Procrastination Station

Why do I always leave things to the last minute? I guess I wouldn't be a member of the Goins Family if I didn't. It's sort of our thing.
Must dos before I head out:
1. Finish up the final touches on my paper
2. Pay my rent
3. Clean out my fridge
4. PACK!
5. Play the final Beethoven 9 concert
6. Support a fellow bassoonist by attending her final masters exam
and other little odds and ends....
I leave for the states bright and early Sunday morning. My flight is at 7:25am and I arrive to the US at 5:40pm (12:40am in Norway)
I went Christmas shopping today at a store called Julehuset which means Christmas House. It is entirely devoted to Christmas and open all year long. Christmas is sort of big here. They have what's called a Julebord which is a big Christmas dinner where they eat sheep ribs, marzipan pigs and drink this really strange drink with raisins and almonds in it called Glugg. There will be no "glugging" for this American! It's a fun tradition though and everyone gets dressed up. The school had a Julebord and an all night dance party that went until 7am. I left early though because Norwegians are not as into dancing as I had hoped.They love to drink and bob their heads. It was still fun though. I might go to a dance party here at Fantoft on Friday that some students from Ghana are putting on. It sounds like it will be a good time. We'll see.

See everyone soon!

9 & 10 December at 19.30
Jesùs Lopez-Cobos, conductor
Victoria Nava, soprano
Kristina Hammarström, mezzosoprano
Robert Murray, tenor
Matthew Rose, bass
Bergen Philharmonic Choir
The Grieg Academy Choir
Håkon Matti Skrede, Choir Master

Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 9

Maestro López Cobos makes a welcome return visit to direct the ever-inspiring 9th Symphony of Beethoven. No effort will be spared by the orchestra and chorus in transforming ths concert into an unforgettable event. The all-star soloist roster is headed by Bergen´s exceptional soprano, Victoria Nava.

I had the richest, thickest cup of hot chocolate I have ever had in my life. After hiking up the mountain with some friends I thought I would treat myself. Out poured a sauce like liquid that was so thick it slowly dripped off my spoon. I think they literally melted chocolate bars, added cream, served. AWESOME!

It's True

On the Mend

My arm is feeling better!
Thanks to everyone who sent emails of support. I was not expecting so many! And also thanks to my sis in law for some over the phone medical advice! I bet she loves doing that. But I appreciate it a lot!
A little ibuprofen and rest goes a long way.

In other good news I am planning to play Beethoven 9 next week as Per's assistant or "bumper" as they call it here. So basically I am playing during all the loud tutti sections (tutti means everyone in Italian, so where the whole orchestra is playing). Very exciting! I am playing about half the piece! I am nervous! He is the Principle player so when he's not playing I have to sound like him; loud and amazing! But no pressure...Luckily I have some good reeds.I am excited though. We are performing the piece three times next week. It really is one of the most famous pieces ever so I feel so excited to have the opportunity to play it with a high caliber pro orchestra. Gotta get back in shape in the next few days so I am ready to rehearse on Monday! It will be an excellent way to finish up my first semester here.

I am really excited to go home and see everyone! I definitely have a new appreciation for home, friends and family...not to get too mooshy.

I also wanted to say I was lucky enough to celebrate Thanksgiving twice!
Some friends and I rented a car and drove it out to the Hardanger fjord to stay in a cabin for the weekend. There was so much natural beauty! Everyone definitely needs to come visit!
Here are some photos:

Incensed and Inflamed!

My wrist and hand and whole arm hurt. I can't play. It actually hurts to type this so I will keep it short. My recital was supposed to be this Friday. I was feeling good about it and looking forward to performing. CANCELED!!!!!
What a disappointment. I want to finish the semester asap. If it turns out that Per would rather me rest my hand than play with the Philharmonic on Dec. 9th I am definitely going to look into changing my flight to an earlier date. No use in literally sitting in the dark here by myself if I am not going to be playing.
We'll see what happens.
Not sure what is causing this pain. Seems to be tendinitis. I am wearing a brace and taking ibuprofen to help with the inflammation but I might just have to do this one Christian Scientist style and hope for the best.
UGH!

3 1/2 weeks...

I miss fall in MN! I was so excited to get away from Minneapolis after living there for six years...but now I miss it more than ever. What a cliche. I miss the colors and pumpkins and the seeing the first snow fall.

Norway has not been perfect but I have learned a lot about being a better bassoon player. That was the point right?

Does anyone have any requests from the land of the vikings? Chocolate? Maybe a oversized sweatshirt with NORWAY written across the front? I could make it happen...