Sunday, November 30, 2008

Friday, November 28, 2008

Rehearsal Dinner

It's bridesmaid time! Al and Mike are tying the knot this weekend and I couldn't be happier for them. We spent the afternoon turning rocks over one at a time so they could be spray painted silver and then wrapping gifts for wedding attendants.

Then it was off to the rehearsal dinner, and I was happy to hang out with some of the old Uni buddies. We were all entertained by the cute nieces and nephews running around and crawling under the tables.

It made me rather sad to be there as the lone "single" girl and to have to answer a lot of questions about where Stephen is and when he would be coming to Sask. In any case, it was a fun evening and I can't wait for the big day tomorrow!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

$3 Lunch


Dear Diary,

Today I tried out the lunch at the Conexus Arts Centre. It's truly amazing. You can buy a lunch for only $3 (soup, sandwich, salad, dessert). I'm never going to pack another lunch for as long as I work at the RSO. My life has changed forever. You can't get a $3 lunch at the E & C...or anywhere in TO for that matter. This is the best day of my entire life.

Yours in cheap food,

Natasha

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

New Hair







Time for a change!!

Hotel Sask Holiday Party

Tonight was my first obligatory holiday party of the season. I was ambitious when I got the invitation about three weeks ago and RSVP'd for 2 assuming that I'd have a husband by now. Alas, I was flying solo tonight.

The Chamber Players played at the entrance, the spread of food was incredible, the "Rider Pride" martinis were to die for.

The party was weird because a lot of people knew who I was even if I didn't know them, and I met a few new Regina folks here and there. A lady befriended me and took me to the martini bar and told me about her love of the autoharp. I managed to escape and chat with some of the musicians by the chocolate fountain for awhile.

I was definitely the youngest person at the party. I miss those Toronto mixers where you might know a few people, but everyone is generally in the same boat and has to meet new people and chat awkwardly...on the good side it only took me about five minutes to drive home and I still have an entire evening ahead of me.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

A Night at the Symphony

Last night was our third Masterworks concert and it featured Mozart's Concerto for Flute and Harp (featuring two of our own players) and Mahler Symphony 5 (featuring a huge orchestra).

When I do Concert Duty here it's slightly different than it was in TO. I've started getting into the habit of buying a massive latte at Stone's throw at around 6pm and then heading in to work to check my voicemail and make sure everything is running smoothly for the show. At around 7, I head out to the lobby to grab drink tickets and to chat with some of the staff. I always check in on the Customer Service table at the front entrance and stop by the Patron's lounge to say hello to our high end donors. Many of them had big questions for me about Video Games Live. I try to stop by the pre-concert chat, but usually get stopped by board members or Centennial Committee members for a chat.

At around five to 8, I head backstage to meet up with the sponsor for the evening. I go out onstage and introduce the concert and thank the sponsors (hate this part...huge stage fright issues). Then I wait on the sidelines backstage until the Maestro goes out and the show begins. I sneak back into the hall to watch the show. After the concerto, I run backstage again to give congratulations to the soloist and chat with some of the musicians. At intermission I try to chat with as many people as possible and then go back to enjoy the second half. After the performance, I run backstage again to give the maestro a huge smile and hug as he gets off the stage. I run around and try to find the soloists to bring them out to the post-reception for a drink and to chat with their fans. Again, I try to chat with as many people as possible.

After the show, I go out with the musicians or anyone who is up for a post-mortem. It seems to be regular to stay out until about 3am.

I just love the concerts here. The audience is so appreciative, the orchestra so enthusiastic, and the product might not quite be as perfect but it's played with more heart than I've seen anywhere else.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Catch Up

It has been busy. We hosted the National Arts Centre Orchestra on Nov. 8. Tonight is Mozart!Mahler!Magic! The Gala is coming up in less than 2 weeks. There's a big wedding next weekend...so excited to be a bridesmaid.

This week I went to Eat Your Way Around The World - Belize edition. I had never been to a Belize restaurant and it was quite a delicious little place on Victoria Avenue. Ashley brought a new member. I really need to work on bringing new people to the next one.

Stephen has finished the Toronto house, but we still don't have renters. When will he move here? I still don't know.

An asteroid crossed the sky.

I went brunette-ish last Saturday.

I feel like going on an impromptu vacation....