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Really I don't have much to say. =)
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It's beautiful isn't it? I adore it, it's made availiable through the Smithsonian Gift Shop.

It's past Thanksgiving, and unfortunately I don't have enough time to finish this, but I'll start. I'm thankful to have met the people I have in the past; it has shaped who I am today. I am thankful for having decent relatives who at family gatherings do not bring up my grades as if it was the only thing that matters-but I am getting those "A"s my dearies! I am thankful to have a sisterhood and JID. I am thankful for the conditions I am in now, because I don't know how how worse it could get until it does. I am thankful I have the future ahead of me. I am thankful for those moments I tried for things; some opportunities worked out better than others. The ones which didn't, I have learnt from. I am thankful for those who reached out to me when I was feeling down. I am thankful for not being too poor, and not too spoiled. I am thankful that I have the time to volunteer, and have great co-volunteers when I do. I am grateful for those who have helped even when I forget I'm only human. I am thankful for the support I have from my friends. I am thankful that my family brings me back to Earth, when I lose my head in the clouds. I am happy I am myself, and no one else. I am happy I have ambition. I am glad that I do not have to write formally for this post. I am thankful I have 2 minutes to complete this post. I am thankful that I am one of the people who does not normally have to rush. I thank my teachers for not cramming the Thanksgiving break with homework. I am thankful for the juniors and seniors who graduated/are close to graduating who inspire me to keep up in my studies. I am thankful I know my passions, and thankful for the resources I have discovered in order to pursue it. I am thankful for the people rooting for me, whom I have never known since this year. I am thankful for the small moments I get to spend with my friends. I appreciate the things people do for me and the times I bond with them. I am thankful to be young. I am thankful my body is forgiving even though I have been inactive since a summer at the pool. I am thankful for having experienced summer PE. I am thankful for having club activities to keep me busy, even though I do complain. I am happy that I am not failing my classes. I am thankful for the people whose letters of recommendation keep me in the programs I am in today. I am just filled with hope and happiness when writing this post. I am thankful for those who read my writings. I am thankful I have this developing skill of words. I am thankful for what I have.
---To be Completed by Monday or not at all

If my dad was this artistic, I wouldn't mind bringing a brownbagged lunch to school ever again.



http://lunchbagart.tumblr.com/

Nov 16th. Sunday night was spent not doing last minute homework, but instead, watching the astonishing Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert in the HP Pavilion. There, the audience was dazzled with lights and classical music fused with a rock influence in this year's Winter Tour. Awaiting the pyrotechnics and laser lights show, the venue was packed even before this rock opera began. It has been more than 10 years since the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) was created and they have gained many devout fans since then. The Orchestra have kept busy, travelling across the nation. A mixture of rock, guitars, classical music and angelic voices, the Orchestra was founded in 1996 by three ambitious music lovers: renowned composers Paul O'Neill and Robert Kinkel, and Savatage lead singer Jon Oliva. It has grown into an orchestra composed of over 60 people. The group lives up to their rather eccentric name, which was inspired by the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia, in the concept that it connects many cultures otherwise isolated--much like music.
The show started promptly at 7:30pm with a musical play. This was the story of a lonely father, his daughter stationed with the troops, random acts of kindness and an angel in search of a good person. There was no bolder voice than Bryan Hicks, our narrator for the night. Settling in our seats, we didn't think it was possible to hear the singers as well, but we were quickly proven wrong. Audience members could not deny the proud voices of the vocals. Children and adults alike were delighted in joy and amusement. The women were angelic chorus, and the men, strong ear-pleasing voices. Anyone would recognize Joy to the World to Mad Russian's Christmas and other Holiday classics present that night. The audience was wrapped up in silence all until the last notes vocalist Jeff Scott Soto bolted out in Hark! The Herald Angels Cry. The night was followed by song, narration, and medley. There were elements of snow, fire and glamour generated by incredible lighting and stage effects. The atmosphere, never lacked in magic; TSO was joined by a dozen members of our very own San Jose Chamber Orchestra tonight.
Among the Christmas carols led by electric guitars, the pianists had their share of limelight as well. Lucinda Butler and Derek Wieland dueled off with pieces of original work and the lights were brighter than ever. Then, a familiar tune graced our ears. Could it be? Yes, it was Good Ole Charlie Brown! The chorus appeared once more on the stage, dancing to the tune; the electric guitars transformed the music into an edgy Flight of the Bumblebee. The highlight of the evening came after these dueling pianists' solos. The Orchestra gathered once more for the spectacular finale; a medley ending in Beethoven's A Last Illusion. If Las Vegas were ever to explode, this would be how it would look like. Bright lights. Lasers and Spotlights. Stars flying off the wall. Flames high enough to reach our Row 12, Section 214 seats. The heat was on, and the audience members could definably feel it. Singers were raised on a jet-powered platform (actually by crane) and the show was nothing short of extravagant. The holiday season has not yet begun, but at the concert, it felt otherwise.
Ending the night, audience members clapped along to everything the Orchestra threw at them. Leaving was a shame, but knowing we spent the night sitting through TSO concert was a happy feeling. It is possible to be captivated with such a musical act the first time--which was my case, and one could feel relieved that classical music can still be a joy to listen to. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra literally shook my world as one of the firsts who took it upon themselves to reinvent Beethoven and Christmas melodies for the modern-age. The group is currently still on tour, making their next stops at Anaheim, Nov. 21st and San Diego, Nov. 22nd. May we wish them good luck and hope to see them back in San Jose next year. Until then, we'll sit at home listening to last CD album. For those who are interested, later tour dates can be found at: http://www.trans-siberian.com/ with tickets ranging from $35-$49. CDs and video recordings of the November 16th concert can be found online.

Don't spam. Kathy_k.pham @ yahoo.com

Maybe Later
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