How Technology is Changing Piano Lessons

As long as I can remember, my mom has been teaching piano in her home. Sidenote: If you live in Utah Valley, definitely check her studio out. It's called Allegro Studio. She mostly teaches at the grand piano, but the kids can't wait until they get to play on the digital Casio keyboard. It makes crazy sounds you wouldn't expect to be "musical" like a dog's bark or a thunder storm's crash, and it has games. Kids are all about games these days, so it's good my mom also has a laptop they can play on and apps to suggest at home!

Integration of technology and multimedia in music lessons has proved, in my opinion, to be one of the most exciting moves made by mankind in the last century. No doubt, science, multimedia and technology are developing at a rapid rate, but what is the use of such development or advancement if it cannot be put to practical daily use? In the case of music lessons, people have benefitted a lot from the incorporation of digital media into this kind of art or education-related process.

Learning how to play the piano today is an altogether different experience in comparison to taking piano lessons in the past. Today, art, education and technology or digital media go hand in hand. Like I mentioned in my mom's studio, we can even play online computer games that are designed to help students learn how to play the piano. Such games are not only informative and educative but also very entertaining.

In addition to this, we have the option of receiving education on the art of playing the piano online. This is an option that is used when the piano teacher is in another location. Thus, one can take music lessons with the help of webcams. Multimedia music lessons are very popular, perhaps because they make music lessons much easier, more interesting and fun. Thanks to multimedia lessons, one can also have text/email reminders about the lesson sent in from time to time.

So things are changing, but one thing hasn't changed for my entire childhood and that's hearing, "That's an F sharp!" (or the like) from the front room at my parents' house. 

Senioritis

In the 4th grade, we had a big bulletin board on the wall of my computer class that said "Ask Me About ASCII". Our homework involved memorizing the definition of geeky words like giga, mega and CPU. I was nine years old and I was on top of the world. That kind of stuff came naturally for me. Our school had this new phenomenon on the computers called "The Internet" and we got to make our own websites. I filled mine with Bart Simpson quotes and images of Star Wars characters.

I dabbled in web design over the next few years. It was during a high school multimedia class that I first started making career goals. I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up: someone who gets paid to play with Photoshop. We created Flash animations in that class and edited the morning announcements which were filmed during first period, among other fun digital media projects. One day, representatives from (then) UVSC came to recruit bright minds for their Multimedia Communications Technology department. I went on a tour soon after and felt like I was home as I met other geeks who actually had a sense of humor enough confidence to look me in the eye.

It's been a fun journey, being one of the few girls in the male-dominant field of Internet Technology (aka Web Design). I had my share of awkward dinners and dates where I was ten years younger than my escort. I like UVU. The digital media department has been involved in lots of awards and conferences and stuff. I'm proud to be a part of it.

I graduate in the Spring. And while I'll be so glad I don't have to attend any more 8AM classes to learn Javascript or PHP, I think I might just miss it.

Blogular

For those of you who will read this, our updates are and will be found at (with no spaces) we wight family blogspot. Thanks for reading. Roo

Ch 13 Back to School

I'm getting settled in, adjusting to being a wife. I switched my major again- back to UVSC. But the kids are calling it UVU these days :)

For my web design class, we read this interesting article called The Expert Mind. It llustrates how the grand masters of chess do what they do. It then relates how these same skills are similarly found in the experts of other fields like music, sports and health care. I'll be honest, it brought back a terrible memory of a date I went on back when I was 17 or 18. This kid decided a fun first date would be to crack out the Star Wars chess set. That was the day I decided I hated chess. Games involving strategy, trickery, thinking ahead, math, or basically skills I would call "left-brained", are not fun for me. I got so frustrated on that date with all the rules and game pieces that I was literally brought to tears.

Thoughts like, 'This is way above my level' and ' Why in the world am I reading this for a web class?' casually skipped across my mind a time our two while studying the article. And some of those icky, awkward first date feelings bubbled up as I read about how a total genius remembers where game pieces are and how to make the perfect next move. If you have never heard of Blindfold Chess, it's super fascinating! I got off on a tangent, researching it on some other sites.

The article suggests that during these intense tournaments where one or both players is not allowed to see the game board, instead of memorizing the exact placement of each pawn and knight, they know "chunks" of information and how it relates to other "chunks". In my psychology class, I learned that this idea of  chunking is how we memorize an entire 10-digit phone number. This normally would be super difficult, but when you split it into area code and 3 digits, then 4 digits, 8015552424 becomes an easier to tackle 801-555-2424.

In the same way, a chess master, musician, etc. will come to know/memorize regular patterns in their field of expertise. This allows them to relate instead of merely store tons of information in long-term memory.

So with all my recent life changes, I feel it's good timing to be learning these ideas on how to become an expert, as being the perfect wife is my new goal.

I also think skills such as these will help set me apart as a great web designer, instead of being the next Joe Shmo on the block. Anyone can throw together a lousy website. But according to the article (and in my experience), becoming an expert is possible with dedication, diligence and a good attitude.

Tune in next time for a less homeworky blog post on my new adventures with Todd!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Kaylee showed me a website where you can buy glasses for $8.00. I was reluctant at first, but loved my first pair so much, I bought a second pair. They make me feel stylish and artsy.

Skirt from Burlington Coat Factory. Shoes from Sister Missionary Mall (I'm so unoriginal, I know). Both stores gave me hope that I don't have to be too frumpy in order to follow the clothing guidelines.

Coolest invention since sticky notes- Pen Again. A frequent journal writer, I have found a new love. This pen takes away any pain, weakness or numbness. It's strange to get used to, but worth it! You can get them at Staples or Wal-Mart for a couple bucks.

Jacket from D.I. (I sure love thrift stores).
Pearls from my Grandma Adamson.


The Templo. Last Saturday, I went to the Timpanogos Temple to receive my endowment. It was everything I have been told. It was beautiful and wonderful and just...perfect. I loved it!

It's been fun, but expensive getting ready for a mission. I have just over two months until the MTC. There's so much to do by then! My tooth with the hole (remember?) decided to split open again today while I was taking my daily multi-vitamin. I figure there is nothing the dentist can do, so I will just be sure to stay away from nuts. More rinsing with salt water- yeehaw. You have no idea how much I miss almonds and pistacchios! Watch out, they may give you Salmonella. On that note, thanks for reading! ♥

A Letter From the Prophet

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

7:45AM- I call the Orem Post Office and say I am expecting an important package. "May I come get it in person?" A grumpy voice named Richard gets my name, number and address and spits, "If it's here, we will call you." I hang up and stare at the phone for a whole minute. What if he's looking for a box? Is he gonna call? He's not gonna call. The phone rings and my stomach about jumps out my throat. "Sheresa?...Is it a package or an envelope? A mission call, huh? Yes, it's here and we're going to burn it." I lose all sense of reality and stop breathing. "I'm just giving you a hard time. Go ahead and come on down!"

8:07AM- I STILL cannot find my wallet. I know, since it's a federal office, they will ask for ID. Finally, I find it in my scripture case. Trying my best to keep the speed limit and not get lost, I pull up to the post office. A cute white-haired man gets my name and address. When he comes back out, he's got a huge grin on his face. "Jerry [the postman for my neighborhood] says you're excited about the one on the top!" He winks, "I hope it's the Bahamas!"

8:31AM- What beter way to start my day then with a Champ from Ernies? But seriously.

9:42AM- The hike up Battle Creek begins...

This day could not be complete without my
Chacos, of course, despite the snow.

This is me right after I opened it. I'm still a little teary.

I read it backwards (thanks for the idea, Kraig) and
the first thing I said was, "It's signed by the prophet!"
Look how cute his old man handwriting is.

"You are assigned to labor in the Missouri, Independence Mission." Independence. It's perfect. Does every missionary feel this lucky? "In addition to your calling to share the gospel with nonmembers, you will be assigned to serve in the Independence Visitor's Center."

Yep, I'm pretty daRn excited!

12:12:PM- We set up the webcams and stuff and I read my call to my family (again, backwards).

I could not be happier! This blows everywhere else I thought I wanted to go out of the water. I am so excited! I report to the Missionary Training Center June 10, 2009 (three days before my birthday-ha!).

NO REGRETS!

Possible Mission Call Eve

... is much worse than Christmas Eve when I was five years old, by the way. A few days ago, my usual text message sound went off (currently "Hey Jude"). My dear, sweet mother, who is up to date on the latest and greatest (I made sure she had Gmail and she chose to join Facebook), says, "Oh! It's Roo's mission call! They come in a text nowadays." That's why we keep her around.

The bishop checked online, where he learned the letter was sent on March 6th. It could come anytime, but tomorrow is the best bet. I called the post office to see my options for getting my call earlier than if I just wait for the mailman. Capt. Ornery Pants said to call back tomorrow at 8AM.

Listen to what I was taught by Elder Neal A. Maxwell today about worrying--

"Overanxiety...is like pulling up the daisies to see how the roots are doing, checking up on the sentries so incessantly that they become trigger-happy, and wringing one's hands instead of folding them in prayer." (Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward, p. 63).

My lonely mailbox (notice there are no daisies).

Remember the Worth of...Holes?

Yesterday, I noticed something was wrong with my mouth. When I felt both sides of my face with my hands, there was a very tangible difference between the two. My left side felt like a new bone had grown on the side of my lower gum. Had I been punched? Not thinking much of it, I continued to rub my cheek and poke the new growth with my tongue (as anyone would with something foreign in his/her mouth) throughout the day.

I woke up as a chipmunk. Awesome. No, there are not pictures.

The first words I said this morning were, "Hi, I'd like to make an appointment", but it sounded more like, "I'b blige poo mage aboim-bemb." She automatically turned on her special ed teacher voice. I felt like a rockstar, let me tell you.

3:45 rolls around (thank goodness it wasn't tooth hurty) and I realize I haven't eaten all day. I hurry and stuff a bacon & avocado sandwich down my throat--literally. I can't chew at this point, but the sandwich was too fantastic to pass up. I grab my toothbrush, so the doctor won't have to deal with bacon breath (mmmmm).

Finally a red stop light! Time to brush and spit. Brushing went fine. I roll down the window and spit. Surprise! It's all over my arm and my shirt and my driver's seat. Maybe I am special...At least I eventually stopped laughing, so I could shift into first gear.

My dentist says I have an infection. "If it's okay with you, I think we will numb it, puncture it and squeeze out the puss." He made a face that said, "Please say no. This is not my favorite." I agreed and he got to work. I heard him ask his assistant for a spoon. No joke! With the earphones up very loud, I watched Transformers and ignored the various torture devices that went into my mouth. Yes, it was gross. Yes, I could feel and taste the stuff that came out. --awkward silence--

Welp! I am back at stage one- Don't spit, don't use a straw, here's a syringe and your antibiotics prescription, rinse with salt water...blah, blah. At least we caught this before the MTC!

This is a picture of the gaping hole in my mouth. Delicious! By the way, it's been a month since I had my wizzum teef out. Cray-see!

Inconceivable and Inaudibly Incandescent...IN!

Last night, I had my interview with Pres. Shaw. I think I learned more in that one hour than I have in the past year. He says I will go into the MTC in April and maybe I could be a temple worker to help pass the time, since I am not looking for a job. How AWESOME would that be? "Don't be surprised if you get called to a really hard mission." What is that supposed to mean?

He said he would turn in my papers this morning, so it's official. "My papers are in." It feels so good to be able to say that. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by people who are supporting me in this. Thanks!

OK, so I Photoshopped this nametag...but soon enough I will get mine!

Click to Enlarge

High school journal entry from 2002. Our soccer team was required to wear Sunday clothes to school when we had home games. Guess it's a good thing I got over that. My favorite line is, "I have never in my life wanted to swear and the temptation to just gets stronger and stronger every time someone says...dress"

You Can Do Hard Things

You can do hard things. These are motivating and ennobling words. I've heard them said countless times by Pres. Jack R. Christianson (my old stake president and one of my top ten favorite people and authors). My hard things are not the same as your hard things, but we've all got them. I came across the quote below, while cleaning out my scriptures, and thought I would post it to offer some hope to everyone who reads this.

"Into each of our lives come golden moments of adversity. This painful friend breaks our hearts, drops us to our knees, and makes us realize we are nothing without our Lord and Savior. This friend makes us plead all the night long for reassurance and into the next day and sometimes for weeks and months. But, ultimately, just as surely as the day follows the night, as we remain true and faithful, this strange friend, adversity, leads us straight into the outstretched arms of the Savior. I have tried to understand why we must experience tribulation before we can experience the ultimate communication. It seems there is an intense concentration which must be obtained before our pleadings reach our Father in Heaven and, perhaps even more importantly, before He can get through to us. Sometimes we must be straining very hard to hear the still small voice. Before we can be taught things hidden from the world, we must be on a spiritual frequency which is out of this world. Adversity can help fine-tune this frequency." Glenn L. Pace, “Spiritual Revival,” Ensign, Nov 1992, 11

Recently, my hard things have involved understanding patience and obedience. Waiting for a mission call is just that--waiting. Now that all my awkward doctor visits are out of the way, the plan is to have my interview with the stake president this week. Wish me luck!

This is a photo I took after getting my first set of
Hep A & B shots last month. Have I mentioned that I hate shots?

Sacrifice

sac⋅ri⋅fice [sak-ruh-fahys] -noun. "To sacrifice is to give up something we value for the sake of something of greater worth." -True to the Faith, a Gospel Reference

Monday, I gave up my wisdom in order to enjoy the effects of Lortab. Here are some pictures of my fun journey across the wilderness from the dentist's office to my mother's bedroom.

Trying to figure out the best way to attach 2 ice packs to my face.
Ice only helps the swelling the first day.

Mom's idea was to get 2 pillows to help push against my face.
This=not favorite.

Andrea thought to stuff them inside a hoody. Yeah!

Sofie has been a faithful visitor. She's not as cool as April,
though, who brought much-needed Otter Pops!

Reading Baby Sofs a CD cover, which Andrea and Lindsey
made to earn money a few years ago.

This picture cracks me up! I was trying to smile. Really.

The next day (Tuesday), I woke up and felt wonderful!
I showered and sort of did my hair (which is so convenient these
days! I should have cut it loooooong ago)

Can you see my one puffy cheek? Rad. It's my
left-side, so on the right of the picture.
I'm not green, which is cool (yet anyway).

Complete Submission

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." -Mosiah 3:19

Drum Roll, please...I finally turned in my papers tonight. I officially hit the "Submit" button to my bishop. Here is a link to a neat video my friend, Jason showed me. Wish me luck!

ROO-ined or Imp-ROOved?

I am so sick of all my guy friends encouraging me to keep my long hair. You know who you are. Well, game over for you! I cut it today. I all sorts of yopped it off. This has been something I have been meaning to do for a very, very long time.

Before, of course

Notice Shayla's cute decor. Orange walls: who'd a thunk?

We discussed keeping it like this. It could have made an incredible mullet!

This is the "Edna, from The Incredibles Look" (see photo)

This is EMO ROUX. If you look close enough, you can see the
black tears I am crying and hear me cutting...

Experimenting with styles. So crazy! I kept saying,
"Is that my head? It that my head? Oh well"

Pretend this one is not sideways. I wanted to put it up
because Shayla informed me I have my dad's same hair.
It apparently twists the same in the back. This news means
I will probably look just like his mother when I am older.

Still continuing to experiment. I have no idea how to style my
own hair now. Goodbye easy straightening with my flat iron.
I love my new hair! I most definitely think it is an
improvement from my straight, long 'do.

Takin' Care of Business

Hopefully, I will only be around a little bit longer. Here I am going through old memory boxes (thanks to Abby for keeping me company and encouraging me to throw out all my junk).

Old soccer trophies from elementary school. I can't imagine
what made me think I really was, not only a
champion, but number one all these years.

Funny story time: Mr. Dugovick's Science class in eighth grade,
"Dissecting Cow Eyes" Day- I decided, in my little 13-year old brain,
that it would be so cool to keep the cow's retina. Some people have a
lucky rabbit's foot, some keep locks of a loved one's hair.
I have a special place in my heart for cow parts.
I'm awesome, I know. Yes, it's in the garbage.

Mission papers are online these days, in case you didn't know
(Crazy stuff- this "intranets" thing. Yes, Bubba, I stole that phrase
from you). I click "finish" on one of the pages and big red letters
tell me my drivers license number is expired. "What? I typed June of '08,
didn't I? Wait...June? of 2008? Ahh!! I've been driving on an
expired license for 7 months?"

Turns out, you have to take the WRITTEN test and eye exam again when
you drive on an expired license for that long. Feeling like an idiot and
sitting next to a dozen or so 15-year olds, I took the written test and
passed. Want to know the one I missed? Q: How many seconds should you wait before changing lanes after your turning signal is on?
A: If you said 3 seconds, you are WRONG! It has recently been changed to
2 seconds. What is the world coming to? We can't even wait three
whole seconds before merging our cars into traffic.
What's next- microwaving Pop-Tarts and Drive-Thru Wedding Receptions?

Last on my list of things to do before turning in my
mission papers: Visiting the Dentist. I took this picture because
I thought for sure I would have a lopsided face since I couldn't feel my
left side and it felt super puffy. The photo turned out
pretty cute instead, I think.

I hate the dentist. We used to go to this old man who didn't use gloves.
Is that even legal? Now we do trade work with a family friend.
My mom teaches his kids piano, he gets to give me shots and drill
into my face. No taxes for either party!

Now the only thing keeping me is wisdom teeth, which I am
scheduled to have taken out February 9th. And also, I like ice cream...

Yo Quiero 2 Tacos w/ Pink Sauce!

April and I went to Taco Friend last night to celebrate the fact that I am DONE WITH MY MATH CLASS (insert party sounds here)! I told Jess I was going to drive to Vegas to party it up. I settled for apple beer and pink burritos with pink sauce (if you think that sounds gross, you are SO wrong). Then we put in some old CDs from jr. high. I'll get some links to the songs we listened to if I get the time.

We pull up to Taco Amigo and there is a chihuahua ordering tacos! Seriously. Then there are two little dogs ordering. I about died! I had to get a photo. No one will believe me. I put the e-brake on and walked over to the car to take a quick pic with my cell phone. The dogs start barking at me. A woman pops her head out the driver's side and glares. "I'm sorry! I just had to take a picture. This is just too funny!" She didn't think so. do you?

(Click to enlarge)

You may want to turn down the volume to see this video. If not, you'll have to listen to my laugh and 5 Iron Frenzy in the background.

Icely done

My brother, Scott, took me ice climbing as my Christmas present this year (I suggested it). He has taken me before, but it has been a long time. We drove a few hours down to Joe's Valley in South Eastern Utah. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. I was totally "one of the guys"!

This is the first part or (pitch) of our first route,
which was called "CCC Falls".

Here is Scott heading back down the
second route, "Donorcicle".

Scott's Friend Matt (left) and Scott (right)

Here are the tools you use to ice climb-
axes and crampons

Crampons are the spiky metal parts fitted to your boots. You kick your feet into the ice (even a few centimeters will do), shift your weight to your heels and the crampons will hold you up.

Me and Scott's friend Aaron (top left)

It was such a beautiful day. Great weather,
funny company and cool times with Scott.
Plus, I didn't even die! I am so glad I went!

View the entire album here