up space, and Monday’s photo, I took with Julia’s camera, and she hasn’t sent it to me yet.

My weekly Andrew photo starts up again. Andrew holds up an iPhone photo of himself on Sept. 15 at the Artistic Emmys, where he went to see a friend win an award.

My bedside table is messy on Sept. 16.

The waiter at Ventano's restaurant opens a bottle of Francis Ford Coppola's Zinfindel on Sept. 17. Julia turned 18!

We walked the Strip on Sept. 18 for Julia's birthday because she no longer has a curfew.

Samantha sits in one of her favorite spots in the loft on Sept. 19.

Samantha sits in her favorite spot in the whole house on Sept. 20... on top of Robert!

365-Day Project: Aug. 14-25

laura — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:49:30 +0000

Yeah, I don’t have any excuses really anymore. It’s a combination of being really busy and being lazy when I’m not busy.

Samantha stares out the window from on top of the wine rack. This has become one of her favorite pastimes. Cats always long for the outside world.

A view from our seats at the Las Vegas 51s game on Aug. 15. I actually took this from my iPhone, because I wasn't sure if cameras were allowed. They actually were, so I could have gotten better shots. The 51s always lose when we go. I'm not sure why. I don't think they're a losing team. Robert and I have very bad luck with sports teams.

The intersection of Durango and Warm Springs on Aug. 16. Don't worry, I was stopped when I took this photo.

A flower smiles from a bouquet of flowers Robert sent to my work for my birthday. This was taken on Aug. 17, six days after my b-day. I'm happy to say most of the flowers are still alive. It's the miracle bouquet. Robert got the flowers from our friend Marek's flower shop. We get all of our flowers there. They do a great job. Check them out at www.lasvegasbouquet.com.

A candle burns in Bar Louie on Aug. 18, the ill-fated visit. You can read more about the on-going saga of horrible service at www.darqbyte.com.

Robert shows off the tickets for the Titans-49ers game on Aug. 19. We're going to see a game in San Francisco in November. It will be our first NFL game.

The sun sets behind the valley on Aug. 20. A view from Aliante Station. I went with my friend Lauren to Pips, an Italian restaurant. They have a great happy hour on Thursdays with half-price appetizers and half-off glasses of wine. The two of us ate three appetizers and each had a glass of wine for $30 total. Not a bad deal. A cute place that was dead-empty.

My friend Emily (Jane's sister) cradles Kaliana at Pho Kim Long on Aug. 21. That place is so yummy. I tried to get photos of her son, Xavier, but he was moving too much.

A candle in Jane's window on Aug. 22. I took photos of Amie trying on her wedding dress, as well, but, alas, they involve her dress, which is top-secret to the groom, who may be snooping around to find it.

Samantha hangs out on Robert's lap on Aug. 23. That cat loves Robert so much.

The return of Andrew to the project on Aug. 24!! As always, he is on his phone.

Martin + Osa at Town Square Las Vegas on Aug. 25, where I was taking Pepper for a walk with Jane's dog, Maddy. Cute store, but a bit pricey.

One of these days, maybe I’ll get back to at least updating every other day.

365-Day Project: June 15-17

laura — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:01:18 +0000

My weekly photo of Andrew might move to Monday. Perhaps. Andrew suggested a caption for this photo: Wow, this guy sure is sexy. It's in the eye of the beholder, folks.

My friend Andy juggles the random things that are on my co-worker Amanda's desk. Note the bunny flying through the air. June 16.

Robert hangs out in the kitchen on June 17.

I finally got my LVAC membership. Sort of. I’m going to the gym tomorrow to officially activate it. I hope I actually use it this time. Ha ha.

I’ve officially lost 20 pounds. Five more to go until my goal! It’s been a little hard since I got down this far… Mostly because it’s hard to stay under in the number of points I am alotted each day. I hope the gym helps me out a bit. I’m really feeling better about the way I look, and I feel happier.

365-Day Project: June 8 and 9

laura — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:18:12 +0000

Well, I got my camera back from Robert’s car! ha ha.

On Monday, we went out with our friends Damian and Chrissy.

Chrissy sits in Grimaldi's Pizza on June 8.

I would like to post some more photos from that night and from Julia’s graduation, but posting in the morning doesn’t allow enough time for me to do more than catch up on photos. Maybe I’ll do a make-up blog.

Last night, we went over to Andrew and Amber’s house so Robert could talk about a project with him. While we were there, their son Simon practiced cup stacking.

Simon stacks cups at the Morrow home on June 9.

365-Day Project: May 13-18

laura — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:37:06 +0000

OK, so eventually, I am intending to not post a whole ton of photos at a time. I would like to try to get back on track to posting a photo a day.

Tomorrow, Robert and I are leaving for San Francisco. We’re taking a laptop, somewhat out of necessity, because Robert is unfortunately on call for a couple days. But, I might post photos while we’re there. I’m not sure yet if I’m going to feel like it.

Agave in Summerlin is an absolutely beautiful Mexican restaurant. We went there on May 13 to say goodbye to my friend Anna, who was visiting from Sacramento. These light fixtures hang from the high ceiling at Agave.

My collection of Rachel Ray magazines on May 14.

Jane tells me this is a yucca plant. I must admit, I didn't really know what they looked like before. This spring, they've come into bloom, and I think they are some of the strangest looking plants in the desert. From the base of the yucca, the flowers shoot out and droop from the stem. I took this on May 15.

These lillies were blooming in Town Square. Robert and I waked around there on May 16 after going to the DMV to register the Prius.

Amber shows off one of her new rats at her house on May 17. I already forget the rat's name and the type.

The guys might be a little embarrassed about this photo, but I think it's cute. I'm sure whatever Andrew told Robert was something dirty, but they had a good laugh at lunch on May 18.

365-Day Project: April 28-May 7

laura — Fri, 08 May 2009 05:23:04 +0000

As I posted earlier, I haven’t been very good about keeping the blog up to date the last two weeks. May is a rough month for me schedule-wise. Anyway, I’m catching up today.

Andrew grins at Master Singers rehearsal on April 28. I'm not sure how many Andrew photos I have left until September. At least, not on Tuesdays. Our final concert of the season is May 16. We're singing Beethoven's Ninth with the Las Vegas Philharmonic.

Robert gives a thumbs up in Yogel's Frozen Yogurt on April 29. David, when you're here again, I think we should go. It's a do-it-yourself frozen yogurt place. It's my favorite of the four I've been to in town.

Overlooking a bar/lounge in Red Rock Resort on April 30. I loved all of the lighting fixtures in this hotel. I took a whole bunch. I had a hard time deciding, but ultimately decided on this one because it had people in it.

The wind picks up a model's veil at the fashion show at the Eco-Friendly Bridal Show held May 1 at the Springs Preserve. I got a lot of great photos there, and I'd like to return to take some more of the scenery. I went to the bridal show with my friend Kerri, who is getting married in September 2010. I hooked up her and her fiance.

UNLV's Doc Rando hall houses a breath-taking, ceiling-height pipe organ. The Las Vegas Master Singers Chamber Chorale sang a concert in that hall on May 2, using the organ, of course. The only thing I don't understand is why they placed the keyboard (or whatever the word is for organs) facing away from the audience. Not only is the organist's back to the audience, but it's especially difficult when the organist is accompanying a choir. They have to set up a mirror to see the conductor.

I almost burned my eyes taking this photo. The sun shines behind palm branches at Town Square on May 3. I went shopping with my mom and sister, and it was very hard not to buy anything. Robert and I are trying to save money for our trip to San Francisco in a couple weeks.

Facebook on May 4. OK, I admit, I waited until the last minute to take this photo.

My weekly photo of Andrew. Andrew looks at my iPhone before choir rehearsal on May 5. About half of my photos of Andrew, he is looking at something technology related.

I think these are orchids. I forget. I took this photo on May 6 at choir rehearsal at Christ the King. Father Bill doesn't allow fake flowers in the sanctuary, so although these are perfect looking blossoms, they are, in fact, real.

The "Asian section" of my library on May 7. I have my library grouped by genre. It's a mixture of books and figurines.

Tomorrow, I have tickets to see UNLV’s production of “The Music Man.” I really enjoy that show. It’s the only show I’ve actually seen on Broadway, and I think I appreciate it more now than I did back then when I saw it. Mariane is one of the roles I would really like to play one day.

I’m actually pretty excited about summer coming this year, even though that means hot, almost unbearable weather. I think every year, I forget just how hot it gets here.